Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes S-Class (2014-2020) review - Interior, design and technology

Imposing, elegant and beautifully built, but the wealth of optional extras is pricey

Interior, design and technology rating

4.1

How we review cars
RRP
£100,290 £247,845
Find your Mercedes S-Class
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Externally, the S-Class benefits from imposing styling with neat design details, such as the new set of bumpers, lights and a fresh grille that were introduced as part of the 2017 revisions. Yet, despite its vast external dimensions, the Mercedes disguises its bulk well, thanks to its sweeping roofline and the carefully sculpted lines cut into the flanks.

Advertisement - Article continues below

A bold grille, topped by the brand’s trademark three-pointed star, swept-back all-LED headlamps and tastefully applied chrome trim add a dash of glamour, while AMG Line trim also includes racy-looking 19-inch alloy wheels and a subtle bodykit.

The Mercedes’ interior is even more impressive, as it’s beautifully built, supremely comfortable and plushly appointed. The wide dashboard features a pair of 12.3-inch TFT screens – one for the sat-nav, infotainment and energy use, the other for the speedo, rev counter, trip computer and optional night vision display.

Other highlights include the metal-finish eyeball vents for the air-conditioning, the precise action of the switchgear and the intuitive COMAND rotary controller.

As you’d expect, the fit and finish are flawless, while the materials are all top-notch. Lustrous Black Poplar wood trim covers the dashboard, centre console, door trims and steering wheel, plus there's a £1,740 soft Nappa leather trim option for AMG Line cars.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

As you’d expect, quality is the watchword for the S-Class infotainment systems.

All models come with the 12.3-inch high-definition screen, sat-nav, digital radio and single CD/DVD drive as part of the COMAND Online system.

You also get Bluetooth and a WLAN hotspot facility, but if you want to use Facebook and various on-board apps via the Connect Me package you’ll need to tick an option box. Other options include a rear seat entertainment system with a pair of 10-inch screens, and of course a TV tuner. 

If you really want to push the boat out on the audio front, try the Burmester high-end 3D Surround Sound System which has 24 speakers, a 24 channel amplifier and a total output of 1,540 watts.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    S350d L 313 AMG Line Premium 4dr 9G-Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £100,290
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    S450e L AMG Line Premium 4dr 9G-Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £112,145
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    Maybach First Class S680 4Matic 4dr 9G-Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £221,150
Select car

New & used car deals

Mercedes S Class

Mercedes S Class

RRP £100,390Used from £75,000
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £14,998
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,884 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £14,750
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025