How much does the Mercedes-Benz S-Class cost in today's market?

Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class's current nationwide average price is $51,411, and its year-round low is $48,084.89. That puts the model's current pricing squarely in the upper end of its used range, with recent-year examples still commanding strong money. Recently, prices have come down for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class a good car?

Yes — the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a strong used-car choice if you want a flagship luxury sedan with broad appeal and a long track record of owner satisfaction. The all-generations owner rating is 4.7/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the S-Class for its luxurious feel, comfortable and spacious interiors, smooth ride, and powerful engines. Across the model years, the cabin craftsmanship and advanced technology also come up again and again as defining strengths.

Expert reviews rate the 2022 and 2023 models among the highest across all years.

The main tradeoffs are high ownership costs, technology that can be frustrating to operate in some years, and a price tag that stays firmly in luxury-flagship territory. 30.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Mercedes-Benz S-Class models reliable?

Owners consistently describe the S-Class as a luxurious, smooth-riding flagship with strong performance and a high level of satisfaction. Expert coverage also reinforces the model’s polished character and long-running emphasis on craftsmanship and advanced engineering.

• Owners rate the Mercedes-Benz S-Class between 3.92 and 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is tied more to complexity and upkeep costs than to the basic appeal of the car itself, so a well-documented service history matters a lot.

What should I look for when buying a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

Across all model years, at 72.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2021 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Fuel efficiency: The S 580e is the efficiency leader of the lineup, with 48 miles of electric range and 23 mpg in combined driving once the battery is depleted.

Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class trim should I buy?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers...

• S 500: The entry point brings a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 442 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, plus standard 4Matic all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic. It suits you if you want the most accessible way into the lineup.
• S 580e: This plug-in hybrid adds an electric motor and a 22.7-kWh battery pack for 503 hp, 553 lb-ft, and an estimated 48 miles of electric range. It stands out as the best-value trim if you want strong efficiency with serious power.
• S 580: The V8-powered model adds 496 hp and 516 lb-ft, giving you a more muscular feel while keeping the same luxury-first mission.
• AMG S 63 E Performance: This performance-focused version adds a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, an electric motor, and a combined 791 hp and 1,055 lb-ft for the quickest acceleration in the lineup.

What Mercedes-Benz S-Class do most buyers choose?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class years with the most listings are 2023, 2022, and 2016.

Higher-volume years tend to be the easiest places to shop because you get more examples to compare on price, mileage, and equipment. That usually gives you a better chance of finding the right combination of condition and value.

What is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's resale value?

Most model years in the table are showing negative year-over-year movement, which is good news if you’re shopping used because it means prices have generally softened. The biggest drops are concentrated in the newer and mid-cycle years, while a few older examples are changing more slowly. Overall, the pattern favors buyers who want to step into a luxury flagship after some of the initial price pressure has already passed.

The 2019, 2017, and 2024 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class safe?

• 2025: 7/10
• 2023: 9/10
• 2022: 9/10
• 2021: 7/10

Standard advanced safety features include: forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, automated lane-change assist, evasive steering assistance, automatic reverse braking, a semi-automated parking system, and a surround-view camera system.

For the safest used buy, the 2022 and 2023 models both post the highest confirmed score of 9/10.

Should I buy a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2025 model is at −9.3% versus a year ago, and the 2024 model is at −4.15%.
• Deal availability: The 2024 model has 29.6% good and great deals.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2023 model has the most listings at a current average price of $78,356. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers a richly crafted cabin, a smooth ride, and the kind of flagship presence that has long defined the nameplate.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The entry-level S 500 comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that produces 442 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the S 580e is capable of an estimated 48 miles of electric range and 23 mpg in combined driving once the battery is depleted.
• Tech: All 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class models have a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a native navigation system with augmented reality video overlays, voice recognition, and a Burmester surround-sound system.
• Safety: Standard advanced safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, automated lane-change assist, evasive steering assistance, automatic reverse braking, a semi-automated parking system, and a surround-view camera system.
• Starting price: The entry-level 2025 Mercedes-Benz S 500 has a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $118,900 (including $1,150 in destination charges).

If you're buying used today, the 2023 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for 2028 inventory to mature.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.