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 $51,186, and its year-round low is $48,145.16. That puts the model's current pricing well below its peak year-round level while still reflecting its flagship-luxury positioning. 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 choice if you want a flagship luxury sedan with broad appeal across model years. 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. They also repeatedly highlight the car’s advanced technology, craftsmanship, and overall sense of refinement.

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

The main tradeoffs that come up most often are high maintenance costs, technology controls that can be frustrating to use, and a steep price tag. Even so, the S-Class remains a compelling used buy if you want comfort, performance, and a true luxury-car experience.

25.7% 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, comfortable, and highly satisfying car to live with, and expert coverage reinforces its strong performance and craftsmanship. Across the lineup, the model’s reputation is built on refinement, advanced technology, and a smooth driving experience.

• 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 than to the basic appeal of the car, 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 72.8% 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:

• Safety package: 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
• Infotainment: 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
• Fuel efficiency: 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 these trims:

• S 500: the entry point with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, 442 horsepower, and 413 pound-feet of torque; a strong value if you want the most accessible way into the lineup
• S 580: adds a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 496 hp and 516 lb-ft, plus the same nine-speed automatic and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive
• S 580e: the plug-in hybrid choice with 503 hp, 553 lb-ft, and an estimated 48 miles of electric range; a smart pick if you want efficiency and strong performance together
• AMG S 63 E Performance: the performance flagship with 791 hp, 1,055 lb-ft, and an estimated 16 miles of electric-only propulsion

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

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

These higher-volume years tend to be popular because they give you more inventory to compare and more chances to find the right combination of price, equipment, and condition. They also often sit in the sweet spot where newer features and broader availability overlap.

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

Most model years are down year over year, which is good news if you’re shopping used and want to benefit from softer pricing. The biggest drops are concentrated in several recent and mid-cycle years, while a few years are declining more slowly. That pattern suggests there are still opportunities to find value across the lineup, especially if you’re flexible on model year and equipment.

The 2019, 2024, and 2017 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 −11.21% versus a year ago, and the 2024 model is at −3.64%.
• Deal availability: The 2024 model has 26.8% good and great deals.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2023 model has the most listings at a current average price of $78,262. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers a polished, spacious cabin with a true flagship feel that has long defined the nameplate.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: Four S-Class models are available for 2025, largely distinguished by their powertrains, including a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 442 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 496 hp and 516 lb-ft, and a plug-in hybrid with 503 hp and 553 lb-ft.
• 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 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.