2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$86,700 to $194,000

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.8

avg user rating

(44 reviews)
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Preview summaryImage

With its shapely styling, aggressive performance, and top-notch interior features, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class continues to set the pace for high-end luxury sedans. Other than the addition of satellite radio as a standard feature for '08, the S-Class remains unchanged from the previous year. Still, Mercedes' flagship S-Class sedans have plenty to offer, including a choice of powerful V8 or V12 engines, available 4Matic all-wheel drive, the latest technologies, cutting-edge safety features, and richly appointed cabins with plenty of leather and wood trim.

The 2008 S-Class lineup consists of S550, S600, S63 AMG, and S65 AMG trims. All S-Class sedans seat five passengers and feature rear-wheel drive, except for trims equipped with the optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The S-Class sedans deliver a superior ride and quick, responsive handling, thanks to their specially designed suspensions. The S550 comes equipped with an Airmatic Semi-Active Air Suspension system with Adaptive Damping, which automatically adjusts the air springs to ensure optimal ride and handling, and lowers ride height at higher speeds to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. The S600, S63 AMG, and S65 AMG replace the Airmatic system with an Active Body Control system, which adjusts the suspension at each wheel to reduce vibration, dive, and squat, and uses a series of sensors and high-pressure hydraulics to minimize body roll during cornering.

When it comes to power and performance, the '09 S-Class sedans excel. A 5.5-liter V8 engine, generating 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, powers the S550, which jumps out from 0 to 60 in 5.4 seconds. The engine links to a seven-speed automatic transmission with the Touch Shift manual shift feature and posts fuel economy numbers of 14/22 mpg. Moving up a notch, the S600 sedan pumps out the power with its 510-hp, 5.5-liter V12 bi-turbo engine. Generating an impressive 612 lb-ft of torque, the V12 drives the sedan from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds. It links to a five-speed transmission, and posts fuel economy numbers of 11/17, according to EPA estimates.

The AMG trims feature equally impressive powerplants. A 512-hp, 6.3-liter V8 engine, delivering 512 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, powers the S63. The engine links to an AMG Speedshift Plus seven-speed automatic transmission with F1-inspired shift paddles, and drives the sedan from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds. The EPA estimates fuel economy numbers at 11/17. At the top of the lineup, the S65 AMG retains its 604-hp, bi-turbo 6.0-liter V12, making it one of the most powerful sedans available today. The V12 produces a whopping 738 lb-ft of torque, which propels the S65 AMG from 0 to 60 in just over 4 seconds. Like the V12-powered S600, the S65 comes equipped with a specially designed five-speed automatic transmission equipped with paddle shifters for manual shifting. The S65 posts fuel economy numbers of 11/17.

Each S-Class trim sports an impressive list of standard features. The S550 comes equipped with 14-way power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery and trim, three-level heated front seats, a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, and hand-polished Burl Walnut wood trim. It also includes a 14-speaker, 600-watt Harman Kardon digital surround-sound audio system and a navigation system with a 20-gigabyte in-dash hard drive, among many other features. The S600 sedan adds multicolor front leather seats with a four-stage massage function, heated rear seats, a panorama sunroof, and power rear slide window shades. The S63 AMG and S65 AMG include such unique features as AMG sport seats with Passion leather and contoured side-bolster seats, an ergonomic sports steering wheel, an AMG sport-oriented instrument cluster, and AMG brushed stainless-steel sports pedals with black rubber pads for grip.

The S-Class sedans are equipped with a wide range of security, stability, and safety features, including power-adjustable front head restraints and the Pre-Safe system, which automatically closes the windows, adjusts seat belts, and positions the front passenger seat for optimal airbag deployment if it detects a potential emergency situation. Eight airbags, including front and rear side-impact airbags and full-length window curtain airbags, come standard. Other standard safety features include antilock brakes, all-speed traction control, an electronic stability system, and brake assist. Optional safety equipment includes a wide-angle rear backup camera and the Parktronic system, which uses ultrasonic sensors to aid drivers when parallel parking.

Published May 31, 2022 by Rob Feeman

User reviews for 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

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User rating:
by W R (Ross) W
Jul 24, 2024
Car is very well equipped, appears to be in good conditioned for the year model.Jul 24, 2024
by Anonymous
Apr 29, 2024
Once you drive an S class you’ll never want to look back.Apr 29, 2024
by Troy T
Feb 09, 2024
Im very happy with my purchase of the 08 S63 AMG Mercedes Benz. Feb 09, 2024

2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Pricing

Original MSRP
$86,700 to $194,000
Price range
$11,398 to $12,738
Average price on CG
$12,738
YoY price change
$12,187 to $12,738

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 600 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brake width: 1.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Parking sensors: front and rear · Power activated trunk/hatch: close · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminated rear seat

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Exterior Features

Grille color: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: self-leveling

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Power adjustments: 8 · Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: remote operation · Rear sunroof: fixed glass · Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · IPod auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 600 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brake width: 1.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Parking sensors: front and rear · Power activated trunk/hatch: close · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: grocery bag holder · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminated rear seat

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time

Exterior Features

Grille color: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Power adjustments: 8 · Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass · Rear sunroof: fixed glass · Sunroof: dual-panel

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium leather · Ventilated: front

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · IPod auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 600 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 15.4 · Front brake width: 1.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.4 · Rear brake width: 1.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: grocery bag holder · Sunshade: power side window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Active driver support: active bolstering · Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Exterior Features

Grille color: chrome · Paint: metallic · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: cornering

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Heated: multi-level heating · Power adjustments: 8 · Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: power glass · Rear sunroof: fixed glass · Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: rear

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid

Tires

Profile: 35 · Speed Rating: Z · Type: performance · Width: 255

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Width: 9.5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

IPod auxiliary audio input · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 600 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brake width: 1.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: wood

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Active driver support: active bolstering · Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Exterior Features

Grille color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Lumbar Support: power adjustments · Power adjustments: 8 · Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: remote operation · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Rear moonroof: fixed glass · Rear sunroof: fixed glass · Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat: ventilated · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid

Tires

Profile: 45 · Speed Rating: Z · Type: performance · Width: 255

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Width: 9.5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

IPod auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 600 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 15.4 · Front brake width: 1.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.2 · Rear brake width: 1.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: second row · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: grocery bag holder · Sunshade: power side window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminated rear seat

Driver Seat

Active driver support: active bolstering · Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Exterior Features

Grille color: chrome · Paint: metallic · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Heated: multi-level heating · Lumbar Support: power adjustments · Power adjustments: 8 · Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass · Rear sunroof: fixed glass · Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat: ventilated · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: rear

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid

Tires

Profile: 35 · Speed Rating: Z · Type: performance · Width: 255

Wheels

Width: 9.5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

See all trims (5)