Mercedes S Class Sedan, starting at 97200 £

The Mercedes S Class Sedan impresses with 802 HP 117 km and an attractive starting price of 97200 £ . Here are all the details at a glance.

from about £97,200
S Class

Mercedes S Class

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 336 - 802 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.3 - 13.2 L
  • Electric Range : 31 - 117 km

Design & Presence

The S‑Class still reads like a flagship: long, low and deliberately majestic, with a silhouette that stretches to about 5.47 metres in the longest guise and a wide, restrained face that signals status without shouting. The family line-up covers mild‑hybrid petrols and diesels, plug‑in hybrids, plus Maybach and AMG derivatives and long‑wheelbase models, so visual cues range from discreet chrome to full‑blown luxury appointments. Proportions and surface treatment give it road presence that works both at a state arrival and in a city hotel valet lane. The overall effect is contemporary yet classically executive — this is designed to be noticed by those who know what to look for.

Interior & Usability

Cabin quality is one of the S‑Class’s core arguments: soft leathers, extensive wood or metal trim and seamless switchgear create a premium atmosphere that rivals high‑end living rooms. The MBUX screen architecture can extend across the dash into a sweeping glass surface, combining a configurable instrument cluster, a central touchscreen and optional passenger display into one integrated experience. Seats are heavily adjustable and richly bolstered, with heating, ventilation and massage often standard on higher grades, so long trips are genuinely restorative rather than merely tolerable. Practical controls remain within easy reach, and materials hold up to daily use better than many rivals with similar flair.

Space & Everyday Practicality

Space is generous up front and rear, with long‑wheelbase models prioritising rear legroom for passengers who expect chauffeur comfort; the cabin seats five in comfort with ample shoulder room. Boot capacity sits around 500–550 litres depending on the version, so luggage for a weekend or business trip stacks reasonably well despite the car’s executive proportions. Curb weights vary widely, often north of two tonnes, which is visible in how the car accelerates and handles but does not affect daily usability for most owners. Small practicalities like multiple charging points, soft‑close doors and thoughtful stowage keep everyday life easy.

Driving & Handling

The S‑Class focuses on composure rather than sporty agility: air suspension, rear‑axle steering and sophisticated damping prioritise comfort and high‑speed stability over razor‑sharp turn‑in. Powertrains run from straight‑six diesels in the mid‑300 hp range to V8s and V12s and even plug‑in hybrids that push outputs past 800 hp in the range‑topping AMG; typical petrol mild‑hybrids sit around 404–526 hp. Acceleration varies accordingly, from around 3.3 seconds for the fastest AMG to mid‑4s for V8s and roughly 5–6 seconds for six‑cylinder models, so any choice feels quick in traffic and effortless on the motorway. Steering is precise enough for confident lane changes, but the sedan’s weight and focus on serenity mean the S‑Class rewards smooth inputs more than aggressive driving.

Efficiency, Consumption & Real‑World Range

Fuel use depends heavily on the drivetrain: petrol MHEV variants typically consume in the region of 8–10 L/100 km, while diesels can dip to about 5.9–6.2 L/100 km under WLTP figures, making the diesels better for long motorway work. Plug‑in hybrids advertise very low petrol figures — WLTP combined numbers around 2–3 L/100 km — because they assume significant electric driving, with official electric ranges quoted between roughly 100–117 km for the larger battery models and a shorter 31 km figure for high‑performance hybrids; real‑world EV range will be lower if driven fast or with heating on. For owners who cover many motorway miles the diesel remains the most straightforward choice, while PHEVs suit those who can charge frequently and want near‑silent city commuting.

Assistance & Infotainment

Mercedes packs the S‑Class with advanced driver assistance and infotainment features: adaptive cruise with lane follow, active lane change aids, and automated parking technology form a broad toolkit that approaches Level‑2+ autonomy but still expects driver attention. The MBUX system supports voice commands, augmented‑reality navigation and over‑the‑air updates, while safety systems include extensive radar and camera arrays for collision mitigation and traffic sign recognition. The overall tech package feels modern and well integrated, though full functionality often requires optional packages that add to the purchase price. In daily use the systems reduce fatigue on long runs and make urban manoeuvres simpler, but they should be treated as assistance rather than full autonomy.

Who is it for?

The S‑Class targets executives, chauffeured passengers and buyers who prioritise refined comfort, cutting‑edge tech and a quietly authoritative image over outright sporting thrills or bargain running costs. Those seeking the ultimate in rear‑seat luxury will favour long‑wheelbase or Maybach variants, while performance‑minded owners can opt for AMG hybrids that deliver sports‑car pace inside a saloon shell. Fleet buyers and private owners who cover many motorway kilometres will appreciate diesel efficiency, whereas urban owners with reliable charging prefer plug‑in versions for silent, electric commuting. For anyone after a flagship that signals status, soothes occupants and packs the latest technology, the S‑Class remains a hard act to beat.

Costs and Consumption

Price
97200 - 204400 £
Consumption L/100km
2.3 - 13.2 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
31 - 117 km
Battery Capacity
10.40 kWh
co2
52 - 301 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
65 - 76 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Doors
4
Curb weight
2070 - 2650 kg
Trunk capacity
325 - 550 L
Length
5179 - 5469 mm
Width
1921 - 1954 mm
Height
1503 - 1515 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
420 - 730 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
336 - 802 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.3 - 5.9 s
Max Speed
250 km/h
Torque
500 - 1430 Nm
Number of Cylinders
6 - 12
Power kW
247 - 590 kW
Engine capacity
2989 - 5980 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, E, F, B
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drive types are available for the Mercedes S Class?

The Mercedes S Class is available as All-Wheel Drive or Rear-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.