Several generations of the Mercedes-Benz S-class have been described as “the best saloon car in the world”. Looking back, some of that praise seems a little overdone but in 2006, when the then all-new S-class debuted in the UK, Mercedes was determined the praise would be fully deserved.

Not only did the car look very different from its predecessor on the outside, on the inside its technological innovations were more user-friendly. With more than a nod to its even more upmarket sibling, the Maybach, the latest S-class (S for sonder, or special) sported a raised boot lid, distinctive rear lights, puffed out wheelarches and a distinctive shoulder that gave the big saloon a slightly menacing stance. Take it for a spin, though, and it proved to be an amenable sort of giant.

Large, luxurious cars require powerful, refined engines; the diesel-powered S 320 CDI has the well-proven 3-litre V6 producing 235bhp. With 398 lb ft of torque from as little as 1600rpm, it pulls strongly and the standard seven-speed automatic gearbox makes the most of the car’s power, so it hits 62mph from standstill in just 7.5sec. The claimed combined fuel economy figure of 34mpg is borne out in real-world conditions.

The entry-level V6 petrol 3-litre mo­del represents the cheapest way to own an S-class, with 2006-registered cars fetching around £25,000, compared with £54,000 when new. The more powerful S 350, with its 272bhp 3.5-litre V6, will cost about £2,000 more but the extra power is probably worth it.

The pick of the line-up is the 5.5-litre V8 S 500. With 388bhp, it is genuinely quick, yet can manage 26mpg in mixed motoring, according to official figures. Three-year-old examples cost roughly half as much as they did new so are even starting to make economic sense.

Not so sensible, but equally tempting, is the 517bhp V12 bi-turbo S-class. This is among the rarest cars on the second-hand market and one of the quickest. They were priced at a little over £100,000 when new, but a three-year-old example could now be yours for about £45,000.

Most S-class models were available as standard or long-wheelbase (LWB) models, the LWB adding 5in to the car’s rear legroom and a further £2,000-£2,500 to its used value. The standard wheelbase will be roomy enough for most owners.

All models come with leather upholstery, climate control, electric seat adjustment, satellite navigation and alloy wheels. In some higher-spec models, you can expect to find adaptive cruise control and intriguingly named gizmos such as “night view assist”, which uses infrared cameras to enhance the view of the road ahead when it’s dark.

Expect an impeccable service history whichever model you buy. The S-class came with a three-year unlimited-mileage warranty from new and many owners will have extended this. If your chosen car is just about to reach its third birthday make sure you have it checked over before the cover expires.

The car is popular with high-mileage drivers and a fair number have racked up 60,000 miles, but they are well maintained and are beginning to look like exceptional value. With proven reliability, distinctive looks and a relatively modest price, not only is the latest Mercedes S-class probably the best saloon car in the world, it is now among the best value.
 

NEED TO KNOW


Alloy wheels

Beware of non-standard and oversized alloys that can reduce ride comfort and increase road noise. Damaged alloys can also be expensive to refurbish

Front brakes

Stop-start town driving in a heavy car with an automatic gearbox can cause high levels of wear so check the brakes carefully

Gearbox

Seven-speed auto gearbox is standard on all but the S 280 petrol model, which has a five-speed auto

Satellite navigation

The Mercedes-Benz Comand system has been refined and is now more useable

Suspension

Self-levelling suspension on all models as standard, while top-spec cars get a fully adaptive electronic system
 

The one to buy
 

Alternative

Or for similar money:

2002 52 Bentley Arnage Red Label

2007 07 Range Rover 4.2 V8 supercharged Vogue SE

2007 57 BMW 760Li

2007 57 Lexus LS 460 SE-L

2008 08 Audi A8 6.0 quattro

 
Figures based on CAP July 2009 edition

 © Bumper Media Limited July 2009