What does it cost?
For A 3.5-litre V6 might sound a bit weedy in a car as massive as the S-Class, but it has 268bhp and a shed-load of mid-range pull, so it'll be quick enough for most.
Against The engine hasn't got the sheer grunt of the diesel - or its fuel economy. Plus, this long-wheelbase version won't appeal to keen drivers as much as the short-wheelbase one.
What Car? says
If you're a chauffeur and your boss insists on a petrol S-Class, this is the one to go for. However, the lower costs of buying and owning a diesel S-Class mean that remains our favourite.
What Car? readers say
4.416667
View the whole Mercedes-Benz S-Class Saloon range
Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
You could certainly argue that, pound for pound, the Mercedes S-Class is the best car in the world. Whatever you want from a luxury car, the big Merc does it - and does it very well.
There is a wide range of petrol engines which were, in all but one case, changed towards the end of 2010, plus one diesel that already meets 2014 emissions regulations. Unless you'll be the back-seat passenger or are planning to be a chauffeur, don't bother with the more expensive long-wheelbase model, though.
On top of the three-year unlimited-mileage warranty, Mercedes cars also come with the Mobilo breakdown assistance package that provides you with assistance on the road for up to 30 years in more than 30 European countries. Different benefits apply, depending on what the problem is, and full details are available from the Mercedes Customer Assistance Centre.
Reader test team says:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Saloon S320 CDI 4dr
This is second review my s320sdi is eighteen months old i have had a lot of bother with it, 6ooo miles on the clock 2000 going back and forth to the…
3
out of 5 stars
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Saloon S320 CDI 4dr
Five months and 12000mls since I gave this car a 5 star review and now .....oh my god!!!!!!!! Rattles galore, steering creaks clatter and bangs, gear…
3
out of 5 stars
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Saloon S63L AMG 4dr
My S63 AMG four-door is so fast and the handling is so great that 10 days later I brought another four S320s.
5
out of 5 stars
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Saloon S320 CDI 4dr
Be prepared for a deluge of annoyances and pointless features symptomatic of the modern trend for complication! While the engineering and quality are…
3
out of 5 stars
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Our pick of the range
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Saloon S350 CDI Bluetec 4dr
With the cheapest list price, the best fuel economy and lowest running costs, this is by some way the best model in the range - and our 2011 Luxury Car of the Year
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