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Mercedes-Benz S-Class Saloon S500L 4dr

For The S500 is astonishingly quick and it's in the mid-range that it feels noticeably stronger that the S-Class's rivals. The long-wheelbase version is exceptionally spacious.

Against This long-wheelbase version won't appeal to keen drivers as much as the short-wheelbase one. Not only does this model cost more to buy and run than the diesels, it also has much worse residuals.

What Car? says

5 out of 5 stars

The performance will take your breath away - and so will the running costs! This is the best of high-performance S-Classes, but an S350 or S350 CDI makes much more financial sense.

Reader review rating

5

Key facts

0–60mph: 5.4 secs
Top speed: 155 mph
Average mpg: 25.4
Tank range: 503 miles

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The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Saloon full review Read in full

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Effortless performance from potent engines
Ride & Handling
5 out of 5 stars
Great agility and a superb ride
Refinement
4 out of 5 stars
Spookily quiet even driving at three-figure speeds
Buying & Owning
4 out of 5 stars
Costly to run, residuals are okay
Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Beautifully built from fine-quality materials
Safety & Security
4 out of 5 stars
Opposition to deadlocks lets the side down
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Comand control system can be distracting
Space & Practicality
4 out of 5 stars
More than you’ll ever need
Equipment
3 out of 5 stars
Extensive standard equipment; long list of options

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

You could certainly argue that, pound for pound, the 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.

Despite the fact that there is a wide range of petrol engines to choose from, the best S is the 350CDI, with a diesel engine that's flexible, frugal and very refined. Unless you'll be the back-seat passenger, don't bother with much 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.