Best Mercedes-Benz S-Class Model Years (Ranked) in 2027
By Kory White · Updated Oct 2026 · 6 min read
Direct answer
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223) is the best S-Class model year: NHTSA lists 6 complaints and 3 recall campaigns, KBB owners rate its reliability 4.3 out of 5, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $71,300 to $78,200. The 2013 (W221) is the best older pick with 9 complaints, 0 recalls and prices from $4,700, and the 2019 (W222) is the best under $40,000.
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $4,700 for the S 400 Hybrid (originally $95,545) up to $29,900 for the S 65 AMG (originally $215,005); the S 550 is $12,500
Buyers who want a cheap S-Class with 0 recall campaigns and the best owner rating here
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $23,000 for the S 550e Plug-In Hybrid sedan (originally $102,095) up to $46,900 for the S 600 (originally $178,395)
Buyers who want the broadest W222 line, from a plug-in hybrid to a V12, from $23,000
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $22,000 for the S 550 Plug-In Hybrid sedan (originally $99,825) up to $38,200 for the S 65 AMG sedan (originally $224,625)
Buyers who want the first W222 from $22,000
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223)
Cheapest
2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221)
Best W223 for less
2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223)
Best under $40,000
2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222)
The ranking
1
2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223)
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe newest and least-complained-about.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $71,300 for the S 500 4MATIC sedan (originally $118,450) up to $78,200 for the S 580 4MATIC (originally $129,300)NHTSA recalls: 3 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2024 S-Class (unique campaign numbers across its S 450, S 500, S 550, S 560, S 580 and related model names)NHTSA complaints: 6 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2024 S-ClassOwner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2024 S-Class 4.3 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 442-510 hp and 21-24 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2024 S-Class is the newest model year on the list and the one owners complain about least: NHTSA lists 6 complaints and 3 recall campaigns. KBB gives 442-510 hp and 21-24 combined mpg, owners rate reliability 4.3 out of 5, and Fair Purchase Prices run from $71,300 for the S 500 4MATIC to $78,200 for the S 580 4MATIC. A low complaint count partly reflects less time on the road.
Go ifBuyers who want the newest S-Class here and the fewest NHTSA complaints
Skip ifYou want to spend under $60,000
Why #1 over #2: It lists 6 complaints versus 9 for the 2013 and 12 for the 2023, though it costs from $71,300 against $4,700.
2
2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221)
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheap pick with no recalls.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $4,700 for the S 400 Hybrid (originally $95,545) up to $29,900 for the S 65 AMG (originally $215,005); the S 550 is $12,500NHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2013 S-Class (unique campaign numbers across its S 450, S 500, S 550, S 560, S 580 and related model names)NHTSA complaints: 9 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 S-ClassOwner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2013 S-Class 4.8 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 240-621 hp and 14-25 combined mpg; the S 550 makes 429 hp from a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 (KBB)
The 2013 S-Class is a W221 and the best value here. NHTSA lists 9 complaints and 0 recall campaigns, KBB owners rate reliability 4.8 out of 5, and Fair Purchase Prices run from $4,700 for the S 400 Hybrid to $29,900 for the S 65 AMG, with the S 550 at $12,500. The S 550 makes 429 hp.
Go ifBuyers who want a cheap S-Class with 0 recall campaigns and the best owner rating here
Skip ifYou want the newer W222 or W223 interior and screens
Why #2 over #3: It lists 9 complaints and 0 recalls versus 12 and 7 for the 2023, at from $4,700 versus $61,500.
3
2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223)
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe W223 for less.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $61,500 for the S 500 4MATIC sedan (originally $115,550) up to $71,900 for the S 580 4MATIC (originally $125,050)NHTSA recalls: 7 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2023 S-Class (unique campaign numbers across its S 450, S 500, S 550, S 560, S 580 and related model names)NHTSA complaints: 12 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 S-ClassOwner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2023 S-Class 4.3 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 429-510 hp and 19-23 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2023 S-Class keeps the W223 shape for less than a 2024. NHTSA lists 12 complaints and 7 recall campaigns, owners rate reliability 4.3 out of 5, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $61,500 to $71,900, with 429-510 hp and 19-23 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want a current-shape S-Class for less than a 2024
Skip ifYou want fewer than 7 recall campaigns
Why #3 over #4: It lists 12 complaints versus 16 for the 2019 and 7 recalls versus 12.
4
2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222)
Photo: Ethan Llamas / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe sub-$40,000 W222.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $30,600 for the S 450 sedan (originally $97,245) up to $38,500 for the S 560e (originally $115,745)NHTSA recalls: 12 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2019 S-Class (unique campaign numbers across its S 450, S 500, S 550, S 560, S 580 and related model names)NHTSA complaints: 16 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 S-ClassOwner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2019 S-Class 4.4 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 362-469 hp and 20-23 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2019 S-Class is a facelifted W222 and the best under $40,000: KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $30,600 for the S 450 to $38,500 for the S 560e. NHTSA lists 16 complaints and 12 recall campaigns, owners rate reliability 4.4 out of 5, and KBB gives 362-469 hp and 20-23 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want a facelifted W222 under $40,000
Skip ifYou want few recall campaigns
Why #4 over #5: It lists 16 complaints versus 22 for the 2017, though the 2017 plug-in starts lower, at $23,000 versus $30,600.
5
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222)
Photo: RL GNZLZ from Chile / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe W222 with the widest range.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $23,000 for the S 550e Plug-In Hybrid sedan (originally $102,095) up to $46,900 for the S 600 (originally $178,395)NHTSA recalls: 10 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2017 S-Class (unique campaign numbers across its S 450, S 500, S 550, S 560, S 580 and related model names)NHTSA complaints: 22 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 S-ClassOwner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2017 S-Class 4.4 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 436-523 hp and 16-26 combined mpg; the S 550 makes 449 hp (KBB)
The 2017 S-Class has the widest W222 range, from the S 550e Plug-In Hybrid at $23,000 to the S 600 at $46,900. NHTSA lists 22 complaints and 10 recall campaigns, owners rate reliability 4.4 out of 5, and KBB gives 436-523 hp and 16-26 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want the broadest W222 line, from a plug-in hybrid to a V12, from $23,000
Skip ifYou want fewer than 10 recall campaigns
Why #5 over #6: It lists 22 complaints versus 24 for the 2008, though the 2008 lists 0 recalls versus 10 and a 4.8 owner rating versus 4.4.
6
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221)
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe V8 for under $10,000.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $8,425 for the S 550 sedan (originally $90,520) up to $15,800 for the S 65 AMG (originally $197,360)NHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2008 S-Class (unique campaign numbers across its S 450, S 500, S 550, S 560, S 580 and related model names)NHTSA complaints: 24 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 S-ClassOwner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2008 S-Class 4.8 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 382-604 hp and 13-16 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2008 S-Class is the cheapest V8 on the list, at $8,425 for the S 550, with the S 65 AMG at $15,800. NHTSA lists 24 complaints and 0 recall campaigns, KBB owners rate reliability 4.8 out of 5, and fuel economy is 13-16 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want a V8 S-Class from $8,425 with 0 recall campaigns
Skip ifYou want better than 16 combined mpg
Why #6 over #7: It lists 24 complaints versus 34 for the 2010, though the 2010 starts lower, at $7,400 versus $8,425.
7
2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221)
Photo: M 93 / Attribution via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe facelift for under $10,000.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $7,400 for the S 400 Hybrid sedan (originally $88,825) up to $19,850 for the S 65 AMG (originally $205,025)NHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2010 S-Class (unique campaign numbers across its S 450, S 500, S 550, S 560, S 580 and related model names)NHTSA complaints: 34 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2010 S-ClassOwner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2010 S-Class 4.8 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 295-604 hp and 13-21 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2010 S-Class is a facelifted W221, from $7,400 for the S 400 Hybrid to $19,850 for the S 65 AMG. NHTSA lists 34 complaints and 0 recall campaigns, owners rate reliability 4.8 out of 5, and KBB gives 295-604 hp and 13-21 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want the facelifted W221 with a 4.8 owner rating from $7,400
Skip ifYou want fewer than 34 complaints
Why #7 over #8: It lists 34 complaints versus 35 for the 2021 and 0 recalls versus 17.
8
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223)
Photo: Alexander Migl / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first W223, with the most recalls.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $47,800 for the S 500 4MATIC sedan (originally $110,850) up to $53,100 for the S 580 4MATIC (originally $117,350)NHTSA recalls: 17 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2021 S-Class (unique campaign numbers across its S 450, S 500, S 550, S 560, S 580 and related model names)NHTSA complaints: 35 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 S-ClassOwner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2021 S-Class 4.3 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 429-496 hp and 20-24 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2021 S-Class is the first year of the W223. NHTSA lists 35 complaints and 17 recall campaigns, the most recalls on the list, owners rate reliability 4.3 out of 5, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $47,800 for the S 500 4MATIC to $53,100 for the S 580 4MATIC.
Go ifBuyers who want the first-year W223 for under $55,000
Skip ifYou want fewer than 17 recall campaigns
Why #8 over #9: It lists 35 complaints versus 48 for the 2022 and costs from $47,800 versus $53,300.
9
2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223)
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe middle W223.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $53,300 for the S 500 4MATIC sedan (originally $112,150) up to $61,600 for the S 580 4MATIC (originally $118,750)NHTSA recalls: 10 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2022 S-Class (unique campaign numbers across its S 450, S 500, S 550, S 560, S 580 and related model names)NHTSA complaints: 48 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2022 S-ClassOwner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2022 S-Class 4.3 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 429-496 hp and 18-24 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2022 S-Class lists 48 complaints and 10 recall campaigns, with owners rating reliability 4.3 out of 5. KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $53,300 for the S 500 4MATIC to $61,600 for the S 580 4MATIC, with 429-496 hp and 18-24 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want a W223 between the 2021 and 2023 prices
Skip ifYou want few NHTSA complaints
Why #9 over #10: It lists 48 complaints versus 51 for the 2015, though the 2015 lists 6 recalls versus 10 and starts at $22,000 versus $53,300.
10
2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222)
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first W222, with the most complaints.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $22,000 for the S 550 Plug-In Hybrid sedan (originally $99,825) up to $38,200 for the S 65 AMG sedan (originally $224,625)NHTSA recalls: 6 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2015 S-Class (unique campaign numbers across its S 450, S 500, S 550, S 560, S 580 and related model names)NHTSA complaints: 51 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 S-ClassOwner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2015 S-Class 4.4 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 329-621 hp and 15-26 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2015 S-Class is a W222, from $22,000 for the S 550 Plug-In Hybrid to $38,200 for the S 65 AMG sedan. NHTSA lists 51 complaints, the most on the list, and 6 recall campaigns; owners rate reliability 4.4 out of 5, and KBB gives 329-621 hp and 15-26 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want the first W222 from $22,000
Skip ifYou want few NHTSA complaints
How we ranked these
We ranked ten S-Class model years sold in the US, across the W221, W222 and W223 generations: NHTSA owner complaint counts first, then recall campaigns, then Kelley Blue Book owner reliability ratings, with used prices from KBB. Counts were read from the NHTSA API and prices from KBB when we checked, and prices change weekly. Complaint counts cover every S-Class body style NHTSA files under the S-CLASS name, and recall counts are the unique campaign numbers NHTSA returns across the S-Class model names (S 450, S 500, S 550, S 560, S 580 and related). Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so they rank higher on that measure, and mileage matters as much as year. Prices shown are KBB sedan prices. For new luxury sedans see our Top 10 Luxury Sedans at /cars/best-luxury-sedans-2027/. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best Mercedes-Benz S-Class model year to buy used?
By NHTSA and owner data, the 2024 S-Class (W223): 6 NHTSA complaints, 3 recall campaigns, a 4.3 out of 5 KBB owner reliability rating and KBB Fair Purchase Prices from $71,300 to $78,200. The 2013 S-Class is the best older pick, with 9 complaints, 0 recalls and prices from $4,700.
What is the cheapest S-Class model year here?
The 2013 S-Class, with a KBB Fair Purchase Price from $4,700 for the S 400 Hybrid; the 2010 starts at $7,400 and the 2008 at $8,425.
Which S-Class model years have no recall campaigns?
NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns for the 2008, 2010 and 2013 S-Class. The 2021 lists the most, 17.
Which S-Class model year has the best owner reliability rating?
KBB owners rate the 2008, 2010 and 2013 S-Class 4.8 out of 5 for reliability, against 4.4 for the 2015, 2017 and 2019 and 4.3 for the 2021 to 2024.
Lowest used price on the cited KBB page (USD) at a glance
2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221)$4,700
2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221)$7,400
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221)$8,425
2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222)$22,000
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222)$23,000
2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222)$30,600
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223)$47,800
2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223)$53,300
2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223)$61,500
2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223)$71,300
Lowest used price on the cited KBB page (USD), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
