Some luxury cars lose their shine and luster after a few years on the road, but others seem to only get better with time. Like a fine wine, some cars simply need a little aging to become even more admirable and enjoyable than when they first hit the market. Despite the loss of the “new car smell” and outdated technology, the pure comfort, status, and presence of this used luxury car are more than enough to make it worth every penny.
A used luxury car should still give you the feeling of superiority when you drive. The upscale materials, increased comfort, perfectly tuned suspension, and ample power aren’t lost simply because the car has aged. That said, most luxury cars depreciate more heavily than mainstream cars. This has to do with predicted maintenance and repairs as the cars age, which means you could find an incredible deal on a used luxury car that brings more to your driving experience than expected for the price.
The Ride Quality Still Sets The Benchmark For Comfort
Air Suspension Delivers A “Magic Carpet” Experience
Luxury and comfort go hand in hand, making ride quality one of the most important aspects of any car that claims to be a top choice in the used-car market. Many high-end brands add the smooth comfort and floating benefits of an air suspension to their vehicles, which provides a smooth ride regardless of the road surface. This“ magic carpet” feeling allows the car to float above the suspension, giving everyone in the cabin a comfortable ride.
Cabin Quietness Rivals Ultra-Luxury Cars
Another common quality of luxury cars is cabin quietness. Pushing road noises out of the cabin and insulating passengers from the outside world has been a hallmark of excellent luxury vehicles for decades. A silent cabin makes it easier to hold conversations, listen to music, or simply drive in silence, basking in the serenity of a cabin that feels like an oasis on the road. The last thing you want after a long day at work is a noisy cabin with the sounds of every vehicle around you slamming into your head because your car lacks sufficient insulation.
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It Still Feels Like A Modern Tech Showcase
Advanced Features that Trickle Down To Other Cars
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222) is a true luxury flagship still admired and valued today. It arrived for the 2014 model year and continued production to 2021. This makes it a relatively modern used luxury car, and later versions feature tech you might not expect. During this generation, Mercedes-Benz was still adding advanced features to the S-Class that would eventually trickle down to other cars in its lineup. This allowed the W222 to be more advanced than other flagship luxury cars.
High-End Infotainment And Driver Aids Still Hold Up
Later in the W222 generation, the S-Class featured extremely useful features, including a 360-degree surround-view camera, LED headlights with adaptive tech, and soft-close doors, but the real gem was the infotainment system. The COMAND infotainment and navigation system features gesture control and advanced voice recognition. It was shown on a 12.3-inch touchscreen, which still seems large today. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were part of the standard package in 2019, making it one of the most advanced systems on the market.
The list of driver aids in the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class was the most comprehensive available. This package includes lane-keeping assist, forward-collision with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with brake assist, a self-parking feature, the surround-view camera, and rear cross-traffic alert, to name just a few.
The Mercedes That Depreciated Into One Of The Greatest Used Car Bargains Ever
This Mercedes was once a luxury flagship, and is now an affordable used car with lasting comfort and presence.
Effortless Performance Makes It Feel Smaller Than It Is
Strong Engine Options Deliver Smooth, Immediate Power
The W222 S-Class continued the car’s heritage as the flagship model and one that can easily be converted into a limousine. As a big car, it needs big power, and the lineup features a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that produces 463 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque and a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 that sends 621 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. The V8 uses a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the larger power plant drops two gears but remains smooth with a seven-speed transmission.
- Base Trim Engine
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3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
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9-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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362 hp
- Base Trim Torque
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369 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
- Fuel Economy
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19/28 MPG
- Make
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Mercedes-Benz
- Model
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S-Class Sedan
- Segment
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Large Luxury Sedan
The S 450 model, the base S-Class for this generation, features a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. There’s also a PHEV model that adds an electric system to the V6 setup, boosting electric range to 18 miles and power to 463 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, which is impressive for a hybrid from the 2010s. These two V6-based powertrains use the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the V8 powertrain.
Surprisingly Quick For A Full-Size Luxury Sedan
The W222 model was the biggest S-Class ever made at 206.6 inches long and 74.8 inches wide. It’s also a heavy car, tipping the scales at 5,025 pounds in the S550 4Matic trim. You might think this heavy full-size luxury sedan would be slow and plodding, but the 4.8-second time to 60 MPH will certainly change your mind. That is faster than some sports cars, which seems insane for a flagship luxury car designed for comfort rather than speed.
Interior Quality Still Feels Truly Premium Today
Materials And Craftsmanship Rival Newer Luxury Cars
While many modern luxury cars have turned toward futuristic, sterile, and monotone cabin styling, the W222 S-Class brought the sophisticated luxury look desired to the market. Mercedes-Benz fitted this generation with wood, leather, and modern technology to offer a blend of luxurious materials and modern tech. The S-Class also features automatic air fresheners and mood scents to create a special feeling while on the road.
Rear Seat Comfort Elevates It To Executive-Class Status
The S-Class is an executive sedan, meant for conducting business or relaxing in the back seat while a chauffeur drives. Even if you want to drive it yourself, you’ll notice the impressive rear seats and the comfort provided. This begins with plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the impressive Nappa leather upholstery. The rear outboard seats feature heat, ventilation, and a massaging function to enhance the ultra-luxurious comfort. Of course, these items aren’t available on all trims but are part of the lineup.
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Many enthusiasts argue that older luxury cars, built with more robust materials and engineering philosophies, offer a superior driving experience.
Depreciation Makes It One Of The Best Luxury Values
Six-Figure MSRP Drops To A Fraction Of The Cost
The original MSRP of a 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class ranged from $97,245 for the S 450 model to $138,795 for the S 560 convertible. This doesn’t include the AMG or Maybach versions, which cost even more. Today, you can get an S 450 for $30,200 on average, and the S 560 convertible should be priced around $50,200. That’s a fraction of what these trims cost, only seven years ago. If you go deeper into the W222 generation, you’re likely to find even larger differences from the original MSRP.
Still Considered One Of The Best S-Class Generations
The W222 S-Class perfectly executed Mercedes-Benz’s intent. It is a large, flagship luxury car with the most modern tech of the time and impressively powerful engines. It features superior comfort in every seat and a smooth ride thanks to the air suspension system. This generation is the culmination of five previous generations of excellence that came together to create what is considered one of the best S-Class cars ever. This makes the W222 worth every penny, especially considering the heavily depreciated price range.
Sources: Mercedes-Benz, Autotrader, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book