Mercedes-Benz S500 - Broken Hybrid (ENG) - Test Drive and Review

Mercedes-Benz S Class 2021 has the internal code 223 with the letter W in front signifying standard wheelbase, and with the letter V for the long wheelbase. This is the Mercedes-Benz S500 V223.

An interesting bit of trivia: more than a third of all 222 generation S Classes were sold in China, where 90% of sales were the V222 model.

The Mercedes-Benz S Class competes with cars like the BMW 7 Series or the Lexus LS. The S Class and the 7 Series, both in long-wheelbase form, have similar length and wheelbase, the LS’ dimensions are closer to the standard wheelbase Merc and Bimmer.

The Mercedes-Benz S Class can be equipped with the optional rear wheel steering. The rear axel can turn 4 or 10 degrees, which can reduce the turning circle by even 2 meters.

The engine lineup at launch features three petrol, and two diesel engines with power ranging from 286 to 503 hp. There are 6 and 8 cylinder powerplants to choose from. Beside the least powerful petrol and diesel variants, which can be ordered with just RWD, everything else comes with AWD as standard. This is the S500 4MATIC, which means a 6-cylinder 3 liter petrol engine with 435 hp, 520 Nm of torque, and a mild hybrid system.

↔ Mercedes-Benz S Class V223 dimensions:
✔ length: 5320 mm
✔ width: 1954 mm
✔ height: 1503 mm
✔ wheelbase: 3216 mm
✔ boot/trunk: 550 L

💲 Mercedes-Benz S Class starting price: 97 806 euro

💲 Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC V223 price as tested: 200 000 euro

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[michaelsteiner]

Since six years now I am working as Quality Engineer for various automotive customers and one fact has not changed. The more complex a car ist, the more electronic systems have to work together, the more problems can occur. Problems you did not think of even during extensive testing. If you want a 100% trouble-free car, buy the base model of a mid range brand with high volume in sales and never buy the latest model, buy a model that was already build for some years.

[freestick]

Having cars reviewed like this is like a encyclopedia for buyers. Thank you as always Marek 👌👏👍

[NemanjaPantelic]

S Class - Impressive as always. This gen though is more impressive on the inside than outside (apart from Las Vegas ambient lights which I would deactivate). It has a luxurious, yacht feel to it. More than previous models. However, it really lacks grandiosity on the outside. Especially at the rear, where it seems absolutely forgettable. The review and the production level are great, Marek.

[johnjames]

We once had a 2005 W220 in the family. It was super fast and the most comfortable, well built car we ever had. Unreal. Miss it.

[garethtalbot]

Great honest review Marek. Wish Mercedes would invest more time and effort into reliability and customer service over all other items. They don't do hybrids well. C350e series being an example.

[emptyMan]

That paint is beautiful. It's a shame dark green isn't available on more cars.

[The_Hero_Is_Back]

The EQS looks more exciting. This one looks like the end of an era.

[chillout]

The tech and the interior are the stuff to die for. The exterior design on the other hand, no, I'm not convinced. I think the W222 is much better looking. Hell, I would even go as far as saying, the W222 is the best looking S Class ever, in my opinion.

[Commentator]

Ah reminds me of my good old ML days where they allegedly were changing one gearbox after the other...

[markuslangguth]

I like to laugh about your sarcasm.
Very good review!

[laithkittani]

Cant wait until this becomes 10 years old with 10% residual left from its original value.

[Hell-Hound]

If I was wealthy enough to be able to buy one with a driver, I would.

[kevinn]

Aren't people suppose to just make a huge path for you when you are wafting along? I'm a couple dollars short to buy one of these so I'll never know.

[alliejr]

Back in the day (pre mid 1990s) the S Class was an ultra-reliable tank. Now, it’s just a tank. If the press car must have its drivetrain replaced, imagine the ownership experience 🤔🤔🤔🙄🙄🙄

[Jacobofski]

I want to buy a S400d version. Only the S400d and S500 is available in South Africa.

[nintendoatarikiller]

7:50 my father still goes inside the bank to one of the tellers to withdraw money

[RaduB.]

They must have private roads because I don't see many of them on the street.
Or maybe their dull appearance hides them away...
Not a car for normal people but thank you for the ride! 🙂

[sergeyeremin]

WHY!!!! Guess, luxury gets more and more about electronics and ecology, so in mm5-10 years this s-class type of cars will be regarded as a dinosaur

[m.r.]

Great review. Car not for me at all, just show off. I rather to convert my 18 yo 206 to electric than buy new car with all that technology in it spying on me.