Should You Buy a Mercedes S-Class? (Test Drive & Review W222 2013-2020)

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Today, I'm in this late 2014 Mercedes S-Class W222…Let's see what it's like...
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[@NeokingTech]

This generation S-Class is far superior to the current one, where you'll find an unsightly 1st generation iPad glued to the dashboard and an exterior that is about as shapely and elegant as a bar of soap. With every release of a modern sports or luxury car, I can't help but feel that designs peaked throughout 2005-2015.

[@john1703]

I beg to differ. 1960s please. Lambo Muira and Espada, Ferrari Daytona, Ford GT40, De Tomaso Mangusta, RR Silver Shadow, Rover P6, Jaguar E-type and XJ6, Ford Capri, MGB GT, Triumph Spitfire.

[@barbarusbloodshed6347]

@@john1703 there were several peaks, let's just put it like that. There were a lot of stunning designs in the 50s, 60s and then fewer in the 70s, 80s, 90s before everything getting more interesting again in the early 2000s until maybe six years ago. BUT one could argue the absolute peak of car design was from the early 2000s until a few years ago because there might have been some absolute stunners in the 50s and 60s, but those were SPECIAL cars, expensive cars, while car designs from the early 2000s until recently were very good overall, with even some of the cheapest smallest cars boasting exceptional designs.

[@brunomferreira]

This comment is pure gold. Absolutely spot on. As a car nerd and full on petrolhead, I feel like an old man talking constantly about how cars used to look so much better and how they all look the same nowadays. I just don’t care about new cars. Specially electric ones. I hope to keep my CLS shooting brake forever. I find it absolutely beautiful. I do sound like an old man but I’m just in my 30s

[@matth8729]

@@brunomferreira as the owner of a 2017 Mercedes CLS I completely agree. I deliberately didn't buy the current generation model as it just didn't look as special. Apart from maybe the 8 Series there aren't that many new cars around that look stunning.

[@sosayweall7290]

@@john1703 Yeh, I do get you on that. There were some wonderful designs, I feel like if I bought a Mangusta I'd get home from work to find it had fried a steak, drank my beer and punched my neighbour.

[@deaks25]

That styling is best described as “Timeless”. That car will still look elegant and classy in another 10 years.

[@MuzixMaker]

I have a 2007 W221. Still looks contemporary.

[@crusadeagainsttomatoes2518]

The W222 is my favourite S-class model. It’s just beautiful and the interior isn’t plastered with screens…

[@crusadeagainsttomatoes2518]

Wow! Sadly I'm in Denmark, where we drive on the right side of the road :D@@fxkraft1037

[@johnmcdonald489]

I drove that model with magic body control while I was a salesman at Mercedes. It is a massively expensive option. It remains the most amazing driving experience I’ve ever had.

[@stonecold2176]

I drive one of these for a guy I know doing private hire. It's a 2018 3.0d amg line. It's been well used and has some scrapes but it is a fantastic drive.

[@alimack5489]

I can relate to that feeling of driving around in your own bubble “cause the real world sucks” I have that feeling most days on the M1 mate.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha same

[@irdibasha391]

Facelift version of this in silver or black is just sublime

[@galijanach]

I own and drive the same year E Class convertible AMG spec with same engine (E350 BlueTec). This is my first diesel engine after years of owning only petrol ones. It has now covered 144k miles and I absolutely love this car. It has been looked after by previous owners keeping it serviced only by Mercedes since new which I had to do the same to maintain its faultless drive.

[@wfifa199]

Geeky fact; whilst the S Class is usually used by Mercedes to showcase and launch new tech, the adaptive headlights actually premiered in the CLS a year or two before this series of S Class. I think I might need to get out more

[@dominicwood3750]

Adapting hi beams are on my 2011 E Class

[@wfifa199]

@dominicwood3750 those won't be the dynamic, active lights. They were a world first on the CLS.

[@monk3yboy69]

They were not a world first on the CLS. CITROEN DS was the first maker to introduce adaptive active headlights to the mass market in 1967

[@wfifa199]

@monk3yboy69 with respect, as per my reply to Dominic Wood, above, I am not talking about basic, adaptive lights. From memory, the Citroën lights angled left and right when the steering wheel moved. The CLS has sensors at the top of the windscreen that the headlights respond to based on whether you are going round a bend and whether there are oncoming cars on the other side of the road. They use multiple LED lights on each side that turn on and off and move. Both sides work independently of each other. Both sets of lights on each side can go up, down left and right, and at the same time, so that the road ahead has the optimum lighting without blinding other drivers. For example, the left headlight might be full beam and angled, whilst the right beam is simultaneously dipped, so as not to glare the eyes of oncoming drivers on the other side of the road. Trust me. It was a world first, and it was on a CLS, not an S Class. Geeky, but undoubtedly a fact. There are videos on KZbin that demonstrate how they work.

[@murrieteacher]

twenty thousand quid! IN Australia a 2014 S class starts at $47,000 with 198,000klm and goes to $100,000. But then we have always been hammered with high prices for luxury cars.

[@fw0756]

Totally agree ,Australia is now the land of the scam and rip off ……. Not just cars but just about everything.

[@FABM27]

Denmark says wait a minute

[@The_Ossifrage]

Twenty thousand AUD got me a '10 E-class... a V222 is certainly on my future wishlist though!

[@isquish]

You had me on this as soon as I saw the part wooden steering wheel. If i ever move on from my beloved 2006 XJ, this is where I shall head. It's a horrible to have to admit that I'm all about the wooden steering wheel!

[@jonathangreen287]

Wood for the win! My last one had more wood than horse power at the end of its time 🤣🤣

[@stu1701E]

What's the spec on your XJ?

[@seans9125]

You will not regret it. I've had mine for 4 years (28k miles to 64k miles) and have enjoyed every second of it. It is very important to find one that is nicely optioned. Well worth the wait.

[@isquish]

@@stu1701E it’s a sovereign

[@andrewpreston4127]

Dear, oh, dear.

[@jonharvey3676]

1:46 the cloud coming from the BMW X5 lol

[@RobGibraltar]

came here to say this

[@marekgregory4512]

Ha ha yes saw it....

[@jb6368]

Atleast not from the exhaust this time lol

[@johngunning2123]

I saw that.

[@Drew_Eden]

I haven't watched the video yet but yes , you should buy one 😎

[@mitchhigginson2248]

I’ve ran S classes for near 20 years and a 2016 model was my last before retirement. I had the long wheelbase to drive around 35,000 miles per year chosing the SE model, 18inch wheels which give a better ride than the AMG trim with bigger wheels, Try to find one with distronic and dynamic heated and cooled seats - it makes life much easier. The only trouble I had was with the small systems battery which can throw up lots of software errors so replace it as soon as you get any issues. Other than that, there’s nothing more comfortable to be in.

[@nigel.w]

As a new car, I agree you want soft-close everything, heated everything, cooled everything, double-glazing, sunroof, etc. As a used car, maybe you're okay with fewer things to go wrong, and don't see the lack of options as a deal breaker, especially if you've been looking for a blue car with beige interior, rather than the plentiful monotone with black or grey interior. Personally, I'd be glad not to be faced with the prospect of fixing a soft-close door or boot lid. In the UK, I don't think you need cooled seats, and people of a certain age would be afraid to put the seat cooling on. As it's a short wheelbase/non-chauffer car, the absence of heated rear seats can also likely be readily forgiven. The absence of a sunroof is down to personal preference, although I think most people in the UK would want it. Maybe the first owner was very tall and needed the extra headroom. On the other hand, the absence of double-glazing on a car like this seems like as significant oversight. And the absence of a heated steering wheel is almost as annoying. If not for the colour scheme, I'd be inclined to think it was spec'd by a leasing company.

[@whizzer8507]

How the hell Matt.. "BLAKEY"... Your parents must of had the best VHS video collection on earth..😅 Love that Benz 👌

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha yes definitely

[@voyagerdanny]

Matt, you're my kind of car guy! Getting excited about the right kind of vehicles, not just the rarris and lambos. Love your deeply flawed thought process for keeping cars from which I also suffer, and your general demeanour. Your videos are a joy to watch!

[@joysimwaba1924]

That's 2 of us already! Will take whatever he says even if I know it makes no sense other than fact that I love the car I am in; willing to pay for the love... Top guy!

[@elodie_your_nice_friend]

Enjoying your videos, keep them coming!

[@anum1990]

Best car review and presenter known to man. Comprehensive, informative and pleasant. Thanks mate.

[@geirarnesen6531]

Great video Matt. Lovely barge to float around in. You certainly had your wits on today. Many good laughs, and cheers.

[@davidsands351]

Another really excellent review presented in a relaxed chatty humorous and informative way

[@lewisbrown51]

Always like your review videos (as well as the others)... I remember the first video i watched when discovering your channel was you reviewing an old Volvo V70 you'd bought for 500 quid or so... Been watching since, watched the back catalogue before, and honestly haven't looked back... Brilliant work mate!

[@Tom-kb1lw]

I bought one of these last night, a 2014, it felt amazing driving it home….oh yeah….but then I woke up this morning and realised it was just a dream because I can’t afford one lol

[@BenzoDopamine]

Never get the first year of an s class....

[@Do_Not_Buy_Kia_Look_After_UK]

The comments about this S-Class car also applies to a C Class Saloon (petrol) in my opinion: 1) They are so quiet, you can't hear the engine (the petrol engine is very quiet anyway) or any noise from outside the car. 2) The soft comfortable nature of the car is lovely (S model - not Sport or AMG) 3) you are in a bubble in your own little world. 4) The driving cost is great, but then any savings are lost when it requires repair bills (£5000+ in the last 12 months spent) 5) I always put premium fuel in every time.

[@LHRSBN]

Excellent review of an excellent car. Applause for always mentioning the vital importance of regularly servicing the gearbox/transmission. I learnt that the hard way.

[@waitingforvirtue3080]

Content is on point as usual, production is really excellent on this review. A quality piece of media, well done to you and your team, a pleasure to watch.

[@leongiles3496]

Awww lovely review Mat! I'm not a Merc fan but the S Class is something special - thanks for your hard work

[@erzontershani5362]

Just had the same model last week for a couple of days Its amazing how it stood the test of time It was a 2015 s350cdi 4matic with less than 100.000kms on the clock AMG Line on the outside and every single option ever on the inside, literally everything It was a dream to drive The W222 is the best S class ever imo W221 a close second, the new one feels like a cheap 2016 c class with all the cracking noises

[@kabuterrimondw5919]

The presentation and effort put into the reviews is superb, great vid

[@mikespink1965]

An excellent honest and accurate review Matt. There is no better luxury saloon for the money out there.

[@alanchurchill7305]

What a beauty.Brilliant camera work.

[@MosChowdhury]

Great video Matt. This was the car I was waiting for! Looking to get one soon

[@bluethegamer2359]

Top notch reviewing as always, Mat!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks

[@nigel.w]

@@HighPeakAutos And thank you for another "Should You Buy a ..." video. I really like these, but I understand the "I bought a cheap ..." videos get more views.

[@infinite_azure_]

Yeah I prefer the reviews too (and the auto trader ones), but the algorithm is king unfortunately on KZbin​@@nigel.w

[@HighPeakAutos]

@@nigel.w I much prefer doing these but the other videos are way more successful

[@Andyoooo]

That's a beauty....Great vid as always 👍👍

[@buttyman]

Well done Matt ! another great video, love your banter, you’re an old soul, I’m twice your age and I love all the cars you do. I’ve had Jags, Bm’s and Merc’s but one of my favourite cars was my Jeep xj . I retire next year and I want to revisit the cars I loved so I’ll be looking to buy a Jeep, Scirocco,SLK or Crossfire. Keep up the good work !

[@cybershot123]

Hi Matt well thought out as ever all the facts needed 2 cup holders. Great info video as ever

[@patrickcrombmusic]

the interior might be the best i've ever seen. such a good review

[@legambaz]

Beautiful inside and out. Especially the beige interior. The interior design is exquisite!

[@andrewl3655]

Great review Matt

[@insitetoursirelandltd.5795]

It was one of these or a Jaguar XJ Portfolio last summer. The XJ won my heart as the Mercedes S Class looked like a bloated version of my wee C Class and the Jag is a future classic, since they went crazy and stopped production of their big beautiful saloon!

[@zzhughesd]

Watched On The Buses other day. At the in-laws at an old fogie home. Great stuff. Still a good watch

[@colincleary8669]

Love the s class beautiful car but out of my price range I also loved that 07 4.2 ltr tdi audi a8 you bought that was lovely can't wait to see your follow up video on that one matt nice one

[@simonelliott2945]

God dam it I have been looking at this and wanted to come and view it on the weekend now your going to have loads of interest

[@fergalfoley6718]

Excellent review once again 👏 👌

[@scottballantine1329]

As always, great review…

[@VaChitsike]

A fair and balanced analysis I like it,

[@tradingcardboss]

Great review as always 🎉

[@derekgibson9834]

Beautiful car. Excellent video

[@md-detailing]

The perfect and prettiest S class to ever excist. Timeless design, interior is amazing and soo comfortable. i love the W223 too but these go for 30k euro and you cant beat it, ultimate daily and car to be driven in! Great video and review as always Matt! :D

[@HighPeakAutos]

Couldn't agree more!

[@erniestarkey8856]

I own a 2019 S560 and it has been amazing. Had previous w221 and it was a nightmare. Mercedes are amazing to own. Like any vehicle maintaining them will preserve them. Great video. I really enjoy your reviews. Thanks so much, Cheers.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Very nice!

[@tcaudiobooks737]

A massive, massive leap forward looks and quality wise over the previous W220 and W221 models.

[@wouterleenders]

220 yes, 221 no

[@fisephalnoxt]

@@wouterleenders True, actually the W221 is a better quality than W222

[@That.yellow.a1-qy8gq]

Haven't watched this but I know the video is awesome keep it up

[@teaboyuk]

Matt, you have classy taste in cars i love youre old soul.

[@nigel.w]

What a lovely looking example!

[@memelogy737]

Its a privilege to be this early when you upload 😜 hoping for another banger

[@georgedaville4662]

I worked with a guy in the late 90s, who bought an old S class Mercedes diesel with circa 80 K miles on and used it for his company car for the next 10 years. He rocked up another 300K miles on this car and still managed to sell it for a few Bob afterwards, it didn’t cost a fortune to Service because he used an independent specialist as you recommend. Fantastic cars. great review Matt 👍

[@Andyoooo]

Find a decent specialist and stick with them - spot on, this is why I'd buy a car with you without hesitation

[@matthewlewis2072]

I had exactly that "unit stocking" thing with my recent Octavia purchase. Dealer explained it. Good to go.

[@Alan_Mac]

"I'm secretly quite an old soul". No Matt - we've all known that for years!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha I don’t hide it well

[@user-vw3yi9kh2b]

Amazing piece of engineering. I wouldnt drive anything else. Every journey is an adventure, even just popping to Harrods feels good.

[@erniefoster7116]

Not a fan of the outside styling but love the interior. Diesels are fine as long as you don’t just run it around town but do a good run at highway speeds every now and then. Mercedes had the most recalls of any other brand which amazed me. Interesting video, good to see how the other half live.

[@jimmyquinn9639]

Beautiful car Matt 👍👍👍👍

[@turgs1]

Love from Australia Mate well done

[@keithwalker9003]

"The real world sucks," possibly the best delivered understatement I've heard. Genius!

[@WatchKek]

As someone who owns one it’s definitely worth it, everyone who’s been in it is in love with it, I am slightly scared of it and its faultless MB service history but I knew what I was getting in to

[@catafalque3634]

I ‘ate you Butler! Fab review Mat 👍

[@jonathangreen287]

Opted for the XJ over these but I do really like them. Beautiful cars

[@user-ft7lj9sh3i]

This era of 2014 Merc s class are now Timeless but looks very beautiful and also very comfortable I personally would own one fantastic content matt keep up the contents

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Great video, I’m blown away at the price for the tyres 😮

[@christopherwhite4153]

Another great review. A car I would love to drive for a week. Not sure I would want to own one. Parking is not my forte especially salons being sort I can never see the back properly. Keep the videos coming please 🙏 x

[@julianhawkins9423]

Love these - very cool 👍

[@djangounchained6669]

The best looking Mercedes ever. Spot on!

[@BionicRusty]

They are beautiful. I own a 2015, facelift W212, E Class Estate in Hyacinth Red and it’s my retirement car. Every time I drive to one of my friends houses, they always comment how beautiful it is. I met up with one yesterday to go for coffee and, again, he said how luxurious it is. I’m just about to carry out a B5 service. The parts, from Mercedes, cost me under £150. That’s a great cost for the motoring that it offers. ❤️

[@tjh59411]

Got picked up in one of these going to the airport. Felt like Lord Alan Sugar! Fantastic ride hardly felt any bumps and great ambient lighting?

[@danielcoganmanzanas3676]

As someone who owns a 2010 Citroen C4 Picasso 😭i can only say ..... I'm so jealous that's a cracking car 👍

[@malumbohami9426]

I definitely agree with it being the best design of all time. 👍🏾🔥

[@mutlucankartal9524]

Best interior that mercedes has ever made

[@leyland272]

great reviews

[@johnmercer5862]

Well done again Matt,best wishes going forwards from Johnny English in Norway.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks John. All the best

[@NigelRabson]

Great review of a wonderful car, but as you say, not without a few electrical problems. The ISM module on mine failed three weeks ago and parts will not be available until 19 April. It will be like meeting an old friend when it is repaired. Keep up the good work.

[@stigmoltu-jacobsen]

…the mental age of Sir Richard Attenborough, ha-ha-ha! Very good, Matt! Sometimes your one-liner comments are worth just as much as your excellent car presentations.

[@SWLW436]

Lovely cars, can see why it had/has the title of ‘The worlds best car’ Early examples like yours blend the SE and AMG specs very closely, almost to the point that yours looks like an SE with AMG wheels. The later ones had the exhaust tailpipes reintroduced on the AMG trim along with a beefier front bumper and flat bottom wheel. Lovely things.

[@PS-si7hn]

Great review as always....interesting observations about diesel maintenance issues....and agree with the whole option issue....BMW does the same sort of "Bingo" approach to selecting option packages..

[@Leedfan999]

That merc you are driving Matt looks unbelievably nice inside and out.

[@FFL3001]

It's just soooooo much better looking than the current one. Inside and out.

[@michaelrobertson5747]

My boss used to order a new S-class everytime a new one came out, since 1979. I can confirm the W222 was his favourite. He took delivery of the latest W223 before he passed away in June 2023 and it was far too technical (I loved it). I’ve also had 7 S-class’ myself and can confirm the W222 was the perfect all round car. However the W223 is worlds apart, the ride is the best I’ve ever witnessed.

[@fisephalnoxt]

The ride might be better, but the quality, design is a huge downgrade. the facelift W222 will be a future classic, i drove a 2020 S63, that car is insane!

[@lesvassallo5760]

Quality at its best Mercedes S Class Awesome car 🎉

[@JohnAdams-kc8wx]

Fabulous Matt I bought your W220 S350 in light blue from the guy who bought it from you. Should never have sold it. I’m tempted by this !!!

[@peteg8920]

That's made my day , that has .

[@pmam1968]

Another great video, Matt. I had a look at prices for the W222 in Australia and saw that low-mileage examples are surprisingly affordable, which isn't the norm for used luxury cars here - e.g., a 2014 S400 hybrid (petrol) with nominal kilometres for $45k - about 23,000 of your English pounds. And that's a dealer price, too. I suspect rich retirees buy them only to drive to the golf club and back and hang onto them forever.

[@paulbell8653]

An impressive gatling gun commentary on an impressive motor vehicle.

[@penman8985]

Remember cruising on the autobahn in my cousin’s S class. Fantastic cars. 👋 Simon

[@LS_on_YT]

Another banger again well done

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks again!

[@jamesrobinson9194]

S-Klasse will never be bangernomics

[@chrisbanks5925]

Fabulous car and it comes with real buttons . . . what luxury.

[@stevie007]

Sound advice as normal Matt 👌

[@mxm5757]

Literally no advice, just copy pasta review from 10 years ago

[@stevie007]

@@mxm5757 🤔🤔

[@davey6024]

I would love a black Cherokee 4.0 Limited! The styling just reminds me of good times in the 90s like watching The Goonies on VHS with my mates and thinking what a cool motor it was.

[@version736ha2]

I used to have one. One of the last ones made, 98 I think. Was such a great vehicle

[@Rick_Lane]

Now that's a shorty for a Star Matt 🙂

[@jacklane8642]

Beautiful cars these, my neighbour had a s500 plug in hybrid from new I got on well with his son so had spent a little bit of time in the back and again what a beautiful place to be

[@HighPeakAutos]

Very nice!

[@darrenwilliamson7944]

Absolutely LOVE my w221 m278 (non 4 matic) panoramic roof LOADED bi-turbo s550!!!!

[@FTFLCY]

The last time I was in an S class was when I booked a limo to LHR. We were travelling up the east coast of the US, so both had large suitcases. After many attempts, the driver confessed only one would fit. We had to have the other squeezed in the back with us. I was surprised.