The definitive rankings of the best Mercedes-Benz S-Class generations: A 50-year review from an industry expert
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is not merely a car; it is the benchmark of automotive luxury. For five decades, the Sonderklasse, or “Special Class,” has been the epitome of German engineering, setting the standard for the global luxury sedan market. This year, as Mercedes-Benz prepares to launch the next-generation S-Class, a review of the evolution of this iconic vehicle reveals a fascinating history of innovation, competition, and shifting luxury philosophies.
As a seasoned automotive critic with over a decade of experience navigating the complex world of luxury sedans, I have had the privilege of driving or testing every single generation of the S-Class. My journey began in the mid-1980s, piloting a 560SEL across southern Australia, and continues today, experiencing prototype models of the latest W224 generation. This in-depth knowledge allows for a unique perspective on how the S-Class has defined luxury and why its influence on other vehicles is undeniable.
A century of luxury: The evolution of the S-Class
While large luxury sedans have been a staple of the Mercedes-Benz lineup for almost a century, the official S-Class designation was only adopted in 1972 with the launch of the W116 series. This marked a pivotal moment in automotive history, establishing a naming convention that is still used across the entire Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicle range today. In the over half-century since its official introduction, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has become the world’s most successful large luxury sedan, fending off rivals developed by BMW and Audi and surpassing its British heritage roots with Jaguar.
In 2026, with the global luxury car market experiencing unprecedented changes due to shifts in technology and consumer preferences, the S-Class stands at a crossroads. As brands like Lucid, Rivian, and Tesla challenge the dominance of traditional luxury automakers, the S-Class must adapt to remain the industry standard. Understanding the journey of the S-Class is crucial to appreciating its current standing and predicting its future trajectory in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Every generation ranked
For the sake of historical accuracy and relevance, the following list ranks the S-Class generations from oldest to newest, with a comprehensive analysis of each generation’s strengths and weaknesses.
Mercedes-Benz W116 S-Class (1972–1980)
Released in 1972, the W116 series replaced the W108 and W109 SE and SEL sedans and officially launched the S-Class nomenclature. This groundbreaking vehicle was the result of intense engineering effort, debuting several innovations based on work done at the Mercedes safety research department, established at Sindelfingen in 1969.
Technical innovations:
Collision-protected fuel tank: A significant safety advancement that dramatically improved crashworthiness.
Four-spoke safety steering wheel: Designed to minimize injury during frontal collisions.
A-pillars designed to keep the side windows clean: A subtle yet brilliant aerodynamic feature that improved visibility.
Ribbed taillights: Employed dirt-repellent engineering to ensure taillights remained clean and functional in adverse conditions.
Antilock Braking System (ABS): The W116 became the world’s first volume production car fitted with ABS in 1978, setting a new industry standard for safety.
Driving experience and handling:
The W116 was a testament to German engineering precision. The instrumentation was clear, and the shift gate allowed drivers to manually select gears faster than any other automatic transmission of the era. Contemporary competitors, such as Jaguar XJ sedans, may have offered more flamboyant styling and V-12 options, but the W116 was renowned for its durability and comfort. Formula 1 triple world champion Jack Brabham once proclaimed the 140-mph 450SEL 6.9, the ultimate W116, as the best sedan in the world. After driving the 350SE from the Mercedes-Benz Classic fleet in Stuttgart, I can attest to the meaning of his praise.
What this means for you (2026):
For collectors, the W116 represents the genesis of modern safety and luxury engineering. Its design and safety features are historical footnotes today, but its influence on subsequent luxury sedans is undeniable. If you are considering buying classic luxury cars in 2026, the W116 is a solid choice for its engineering and historical significance. However, the cost of maintenance can be steep, and finding parts for this classic model may prove challenging.
Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class (1979–1991)
Launched in 1979, the W126 S-Class was an evolution in design and engineering. It was the first Mercedes-Benz without traditional chrome bumpers and featured the now iconic semiotic power seat adjustment switches on the doors. The body-in-white was designed with crumple zones front and rear and built using high-strength, low-alloy steel to reduce weight, and was available with a new V-8 engine family whose aluminum block featured silicon-coated bores, eliminating the need for heavy iron sleeves. In 1981, the W126 was made available with a driver-side airbag and marked the debut of the seatbelt pretensioner. Over its 12-year life, the W126 would receive numerous technical upgrades, including traction control and Daimler’s first trip computer.
Technical innovations:
Driver-side airbag and seatbelt pretensioners: Further cemented Mercedes-Benz’s leadership in occupant safety.
Traction control: A major leap in vehicle dynamics management, providing stability in slippery conditions.
Daimler’s first trip computer: Early integration of onboard diagnostics and performance monitoring.
High-strength steel body: Optimized the balance between weight and safety.
Driving experience and handling:
The W126 was a car that rewarded spirited driving. Even when I drove a 560SEL in 1986, the car already felt dated, mainly because its rear suspension was not as advanced as the complex multi-link setups on the newer 190E and W124 E-Class. But like all good Mercedes-Benz models, its capabilities were deep and fulfilling. I wrote that “the harder I drive it, the better it feels. The handling is composed and assured, particularly through fast but rough sweepers. Use that marvelous transmission manually and exploit the powerful brakes to balance the chassis, then get back firmly on the throttle as the apex appears, and the 560SEL gets out of corners very quickly and cleanly, indeed.\”
Should you buy, wait, or rent/invest in 2026?
The W126 remains a very capable luxury sedan in 2026, especially for those seeking a classic yet modern driving experience. Prices are still very reasonable, making it a good option for luxury car enthusiasts on a budget. However, as a collector, you should be prepared for ongoing maintenance and potential repairs, as many of these cars are reaching or have passed their peak lifespan.
Mercedes-Benz W140 S-Class (1991–1998)
The 1991 W140 S-Class was designed to be a technological marvel. Daimler reportedly spent close to $1 billion and drove prototypes more than 1.8 million miles during the car’s development. Everything—engine, transmission, suspension, and air conditioning—was computer-controlled, with bits and bytes of information shuttling around a wiring network more than 2 miles long. The front and rear suspension were all-new multilink designs. Engines included a 3.2-liter straight-six, 4.2-liter and 5.0-liter V-8s, and a 6.0-liter V-12, all with dual-cam heads and four valves per cylinder. It also featured double-glazed side windows.
Technical innovations:
Computer-controlled systems: Early application of digital technology to control engine, transmission, suspension, and climate.
Double-glazed side windows: Revolutionary for noise reduction and insulation.
All-new multilink suspension: Provided a significant upgrade in handling and ride comfort.
Extensive wiring network: A precursor to the complex electronics in modern cars.
The challenge of Lexus:
The W140 was bigger, heavier, and significantly more expensive than the W126. However, it was not without its challengers. Lexus’s LS400 rival was astoundingly quiet and refined, and much less expensive than the W140. The W140 was castigated for its size and weight, with the 205-inch-long 500SEL I tested weighing just over 4,400 pounds. Despite these challenges, the W140 remains one of my favorite S-Class models. It possessed the heft and substance of the W124 E-Class, still one of the finest sedans ever made, and was, at the time, by far the best-driving big Mercedes ever built. The V-12-powered 600SE was a rocket on the autobahn, a worthy successor
