Mercedes S-Class

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 32 model years from 62,260 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

86%

Total Tests

62,260

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (95%)

Years Covered

About the Mercedes S-Class

The Mercedes S-Class was MOT tested 62,260 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 32 model years (1990 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 86%. That's slightly above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list hybrid and petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 95% from 540 tests. The 1992 model has the lowest at 72%. With a 23 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes S-Classs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 142,121 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 32,036 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3982cc)

£1,958

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£2,413

Per month£201/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Mercedes S-Class?

vs average of all models+4% (82% avg)

vs Mercedes brand average-1% (87% avg)

Best to worst year spread23 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Mercedes S-Class by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	91%	164	32,036 mi
2020	95%	540	43,972 mi
2019	94%	5,921	67,860 mi
2018	94%	6,518	75,456 mi
2017	93%	5,990	73,988 mi
2016	91%	6,819	74,260 mi
2015	92%	5,513	87,325 mi
2014	92%	3,915	95,545 mi
2013	89%	2,145	108,065 mi
2012	88%	2,817	100,420 mi
2011	87%	2,202	117,628 mi
2010	85%	2,001	110,934 mi
2009	82%	1,990	114,274 mi
2008	84%	2,232	110,584 mi
2007	84%	2,940	117,418 mi
2006	87%	2,334	111,043 mi
2005	84%	1,301	132,014 mi
2004	82%	1,158	124,020 mi
2003	82%	1,227	120,882 mi
2002	79%	720	115,052 mi
2001	79%	735	107,381 mi
2000	81%	562	102,703 mi
1999	78%	434	98,447 mi
1998	81%	522	111,371 mi
1997	86%	373	107,182 mi
1996	83%	348	109,185 mi
1995	86%	286	111,087 mi
1994	92%	140	106,787 mi
1993	76%	49	112,335 mi
1992	72%	121	119,350 mi
1991	92%	118	120,508 mi
1990	87%	125	142,121 mi

Questions about the Mercedes S-Class

Is the Mercedes S-Class reliable?

Across its 32 model years in our data (1990 to 2021), the Mercedes S-Class averages an 86% MOT pass rate, from 62,260 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 95%.

Which year Mercedes S-Class has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Mercedes S-Class has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 72%, a 23 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.