MERCEDES S-CLASS (2016)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 6,819 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Total Tests (2024)
6,819
Avg Mileage
74,260 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 2016 MERCEDES S-CLASS reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 8 years old, 91% of MERCEDES S-CLASSs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 6,819 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 74,260 miles.
How does the 2016 MERCEDES S-CLASS compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2016 MERCEDES S-CLASS has 74,260 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES S-CLASS?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2016 sits between the two at 91%.
How much does a 2016 MERCEDES S-CLASS cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MERCEDES S-CLASS by Year
| 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 |
Checking a specific MERCEDES S-CLASS?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2016 MERCEDES S-CLASS
The 2016 MERCEDES S-CLASS is a performance with a 3498cc hybrid engine. 6,819 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 74,260 miles at 8 years old, MERCEDES S-CLASS owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2016 MERCEDES S-CLASS Fuel Costs
The 3498cc hybrid engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current hybrid prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid, real-world fuel costs will vary significantly depending on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2016 MERCEDES S-CLASS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
MERCEDES S-CLASS Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES S-CLASSs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 MERCEDES S-CLASS
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. With 6,819 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2016 MERCEDES S-CLASS
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable hybrid cars with similar engines:
- LEXUS RX (2017) 95% pass rate (+4%) from 3,405 tests
- PORSCHE PANAMERA (2018) 95% pass rate (+4%) from 2,579 tests
- LEXUS GS (2016) 94% pass rate (+3%) from 1,022 tests
- HONDA NSX (2017) 98% pass rate (+7%) from 397 tests