MERCEDES S-CLASS (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 6,819 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,607
£217/month
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Excellent
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3498cc Hybrid
Great Choice
91% pass rate, £2607/year to run. 9 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3498cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
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 10 years old, 91% of MERCEDES S-CLASSs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 6,819 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 74,260 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
74,260
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 MERCEDES S-CLASS has 74,260 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
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%.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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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 2026, 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 10 years old, MERCEDES S-CLASS owners drive about as much as the UK average.
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 £2,607 (£217/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 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 10 years old, the MERCEDES S-CLASS is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 MERCEDES S-CLASS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Hybrid Battery Health
Watch outAfter 10 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.
Inverter and Power Electronics
Medium riskThe inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.
Regenerative Braking
Medium riskBrake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2016 MERCEDES S-CLASS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES S-CLASS(2016) | 91% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2607 |
| LEXUS RX(2017) | 95% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 35-50 | £2037-£570 |
| PORSCHE PANAMERA(2018) | 95% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 35-50 | £2037-£570 |
| LEXUS GS(2016) | 94% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£510 |
| HONDA NSX(2017) | 98% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 35-50 | £2037-£570 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Mercedes Models
Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.
MERCEDES A
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
LEXUS RX
2017 · 3456cc Hybrid
PORSCHE PANAMERA
2018 · 3996cc Hybrid
LEXUS GS
2016 · 3456cc Hybrid
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