Buying & Owning
Ian Cushway searches out new and used parts prices
The W221 offers unrivalled bang for your buck – but when buying, go in with your eyes wide open...
Funnily enough, despite the fifthgeneration W221 S-Class with its oddly flared wheelarches and Maybach-like rump raising more than a few eyebrows at launch in 2006, its angular styling seems bang on trend today. And it’s a lot more dramatic than the bland W220 it replaced. Now, before you start thinking this level of luxur y is likely to be well out of reach, think again because the least expensive six-cylinder cars can be had for as little as £3000 and if you buy wisely, shop around for parts and make good friends with an independent specialist, it shouldn’t be too ruinous to run and maintain, either.
For that now insanely small amount of money (at least compared to its new list price of nudging £60k) you’ll be getting a classy luxur y car that still feels rock solid and will impress with its magic carpet ride, Rolls-Royce levels of refinement and a host of technically-advanced features which even included seats able to give you a massage while driving as an option. Imagine how useful that could prove on a long journey!
The engine line up in this era Mercedes ranged from the S280 3.0-litre V6 to the monster 6.0-litre V12 in the S65, though the majority of people opted for the middle ground models when new – namely the S320 (pre-facelift) and S350 (post-facelift) CDi diesels. And these are the cars that populate the classifieds in the greatest numbers. Producing 227bhp and 254bhp respectively, they still feel quick and provide a supremely relaxing way of getting from A to B.
And the ride? Well, as you glide along in the W221 you won’t even notice the potholes and it’s whisper quiet. Moreover, that auspicious air of sophistication isn’t restricted to the front as rear seat passengers are in for a treat as well with lots of leg and headroom. At 560-litres, the boot’s big too so you won’t need to clutter up the footwells with bags. Meanwhile, the steering feels sharp and accurate for such a big car and although it’s light there’s enough driver feedback to make it enjoyable to pilot.
Another reason to buy a W221 is the sheer level of tech which includes all manner of innovative driver aids such as Pre-Safe automatic crash mitigation (which even closes the side windows if you’re about to have a smash), Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Distronic radar cruise control to name just a few. It’s an impressive package to say the least.
