Mercedes-Benz S-Class value and depreciation
Known for flagship tech and chauffeur luxury.
Projected value of a new Mercedes-Benz S-Class
We class the Mercedes-Benz S-Class as a luxury flagship & exotic in our 12-tier model, which puts its retention at roughly 54% after three years and 37% after five. Flagship saloons and exotics shed value brutally once the first owner is done. Some halo cars (911, certain AMG and M cars) beat this curve and carry per-model overrides.
Retention table
| After | Retained | Retail value | Trade-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 76% | R 2 011 739 | R 1 770 330 |
| 3 years | 54% | R 1 427 945 | R 1 256 592 |
| 5 years | 37% | R 988 458 | R 869 843 |
| 7 years | 25% | R 675 599 | R 594 527 |
| 10 years | 14% | R 374 552 | R 329 606 |
Estimates for a new purchase at R 2 652 260; retail basis, trade-in ≈ 12% under retail.
Every generation of the S-Class lands in SA as the technology flagship of the whole market. New buyers are mostly chauffeur-driven executives, while used buyers get limousine luxury for a fraction of list price because depreciation is brutal. Running costs on older examples can sting.
What used S-Class years are worth today
Tap a year for the full breakdown: value range, remaining depreciation, and what to pay.
| Year | Est. retail today | Trade-in | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 S-Class | R 2 652 260 | R 2 333 989 | Details → |
| 2025 S-Class | R 1 906 862 | R 1 678 039 | Details → |
| 2024 S-Class | R 1 522 778 | R 1 340 045 | Details → |
| 2023 S-Class | R 1 216 058 | R 1 070 131 | Details → |
| 2022 S-Class | R 959 014 | R 843 932 | Details → |
| 2021 S-Class | R 756 303 | R 665 547 | Details → |
| 2020 S-Class | R 596 440 | R 524 867 | Details → |
| 2019 S-Class | R 464 432 | R 408 700 | Details → |
| 2018 S-Class | R 361 640 | R 318 243 | Details → |
| 2017 S-Class | R 281 600 | R 247 808 | Details → |
| 2016 S-Class | R 219 274 | R 192 961 | Details → |
| 2015 S-Class | R 170 743 | R 150 254 | Details → |
S-Class against its rivals
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: common questions
What is a Mercedes-Benz S-Class worth after 3 years?
A Mercedes-Benz S-Class bought new today for R 2 652 260 is projected to be worth about R 1 427 945 after three years, which is 54% of its price. A dealer trade-in offer would sit closer to R 1 256 592.
Does the Mercedes-Benz S-Class hold its value?
We class the Mercedes-Benz S-Class as a luxury flagship & exotic in our 12-tier model, which puts its retention at roughly 54% after three years and 37% after five. Flagship saloons and exotics shed value brutally once the first owner is done. Some halo cars (911, certain AMG and M cars) beat this curve and carry per-model overrides.
What does a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class cost?
As a guide: a 2024 model is worth about R 1 522 778 retail today, while a 2015 model sits around R 170 743. Condition, mileage and spec move real prices by 10% or more either way.
What would a Mercedes-Benz S-Class cost per month?
Financing a new Mercedes-Benz S-Class at R 2 652 260 over 72 months at 11.75% with a 10% deposit comes to roughly R 46 357 per month before bank fees and insurance.
Keep going
All figures are modelled estimates for planning, not offers or valuations. Data reviewed 2026.