Mercedes S-Coupé: Used car test

Anyone interested in a used model can start from the price equivalent of a properly equipped new golf 8. However, you should not be blinded by pure elegance and technical sophistication, but also plan for the possible downsides of the luxury glider, which weighs at least two tons, when it comes to maintenance.

This is him: At a minimum of 5.03 meters, the S-Class Coupé offers pure decadence. The silhouette with its mighty radiator grille, long hood, flowing roof and muscular rear is unmistakable and was only marginally changed in the 2017 facelift. Finely crafted down to the last detail, with plenty of fine wood, leather and decorative applications in the opulently designed interior, the S-Class Coupé is reminiscent of a luxury yacht for the road.

Opinions differ at the rear. It is elegant, but resembles the C and E Class Coupé.

Photo: Ingo Barenschee/Car Whiz

The concept with classic proportions dispenses with mundane things like spoilers or even B-pillars. If you roll down the side windows completely, you can experience the ultimate automotive freedom on fat seats. And, in a politically incorrect way, you can listen to the hopefully original exhaust rumbling depending on the driving mode. In contrast to the S-Class sedan, the C-217 coupé was only available as a petrol engine.

He has this: Designed as a rolling oasis of well-being, the C 217 offers everything that was once good and very expensive. Details such as an air suspension, panoramic roof, soft-close doors and ILS LED light are standard. In addition to different leather upholstery, there were various luxury options: LED headlights decorated with Swarovski crystals are just one example. Magic Body Control and night vision devices guarantee greater driving safety. Burmester 3D sound hits the perfect note. The AMG line is in demand, but actually unnecessary.

Monumental interior with great materials and fine workmanship.

Photo: Ingo Barenschee/Car Whiz

This is how he drives: Incredibly sublime, only few vehicles can master long distances with such talent. The combination of air suspension, double glazing and long-geared seven- or nine-speed automatic transmission makes the S-Coupé extremely relaxed. Depending on the configuration and version, there is rear-wheel or 4-matic all-wheel drive.

All engines guarantee superior propulsion. The V8 is a perfect fit.

Photo: Ingo Barenschee/Car Whiz

Even the 400 base engine produces 367 hp, which is more than enough for very confident driving. The 500 we drove with a double-charged 4.7-liter V8 (M 278) sounds bad, has 455 hp and pushes with a whopping 700 Nm. In 2017, it was replaced by the four-liter successor engine with 467 hp (M 176), which Mercedes listed as 560. The AMG variants S 63 and S 65 are even more expensive. They have bold aprons and sills as well as a powerful 585 to 630 hp and 900 to 1000 Nm. And the S 65 is also one of the last V12s!

This causes trouble: Mercedes offered a two-year new car warranty and a 30-year anti-corrosion guarantee ex works, provided all service appointments were kept. Typical problems are rare in well-maintained models. Be careful with re-imports from Dubai and the USA! Some supposed bargains have poorly repaired previous damage. Some previous owners were financially overwhelmed or experimented with conversions or body repairs on their own.

If the chassis sags, it is usually due to an air spring or a line leaking. The M-278 engine (up to March 16, 2015 and engine number 30266191) has sensitive Silitec raceways, where the coating sometimes dissolves. The result is high oil consumption. An engine overhaul would be extremely expensive in such a case.

Even after almost ten years, the 217 S Coupé is still an experience. Powerful, luxurious and fast, it is an attractive, affordable used GT. However, the follow-up costs remain high!