Mercedes Classe S W222 (2013 – 2020)

Reliability score : 7.2/10

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222) represented the pinnacle of luxury and technology for the brand with the star upon its release. Replacing the W221, it introduced major innovations such as the predictive Magic Body Control suspension, 100% LED lighting (without a single conventional bulb), and a dual 12.3-inch screen interface. Evolution: A major facelift (Phase 2) occurred in mid-2017. It brought a new lighting signature, improved driving aids, but above all a revolution under the hood: the abandonment of V6 engines in favor of new inline 6-cylinders (M256 petrol, OM656 diesel) with 48V mild-hybrid technology, and the replacement of the 4.7L V8 (M278) with the 4.0L V8 (M176/M177). Overall rating: It is an absolute benchmark in terms of comfort. However, its technological complexity requir

✅ Strengths

Exceptional ride comfort (especially with Magic Body Control)
Benchmark soundproofing in the category
Sumptuous finish quality and interior materials
On-board technology still up to date (screens, driving aids)
Reliability of the inline 6-cylinder (Phase 2) and 4.0L V8 engines

⚠️ Weaknesses

Very high maintenance, insurance, and repair costs
Disastrous reliability of the 4.7L V8 (M278) in the Phase 1 S 500
Frequent electronic bugs on early model years (2013-2015)
Temperamental 48V hybrid system on M256 engines
Steep depreciation (although this is an advantage on the used market)

🎯 Verdict

The Mercedes S-Class W222 is an engineering masterpiece, but it requires a well-lined wallet for its maintenance. Our advice: Absolutely favor a Phase 2 (post-2017) version. The inline 6-cylinder engines (S 450 / S 500) are excellent despite some quirks from the 48V system, and the new 4.0L V8 (S 560) erases the serious reliability issues of its predecessor. To avoid: The Phase 1 (2013-2017) S 500 and AMG S 63 equipped with the M278 and M157 V8s, unless you have a meticulous maintenance history, a perfect endoscopic inspection of the cylinders, and a solid warranty. The replacement costs of a scored V8 engine often exceed the residual value of the vehicle.

Common issues

Défaillance du système de suspension AIRMATIC/ABC High

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 1 000 – 2 500 € (par composant, ex: amortisseur ou compresseur)

Vérifier l'assiette du véhicule et l'absence de bruits anormaux de la suspension.

Dysfonctionnements électroniques et du système d'infodivertissement (COMAND) Medium

🔧 50 000 km et plus

💶 300 – 1 500 € (selon la complexité, de la mise à jour au remplacement de module)

Tester toutes les fonctions électroniques et l'écran tactile/molette.

Problèmes de décharge de batterie (parasitaire) Medium

🔧 70 000 km et plus

💶 200 – 800 € (diagnostic et remplacement batterie/recherche de fuite)

S'assurer que la batterie tient la charge et qu'il n'y a pas de démarrage difficile.

Infiltration d'humidité ou défaillance des modules de phares LED Medium

🔧 100 000 km et plus

💶 1 500 – 3 000 € (par unité de phare)

Inspecter visuellement les phares pour toute trace d'humidité ou de dysfonctionnement.

Défaillance du mécanisme de fermeture assistée des portes (Soft-Close) Low

🔧 100 000 km et plus

💶 400 – 800 € (par porte)

Tester le bon fonctionnement de la fermeture assistée sur toutes les portes.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£140 – 240
Complete brakes	£700 – 1 300
Estimated annual budget	£1 300 – 2 800

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.