Big Mercedes sedans have always been the ultimate automobiles. They scream success, are engineered to be driven hard, and keep the general public at bay. The S-Class projects confidence, prestige, and a certain amount of cold indifference.

Starting at just under $70,000 for the surprisingly speedy S320 six-cylinder sedan, and topping out at double that price for a S600 twelve-cylinder behemoth, the S-Class doesn't seem much like a mega-buck automobile on the inside. The switchgear feels relatively chintzy, the flimsy dash panel above the central vents is totally unacceptable in a car of this caliber, and the cheesy terry cloth fabric covering the lower dash feels and looks low rent.

Ergonomics are slightly marred by a plethora of confusing pictographs. Otherwise, the dash layout is perfect, as is the seating position. Step out and close the door; the thunk as it shuts exudes quality craftsmanship. The exterior styling is slab-sided and massive, making the car look fat. Aside from the traditional grille, the S-Class is devoid of exterior character, more so than the pedestrian Lexus LS400, and in startling contrast to the BMW 7-Series.

For 1996, Mercedes has developed an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) for the S-Class, and other Mercedes models, that helps the driver retain control of the big Benz at all times while driving in adverse conditions. ESP is standard on the V12 models and optional on V8 models. A new electronic five-speed transmission is installed on V12 and V8 models, and all S-Class sedans get a power glass sunroof standard. Gone is the S350 Turbodiesel.

Prices are way out of line, but evidently some people feel that the S-Class is worth it. Mercedes sold about 15,000 of these cars in 1994. We think some of those folks would have been happier with the BMW 7-Series or the Lexus LS400. We would.

1996 Highlights

No cosmetic improvements to the S-Class this year; everything new is under the skin. ESP is standard on the S600 and optional on V8 models. ESP is a stability control system designed to help the driver keep the S-Class under control at all times. V8 and V12 versions get a new five-speed automatic, and all models get a standard power glass sunroof and smog-sensing climate control system. The S350 Turbodiesel is history.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Overall Consumer Rating

4.810 reviews

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5(80%)

4(20%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

Most helpful consumer reviews

S320SWB

GIUSEPPE,03/29/2003

A FABULOUS USED CAR AT 25 GRAND AND FIVE YRS OLD AT TIME OF PURCHASE LOOKS AND FEELS LIKE NEW PERFECT SHAPE NO PROBLEMS HAD ORIGINAL TIRES WHEN BOUGHT AT 48 K MILES.COMPARES TO BEST OF LUXURY SEDANS EVEN WITH SIX CYL.HAS GOOD POWER AND QUIET BEYOND BELIEF RIDE

Best car ever

Ned,05/24/2010

This car is amazing. It rides smoothly, has the power when it is needed, and it still has the looks after 15 years.

MB S600

tareq,10/08/2008

A fabulous car from 13 years the date I bought and still feels and looks new. It is a great car with great power of 12 cylinders. I love this car. I bought a new 2008 Lexus and I had to do some repairs after 6 months, but the Mercedes I had nothing to do but the checkups every year

Best Car at 60+ mph

Steve at California,09/23/2003

The above title stated clearly: this is the best car I ever ride on highway. A perfect balance between performance and luxury. With the 5.0 litter V-8, the S- 500 is, (may I say), sporty at highway speed. Plenty of passing power/touque, and the car achieves the speed in such a quiet and effortless manner. The gas mileage is not too bad, since most of the time I do not

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Features & Specs

MPG

14 city / 20 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed automatic

Gas

275 hp @ 5700 rpm

MPG

15 city / 22 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed automatic

Gas

228 hp @ 5600 rpm

MPG

11 city / 17 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed automatic

Gas

389 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG

14 city / 19 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed automatic

Gas

315 hp @ 5600 rpm

See all Used 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class features & specs

Safety

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
0

More about the 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Used 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Overview

The Used 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is offered in the following submodels: S-Class Sedan, S-Class Coupe. Available styles include S420 4dr Sedan, S600 2dr Coupe, S320 LWB 4dr Sedan, S600 4dr Sedan, S500 2dr Coupe, S500 4dr Sedan, and S320 SWB 4dr Sedan.

What's a good price on a Used 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

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Which used 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Classes are available in my area?

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Should I lease or buy a 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Check out Mercedes-Benz lease specials
Check out Mercedes-Benz S-Class lease specials

Used 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

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