2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review
2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review
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Appraise This CarMercedes-Benz S-Class model years
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- State-of-the-art luxury features, top-notch interior, handling and performance of a smaller sedan, eye-popping performance from AMG models, available all-wheel drive, famed S-Class prestige.
Cons
- Expensive options, COMAND interface could be more intuitive.
What’s new
The Mercedes-Benz flagship gets a mild restyling for 2010, though the big news is that the S-Class gains a hybrid model that features the industry's first production use of a lithium-ion battery. There are also several new or enhanced electronics features.
Edmunds says
Its competitors are impressive, but the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class remains the definitive premium luxury sedan.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S400 Hybrid 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 7A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$256/mo for S-Class S400 Hybrid
S-Class S400 Hybrid
vs
$219/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
Since 1954, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has represented the pinnacle of European automotive engineering, design and trendsetting. Features like crumple zones, disc brakes (later of the antilock variety), air suspension, airbags, radar-based cruise control and navigation were just some of the things popularized by the Mercedes flagship over the years. Like watching a fashion runway show to see what'll be in your closet next fall, the S-Class is like looking into what you'll be driving in the future.
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class brings innovation to this fabled car nameplate, thanks to the new S400 Hybrid. Featuring the world's first application of a lithium-ion battery in a production hybrid, this allows the usual bulky battery pack to be packaged in the engine bay where the regular battery would be rather than taking up valuable real estate in the trunk. This also keeps weight down, and indeed, the S400 Hybrid weighs less than the S550. However, the S400 is considered a mild hybrid, meaning that the electric motor only aids the 3.5-liter V6 rather than being able to provide propulsion by itself like the Lexus parallel hybrid system. Even so, the Benz manages to match the combined fuel economy of the Lexus LS 600h while costing almost $20,000 less. Purchasing a hybrid model rarely makes financial sense and sometimes not much environmental sense either, but the S400 could be an exception to both.
Elsewhere in the S-Class -- which ranges from the hybrid to the 604-horsepower S65 AMG über-flagship -- a minor exterior redesign keeps things fresh. A few lines are sharper, and available LED daytime running lamps give the front end a more modern appearance. The meticulously crafted interior was left alone, and that's just fine by us, considering how great everything looks and feels.
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class remains a trendsetter despite being in a class full of them. The BMW 7 Series and Jaguar XJ have recently been redesigned with phenomenal success, and an all-new Audi A8 is just around the corner. Porsche's new Panamera is an astonishing sedan that drives like a proper Porsche, and the Maserati Quattroporte is yet another worthy competitor. It's hard to say a bad thing about any of those, but the S-Class provides the sort of engineering, design and high-tech features that we've come to expect for 55 years.
Performance & mpg
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S550 sports a 5.5-liter V8 that makes 382 hp and 391 pound-feet of torque. In testing, we've found that this is enough for a 5.7-second 0-60-mph time. A standard seven-speed automatic transmission routes power to the rear wheels. The S550 4Matic is all-wheel drive. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined with rear-drive and 14/21/17 with 4Matic. All V8-powered S-Class models get a seven-speed automatic transmission, while V12s are attached to a five-speed capable of handling their prodigious torque.
The S400 Hybrid features a 3.5-liter V6 coupled to a mild hybrid system (an electric motor provides additional boost for acceleration but cannot motivate the car by itself). The result is 295 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque and an estimated 0-60 time of 7.2 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 19/26/21.
The S600 gets a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V12 that pumps out 510 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque on its way to a Mercedes-estimated 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds. Fuel economy is 11/17/13.
The S63 AMG features a 6.2-liter V8 with 518 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. It goes from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and achieves fuel economy of 11/18/14. The S65 AMG has a twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 that produces an earth-orbit-altering 604 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. It hits 60 in 4.4 seconds. Fuel economy is 11/17/13.
Safety
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class comes packed with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver fatigue and inattention warning system. Also standard is Mercedes' PreSafe system, which can sense an impending crash and automatically tighten the seatbelts and reposition the power seats for maximum airbag protection. Optional features, depending on the trim, include a lane departure warning system, a blind-spot warning system, infrared Night Vision Assist and PreSafe braking, which uses the optional adaptive cruise control radar system to sense an impending crash and automatically apply the brakes.
In Edmunds brake testing, the S550 came to a stop from 60 mph in an excellent 108 feet. Surprisingly, the S63 and S65 took longer to stop (though not a lot) at 118 and 111 feet, respectively.
Driving
Ride and handling on the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class are compliant and fitting for a luxury sedan, yet the heavyweight four-door's capabilities go beyond what you'd expect. The Airmatic suspension system does a fine job gliding over bumps and ruts, and body lean is effectively kept in check. The steering is fairly quick and precise with a decent heft to the wheel, though most competing luxury sedans are more fun to drive. Nevertheless, the S-Class feels smaller than it is, even if we wouldn't exactly call it athletic.
The AMG nameplate takes the civilized S-Class and turns it into a suit-wearing goon who'll frighten your mother and make you think twice about messing with it. The S63's warbling V8 is blisteringly fast; the S65's twin-turbo V12 -- well, that's actually under consideration by NASA for its new Ares rocket. With 738 lb-ft of torque being sent to the rear wheels, you'll be going through an awful lot of rubber if you keep the traction control turned off.
Interior
The Mercedes flagship embodies craftsmanship and attention to detail. Panels are precisely placed, and materials quality is beyond reproach. Burnished wood and pliant leather gloss almost every nook and cranny, and the plastics used are soft and pleasantly textured. The COMAND electronics system uses a control knob and screen to operate most entertainment and navigation functions, but lacks the physical dash buttons of the more recent E, C and GLK Classes that make calling up frequently used functions easier. It may come as a shock, but we actually think the BMW 7 Series' latest version of the once-vilified iDrive is better.
Space is plentiful in the S-Class, even if there's no extended-wheelbase version like what is offered for some of its competitors. The front and rear seats can be equipped to heat you, cool you and massage you. Adjustable bolsters up front keep you in place through corners. The trunk offers 16.2 cubic feet of space, more than enough for golf clubs and a few suitcases.
2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class models
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is available as the S400 Hybrid, S550, all-wheel-drive S550 4Matic, S600, S63 AMG and S65 AMG. Standard equipment on the S400 Hybrid includes 18-inch wheels, air suspension and adaptive damping, automatic wipers, a sunroof, automatic headlights, power-folding heated mirrors, a power rear sunshade, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, 14-way power front seats, front seat memory functions, heated front seats and leather upholstery. Also standard are Bluetooth, a navigation system, the COMAND electronics interface and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo with six-CD changer, auxiliary audio jack, an iPod interface, HD radio and satellite radio. The Premium 1 package adds adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, adaptive high beams and ventilated front seats. The S550 comes standard with the Premium 1 package but is otherwise equally equipped.
Fitting the S400 and S550 with the Premium 2 package gets you upgraded front seats, keyless ignition and entry, front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. An upgraded Active Body Control suspension is offered on the rear-drive S550. All the above equipment comes standard on the S600, S63 and S65. The Sport package adds to the non-AMG models a sport body kit and 19-inch AMG wheels, while the Sport Package Plus upgrades to 20-inch rims. The S63 and S65 AMG models have AMG-calibrated adaptive suspension, high-power brakes, 20-inch wheels, styling enhancements, a sport exhaust and a sport steering wheel.
The following packages are optional on the S400, S550 and S63 and standard on the S600 and S65. The Driver Assistance package adds a blind-spot warning system, lane departure assist and adaptive cruise control. The Rear Seat package adds eight-way power outboard rear seats, four-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated rear seats. The Rear Seat Entertainment package includes a pair of headrest-mounted screens and two remote controls.
Power rear side window sunshades are standard on the S600, S63 and S65 and optional on the S400 and S550. A heated steering wheel is optional on all but the S600, which has it standard. A panoramic sunroof and infrared night-vision assist are standard on the S600 and S65 and optional on other models.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#35 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class from 2008-2022.$871/yr
vs. $729/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).2.06x/yr
vs. 1.74x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).17.4%
vs. 14.7%
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
5 star(81%)
4 star(10%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(0%)
32 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Love what you drive...and I love the S550
minh tran, 05/19/2016
2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
For the 2010, everything you need (and then some) is included in this car.
Engine is strong and accelerating with ease.
The ride is quiet and smooth.
Sport mode brings the car back alive with both acceleration and handling.
Only downside for me is bluetooth: voice only and no music streaming
Updates: i got the car 2.5 years ago with 50k miles and it is now 127k miles... still run … smooth as the day I got it. Cost abit for maint though. Her’s what I spent
$3400 for 4 shocks...all went dead around 105k miles and the car was sagging
2 set of tires aound $2500 total
Oild change every 7k miles with full synthentic ( $115x 10 = $1,150). I bought the oil and filter and have a mechanic close to where I live change and top off fluids and rotate tires
2 alignments (one paid for by Mercedes, the other one is $99) so just say $100 since labor only nonparts
A brandnew windshield - $100 deductible
Water pump and belt = $600
So all maint is about $8,000 not too bad for a S550
Now this the part that it will shock you
Fuel/gas = almost $15,000 but I did drive over 75,000 miles so about 30,800 miles a year...
It’s a nice car to drive but as you can see, cost about $23,000 to maintain it if you drive as much as I do. Hope this realistic review helps ya ...
Gas is about
4.63 out of 5 stars
Bar None
itzsyk, 12/17/2011
2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
This is my 5th S-Class, second one from this generation. Over the years the car has grown be the real luxury sedan it is known to be. If you're looking for a sport sedan, go for the AMG or Panamera. If you're looking for the most relax daily driver on the market, you can't go wrong with this. The pedal feels firm where you can feel the power through each inch you press. For 13" front and … 11" rear brakes, the car stops effortlessly. The 7-spd transmission is one of the best I've driven so far. The car has been flawless over the years. The only problem I've ever had, was to replace the wiper blades.
4.88 out of 5 stars
It does not get any better than this!
ben makowski, 01/16/2010
2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
traded 08 S550 4matic, third S class in a row and I have to honestly say, they just keep improving! The lighting on the 10 is very...well 2010! I think for the money you can not honestly buy a better car at this price point. If you can afford BUY IT!
5 out of 5 stars
Best in CLASS
doctorbenz911, 10/07/2014
2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
The 2009 S550 is a real monster, great powerful and excellent to drive. This is the best car I have ever owned. I just clocked 66531 miles on this baby she is smooth as silk and powerful like a lion. I have owned 5 other MBZ but this is the one to die for. You feel the safety, the handling and a big body benz will never leave you empty handed. The S- Class is fully loaded and more the … Interior is well laid out with all controls within easy access. I am averaging over 25 MPG in mixed city and highway driving. 4 Matic works great in all weather. This S550 is truly a a dream to drive and exceptional ride. The Eagle has landed.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the S-Class since its last redesign.
2010 S-Class Highlights
Sedan
S400 Hybrid
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $87,950 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Mild hybrid |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $256/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the S-Class include:
- Back-up camera
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Departure Warning
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Pre-collision safety system
- Post-collision safety system
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