A car doesn’t get the accolade of the best in the world without good reason, but that’s what the critics said about the W221, or fifth-generation, S-Class when it debuted in 2006. 

With new flared-arch styling and a seven-speed automatic transmission across the range, Mercedes-Benz’s luxury flagship was an executive car that was hard to match and today it still is, especially now you can get one for a fraction of the £70,000-plus they cost to buy new. 

This one was even more expensive than that. A 5.5-litre V8 S500, it’s as close to the top of the range as you could get without opting for another four cylinders.

Stacked with equipment, it’s a sensationally luxurious thing and with just 44k on the clock, it’s barely run-in.

Supplied new in September 2006, the S-Class is one of the earliest UK-supplied W221s and comes with a Mercedes-Benz owners’ wallet and its original handbook, plus a COMAND sat nav DVD.

There’s a UK V5C and an MOT valid until next May. This machine has been cherished and has only visited the main dealer Doctor for all works that have needed to be carried out. There is a printout of all works that have been done (see pictures), the Services that have been carried out in summary are as follows; 8,645 MB Chelsea on 17.06.08, 19,071 MB Chelsea on 14.06.10, 27,118 MB Chelsea on 19.06.12, 30,696 MB Chelsea on 10.07.14, 36,764 MB Chelsea on 16.12.16 and finally also at MB Chelsea at 41,354 on 31.05.19. Although there is a detailed printout of the works done their is a service book that has had the service interval written in the book.

However, the MOT history confirms the mileage.

Trimmed in immaculate Ivory leather with contrasting trim, it’s obvious from the overall condition that this is a genuine low-mileage car. 

It’s in terrific order, with a cabin that still looks inviting and fresh today. 

Everything works including the dual-zone climate control and sunroof, along with the COMAND sat nav and infotainment unit. There is also a set of original Mercedes-Benz over mats.

Other desirable extras include Double Glazed Windows - to keep the external road noise out of the car for maximum luxury, a self-dimming rear-view mirror, radar-operates distance sensitive cruise control, a part-wood steering wheel, rear passenger light up vanity mirrors, Premium Heated and Cooled Beige interior, Premium Wood Trim (immaculate order), Secret storage compartments all over the interior, heated and cooled electric seats, Electric Mirrors, Folding Mirrors, Harman-Kardon surround sound stereo and a Mercedes-Benz phone installation kit, the list goes on and on, this is a fully spec'd machine that is dripping in luxury.

The flared arches of the W221 S-Class do a good job of hiding its vast bulk – it’s a huge car, and one with remarkable presence.

It looks great in its dark Capri Blue metallic paint and is in very good condition with no panel damage or major stone chips – the only thing of any note being some scuffs on the rear bumper from a car park scrape.

Get the bumper painted and it’ll look almost as good as new.

The S500 came with an upgraded version of the W220 S-Class’s V8, increased in capacity from 5.0 to 5.5-litres. 

It develops a punchy 385bhp, fed to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission that was new to the model in 2006. 

It drives well and appears to be in good order, with no lights on the dash and a smooth, almost silent idle.

Most W221s are high mileage cars, as so many were used for corporate work or executive transfers. Finding one that hasn’t been driven hard or well-used is difficult, which makes this one a real rarity. 

The list of unused extra's is endless especially being a one owner car from new. You can really tell that this has been used sparingly as a second or third car due to the mileage and exceptional condition. 

It’s a lovely, luxurious and grand executive car that would have cost almost £100k new, but can now be yours for a fraction of that.