A car doesn’t get the accolade of being 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 an opulent, cossetting cabin, 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 what they cost to buy new.
This one is as indulgent as they get – the absolute flagship of the range. It’s a long-wheelbase S600L with a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V12 under the bonnet, and over £10,000 worth of factory options on top of the original £115,540 list price.
It began life as part of Mercedes-Benz’s own Corporate Fleet, being used as a VIP chauffeur vehicle for the first nine months of its life. After that, it was purchased as an Approved Used Car from Mercedes-Benz Direct by its current owner, who has used it as pretty much his daily transport for the past 11 years. It’s a super-saloon par excellence and is still in lovely condition.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
One owner from 2012 onward
Former Mercedes-Benz chauffeur car
UK V5C
MOT until Feb 2024
Mercedes-Benz owners’ wallet
Original handbook
COMAND sat nav DVD.
Full service record printout
Stamped service book
Lever arch file of service invoices documenting a lifetime of care
THE INTERIOR
Ultra-rare Chestnut Brown leather upholstery
Wood-trimmed steering wheel
Light burr walnut veneer inlays (special order)
Anthracite Alcantara headlining
Heated and cooled massage seats
Mercedes-Benz COMAND sat nav
Twin panoramic sunroofs
DISTRONIC radar cruise control
PARKTRONIC automated parking assist
Rear view parking camera with cross-traffic alert
Dual zone climate control
Mercedes-Benz accessory floor mat
Self-dimming rear-view mirror
Refrigerated glovebox
Harman-Kardon surround sound speakers
Rear TV/DVD system with three sets of earphones and remote control
Keyless start
Heated windscreen washers
Electric rear roller blind and side door blinds in rear
Night view assist
THE EXTERIOR
Obsidian Black Metallic
19-inch 20-spoke alloys – one centre cap missing and minor kerb marks all-round
Brand new Uniroyal front tyres
All original chrome and trim
Good headlamps with no fading or deterioration
Generally excellent paintwork with no notable dents or damage
A few stone chips on the bonnet and very minor marks all-round, commensurate with age and use
Never accident damaged and with no major dents or marks
THE MECHANICS
5.5-litre V12 bi-turbo
509bhp – 0-60mph in 5.1 seconds
Five-speed automatic transmission
Comprehensively serviced with 24 entries in the car’s digital service record over 12 years, mostly by main dealerships
Driven almost daily since 2012 with a perfect reliability record
Drives well, with effortless performance and no known faults
SUMMARY
As luxury cars go, this one is as close as you can get to a Maybach or Rolls-Royce without paying top dollar. It’s a really smart example of the absolute pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz ownership in its day, and today it’s the ideal opportunity to get behind the wheel of an ultra-luxury V12 saloon for a mere fraction of its original price tag. It’s a very well-loved and cared-for car that’s a credit to its current owner and will be an absolute pleasure and delight to its next.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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