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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $100,172–$127,251 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.0/10, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class earns a Good rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 9.4/10, while Value at 5.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.1/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 9.4/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $100,172–$127,251, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sits in the luxury tier of the sedan market. The value score of 5.4/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but it needs the right buyer. Its performance and reliability and value scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class ranks #1048 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 20% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.5 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $100,172 starting price is about 262% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class scores 6.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.0 — and starts roughly $10,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.3/10 | $121,385 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.1/10 | $117,850 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.2/10 | $114,314 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.0/10 | $110,779 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.1/10 | $107,243 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.1/10 | $103,708 | Read review → |
| 2019 (this review) | 7.0/10 | $100,172 | |
| 2018 | 6.8/10 | $96,637 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 6.9/10 | $93,101 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 6.8/10 | $89,566 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.7/10 | $86,030 | Read review → |
| 2014 | 6.5/10 | $72,800 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Mercedes-Benz models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.