The 2017 Mercedes S Class Sedan is a weirdly perfect snapshot of an era. It sits right in that sweet spot where the technology feels modern enough to satisfy a gadget nerd, yet the build quality hasn't been sacrificed to the gods of cost-cutting that seem to haunt more recent models. If you’ve ever sat in one, you know the smell. It’s that specific mix of Nappa leather and expensive German engineering. It feels heavy. Not heavy like a truck, but heavy like a bank vault that happens to go zero to sixty in under five seconds.
Buying one now isn't just about showing off. Honestly, it’s a bit of a life hack. You're getting a car that originally cost upwards of $100,000 for the price of a brand-new, mid-trim Honda Accord. But there’s a catch. There is always a catch with a flagship Mercedes.
What makes the 2017 model year special?
The 2017 Mercedes S Class Sedan was the final year before the "facelift" or Refresh (LCI in BMW speak). Some people think that makes it outdated. They’re wrong. The 2017 model, specifically the W222 chassis, represents the peak of the pre-refresh design. You get the iconic "Stardust" effect in the taillights and the twin-blade radiator grille on the S550. Under the hood of the S550—which is the one everyone actually wants—lies the 4.7-liter Biturbo V8. It produces 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It’s effortless.
Driving this car feels like the road is being ironed out in front of you. Mercedes calls their suspension system "Magic Body Control," and while that sounds like something from a late-night infomercial, it actually uses cameras to scan the road for bumps and pre-adjusts the dampers. It’s eerie. You see a pothole, you brace for the impact, and then... nothing happens. The car just glides.
The reality of the S550 vs. the S63 AMG
Most buyers gravitate toward the S550. It’s the sensible choice, if a V8 luxury barge can be called sensible. But then there’s the S63. If the S550 is a private jet, the S63 is a private jet with afterburners. The 2017 S63 AMG features a handcrafted 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine. It’s louder. It’s meaner. It has 577 horsepower.
But here’s a secret: for daily driving, the S550 is actually better.
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The S63 uses a multi-clutch transmission that can be a bit jerky in stop-and-go traffic. It wants to run. The S550 uses the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission which is smooth as silk. If you’re sitting in traffic on the 405 or the I-95, you don't want a race car. You want a spa. The 2017 Mercedes S Class Sedan is, first and foremost, a spa on wheels. The "Energizing Comfort" systems can coordinate the climate control, fragrance system, heaters, and massage functions. Yes, it has a hot stone massage setting. It actually works.
Interior tech: Does it feel old?
This is where people get nervous. We live in a world of massive MBUX hyperscreens now. The 2017 Mercedes S Class Sedan has two 12.3-inch high-resolution screens. They aren't touchscreens. You use a rotary controller and a touchpad on the center console.
Some people hate this. I’d argue it’s actually safer.
Once you learn the menu muscle memory, you aren't looking away from the road to poke at a glass pane. You’re just clicking. Plus, the 2017 model was one of the first to really nail the ambient lighting. You have 64 colors to choose from. It makes the cabin look like a high-end lounge at 2 AM. The Burmester Surround Sound system is also standard, and even the "base" version is better than almost any premium system in a non-luxury car today. If you find one with the High-End 3D Surround system, buy it. It has speakers that literally rotate out of the A-pillars when you turn the car on. It’s pure theater.
The "Maintenance Tax" nobody likes to talk about
We have to be real here. A used 2017 Mercedes S Class Sedan is a bargain to buy, but it is not a bargain to own. If a sensor goes bad in the Distronic Plus system (the fancy adaptive cruise control), it isn't a $50 fix. It’s a $1,500 fix.
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The Airmatic suspension is another thing. Air bags leak eventually. It’s just physics. When they do, the car will sit low on one side like it’s tired. Replacing those struts at a dealership can cost as much as a used Toyota Corolla.
- Pro Tip: Find a good independent German car specialist. Never take an out-of-warranty S-Class to the dealership unless you just enjoy lighting money on fire.
- Check the records: If the previous owner didn't change the transmission fluid at 60,000 miles, walk away.
- Tires: These cars eat tires. They are heavy and the alignment needs to be spot-on. Budget for a new set of Michelins every 20,000 to 25,000 miles if you drive spiritedly.
Is the V12 S600 worth the headache?
There is a small, dedicated group of people who believe a real S-Class must have twelve cylinders. The 2017 S600 is a masterpiece of smoothness. It doesn't even sound like an engine; it sounds like a distant electric hum. However, the S600 is a maintenance nightmare compared to the V8. Everything is doubled. Two turbochargers, two banks of cylinders, and a much tighter engine bay that makes labor costs skyrocket. Unless you are a collector or have a dedicated mechanic on retainer, stick to the S550. The V8 is more than enough power for anyone who isn't trying to outrun a helicopter.
Safety that still beats most new cars
Mercedes-Benz usually introduces safety tech in the S-Class that doesn't show up in "normal" cars for another decade. In 2017, this car already had Pre-Safe Impulse Side. If the car detects a side impact is imminent, it uses the seat bolsters to quickly push the occupant toward the center of the car—away from the impact zone.
It also has "Pre-Safe Sound." This is wild. If the car senses a crash, it emits a "pink noise" through the speakers. This triggers a natural reflex in your ear (the stapedius reflex) that effectively shuts out the loud bang of the accident, protecting your hearing. Most 2024 SUVs don't even have that.
The "Maybach" confusion
In 2017, you could also get the Mercedes-Maybach S550 and S600. These are essentially "extended" versions of the 2017 Mercedes S Class Sedan. They are about 8 inches longer. If you are driving yourself, don't get the Maybach. It’s harder to park and feels like driving a bus. The Maybach is for being driven in. The standard (well, long-wheelbase is standard in the US) S550 is the driver’s choice. It’s balanced. It feels nimble for its size, thanks to the steering being surprisingly communicative.
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What to look for when shopping
Don't just look at the odometer. A 2017 Mercedes S Class Sedan with 80,000 highway miles is often in better shape than one with 30,000 miles that only did short trips to the grocery store. These engines like to reach operating temperature and stay there.
Check the "Cradle" of the seat. If the leather is cracked, the previous owner didn't condition it. That’s a sign of general neglect. Look at the wheels for curb rash. If they couldn't be bothered to park carefully, did they bother to do the oil changes on time? Probably not.
Also, verify the "Head-Up Display" works. It’s a great feature, but the projectors can occasionally burn out or get misaligned, and it’s a dashboard-out job to fix it.
Why it still matters today
We are moving toward a world of electric cars and minimalist interiors. There’s something dignified about the 2017 Mercedes S Class Sedan. It’s the last of the old guard. It’s analog luxury meeting digital capability. It doesn't try to be a giant smartphone. It tries to be the best car in the world.
For the person who wants to travel 500 miles and arrive feeling more refreshed than when they started, there is simply no substitute. You get the prestige, the safety, and the "waft" factor that brands like Tesla or even Lexus haven't quite mastered to this level.
Actionable Next Steps for Potential Buyers:
- Run a VMI (Vehicle Master Inquiry): If you’re buying from a Mercedes dealer, ask for this. It shows every single warranty repair and service done at any Mercedes dealership nationwide.
- Test the soft-close doors: Go around to all four doors and the trunk. Close them gently. If the motor doesn't "suck" the door shut, the pneumatic pump is failing. That’s a $1,000 negotiating point.
- Check for the "Cabin Fragrance" bottle: It’s in the glovebox. If it’s empty, it’s about $100 to replace. If the system doesn't work at all, it could be a sign of a deeper electrical gremlin.
- Prioritize the Premium 1 Package: This includes the ventilated seats and the power rear-window sunshade. In a car like this, you really don't want to skip the creature comforts.
- Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI): Spend the $300. Have a mechanic check the oil filter housing for leaks and the engine mounts for vibrations. These are common 2017-era wear items that can cost thousands if caught too late.