You know that feeling when you sit in a car and suddenly feel like you’ve made it? That’s the W222. Specifically, the Mercedes S Class 2017. It’s a weirdly specific year because it sits right on the edge of the major "facelift" refresh that happened later that season, making it a goldmine for anyone hunting for a used luxury bargain that doesn't actually look used. Honestly, if you’re looking at one today, you’re basically trying to figure out if the massive depreciation hit the first owner took is your gain.
It is.
Back in 2017, this car was the undisputed king of the corporate parking lot. It wasn't just about the three-pointed star on the hood, though that helps when you’re valet parking at a nice steakhouse. It was about the fact that Mercedes-Benz threw every piece of tech they had at this chassis. We’re talking about a car that can literally "see" speed bumps before you hit them.
What’s actually under the hood?
Depending on which badge is stuck to the trunk, the experience changes wildly. Most people went for the S550. It’s got that 4.7-liter biturbo V8. It pushes 449 horsepower, which sounds like a lot, and it is, but it doesn't feel like a race car. It feels like a private jet taking off. Smooth. Relentless. Quiet. If you find one with the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, it’s basically a tank in the snow, albeit a very shiny, expensive tank.
Then there’s the S63 AMG. That’s a different beast entirely. It’s louder, angrier, and frankly, a bit overkill for most people who just want to get to the office without a headache. But if you want to embarrass a Porsche 911 at a stoplight while getting a hot stone massage from your seat, that’s the one.
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The interior is where the Mercedes S Class 2017 wins
Step inside. Smell the Nappa leather. It’s thick. It’s real. Unlike some modern "luxury" cars that use sustainable plant-based fabrics that feel like recycled gym shorts, the 2017 S-Class is old-school opulence. The dual 12.3-inch high-resolution screens were groundbreaking at the time. Sure, by 2026 standards, the graphics might feel a tiny bit dated compared to the MBUX "Hyperscreen," but they are still crisp and, more importantly, they don't lag.
The seats? They’re better than your couch. Probably better than your bed.
Mercedes offered something called the "Magic Body Control" on the rear-wheel-drive models. It uses a stereo camera to scan the road surface ahead and adjusts the suspension in milliseconds. You hit a pothole and you barely hear a thud. You don't feel it. It’s eerie. It’s the kind of engineering that makes you realize why these cars cost over $100,000 when they were new.
Real talk about maintenance costs
Let's be real for a second. Buying a used Mercedes S Class 2017 isn't like buying a used Camry. If something breaks, it’s going to hurt your wallet. The air suspension (Airmatic) is a common point of failure as these cars age. A single strut can cost you $1,500 to $2,000 at a dealership.
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- Electronics: With over 100 electric motors in the car, something eventually stops clicking.
- Brakes: They’re heavy cars. They eat pads and rotors.
- Tires: Don't expect 50,000 miles out of a set.
If you can't afford the $2,000 a year in potential "surprise" maintenance, you probably shouldn't buy one. But if you have a good independent mechanic who knows German cars? You’re golden.
Why this year is the "sweet spot"
The 2017 model year is interesting because it’s the final year before the mid-cycle refresh (the 2018 model). Some people prefer the 2017 because the steering wheel looks more classic—three spokes, chunky, real buttons. The 2018 moved to more touch-sensitive controls which, honestly, can be a bit annoying to use while driving.
Also, the 2017 S550 uses the M278 engine. It’s a proven V8. While the 2018 moved to a 4.0-liter V8, the 4.7-liter in the 2017 has a certain "old school" torque feel that's hard to replicate. It’s effortless.
Safety that still beats modern cars
Mercedes-Benz has always used the S-Class to debut safety tech that trickles down to your niece's CLA five years later. In 2017, they already had Pre-Safe Impulse Side. If the car senses a side impact is unavoidable, it inflates the seat bolsters to push you toward the center of the car, away from the door. It even plays a "pink noise" sound through the speakers right before a crash to trigger a reflex in your ear that protects your hearing from the loud bang of the accident.
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Who else was doing that in 2017? Nobody.
Actionable insights for buyers
If you are seriously looking at a Mercedes S Class 2017 right now, there are three things you absolutely must do.
First, get a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI). Do not skip this. You want a tech to put a diagnostic computer on it and check for stored codes in the Distronic system or the suspension modules. Second, check the service history for oil changes. These biturbo engines are sensitive to old oil. Third, look for the "Premium 1 Package." It adds the ventilated seats and the power rear sunshades—things that make the car feel like a true S-Class.
Search for cars with under 60,000 miles if possible. The major service intervals happen around then, and you’ll want to know if the spark plugs and transmission fluid have been swapped out. If they haven't, use that as a bargaining chip to knock a few thousand off the price. It's a buyer's market for big luxury sedans because everyone wants SUVs right now. Take advantage of that. You get twice the car for half the price of a new mid-size crossover.