1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 review from UK and Ireland

Only problems have been the automatic boot locking being problematic.

Rear blind motor stopping working.

Otherwise totally reliable.

These big S classes are great they look like proper grosser Mercedes and are so well built they put the new S class to shame.

Motorway cruising is serene.

When driving hard on A roads the car seems to shrink around you and become almost sports car like and reacts and performs in a way that totally belies it's weigh and size.

Once the gearbox has mastered your driving style you can always be the first away from the lights should you want to be, or you can waft around like on a huge crest of torque feeling good about yourself and frightening other road users in small GTI's as you roar past them.

Passenger comfort in these cars is truly excellent with the rear of the cabin being seeming removed from all that is going with the rest of the world.

There is no other car you can by for so little money that will give so much road presence and luxury for so little money, it really does look like its off invading other countries when you stop using it!

I would reccomend buying a late model S500, its just the best of the range, superb engine and not that expensive to run if you are careful.

Great great car.