The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is easily one of the classiest and most elegant high-end luxury cars in the entire auto market. This flagship luxury sedan delivers high-end materials, excellent features, and a full package of amazing tech. The S-Class features several trims and power options, but it’s lacking in one key area. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class resale value isn’t nearly as high as it should be.

Where does the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class resale value rank?

If you buy or lease the S-Class, J.D. Power’s projected resale value suggests you should hang onto this car instead of selling or returning it after three years. The forecasted depreciation score is 64 out of 100, which puts this high-class luxury sedan in the Fair range.

During the first three years, most cars depreciate heavily, but most high-end luxury cars experience a higher-than-average depreciation rate. After five years, Car Edge tells us the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class resale value will be 46% lower than its initial value. This means buying this car in the used car market could be a smart move compared to buying it new.

How many options are there for the S-Class?

The 2023 version of this flagship Mercedes-Benz luxury car comes in six different trims. These trims are:

• 500 4Matic
• 580e 4Matic
• 580 4Matic
• AMG 63 E Performance
• Maybach 580 4Matic
• Maybach 680 4Matic

The base model 500 4Matic gets things started with an excellent package of features and ample power. The powertrain for this S-Class sedan is a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder model that produces 429 hp. This system uses a mild-hybrid setup, includes the 4Matic AWD, and sends power to the wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Some of the features included in this base Mercedes-Benz sedan are:

• Torque-vectoring suspension
• Air suspension
• Full LED exterior lights
• Panoramic power moonroof
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Gesture-activated hands-free power trunk lid
• Ventilated and massaging 12-way power front seats
• Power rear sunshades
• 64-color ambient interior lighting
• Electronic air purification and cabin fragrance system
• 12.8-inch center multimedia touchscreen
• Fingerprint-activated personalized settings
• Multiple USB-C charge ports
• 710-watt Burmester 3D audio system with 15 speakers

As expected, the S-Class offers several options to increase the comfort and quality found in this high-end luxury sedan. Some of the packages available for the S 500 are the Warmth and Comfort Package, the Technology Package, and several standalone items that improve this already impressive base model.

Climb the tree for a better Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan

The top trim levels are the Maybach models. These two trims are limousine-luxurious with impressive two-tone paint and power-operated doors. The cabin features a fantastic rear-seat area with folding tables, champagne flutes, and a chiller box for the bubbly. If you choose one of these trims, you’ll likely also want to hire a driver to ensure you can experience the pure comfort of the rear seat.

Resale value aside, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is excellent

Although the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class resale rating is only listed as Fair and decreases significantly over the first five years on the road, the high-end qualities of this luxury sedan could make it easy to drive this car for several years before trading it for a new model.