The automotive industry has long been marked by fierce competition among luxury sedans, and, as a result, unlikely competitors like the Lincoln Continental and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class share the space. These two used luxury cars boast comfort, performance, and sophistication, although they come from very different sources. So, does a used CD4-platform Lincoln Continental deserve a spot in the same conversation as a Mercedes-Benz S-Class? 

Is the Lincoln Continental bigger than a Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

Despite being full-size luxury cars, a Mercedes-Benz S-Class is much longer and heavier than a comparable Lincoln Continental.  

Of course, the dimensional song and dance changes when you consider trim levels and drivetrains. For instance, the all-wheel drive (AWD) system in the entry-level Continental Standard adds 172 lbs over the rear-wheel drive model. Similarly, the lavish 2020 S560 4MATIC tips the scales at 4,850 lbs, nearly 300 lbs more than the entry-level S450. 

What’s more, Car and Driver found that, despite the S-Class’s extra length, the Continental’s trunk swallowed up an extra travel bag more so than the big Merc. Still, baggage stored isn’t exactly the measure of a luxury car.  

Despite the expansive size and classic luxury appeal of the Continental, the S-Class is another animal altogether

A tenth-generation Lincoln Continental might be spacious, serene, and sophisticated. However, if the Continental is a junior executive’s ride, the S-Class is the founder and CEO’s preferred runabout. 

While a range-topping Continental Black Label could wear posh materials like leather, wood, and aluminum, a used S-Class is a masterclass in meticulous excess. With options like diamond-stitch leather, wood, and a perfume-infused climate control system, passengers will want for nothing. It’s no wonder the Continental started at half of what a comparably old S-Class demanded. 

Furthermore, the most recent Lincoln Continental on the stretched CD4 platform ran from 2017 to 2020. As a result, the latest used model fans can get is the 2020 Continental, a far cry from the opulence of the newest S-Class. Still, the Continental’s depreciation represents an effective way for luxury car fans to save as much as $25,000 off the models’ starting price points in 2020. 

How much is a used Lincoln Continental?

A used Lincoln Continental is a surprisingly affordable full-size luxury option, offering three trims and power figures up to 400 in its optional twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6. 

Of course, the values of used models get much more budget-friendly with age. Kelley Blue Book reports that a 2017 Lincoln Continental Premiere could have a fair purchase value of around $18,565, over $10,000 less than the entry-level 2020 model.

Is a used Mercedes S-Class worth the money?

With a depreciation rate of nearly 50% at specific trims, a used S-Class like a 2020 model could be your ticket to world-class luxury without the crippling price tag. 

Of course, running costs on a full-size luxury car from the Mercedes-Benz or BMW side of the house will likely demand much more from fans than a Lincoln Continental or Cadillac CT6.

Furthermore, unlike other luxury cars, the S-Class is an elegant Swiss Army Knife, available as a sedan, coupe, or convertible. Few storied luxury nameplates offer the same level of comprehensive availability.

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