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The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the flagship vehicle in the German automaker’s lineup. It’s a symbol of class and refinement, especially with a starting price of $110k. And while the car is glamourous and grand, it’s also immensely popular in Rhode Island. In fact, new Mercedes models are being sold faster than any other car.

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the fastest-selling new car in Rhode Island

iSeeCars published a report on the average amount of time it takes to sell a car on a state-by-state basis. In essence, the study measures the time a car shows up on a dealership lot to the moment it’s sold, and takes the average. And according to them, in Rhode Island, a new Mercedes-Benz S-Class takes an average of 1.2 days to sell. For perspective, the next fastest-selling car is the Chevy Corvette in Alabama, which takes 1.8 days to sell.

That doesn’t mean the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the fastest-selling car in America, but it does mean that Rhode Island residents buy the Benz faster than any other residents do their state’s most popular car. And while the S-Class will soon be replaced by the slightly cheaper (at $102k) and all-electric Mercedes EQS, for now, it’s the crowned jewel of Little Rhody.

It makes sense, as Rhode Island (and New England) residents pride themselves on prestige and glamour more than anything else. So, naturally, they’ll buy the nicest car available to slip into the status quo. But what makes the Mercedes-Benz S-Class worthy in the eyes of a Rhode Islander?

There’s a lot to love about the Mercedes-Benz S-Class

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | Mercedes-Benz

I already mentioned the six-figure price tag, but for that money, you’re getting an awful lot. In terms of power, the base Mercedes S-Class has a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that makes 429 hp. But in higher trims, you can get a 4.0-liter V8 with 496 hp. And regardless of engine, they’re paired to a hybrid powertrain to return decent fuel economy ratings. At 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, it’s no hypermiler, but if you can afford an S-Class, you’re likely not worried about that.

The real crème de la crème is the luxurious interior. With a 12.3-inch digital cluster behind the steering wheel, a 12.8-inch touch screen up front, a well as two optional 11.6-inch screens in the back, there’s no shortage of tech in the cabin. So while the driver monitors the S-Class, the other passengers get a limousine-like experience.

And speaking of tech, the Mercedes S-Class also comes with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist as standard. But the real party trick is that the S-Class can actually park itself. This, all paired with voice commands and a premium sound system makes the S-Class the most modern Mercedes around.

But Rhode Island isn’t the only state that has a fixation for luxury, they just have the most expensive taste. Other states also buy other Mercs at a fast pace, though not nearly as RI.

Mercedes cars are also the fastest-selling new cars in these states

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE (Top) and 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS (Bottom)
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE (Top) and 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS (Bottom) | Mercedes-Benz

Arizona, Michigan, and South Carolina are similar to Rhode Island in the sense that Mercedes-Benz cars are sold quicker than any other (in these states). But in terms of which Mercedes they’re after, things begin to differ.

For Michigan and South Carolina, the Mercedes GLE is the top pick. It takes four days to sell one in Michigan and 4.6 days to sell one in South Carolina, which while slower than Rhode Island, is still pretty quick. It boasts a larger, SUV size and a smaller starting price, at just $55,800.

Then there’s Arizona, where a new Mercedes GLS rolls off the lot every 3.8 days. Another German SUV, the GLS starts at a significantly pricier $76,600 which, while still cheaper than the flagship S-Class, is a big chunk of change. With one extra seat as standard (six seats compared to five, with both able to option in seven seats), a bit more horsepower, and extra luxury features, the GLS is the high society SUV. That is, unless you look at the Mercedes G-Wagon.

Regardless, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the most of many things. The fastest-selling new car in Rhode Island, the most expensive Mercedes, and the fastest-selling new car when compared to any other individual state. And while status and society certainly influence these numbers, the S-Class is just plain luxurious. It’s no wonder so many people strive to own one, whether they’re from Rhode Island or not.

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