Car statistics
How many Mercedes-Benz S-Classes are still on the road in Great Britain, how many are declared off the road, how new registrations have changed and which fuels they use. Built from DVLA licensing records and 25,742 DVSA MOT tests.
There were 21,787 Mercedes-Benz S-Classes licensed in Great Britain at the end of March 2026, and a further 8,621 declared off the road (SORN). That is 26.7% fewer than the peak of 29,705 in 2016.
The highest year-end count was 29,705 in 2016.
| Year | Licensed |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 1,243 |
| 1995 | 2,723 |
| 1996 | 4,211 |
| 1997 | 5,492 |
| 1998 | 6,896 |
| 1999 | 9,616 |
| 2000 | 12,525 |
| 2001 | 16,197 |
| 2002 | 18,875 |
| 2003 | 21,287 |
| 2004 | 22,918 |
| 2005 | 23,785 |
| 2006 | 26,024 |
| 2007 | 27,940 |
| 2008 | 28,476 |
| 2009 | 28,643 |
| 2010 | 28,290 |
| 2011 | 27,830 |
| 2012 | 27,641 |
| 2013 | 27,326 |
| 2014 | 27,692 |
| 2015 | 28,634 |
| 2016 | 29,705 |
| 2017 | 29,661 |
| 2018 | 28,809 |
| 2019 | 28,011 |
| 2020 | 26,644 |
| 2021 | 26,871 |
| 2022 | 25,722 |
| 2023 | 24,311 |
| 2024 | 22,849 |
| 2025 | 22,050 |
| 2026 | 21,787 |
Source:DfT / DVLA End of March 2026 Updated
Source:DfT / DVLA End of March 2026 Updated
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class S600 L has its own page. The figures above include every version; each version page covers only the cars DVLA records under that version’s name.
| Version | Licensed | SORN |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class S600 L | 84 | 125 |
In 2025, 83.6% of Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT tests were passed first time, against 72.8% for all cars. Cars of the same ages as the Mercedes-Benz S-Classes tested pass 71.4% of the time, so the Mercedes-Benz S-Class does better than average for its age, by 12.2 points. In 2024 its pass rate was 82.7%.
Comparing like with like: each bar pair covers cars of the same age, so an older average age does not count against a model.
| Vehicle age | Mercedes-Benz S-Class | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 years | 91.9% | 89.5% |
| 4–5 years | 90.9% | 87.6% |
| 6–7 years | 90.5% | 83.0% |
| 8–10 years | 86.5% | 75.7% |
| 11–14 years | 82.8% | 65.5% |
| 15–19 years | 75.4% | 58.0% |
| 20+ years | 75.0% | 61.0% |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
Tyres is the most common reason a Mercedes-Benz S-Class fails its MOT, appearing on 29.9% of failed tests. A failed test can have defects in more than one category, so shares add up to more than 100%. 5.7% of Mercedes-Benz S-Class tests found at least one dangerous defect, against 7.3% for all cars.
| Defect category | Share of failed tests |
|---|---|
| Tyres | 29.9% |
| Suspension | 29.3% |
| Brakes | 23.9% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 21.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 16.1% |
| Visibility | 14.4% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 5.1% |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 5.0% |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
The single most common reason a Mercedes-Benz S-Class failed its MOT in 2025 was “Suspension arms: ball joint excessively worn”, on 16.6% of 4,216 failed tests. 40.2% of tests ended with at least one advisory, a problem to watch that did not fail the test; the most common was “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit or worn on edge”. The same fault on any wheel or side counts once.
Share of failed tests with each defect. A test can fail for more than one.
| Defect | Share of failed tests |
|---|---|
| Suspension arms: ball joint excessively worn Suspension | 16.6% |
| Tyres: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm Tyres | 10.3% |
| Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction Noise, emissions and leaks | 10.2% |
| Tyres: ply or cords exposed Tyres | 7.4% |
| Tyres: cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords Tyres | 6.5% |
| Parking brake efficiency below requirements Brakes | 5.1% |
| Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid Visibility | 5.1% |
| Suspension arms: pin or bush excessively worn Suspension | 4.6% |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively Visibility | 4.6% |
| Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick Brakes | 4.5% |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
Share of all tests with each advisory: worth checking on a car you are buying.
| Advisory | Share of tests |
|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit or worn on edge Tyres | 15.9% |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened Brakes | 7.2% |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material Brakes | 6.0% |
| Brake pads: wearing thin Brakes | 5.9% |
| Suspension arms: ball joint has slight play Suspension | 5.9% |
| Engine oil leak, but not excessive Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.5% |
| Tyres: slightly damaged or cracking or perishing Tyres | 3.1% |
| Brake discs: worn, but not excessively Brakes | 3.1% |
| Wheel bearings: slight play Suspension | 2.6% |
| Suspension arms: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Suspension | 2.0% |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
19 years of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, by year of first registration, have their own page with MOT results, common faults, mileage and how many are left. Against all cars of the same age, the 2006 cars did best at their 2025 MOT (77.8% passed first time) and the 2021 cars worst (89.6%).
| Year | Registered | Left | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | – | 982 | 73.1% |
| 2004 | – | 846 | 76.3% |
| 2006 | – | 1,204 | 77.8% |
| 2007 | – | 1,450 | 75.7% |
| 2008 | – | 1,028 | 72.9% |
| 2009 | – | 900 | 72.1% |
| 2010 | – | 905 | 78.2% |
| 2011 | – | 970 | 78.5% |
| 2012 | – | 1,257 | 80.3% |
| 2013 | – | 1,050 | 81.8% |
| 2014 | 2,549 | 1,777 | 87.7% |
| 2015 | 2,752 | 2,144 | 86.9% |
| 2016 | 2,957 | 2,481 | 85.7% |
| 2017 | 2,576 | 2,128 | 87.2% |
| 2018 | 2,300 | 1,894 | 90.5% |
| 2019 | 2,045 | 1,816 | 90.5% |
| 2020 | 570 | 526 | 92.2% |
| 2021 | 839 | 669 | 89.6% |
| 2022 | 614 | 537 | 92.5% |
Registered: cars on the DVLA record at the end of the year they were first registered (these counts start in 2014, so older years show a dash). Left: licensed or declared SORN at the end of 2025. Both cover the United Kingdom. Pass rate: first-time passes at normal MOT tests in Great Britain in 2025; all cars: every car first registered the same year.
The average Mercedes-Benz S-Class covers 7,100 miles a year, worked out from odometer readings at consecutive MOT tests.
| Vehicle age | Miles a year |
|---|---|
| 4–5 years | 11,409 |
| 6–7 years | 9,608 |
| 8–10 years | 8,050 |
| 11–14 years | 6,967 |
| 15–19 years | 5,051 |
| 20+ years | 3,320 |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
Registrations of Mercedes-Benz S-Classes for the first time in Great Britain were highest at 4,442 in 2001, when this data begins. In 2025, 696 were registered.
| Year | First registrations |
|---|---|
| ’01 | 4,442 |
| ’02 | 3,342 |
| ’03 | 2,963 |
| ’04 | 2,216 |
| ’05 | 1,649 |
| ’06 | 3,242 |
| ’07 | 3,321 |
| ’08 | 2,034 |
| ’09 | 1,610 |
| ’10 | 1,787 |
| ’11 | 1,683 |
| ’12 | 1,855 |
| ’13 | 1,557 |
| ’14 | 2,727 |
| ’15 | 2,977 |
| ’16 | 3,101 |
| ’17 | 2,749 |
| ’18 | 2,492 |
| ’19 | 2,150 |
| ’20 | 611 |
| ’21 | 905 |
| ’22 | 641 |
| ’23 | 654 |
| ’24 | 502 |
| ’25 | 696 |
Source:DfT / DVLA 2001 to 2025 Updated
Of the 22,799 Mercedes-Benz S-Classes licensed in the UK at the end of 2025, 76.7% have an engine of 2,901cc to 3,000cc, and 4.4% have an engine of 4,601cc to 4,700cc. The share with an engine of 2,901cc to 3,000cc has grown from 44.8% in 2014 to 76.7%. Petrols made up 34.3% of those licensed in 2014 and 19.8% in 2025.
DVLA records engine size in 100cc bands.
| Engine size | Share of those licensed |
|---|---|
| 2,901cc to 3,000cc 17,478 licensed | 76.7% |
| 4,601cc to 4,700cc 1,011 licensed | 4.4% |
| 5,401cc to 5,500cc 793 licensed | 3.5% |
| 3,201cc to 3,300cc 698 licensed | 3.1% |
| 3,401cc to 3,500cc 623 licensed | 2.7% |
| 4,901cc to 5,000cc 409 licensed | 1.8% |
| 3,101cc to 3,200cc 334 licensed | 1.5% |
| 3,701cc to 3,800cc 264 licensed | 1.2% |
| 2,701cc to 2,800cc 229 licensed | 1.0% |
| Other sizes 960 licensed | 4.2% |
Source:DfT / DVLA End of 2014 to end of 2025 Updated
| Engine size | Fuel | Licensed | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,901–3,000cc | Diesel | 14,540 | 63.8% |
| 2,901–3,000cc | Plug-in hybrid | 1,377 | 6.0% |
| 2,901–3,000cc | Hybrid | 1,198 | 5.3% |
| 4,601–4,700cc | Petrol | 1,011 | 4.4% |
| 5,401–5,500cc | Petrol | 789 | 3.5% |
| 3,201–3,300cc | Diesel | 694 | 3.0% |
| 4,901–5,000cc | Petrol | 406 | 1.8% |
| 2,901–3,000cc | Petrol | 363 | 1.6% |
| 3,401–3,500cc | Petrol | 338 | 1.5% |
| 3,101–3,200cc | Petrol | 331 | 1.5% |
Share of those licensed at the end of each year, for the most common sizes.
| Year | 2,901–3,000cc | 4,601–4,700cc | 5,401–5,500cc | 3,201–3,300cc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 44.8% | 1.5% | 4.5% | 18.7% |
| 2015 | 49.0% | 2.1% | 4.7% | 16.6% |
| 2016 | 53.7% | 2.9% | 4.5% | 14.4% |
| 2017 | 57.5% | 3.8% | 4.2% | 12.5% |
| 2018 | 61.4% | 3.6% | 4.2% | 10.8% |
| 2019 | 64.1% | 4.1% | 4.0% | 9.3% |
| 2020 | 66.7% | 4.2% | 4.0% | 8.1% |
| 2021 | 70.2% | 4.0% | 3.7% | 6.7% |
| 2022 | 71.9% | 4.2% | 3.8% | 5.6% |
| 2023 | 73.9% | 4.2% | 3.7% | 4.5% |
| 2024 | 75.5% | 4.4% | 3.5% | 3.6% |
| 2025 | 76.7% | 4.4% | 3.5% | 3.1% |
Source:DfT / DVLA End of 2014 to end of 2025 Updated
Share of those licensed at the end of each year.
| Year | Diesel | Petrol | Hybrid | Plug-in hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 63.4% | 34.3% | 1.7% | 0.0% |
| 2015 | 64.9% | 32.2% | 1.8% | 0.7% |
| 2016 | 67.2% | 29.6% | 1.9% | 0.9% |
| 2017 | 68.6% | 28.1% | 1.7% | 1.1% |
| 2018 | 69.7% | 27.3% | 1.6% | 1.1% |
| 2019 | 69.9% | 26.7% | 1.5% | 1.6% |
| 2020 | 71.2% | 25.1% | 1.7% | 1.8% |
| 2021 | 71.9% | 23.0% | 3.1% | 1.9% |
| 2022 | 71.4% | 21.9% | 3.8% | 2.7% |
| 2023 | 70.5% | 21.0% | 4.5% | 3.8% |
| 2024 | 69.0% | 20.4% | 5.8% | 4.7% |
| 2025 | 66.8% | 19.8% | 7.3% | 6.0% |
Source:DfT / DVLA End of 2014 to end of 2025 Updated
United Kingdom figures from DfT table VEH0220 (licensed cars at the end of each year, SORN excluded), so they differ slightly from the Great Britain counts elsewhere on this page. How we use engine sizes.
The Vehicle Certification Agency’s new car data lists the Mercedes-Benz S-Class from 2000, when the data begins, and still lists it. On the WLTP test (listings 2020 to 2026), official combined fuel economy for its petrol, diesel, petrol hybrid and diesel hybrid versions ranges from 19.8 to 48.7 mpg, with CO2 of 154 to 326 g/km; plug-in hybrid versions are rated at 35.8 to 470.8 mpg (weighted). On the older NEDC test (listings 2000 to 2018), official combined fuel economy for its petrol, diesel, petrol hybrid and diesel hybrid versions ranges from 19.0 to 61.4 mpg, with CO2 of 120 to 357 g/km; plug-in hybrid versions are rated at 100.9 to 134.5 mpg (weighted).
| Engine and fuel | Combined mpg | CO2 g/km | Listed | Euro standard | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 petrol | 33.2–36.2 | 177–193 | 2020–2021 | Euro 6d‑TEMP | 3 |
| 4.0 petrol | 23.2–27.4 | 235–276 | 2020–2026 | Euro 6 to Euro 6d‑TEMP | 11 |
| 6.0 petrol | 19.8–24.1 | 300–326 | 2021–2026 | Euro 6 to Euro 6d | 5 |
| 2.9 diesel | 36.7–44.1 | 168–210 | 2020–2023 | Euro 6d‑TEMP to Euro 6d | 7 |
| 3.0 petrol hybrid | 29.1–36.2 | 177–221 | 2021–2026 | Euro 6 to Euro 6d | 9 |
| 4.0 petrol hybrid | 24.6–28.5 | 227–267 | 2021–2026 | Euro 6 to Euro 6d | 6 |
| 3.0 diesel hybrid | 39.8–48.7 | 154–186 | 2023–2026 | Euro 6 to Euro 6d | 9 |
| 3.0 plug-in hybrid | 83.1–470.8 | 13–78 | 2020–2026 | Euro 6 to Euro 6d | 12 |
| 4.0 plug-in hybrid | 35.8–64.2 | 100–179 | 2023–2026 | Euro 6 to Euro 6d | 3 |
| Engine and fuel | Combined mpg | CO2 g/km | Listed | Euro standard | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 petrol | 24.6–25.5 | 266–276 | 2000–2006 | Euro 2 to Euro 3 | 3 |
| 3.0 petrol | 28.0–40.9 | 157–242 | 2008–2018 | Euro 4 to Euro 6 | 6 |
| 3.2 petrol | 24.6–25.5 | 266–276 | 2000–2006 | Euro 2 to Euro 3 | 5 |
| 3.5 petrol | 27.4–42.8 | 153–247 | 2007–2017 | Euro 4 to Euro 6 | 33 |
| 3.7 petrol | 25.5 | 266 | 2003–2006 | Euro 3 | 4 |
| 4.0 petrol | 28.8–34.0 | 188–225 | 2018 | Euro 6 | 10 |
| 4.3 petrol | 23.0–25.9 | 263–294 | 2000–2006 | Euro 2 to Euro 3 | 8 |
| 4.7 petrol | 29.4–33.6 | 196–224 | 2011–2018 | Euro 5 to Euro 6 | 29 |
| 5.0 petrol | 20.2–24.8 | 270–335 | 2000–2006 | Euro 2 to Euro 3 | 20 |
| 5.4 petrol | 21.4 | 317 | 2003–2006 | Euro 3 | 4 |
| 5.5 petrol | 19.1–28.0 | 237–355 | 2000–2018 | Euro 2 to Euro 6 | 47 |
| 5.8 petrol | 19.3–21.1 | 320–349 | 2000–2002 | Euro 2 to Euro 3 | 5 |
| 6.0 petrol | 19.0–25.4 | 259–357 | 2004–2018 | Euro 3 to Euro 6d‑TEMP | 29 |
| 6.2 petrol | 19.0–19.5 | 347–355 | 2007–2010 | Euro 4 | 7 |
| 6.3 petrol | 20.0 | 338 | 2002–2004 | Euro 3 | 1 |
| 2.9 diesel | 47.9–52.3 | 139–156 | 2018 | Euro 6 to Euro 6d‑TEMP | 10 |
| 3.0 diesel | 32.8–52.3 | 141–228 | 2007–2017 | Euro 4 to Euro 6 | 55 |
| 3.2 diesel | 35.3–36.7 | 204–212 | 2000–2006 | Euro 2 to Euro 4 | 8 |
| 4.0 diesel | 28.2–29.4 | 253 | 2000–2001 | Euro 2 to Euro 3 | 4 |
| 2.1 petrol hybrid | 60.1–61.4 | 120–124 | 2014 | Euro 6 | 3 |
| 3.0 petrol hybrid | 37.7–38.2 | 169–171 | 2018 | Euro 6d‑TEMP | 4 |
| 3.5 petrol hybrid | 40.4–44.8 | 147–161 | 2014–2017 | Euro 6 | 11 |
| 2.1 diesel hybrid | 58.9–61.4 | 120–126 | 2015–2017 | Euro 6 | 7 |
| 3.0 plug-in hybrid | 100.9–134.5 | 49–65 | 2015–2018 | Euro 6 to Euro 6b | 7 |
Source:VCA July 2000 to 15 September 2026 Updated
DVSA lists 89 safety recalls for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class since 1992, the first in 1997. The most recent was launched on 11 June 2026.
All 89 Mercedes-Benz S-Class recalls, with defects, remedies and build dates
A recall applies to cars built on particular dates or with particular VINs, not to every Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The details come from manufacturers through DVSA, which says they may be delayed or incomplete. To check a specific car, use GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check or ask the manufacturer or a dealer. How we match recalls to models.
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis January 1992 to September 2026 Updated
| Model | Licensed | Change on a year | SORN | Rank | Main fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 21,787 | −4.3% | 8,621 | 229 | Diesel |
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | 378,826 | +0.7% | 13,892 | 16 | Diesel |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 326,200 | −4.5% | 46,533 | 20 | Diesel |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 203,182 | −4.2% | 40,576 | 39 | Diesel |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class | 112,497 | +14.1% | 2,288 | 84 | Petrol |
| Figures | Source | Period | Records | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed and SORN counts | Vehicle licensing statistics Department for Transport | End of March 2026 | 30,408 S-Class records (licensed and SORN) | 15 September 2026 |
| Registered for the first time | Vehicle licensing statistics Department for Transport | 2001 to 2025 | – | 15 September 2026 |
| MOT results and mileage | Anonymised MOT tests and results Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Derived statistics UK Motoring | 2025 | 25,742 MOT tests | 15 September 2026 |
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
