2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 L

A replacement left nearside rear light has been sourced by the vendor and will accompany the car

• A £70,000-plus marvel of a motorcar in 2006, just 6,037 miles ago, now guided £15,000 - £20,000
• Mercedes always uses the halo S-Class model as a showcase for its latest technology and refinement, with the latest W221 version of 2006, the first S-Class of the new millennium, it was no exception
• At launch, it was lauded by Autocar magazine as unquestionably the best car in the class, and arguably the most complete road car in history
• The 5461cc V8 is mated to a 7-speed gearbox producing an effortless 388bhp, giving a 0-62mph time of just 5.6secs
• A discreet LWB 5.2m grand saloon where build-quality, refinement and technology are paramount

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is amongst the world’s most revered luxury cars and it’s only really Rolls-Royce, Bentley and possibly Mercedes' own Maybach that could truly claim to trump it for reputation, but with those all being more than twice as expensive, that’s hardly surprising.

You could argue that what makes the S-Class special is its history but, in reality, it’s the fact that Mercedes uses the S-Class as a showcase for its latest technology that makes it stand out. With this incarnation of the S500, Mercedes paid obsessive attention to tranquillity whilst driving, giving a driving experience like no other. Never has a driver felt so remote from the outside world, and yet remained connected to the car to such a degree.

The 2006-2013 (W221) S-Class is no different. For example, it was available with infra-red night vision, seats that massage their occupants and a pre-collision assist system of a type that’s taken almost a decade to become commonplace on other cars.

After reports of dubious build quality linked to the previous S-Class, Mercedes went to town on, not only the design of the interior, but also its fit and finish. There was also a larger boot than before (think estate car space in a saloon body) and there’s enough room in the back seats to stretch out, particularly if you choose a long-wheelbase car.

The engine range at launch included three petrols, the pick of them undoubtedly being the 388bhp, 5461cc V8 mated to a 7-speed gearbox offering a 0-62mph time of just 5.6 seconds, as fitted to the 2006 Mercedes-Benz S500L for sale here. It has covered just over 6,037 miles from new with its two owners and has visited Mercedes for at least two services. Classically painted for a Mercedes, this impressive yet somehow still discreet limo-esque car is now superfluous to our vendor’s needs as he spends most of his time living overseas. This is a lot of car for its guide price, astonishing really.