We tend to get so worked up about the newest models of our favorite luxury vehicles that we forget about the ones that came before. Many drivers worry that buying a used car is a recipe for disaster and don’t realize they could be passing up a fantastic vehicle at an affordable price. A perfect example is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Don’t be fooled by the vehicle’s age. Sure, this Benz is 11 years old, but it’s still a stellar car.

Overview of the 2009 Mercedes S-Class

It’s widely accepted in the car world that the Mercedes S-Class is one of the nicest and most reliable luxury cars on the market. The price is low enough that it’s affordable for many people, and there’s enough space for transporting important business connections, visiting family, or even enjoying a weekend on the beach.

Though the S-Class might not have quite the same reputation as, say, an Aston Martin or a Porsche, it’s often the first choice of celebrities, aristocrats, and CEOs. All versions of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class are great, but the 2009 model stands out as a particularly nice pre-owned vehicle.

What to expect from the 2009 S-Class

There are three 2009 Mercedes S-Class trim options. The 4dr 5.5L V8 4MATIC is an all-wheel-drive vehicle, while the other two feature rear-wheel drive. Engine options include a 5.5-liter V8 and a twin-turbo V12 with 604 hp. Special features include Distronic Plus cruise control, on-board navigation, Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, Active Body Control (ABC) suspension technology, and adaptive seats. The engine, body design, and special features come together to provide a vehicle that’s powerful, agile, and supremely comfortable.

If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class might not be for you. The car averages 11 to 14 mpg in the city and 17 to 22 mpg on the highway. 

In 2009, the S-Class boasted some of the most advanced safety equipment available at the time. To keep passengers as safe as possible, Mercedes equipped the S-Class with brake assist, stability control, and active airbags. 

According to Edmunds, the biggest perks of the 2009 S-Class are its “state-of-the-art luxury features, handling, and performance of a smaller sport sedan, eye-watering acceleration of AMG models, available all-wheel drive, [and] famed S-Class prestige.”

Purchasing a 2009 Mercedes S-Class

The 2009 Mercedes S-Class isn’t as easy to find as the 2021 version. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, but you’ll have to put a little more effort into your search. 

The first hurdle is locating a vehicle. The two best ways to find one are through an online search or your local Mercedes dealer. Then there are a few things to do before finalizing the purchase. First, test-drive the vehicle and make sure you’re happy with how it handles. Next, get a record of the vehicle’s maintenance history. Not only do you want a record of what type of work was done on the vehicle, but you should also get the name of the business that handled the repairs. Finally, find an experienced third-party mechanic to check out the 2009 S-Class.

The cost of a used 2009 Mercedes S-Class varies depending on the car’s trim, features, mileage, location, body condition, and maintenance. According to Consumer Reports, plan to spend between $11,800 and $16,900.