Photo: Bring a trailer/autoevolution
I'm a huge fan of the fifth-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class, also known as the W221. I've driven this car in virtually every specification, over long and short distances, and have always found it more rewarding than the equivalent BMW 7 Series and Audi A8 of that era.
The W221 S-Class is probably the second most beautiful S-Class in history, after its immediate successor, the W222. It looks stunning even by 2024 standards and its interior features a timeless design.
When it was first introduced, the W221 set a new benchmark for luxury sedans, while also offering a series of innovations that would influence the industry for years to come, such as the second-generation PRE-SAFE system, which could anticipate collisions and prepare occupants by tightening seat belts, adjusting seats and even closing windows.
The W221 also debuts DISTRONIC PLUS, an adaptive cruise control system that could bring the car to a complete stop. Think of it as a precursor to the fully autonomous driving systems we're trying to implement today.
Other important functions included the AEROMATIC suspension, the ABC system (Active body control), the COMAND APS system and the SPLITVIEW display.
Now, if you were to buy a used S-Class W221 today, you would probably want to go with the S63. AMG variant, which harks back to a time when Benz's top models simply featured AMG as the last moniker in the lettering, rather than being part of the brand name. I actually preferred it that way, but I digress.
What we have here is a gorgeous 2008 S63 AMG with 93,000 miles on the odometer. It was up for auction until recently, when it failed to sell. The highest bid was only $10,050, which is a ridiculously low price for a vehicle like this. I mean, if you're lucky, you can snag something like this for just under $20,000, but someone clearly tried to get this car “on the cheap” here and it didn't work out.
Photo: Bring a trailer
This black luxury sedan comes with the AMG Styling Package, which adds a revised front spoiler and side skirts. Additional goodies include bi-xenon headlights with Active Curve Illumination, a panoramic sunroof, Parktronic, soft-close doors, a power tailgate, and a set of 20-inch five-spoke AMG wheels with Continental ExtremeContact tires.
Meanwhile, interior highlights include 14-way power-adjustable black Nappa leather front seats (also heated and ventilated), Burl Walnut wood trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, power rear sunshades, Keyless-Go, and a Harman Kardon audio system, among others.
As for what it can do in terms of performance, the answer is a lot. It has a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, good for 518 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, with all of it going to the rear wheels via a seven-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission. It will help you hit 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, which is pretty quick by any standards.