Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class ULEZ Compliant?
Based on 29,044 MOT tests, around 50% of Mercedes-Benz S-Classes still on the road are likely to meet London's ULEZ standards, and about 35% are likely to be charged. For the remaining 15%, it depends on the exact Euro standard or month of registration.
The fuel mix matters: tested cars were 69% diesel, 26% petrol. Diesel S-Classes are generally compliant from 2016, while diesel cars from 2013 or earlier are likely to be charged. Petrol S-Classes are generally compliant from 2006, while petrol cars from 2000 or earlier are likely to be charged.
- Likely compliant
- 50%
- Likely charged
- 35%
- Depends on the car
- 15%
- MOT tests analysed
- 29,044
Check a specific S-Class
Year and fuel type are a guide. Enter the registration to check that car's own record.
S-Class ULEZ compliance by year and fuel
Estimated from the year of first registration. Numbers show how many S-Classes of each type were MOT tested, as a guide to how common they are.
| First registered | Diesel | Petrol | Hybrid (petrol) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Likely compliant17 tested | – | Likely compliant218 tested |
| 2021 | Likely compliant147 tested | Likely compliant4 tested | Likely compliant43 tested |
| 2020 | Likely compliant526 tested | Likely compliant75 tested | Likely compliant102 tested |
| 2019 | Likely compliant2,007 tested | Likely compliant375 tested | Likely compliant241 tested |
| 2018 | Likely compliant1,890 tested | Likely compliant619 tested | Likely compliant6 tested |
| 2017 | Likely compliant1,954 tested | Likely compliant497 tested | Likely compliant79 tested |
| 2016 | Likely compliant2,126 tested | Likely compliant451 tested | Likely compliant132 tested |
| 2015 | Check exact car1,542 tested | Likely compliant446 tested | Likely compliant217 tested |
| 2014 | Check exact car1,253 tested | Likely compliant292 tested | Likely compliant137 tested |
| 2013 | Likely charged932 tested | Likely compliant87 tested | Likely compliant22 tested |
| 2012 | Likely charged1,146 tested | Likely compliant132 tested | Likely compliant1 tested |
| 2011 | Likely charged843 tested | Likely compliant136 tested | – |
| 2010 | Likely charged775 tested | Likely compliant161 tested | – |
| 2009 | Likely charged883 tested | Likely compliant69 tested | – |
| 2008 | Likely charged874 tested | Likely compliant195 tested | – |
| 2007 | Likely charged1,075 tested | Likely compliant379 tested | – |
| 2006 | Likely charged656 tested | Likely compliant524 tested | – |
| 2005 | Likely charged439 tested | Check Euro standard182 tested | – |
| 2004 | Likely charged358 tested | Check Euro standard373 tested | – |
| 2003 | Likely charged362 tested | Check Euro standard426 tested | – |
| 2002 | Likely charged192 tested | Check Euro standard293 tested | – |
| 2001 | Likely charged91 tested | Check Euro standard299 tested | – |
| 2000 | Likely charged22 tested | Likely charged349 tested | – |
| 1999 | – | Likely charged219 tested | – |
| 1998 | – | Likely charged174 tested | – |
| 1997 | Likely charged2 tested | Likely charged135 tested | – |
| 1996 | Likely charged1 tested | Likely charged116 tested | – |
| 1995 | – | Likely charged97 tested | – |
| 1994 | – | Likely charged56 tested | – |
How ULEZ rules apply to the S-Class
Cars that miss the standard pay £12.50 for each day they're driven in the zone. Petrol and petrol-hybrid cars need Euro 4 (most from 2006), while diesels need Euro 6 (most from September 2015).
- Diesel (69% of S-Classes tested): likely compliant from 2016; 2013 and earlier are likely to be charged.
- Petrol (26% of S-Classes tested): likely compliant from 2006; 2000 and earlier are likely to be charged.
- Hybrid (petrol) (4% of S-Classes tested): every year in our data is likely to comply.
S-Classes from 2014 and 2015 sit on the boundary (15% of those tested): some were built to the required standard before it became compulsory. The Euro standard is sometimes on the V5C logbook, or Mercedes-Benz can confirm it. Our ULEZ calculator can help.
Thinking of buying one? Check how S-Classes fare at the MOT too: see the Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT failure rate.
Buying a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class for London: what the MOT data shows
The Mercedes-Benz S-Classes in this data were first registered between 1994 and 2022. 2016 was the most common year, with 2,789 tests (10% of the total), and half were registered in 2014 or later.
S-Classes from likely-compliant years passed their MOT first time 88% of the time, at an average of 66,812 miles. Older ones likely to be charged passed 75% of the time with 109,469 miles on average, so a compliant car is usually the more reliable buy as well as the cheaper one to drive in London.
On a budget, the oldest diesel S-Classes likely to comply are from 2016. 2,126 of them were tested; 2016 cars passed first time 88% of the time and averaged 66,180 miles. Check the Euro standard on the V5C before you buy one from around then.
On a budget, the oldest petrol S-Classes likely to comply are from 2006. 524 of them were tested; 2006 cars passed first time 76% of the time and averaged 110,013 miles. Check the Euro standard on the V5C before you buy one from around then.
Whichever year you choose, check the S-Class's weak spots. The most common MOT failures were suspension: "ball joint excessively worn" (2.7% of tests); tyres: "tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" (2.1%); lights and electrics: "not working" (1.8%). The most frequent advisory was "tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm", on 14.4% of tests.
Overall, 83% of S-Classes passed first time, well above the 71% average for all cars, and they had covered 86,325 miles on average, more than the 73,145-mile average.
ULEZ compliance for other models
Other Mercedes-Benz models
About this data
Based on 29,044 first MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
ULEZ results are estimates from fuel type and year of first registration. Transport for London makes the final decision.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
What 29,044 MOT tests say about the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and London's ULEZ.
Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class ULEZ compliant?
In our data about 50% of S-Classes on the road are likely compliant and 35% likely to be charged. Petrol and petrol-hybrid cars need Euro 4 (most from 2006), while diesels need Euro 6 (most from September 2015).
Which petrol S-Class years are ULEZ compliant?
Petrol S-Classes first registered from 2006 are likely compliant. Some earlier cars meet Euro 4 too, so check the exact vehicle.
Is a diesel S-Class ULEZ compliant?
Only if it meets Euro 6, which generally means first registered from September 2015. Diesel S-Classes from 2013 or earlier are likely to be charged.
How can I check if a specific S-Class is ULEZ compliant?
Enter its registration in our free ULEZ check, which uses the vehicle's DVLA record. Always confirm with TfL before relying on it.
Related guides
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Is your S-Class ULEZ compliant?
Enter the registration for a check based on that car's own DVLA record.