Mercedes-Benz S 350 d 4MATIC (W223)

Editorial

The S-Class is Mercedes-Benz's showcase of technology for the decade ahead: it's typically in this body that the brand debuts what will trickle down into mainstream models five to seven years later. The current W223 generation is no exception — a large MBUX display, AIRMATIC air suspension, and a rear axle with variable-angle steering are all brought together in one car designed first and foremost for the rear passenger, not the driver.

The S 350 d is the diesel version of the line, and that's a deliberate choice rather than a budget compromise: the inline-six turbodiesel OM656 unit was created precisely for this format — a large, heavy executive car that does a lot of long-distance driving, where diesel efficiency is felt far more than in city bursts. By comparison, the gasoline versions of the same body (S500, S580) will outpace it in acceleration but lose out on highway fuel consumption — and for an executive car that spends half its life on the road between cities rather than at traffic lights, that's a trade-off in the right direction.

Within the VertexRent fleet, this model fills a niche no other car covers: not a sports sedan for driving thrills, but a tool for arriving — at a meeting, at the airport, at an event — not behind the wheel at all, but in the back seat.

In Detail

The unit in the VertexRent fleet is a 2021 model-year S 350 d 4MATIC. The powertrain is a 2.9-liter inline turbodiesel OM656 with 286 hp, paired with a 9-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, all-wheel drive (4MATIC). Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 6.2 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h. These figures aren't meant to impress with sportiness — this car's job is different: the cabin seats five in comfort rather than with difficulty, and the AIRMATIC air suspension smooths out the cobblestones of Prague's historic center in a way a steel spring simply cannot.

In practical terms, this means the S 350 d is the fleet's best choice for an executive transfer, a business meeting where arriving unruffled by traffic matters, and any event where status matters more than adrenaline. Current rates by rental period, the deposit amount, and the mileage limit are listed in the "Sazby" block and in the facts card on this same page.

The cabin is trimmed in leather, with wood inlays and a digital instrument cluster, and the central MBUX display is one of the largest in the segment. It's also worth noting the cabin's premium sound insulation — on the highway and in the city, conversation in the back seat happens without raising one's voice, which for an executive car isn't an option but a requirement. Comfortable power-adjustable front seats and climate control take care of what little else might be needed on a long trip.

Mercedes-Benz S 350 d vs BMW M5 — comfort or drive

The fork isn't about price, but about purpose. The S 350 d is a car for those riding as a passenger or driving themselves but not chasing dynamics: 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, a top speed of 250 km/h, but a cabin and suspension built so the trip feels like rest rather than a task. The BMW M5 is the exact opposite: a hybrid powertrain, 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, M xDrive all-wheel drive, and a character that demands the driver's attention even in comfort mode. The rental rate for the S 350 d is lower than for the M5. If the goal of the trip is to arrive looking respectable and not think about the road, the choice clearly favors the S-Class; if the goal is the road itself, it's the M5.

What to check behind the wheel if you're considering buying an S-Class

The W223 is already appearing on the secondary market, and renting is an honest way to find out whether you really need an S-Class specifically, rather than an E-Class with some of the same technology for less money. Check how MBUX actually works paired with a smartphone — a large screen doesn't always mean convenience in the moment. Personally assess the back seat if you're getting the car with an eye toward being driven — passenger comfort matters more here than the feeling from behind the wheel. Compare the highway and city noise insulation to what you're used to — the difference from more modest sedans is usually felt immediately. And separately, consider fuel consumption: the diesel is more efficient than the gasoline S-Class versions, but fuel stops need to be planned ahead if the trip is long.

Suggested Route

The S-Class suits a direction where the point isn't dynamics but the view out the window and a smooth road: the D6 highway west toward Karlovy Vary — about an hour and a half each way, with almost no hairpin turns, and a stop in the spa town itself for its architecture and colonnades. A same-day round trip with no excess-mileage surcharge requires a package with a higher limit — it's worth clarifying this when booking if you're planning a proper walk around town rather than just passing through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S 350 d be picked up right at the airport?

Yes, the car can be delivered anywhere in Prague, including Václav Havel Airport. Booking confirmation takes place within an hour.

How does the S 350 d differ from the BMW M5 in this same fleet?

The S 350 d is an executive sedan for comfortable travel: 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, a top speed of 250 km/h, air suspension, and a focus on cabin quiet. The M5 is a sporty hybrid sedan with 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and all-wheel drive, for those who want to drive themselves and enjoy it. The rental rate for the S 350 d is lower.

Can I rent the S 350 d with a driver rather than getting behind the wheel myself?

Ask about this option separately when booking — a standard rental assumes the client is the one driving, but this car's executive format makes a request for a chauffeured transfer a logical one, and it's worth asking the manager whether this can be arranged for a specific event.

Can this car be driven outside the Czech Republic?

Yes, subject to arrangement with the manager — this rule applies to the entire VertexRent fleet with no model exceptions. The deposit doubles from the standard amount for a cross-border trip (the current amount is in the facts block on this same page). The destination and dates are arranged in advance when booking.