The allure of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, especially one boasting a powerful V12 engine, is undeniable. For enthusiasts like myself, these vehicles represent the zenith of automotive engineering and luxury. Recently, a stunning 2017 Mercedes S600 arrived at CarMax in Brandywine, Maryland, immediately capturing my attention and prompting a transfer request to my local Dulles, Virginia CarMax. This wasn’t just any S-Class; it was a V12 unicorn, and I had to experience it firsthand.
My “short” 20-minute test drive quickly extended as I became engrossed in the opulent features of this Carmax Mercedes S600. The salesman’s call to check on my return time was a testament to how captivating this vehicle truly is. The primary source of my extended exploration? The rear seats – a realm of luxury rarely encountered in the automotive world.
This particular S600 is meticulously designed for passenger indulgence, particularly in the rear. Equipped with rear single seats (Code 224) and the chauffeur package (Codes P07 and 452), the rear compartment transforms into a sanctuary of comfort and technology. The chauffeur function, while admittedly taking a moment to fully engage – a minute of holding the switch to move the front seat forward, fold the headrest, and deploy the ottoman and footrest – is nonetheless impressive. Unlike a previous 2015 S65 experience, the spaciousness allowed for genuine comfort, even for taller passengers.
The rear passenger experience extends far beyond spacious seating. Individual DVD screens and Bluetooth headphones (Codes 864 and P46) provide personalized entertainment, while the inclusion of tray tables (Code 449) adds a practical touch, perfect for laptops or even enjoying a meal on the go. The sheer level of rear-seat luxury makes one question the desire to even drive this car; living in the back seat seems a far more appealing prospect.
Intriguingly, the data card revealed a feature called “Seat With Bunk Function” (Code 453). Initial online searches and inquiries to Mercedes-Benz experts yielded no definitive answers, with many presuming it was related to the chauffeur settings. However, a deep dive into the onboard manual unveiled the reality: the “bunk function” simply fully reclines the front passenger seat. While functional, it lacked the anticipated “magical” Mercedes innovation, proving to be a somewhat underwhelming discovery.
Beyond the opulent rear cabin, the driving experience of this CarMax Mercedes S600 is equally noteworthy. The ride is exceptionally smooth, even more so than a 2010 S600 and noticeably more refined than a 2015 S65. Whether cruising at ease or pushing the pedal, the cabin remains remarkably quiet, with the Burmester audio system providing the most prominent sound – in my case, the iconic Queen.
This 2017 model is replete with advanced technology, including adaptive cruise control (Distronic Plus Cross Assist) and a suite of active safety features. Active blind spot assist, active park assist, active lane keeping assist, and even active rear seat belt buckles (Code 305), which automatically extend for easier fastening, showcase the cutting-edge technology integrated into this luxury sedan. The active belt buckle feature alone is a testament to the level of detail in this vehicle, a feature I regret not capturing on video.
Powering this CarMax Mercedes S600 is the formidable 6.0-liter M277 turbocharged V12 engine. Producing 523 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque, this engine delivers effortless performance. Given the complexity and power of this V12, considering a MaxCare warranty is highly recommended. Surprisingly affordable at CarMax, a five-year, 125,000-mile MaxCare warranty is quoted at just $4,500 for this vehicle, which currently has only 29,600 miles – barely run in for such a robust engine. The potential for long, luxurious road trips is immense.
Despite the overall excellence, a few minor aspects were slightly disappointing. While advanced for 2017, the Driving Assistance Package Plus and Active Lane Keeping Assist didn’t quite match the performance of systems in a 2018 Cadillac CT6, 2019 Mercedes E53, or 2019 BMW X5 I’ve tested. The absence of active lane change assist, occasional drifting, and frequent steering wheel grip reminders were noticeable. Furthermore, the massage seats, while luxurious, only target the back, omitting the seat bottom – a feature missed, especially considering the desire for seat massagers, partly influenced by past experiences with cars and long drives. It’s possible further settings exist within the system, but time constraints during the test drive limited deeper exploration.
This CarMax Mercedes S600 is undeniably a magnificent vehicle, originally priced over $200,000 just five years ago. Ultimately, the primary reason for my reluctant departure is that much of its unparalleled luxury is tailored for rear passengers, a space I, as the driver, would rarely occupy. While the retractable tray tables and rear-seat amenities would undoubtedly impress at car shows, justifying such a significant investment for occasional display seems impractical. The front cabin, while luxurious, doesn’t drastically differ from a 2017 S550, which can be found for considerably less. However, the allure of that V12 engine remains a powerful temptation.
Unless practicality fully prevails, this two-owner CarMax Mercedes S600, stock
