Mercedes-Benz S-Class Specifications

Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz
Parent company Daimler AG
Production 1954–present
Assembly Berlin, Germany
Frankfurt, Germany
China
Malaysia
Egypt
Thailand
India
Class Full-size luxury car
Body style(s) 4-door sedan
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a series of the largest sedans produced by Mercedes-Benz, a division of Daimler AG. The classification was officially introduced in 1972 with the W116 S-Class, which succeeded previous Mercedes-Benz models dating to the mid-1950s. As the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the S-Class has debuted many of the company's latest innovations, including drivetrain technologies, interior features, and safety systems (such as the first seatbelt pretensioners). The S-Class has ranked as the world's best-selling luxury flagship sedan, and its latest generation, the W221 S-Class, premiered in 2006 as an all-new design. As in previous iterations, the W221 S-Class is sold in standard and long wheelbase versions; V6, V8, V12, diesel and hybrid powertrains are offered.

The name "S-Class" derives from the German word "Sonderklasse" of which "S-Class" is an abbreviation. Sonderklasse means "special class" (or rather: "In a class of its own"), and in automotive terms thus refers to "a specially outfitted car." Although used colloquially for decades, following its official application in 1972, five generations of officially-named S-Class sedans have been produced. Past two-door coupe models of the S-Class were known as SEC and later S-Coupe. In 1998 they were spun off in a separate line as the CL-Class, however it will be re-designated as the S-Coupe for the 2011 model year.


Model nomenclature
Chassis Type Debut
W180 "Ponton" 1954
W128 "Ponton" 1958
W111 "Fintail" 1959
W112 "Fintail" 1959
W108 N/A 1965
W116 S-Class 1972
W126 S-Class 1979
W140 S-Class 1991
W220 S-Class 1999
W221 S-Class 2005
In early Mercedes-Benz history, the "S-Class" designation was used colloquially, referring to the letter "S" which designated most of the larger six-cylinder powered vehicles in the company's lineup (but not the luxurious V8-powered 600 limousine). In typical Mercedes-Benz fashion introduced in the late 1920s, the traditional designation of each car consisted of three numbers indicating engine size (up to 770 in the 1930s), and optional letters indicating either engine features ("260D" since the first Diesel of 1936) or body styles ("K" for kompressor (typically a Roots compressor) as in the 1930s 500K or 540K). After World War II, these codes were often carried over from one generation to the next.

In some early cases, as in the W180/128 "Ponton" models of the 1950s, the "S" was applied to vehicles requiring premium fuel ("Super" in Germany) due to the higher compression ratio and output of the company's top-of-the-line six-cylinder engines. In 1959, the "Ponton" body was replaced by the new 220Sb "Fintail" with standard body (Einheitskarosserie).


original order
current orderThe letters stem from German terminology. For example, 500SEL denotes an S-Class (Sonderklasse) sedan with an engine size of about 5,000 ccm, with fuel injection (Einspritzung) and a long wheelbase (Lang). Note that the "S" and "L" in "SEL" are not equal to those in "SL" (Sport Leicht); the SL roadsters are not S-Class vehicles. In German, the flagship vehicles are referred to as die S-Klasse.

Until 1982, there were only two lines. The new W201 ("Baby-Benz") was awkwardly called 190 no matter what engine was installed. As in earlier special models, the real capacity was indicated as e.g. "190E 2.6", in order to distinguish it from the mid-sized 260E, the mid-size five-door 260TE, and the "S-Class" 260SE using the same six-cylinder. In 1993, when the W202 was introduced as C-Class, the traditional naming convention (numbers, plus letters) was reversed, with a leading letter identifying the line (currently, A, B, C, CLS, E, G, GL, GLK, ML, R, S, V are in use). From then on, the long-wheelbase models (formerly "SEL") and the regular length models (formerly "SE") are both labeled with the prefix of "S" regardless of length. For example, both 500SEL and 500SE are now labeled as S500, with fuel injection being standard by now anyway.

Currently, the S-Class is available in four trim levels; the numbers are given in ascending order to denote more upscale models (e.g. S550/S600/S63 AMG/S65 AMG etc.) In official Mercedes-Benz publications and on vehicle nameplates, a space between the letter and numbers is customary (e.g. S 600).

Predecessor models
"Ponton" (1954)
W180/W128
Also called 220S
Production 1954–1957 (W180)
1958–1961 (W128)
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) 2.2 L I6
Main articles: Mercedes-Benz W180 and Mercedes-Benz W128
The W180 line debuted in 1954, and is the first lineup of "Ponton" models associated with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The W180 featured six-cylinder sedan, coupé, and convertible models, and was produced until 1957. The later W128 lineup, introduced in the mid-to-late 1950s, was the last to be associated with the "Ponton" name. It featured the 220a, 219 (W105), 220S, and 220SE models (sedan, coupé, and cabriolet) powered by a 2.2L straight-6, and came to en. The "Ponton" designation referred to pontoon fenders, a stylistic feature on the W180/W128 models.


A 1950s W128 Ponton, a 220SEThe "Ponton" lineup included four- and six-cylinder models, but only the six-cylinder W180 and W128 lines are considered part of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class chronology, as they were the most powerful "Ponton" versions available. Both "Ponton" models were Mercedes' first without a conventional frame, using a unitized body/frame construction.

"Fintail" (1959)
W111/W112
Also called 220SE
Production 1959–1968 (W111)
1961–1967 (W112)
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) 2.2 L I6
3.0 L I6
Main articles: Mercedes-Benz W111 and Mercedes-Benz W112
The W111 "Fintail" series debuted in 1959. Initially powered by a line of straight-6 engines (the M180 and M127), it set a new standard for luxury. In 1961, the W111 series was augmented with a line of 3.0 L straight-6 cars, the W112. The W112 was the most luxurious model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup until surpassed by the W100 line's model 600 limousines in 1963. The W111/W112 lines contained sedan, coupe, and convertible models.

The Fintail was among the first cars in the world to have crumple zones and disc brakes, and for the top of range W112 models, an air suspension. The characteristic name referred to a styling feature on the rear section of the W111/W112 models, the Heckflosse ("Fintail") which resembled the larger fins then in fashion on American luxury cars produced by Cadillac and Buick.


A 1960s W111 Fintail, a 230SThe W112 300SE sedan, as "300 SE long" with a 10 cm longer wheelbase, was for the short period the top model of Mercedes, succeeding the baroque "Großer Mercedes" ("Grand Mercedes") 300, 300b, 300c, and 300d, which were often associated with chancellor Konrad Adenauer. Since the debut of the W111 300SEL, each iteration of the S-Class has included short and long wheelbase models, with the latter models (such as the W109) typically being the most luxurious, powerful, and well-equipped. In 1965, the W111 line also added the 230S sedan.

The larger W111/W112 Fintail models should not be confused with a smaller Fintail line, the W110, which was also produced in 1961 (derived from the W111 line) and was essentially the predecessor of today's E-Class. The W110 featured a shorter hood for the "economy" models 190c and 190Dc. The different six-cylinder "S"-versions of the W111 mainly differed from the smaller 4-cylinder W110 variants by a different length of the front, and the amount of chrome applied.

W108 (1965)
W108/W109
Also called 220b/Sb/SEb
Production 1965–1972
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) 2.5L I6
2.8L I6
3.0L I6
3.5L V8
4.5L V8
6.3L V8
Main article: Mercedes-Benz W108
With "Fintails" being passé and dropped in favor of a look similar to the 600, the updated and larger W108/W109 lines were introduced in 1965. With the W108/W109 series, the range received V8 power for the first time (from 1969). The W108 line launched with an initial lineup of straight-6 powered models. The unusual high-displacement 300 SEL 6.3 V8 model was based on this body type. The W108 line, which included the 250S, 250SE, 280S 280SE and 280SEL (long wheelbase) models, was larger than the Fintail models it replaced, and also eliminated the characteristic design feature of the previous model.

During this period, the designation S or SE was used for short wheelbase models including 250S, 250SE, 280S, 280SE and 300SE. Long wheelbase models (extended by 4 inches in the back door) were designated SEL (L= lang or long). Since the advent of the W108 series, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has always included two wheelbase lengths. The 300 SE and 300 SEL models were classified as W109 chasis and had air suspension in the rear compared to coil spring based rear suspension of W108 models. The more powerful 300SE and 300SEL models were the most luxurious versions of the W108 line, with available burl walnut dashboards, automatic transmission, and power windows.


Late 1960s W108 lineIn 1968, the W108 line dropped the 250S and 250SE in favor of S-Class models with the larger engined 280S (in carbureted form) and the 280SE (with fuel injection); the 300SE/SEL models were later offered with a 3.5 litre V8 engine (in both the SE and SEL form) and 4.5 litre and 6.3 litre V8 engines (in the SEL model only). The W108/109 lines, which eventually supplanted the W111 lines, were not available with 4-cylinder engines, and thus established the distinct S-Class market position which continues to the present day.

S-Class models
[edit] W116 (1972)
W116
Also called 280S/SE/SEL, 350/450SE/SEL, 300SD
Production 1972–1979
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) 2.8L I6
3.5L V8
4.5L V8
6.9L V8
3.0L I5 turbodiesel
Transmission(s) 3-speed automatic
4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Main article: Mercedes-Benz W116
In 1973, Mercedes-Benz introduced the W116 line, the first to be officially called the S-Class. Produced from 1972 through 1979, the W116 series featured a four-wheel independent suspension and disc brakes. The 280, 350, and 450 (4.5L version) models featured SE and SEL versions. Production of the W116 totaled 473,035 units.

The W116 models were large luxury sedans. The W116 was larger on the outside than the W108/W109 series it replaced, but had similar interior capacity, as the additional bulk was driven by new theories on car safety and occupant protection in a crash. The W116 introduced improved passive safety features into the vehicle design, with features such a strengthened vehicle occupant shell. It was one of the first cars to be available with ABS, a driver's airbag supplemental restraint system, or a turbo diesel engine.

The 450SE, then the most powerful model in the W116 lineup, was awarded European Car of the Year in 1974. Starting in 1975, the W116 was upgraded with a new fuel injection system in order to comply with revised exhaust emission standards in European markets. A slight power reduction was a result of this update, but in 1978, a series of further engine upgrades restored original performance levels under the new fuel injection systems.


Large boxy rear lights of the 1970s W116, the first official "S-Class" Engines
With the W116 models, the V8-engines of the 350/450 SE/SEL models were now regular options. Due to the oil crisis, fuel efficiency was the major concern for the engineers, yet they still added also the high-performance, limited-production 450 SEL 6.9. This 8-cylinder model boasted the largest engine installed in a postwar Mercedes-Benz up to that time. Every 450 SEL 6.9 featured a self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension, and offered the ABS anti-lock braking system as an option from 1978 onwards. Also, in the United States and Canada only, Mercedes-Benz introduced the economical but powerful 3.0 liter 5-cylinder turbodiesel in 1978, sold as the 300SD.

W126 (1979)
W126
Also called 280/300/380SE/SEL, 420/500/560SE/SEL/SEC, 300/350SD/SDL
Production 1979–1991
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) 2.6L straight-6
2.8L straight-6
3.0L straight-6
3.5L straight-6
3.8L V8
4.2L V8
5.0L V8
5.6L V8
3.0L 5 cyl. turbodiesel
3.0L 6 cyl. turbodiesel
3.5L 6 cyl. turbodiesel
Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Main article: Mercedes-Benz W126
The W126 series premiered in late 1979 as 1980 model (and 1981 in USA and Australia), replacing the W116 line. The W126 line introduced a host of new safety features, and ushered in the next phase of Mercedes-Benz styling. The W126 brought much-improved aerodynamics to the S-Class, enlarged yet lighter engines with blocks made of aluminium. The W126 S-Class was also the first luxury car to win the prestigious Car of the Year award from Australia's Wheels Magazine, which it did in 1981. The W126 line lasted from 1979 through 1991, a production run of over twelve years, its model cycle extended by the first-ever S-Class mid-cycle update. Coupé models based on the S-Class were reintroduced with the W126 (380/500 SEC). Total sales of the W126 S-Class sedans reached 818,036 units, with an additional 74,060 coupes sold. These sales figures make the W126 the most successful S-Class line in Mercedes-Benz history.


The W126, the most successful S-Class (US-spec example)In 1981, the W126 introduced the modern airbag, as patented by Mercedes-Benz in 1971, to the world as an additional measure of occupant protection. Other safety innovations on the W126 included passenger side airbags (in 1986), seat-belt pretensioners, and traction control. In the cabin, additional courtesy and reading lamps, along with heated seats and a more advanced climate control system, added to the luxurious interior environment. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard.

Although the top of range Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 of the previous generation was not directly replaced, the W126 carried forward the hydropneumatic suspension of the 6.9 as an option on the 500SEL. A new cruise control system was offered as well. Abandoning the roadster based coupes, the W126 introduced a two door variant, the SEC coupé. The longevity of the W126 S-Class model cycle was aided by a mid-cycle update in 1986, an upgrade which previously was not done in S-Class generations. During the update of the W126 model S-Class, a facelift was performed and engine upgrades occurred.


The W126 500 SEL. Engines
Powerplants on the W126 S-Class included straight-6 and V8 engines. Most sales came from the diesel model in the United States and straight-6 models in Europe, although the V8 models were praised by contemporary journalists. During the W126 mid-cycle update in 1986, both the straight-6 and V8 engines were upgraded in several models to different displacement levels (six-cylinder upgraded from 2.8L to 3.0L, eight-cylinder upgraded from 3.8L to 4.2L, and 5.0L to 5.6L).

Notably, the 500SE has an interesting place in US history, despite not being offered in that country. American demand for this particular car drove the establishment of a large grey market. The detuned, yet very expensive standard US specification 380 SE/SEL/SEC/SL was underpowered, according to contemporary reports, so 25,000 units per year of the parallel import vehicle were sold in the early 1980s. That prompted then Mercedes-Benz of North America to lobby for the elimination of parallel import in 1988.

W140 (1991)
W140
Also called 300SE/SEL, 400/500/600SEL, 500/600SEC, 300SD
Production 1991–1999
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) 2.8L 197 hp (147 kW) I6
3.2L 228 hp (170 kW) I6
4.2L 275 hp (205 kW) V8
5.0L 315 hp (235 kW) V8
6.0L 408 hp (304 kW) V12 (1991–1993)
6.0L 389 hp (290 kW) V12 (1994–1999)
3.5L Turbodiesel 148 hp (110 kW) I6
Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic
5-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Main article: Mercedes-Benz W140
In 1991, the W140 series replaced the W126 line in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, and the first production model of the latest S-Class rolled off the assembly line on August 6 of that year. As with its predecessor, the W140 was the first of the "next generation" of Mercedes-Benz models to feature the company's new design theme. The W140 saw the car grow dramatically in its proportions, for which it received criticism; more technology and numerous features were added in response to growing international competition. Following S-Class tradition, the car was available in two wheelbase lengths, along with the shorter-wheelbase W140 coupé. Production totaled 432,732 units, well down on the figures for the W126, reflecting its shorter production life and the inroads made by the newly introduced Lexus LS into the key US export market.


1999 Mercedes-Benz S600 featuring the flagship V12 engineThe W140 S-Class is often known as the last Mercedes-Benz to be "overengineered," a company trait which was costing Mercedes-Benz in product delays and overbudgeting. For the consumer, the W140 cost a considerable 25% more than the preceding W126. Intense pressure from competitors such as Lexus and Infiniti led to the addition of more features and options as to set the W140 apart from the rest and to justify the higher price. The W140 introduced new innovations such as double-pane window glazing, self-closing boot lid and doors, electric windows with a jam-protection feature (lowering back down when encountering an obstruction), rear-parking markers (which appeared on the rear wings when in reverse), and a heating system which emitted warm air even after the engine was turned off.


A 1990s W140 as a German TaxiIn 1993, Mercedes-Benz model nomenclature was completely rationalized, with the SE/SEL/SEC cars becoming the S-Class and alphanumerical designations inverted (e.g. the both 500SE and 500SEL became S500 regardless of wheelbase length). In 1995, following the new Mercedes-Benz tradition of mid-life facelifts (first with the W126 in 1986), the W140 received a minor facelift. The clear turn signal indicator lenses on the front and rear were the most obvious changes. Headlamps were fitted with separate low and high beam reflectors. Following the mid-year facelift, the W140 coupé and sedan were each fitted with Electronic Stability Control. The W140 was to feature an air suspension as an option, but Mercedes-Benz was still perfecting the technology and chose to launch air suspension as an option in the next generation S-Class in late 1999.

W220 (1999)
W220
Also called S280, S320, S420, S350, S430, S500, S600, S320 CDI, S55, S63, S6
Production Late 1999–2006
Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Engine(s) 2.8L 204 hp (152 kW) V6
3.2L 224 hp (167 kW) V6
3.2L 197 hp (147 kW) I6 diesel
3.7L 245 hp (183 kW) V6
4.0L 250 hp (190 kW) V8 diesel
4.3L 279 hp (208 kW) V8
5.0L 306 hp (228 kW) V8
5.4L 493 hp (368 kW) V8
5.8L 367 hp (274 kW) V12
5.5L 493 hp (368 kW) V12
6.3L 444 hp (331 kW) V12
6.0L 604 hp (450 kW) V12
Transmission(s) 5-speed automatic and 7-speed automatic (7G-Tronic)
Main article: Mercedes-Benz W220
In late 1999, the W220 was introduced. The W220 S-Class was completely restyled, with a body that was slightly smaller and lighter than its predecessor. Unlike its predecessor, the W220 was not the first model to feature the company's new design theme for the next generation of Mercedes-Benz. This honor was given to the A-Class when it launched in 1997. The new S-Class incorporated the new styling cues first introduced on the Mk I A-Class the year before (for example, the dashboard carried over the new styling details first seen in the A-Class), with a renewed focus on elegance and style in a more rounded shape compared to the preceding W140. Despite being smaller, the W220 S-Class offered more interior space than the W140. Production of the W220 S-Class totaled 485,000 units, slightly more than the production totals from the W140. The W220 was produced in a sedan version only.

As with each new S-Class, the W220 brought in new innovations such as Airmatic air suspension and Active Ventilated Seats (which used miniature fans in the seats to move air through perforations). A navigation system with center console-mounted screen display was introduced, along with the COMAND input control system. Other options included keyless entry and ignition, a radar-controlled Distronic cruise control system and a cylinder shut-off system called Active Cylinder Control. The 4MATIC all wheel drive system was introduced to the North America market S-Class for 2003, complementing the traditional rear-wheel drive configurations.


The W220Consumer Reports classified the W220 model's reliability as "poor," its lowest rating, and declared it one of the "least reliable luxury cars." Build quality, however, was generally considered to be good. For instance, Forbes described the W220 S500 as "built remarkably well." Early W220s were recalled for issues with the trunk spring and the hydraulic fuel line; there were no recalls for the 2005 or 2006 model years.

In 2002 Mercedes-Benz introduced the world's first preemptive safety system on the W220 with its first iteration of Pre-Safe.

In 2003, the W220 S-Class received an exterior refresh with updates to the front fascia. The grille angle was adjusted to a slightly more upright position, and the xenon-discharge headlamps were given a new transparent housing, replacing the earlier opaque versions. The front bumper's lower air intakes were also restyled. In 2005, the S-Class was the first vehicle to receive a TÜV Institute environmental certificate from the German Commission on Technical Compliance for environmentally friendly components.


Introduced in 2005, the S65 AMG offered the most powerful engine ever available in the S-Class. Engines
The W220 was available with more engine options than the W126 or W140. The range started with smaller 3.2L 224 hp (167 kW) V6 motor, which was superseded by an enlarged 3.7L 245 hp (183 kW) V6 in the S350. The S430 was powered by a 4.3L 279 hp (208 kW) V8 and the S500 was powered by a 5.0L 306 hp (228 kW) V8. The S55 AMG was outfitted with a supercharged 5.4L 493 hp (368 kW) V8 motor, the S55 AMG 2000/2001 was outfitted with the naturally aspirated 5.4L 367 hp (274 kW) V8 motor. The S600 was outfitted with a 5.5L 493 hp (368 kW) V12 twin turbo engine, the S600 2000/2001 was outfitted with the naturally aspirated 5.8L 367 hp (274 kW) V12 engine.

For one month in 2001, AMG produced the S63 AMG, which was sold in very limited numbers. The S63 was powered by a 6.3L 444 hp (331 kW) V8. An undisclosed number of were sold exclusively through AMG in European and Asian markets. The S65 AMG was introduced in 2005. Powered by a 6.0L 612 hp (456 kW) V12 twin turbo motor, the S65 was the most powerful S-Class, as well as the world's most powerful production sedan. The S65 had a 0–60 mph (97 km/h) time of 4.2 seconds and could reach 100 mph (160 km/h) under 9.0 seconds.

W221 (2005)
W221
Also called S300(280), S350, S450, S550(500), S600, S320/S420 CDI, S63, S65
Production 2006–present
Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Engine(s) 3.0L diesel 235 hp (175 kW) V6

2.8L 231 hp (172 kW) V6
3.5L 272 hp (203 kW) V6
4.0L diesel 320 hp (240 kW) V8
4.7L 340 hp (250 kW) V8
5.5L 382 hp (285 kW) V8
6.2L 510 hp (380 kW) V8
5.5L 510 hp (380 kW) V12


6.0L 612 hp (456 kW) V12
Transmission(s) 7-speed (5-speed on S65 & S600) automatic
Wheelbase SWB: 3085 mm
LWB: 3165 mm
Related Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
Main article: Mercedes-Benz W221
The all-new W221 was introduced in the autumn of 2005 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, with export to other markets beginning in 2006. The W221 S-Class made its North American premiere at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. The latest S-Class is slightly larger in all dimensions than its predecessor, and it features three newly developed engines with up to 26% power increase. The interior is completely new, all materials have been upgraded and make for a more luxurious ride, and the center console transmission gear lever has been replaced with a column-mounted shifter. New technological features on the W221 include an infrared Night View Assist feature and the latest Mercedes-Benz pre-collision system. The W221 features sharper exterior styling (most notably wide fender arcs) and technological improvements. The W221 is the second consecutive generation of the S-Class to be solely produced in a sedan body style.

Models sold in North America are the S450 (2008-,SWB and Canada only), S400 Hybrid (2010- ), S550, S600, S63 AMG and S65 AMG; other models to be sold outside North America include the S280, S350, S300, S420 CDI and S320 CDI. The first W221 model released in North America and Japan was the S550 (called S500 outside North America and Japan), with the S600 arriving in the following spring. In the U.S., base prices for the W221 S-Class range from $87,475 for the S550, $144,975 for the S600, $127,775 for the S63 AMG and $194,775 for the S65 AMG.

In the US for 2010, the S-Class received a face lift across the entire model line. Daytime LED running lights were fitted to the outer edges of the bi-xenon lamp units. The rear end was accented with a total of 52 distinctively arranged LEDs in the two taillights. Gone are the body-colored strips through the tail lamps. Other noticeable changes at the front of the car are a more pronounced arrow-shaped grille, plus a new front bumper with a light-catching contour and a chrome strip below the cooling air intakes. New sleeker rear view door mirrors were also added. Exhaust tailpipes of all S-Class variants were visibly integrated into the rear bumper.


Current S-Class generation: the W221, S500 modelIn terms of performance, the S550 completes the 0–60 mph run in just 5.4 seconds. The car weighs about 2250 kg, but S65 AMG still makes 0–60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, comparable to many top-of-the-line sports cars. The S 63 AMG and the S600 makes the same sprint in about 4.4 seconds.

The brakes continue to become more advanced with the new Brake Assist Plus system monitoring for an impending collision and increasing braking if needed, while the Distronic Plusradar guided cruise control can now bring the car to a complete stop. This system works in outdoor conditions; a test demonstration by Mercedes-Benz in a crash-test hall resulted in embarrassment for the company when a new S-Class crashed into the back of a stationary W220 S-Class. This incident was later attributed to the radar system malfunctioning inside the radar-reflective (i.e. radar-confusing) steel test building where the event was filmed.


2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid (US)Upscale department store Saks Fifth Avenue offered 20 special-edition S600 sedans for sale in its 2005 Christmas catalog. All 20 cars, priced at US$145,000 each, sold on November 22, 2005 in under seven minutes. The Saks-edition S600 sedans were finished in a mocha black exterior with an almond beige interior and were the first examples of the S600 to be sold to private owners. The S600s came with nearly every option standard. In 2007, Automobile Magazine named the W221 S-Class as one of its 2007 "All-Stars" over rivals from Lexus and BMW, and Car and Driver selected the S550 as the winner in a five-way comparison test of flagship luxury sedans, as did Motor Trend Magazine in July 2009 in a three way comparison test, with the other two competitors being the BMW 750Li, and Audi A8L 4.2 Quattro. The W221 S-Class was also the recipient of several other motoring awards.

Autobahn role

The Kraftwerk's Autobahn LP, on the left side a 300SE W112 "Fintail"Large stretches of the German Autobahn network do not feature any speed limit except a recommended 130 km/h (81 mph). Driving at rather high speeds for extended periods tends to result in increased strain on a vehicle and requires careful engineering. Mercedes-Benz has sought to engineer its vehicles, most notably the S-Class, to excel in this unique environment, allowing high speed cruising. Specific standards of engine performance, body integrity, and reliability are part of this process. For instance, the S-Class is built with an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), which drivers can maintain when driving on the autobahn. AMG Manufaktur also offers delimitation or reset to 300 km/h (186 mph). Historically, the engineering of the S-Class has often occurred without regard to cost, a practice which continued unfettered up through the W140 line. The company in turn has been able to exploit this as a marketing tool, culminating in its onetime slogan, "engineered like no other car in the world." This slogan was used throughout the 1980s with the marketing of the W126 S-Class.

However, following the formation of DaimlerChrysler and the cessation of engineer-sanctioned overbudgeting in the late 1990s, this slogan was dropped; the subsequent W220 model S-Class also exhibited lower reliability and quality rates.

Concept cars

The F700 research carIn the 1980s, Mercedes-Benz built the world's first driverless cars using the S-Class, together with the team of Professor Ernst Dickmanns at Bundeswehr Universität München. The culmination of this effort was achieved in 1995, when Dickmanns' re-engineered autonomous S-Class robot completed a trip from Munich, Bavaria to Copenhagen, Denmark and back. On the autobahn, the robot S-Class achieved speeds exceeding 175 km/h. It suggested and executed overtaking maneuvers. The car's abilities left a big impression on many observers, and is said to have heavily influenced robot car research and funding decisions worldwide.

A concept future hybrid, the F700 Research Car, was also unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show. The F700 featured three regular opening doors and a fourth door capable of 180 degree rotation. Also comes with a bullet proof and puncture resistant tyres.

Safety
Mercedes-Benz has traditionally introduced its safety innovations in the S-Class. For instance, the S-Class was the first car in Europe to incorporate airbags. S-Class safety features included innovations in active safety (accident avoidance), passive safety (collision protection), and holistic safety (integration of both active and passive safety features). Active safety features include: ABS braking in 1978 (acts to reduce braking distances and improve stopping control; co-developed with Bosch); traction control and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in 1995 (improves driver control during difficult road conditions); and Brake Assist (provides full braking power during emergency stops). In 2005, a new infrared night vision feature was introduced (improves visibility during nighttime conditions). Despite the popular misconception, the S-Class was not the first car fitted with ABS braking technology, although some credit can be given for popularizing this now largely standard feature (ABS was initially an option on most models of the W126 S-Class).


W126 500 SEL cabin with driver's side airbag SRSPassive safety features include: crumple zones in 1957 (vehicle body structure absorbs the force of impact); three-point seatbelts in 1965 (provides additional torso/body protection); collapsible steering column (prevents the steering column from protruding into the cabin during accidents), strengthened occupant cell enhanced occupant protection during severe impacts (rollovers); pre-accident seatbelt tensioning (tightens seatbelts prior to impact), and sandwich platforms (allows the engine to slide under the occupants in a head-on collision).

PRE-SAFE, Mercedes-Benz's holistic safety feature, was introduced on the S-Class in 2002. PRE-SAFE integrates multiple active and passive safety features for a "safety net" approach to vehicle safety by attempting to prevent accidents; if accidents do occur, PRE-SAFE aims to reduce occupant injury. In the latest version of this pre-collision system, PRE-SAFE will prime the brake assist system, lock the doors to prevent accidental opening during the accident, adjust the seats, close the windows and sunroof, and tighten seatbelts during certain types of collisions. In the event an accident results in a roll over, the PRE-SAFE feature unlock the doors and lower the windows approximately one half-inch to allow you to exit or safety workers to gain access easily.

Road accident statistics on a model-by-model basis from the UK Department of Transport show that the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one of the safest cars on the UK roads (measured in terms of chance of death in an accident).

S-Guard

The W220 S-Guard.A special armored version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been produced, known as the S-Guard. Special features include the capability to withstand military-grade small arms fire and certain explosive devices, a self-sealing fuel tank, and a special alarm system. For 2009, Mercedes-Benz launched a long-wheelbase version of the S-Guard, known as the Pullman Guard. This model is 45 inches longer than the standard model and also has a higher roof and taller rear window with a different rake.

The S-Guard is widely used at the diplomatic level to protect world leaders. Ninety governments worldwide are known to use the S-Guard for transport of government leaders and dignitaries. The S-Guard is built on a special production line at the S-Class facility in Sindelfingen, Germany, with specific S-Guard enhancements integrated at multiple stages throughout the production process.

Production
Most S-Class models, including the W221, are built at the Daimler AG plant in Sindelfingen, Germany. Founded by Daimler Motor Company in 1915, the Sindelfingen plant also produced the model 600 "Großer Mercedes" and past generations of the S-Class. Previous S-Class models (such as the W126) were built in different locations ranging from Stuttgart to South Africa, but with recent models (such as the W220) production has been concentrated in Sindelfingen. In February 2007, DaimlerChrysler Malaysia's plant in Pekan, Pahang began production of S350 (model W221) vehicles. In all, some 2.7 million S-Class vehicles have been produced in the past forty years.

Awards
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been the recipient of different automotive awards. Quality awards include the top ranking in the J.D. Power Sales Satisfaction Index from 1987 to 1990,[22] third-ranked luxury vehicle in J.D. Power's 1990 Initial Quality Survey (IQS), behind only the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Lexus LS, and first ranking (tied with the Audi A8) in the 2007 IQS Ranking. Safety awards includes Popular Mechanics' 2007 Automotive Excellence Award for Safety, 2007's What Car? Safety Award, 2006 British Insurance Car Security Award, and the U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute award for the "The Safest Passenger Car of the Year" in 1988 and 1989. Design awards include Wheels Magazine's 2006 Automotive Design Award, Automotive Circle International (ACI) "EuroCarBody Award 2005", Topauto 2006 award winner in the Innovation category for the Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control, Popular Science Best of What's New - Grand Award 2005, and 2006 Automotive Interior of the Year Awards for Best Seat.

In the luxury category, awards include What Car? "Best Luxury Car" for the seventh time in 2007, Bild am Sonntag 2006 Golden Steering Wheel Award in the Luxury category, Drive Car of the Year Awards Best Luxury Car over $60,000, and top luxury auto in the Topauto 2006 awards. The S-Class has been Fleet News "Luxury Car of the Year" five times, Top Gear magazine "Limousine of the Year" for 2006, Wheels Magazine Car of the Year for 1981 and 1999, and European Car of the Year in 1974. The S-Class is also the first car ever (2005) to receive an environmental certificate from the German Commission on Technical Compliance (TÜV).