MB S-class generation

 

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a series of large luxury flagship sedans produced by Mercedes-Benz, a division of Daimler AG. The S-Class, a product of nine lines of Mercedes-Benz models dating since the mid-1950s, is the world's best-selling luxury flagship sedan. As the foremost model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the S-Class has debuted many of the company's latest innovations, including advanced safety systems, drivetrain technologies, and interior features. Notably, the S-Class introduced the first airbag supplemental restraint systems, seatbelt pretensioners, and electronic stability control.

The latest generation, the W221 S-Class, premiered in 2005 as an all-new design. As in previous iterations, the latest S-Class is sold in standard and long wheelbase versions and offers V6, V8, V12, and diesel powertrains. The W221 is the second consecutive generation of the S-Class to be solely produced in a sedan body style; past two-door coupe models of the S-Class became known as the CL-Class in 1998. Since 2003, the traditionally rear-wheel drive S-Class also offers 4MATIC all-wheel drive in some markets. 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.

The name "S-Class" derives from the German word "Sonderklasse" of which "S-Class" is an abbreviation. Sonderklasse means "special class," and in automotive terms thus refers to "a specially outfitted car." Although used colloquially for decades, the "S-Class" designation was first officially applied


"Ponton" (1955)

The W180 line debuted in 1955, 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 was the last to be associated with the "Ponton" name, and featured sedan, coupé, and cabriolet models powered by a 2.2L straight-6. The "Ponton" designation referred to pontoon fenders, a stylistic feature on the W180/W128 models.

The "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.

"Fintail" (1959)

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.

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.



W108 (1965)

With the W108/W109 series of 1965, the range received V8 power for the first time. 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 was larger than the Fintail models it replaced, and also eliminated the characteristic design feature of the previous model.

During this period, the designation SE was used for short wheelbase models including 250S, 250SE, and 300SE. Long wheelbase models (with more room particularly in the back) were designated SEL. Since the advent of the W108 series, the Mercedes S-Class has always included two wheelbase lengths. The more powerful 300SE and 300SEL models were the most luxurious versions of the W108 line, with burl walnut dashboards, automatic transmission, and power windows.

In 1968, the W108 line replaced the 250S and 250SE with the 280S and 280SE; the 300SE/SEL was later upgraded with a 3.5 litre V8 engine (in both the SE and SEL) and a 6.3 litre V8 engine (in the SEL model).



W116 (1972)

The W116 series, produced from 1972 through 1979, was the first Mercedes-Benz model to be officially designated the S-Class. The W116 S-Class featured a four-wheel independent suspension and disk 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. 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.

Engines

The most notable W116 was 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 only, Mercedes introduced the economical but powerful 3.0 liter 5-cylinder turbodiesel in 1978, sold as the 300SD.



W126 (1979)

The W126 series premiered in late 1979 as 1980 model (and 1981 in USA). The W126 line introduced a host of new safety features, and ushered in the next phase of Mercedes-Benz styling. 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. 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.

In 1981, the W126 introduced the modern airbag, as patented by Mercedes 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.

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 500SEL 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)

In 1991, 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. Following S-Class tradition, the car was available in two wheelbase lengths along with the shorter-wheelbase W140 coupé. Production totaled 406,532 units, the reduced total reflecting the inroads made by the newly introduced Lexus LS into the key US export market.

The 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.

In 1994, 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 1997, 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 was still perfecting the technology and chose to launch air suspension as an option in the next generation S-Class in late 1999.

In 1992, A new 6.0L 408 hp (304 kW) V12 engine joined the lineup for the first time with the 600SE, 600SEL and 600SEC. To distinguish these high-powered halo cars from their V8 and straight-6 counterparts, a "V12" badge was affixed to the C-pillar, a leather dashboard and suede headliner was available, and the grille was redesigned on all V12 models in 1997. In 1993, the 408 hp (304 kW) V12 motor was slightly detuned to 389 hp (290 kW) to comply with tighter emission control regulations in the United States and Europe. The V8 models were tuned down from 322 hp (240 kW) to 315 hp (235 kW).



W220 (1999)

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). 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.

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 2002.

Consumer 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 introduced the worlds 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 lheadamps 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.

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) V12. 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)

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 a more luxurious, Maybach-like appearance, as well as 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-mounted transmission has been replaced with a column-shifter.

Models sold in North America are the S450 (2008-,SWB and Canada only), S550, S600, S63 AMG and S65 AMG; other models to be sold outside North America include the 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. Notable features on the W221 include: the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission (standard, except on V12 engines, where the 5-speed Sequentronic is used as the 7-speed cannot handle the power of the AMG V12). 4MATIC four wheel drive arrived in the fourth quarter of 2006.

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 Plus 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, an incident later attributed to radar-confusing steel in this hall.

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. The W221 S-Class was also the recipient of several other motoring awards (see following).

The W221 S-Class features a similar number and variety of engine choices as the previous generation W220 S-Class. The current lineup of gasoline engines includes a 3.5L V6 with 268 hp (200 kW) in the S350, and two V8 selections: the 4.6 L, 335 hp (250 kW) V8 in the S450, and the 5.5, 383 hp (286 kW) V8 in the S500/S550. Turbo diesel V6 options include 3.0L 235 hp (175 kW) and 4.0L 310 hp (230 kW) variants in the respective S320 and S420 CDI models.

The twin-turbo V12 S600 returns with the W221 generation, and features a 5.5L twin-turbo V12 with an output of 510 hp (380 kW). Two high-performance S-Class AMG models are currently offered: the S63 AMG with a 6.2L, 525 hp (391 kW) V8, and the chart-topping S65 AMG with a 6.0L, twin-turbo V12 producing 612 hp (456 kW).

Awards

Recent generations of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class have been the recipient of different automotive awards, reflecting the vehicle's status as one of the world's most prestigious luxury flagships. These awards include the following categories:

• Quality and customer satisfaction. From 1987-1990, with the W126 S-Class leading its sales, Mercedes-Benz received the highest customer ratings in the J.D. Power Sales Satisfaction Index. In 1990, the Mercedes S-Class was the third-ranked luxury vehicle in J.D. Power's Initial Quality Survey, behind only the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Lexus LS. Versus an average of 140 problems per 100 cars, the S-Class averaged 74.5, nearly twice better. The latest S-Class also tied with the Audi A8 (total) for having the fewest quality problems in the industry after 90 days of ownership, with just 72 problems per 100 vehicles in the 2007 IQS Ranking.

• Safety and security. Popular Mechanics gave the W221 S-Class its 2007 Automotive Excellence Award in the Safety category. In 2007, What Car? magazine recognized Mercedes-Benz with its Safety Award, noting safety innovations which first appeared in the S-Class. In 2006, the S-Class received a British Insurance Car Security Award at Thatcham, the UK insurance centre. The W126 S-Class was awarded by the U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute as the "The Safest Passenger Car of the Year" in 1988 and 1989.

• Design and technology. In 2006, Wheels Magazine feted the W221 S-Class with an Automotive Design Award. Production analyst group Automotive Circle International (ACI) gave the W221 S-Class its "EuroCarBody Award 2005." The S-Class' Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control was named a Topauto award winner in the Innovation category in 2006. In 2005, Popular Science gave the S-Class its Best of What's New, Grand Award. In 2006, the W221 S-Class received the Best Seat award for its driver seat design at the Automotive Interior of the Year Awards.

• Luxury car. In 2007, What Car? magazine named the S-Class "Best Luxury Car" for the seventh time. In 2006, German newspaper Bild am Sonntag awarded the W221 S-Class with the Golden Steering Wheel Award in the Luxury category, the Drive Car of the Year Awards in Australia crowned the S-Class winner of Best Luxury Car over $60,000, and German-speaking journalists awarded the S-Class as the top luxury auto in the Topauto 2006 awards.

• Car of the Year. In 2007, Fleet News named the S-Class its "Luxury Car of the Year" for the fifth time. Top Gear magazine named the S-Class "Limousine of the Year" for 2006. The S-Class was named Car of the Year in Wheels Magazine for 1981 and again in 1999. The W116 S-Class was European Car of the Year in 1974.

• Environmental Friendly. The S-Class is the first car ever (2005) to receive an environmental certificate from the German Commission on Technical Compliance (TÜV).