The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, formerly known as "special class" (, abbreviated as "S-Klasse"), is a series of full-sized luxury sedans and coupés produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. The S-Class is the designation for top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz models and was officially introduced in 1972 with the W116, and has remained in use ever since. The S-Class is the flagship vehicle for Mercedes-Benz, being positioned above the other Mercedes-Benz models.
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).[2] The S-Class has ranked as the world's best-selling luxury sedan.[3] In automotive terms, Sonderklasse refers to "a specially outfitted car." Although used colloquially for decades, following its official application in 1972, six generations of officially named S-Klasse sedans have been produced.
In 1981, the two-door, four-seat S-Class, designated as SEC, was introduced, sharing the petrol V8 engines with its four-door version, W126. After the introduction of a new nomenclature scheme, SEC was simply renamed as S-Class Coupé. For the 1996 model year, the coupé was separated from the S-Class line and named as new CL-Class (in line with other two-door models: CLK, SL, and SLK); however, the CL-Class was reintegrated into the S-Class model line (same with CLK becoming E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet). The first-ever S-Class convertible since 1972, internally named A217, was introduced and became a one-generation model only. After the end of W222 production in 2020, the successors to the C217 coupé and A217 convertible are not planned, citing the low demand for those models and stronger demand for SUV models.
History
Pre-World War II Mercedes-Benz followed a nomenclature scheme by which each model would have its own numeric code, tied to the displacement of its engine. The logic was that the bigger the displacement, the more prestigious the car will be. This overall scheme was kept in the postwar time, however as the tooling and production facilities were much more limited, Mercedes-Benz adopted a more practical approach of using the "S" suffix to denote a model that was "Special" or Sonder in German. The figurative use of the word in commerce is to denote a product that is more upmarket than the parent version.
Early usage of the S suffix was applied liberally, for example the 1949-51 170S denoted a W136 car with a more modern chassis and larger body in both sedan can cabriolet types, as opposed to the regular W136 170V and 170D. After 1951, the 170S became the W191 chassis code, as a sedan in petrol and 170DS diesel version. In 1953 a hybrid 170S-D and 170S-V became the discount models in the marque's lineup until 1955. This illustrates a how flagship model will make the transition to an entry model in space of just four years. Elsewhere the S could be applied to denote a separate bodystyle, like the top range two door W188 300S opposed to the W186 300 limousine. In other times it would be applied to differentiate a facelifted model, as was the case with the W180 220 gaining the S suffix in 1986.
A more or less consisted application came about in the 1968 upon the launch of the /8 series, when the S-labelled cars now had their own bodies, chassis and powertrains. This was formalised in 1972 when Mercedes-Benz officially branded its premiere range as the Sonderklasse that included the new W116 sedans and the W107 two door coupes and roadsters. Whilst over the following two decades, the S-Class became an established brand, the nomenclature continued to come under increasing pressure in the 1980s in the unnamed 'standard' range which not only included the predecessors of the E-class, but also the compact W201 sedan, restricted to just the 190 series from 1982 and the W463 off-road G-wagen that began to be sold through regular Mercedes-Benz dealers in 1989.
Predecessor models
"Ponton" (1954)
The W180 line debuted in 1954, and is the first lineup of "Ponton" models retroactively associated with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The W180 featured six-cylinder sedan, coupé, and convertible models, and was produced until 1959. It featured the 220S models (sedan, coupé, and cabriolet) powered by a 2.2L straight-6, and came to ten. The "Ponton" designation referred to its unibody construction, with the era's rounded fenders a stylistic feature on the W180 model.
The "Ponton" lineup included four- and six-cylinder models, but only the six-cylinder W180 line is considered part of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class chronology, as they were the most powerful "Ponton" versions available. The Big "Ponton" model was Mercedes' first without a conventional frame, using a unitized body/frame construction.
"Fintail" (1959)
Mercedes-Benz Fintail is an informal nickname given to Mercedes-Benz vehicles notable for the presence of tailfins. Though never officially designated as such — Mercedes-Benz claimed they were functional and designated them Peilstege, assisting to mark the end of the car in the rear-view mirror. The Fintail series replaced the Ponton series.
First generation (W116; 1972)
In 1972, Mercedes-Benz introduced the W116 line, the first to be officially called the S-Class.[5] Produced from 1972 through 1980, the W116 series featured 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. This was a groundbreaking sedan for Mercedes-Benz, and for the first time in the company history, the car had an obvious, blatant and outward emphasis on safety placed above a pure styling viewpoint. The overall design incorporated numerous safety features developed from the "safety research vehicles" in the mid-to-late 1960s to the very early 1970s.
These safety features were all newly introduced passenger-car "firsts" on a production vehicle: padded door trim around the windows, heavily padded steering wheel (later to be replaced by an airbag with the Mercedes-Benz abbreviation of SRS standing for the English-language term Supplemental Restraint System), more comprehensive safety padding on the dashboard and around the interior, dual asymmetric windshield wipers, headrests with a center depression to locate the occupant's head in a more central position during a rear impact, a rain-water management system to improve visibility consisting of deep channels on both sides of the windshield and flowing into deeply channeled rain gutters, including similar designs on the side mirrors, rounded body shapes along the edges, such as the tops of the front fenders, etc., designed to ameliorate pedestrian injuries, ribbed rear taillamp lenses which would remain clearer of dirt on the recessed areas, an easy-to-access first aid kit stowed in a recessed compartment on the rear parcel shelf prominently labeled with the universally recognized "cross" symbol which represents "first aid", and several other subtle safety features related to both active and passive safety. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a classic chauffeur driven car,
Second generation (W126/C126; 1979)
The W126 series premiered in September 1979, launching in March 1980 as a 1980 model and late 1980 as a 1981 model in the US and Australia replacing the W116 line. The W126 line featured improved aerodynamics and enlarged aluminum engine blocks. In Australia in 1981, the W126 S-Class won Wheels magazine's Car of the Year award. The W126 was manufactured from 1979 through 1991 with a 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.
In December 1980, the W126 introduced a driver side airbag, as patented by Mercedes-Benz in 1971, as well as passenger side airbags (in 1988), seat-belt pretensioners, and traction control. It was the first production car to feature an airbag standard, and as late as 1991 there were only a few other manufacturers in Europe who offered an airbag. The interior featured additional courtesy and reading lamps, along with heated seats and a more advanced climate control system. 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. Succeeding the roadster based coupes, the W126 introduced a two-door variant, the SEC coupé. The W126 S-Class received a mid-cycle update in 1985 that included both exterior modifications and engine upgrades.
Third generation (W140/C140; 1991)
In 1991, the W140 series replaced the W126 line with the first production model assembled in April of that year. The W140 grew in proportions and featured two wheelbase lengths and a shorter-wheelbase W140 coupé. Production totalled 432,732 units.
The W140 cost 25% more than the W126 that it replaced and featured double-pane window glazing, self-closing boot lid and doors, electric windows with a jam-protection feature (lowering when encountering an obstruction), rear-parking markers in the US (which appeared on the rear wings when in reverse), and a heating system which emitted warm air while residual energy was available after the engine was turned off.
In 1993, Mercedes-Benz model nomenclature was rationalized, with the SE/SEL/SEC cars becoming the S-Class and alphanumerical designations inverted (e.g. both the 500SE and 500SEL became S500 regardless of wheelbase length). In 1995, the W140 received a minor face lift featuring clear turn signal indicator lenses on the front and rear as well as headlamps fitted with separate low- and high-beam reflectors for the US market. Following the mid-year face lift, the W140 coupe and sedan (Saloon) featured Electronic Stability Control. The W140 is heavily referred to or nicknamed as the "虎头奔" in China and the Mercedes "Shabah/شبح" (Meaning "ghost" when translated) in many Middle Eastern countries.
Fourth generation (W220; 1998)
Mercedes-Benz presented the W220 in July 1998, marketed as a sedan, only.[10] Despite being smaller than the previous generation, the W220 offered more interior space. Production of the W220 totaled 485,000 units.
The W220 introduced air suspension, marketed as Airmatic, as well as a navigation system with center console-mounted screen display, along with its input control system, marketed as COMAND. Other options included keyless entry and ignition, a radar-controlled cruise control system marketed as Distronic and a cylinder shut-off system marketed as Active Cylinder Control. The all-wheel drive system was introduced to the North America market S-Class for 2003, and marketed as 4MATIC.
Consumer Reports classified the W220 model's reliability as "poor," its lowest rating, and called it one of the "least reliable luxury cars;"[11] Edmunds gave the S-Class a 5 out of 5 reliability rating;[12] and MSN Autos gave a rating of 9.0 out of 10.[13]
Fifth generation (W221/C216; 2005)
The W221 was introduced in the autumn of 2005 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, with sales starting in autumn of 2005 and export to other markets beginning in 2006. Again there was a big change in design. The W221 S-Class made its North American premiere at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. The W221 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– ), S350 Bluetec 4MATIC (2012– ), 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), with the S600 arriving in the following spring.[16][17]
Sixth generation (W222/C217/A217; 2013)
Officially unveiled in May 2013, the new S-Class has a more streamlined appearance than the outgoing model. Some interesting features include a large front grille inspired by the F700 Concept car and LED lights used exclusively inside and out – a first in the automotive industry. Two strong converging character lines give the flanks a more sculpted look, while integrated exhaust tips and a large glass roof (likely optional) highlight the design.
Along with the sedan, the S-Class spawned a coupe (Mercedes-Benz C217) and convertible (Mercedes-Benz A217) as well as an extended-wheelbase 'Pullman' variant, longer than the long-wheelbase 'L.' While the short-wheelbase model carries chassis code W222, the long-wheelbase model uses chassis code V222. Unlike previous generations, Mercedes focused primarily on the development of the longer model as many customers in the fast-growing Asian markets prefer to be chauffeured.[25]
Equipment
Inside, almost every surface is covered by a 'luxury' material – everything that looks like leather is genuine leather, and metal is used rather than any plastic alternative. The instrument cluster consists entirely of two widescreens (305 mm diagonal) LCDs with animated graphics. A 'Head-Up' display and gesture-responsive touchpad became options in early 2014. It featured a new infotainment system.
The W222 debuts the available Magic Body Control, consisting of windshield-mounted stereo cameras that can 'read' the road ahead (Road Surface Scan) and communicate with the
Seventh generation (W223; 2020)
The W223 was unveiled on 2 September 2020.[30] This generation does not feature a coupe or convertible model, as these body styles were replaced by the next generation AMG GT and SL-Class models respectively.[31] The interior includes up to five displays, an augmented reality head-up display and an ambient lighting system.[32][30] Additionally, the W223 S-Class is the first production car to feature rear seat airbags that deploy by inflating supporting structures, allowing ambient air to fill the bag rather than using a fully gas-inflated design.[33] On 5 December 2022, Mercedes-AMG debuted the S 63 E Performance V8 PHEV with 802 hp.[34]
Engineering
Mercedes-Benz has been able to exploit their perceived engineering know-how as a marketing tool, culminating in its one-time 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 was reported to suffer from relatively lower reliability and quality rates than previous models.[35] However, ratings have been improving since the W221.
Concept cars
In 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.[36] 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 are 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 Motor Show.[37] The F700 featured three regular opening doors and a fourth door capable of 180-degree rotation. The concept also featured bulletproof and puncture-resistant tires.
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[38] (acts to reduce braking distances and improve stopping control; co-developed with Bosch); traction control and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in 1995[38] (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). Active lane keeping became standard in 2011.[39]
Passive safety features include: crumple zones in 1957 (vehicle body structure absorbs the force of impact); 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).
Production
Most S-Class models, including the W221, are built at the Daimler AG plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, and the Mercedes-Benz-Valdez plant in Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico. Founded by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft in 1915, the Sindelfingen plant also produced the model 600 "Grosser Mercedes" and past generations of the S-Class.[43] 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 and Santiago Tianguistenco. In February 2007, DaimlerChrysler Malaysia's (now, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia) plant in Pekan, Pahang began production of S350 (model W221) vehicles and is currently assembling S300, S350L, and S500L. In all, some 2.7 million S-Class vehicles have been produced in the past forty years.[44]
- W116: 473,035
- W126: 818,036
- W140: 406,532
- W220: 485,000
Sales
Awards
Notable examples of awards received by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class include the top ranking in the J.D. Power Sales Satisfaction Index from 1987 to 1990,[67] seven time ranking as What Car? "Best Luxury Car",[15] and five times as Fleet News "Luxury Car of the Year".[15] The S-Class was Wheels Magazine Car of the Year for 1981 and 1999,[68] U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute "Safest Passenger Car of the Year" in 1988 and 1989,[69] 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).[15]
External links
- Mercedes S-Class—official US site
- S-Class Saloon—official UK vehicle site
- S-Klasse Limousine—official Germany site
- A Break in Time - The New S-Class in Canada Short film for Mercedes by Christopher Kippenberger
References
- cloudevo retrieved 11 March 2023^
- Mercedes 2005 S-Class to Keep Rivals Honest Webwombat.com.au, 2005-05-30, retrieved 2010-10-09^
- New Merc S-class goes hi-tech Motoring.co.za, retrieved 2010-10-09