The Mercedes-Benz W223 is the seventh generation of the SClass full-size luxury sedan, produced by Mercedes-Benz since 2020.[3] It replaces the W222 SClass which had been produced since 2013.[4]
Design
The W223 S-Class is based on the second-generation Modular Rear Architecture (MRA) platform and uses a four-link front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension.[5] Air suspension is standard and can automatically lower by 20 mm at 160 kph to increase stability.[6]
Compared to the previous generation W222 S-Class, rear headroom has increased by 16 mm and rear legroom has increased by 41 mm.[7] Boot capacity has increased by 20 L to 550 L.[8] The W223 directs heat from the engine to the wheel arches and underbody to improve airflow and has a drag coefficient of 0.22.[9]
At the launch, Mercedes-Benz announced that its V12 engine would be exclusive to Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC and that no coupé or convertible version of S-Class would be produced. At IAA 2021 in Munich, Mercedes-Benz revised its position to add the V12 engine to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, S 680 Guard 4MATIC, ending the Mercedes-Maybach's exclusive use of V12 engine.[10]
Equipment
The W223 uses the second-generation Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system.[11] It features a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED centre infotainment system with haptic feedback.[12] The MBUX system features over-the-air software update support, automatic driver profile selection via voice or fingerprint recognition, and a virtual assistant which activates by saying "Hey Mercedes".[13] The assistant can be controlled by the rear seat passengers and can also control smart home appliances.[14] The car can automatically close the windows and sunroof and recirculate air as it approaches a tunnel or detects poor air quality.[15] Interior cameras can detect driver movements as to automatically lower the rear sunblinds if the driver looks back or switch on the interior light if the driver reaches towards the glovebox.
Models
Mercedes-Benz
The engine range from W222 is carried over to W223 with inline six, V8, and V12. For the first time, the V12 engine is fitted with 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system and is exclusive to S 680 Guard 4MATIC. The 4MATIC system is standard equipment for most of S-Class models with exception of S 450 e. S 350 d and S 580 e can be ordered with 4MATIC system as extra-cost option. All models except S 680 Guard 4MATIC are offered in both standard and long wheelbases.
Mercedes-Benz S 680 Guard 4MATIC
On 28 July 2021, Mercedes-Benz announced the new armoured S 680 Guard 4MATIC. The S 680 Guard 4MATIC has VPAM VR10 armour level.[25]
Due to its higher mass, the top speed limit is reduced to 190 km/h.
Mercedes-Benz S 680 Guard 4MATIC
On 28 July 2021, Mercedes-Benz announced the new armoured S 680 Guard 4MATIC. The S 680 Guard 4MATIC has VPAM VR10 armour level.[25]
Technical data
Engines
The engines are carried over from previous generation of S-Class (W222) with two petrol and diesel six-cylinder inline engines at launch.[49] Mercedes-Benz launched the models with V8 and V12 engines in May 2021.[50][51][52] A first for a Mercedes-Benz passenger car, the V12 is fitted with the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.[53] No diesel PHEV models have been introduced (as of November 2023).
Transmission
W223 facelift (2026–)
A mid-cycle refresh for the seventh generation S-Class debuted on January 29, 2026.[57] More than 2700 parts (50% of the entire car) were either newly developed or re-engineered, making this the most comprehensive S-Class refresh within a single generation.[58]
The front end features a larger illuminated front grille with three-pointed stars forming slats. Similar to the W214 E-Class, the grille is connected to the redesigned headlights, which feature two stars each as the daytime running lights. Additionally, this is the first Mercedes-Benz to feature an illuminated three-pointed star on the hood. The taillights were redesigned, with each module housing three star-shaped lighting elements. There are a range of new wheel design options, one of which is a Manafaktur-exclusive high-pressure cast 20-inch wheels featuring 50 cross spokes.[59]
The interior was also comprehensively updated, with a watercooled supercomputer running on MB.OS which handles all interior electronics, such as the MBUX Superscreen. According to Mercedes-Benz, the Superscreen was preferred over the Hyperscreen to provide a better viewing angle for the driver display, which is separated and more upright, while setting the main displays further back for increased ergonomics.
See also
External links
References
- Shapur Kotwal. Mercedes-Maybach S 580 to be assembled at Chakan plant Autocar India, 14 January 2021^
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class design sketch group-media.mercedes-benz.com, retrieved 2022-07-28^
- Adrian Padeanu. 2021 Mercedes S-Class Debuts Today: See The Livestream Here