S-Class (W223) [Official] Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223)
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The Mercedes-Benz W223 is the seventh generation of the S‑Class full-size luxury sedan. Body Styles: W223 (standard), V223 (long), Z223 (limousine, Mercedes-Maybach). Predecessor: S‑Class (W222). Successor: S-Class (W224) [expected]. Production: 2020- Model years: 2021-
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Jens Meiners reports from the new MB test center in Immendingen. 
MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS: GENERATION S.
The S-Class from Mercedes-Benz is the epitome of the luxury sedan - and that despite the inflation of competing models. Because the experience of the Stuttgart company goes back further. And the sales figures are still higher than those of the Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series combined when the previous model is being phased out.
We drove every generation of models - from the “Ponton” from the 1950s to the brand new W223. And provide driving impressions for development.
W 180 - debut in 1953
While the models built immediately after the war were still strongly oriented towards the pre-war aesthetics, the “Ponton” series presented in 1953 shows for the first time the proportions of a three-box body with integrated fenders that are still current today. One year after the four-cylinder sedan 180, the six-cylinder model 220 came out in March 1954 at the Geneva Motor Show, which in 1956 became the 220 S: the first S-Class. 1958 also comes the 220 SE with 115 hp. A simpler version has the curious name 219.
The 220 we drove from 1955 still looks stately today with 472 cm in length, 176 cm in width and 156 cm in height, although it is by no means oversized. The 85 hp 2.2-liter sedan shines with a smooth engine run, but the acceleration is barely sufficient: the sprint from 0 to 100 km / h takes 19 seconds, the top is 150 km/h. The chassis with the single-joint swing axle at the rear uses pronounced rolling movements to warn you to take your foot off the accelerator early.
At the front you slide around on a continuous bench with relatively little lateral support, especially since there are no seat belts. In the mid-50s, there was still design freedom, the standards were by no means incorporated. The turn signals are activated with a turn of the horn ring: an elegant solution that you have to come up with first. A four-speed steering wheel gearshift, which can be operated easily and precisely, ensures power transmission.
W 111/112 - debut in 1959
In August 1959 Daimler-Benz presented the models 220, 220 S and 220 SE - the so-called “tail fin”, Americanized in style and “of captivating elegance”, as journalist Werner Oswald once put it. 1961 followed the chrome-laden top model 300 SE, the type designation in a chrome box; At the same time, the Stuttgart-based company is launching the closely related four-cylinder models with a shorter front end. Compared to the “pontoon”, the “tail fin” has grown significantly; the S-Class is now 488 cm long and 180 cm wide, but only 149 cm high. The 300 SE (W 112), which incidentally produces up to 170 hp, is also available as a long version; At 498 cm she scratches the five meter mark.
While the 300 SE with the corresponding rear axle achieves a smooth 200 km/h, the 120 HP strong and four-speed automatic equipped 220 SE that we drive leaves it at 172 km/h; the standard sprint to 100 km/h takes 14 seconds. The fact that 120 HP makes you feel adequately motorized is due to the unusually low curb weight from today's perspective; the 220 SE Automatic weighs just 1420 kilograms, the entry-level model 220 with manual transmission and reduced equipment weighs another 100 kilograms less. With a 2.3-liter engine, the “fintail” continued to roll off the assembly line until 1968, while coupé and convertible with their timelessly beautiful, less fashionable shape were built until 1971. We think: You can actually still drive such a car today.
W 108/109 - debut in 1965
At the Frankfurt IAA in 1965, Daimler-Benz expected the traditionalists to produce an objectively designed S-Class: the W 108 is 490 cm long, 181 cm wide and only 144 cm high; the long versions with air suspension (W 109) are 10 cm longer. While the front section continues to look imposing with vertical headlights and an upright radiator grille, the side and rear sections impress with their clear lines and cool elegance. The entry-level model is initially the 250 S with 130 hp; above it are 250 SE with 150 HP and 300 SE / SEL with 170 HP. In 1968 they were replaced by the 280 S (140 PS), 280 SEL (160 PS) and a new 300 SEL with a displacement of just 2.8 liters and still 170 PS. There is also the top model 300 SEL 6.3 with the 250 hp 6.3-liter V8 (M 100) from the state and luxury Mercedes-Benz 600 body. From 1970, the sedan was followed by the 3.5-liter V8 engines with a smooth 200 hp that had already been introduced in the coupé; the model name is 280 SE / SEL 3.5 or (with air suspension) 300 SEL 3.5. In the USA there was also a 4.5-liter V8 to compensate for the loss of performance caused by the exhaust gas cleaning that was already mandatory there.
The most fascinating variant is the 300 SEL 6.3; it is characterized by enormous pulling power and downright sports car-like acceleration. At that time there were hardly any more powerful cars and probably none that were so stable with such driving performance. The sprint from 0 to 100 km / h took only 8 seconds, the top was determined to be 221 km/h. From today's point of view, the interior of the 6.3 is nowhere near as antiquated as the “tail fin”, the chassis and steering had made an enormous leap.
Incidentally, the top model comes from the factory with the double headlights of the US version lying on top of one another instead of completely glazed lighting units. With 6500 units built, the top model is an unexpected success. As a result, the more mundane models were often equipped with the double headlights by their owners, which gradually equalized the overtaking prestige of the 6.3. There is no longer a coupé from the 108/109 series, the previous models continue to run.
W 116 - debut 1972
As early as 1971, the sister models SL and SLC (type 107) had introduced a new style with broadband headlights and large, fluted indicators and taillights; With the W 116 from, this design language also found its way into the S-Class: It made its debut in PAris in autumn 1972. Chrome-plated double bumpers, among other things, provide the ornamentation expected by status-oriented customers. With a length of 496 (SEL: 506) cm, a width of 187 cm and a height of 143 cm, the series continues to grow. Six-cylinder in-line engines (280 S: 160 PS, 280 SE / SEL: 185 PS) or V-8 engines (350 SE / SEL: 200 PS, 450 SE / SEL: 225 PS) provide propulsion. In 1975 the top model 450 SEL 6.9 followed, more than a year late due to the oil crisis - with an impressive 286 hp. Even this variant remains below the two-tonne mark. The automatic for the V8 engines, now with converter,
Incidentally, the first S-Class with a compression-ignition engine comes onto the market in the USA: the 300 SD turbodiesel. Meanwhile we drive a 350 SE - at least with automatic. In the 1970s, Mercedes-Benz paid dearly for almost anything extra - for example the rev counter or the right wing mirror. The 350 SE doesn't seem particularly dynamic, but 10.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h and the top of 205 km/h are objectively not bad values for this V8. However, according to contemporary information, he pours himself up to 20 liters of premium gasoline per 100 kilometers.
W 126 - debut 1979
Today it is considered to be the S-Class par excellence; the W126 with a businesslike, modern design, perfect workmanship and a much more modern appearance than the previous model. The series was drawn by Josef Gallitzendörfer. At the market launch, the 280 S (156 PS), 280 SE / SEL (185 PS), 380 SE / SEL (218 PS) and 500 SE / SE (240 PS) were on offer. The 450 SEL 6.9 did not have a successor, but because of the excellent aerodynamics (Cd value of 0.36), the performance of the new 500 was almost as good as that of the six-nine. After a short time, Mercedes-Benz reduced the engine output of the V8 engines to 204 or 231 hp in order to reduce consumption (“energy concept”). The dimensions: 500 or 516 cm length, 182 cm width, 143 cm height.
The good mood in Stuttgart was sensitively introduced in 1986 with the introduction of the unexpectedly sophisticated BMW 7 Series (E32), the model range of which is crowned to make matters worse by a 300 hp 5.0-liter V12. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz launched a facelift with smooth flanks and rims - and puts the 560 SEL at the top of the range, which is also capable of up to 300 hp. The engine performance fluctuated greatly depending on the emission control, for example from 242 to 300 hp in the 560. The catalyst-free variant reaches a smooth 250 km/h. The last carburetor engine in the S-Class in the 280 S was omitted with the facelift, instead the 260 SE came; the 280 models were replaced by the 300 SE / SEL, the 380 by the 420 SE / SL. The displacement remained unchanged in the 500 series.
In the USA there were diesel engines again - initially the 300 SD Turbo with a five-cylinder engine, from 1985 a 300 SDL Turbo with a six-cylinder engine and, in the last year of construction, finally the 350 SDL Turbo with a 3.5-liter six-cylinder, which also migrated to the successor model. By the way, there was also a real S-Class coupé again - namely the SEC models, which replaced the SLC from 1981.
The W126 is still present in the streets today, it attracts little attention. The steering is more precise than on the previous model, the wide plastic dashboard and the stylish door panels still make the car look modern today. And the doors shut with an inimitable sound.
W 140 - debut in 1990
The W140 was presented at the 1990 Geneva Motor Show, and the driveway to the hotel was re-paved for the driving presentation: Mercedes-Benz may have overshot the mark with this generation of the S-Class. The entry-level models 300 SE / SEL were with 231 hp at the level of the 500 a decade earlier; above this were the eight-cylinder models 400 SE / SEL (286 hp) and 500 SE / SEL (326 hp). Right at the top, the Stuttgart-based company positioned the 600 SEL, which came with a 6.0-liter V12 with 48 valves to 408 hp - or 300 kW. Connoisseurs enjoyed the swipe at BMW, where the twelve-cylinder produced 300 hp.
In an effort to answer the question of the best car in the world once and for all, the engineers relentlessly gave in to the urge for perfection and refinement. As an option, the interior mirror could even be adjusted electrically; the chrome handle for the trunk lid moved in and out electrically, and in order to be able to safely park the 511 or 521 cm long, 189 cm wide and 149 cm taller car, shiny chrome dipsticks extended from the rear corners of the body. Originally only a long version was supposed to come out, it was only later that the decision was made to develop a short version. And the W 140 was the first Mercedes-Benz with the new badge grille. Incidentally, the exhaust disappeared invisibly under the rear bumper. But it didn't help.
Instead of applauding the Daimler engineers for the technical feat, a storm of indignation rose from the local audience. A “dinosaur” would have been put on its wheels, lamented the loudspeakers of public opinion in Germany. The criticism of the then highly respected quality press hit the developers in the marrow. During the construction period, turbodiesel variants were submitted, there was an entry-level model called the 300 SE 2.8, and the output of the V8 and V12 engines was reduced. The basic version of the 2.8 was equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox with a sports gearshift pattern; this gearbox was initially also available in the 300 SE / SEL. The diesel came to Europe: There was a two-valve turbo diesel with a displacement of 3.5 liters, which was later replaced by a 3.0-liter four-valve engine. In the course of the construction period, Mercedes-Benz slightly refined the W 140, but electronic options such as the ESP system were subsequently submitted. And Mercedes-Benz changed the nomenclature: the model series name moved before the cubic capacity.
The 600 SEL even had its model name immodestly on the dashboard at first. Its twelve-cylinder should actually only deliver just under 360 hp, just before the end the engineers added it again. This made the torque characteristics a bit sharper, but the 600 drives extremely confidently. The fine, aggressive sound is reminiscent of an in-line six-cylinder; at 250 km/h the 600 rushes into the regulation. The car leans noticeably to one side in the bends, but the limit is high. A 400 or 500 is more harmonious, but the fascination of a twelve-cylinder is unbeatable. Before and after, there was no more aloof S-Class.
W 220 - debut in 1998
The S-Class from 1998, presented at the Paris Salon, was perhaps an overreaction to the criticism of the W 140: At 504 or 516 cm in length, 186 cm in width and 144 cm in height, considerably more compact than the previous model, and much more restrained in design Equipped with weaker three-valve gasoline engines, the W220 stood for new modesty. The effort was nevertheless considerable: navigation CDs were specially developed and pressed for the driving presentation in Zurich, because Switzerland was not yet digitally mapped accordingly.
The manual control disappeared. At the market launch there was the S 280 (204 P), S 320 (225 PS), S 430 (279 PS) and S 500 (306 PS) as well as the turbodiesel S 320 CDI (197 PS). The more interesting engines followed: the twelve-cylinder S 600 with 367 hp, the S 55 AMG with 360 hp and the S 400 CDI with an initially 250 hp V8 turbodiesel. For the first time there was an all-wheel drive. And it got even better: for the 2002 facelift, the S 55 AMG was forced to ventilate with a compressor and the S 600 with a turbocharger; the performance of both models rose to a smooth 500 hp. Only the S 65 AMG could do better - with an incredible 612 hp. For a considerable surcharge, the S 500 had a fuel-saving cylinder shut-off that reduced performance; hardly a customer took it.
We drove many models, most recently an S 350 4Matic, equipped with the 245 hp 3.7-liter six-cylinder. The car is smooth and extremely comfortable to drive, but the disappointing build quality is striking. The W220 is particularly appealing as the S 400 CDI and with the extremely light-footed V12 biturbo as the S 600.
W 221 - debut in 2005
The S-Class designed under Peter Pfeiffer and presented in June 2005 has grown significantly again: the short version is 508 cm long, the long version even exceeds the W 140 at 523 cm. The width is 187 cm, the length 147 cm. The engine range soon became unmanageable: it comprised gasoline engines with six, eight and twelve cylinders, diesel engines with four, six and eight cylinders and a V6 hybrid. Two highlights: the S 63 AMG with a 6.2-liter V8 high-revving engine and 525 hp and the S 250 CDI with a 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel and 204 hp. It speaks for the outstanding aerodynamics of the fashionable W 221 that this model also reaches a top of a proud 240 km / h. This contrasts with fuel consumption of just 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers.
The driving presentation takes place in St. Moritz, and there is a change in culture: instead of the obligatory glass of wine, the motor journalists are presented with a menu of exquisite water qualities at lunchtime. Which doesn't change anything about the legendary “Nightliner” at the hotel bar.
We drove this model in many different versions, most recently an S 500 4Matic, one of the last examples that rolled off the line; the 4.7-liter V8 had a biturbo at this point and developed a huge 435 hp. This makes the driving experience extremely contemporary. Only the design seems a bit outdated; As disproportionate as the W 221 appears from the outside, the wide dashboard, whose central screen exudes the elegance of a separately applied taximeter, is jagged.
W 222 - debut 2013
It couldn't have been better choreographed: Shortly before the presentation of the S-Class in the Airbus factory in Hamburg-Finkenwerder, a huge thunderstorm is falling. The presentation lives up to the demands of this S-Class. The electronics play an even bigger role in the W222, but the hardware is also growing: the models are 512 or 525 cm long, 190 cm wide and 150 cm high. The engine range is initially based on the previous model, with the four-cylinder diesel being omitted. With the model update in mid-2016, a new generation of in-line six-cylinder engines will be introduced, and many models will have a 48-volt electrical system.
The name Maybach returns with the W 222. The models 57 and 62 built from 2002 to 2012 were still technically based on the W 140 - with electronic components from the W 220. Now Maybach is a variant of the S-Class with a longer wheelbase and an independent design; the decision to reintroduce the brand was made relatively late. At the beginning of 2018, a new front design ensures greater differentiation.
The elegant, curved lines that characterize the interior are striking on the steering wheel of the W 222; Mercedes-Benz has found an independent style that goes well with the brand's image. The S 560 with its turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine and 469 hp is an extremely confident variant; the nine-speed automatic shifts almost imperceptibly.
W 223 - debut 2020
The Corona year 2020 is an extremely unfavorable environment to present the best car in the world in its new edition. Daimler remains in Sindelfingen, where this new benchmark for the luxury class was drawn and developed. The technological leap forward is unbelievable: a three-dimensional instrumentation, a head-up display with overlay of the vehicle apron and a cool interior design completely outclass the competition. Hardware features such as rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 10 degrees do the rest.
The S-Class is extremely safe and clean, but it does not submit to the standards of political correctness. That is why they are still available with diesel and gasoline engines, right up to the twelve-cylinder, which will initially be presented in the Maybach.
At the driving presentation in Immendingen, not only almost all engine variants but also a number of previous models could be driven. One thing became clear: the S-Class was always in the lead. And that hasn't changed in the least.
mercedes-benz.de
MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS: GENERATION S.
The S-Class from Mercedes-Benz is the epitome of the luxury sedan - and that despite the inflation of competing models. Because the experience of the Stuttgart company goes back further. And the sales figures are still higher than those of the Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series combined when the previous model is being phased out.
We drove every generation of models - from the “Ponton” from the 1950s to the brand new W223. And provide driving impressions for development.
W 180 - debut in 1953
While the models built immediately after the war were still strongly oriented towards the pre-war aesthetics, the “Ponton” series presented in 1953 shows for the first time the proportions of a three-box body with integrated fenders that are still current today. One year after the four-cylinder sedan 180, the six-cylinder model 220 came out in March 1954 at the Geneva Motor Show, which in 1956 became the 220 S: the first S-Class. 1958 also comes the 220 SE with 115 hp. A simpler version has the curious name 219.
The 220 we drove from 1955 still looks stately today with 472 cm in length, 176 cm in width and 156 cm in height, although it is by no means oversized. The 85 hp 2.2-liter sedan shines with a smooth engine run, but the acceleration is barely sufficient: the sprint from 0 to 100 km / h takes 19 seconds, the top is 150 km/h. The chassis with the single-joint swing axle at the rear uses pronounced rolling movements to warn you to take your foot off the accelerator early.
At the front you slide around on a continuous bench with relatively little lateral support, especially since there are no seat belts. In the mid-50s, there was still design freedom, the standards were by no means incorporated. The turn signals are activated with a turn of the horn ring: an elegant solution that you have to come up with first. A four-speed steering wheel gearshift, which can be operated easily and precisely, ensures power transmission.
W 111/112 - debut in 1959
In August 1959 Daimler-Benz presented the models 220, 220 S and 220 SE - the so-called “tail fin”, Americanized in style and “of captivating elegance”, as journalist Werner Oswald once put it. 1961 followed the chrome-laden top model 300 SE, the type designation in a chrome box; At the same time, the Stuttgart-based company is launching the closely related four-cylinder models with a shorter front end. Compared to the “pontoon”, the “tail fin” has grown significantly; the S-Class is now 488 cm long and 180 cm wide, but only 149 cm high. The 300 SE (W 112), which incidentally produces up to 170 hp, is also available as a long version; At 498 cm she scratches the five meter mark.
While the 300 SE with the corresponding rear axle achieves a smooth 200 km/h, the 120 HP strong and four-speed automatic equipped 220 SE that we drive leaves it at 172 km/h; the standard sprint to 100 km/h takes 14 seconds. The fact that 120 HP makes you feel adequately motorized is due to the unusually low curb weight from today's perspective; the 220 SE Automatic weighs just 1420 kilograms, the entry-level model 220 with manual transmission and reduced equipment weighs another 100 kilograms less. With a 2.3-liter engine, the “fintail” continued to roll off the assembly line until 1968, while coupé and convertible with their timelessly beautiful, less fashionable shape were built until 1971. We think: You can actually still drive such a car today.
W 108/109 - debut in 1965
At the Frankfurt IAA in 1965, Daimler-Benz expected the traditionalists to produce an objectively designed S-Class: the W 108 is 490 cm long, 181 cm wide and only 144 cm high; the long versions with air suspension (W 109) are 10 cm longer. While the front section continues to look imposing with vertical headlights and an upright radiator grille, the side and rear sections impress with their clear lines and cool elegance. The entry-level model is initially the 250 S with 130 hp; above it are 250 SE with 150 HP and 300 SE / SEL with 170 HP. In 1968 they were replaced by the 280 S (140 PS), 280 SEL (160 PS) and a new 300 SEL with a displacement of just 2.8 liters and still 170 PS. There is also the top model 300 SEL 6.3 with the 250 hp 6.3-liter V8 (M 100) from the state and luxury Mercedes-Benz 600 body. From 1970, the sedan was followed by the 3.5-liter V8 engines with a smooth 200 hp that had already been introduced in the coupé; the model name is 280 SE / SEL 3.5 or (with air suspension) 300 SEL 3.5. In the USA there was also a 4.5-liter V8 to compensate for the loss of performance caused by the exhaust gas cleaning that was already mandatory there.
The most fascinating variant is the 300 SEL 6.3; it is characterized by enormous pulling power and downright sports car-like acceleration. At that time there were hardly any more powerful cars and probably none that were so stable with such driving performance. The sprint from 0 to 100 km / h took only 8 seconds, the top was determined to be 221 km/h. From today's point of view, the interior of the 6.3 is nowhere near as antiquated as the “tail fin”, the chassis and steering had made an enormous leap.
Incidentally, the top model comes from the factory with the double headlights of the US version lying on top of one another instead of completely glazed lighting units. With 6500 units built, the top model is an unexpected success. As a result, the more mundane models were often equipped with the double headlights by their owners, which gradually equalized the overtaking prestige of the 6.3. There is no longer a coupé from the 108/109 series, the previous models continue to run.
W 116 - debut 1972
As early as 1971, the sister models SL and SLC (type 107) had introduced a new style with broadband headlights and large, fluted indicators and taillights; With the W 116 from, this design language also found its way into the S-Class: It made its debut in PAris in autumn 1972. Chrome-plated double bumpers, among other things, provide the ornamentation expected by status-oriented customers. With a length of 496 (SEL: 506) cm, a width of 187 cm and a height of 143 cm, the series continues to grow. Six-cylinder in-line engines (280 S: 160 PS, 280 SE / SEL: 185 PS) or V-8 engines (350 SE / SEL: 200 PS, 450 SE / SEL: 225 PS) provide propulsion. In 1975 the top model 450 SEL 6.9 followed, more than a year late due to the oil crisis - with an impressive 286 hp. Even this variant remains below the two-tonne mark. The automatic for the V8 engines, now with converter,
Incidentally, the first S-Class with a compression-ignition engine comes onto the market in the USA: the 300 SD turbodiesel. Meanwhile we drive a 350 SE - at least with automatic. In the 1970s, Mercedes-Benz paid dearly for almost anything extra - for example the rev counter or the right wing mirror. The 350 SE doesn't seem particularly dynamic, but 10.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h and the top of 205 km/h are objectively not bad values for this V8. However, according to contemporary information, he pours himself up to 20 liters of premium gasoline per 100 kilometers.
W 126 - debut 1979
Today it is considered to be the S-Class par excellence; the W126 with a businesslike, modern design, perfect workmanship and a much more modern appearance than the previous model. The series was drawn by Josef Gallitzendörfer. At the market launch, the 280 S (156 PS), 280 SE / SEL (185 PS), 380 SE / SEL (218 PS) and 500 SE / SE (240 PS) were on offer. The 450 SEL 6.9 did not have a successor, but because of the excellent aerodynamics (Cd value of 0.36), the performance of the new 500 was almost as good as that of the six-nine. After a short time, Mercedes-Benz reduced the engine output of the V8 engines to 204 or 231 hp in order to reduce consumption (“energy concept”). The dimensions: 500 or 516 cm length, 182 cm width, 143 cm height.
The good mood in Stuttgart was sensitively introduced in 1986 with the introduction of the unexpectedly sophisticated BMW 7 Series (E32), the model range of which is crowned to make matters worse by a 300 hp 5.0-liter V12. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz launched a facelift with smooth flanks and rims - and puts the 560 SEL at the top of the range, which is also capable of up to 300 hp. The engine performance fluctuated greatly depending on the emission control, for example from 242 to 300 hp in the 560. The catalyst-free variant reaches a smooth 250 km/h. The last carburetor engine in the S-Class in the 280 S was omitted with the facelift, instead the 260 SE came; the 280 models were replaced by the 300 SE / SEL, the 380 by the 420 SE / SL. The displacement remained unchanged in the 500 series.
In the USA there were diesel engines again - initially the 300 SD Turbo with a five-cylinder engine, from 1985 a 300 SDL Turbo with a six-cylinder engine and, in the last year of construction, finally the 350 SDL Turbo with a 3.5-liter six-cylinder, which also migrated to the successor model. By the way, there was also a real S-Class coupé again - namely the SEC models, which replaced the SLC from 1981.
The W126 is still present in the streets today, it attracts little attention. The steering is more precise than on the previous model, the wide plastic dashboard and the stylish door panels still make the car look modern today. And the doors shut with an inimitable sound.
W 140 - debut in 1990
The W140 was presented at the 1990 Geneva Motor Show, and the driveway to the hotel was re-paved for the driving presentation: Mercedes-Benz may have overshot the mark with this generation of the S-Class. The entry-level models 300 SE / SEL were with 231 hp at the level of the 500 a decade earlier; above this were the eight-cylinder models 400 SE / SEL (286 hp) and 500 SE / SEL (326 hp). Right at the top, the Stuttgart-based company positioned the 600 SEL, which came with a 6.0-liter V12 with 48 valves to 408 hp - or 300 kW. Connoisseurs enjoyed the swipe at BMW, where the twelve-cylinder produced 300 hp.
In an effort to answer the question of the best car in the world once and for all, the engineers relentlessly gave in to the urge for perfection and refinement. As an option, the interior mirror could even be adjusted electrically; the chrome handle for the trunk lid moved in and out electrically, and in order to be able to safely park the 511 or 521 cm long, 189 cm wide and 149 cm taller car, shiny chrome dipsticks extended from the rear corners of the body. Originally only a long version was supposed to come out, it was only later that the decision was made to develop a short version. And the W 140 was the first Mercedes-Benz with the new badge grille. Incidentally, the exhaust disappeared invisibly under the rear bumper. But it didn't help.
Instead of applauding the Daimler engineers for the technical feat, a storm of indignation rose from the local audience. A “dinosaur” would have been put on its wheels, lamented the loudspeakers of public opinion in Germany. The criticism of the then highly respected quality press hit the developers in the marrow. During the construction period, turbodiesel variants were submitted, there was an entry-level model called the 300 SE 2.8, and the output of the V8 and V12 engines was reduced. The basic version of the 2.8 was equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox with a sports gearshift pattern; this gearbox was initially also available in the 300 SE / SEL. The diesel came to Europe: There was a two-valve turbo diesel with a displacement of 3.5 liters, which was later replaced by a 3.0-liter four-valve engine. In the course of the construction period, Mercedes-Benz slightly refined the W 140, but electronic options such as the ESP system were subsequently submitted. And Mercedes-Benz changed the nomenclature: the model series name moved before the cubic capacity.
The 600 SEL even had its model name immodestly on the dashboard at first. Its twelve-cylinder should actually only deliver just under 360 hp, just before the end the engineers added it again. This made the torque characteristics a bit sharper, but the 600 drives extremely confidently. The fine, aggressive sound is reminiscent of an in-line six-cylinder; at 250 km/h the 600 rushes into the regulation. The car leans noticeably to one side in the bends, but the limit is high. A 400 or 500 is more harmonious, but the fascination of a twelve-cylinder is unbeatable. Before and after, there was no more aloof S-Class.
W 220 - debut in 1998
The S-Class from 1998, presented at the Paris Salon, was perhaps an overreaction to the criticism of the W 140: At 504 or 516 cm in length, 186 cm in width and 144 cm in height, considerably more compact than the previous model, and much more restrained in design Equipped with weaker three-valve gasoline engines, the W220 stood for new modesty. The effort was nevertheless considerable: navigation CDs were specially developed and pressed for the driving presentation in Zurich, because Switzerland was not yet digitally mapped accordingly.
The manual control disappeared. At the market launch there was the S 280 (204 P), S 320 (225 PS), S 430 (279 PS) and S 500 (306 PS) as well as the turbodiesel S 320 CDI (197 PS). The more interesting engines followed: the twelve-cylinder S 600 with 367 hp, the S 55 AMG with 360 hp and the S 400 CDI with an initially 250 hp V8 turbodiesel. For the first time there was an all-wheel drive. And it got even better: for the 2002 facelift, the S 55 AMG was forced to ventilate with a compressor and the S 600 with a turbocharger; the performance of both models rose to a smooth 500 hp. Only the S 65 AMG could do better - with an incredible 612 hp. For a considerable surcharge, the S 500 had a fuel-saving cylinder shut-off that reduced performance; hardly a customer took it.
We drove many models, most recently an S 350 4Matic, equipped with the 245 hp 3.7-liter six-cylinder. The car is smooth and extremely comfortable to drive, but the disappointing build quality is striking. The W220 is particularly appealing as the S 400 CDI and with the extremely light-footed V12 biturbo as the S 600.
W 221 - debut in 2005
The S-Class designed under Peter Pfeiffer and presented in June 2005 has grown significantly again: the short version is 508 cm long, the long version even exceeds the W 140 at 523 cm. The width is 187 cm, the length 147 cm. The engine range soon became unmanageable: it comprised gasoline engines with six, eight and twelve cylinders, diesel engines with four, six and eight cylinders and a V6 hybrid. Two highlights: the S 63 AMG with a 6.2-liter V8 high-revving engine and 525 hp and the S 250 CDI with a 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel and 204 hp. It speaks for the outstanding aerodynamics of the fashionable W 221 that this model also reaches a top of a proud 240 km / h. This contrasts with fuel consumption of just 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers.
The driving presentation takes place in St. Moritz, and there is a change in culture: instead of the obligatory glass of wine, the motor journalists are presented with a menu of exquisite water qualities at lunchtime. Which doesn't change anything about the legendary “Nightliner” at the hotel bar.
We drove this model in many different versions, most recently an S 500 4Matic, one of the last examples that rolled off the line; the 4.7-liter V8 had a biturbo at this point and developed a huge 435 hp. This makes the driving experience extremely contemporary. Only the design seems a bit outdated; As disproportionate as the W 221 appears from the outside, the wide dashboard, whose central screen exudes the elegance of a separately applied taximeter, is jagged.
W 222 - debut 2013
It couldn't have been better choreographed: Shortly before the presentation of the S-Class in the Airbus factory in Hamburg-Finkenwerder, a huge thunderstorm is falling. The presentation lives up to the demands of this S-Class. The electronics play an even bigger role in the W222, but the hardware is also growing: the models are 512 or 525 cm long, 190 cm wide and 150 cm high. The engine range is initially based on the previous model, with the four-cylinder diesel being omitted. With the model update in mid-2016, a new generation of in-line six-cylinder engines will be introduced, and many models will have a 48-volt electrical system.
The name Maybach returns with the W 222. The models 57 and 62 built from 2002 to 2012 were still technically based on the W 140 - with electronic components from the W 220. Now Maybach is a variant of the S-Class with a longer wheelbase and an independent design; the decision to reintroduce the brand was made relatively late. At the beginning of 2018, a new front design ensures greater differentiation.
The elegant, curved lines that characterize the interior are striking on the steering wheel of the W 222; Mercedes-Benz has found an independent style that goes well with the brand's image. The S 560 with its turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine and 469 hp is an extremely confident variant; the nine-speed automatic shifts almost imperceptibly.
W 223 - debut 2020
The Corona year 2020 is an extremely unfavorable environment to present the best car in the world in its new edition. Daimler remains in Sindelfingen, where this new benchmark for the luxury class was drawn and developed. The technological leap forward is unbelievable: a three-dimensional instrumentation, a head-up display with overlay of the vehicle apron and a cool interior design completely outclass the competition. Hardware features such as rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 10 degrees do the rest.
The S-Class is extremely safe and clean, but it does not submit to the standards of political correctness. That is why they are still available with diesel and gasoline engines, right up to the twelve-cylinder, which will initially be presented in the Maybach.
At the driving presentation in Immendingen, not only almost all engine variants but also a number of previous models could be driven. One thing became clear: the S-Class was always in the lead. And that hasn't changed in the least.
mercedes-benz.de
Sniper
Turbo Tüftler
- Messages
- 236
For this reason they didn't put on a photo w222,w221 and w220
SKY
Kraftwagen König
- Messages
- 11,960
- Name
- Alberto
I wonder what is the point of being part of a German car forum when you hate every new german car that is released.
- Messages
- 19,808
- Name
- Martin
It's such a difficult car to make one's mind up on. One minute, it's sleek and svelte, the next it's unremarkable and derivative.
One thing's for certain if the old car's dash was baroque boudoir, then this one is far east night club:
One thing's for certain if the old car's dash was baroque boudoir, then this one is far east night club:
Ozy
Oversteer Expert
- Messages
- 1,251
Agree with you, but I actually like that blade runner feel the black interior gives with the different ambient lights.It's such a difficult car to make one's mind up on. One minute, it's sleek and svelte, the next it's unremarkable and derivative.
One thing's for certain if the old car's dash was baroque boudoir, then this one is far east night club:
- Messages
- 15,607
- Name
- Rolf
I would avoid the all black totally and settle with these 2xcolours which are my favorite combos in the W223 so far.
White with striped brown open pore wood - this makes the interior look luxurious, airy, spacious and also less somber. The matching white steering wheel looks so classy.
Wine Red with carbon fiber trim on both dash and center console - It looks rich and expensive as well as bringing some classic vibes for older Mercedes models with the red interiors.
White with striped brown open pore wood - this makes the interior look luxurious, airy, spacious and also less somber. The matching white steering wheel looks so classy.
Wine Red with carbon fiber trim on both dash and center console - It looks rich and expensive as well as bringing some classic vibes for older Mercedes models with the red interiors.
hoffmeister_fan
Kraftwagen König
- Messages
- 11,254
Read that with Chappelle's voice in my head. Lol.
- Messages
- 6,158
Not every German car. I like the RS6, A4 Allroad, TT, GLC Coupe, 718 Cayman and derivatives, 911 GT3 and derivatives, and the not yet released M3 Touring. Before there were many more cars. It is not as if I like many other non German cars. I just find all cars became really really bad, I am not nostalgic, on the contrary, but the evolution does not go the way I would prefer.
Maybe this thread is full of new S Class lovers, but in real world now it is the GLS that interests most, however much it is worse than the sedan.
vincentninety
Sunday Driver
- Messages
- 32
CrunchSlaughtered
RPM Ruler
- Messages
- 7,389
Who needs that? Now all phones have the app for a mirror.
Yes - rear mirros are gone.
@CrunchSlaughter: If you have it - you like it. This has absolutely nothing to do with smart phones.
The same holds true for other nice details.... (for example the chrome plated rear trunk edge is gone; now its pure plastics).
All these little details are contributing to make the the difference between an S-class and an E-class
By the way: Auto Motor Sport did a comparison between E-class, BMW 5´ and Audi A6 and complained about Daimlers cost cutting with respect to quality feel. The E-class lost the review (third place).
@CrunchSlaughter: If you have it - you like it. This has absolutely nothing to do with smart phones.
The same holds true for other nice details.... (for example the chrome plated rear trunk edge is gone; now its pure plastics).
All these little details are contributing to make the the difference between an S-class and an E-class
By the way: Auto Motor Sport did a comparison between E-class, BMW 5´ and Audi A6 and complained about Daimlers cost cutting with respect to quality feel. The E-class lost the review (third place).
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Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz Group AG is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.
Established in 1926, Mercedes-Benz Group produces consumer luxury
vehicles and light commercial vehicles badged as Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG,
and Mercedes-Maybach.
Its origin lies in Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft's 1901 Mercedes
and Carl Benz's 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, which is widely regarded
as the first internal combustion engine in a self-propelled automobile.
The slogan for the brand is "the best or nothing".
Official website: Mercedes-Benz (Global), Mercedes-Benz (USA)
Official website: Mercedes-Benz (Global), Mercedes-Benz (USA)
