At the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main in 2005, Mercedes-Benz presented its new top-of-the-range model, the S-Class from model series 221. The vehicles went on sale at own-retail outlets and dealerships from autumn 2005. Like its predecessors, this S-Class went into series production with technical innovations that not only emphasised the global leadership position of the luxury saloon, but also continued to make the model series a role model for the entire development of passenger cars. The preceding model series 220 was replaced with this new launch, having become the world's best-selling luxury saloon to date with just under 500,000 units sold.
The new top-of-the-range model from Stuttgart was larger in every dimension: there was a choice of two body variants with a length of 5076 or 5206 mm – 33 and 43 mm more than before. The wheelbase was extended by 70 and 80 mm to 3035 and 3165 mm, respectively. In addition, the body was 16 mm wider and 29 mm higher than before. These new dimensions allowed a spatial concept that offered all passengers even more comfort.
The external appearance of the new S-Class generation differed fundamentally from that of its predecessor. The latter's slim stature had scarcely been highlighted by striking design features. The models from model series 221 were quite different: their appearance was characterised by aerodynamically optimised lines combined with sporty, dynamic highlights such as the markedly ascending shoulder line and the almost coupé-like, descending arrangement of the roofline and rear window. Above all, however, the sculptured wheel arches caught the eye and gave the side view of the new S-Class an unusually individual character. All in all, the Mercedes-Benz designers had convincingly solved the difficult task of rebalancing the design idiom for the new luxury saloon between the poles of prestige, aerodynamics, distinctiveness and modernity. The result, which was on public display for the first time at the Frankfurt IAA show, immediately met with widespread approval.
The bodyshell created important prerequisites for the typical S-Class features, which traditionally included safety, dynamism and durability in addition to exemplary comfort. Its torsional rigidity was increased by around 12% compared to the previous model series. Around half of all the bodyshell components were made of high-strength or higher-strength high-tech steel alloys. The bonnet, front wings, doors, boot lid and other components were made of aluminium. High-quality recyclates and renewable raw materials also played a greater role in the material mix of the new S-Class. Compared to the preceding model series, there was an increase of around 73% in their use. This contributed to the models from model series 221 being the first in the world to be awarded an environmental certificate by TÜV.
Around a dozen technical innovations went into series production for the first time with S-Class from model series 221 – from BAS PLUS Brake Assist with radar sensors to the dynamic multicontour seat with extended massage function, from Night View Assist with infrared technology to the improved COMAND system, and from preventive PRE-SAFE® occupant protection with additional functions to the Active Body Control (ABC) active suspension.
The suspension with the improved AIRMATIC air suspension system, which came as standard, made an important contribution to the saloon's exemplary ride comfort. It was combined with the ADS adaptive damping system, which continuously regulated the shock absorber forces as required, taking into account the road conditions, driving style and load of the saloon. Within just 50 milliseconds, the system adapted the damping force at each wheel to suit the current situation.
Another special feature of the new S-Class generation was the switch located in the centre console, which could be used to select the three available drive programs – "Sport", "Comfort" and "Manual" – each with corresponding settings for the suspension, vehicle level and transmission program. In "Manual" mode, the automatic transmission was operated using the gearshift buttons on the steering wheel. On poor roads, it was also possible to raise the body by 30 mm at the touch of a button for more ground clearance. From a speed of 120 km/h and in "Sport" mode, the body was automatically lowered by up to 20 mm to further improve driving dynamics, aerodynamics and fuel consumption.
The Active Body Control suspension (standard in the S 600) was considered a milestone in automotive engineering and was further perfected for the S-Class from model series 221. The four spring struts of the active suspension were equipped with "plunger" cylinders, which were controlled by microprocessors and could almost completely compensate for the lifting, rolling and pitching movements of the body. Thanks to the constantly available hydraulic pressure of up to 200 bar, the system was able to stabilise the body in fractions of a second. The fundamental advantage of the second ABC generation was its significantly improved ability to reduce body movements to suit the situation. This took the S-Class into new dimensions of driving dynamics, and at the same time offered a noticeable increase in comfort.
Mercedes-Benz further optimised proven safety systems such as Brake Assist BAS and PRE-SAFE® for the new S-Class. They made a significant contribution to preventing accidents, improving occupant protection and assisting the driver. The new BAS PLUS braking assistant detected cars ahead using radar, and warned the driver if the distance was too short or the car ahead was being approached too quickly. If an accident was imminent, the system calculated the optimum braking assistance, which was immediately available – even if the driver did not apply the brakes sufficiently.
The BAS PLUS predictive brake assist was part of the DISTRONIC PLUS equipment package and used a newly developed short-range radar system in addition to the long-range radar of the adaptive cruise control. The two systems complemented each other: while the DISTRONIC radar scanned three motorway lanes up to a distance of 150 metres in the speed range from 0 to 200 km/h, the BAS PLUS radar monitored the area immediate ahead of the vehicle with a range of 30 metres. The adaptive cruise control automatically braked the S-Class to a standstill and accelerated the saloon back to the desired speed, provided the traffic situation permitted.
Mercedes-Benz combined the BAS PLUS brake assist system with the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system, which offered even more safety functions in the S-Class from model series 221 and, for example, inflated air cushions in the multicontour seats to envelop and support the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers. Mercedes-Benz was the first and only car manufacturer in the world with such a comprehensive safety system, which went into action even before an impending accident.
Another contribution to reducing the risk of accidents in the dark was made by the innovative Night View Assist, which was used for the first time in the new S-Class model series. Two infrared headlights illuminated the road and significantly increased the range of vision when low beam was switched on. As soon as Night View Assist was activated, the 8-inch display in the centre of the instrument cluster automatically showed the corresponding image, providing information about the current situation ahead of the vehicle.
The newly developed Blind Spot Assist was added to the safety equipment in autumn 2007. The system used six radar sensors located in the front and rear bumpers, and provided assistance when changing lanes. If they detected another vehicle – even in the blind spot – a red warning symbol lit up in the lens of the exterior mirror. If the direction indicators were nonetheless activated, the red symbol in the mirror lens began to flash and a warning tone also sounded in the cockpit.
The familiar Mercedes-Benz COMAND infotainment system was presented in a new look and was designed to be even more user-friendly. A key feature of the new generation of devices was fast access to functions that were used particularly frequently: depending on individual habits, e.g. the car radio, TV receiver, CD/DVD changer, telephone and navigation could be controlled either via conventional switches, buttons on the multifunction steering wheel or via the improved COMAND system and its controller located on the centre console. In addition to the familiar telematics and audio devices, various vehicle functions that previously required individual switches were now also integrated into the system. COMAND included a car radio, CD/DVD player and a connection for computer memory cards as standard. On request, a hard disc-based, Europe-wide navigation system was available for even faster route calculation. The central display medium of the infotainment system was a large colour display positioned at the same height and to the right of the instrument cluster.
The primary area of the newly developed control concept was the multifunction steering wheel and instrument cluster. All the important information and functions needed when driving were integrated here. The instrument panel featured an 8-inch high-resolution TFT colour display which highlighted the information on the centrally positioned central display, among other things. The controls of the standard multifunction steering wheel had also been further developed to allow faster selection of settings and functions. The previous controls were replaced by circular, illuminated five-way buttons which responded to light thumb pressure. The LINGUATRONIC voice control system also became optionally available for the first time in the S-Class from model series 221, to make operation as easy as possible. After activation by pressing a button on the steering wheel, the telephone, audio system and navigation could be controlled by voice commands using this system.
Passengers in the luxury saloon also benefited from newly developed seats. Twelve-way electrically adjustable front seats with lumbar supports were specified as standard; comfort seats with seat heating and active seat ventilation, multicontour seats (front and rear) and dynamic multicontour seats (front) were also available as options. In the multi-contour version, the front seats each had eleven air cushions which allowed individual adjustment to the occupant's body shape. The dynamic multicontour seat was also equipped with seven separate air chambers in the backrest area, which were inflated and deflated according to a programmed sequence and provided a fatigue-reducing massage.
At the market launch of the new S-Class in autumn 2005, the two petrol-engined models S 350 and S 500 were initially available, followed in the first quarter of 2006 by the six-cylinder diesel S 320 CDI and the V12 saloon S 600, which was only available with a long wheelbase. The power spectrum of the drive units therefore ranged from 173 kW/235 hp to 380 kW/517 hp. All of the engines were new or further developments that delivered up to 26 % more output and up to 15% more torque than the engines in the previous model series, while reducing fuel consumption by up to 9 %.
A new V8 petrol engine, which was used in the S 500, celebrated its world premiere in model series 221. As part of the M 273 engine family, the 5.5-litre unit with four-valve cylinder heads and a total of four overhead camshafts delivered an output of 285 kW/388 hp, making it one of the most powerful in its displacement class – even without turbocharging. The maximum torque increased to 530 Nm compared to the previous V8 engine, and was available between 2800 and 4800 rpm. The new S 500 accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, just under a second faster than the previous model. Despite the considerably higher performance, the combined NEDC fuel consumption of 11.7 to 11.9 litres per 100 kilometres remained at the same level as the previous model.
The two six-cylinder engines were also new developments. Under the bonnet of the S 350 petrol model was a 200 kW/272 hp 3.5-litre V6 engine, which now also featured four-valve and twin-camshaft technology. As part of the M 272 engine family, it excelled with a power increase of around 11 % compared to the previous engine. As a result, the new S 350 reduced the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h to 7.3 seconds, and at the same time reduced the average rated fuel consumption by around 10 % to between 10.1 and 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres. For the new six-cylinder diesel engine, which was launched in the first quarter of 2006, the developers now also switched from the previous in-line to a V-configuration. In the S 320 CDI, the 3.0-litre engine from the OM 642 series with 173 kW/235 hp delivered around 15 % more power, and with its best torque value of 540 Nm available from 1600 rpm, the modern diesel engine, which was fitted with a maintenance-free particulate filter as standard, offered considerable pulling power. Fuel consumption remained even more modest than before: The average rated consumption was 8.3 to 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres.
At the time of its market launch, the S 320 CDI, with a list price incl. VAT of 67,048 euros for the short version and 74,704 euros for the long version, offered the most favourable entry into the world of the S-Class from model series 221. The V6 petrol model S 350 was at a similar but slightly higher level, initially priced at € 70,760 and € 78,416, respectively. The V8 models were in a much higher price category: an S 500 meant an investment of 89,668 or 95,236 euros.
Also in the first quarter of 2006, the twelve-cylinder S 600 saloon was added to the sales portfolio as the new top-of-the-range S-Class model. The output of the further developed biturbo V12 was increased by 12 kW/17 hp to 380 kW/517 hp, while the maximum torque increased from 800 to 830 Nm. This reduced the average fuel consumption to 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres according to the NEDC standard. The S 600, which was only available with a long wheelbase, accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds. The prestigious top model with V12 engine was initially available at a list price incl. VAT of 143,724 euros.
In autumn 2006, to reduce the existing performance gap between the S 350 and S 500 petrol engines, the engine range was supplemented with a reduced-displacement variant of the M 273 V8 engine. However with eight cylinders, a displacement of 4663 cc and a rated output of 250 kW/340 hp, the engine used in the S 450 was positioned much closer to the larger model than to its smaller neighbour.
A few weeks later, in December 2006, the range of engines was expanded again. A new top-of-the-range diesel version, the S 420 CDI, was added, using a V8 diesel engine from the OM 629 series. With 235 kW/320 hp and 730 Nm, the 4.0-litre engine performed extremely well and was nevertheless content with an average rated fuel consumption of less than 10 litres per 100 kilometres in the luxury saloon.
The modern 7-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission was used as standard for all V6 and V8 models. Another new feature was DIRECT SELECT – electronic control of the 7G-TRONIC by lightly tapping a stalk on the right-hand side of the steering column.
In contrast to their technical data, the 450 models were orientated more towards the S 350 six-cylinder in terms of their list prices: an S 450 with a short wheelbase initially cost 77,256 euros, while the long sister model was listed at 84,912 euros. On the other hand, the V8 diesel S 420 CDI at 84,448 euros and 92,104 euros, respectively, was an interesting alternative to the S 500 because it was particularly economical.
The new Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG celebrated its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit on 8 January 2006. The absolute top model in the S-Class range was powered by a 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine, which allowed a driving performance that was otherwise only possible in the super-sportscar segment: Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h took 4.4 seconds, 200 km/h was reached after 13.3 seconds and the top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h. The V12 engine developed by AMG had key data that were unrivalled for a series-production passenger car: the maximum torque was 1000 Nm, available between 2000 and 4000 rpm. From as low as 1000 rpm, the engine delivered a massive 570 Nm to the crankshaft, and at 1500 rpm the figure was no less than 750 Nm. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-speed automatic transmission was responsible for converting this enormous power into propulsion, and it was controlled by shift paddles or alternatively by tapping the DIRECT SELECT stalk located on the steering column.
The dominant positioning of the S 65 AMG, which was only available with a long wheelbase, was emphasised by its visual appearance. Widely flared wheel arches and a specially designed AMG front apron with enlarged air inlets lent a dynamic and exclusive touch to the performance saloon. Two angled, motorsport-inspired struts and integrated round fog lamps with chrome rings made the S-Class appear even wider and lower from the front. The side sill panels continued the line of the AMG front apron and, supported by "V12-Biturbo" lettering on the front wings, contributed to the sportily accentuated look of the vehicle flanks. The exclusive AMG light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey and measuring 8.5 x 19 at the front and 9.5 x 19 at the rear with 255/40 and 275/40 tyres, were also a defining feature. The rear end was characterised by an apron in AMG styling. The appearance was rounded off by an AMG sports exhaust system with two chrome-plated twin tailpipes in an exclusive design. The unique status of the S 65 AMG was no less strikingly reflected in its list price: the absolute top model was priced at 211,761 euros.
While all models of the new S-Class generation – with the exception of the twelve-cylinder S 600 and S 65 AMG, which were only available as long-wheelbase versions – were offered with both short and long wheelbases from their respective market launches, those equipped with the completely new and independently developed 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system were only available from autumn 2006. The two powerful V8 petrol models S 500 4MATIC and S 450 4MATIC made the start, immediately followed by the S 320 CDI 4MATIC as the only diesel-engined model that could be combined with permanent all-wheel drive. All 4MATIC versions were available in both wheelbase variants.
The drive system was equipped with a centre differential, and combined optimum traction, exemplary ride comfort and outstanding driving dynamics with high economy. The power distribution was fixed at a ratio of 45 to 55 per cent between the front and rear axles. In conjunction with the electronic driving safety systems ESP®, ASR and 4ETS, 4MATIC always ensured superior and clearly predictable driving behaviour. Depending on the model, the price premiums for the all-wheel drive versions of the individual models were between just under 5 % and just under 10 %.
As always, the armoured special protection versions of the S-Class also had a special status in the new model series 221. The S 600 Guard became available autumn 2006, with factory-integrated protective elements that offered a high level of security against attacks and threats from external sources. The special armouring was able to absorb military rifle projectiles, and thus complied with the Euro standard for resistance class B6/B7. Moreover, the S 600 Guard met additional requirements with regard to attacks using explosives and hand grenades, as verified by public and independent institutions. In order to adapt the suspension to the additional loads caused by the protective elements, it was completely redesigned. At first only the S 600 Guard was available as a special protection model. In 2007, the S 420 CDI Guard was also offered as a special protection version of the diesel saloon.
In the following year, an armoured Pullman saloon with a wheelbase extended by 1150 mm was also created on the basis of the S 600. Space, comfort and equipment levels qualified this variant as a representative state saloon – a very special vehicle category in which Mercedes-Benz had many decades of experience and tradition. The first examples were delivered at the end of 2008.
The S 63 AMG, which was launched in the first quarter of 2007 and was available with both a short and a long wheelbase, was clearly performance-oriented as a variation on the AMG theme in the S-Class model range. The high-revving V8 M 156, the first performance engine developed by Mercedes-AMG and already used as the top engine in other model series, was used as the power unit. The naturally aspirated engine had a displacement of 6208 cc and delivered an output of 386 kW/525 hp at a remarkable rated engine speed of 6800 rpm . The exceptionally lively V8 accelerated the S 63 AMG from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The forward thrust of the sports engine only ended at an electronically regulated 250 km/h. In contrast to the V12 in the S 65 AMG, which was tuned for exemplary serenity, the high-revving engine lent the S 63 AMG a decidedly sporty touch based on power delivery.
In addition to the AMG sport suspension with AMG high-performance composite braking system, numerous other typical AMG equipment features in the exterior and interior, such as the AMG-specific front apron, side sill panels, a sports exhaust system, 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a multi-spoke design, a sports steering wheel and the AMG instrument cluster, emphasised the performance-oriented character of the S 63 AMG. The list price of the high-performance saloon at market launch was € 131,376 for the short version and € 137,683 for the long version.
With a focus on optimising fuel consumption and emissions, the S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY was launched at the end of 2008 as the first BlueEFFICIENCY model in the S-Class. Thanks to targeted attention to detail and innovative technology – including demand-controlled power steering, an automatic transmission with stationary decoupling and tyres with reduced rolling resistance – this model achieved the best values in its segment in terms of fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. Compared to the previous model, further savings of around 10% were achieved without compromising on comfort or performance characteristics.
In spring 2009, the S-Class from model series 221 eventually underwent an extensive facelift, which was intended to safeguard its position as the world's leading luxury saloon. By this time, it had become apparent that the top positions in the production statistics were occupied almost exclusively by petrol-engined models and those with a long wheelbase. The leading position was held – unsurprisingly, because it represented the essence of the S-Class – by the S 500 in the long version, of which almost 80,000 units were produced during the first model cycle. It was followed by the long S 350, the most popular model with a V6 engine. Around 59,000 units of this model were produced. Third place went to the S 500 4MATIC, also with a long wheelbase, of which just over 35,000 units were produced. The long S 280, a model variant with a 170 kW/231 hp 3.0-litre V6 which was offered exclusively in selected Asian markets, was also in particularly high demand. The production statistics recorded over 13,000 units. The S 320 CDI was the only diesel model with a five-digit production figure, and the only one in a short version to be at the top of the sales statistics. Almost 25,000 units of this model left the production lines at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen.
Compared to other model series and the overall figures for the first production cycle, the number of AMG models produced was relatively modest: while around 5200 units of the long S 63 AMG were produced plus a good 2500 of the particularly exclusive and expensive S 65 AMG, the S 63 AMG with its short wheelbase, which was actually conducive to good driving dynamics, was relegated to the shade with only around 400 units produced.
