In spring 2009, after around three-and-a-half years on the market, the S-Class from model series 221 benefited from a comprehensive facelift. The aim was to continue to position the luxury saloon as a trendsetter in its class, and in car engineering as a whole, thanks to numerous innovations. Since its launch in autumn 2005, around 270,000 units had been sold, confirming that the S-Class was the best-selling vehicle in its segment worldwide.
Especially with respect to its drive technology, the facelift brought numerous far-reaching innovations. The world's first series-production hybrid drive with a lithium-ion battery, which was realised in the S 400 HYBRID, celebrated its premiere. Its modified 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine developed 205 kW/279 hp and, in combination with a permanent magnet electric motor with 15 kW/20 hp, ensured superior driving performance and fuel consumption values that were on a par with modern mid-range saloons. The average rated fuel consumption of 7.9 to 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres and corresponding CO₂ emissions of 186 g/km made the S 400 HYBRID the world's most economical, lowest-emission luxury saloon with a petrol engine. Further technical highlights of the vehicle were the specially configured 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, sophisticated power and control electronics for the interaction of the two motors, and the compact lithium-ion high-voltage battery for energy storage.
To maximise the savings potential of hybrid technology, the S 400 HYBRID was also equipped with a start/stop and recuperation function. This made it possible to recover braking energy, store it and make it available to the electric motor when required.
The holistic approach pursued by Mercedes-Benz in the development of the S 400 HYBRID was demonstrated by the eco-balance over the entire lifecycle of the vehicle. During production, use over a mileage of 300,000 km and in the recycling process, an S 400 HYBRID produced 18% lower CO₂ emissions than a conventionally specified comparison model. In addition, recycled components and parts made from renewable raw materials were increasingly used in production. By developing new recycling and disposal concepts for lithium-ion batteries, for which these aspects are critical, it was possible to recycle 95% of their materials.
The list prices for the future-oriented hybrid model, which was particularly comprehensively equipped, were 85,323 euros for the short version and 93,177 euros for the long version.
The range of engines for the upgraded S-Class saloons included six further petrol engines and a total of two diesel engines, whose fuel consumption and performance characteristics had been optimised through targeted fine-tuning by Mercedes-Benz developers. In conjunction with the various measures of the BlueEFFICIENCY package, such as aerodynamic optimisations, demand-controlled ancillary units and efficiency-enhancing shift programs of the 7G-TRONIC transmission, it was possible to achieve reductions in average rated consumption of up to 7 % across the entire engine range.
The S 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY – formerly known as the S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY – offered particularly favourable fuel economy, with an average rated consumption of 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres for its 173 kW/235 hp V6 engine from the OM 642 series. The same six-cylinder engine powered the all-wheel-drive S 350 CDI 4MATIC. The second diesel engine used in the S 450 CDI – marketed under the model designation S 420 CDI before the facelift – was the familiar 4.0-litre V8 OM 629, which with its unchanged output of 235 kW/320 hp continued to offer superior performance with favourable fuel consumption figures. As before, the high-torque top-of-the-range diesel model was only available with rear-wheel drive.
As before, the range of petrol engines in the S 350 and S 350 4MATIC started with the 3.5-litre V6 M 272, which delivered 200 kW/272 hp. Positioned above this was the just under 4.7-litre V8 engine, which in turn delivered 250 kW/340 hp in the S 450 and the S 450 4MATIC. The most powerful engine in the eight-cylinder line-up was once again the M 273 in the 5.5-litre version, which produced 285 kW/388 hp in the S 500 and the S 500 4MATIC. This engine, with identical performance data, was also installed in the export vehicles for North America, where the S 500 was offered under the – actually correct – model designation S 550, exclusively with a long wheelbase. As before, the engine range culminated in the 5513 cc biturbo V12, which powered the top-of-the-range S 600 model. With its maximum output of 380 kW/517 hp, it gave the luxury saloon a performance potential on a par with high-end sports cars.
The S 600 Guard and S 600 Pullman Guard armoured special protection versions with an 1150 mm longer wheelbase continued to be produced on the basis of the S 600 after the facelift. Certified as meeting resistance class B6/B7, these specially armoured vehicles withstood attacks using military rifle projectiles as well as attacks using explosives and hand grenades. The considerable additional weight caused by the various protective elements necessitated a redesign of numerous suspension components. For example, the front disc brakes were each fitted with two brake callipers.
The S 450 CDI Guard with a 235 kW/320 hp 4.0-litre diesel V8, which met the same requirements, also remained in the range.
Further assistance systems were introduced in the S-Class saloons from model series 221 as part of the extensive facelift. In addition to the familiar standard features such as the ABS anti-lock braking system, the ESP® electronic stability program, Brake Assist and the PRESAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system, camera-based systems were now increasingly taking centre stage.
For example, the innovative Adaptive Highbeam Assist, which was available as an option, recognised oncoming vehicles or vehicles ahead whose headlamps were switched on and controlled the headlamps of the S-Class in such a way as to combine optimum headlamp range with anti-dazzle protection for other traffic. The optional Night View Assist, which was also new, now also registered pedestrians on or close to the road in the dark by means of an infra-red camera, and marked them in the display.
Lane Keeping Assist, which was available as an optional extra, also ensured greater safety when driving. It recognised lane markings and warned the driver with steering wheel vibrations if the vehicle was about to leave its lane unintentionally. The windscreen camera also provided the likewise new Speed Limit Assist with the necessary information about current speed limits displayed on traffic signs. To reduce the risk of accidents caused by fatigue, the new S-Class saloons were also available with an optional camera-based drowsiness detection system called ATTENTION ASSIST. Based on more than 70 parameters, the system diagnosed an imminent inability to drive safely and used acoustic and visual signals to urgently advise drivers to take a break.
The familiar electronic safety systems Brake Assist PLUS and DISTRONIC PLUS were further refined in terms of their functionality. Both systems offered support in the event of emergency braking. If the driver did not react or only reacted inadequately to the imminent danger of a rear-end collision despite visual and acoustic warnings, PRESAFE® Brake was now able to autonomously initiate emergency braking 0.6 seconds before the collision and thus help mitigate the consequences of the accident.
With respect to the suspension, the model upgrade focussed on further improving handling agility. This was achieved by introducing the new direct steering with variable steering angle ratio and the Torque Vectoring Brake, whose targeted braking intervention at the rear wheel on the inside of a bend improved driving dynamics and stability. In addition, the pioneering Active Body Control (ABC) suspension control system was supplemented with a crosswind stabilisation system which modified the wheel load distribution at the electronically controlled ABC suspension struts as required.
Far-reaching new features were also introduced in the innovation-intensive area of on-board infotainment. The COMAND control and display system, which came as standard, gained a significantly extended range of functions. These included the optionally available SPLITVIEW display, which showed different content for the driver and front passenger as required, a slot for SD memory cards, a revised Bluetooth® interface and the USB interface likewise included as standard. As an option, the system could be equipped with a media interface that supported all types of mobile audio devices as a universal interface. This was included as standard in the S 400 HYBRID and S 600 models.
This also applied to the top infotainment system COMAND APS, which was otherwise available as an option and offered both Europe-wide navigation and a detailed map display in a clear 3D look with a 40 GB hard drive. Special emphasis was also placed on state-of-the-art technology for music playback. In addition to a radio and a CD/DVD drive with MP3 function, COMAND APS included a hard disc memory that stored up to 2500 music tracks in all common digital data formats. The system was also equipped with LINGUATRONIC, which was based on whole-word input and could be used to control the navigation system, telephone and audio devices by voice command.
An optional rear-seat entertainment package was also available for the upgraded S-Class, and included an 8-inch display on the rear of each front headrest, two wireless headphones and a separate CD/DVD player with connections for external audio and video devices. The sophisticated audio technology was complemented and rounded off by a modified version of the Logic7 surround sound system developed in co-operation with the specialists from harman/kardon®, which offered all vehicle occupants a three-dimensional sound experience.
While the focus of the extensive model upgrade in spring 2009 was primarily on the technical side, the revised luxury saloons also featured a number of new design highlights in the exterior and interior. At the front of the vehicle, the more slanted radiator grille and a newly shaped bumper with a discreet light edge and chrome strip below the cooling inlets caught the eye. Bi-xenon headlamps were now used as standard, and their design was made more dynamic by an optional LED light package with light strips for daytime running lights, indicators and parking lights. The latter was included as standard in the S 400 HYBRID and S 600 models. At the rear, the tailpipes of the exhaust system were now fully integrated into the bumper. New LED tail lights with light strips also provided a new rear signature.
Special attention was also paid to the lighting concept in the interior. The ambient lighting, which came as standard in the S 400 HYBRID and S 600 and was otherwise available as an optional extra, could now be ordered in three alternative light colours: solar (amber-coloured), neutral (white) and polar (ice blue).
The multifunction steering wheel in the new S-Class models had a new look and feel. A modified airbag module provided a more attractive appearance, with soft nappa leather upholstery for a more pleasant user experience. In addition, five different types of wood trim and three different qualities of leather were now available to meet the growing diversity of individual ideas with regard to the material and colour concepts that can be realised in the vehicle interior.
Those who wanted to give the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Saloon a particularly sporty appearance could now for the first time order an optional AMG Sports Package, which was available for all versions with a normal and long wheelbase. It included a stylistically modified front apron with voluminous cooling air inlets, a new rear apron with a black insert and integrated rectangular tailpipes in polished stainless steel, as well as special AMG side skirts. Also eye-catching were the 19-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels shod with 255/40 tyres at the front and 275/40 tyres at the rear. In addition, perforated front brake discs with silver-painted brake callipers emphasised the dynamic look.
In the interior, the AMG sports package is was noticeable by its black ash wood trim, a wood/leather sport steering wheel likewise completely in black, velour floor mats with AMG logo and a sports pedal cluster in brushed stainless steel.
At the time of their market launch in early summer 2009, the list prices for the upgraded S-Class saloons ranged from €73,006.50 for a short-wheelbase S 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY to €96,509 for an S 500, also with a short wheelbase, and €155,354.50 for the V12-engined top-of-the-range S 600 model. The price premiums for the long wheelbase and all-wheel-drive 4MATIC versions were around 3 to 10 percent, depending on the model variant.
In parallel with the introduction of the regular saloons, the AMG models of the S-Class were also presented in a revised form. The powertrains of the S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG remained the same for the time being: on the engine side, the 6.2-litre high-revving V8 from the M 156 series and the familiar biturbo V12 were used, both with familiar performance data but different engine characteristics and elite performance potential. A new feature was the option of increasing the top speed of both AMG models to 300 km/h – also electronically limited – by purchasing the "AMG Driver's Package". With respect to power transmission, the company initially reverted to the components previously used: in the case of the S 63 AMG this was the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC, and for the twelve-cylinder model the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-speed automatic transmission.
The AMG models benefited from the general upgrade of model series 221 in terms of the suspension and electronic safety and assistance systems. In the S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG, for example, direct steering, torque vectoring brakes and the innovative crosswind stabilisation system were now also included as standard. In addition, the entire range of new camera-based assistance systems became available for the AMG versions.
The two S-Class AMG models also adopted the subtle visual changes to the exterior, with the more inclined radiator grille of the S 65 AMG differing from that of the S 63 AMG with chrome-plated twin louvres. The front apron had a new look with AMG-specific LED daytime running lights and two side air outlets. New side sill panels and a modified rear apron with two integrated twin tailpipes in the AMG sports exhaust system, which were designed differently for the V8 and V12 models, further characterised the two performance saloons. Other distinguishing features between the S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG were the AMG light-alloy wheels fitted as standard. While the S 63 AMG was fitted with 19-inch wheels with a multi-spoke design and 255/40 front and 275/40 rear tyres, the wheel arches of the S 65 AMG were occupied by 20-inch forged wheels with 255/35 and 275/35 tyres.
As before, the interiors of the AMG versions had partially individualised equipment. These included e.g. the AMG-specific main menus in the instrument cluster display and the AMG sport seats with climate control, multi-contour function and massage function. The leather interior appointments of the two high-performance saloons were different. While the PASSION interior with natural leather seat side bolsters was used in the S 63 AMG, the "PASSION Exclusive" interior in the S 65 AMG featured leather upholstery with a diamond pattern. Numerous burr walnut trim elements, an analogue IWC-style clock reserved for AMG models and an AMG sport steering wheel with aluminium gearshift paddles contributed to the exclusive ambience with decidedly sporty features. The latest generation of infotainment systems was of course also available for the S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG.
As previously, different wheelbase configurations were specified for the two performance models: While the S 63 AMG was available with a short or long wheelbase, the S 65 AMG was only offered in the long-wheelbase version. The list prices at the market launch of the high-performance saloons were 137,683 euros for the short version and 144,823 euros for the long version of the S 63 AMG, and 221,221 euros for the S 65 AMG.
With the presentation of the S 350 BlueTEC in the summer of 2010, the topic of optimised efficiency came back into focus. Its newly revised OM 642 series diesel engine was one of the most economical, low-emission power units in the world, despite a significant increase in power and torque. Compared to its predecessor, the 3.0-litre V6 delivered a 10% increase in output to 190 kW/258 hp and a maximum torque of 620 Nm, which corresponded to an increase of 15%. This was accompanied by an 11% reduction in average rated fuel consumption to 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres. CO₂ emissions were also reduced by 11% to just 177 g/km, thanks to the BlueTEC technology developed by Mercedes-Benz with AdBlue® injection and downstream SCR catalytic converter. This meant that the new model already met the Euro 6 emission standard due to come into force in 2014.
The list price of the Saloon, which combined the luxury and safety of the S-Class with superior driving performance and fuel consumption and emission values on a par with lower mid-range vehicles, was €76,279 for the short version and €84,609 for the long version when it was launched. From the first quarter of 2011, both model variants were also available with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive.
Two new electronic safety systems were also made available for the S-Class vehicles at the same time as the launch of the S 350 BlueTEC. Active Lane Keeping Assist, which was available as part of the optional Driver Assistance Package PLUS, now autonomously sent a slight braking impulse to the rear wheel opposite the lane marking if the vehicle unintentionally drove over a solid lane marking, thus ensuring that this potentially dangerous course was corrected. Active Blind Spot Assist could also be specified as part of the Driver Assistance Package PLUS on request. The system's sensors registered a risky lane change and, if the visual warning in the exterior mirror was ignored, also autonomously applied the brakes to the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle in a controlled manner to bring the car back into lane.
The Mercedes-Benz developers always kept the wellbeing of S-Class passengers in mind. From summer 2010, for example, newly designed leather upholstery with colour-contrasting decorative topstitching on the seats, armrests and the top and bottom of the instrument panel became available on request. The acoustic pleasure also reached new heights: a Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG sound system with 15 loudspeakers and amplifiers with a total output of 1200 watts, customised for the interior of the S-Class, was available as an optional extra for the S-Class models. The fascinating sound experience could be individually modulated with studio sound or ambient sound effects for each seat.
In late summer 2010, there was a far-reaching change in the engine and transmission of the AMG versions. The previously used high-revving V8 was replaced by a newly presented AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine with spray-guided direct injection from the M 157 series. The modernised drivetrain was completed by the likewise new AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, which continued to operate automatically but used innovative multi-clutch technology with a wet clutch. These measures also set new efficiency standards in the performance segment, thanks to substantial reductions in fuel consumption and emissions as well as significantly lower efficiency losses.
The new drive unit of the S 63 AMG delivered an output of 400 kW/544 hp, which could be increased to 420 kW/571 hp with an optional AMG Performance Package. The peak torque values were 800 and 900 Nm, respectively. Combined with an average rated fuel consumption of just 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres and corresponding CO₂ emissions of 224 g/km, these key figures gave the S 63 AMG an undisputed leading role in the market segment. The figures achieved by the performance saloon were no less impressive. With a time of 4.5 and 4.4 seconds for the standard sprint from 0 to 100 km/h, and a top speed limited to 250 and 300 km/h, respectively, as before, even the most discerning demands were met.
From outside the S 63 AMG with the new engine could be recognised by the corresponding lettering on the wings and, above all, the AMG 5-twin-spoke forged light-alloy wheels. The model could be ordered with either a short or long wheelbase and was offered at list prices of 143,752 euros or 151,368 euros when it was launched in September 2010. An additional €9401 was charged for the optional AMG Performance Package.
The top-of-the-range V12 model S 65 AMG, also launched in September, was available at a list price of 229,075 euros. It was only slightly revised and now featured an engine with an increased output of 463 kW/630 hp.
For the 2011 model year, Mercedes-Benz launched further new petrol and diesel engines for the S-Class. In addition to the already mentioned, efficiency-optimised diesel V6 in the S 350 BlueTEC, the 2.2-litre four-cylinder in the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, but also the new V6 and V8 direct-injection petrol engines in the S 350 BlueEFFICIENCY and the S 500 BlueEFFICIENCY were the focus of interest.
Mercedes-Benz showed courage with the first use of a four-cylinder engine in the highly traditional luxury saloon series. The performance figures of the diesel engine, which was used for the first time in October 2008, nevertheless spoke for themselves: the 150 kW/204 hp engine with latest-generation common-rail direct injection generated a maximum torque of 500 Nm at 1600 rpm, and ensured high pulling power even from the lowest engine speeds thanks to two-stage turbocharging. On the one hand, this ensured the necessary effortless power delivery, and on the other, fuel consumption figures were realised that made the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY the world's most fuel-efficient luxury saloon. With an average diesel consumption of just 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres and CO₂ emissions of 149 g/km – supported e.g. by an ECO start/stop function as standard – the S-Class broke new ground. The achievable performance figures were absolutely at the usual level: acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h took only 8.2 seconds, while a top speed of 240 km/h was recorded.
In order to give passengers the same impression of comfort they were accustomed to in all S-Class saloons, the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY featured dynamically controlled engine mounts that reliably prevented the vibrations and noise of the four-cylinder diesel engine from being transmitted to the bodywork.
After all versions of the S 450, which was still available with the same engine, had been removed from the model range for the German market for model year 2011, the V6 and V8 engines in the S 350 Blue EFFICIENCY and S 500 Blue EFFICIENCY were largely redeveloped. The two 3.5 and just under 4.7 litre engines of the M 276 and M 278 series were equipped with BlueDIRECT technology, the central component of which was the further developed third-generation petrol direct injection system with spray-guided combustion and piezo injectors. In combination with the new "Multi Spark Ignition" (MSI), which allowed up to four sparks to be triggered within one millisecond, there were further significant potential savings in fuel consumption and, as a result, lower pollutant emissions.
The 3.5-litre V6, which was used in the S 350 BlueEFFICIENCY and the S 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, had its cylinder bank angle reduced from 90° to 60°. This design measure made the previously existing balancer shaft, which neutralised annoying vibrations, superfluous and ensured exemplary refinement. A completely new air intake and exhaust system helped the engine to breathe and contributed to an increase in output to 225 kW/306 hp – an increase of 12.5% compared to the previous engine. At the same time, the maximum torque increased from 350 to 370 Nm. However, even greater progress was made in terms of fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. The standard consumption according to NEDC was only 7.6 litres/100 km – a reduction of 24% compared to the previous engine. The situation was similar with CO₂ emissions, which fell from 234 g/km to 177 and 179 g/km for a model with a long wheelbase. With a top speed of 250 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, the performance of the newly motorised S 350 BlueEFFICIENCY was at a high level.
The engine of the S 500 BlueEFFICIENCY, whose new V8 unit had a displacement of 4663 cc and twin turbocharging, naturally conveyed a feeling of particular superiority. This configuration delivered significantly optimised characteristics in every respect: Instead of 285 kW/388 hp, the new engine delivered 320 kW/435 hp, and the maximum torque was now 700 Nm instead of the previous 530 Nm, while at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres, the average rated fuel consumption was more than 15% lower than that of the previous naturally aspirated V8 engine. The CO₂ emissions of 219 g/km were a top result in the luxury class segment. The same applied to the performance potential of the S 500 BlueEFFICIENCY, which sprinted from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and reached a top speed limited to 250 km/h.
Accompanying measures to increase the efficiency of the new diesel and petrol engines included the use of demand-controlled ancillary units such as newly developed oil pumps, optimised thermal management of the cooling circuit and intelligent generator management with recuperation function; in addition, the updated 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, which was used in all newly powered S-Class models, was significantly more efficient and even more comfortable to shift.
The list prices for the short-wheelbase vehicles ranged from 71,876 euros for the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY to 99,186.50 euros for the S 500 Blue EFFICIENCY. The 4MATIC versions and those with a long wheelbase cost the usual 3 to 10 percent more. The slightly revised S 600 for the 2011 model year, whose V12 biturbo engine now met the Euro 5 emission standard, was available for 156,961 euros. The newly motorised S 63 AMG models were priced at 143,752 euros and 151,368 euros, respectively. The S 65 AMG continued to stand alone at the top of the price pyramid at 229,075 euros.
From April 2011, the particularly environmentally friendly S 350 BlueTEC was equipped as standard with the ECO start/stop function, which was already standard in the other S-Class models designed for high efficiency, the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, S 350 Blue EFFICIENCY and S 500 BlueEFFICIENCY. As a result, the already particularly low average rated consumption values of this model version were reduced by almost 10 % to 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres, with CO₂ emissions from 177 to 164 g/km.
In July 2012, an S 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC in long-wheelbase version became the 500,000th example of the S-Class generation, which had been in production since 2005, to be produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen. Half a million vehicles sold within seven years of production made model series 221 the most successful S-Class of all time, and the undisputed number one in the global luxury class segment. The S 500 with a long wheelbase and naturally aspirated 5.5-litre engine, in production until 2011, established itself as the number one in the accumulated production statistics with almost exactly 96,000 units. It was followed by the S 350 from the same production cycle, also in a long-wheelbase version, with just under 81,000 units. The S 280, produced exclusively for a number of Asian export markets from 2005 to 2013 and offered under the name S 300 from 2009, also proved to be very popular with almost 69,000 units produced in the long-wheelbase version. The S 400 HYBRID also made a gratifying debut, given its pioneering role in the luxury class segment. A total of around 18,000 units of both wheelbase variants were produced. Among the diesel-engined versions, the short S 320 CDI – known as the S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY from the end of 2008 and available until the facelift –particularly stood out with a good 28,000 units sold. Even after the engine changeover in late summer 2010, the short S 63 AMG remained at the bottom of the production statistics with only 142 vehicles produced.
With the exception of a few S 600 models, which were still being produced until February 2014, production of S-Class from model series 221 ended in May 2013 after a total of just under 548,000 units.
