The Mercedes-Benz S-Class , formerly known as Sonderklasse (German for "special class", abbreviated as "S-Klasse"), is a series of luxury vehicles produced by German carmaker Mercedes-Benz, a division of the German company, Daimler AG. The S-Class designation for the top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz model was officially introduced in 1972 with the W116, and has remained in use since then.
S-Class has made many of the company's latest innovation debuts, including drivetrain technology, interior features, and security systems (such as the first seatbelt pretensioner). The S-Class is ranked as the world's best-selling luxury sedan, and its newest generation, the W222 S-Class, airs in 2013. As in previous iterations, the W221 S-Class is sold in both standard and long-wheelbase versions; I4, V6, V8, V12, diesel and hybrid powertrains are offered. All models made in Mexico or sold in the United States are only available within a long wheelbase.
In automotive terms, Sonderklasse refers to "specially equipped cars." Although used daily for decades, after its official application in 1972, six generations officially named S-Klasse's sedans have been produced. The previous two-door coupe model of the S-Class is known as the SEC and then the S-Coupe. In 1998 the S-Class coupe was split up in a separate line because of the CL-Class, but in June 2014, has been re-designated as the S-Class Coupe for the 2015 model, getting rid of CL-Class. In 2016, the S-Class Cabriolet, named internally A217, was introduced with three variants: the S 550 Cabriolet, the Mercedes-AMG S 63 Cabriolet with 4Matic, and the Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet. The Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Cabriolet, based on the S 65 Cabriolet, was announced in 2016.
Video Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Nomenklatur Model
In 1993, when W202 was introduced as C-Class , traditional naming conventions (numbers, plus letters) were reversed, with a leading letter identifying the line (As late as 2017, A, B, C, CLA, CLS , E, G, GLA, GLC, GLE, GLS, S, SL, SLC, V and X are actively used). Since then, long wheelbase models (previously "SEL") and regular-length models (previously "SE") are both labeled with the prefix "S" regardless of its length. For example, both the 500SE and 500SEL are now labeled as S500/S500L, with moderate current fuel injections. The W221 S-Class is available in four trim levels; the numbers are given in ascending order to show more upper-class models (eg S500 (S550 for US)/S600/S63 AMG/S65 AMG, etc.). In the official publication of Mercedes-Benz and on the vehicle nameplate, spaces between letters and numbers are custom (eg S 600).
Maps Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Model predecessor
The W180 line debuted in 1954, and is the first lineup of "Ponton" retroactive models attributed to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The W180 featured a six-cylinder sedan, coupÃÆ'Â ©, and convertible models, and was produced until 1957. The W128 formation, introduced in the mid to late 1950s, was the last linked to the name "Ponton". It featured models 220a, 219 (W105), 220S, and 220SE (saloon, coupÃÆ'Â ©, and cabriolet) powered by straight 2.2L, and came to ten. The "Ponton" designation refers to a pontoon fender, a stylish feature on the W180/W128 model.
Pairs "Ponton" includes four and six-cylinder models, but only six-cylinder W180 and W128 are considered part of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class chronology, as they are the most powerful "Ponton" version available. Both models of "Ponton" are the first conventional unbranded Mercedes, using a body frame/unit construction.
"Fintail" (1959)
Mercedes Benz Fintail (German: Heckflosse ) is an unofficial nickname given to a Mercedes Benz vehicle famous for its tailfins. Although never officially defined like that - Mercedes-Benz claims they are functional and appoint them Peilstege ("line of sight"), help mark the end of the car in the rearview mirror. The Fintail series replaces the Ponton series.
The exterior is designed for European and North American markets. The W111 is a chassis code provided for its vehicles, including a four-door sedan, manufactured from 1959 to 1968, and a two-door coupe and cabriolets from 1961 to 1971. The W111, initially was only linked to a six-cylinder car with a 2.2 liter engine. The luxury version with a 3-liter big-block engine is coded W112 chassis. An entry-level vehicle with a four-cylinder engine called W110. All three versions of W110, W111, and W112, both in bodies of two and four doors, are built on an identical chassis.
W108 (1965)
The updated and larger W108/W109 model line was introduced in 1965. The W108 line includes a straight-six M129 engine with 250S, 250SE, 280S 280SE and 280SEL engines. In 1968, 300 SEL 6.3 borrowed a 6-liter V8 from the W100 600 Pullman to offer a high-performance luxury sedan.
During this period, the S designation (for "Sedan") is used for the standard carburated short wheelbase model; E (for "Einspritzung", Germany for fuel injection) added to 250SE, 280SE and 300SE. The long wheelbase model acquires the letter L (for "Lang", German for "long"), reflecting an additional 10 centimeters added in the rear passenger compartment. Since the advent of the W108 series, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class always includes a two-axle spacing, though not all wheelbase are sold in every country.
The stronger 300SE and 300SEL models are classified as W109 chassis, with front and rear air suspension (rather than spring-based spring suspension W108), and available burl interior walnut trims, automatic transmissions, and power windows.
In 1968, the W108 line dropped the 250SE in favor of the larger 280S and 280SEL engines; The 250s remained as a model of entry until 1969; 300SE/SEL produces 3.0 liter inline-6 ​​â €
First generation (1972-1980)
In 1972, Mercedes-Benz introduced the W116 line, the first officially called S-Class . Produced from 1972 to 1980, the W116 series features independent four-wheel suspension and disc brakes. Versions 280, 350, and 450 (version 4.5L) feature SE and SEL versions. Production W116 reached 473 035 units. This is an innovative sedan for Mercedes-Benz, and for the first time in the company's history, this car has a clear, outspoken and outward emphasis on safety that is placed on a pure styling standpoint. The overall design incorporates various safety features developed from "safety research vehicles" in the mid to late 1960s to early 1970s.
These safety features are all newly introduced "first" passenger cars on production vehicles: trim-lined doors around windows, very soft steering (later replaced with airbags with Mercedes-Benz stands for SRS stands for English-language language Additional Supervision System ), more comprehensive safety bearings on the dashboard and around the interior, asymmetrical double windshield support, headrests with depression center to find occupant heads in a more central position during back impact, rainwater management system to increase visibility consisting of deep channels on both sides of the windshield and flows into a highly channeled rain gutter, including similar designs on side mirrors, rounded body shapes along the edges, such as the top of the front fenders, etc., designed to repair pedestrian injuries, rear taillamp striped lenses that will remain clearer than dirt in a hidden area, tools an easily accessible first aid stored in a hidden compartment on a rear parcel shelf that is clearly labeled with universally recognized "cross" symbols representing "first aid", and some other subtle safety features associated with active and passive safety. The Mercedes Benz S-Class is a classic driver-driven car, and has been used as a standard by car rental companies. Comfortable and safe and elegant; ideal for driving across the countryside or high-class transport at night.
The W116 model is a great luxury sedan. The W116 is larger on the outside than the W108/W109 series it replaces, but it has the same interior capacity, as additional bulk is driven by several new and above-mentioned engineering developments on car safety and passenger protection in accidents. W116 introduces other passive safety features that are upgraded into vehicle design, including a reinforced vehicle occupier shell. It was one of the first cars available with ABS, an additional driver airbag control system (but not available at the vehicle's initial launch). Also, the W116 is the first mass-produced passenger vehicle to be offered with a turbocharged diesel engine.
The 450SE, then the most powerful model in the W116 lineup, was awarded the European Car of the Year in 1974. At the New England Auto Show in 1972 held in the fall in Boston, the Munroney Label (window sticker) of 1973 450SE was right at $ 13,000. 1973 was the first year of the W116 model for the US market. Beginning in 1975, the W116 was upgraded with a new fuel injection system to meet revised emissions standards in the European market. The slight power reduction was a result of this update, but in 1978, a series of engine improvements further restored the original performance levels under the new fuel injection system. Between 1973 and 1977, the 997 Special Edition W116 was made with orders by Mercedes. These cars incorporated stronger body panels and suspensions and were 50 kg heavier than their normal counterparts.
Machine
With the W116 model, the V8 engine of the 350/450 SE/SEL model is now a regular option. Due to the oil crisis, fuel efficiency is the main concern of engineers, but they still add also high performance, limited production of 450 SEL 6.9. This 8-cylinder model, called only "6.9", boasts the largest machine installed in postwar Mercedes-Benz until then. Each 450 SEL 6.9 features a self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension, and offers an anti-lock ABS braking system as an option starting in 1978 and beyond. Also, in the United States and Canada alone, Mercedes-Benz introduced the economical yet powerful 3.0-liter yet economical OM 617 A A turbodiesel that produced 85 kW in 1978, sold as 300SD. Second generation of W126 (1980-1991) h2>
The first W126 series was inaugurated in September 1979, launched in March 1980 as a 1980 and late 1980 model as a 1981 model in the US and Australia replacing the W116 line. The W126 line features aerodynamic enhancement and an enlarged aluminum engine block. In Australia in 1981, W126 S-Class won the Car of the Year award for Wheels magazine. W126 was made from 1979 to 1991 with a mid-life update. The CoupÃÆ'® model based on the S-Class was reintroduced with the W126 (380/500 SEC). Total sales of the W126 S-Class sedan reached 818,036 units, with an additional 74,060 coupes sold.
In December 1980, W126 introduced driver side airbags, as patented by Mercedes-Benz in 1971, as well as passenger side airbags (in 1988), seat belt pretensioners, and traction control. It was the first production car to feature airbag standards, and until 1991 there were only a few other manufacturers in Europe offering airbags. The interior features additional lights and reading lights, along with heated seats and more sophisticated climate control systems. Automatic four-speed transmission is standard.
Although the top of the Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 range of previous generations was not immediately replaced, the W126 continued the hydropneumatic suspension of 6.9 as an option on the 500SEL. A new cruise control system is also offered. Successfully marketed the coupe roadster, W126 introduced two-door variant, SEC coupe. The W126 S-Class received mid-cycle updates in 1985 with exterior modifications and engine upgrades taking place.
Machine
Powerplants on the W126 S-Class include straight-6 and V8 engines. Most sales come from diesel models in Europe and straight-six models in the United States, although the V8 model is praised by contemporary journalists. During the mid-W126 cycle update in 1986, both straight-6 and V8 engines were upgraded in some models to different displacement levels (six cylinders upgraded from 2.8 L to 3.0 L, eight cylinders upgraded from 3.8 L to 4.2 L, and 5.0 L to 5.6 L).
Third generation W140/C140 (1991-1998)
In 1991, the W140 series replaced the W126 line with the first production model assembled in April of that year. The W140 grew in proportion and featured two long wheelbase and shorter W140 wheelbase coupes. Production amounted to 432,732 units.
The W140 costs 25% more than the replaced W126 and displays double-pane window panes, closes shut doors and doors, electric windows with jamming protection features (lowered when faced with obstruction), rear parking marker in the US (which appears on the rear wing when upside down), and a heating system that emits warm air while remaining energy is available after the engine is turned off.
In 1993, the model of the Mercedes-Benz nomination was rationalized, with SE/SEL/SEC cars being S-Class and reverse alphanumeric designations (eg, both 500SE and 500SEL being S500 regardless of wheelbase length). In 1995, the W140 received a small face lift featuring clear, clear turning indicator lenses on the front and rear and front headlights equipped with low and low reflectors for the US market. After a mid-year face lift, the W140 coupe and sedan (Saloon) feature Electronic Stability Control. This special generation S-class is very often called or dubbed the Mercedes "Shabah/???" (Meaning of ghosts when translated) in many Middle Eastern countries.
Fourth generation W220 (1998-2005)
In July 1998, W220 was displayed. The W220 S-Class is completely restored, with a body slightly smaller and lighter than its predecessor. Unlike its predecessor, the W220 is not the first model to feature a new corporate design theme for the next generation of Mercedes-Benz. The award was given to the A-Class when it was launched in 1997. The new S-Class incorporates new stylistic cues first introduced in Mk I A-Class the year before (for example, the dashboard brings the new styling details first seen in the A-Class ), with a new focus on elegance and style in a more rounded shape than the previous W140. Although smaller, the W220 S-Class offers more interior space than the W140. Production of the W220 S-Class totals 485,000 units, slightly more than the total production of the W140. The W220 is produced in a sedan version only.
Like every new S-Class, the W220 brings innovations like Airmatic and Active Ventilated Seats (used by miniature fans in seats to move air through perforation). The navigation system with a console-mounted display screen is being introduced, along with the COMAND input control system. Other options include keyless entry and ignition, a radar distributed cruise control system and a cylindrical shut-off system called Active Cylinder Control. The all-wheel drive system of 4MATIC was introduced to the North American S-Class market for 2003, complementing the traditional rear-wheel drive configuration.
While Consumer Reports classifies the reliability of the W220 model as "poor," the lowest rating, and declares it as one of the "most unreliable luxury cars," Edmunds delivers S-Class 5 of 5 reliability levels and MSN Autos assigned an expert rating of 9.0 out of 10. In March 2011, Consumer Reports has changed its reliability ratings for S-Class 2001 and 2002 as it has improved to "average". Building quality is generally considered good. For example, Forbes describes the W220 S500 as "excellent". Initial W220s were withdrawn for problems with hydraulic fuel rod and fuel rods; there is no withdrawal for model year 2005 or 2006.
In 2002, Mercedes-Benz introduced the world's first preemptive safety system on the W220 with Pre-Safe first iteration. The W220 S-Class receives an exterior refresh with updates on the front fascia. The grille angle is adjusted to a slightly more upright position, and the xenon-discharge headlights are given a new transparent housing, replacing the previous opaque version. The air intakes below the front bumper are also fixed. In 2005, the S-Class was the first vehicle to receive the TÃÆ'Ã… "V Institute environmental certificate from the German Commission on Technical Compliance for environmentally friendly components.
Machine
W220 is available with more machine options than W126 or W140. This range begins with a 2.8 (Singapore) motor smaller than 3.2L 224Ã, hp (167Ã, kW) V6, which is replaced by 3.7Ã, L 245Ã, hp (183Ã, kW) V6 enlarged in S350. The S430 is powered by 4.3Ã,® L 279 hp (208Ã, kW) V8 and S500 powered by 5.0Ã, L 306 hp (228Ã, kW) V8. The S55 AMG is equipped with a supercharged 5.8 L, V 494 hp (368 kW) engine, the S55 AMG 2000/2001 is equipped with a naturally aspirated V8 5.4Ã,® L 360Ã, hp (270Ã, kW) motor. S600 is equipped with twin-out twin turbo engine 5.5 liter L 363 hp (368 kW) M275, S600 2000/2001 is equipped with a naturally aspirated 5.13 m, 5.7 oh, 277 hp (274 kW) V12 engine.
For one month in 2001, AMG produced the S63 AMG, which was sold in very limited quantities. S63 is powered by 6.3 L 444 hp (331 kW) V12. An undisclosed amount is sold exclusively through AMG in European and Asian markets. A number of "collector's editions" of the S600 AMG were produced in the following years of the W220, many of the same specifications as the S63 AMG, but with better interior and voice commands. S600 AMG is one of the previous models introduced with the Euro 4 emission system. AMG S65 was introduced in 2003 and went on sale in 2004 as a model year 2005. Powered by twin turbo V12 6.0H L 612 hp (456 kW), S65 is the most powerful S-Class, as well as the world's strongest production sedan. S65 has a 0 to 97 mph (0 to 97 km/h) time of 4.2 seconds (conservative approximate MB) and time tested by the owner 3.8 seconds and can reach 100 mph (160 km/h) in under 9 seconds. In addition, an ECU software upgrade can produce engines that generate 740 horsepower and more than 850 pound-feet of torque.
Fifth Generation W221 (2006-2013)
All-new W221 was introduced in the fall of 2005 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, with sales beginning in the fall of 2005 and exporting to other markets starting in 2006. The W221 S-Class premiered in North America at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. The W221 is slightly larger in all dimensions than its predecessor, and features three newly developed engines with up to 26% power boost. The interior is completely new, all materials have been upgraded and made for a more luxurious ride, and the transmission levers of the center console transmission have been replaced with shifter mounted on the column. The new technology features on the W221 include the infrared Night View Assist feature and the latest Mercedes-Benz pre-impact system. W221 features a sharper exterior styling (especially wide fender arcs) and improved technology. The W221 is the second generation of the S-Class that is produced exclusively in the sedan body style.
Models sold in North America are S450 (2008-, SWB and Canada only), S400 Hybrid (2010-), S350 Bluetec 4MATIC (2012-), S550, S600, S63 AMG, and S65 AMG; Other models to be sold outside of North America include the S280, S350, S300, S420 CDI and S320 CDI. The first W221 model released in North America and Japan is the S550 (called the S500 outside of North America and Japan), with the S600 arriving in the next spring. Mercedes Benz Mexico also manufactures the S-600, S-600P police specification model. The S-600P is similar to the standard S-600 but is equipped with a dual turbo V-12 engine from the S65 AMG and includes police lights, sirens, run-flat tires, gun mounts, Lanix computer stations integrated with host police networks, optional prison cages and curb seats, and armored B6/B7 levels. The S-600P is only made in Mexico and is only available in long wheelbase versions. The Mexican government uses the S-600P primarily to transport key figures, but several police departments in the country's rich cities use them as patrol vehicles, as do Mexican Police in limited numbers. A small number of S-600P were purchased by the Guangzhou police department, China to protect key government figures.
In the US for the 2010 model year, the S-Class received a facelift across the model line in mid-2009. LED daytime running lights mounted to the outside edge of the bi-xenon light unit. The back is accented with a total of 52 LEDs arranged typically in two taillights. Through the already colored body strips through the tail lights. Another striking change in the front of the car is the more prominent arrow-shaped grille, plus a new front bumper with lightweight contours and chrome strips under the cooling air intake. A new and sleeker rear door mirror with LED turn signal is also added. Exhaust exhaust from all variants S-Class looks integrated to the rear bumper. The wheels are updated to a more modern one. Also new is the S400 Hybrid version. Safety is also increasing in most Mercedes Benz models, with an orange light reflector mounted on the side of the bumper. Also, before it is updated it has a C-Class view on the front. After that disappears. Also, some shiny chrome is added to the bottom of the door and the bumper.
In terms of performance, the S550 completed a 0-60 mph run in just 5.4 seconds. Despite having a weight of 2304 kg, the S65 AMG still makes it 0 to 60 in just 4.2 seconds. S 63 AMG and S600 create the same sprint in about 4.6 seconds. Mercedes-AMG claims that the S63 will pull from 50 mph to 70 mph in about 3.9 seconds, while the S65 makes it from 50 mph to 70 mph in 3.6 seconds.
The brakes continue to be more advanced with the monitoring of the new Brake Assist Plus system for future collisions and improved braking as needed, while advanced front-radar cruise controls can now bring the car to a complete halt. The system works in outdoor conditions; Mercedes-Benz pilot demonstrations at a tab-test center caused embarrassment for the company when the new S-Class crashed into the back of the W220 S-Class stationer. This incident was later linked to a radar system that was damaged inside a radar-reflective steel (ie radar-confusing) test building where the event was filmed.
The upscale Saks Fifth Avenue store offers 20 special edition S600 sedans for sale in the 2005 Christmas catalog. All 20 cars, priced at US $ 145,000 each, were sold on November 22, 2005 in less than seven minutes. The Saks-edition S600 sedan is completed in a mocha black exterior with a cream-colored interior and is the first example of the S600 sold to private owners. S600 comes with almost any standard of choice. In 2007, Car Magazine named the W221 S-Class as one of â € Å"All-Starsâ € 2007 over rivals from Lexus and BMW, and Cars and Motorists selected the S550 as winners in a five-way comparison of flagship luxury sedans, as Motor Trend Magazine did in July 2009 in a three-way comparison test, with two other competitors being BMW 750Li, and Audi A8L 4.2 Quattro. The W221 S-Class is also the recipient of several other automotive awards (see below).
Sixth Generation W222/C217/A217 (2014-present)
Officially unveiled in May 2013, the new S-Class has a sleeker look than the outgoing model. Some exciting features include a large front grille inspired by the F700 Concept car and LED lights that are used exclusively inside and out - the first in the automotive industry. Two lines of strong convergent characters provide a more sculpted side, while integrated exhaust tip and large glass roof (may be optional) highlight the design.
Along with the sedan, the S-Class spawned a coupe (Mercedes-Benz C217) and convertible (Mercedes-Benz A217) as well as the extended-wheelbase 'Pullman' variant, longer than the long wheelbase 'L.' While the short wheelbase model carries the W222 chassis code, the long wheelbase model uses the V222 chassis code. Unlike previous generations, Mercedes focused primarily on developing older models as many customers in the fast-growing Asian market prefer to be drivers.
Tools
Inside, almost every surface is covered by 'luxury' material - everything that looks like leather is genuine leather and metal is used instead of plastic alternatives. The instrument cluster consists entirely of two widescreen LCD screens (30.5 cm diagonally) with animated graphics. A responsive 'Head-Up' view and touch pad are preferred in early 2014.
The W222 makes the debut Magic Control available, which consists of a front-mounted stereo camera that can read the road ahead and communicate with the Active Body Control suspension to be ready for uneven road surfaces. Originally available only on 8-cylinder models and above, the Magic Ride Control attempted to isolate the car body by predicting instead of reacting to the sidewalk and the speed of the damaged mound.
Available luxury pledge above and above what is offered at W221 includes a choice of massage types for each passenger seat (W221 offers various intensities of a single massage type) and two levels of premium audio from the German luxury brand, Burmester.
The W222 has an onboard driver assistance system that allows to drive courses in the path and follow leading vehicles for a short time (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, also called traffic jam assistant). It will also slow or stop dead and speed up the response to traffic going forward. Mercedes engineers claim, under controlled conditions, rise above the W222 S Class that has been driving autonomously for 50 km, simply by changing the parameters of the installed controller equipment. Such modifications are not available to the general public.
Powertrain
Like the W221 S500, the W222 S-Class will be powered by a stronger twin-turbo V8 that produces 455 hp (339 kW) while the S600 will carry a twin-turbo V12. There are also versions of the S350 BlueTEC-powered diesel, S400 hybrid with 20 kilowatt electric motor and 306 hp V6 engine (228Ã, kW), S300 BlueTEC diesel-electric hybrid. A S500 Plug-in Hybrid was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) with a 2014 market release and claims 3 l/100 km mileage, CO2 rating of 69 g/km and up to 30 km emissions-free. S500 Plug-In hybrid is equipped with 329 hp (245Ã,kW) 3-liter V6 and 80 kilowatts electric motor. AMG dislocated S63 (bi-turbo V8) and S65 (V12 bi-turbo) LWB sedan are also offered. All S-Class models will come with a 7-speed automatic transmission.
Engineering
Historically, S-Class engineering is claimed to have been designed without regard to cost, a practice that continues to be restrained through the W140 line. The company in turn has been able to exploit this as a marketing tool, culminating in its slogan, "engineered like no other car in the world." This slogan was used throughout the 1980s with the marketing of the S-Class W126. However, after the formation of DaimlerChrysler and the overbudgeting cessation approved by engineers in the late 1990s, this slogan was dropped. The next model of the W220 S-Class is reported to have a relatively lower level of reliability and quality for the previous model.
Concept car
In the 1980s, Mercedes-Benz built the first unlicensed car in the world using the S-Class, along with the team of Professor Ernst Dickmanns at the Bundeswehr UniversitÃÆ'¤t MÃÆ'¼nchen. The culmination of this effort was achieved in 1995, when the S-Class robot reengineered by Dickmanns completed the journey from Munich, Bavaria to Copenhagen, Denmark and back. On autobahn, S-Class robots reach speeds exceeding 175 km/h. It advises and executes overtaking maneuvers. The ability of the car leaves a big impression on many observers, and is said to have profoundly affected the research of automobile robots and funding decisions around the world.
A hybrid future concept, the F700 research car, was also introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2007. The F700 features three regular opening doors and a fourth door capable of turning 180 degrees. The concept also features bulletproof tires and puncture-resistant.
Security
Mercedes-Benz has traditionally introduced its security innovation in the S-Class. For example, the S-Class is Europe's first car to combine airbags and three-point safety belts. S-Class security features include innovations in active safety (accident avoidance), passive security (collision protection), and holistic security (integration of active and passive security features). Active safety features include: ABS braking in 1978 (acts to reduce braking distance and improve stop control; jointly developed with Bosch); traction control and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in 1995 (improving driver control during difficult road conditions); and Brake Assist (providing full braking power at emergency stop). In 2005, new infrared night vision features were introduced (improved visibility during nighttime conditions). Despite the popular misconception, the S-Class is not the first car to be equipped with ABS braking technology, although some credits can be given to popularize the currently most standard features (ABS is initially an option on most W126 S-Class models). Active lane work became standard in 2011.
Passive security features include: crumple zone in 1957 (vehicle body structure absorbing impact force); the steering column is folded (prevents the steering column from protruding into the cabin during an accident), strengthens cell occupants improving occupant protection during rollover impacts; pre-crash tension seatbelt (tighten seatbelts before impact), and sandwich platform (allowing the engine to slide under the passenger in a direct collision).
PRE-SAFE, the comprehensive safety feature of Mercedes-Benz, was introduced to the S-Class in 2002. PRE-SAFE integrates several active and passive safety features for a "safety net" approach to vehicle safety by attempting to prevent accidents; if an accident does occur, PRE-SAFE is aimed at reducing occupant injuries. In the latest version of this pre-collision system, PRE-SAFE will put forward a brake assist system, locking doors to prevent accidental opening during accidents, adjusting seats, closing windows and sunroof, and tightening seatbelts during certain types of collisions.. In the event of an accident, the PRE-SAFE feature opens the door and lowers the window by about half an inch so you can get out or the safety worker gets easy access.
Statistics of road accidents on model after model from the UK Department of Transport show that Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one of the safest cars on the UK highway (measured in terms of possible deaths in accidents).
S-Guard
A special version of the armored Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been produced, known as the S-Guard. Features include the ability to withstand light weapon fire and certain explosive devices, self-sealing fuel tanks, and alarm systems. For 2009, Mercedes-Benz launched a long-wheelbase version of the S-Guard, known as the Pullman Guard. The model is 45 cm longer than the standard model and also has a higher roof and higher rear window with different rake.
S-Guard is widely used at the diplomatic level to protect world leaders. Ninety governments around the world are known to use S-Guards to transport government leaders and officials. The S-Guard is built on a special production line at the S-Class facility in Sindelfingen, Germany, with a special S-Guard enhancement integrated at various stages during the production process.
Production
Most S-Class models, including the W221, are built at the Daimler AG plant in Sindelfingen, Germany and at the Mercedes-Benz-Valdez plant in Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico. Founded by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft in 1915, the Sindelfingen factory also produces 600 Grosser Mercedes models and past generations of S-Class. Previous S-Class models (such as W126) are built in different locations from Stuttgart to South Africa, but with the latest models (such as W220) production has been concentrated in Sindelfingen and Santiago Tianguistenco. In February 2007, the DaimlerChrysler Malaysia (now, Mercedes Benz Malaysia) factory in Pekan, Pahang started production of the S350 (W221) and currently assembles the S300, S350L and S500L. Overall, approximately 2.7 million S-Class vehicles have been produced in the last forty years.
- W116: 473,035
- W126: 818,036
- W140: 406,532
- W220: 485.000
- W221: ~ 516.000 divided into 85,900 ('06), 85,500 ('07), 90,600 ('08), 53,400 ('09), 66,500 ('10) 68,969 ('11), 65,128 ('12)
- W222: 103,737 ('14), 106,200 ('15), 84,300 ('16)
Sales
Awards
Notable examples of awards received by Mercedes-Benz S-Class include the top ranking in JD Power Sales Satisfaction Index from 1987 to 1990, seven times ranked as What is a Car? "Best Luxury Car", and five times as Fleet News "Luxury Car of the Year". The S-Class is the Wheels Magazine Car of the Year for 1981 and 1999, the US Highway Passenger Data Institute "The Fastest Passenger Car of the Year" in 1988 and 1989, and the European Car of 1974. The S-Class also the first car ever (2005) received environmental certificate from the German Commission on Technical Compliance (TÃÆ'Ã… "V). Other awards range from the Best New Best of the New Sciences - the 2005 Grand Award 2005 for the Top Gear "Limousine of the Year" magazine for 2006.
References
Note
Bibliography
General
Manual workshop
External links
- Mercedes S-Class - the official US site
- S-Class Saloon - the official UK vehicle site
- S-Klasse Limousine - German official site
- Break Time - New S-Class in Canada Short film for Mercedes by Christopher Kippenberger
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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