History and description of the Mercedes-Benz S-class

Mercedes-Benz S-Class — full-size executive car (F-segment according to European classification), produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1972 to the present. The name comes from the German word "Sonderklasse", which translates as "special class". This car debuts and applies the most advanced technologies in the field of automotive engineering for the first time. The body shape is made as a sedan, limousine, coupe and convertible. The engine is located in the front longitudinally with a drive to the rear wheels. From the fourth generation (since 2002) the 4MATIC all-wheel drive appeared. The famous "six-hundredth Mercedes" from jokes is precisely the S-class.

It is the best-selling car in the world in its segment (F). The main competitors of the S-class today are Audi A8, BMW 7, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac XTS, Genesis G90, Infiniti Q70, Kia Quoris, Lexus LS, Porsche Panamera and Volkswagen Phaeton.

Predecessors of the S-Class

W187 (1951−1955)

Mercedes-Benz began producing luxury cars in the post-war period in 1951. The "W187" was presented at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in April. The car was equipped with a 2.2-liter, six-cylinder, single-overhead-camshaft gasoline engine (2195 cm³, M180) with a capacity of 80 hp, which worked together with a 4-speed manual transmission. The body was a sedan, coupe and convertible. The length of the body was 4507 mm, the height was 1685 mm. In total, more than 18 thousand cars were produced.

W186 (1951−1957)

In the same year, production of an even larger car with the code "W186" began, also called "Type 300". The length of the body was 4950 mm, the width was 1840 mm. The body styles were 4-door sedan, limousine, convertible and phaeton. The engine was a gasoline 3-liter (2996 cm³, M186) with six cylinders in-line arrangement with the capacity of 115 hp. The transmission was mechanical 4-speed, as well as 3-speed automatic. In total, more than 12 thousand cars were produced.

W180 (1954−1959)

In March 1954, a car with the code "W180" was introduced. It was a completely new body shape, unofficially called "Ponton". The first generation "220a" was produced until 1956. The engine is a six-cylinder in-line with a volume of 2.2 liters (2195 cm³, M180) with a capacity of 80 hp. The second generation "220S" was produced since March 1956. Visually distinguished by a new front bumper, chrome stripes under the doors. The engine is the same, but it was modified and the capacity was increased to 99 and 105 hp. The body styles were a 4-door sedan, as well as a 2-door coupe and convertible. The length of the body was 4715-4760 mm, width 1740-1765 mm, height 1530-1560 mm. Over five years, about 85 thousand cars were produced.

W105 (1956−1959)

Another representative of the luxury cars of the "Ponton" family with the official name "Typ 219". The body was in the form of a 4-door sedan with a length of 4680 mm, a width of 1740 mm, a height of 1560 mm and a curb weight of 1260 kg. Under the hood was a six-cylinder in-line engine with a volume of 2.2 liters (2195 cm³, M180, I6) with a dual carburetor "Solex 32", which produced 85 hp. More than 27 thousand cars were produced.

W128 (1958−1960)

A comfortable car with the code "W128" and the name "220SE" began to be produced in 1958. This is the last of the "Ponton" series. The body was in the form of a 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe and convertible. The length was 4750 mm, the width was 1740 mm, the height was 1560 mm. The engine is a gasoline six-cylinder in-line with a volume of 2.2 liters (2195 cm³, M127) with an overhead camshaft and mechanical fuel injection from Bosch with a capacity of 115 hp. It differed from its predecessors by using the body as a supporting structure and a fully independent suspension. The four-speed gearbox worked in tandem with an automatic clutch. Over the entire period, 3.9 thousand cars were produced.

W111 (1959−1971)

The first car of the Mercedes-Benz company with the unofficial name "Fintail" (fin style). The rear of the car has two clearly visible fins on the edges. Production of the 4-door sedans began in August 1959. The car was presented at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in the fall. At first, the model names were "220b", "220Sb" and "220SEb". The letter "E" in the name means fuel injection by "Bosch". The body was a 4-door sedan, as well as a 2-door convertible or coupe. The length of the body was 4875 mm, width 1795 mm, height 1510 mm. The curb weight was 1320 kg. In total, about 370 thousand cars were produced.

The sedans were equipped with a 2.2-liter in-line six-cylinder gasoline engine (2195 cm³, M180) with a capacity of 95 and 105 hp. Engines with fuel injection developed a capacity of 120 hp. Since 1965, sedans were equipped with a 2.3-liter "230 S" engine (2307 cm³, M127, I6) with a capacity of 120 hp. The coupes and convertibles were equipped with 2.5-liter "250 SE" engines (2496 cm³, M129, I6) 150 hp, 2.8 liter "280 SE" (2778 cm³, M130, I6) with a capacity of 160 hp and 3.5 liters "280 SE 3.5" (3499 cm³, M116, V8) with a capacity of 200 hp.

W112 (1961−1967)

The executive car with the code "W112" and the name "300SE" was produced with a body of 4-door sedan, 2-door convertible and coupe. The body design is made with the concept of "Fintail". The length of the car was 4882 mm, width 1795 mm, height 1460 mm, the curb weight was 1602 kg. In 1963, an extended wheelbase appeared with the name "300SEL". In total, about 10 thousand cars were produced.

This car differs from the "W111" by its larger body size, more expensive interior trim elements, more chrome elements on the outside, almost twice the price and a more powerful 3.0 liter engine (2996 cm³, M189, I6). This engine has six cylinders in line, Bosch fuel injection system, power 160 hp. (170 hp after 1964). The body design is made in the style of "Fintail". Standard features of "W112" are air suspension, power steering, automatic transmission. Manual transmission also remained and could be selected as an option.

W108 and W109 (1965−1972)

The fashion for fins was a thing of the past and the "W111" and "W112" were replaced by the finless "W108" and "W109". These were the last predecessors of the E-class. They were presented at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in the fall of 1965. The body was only a 4-door sedan. The length of the "W108" was 4900 mm, the width was 1810 mm, the height was 1440 mm and the unladen weight was 1470-1610 mm. The length of the "W109" was 5000 mm, the width was 1810 mm, the height was 1440 mm and the unladen weight was 1655-1830 kg. The concept with a monocoque body without a frame showed good results. Approximately 383,000 vehicles were produced (W108: 364,000.; W109: 18 thousand).

The range of petrol engines for the W108 model was as follows: 2.5 litre "250 S" (2497 cm³, M108, I6, carburetor, 128 hp), 2.5 liters "250 SE" (2497 cm³, M129, I6, mechanical injection, 148 hp), 3.0 liters "300 SE" (2996 cm³, M189, I6, mechanical injection, 168 hp), 2.8 liters "280 S" (2778 cm³, M130, I6, carburetor, 138 hp), 2.8 liters "280 SE" / "280 SEL" (2778 cm³, M130, I6, mechanical injection, 158 hp) and 3.5 liters "280 SE 3.5" (3499 cm³, M116, V8, electronic injection, 197 hp). The gearbox was 4-speed manual or automatic.

The petrol engines of the "W109" model had the following characteristics: 3.0 liters "300 SEL" (2996 cm³, M189, I6, mechanical injection, 168 hp), 2.8 liters "300 SEL" (2778 cm³, M130, I6, mechanical injection, 168 hp), 3.5 liters "300 SEL" (3499 cm³, M116, V8, electronic injection, 197 hp), 4.5 liters "300 SEL 4.5" (4520 cm³, M117, V8, electronic injection, 195 hp) and 6.3 liters "300 SEL 6.3" (6333 cm³, M100, V8, mechanical injection, 247 hp). The transmission was a 4-speed manual or a 3- or 4-speed automatic.

First generation (W116, 1972−1980)

In 1972, with the appearance of a car with the code "W116", the name also officially appeared "S-Class". The official presentation was in September 1972 at the Paris Motor Show. The development began in 1966. The design, developed in 1969 by the famous car designer Friedrich Geiger, was a big leap forward. This is the first car of the company, which offered ABS as an option. The body was only a 4-door sedan 4960 mm long, 1870 mm wide and 1410 mm high. There was a model with an extended wheelbase with the index "SEL" 5060 mm long. In 1974, the modification "450 SE" was named the European Car of the Year. During the entire period, about 473 thousand cars were produced.

The petrol engine range consisted of the following: 2.8 litre "280 S" (2746 cm³, M110, I6, carburetor, 158 hp), 2.8 liters "280 SE" (2746 cm³, M110, I6, injection, 182 hp), 3.5 liters "350 SE" (3499 cm³, M116, V8, injection, 197 hp), 4.5 liters "450 SE" (4520 cm³, M117, V8, injection, 222 hp) and 6.9 liters "450 SEL 6.9" (6834 cm³, M100, V8, injection, 282 hp). There was one diesel engine with a volume of 3.0 liters "300 SD" (3005 cm³, OM617, I5, 110 and 120 hp). Until 1975, the engines were equipped with electronic injection D-Jetronic, but then it was replaced with a more reliable mechanical K-Jetronic. The transmission was installed 4- and 5-speed manual or 3- and 4-speed automatic.

All W116 cars brought many innovations in the field of safety, such as ABS (prevents wheels from locking when braking), reinforced body in the passenger cell area (high-strength roof and door pillars), crumple zones front and rear, trauma-safe interior parts (deformable switches and controls, steering wheel with shock absorber), inflatable airbag for the driver, more protected fuel tank (mounted not at the rear end of the car, but above the rear axle), and turn signals for communication with other drivers also appeared.

The most famous of the first generation S-Class is the high-performance version called "450 SEL 6.9". The car was based on a long-wheelbase chassis and featured the largest non-American engine by displacement since World War II (for passenger cars). The engine had a volume of 6.9 liters. It was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 1974 and only 7,380 units were produced until 1981. It was the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz line of cars and the successor to the sedan "300 SEL 6.3". This car was the first to feature many innovations, such as ABS, hydropneumatic suspension with self-leveling, 3-speed automatic transmission "W3B 050", differential with increased internal resistance "ZF" and also many options for the convenience of the driver and passengers. The price of the car at the time of launch was 69930 German marks.

Second generation (W126, 1980−1991)

The development of the second generation with the code "W126" began in October 1973. The main goal of the engineers was to improve ride comfort, improve handling and increase fuel efficiency. This was necessary to maintain the leadership of the S-Class in its segment. The design was developed under the supervision of the Italian automobile designer Bruno Sacco. The use of lighter materials and wind tunnel testing of the body made it possible to reduce fuel consumption by 10%. The drag coefficient (C_d) the sedan had 0.36, the coupe had 0.34.

In September 1979, the car was shown at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. At first, only the 4-door sedan body was presented. There was an "SEL" version with an extended wheelbase. The length of the regular sedan was 4995-5020 mm, the length of the extended one was 5135-5160 mm; width 1820 mm, height 1430-1441 mm. In 1981, a 2-door coupe with the code "C126" appeared, 4910-4935 mm long, 1828 mm wide, 1406 mm high. The engine was located in the front with rear-wheel drive. About 892 thousand cars were produced over a 12-year period.

The range of petrol engines included the following models: 2.6 litre "260 SE" (2597 cm³, M103, I6, injection, 158 and 164 hp), 2.8 liters "280 S" (2746 cm³, M110, I6, carburetor, 154 hp), 2.8 liters "280 SE" (2746 cm³, M110, I6, injection, 182 hp), 3.0 liters "300 SE" (2960 cm³, M103, I6, injection, 178 and 185 hp), 3.8 liters "380 SE" (3818 cm³, M116, V8, injection, 201 and 215 hp), 4.2 liters "420 SE" (4196 cm³, M116, V8, injection, 201, 215, 221 and 228 hp), 5.0 liters "500 SE" (4973 cm³, M117, V8, injection, 220, 228, 237, 242, 249 and 261 hp) and 5.5 liters "560 SEL" (5547 cm³, M117, V8, injection, 239, 268, 275 and 296 hp). Diesel engines had the following characteristics - 3.0 liters "300 SD" (2996 cm³, OM617, I5, 123 hp), 3.0 liters "300 SDL" (2996 cm³, OM603, I6, 148 hp) and 3.5 liters "350 SD" (3449 cm³, OM603, I6, 134 hp). The gearbox was equipped with a 4- and 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic "4G-TRONIC".

The most advanced safety and driver assistance systems appeared on this car. In addition to the driver's airbag, a passenger airbag could be installed as an option since 1986, and side airbags were available since 1988. The traction control system (TCS) or anti-skid system was available since 1989. Pretensioners for all seat belts appeared in order to better support the passenger in a near-accident situation; front and rear crumple zones to absorb impact energy; since 1988, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) has become mandatory for all modifications; third brake light in the center of the rear window, and much more.

The S-Class was the most comfortable car in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The second generation featured the following convenience options: fully automatic climate control system with a cabin temperature sensor, an outside temperature sensor with LCD display on the instrument panel, eight-way adjustable front seats with memory, adjustable rear seats, two-way heated seats, lower door lighting that illuminates the ground when opened, etc.

Third generation (W140, 1991−1998)

At the Geneva Motor Show in April 1991, the new generation S-Class was presented. Before that, in November 1990, the company issued a press release announcing the "W140". The body was initially in the form of a 4-door sedan, 5111 mm long, 1886 mm wide and 1486 mm high. The extended wheelbase (code "V140") made the body length 5213 mm. Since October 1992, a 2-door coupe with the code "C140" was presented, 5065 mm long, 1895 mm wide and 1427 mm high. In 1993, the names of all cars were changed. The letter "E", denoting fuel injection, was removed, since all engines now had injection, and the letter "S", denoting the model, began to be placed before the numbers denoting the engine volume. For example, the "500 SE" model became known as the "S 500", and the extended body "500 SEL" was designated as the "S 500 L". In 1996, the "C140" coupe was separated into a separate branch called the "CL-Class".

The development of the "W140" began back in 1981. In 1986, the project of the French automobile designer Olivier Boulay, who worked under the direction of Bruno Sacco, was chosen. In 1987, several prototypes were tested. After that, 1.5 years were spent on developing ways to place the V12 engine and a new braking system. From June 1990 to January 1991, several experimental models were produced, and full-scale production began in April. It is assumed that about $ 1 billion was spent on development. In total, about 433 thousand cars were produced in 7 years.

All engines of this generation are equipped with fuel injection and four valves per cylinder. The range of petrol engines is as follows - 2.8 liters "300 SE 2.8" / "S 280" (2799 cm³, M104, I6, 190 hp), 3.2 liters "300 SE" / "S 320" (3199 cm³, M104, I6, 228 hp), 4.2 liters "400 SE" / "S 420" (4196 cm³, M119, V8, 275 and 282 hp), 5.0 liters "500 SEL" / "S 500" (4973 cm³, M119, V8, 322 hp), and 6.0 liters "600 SEL" / "S 600" (5987 cm³, M120, V12, 389 and 402 hp). There were also high-performance "AMG" engines with a volume of 7.0 liters (V12) with a power of 518 hp. There were two diesel engines - 3.0 liters "S 300" (2996 cm³, OM606, I6, 175 hp) and 3.5 liters "300 SD" / "S 350" (3449 cm³, OM603, I6, 148 hp). Gearbox: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic "4G-Tronic" and 5-speed automatic "5G-Tronic".

This generation also brought many innovations such as electric windows with anti-pinch protection, dual-pane windows, electric tailgate closing, mechanical rear parking markers (in 1996 replaced by sonar), a heating system that works when the engine is off, a rear hydropneumatic suspension, first used on "450 SEL 6.9" in 1975. Electric drives were installed on almost all devices that extended and rose. The rear seats of sedans with heating, electric adjustments and memory are not inferior in comfort to the front ones. The price of the car due to many options became 25% more expensive than the previous generation, so the sales level decreased.

In March 1994, a restyling of the model was presented at the Geneva Motor Show, which went on sale in April 1994. To assist the driver, electronic stability control (ESP) was installed as an option, traction control system (TCS), braking system "Brake Assist". External changes affected the direction indicators, which changed from orange to transparent, the rear optics also became slightly different, the bumpers began to be painted to match the overall color of the body, and the ground clearance was also slightly reduced (ground clearance). The interior and electronic systems were also updated. In 1996, the coupe was updated and moved to a separate branch "CL-Class".

The W140 introduced several safety innovations that have become standard in many cars today. These include the braking system "Brake Assist", which regulates the braking force on the wheels; electronic Stability Program (ESP) prevents the car from rolling over or skidding during sudden maneuvers; high-intensity xenon headlights will allow you to see better at night and not blind oncoming drivers; since 1996, side airbags and occupant sensors have been installed on the seats; in the same year, rain sensors for windshield wipers appeared.

The car's safety reputation was somewhat compromised by the crash that killed Princess Diana and her two companions. The front passenger survived. The car was an "S280". However, the presence of alcohol in the driver's blood, the speed limit being twice the speed limit in that area, and the failure to use seat belts greatly reduced the car's ability to protect its occupants.

Fourth generation (W220, 1998−2005)

The development of the fourth generation began in 1992 under the leadership of British car designer Steve Mattin, and production began on August 13, 1998. Also in August, at the Paris Motor Show, the car was presented to the public. The body was only a 4-door sedan 5042 mm long, 1855 mm wide, 1444 mm high, the body with an extended wheelbase was 5158 mm long. The 2-door coupe with the code "C216" was taken out into a separate class "CL-Class". The body became a little smaller, but due to the reduction of the trunk in the cabin it became a little more spacious. The aerodynamic drag coefficient (C_d) was only 0.27. The all-wheel drive "4Matic" appeared for the first time as an alternative to the classic rear. A total of about 485 thousand cars were produced.

The petrol engine range consists of the following models: 2.8 litre "S 280" (2799 cm³, M112, V6, 194 hp), 3.2 liters "S 320" (3199 cm³, M112, V6, 221 hp), 3.7 liters "S 350" (3724 cm³, M112, V6, 242 hp), 4.3 liters "S 430" (4296 cm³, M113, V8, 275 hp), 5.0 liters "S 500" (4996 cm³, M113, V8, 302 hp), 5.8 liters "S 600" (5786 cm³, M137, V12, 362 hp) and 5.5 liters "S 600" (5513 cm³, M275, V12, Bi - Turbo, 493 hp). There were also high-performance "AMG" cars with 5.4-liter "S55" engines (5439 cm³, M113, V8, 355 and 493 hp), 6.3 liters "S63" (6258 cm³, M137, V12, 438 hp) and 6.0 liters "S65" (5980 cm³, M275, V12, Bi-Turbo, 604 hp). Diesel engines had the following characteristics: 3.2 liters "S 320" (3222 cm³, OM613 and OM648, I6, 194 and 201 hp) and 4.0 liters "S 400" (3996 cm³, OM628, V8, 247 and 256 hp). Transmissions are only automatic 5- and 7-speed "5G-Tronic" and "7G-Tronic".

Traditionally, the flagship S-Class car carries the latest and most advanced technologies in the automotive industry - Airmatic air suspension, active ventilated seats, keyless entry and engine start, the world's first radar and the adaptive cruise control Distronic that works with it, deactivating cylinders for the S 500 and S 600 models to save fuel. The 4Matic all-wheel drive was introduced in 2003 as an option for the S 430 and S 500 models. Torque is distributed in a 40/60 ratio (front/back) with electronic adjustment depending on road conditions. For the first time, a side curtain airbag appeared on a Mercedes-Benz.

The car has not been tested by Euro NCAP, IIHS or NHTSA. Passive safety features include strong bulkheads and frames made of aluminum and steel. The front and rear ends of the car are aluminum boxes in the form of separate blocks to reduce the cost of repairs in case of their collapse. In 2002, the "Pre-Safe" collision avoidance system was introduced. Electronic stabilization system (ESP) and "Brake Assist". In total, the car is equipped with eight airbags. LED brake lights were installed at the rear for all modifications. In 2000, the second generation of voice control was introduced "Linguatronic", understanding up to 300 words. The car was also equipped with almost all the systems known at that time for passenger comfort and driver assistance.

In September 2002, the model was updated. The external changes were very minor, mainly fixing bugs in the car's internal functions, such as the COMAND music control system, and the engine lineup was updated. The front bumper had changed air intakes, and the radiator grille became slightly higher.

Fifth generation (W221, 2005−2013)

The fifth generation of the flagship S-Class car with the code "W221" was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2005. Development began in 1999. In 2001, the project of the German automobile designer Gorden Wagner was approved, and the final version was shown to journalists in December 2002. The exterior and interior are very different from the previous generation. The dimensions of the car were increased, which made it possible to make the interior even more spacious. Until 2009, the length was 5076 mm, width 1871 mm, height 1473 mm. After restyling in 2009, the length became 5079 mm, width 1872 mm, height 1473 mm. The length of the car with an increased wheelbase was 5206 mm and 5209 mm. The engine was located longitudinally in the front, the drive was on the rear axle or all-wheel drive "4Matic". A total of about 516 thousand cars were produced.

The range of petrol engines looked like this: 3.0 liters "S 280" / "S 300" (2997 cm³, M272, V6, 228 hp), 3.5 liters "S 350" (3498 cm³, M272, V6, 258 hp), 3.5 liters "S 350" (3498 cm³, M276, V6, 302 hp), 3.5 liters "S 400 HYBRID" (3498 cm³, M272, V6, 275 hp) + (20 hp electric motor.), 4.7 liters "S 450" (4663 cm³, V8, M273, 335 hp), 5.5 liters "S 500" / "S 550" (5461 cm³, M273, V8, 383 hp), 4.7 liters "S 500" / "S 550" (4663 cm³, M278, V8, BiTurbo, 429 hp), 5.5 liters "S 600" / "S 600 Guard" (5513 cm³, M275, V12, BiTurbo, 510 hp). There were also tuning models from "AMG" - 6.2 liters "S 63 AMG" (6208 cm³, M156, V8, 518 hp), 5.5 liters "S 63 AMG" (5461 cm³, M157, V8, BiTurbo, 537 hp) and 6.0 liters "S 65 AMG" (5980 cm³, M275, V12, BiTurbo, 604 hp). Diesel engines had the following characteristics: 2.2 liters "S 250" / "S 300" (2143 cm³, OM651, V6, 201 hp), 3.0 liters "S 300 BlueTec HYBRID" (2987 cm³, OM642, V6, +electric motor, 261 hp), 3.0 liters "S 320" / "S 350" (2987 cm³, OM642, V6, Biturbo, 232 and 237 hp) and 4.0 liters "S 420" / "S 450" (3996 cm³, OM629, V8, Biturbo, 316 hp). Gearbox only automatic 5 or 7 speed "5G-Tronic" / "7G-Tronic".

All modifications used the air suspension "Airmatic". As an option, you can choose the hydraulic suspension using the technology "Active Body Control", allowing you to change the car's clearance with a button and better control the turns. In 2006, the all-wheel drive "4Matic" appeared.

As always, the car is the most advanced in the field of passenger safety. The system "Brake Assist Plus", working in conjunction with the radar, warns the driver of a possible collision, and also brakes the car itself if a collision is imminent and the driver does not take any action.

The "Pre-Safe" safety system predicts a collision and, if there is a high probability, tightens the seat belts, inflates the airbags at the edges, closes all the windows and the sunroof, transforms the seats and headrests into a safe position, and reduces the speed by braking. To improve controllability, ESP systems were installed in the base (electronic stability control), ASR (traction control) and ABS (anti-lock brakes). Speed limiter "Speedtronic" recognizes road signs and controls the permitted speed on road sections. Cruise control "Radronic Plus" together with the radar, it controls the distance to the car in front and can completely stop your car. Plus, eight airbags are included in the basic package.

Bi-xenon adaptive headlights allow you to see further at night without blinding oncoming drivers. The first night vision system was introduced "Night View Assist", which recognized pedestrians and warned the driver. Driver fatigue recognition system "Attention Assist" warns about the need to rest. There is also a blind spot monitoring system, a system for keeping the car in its lane, automatic dimming of rear-view mirrors and many other useful functions that help the driver.

Development of the update began back in 2006, and the update was carried out in 2009. The exterior and interior of the car changed slightly. New or updated driver assistance functions, passenger comfort systems and multimedia control were added.

Sixth generation (W222, 2014−present)

The car with the code "W222" was developed in 2009, first shown in Hamburg on May 15, 2013, production began in June, and sales began in September 2013. It was presented to the public at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in September 2013. The design was developed under the supervision of Slovenian car designer Robert Lešnik. The exterior and interior are similar to the "CLA-class" cars and "E-class". As of the end of 2016, more than 300 thousand cars were produced.

The engine was located transversely in the front, the drive was to the rear wheels. In November 2013, the all-wheel drive "4Matic" appeared. The 4-door sedan body was produced with a regular (3035 mm) and extended (3165 mm) wheelbase. The regular body had a length of 5116 mm, a width of 1899 mm and a height of 1496 mm. The body with an extended wheelbase had a length of 5246 mm. In addition, there was a sedan body, created by the division "Mercedes-Maybach" length of 5453 mm, as well as the limousine body "Pullman". From this generation, the coupe body, previously called the "CL-class", was again called the "S-class" with the code "C217". At the Frankfurt Motor Show 2015, a convertible body with a folding top in the "AMG" modification with the internal code "A217" was presented. The last convertible "S-class" was released back in 1971 with the code "W112".

The range of petrol engines is represented by the following modifications: 3.0 liters "S 320 L" (2996 cm³, M276, V6, turbo, 268 hp), 3.0 liters "S 400 L" (2996 cm³, M276, V6, biturbo, 328 hp), 3.5 liters "S 400 HYBRID" (3498 cm³, M276, V6, 302 hp) + (electric motor 27 hp), 4.7 liters "S 500" (4663 cm³, M278, V8, 449 hp), 3.0 liters "S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID" (2996 cm³, M276, V6, 328 hp) + (electric motor 108 hp) and 6.0 liters "S 600" (5980 cm³, M277, V12, biturbo, 523 hp). There were also two modifications from "AMG" with a volume of 5.5 liters "S 63 AMG" (5461 cm³, M157, V8, biturbo, 577 hp) and 6.0 liters "S 65 AMG" (5980 cm³, M279, V12, biturbo, 621 hp). Diesel engines were as follows: 2.2 liters "S 300 BlueTec HYBRID" (2148 cm³, OM651, I4, twin turbo, 201 hp) + (electric motor 27 hp) and 3.0 liters "S 350 BlueTec" (2987 cm³, OM642, V6, turbo, 254 hp). Gearbox only automatic 7- or 9-speed "7G-Tronic" / "9G-Tronic".

Nine airbags were installed as standard. The vehicle is equipped with six radar sensors (radar) of different ranges, as well as two infrared sensors — near and far. There is a stereo video camera on the front. Together, they scan the surrounding area to detect obstacles, such as vehicles or pedestrians. Autonomous cruise control "Distronic Plus" can not only maintain speed depending on the car in front, but also keep the car in the center of its lane, i.e. steer. The collision avoidance system "BAS Plus" together with "Cross-Traffic Assist" helps avoid collisions at intersections. The pedestrian collision avoidance system warns the driver of the presence of people and also assists the driver when braking.

Collision avoidance system "Pre-Safe Plus" has expanded its functionality. When there is a risk of a rear impact, the rear lights flash to warn the driver behind. With the help of seat belts, the system "Pre-Safe Impulse" are diverted away from the direction of impact and pressed deeper into the seats in the early stages of a crash. The inflatable seat belt protects the chest in a frontal collision. Adaptive LED headlights illuminate the road much better than conventional headlights and do not blind oncoming drivers, while you do not have to switch from high to low beam. Only LEDs are used in the exterior and interior lighting (only about 500 pieces). Third generation night vision system "Night View Assist Plus" with a long-range infrared sensor detects not only pedestrians, but also potentially dangerous animals at a distance of up to 100 meters.

In 2017, the model was restyled and presented at the Shanghai Auto Show in April. The exterior changes were minor. Numerous driver assistance systems were improved, and the engines were updated. The following new petrol engines appeared: 3.0 liter "S 450" (2999 cm³, M256, I6, 362 hp), 3.0 liters "S 500" (2999 cm³, M256, I6, 429 hp), 4.0 liters "S 560" (3982 cm³, M176, V8, 463 hp) and 6.0 liters "S 600" (5980 cm³, M277, V12, biturbo, 520 hp). The engines from "AMG" are now the following - 4.0 liter "S 63" (3982 cm³, M177, V8, 604 hp) and 6.0 liters "S 65" (5980 cm³, M279, V12, biturbo, 620 hp). A 2.9-liter diesel engine also appeared "S 350 d" / "S 400 d" (2928 cm³, OM656, I6, 282 and 340 hp).

Night vision

S-Class, C217, coupe

S-Class, A217, cabriolet