The Mercedes-Benz W221 is a chassis code of
S-Class, the successor of the
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220)
The Mercedes-Benz W220 was a range of flagship sedans which, as the fourth generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class, replaced the W140 S-Class after model year 1998 — with long and short wheelbase versions, performance and luxury options; availabl ...
and the predecessor of the
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222)
The Mercedes-Benz W222 is the sixth generation of the S-Class produced from 2013 to 2020, the successor of the W221 S-Class and the predecessor of the W223 S-Class. The W222 was designed during 2009. The original design proposal of the car wa ...
. The
S-Class are the flagship vehicles of
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz (), commonly referred to as Mercedes and sometimes as Benz, is a German luxury and commercial vehicle automotive brand established in 1926. Mercedes-Benz AG (a Mercedes-Benz Group subsidiary established in 2019) is headquartere ...
and each generation typically introduces a range of technical innovations and developments that over time will find their way into smaller cars.
The vehicle was unveiled at the
2005 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Styling
![Mercedes S 320 CDI 20090808 rear](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/50/Mercedes_S_320_CDI_20090808_rear.JPG)
The W221 S-Class' exterior styling is distinctly different from the W220. The W220 somewhat broke with tradition in being smaller than its W140 predecessor, whereas the W221 is once more larger in all dimensions than its predecessor, offers more interior space and has improved performance. The W221 looks are often said to be more imposing than those of the W220. The rear styling is similar to the
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz (), commonly referred to as Mercedes and sometimes as Benz, is a German luxury and commercial vehicle automotive brand established in 1926. Mercedes-Benz AG (a Mercedes-Benz Group subsidiary established in 2019) is headquartere ...
Maybach
Maybach (, ) is a Automotive industry in Germany, German luxury car brand that exists today as a part of Mercedes-Benz. The original company was founded in 1909 by Wilhelm Maybach and his son Karl Maybach, originally as a subsidiary of ''Lufts ...
– the larger saloon from Daimler AG's other flagship brand, which was presented to the public in 1997. Development began in 1999, with the design work beginning in 2000 at the Advanced Design Center in Tokyo, and the final design by
Gorden Wagener
Gorden Wagener (born September 3, 1968, in Essen) is a German car designer, and is the chief design officer for Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
Career
Wagener studied Industrial Design at the University of Duisburg-Essen (1990–1993), after which he sp ...
at the Sindelfingen Advanced Design Center being approved in 2001, frozen for production in early 2002 and patented in Japan on May 21, 2003, under 1208488 and in Germany on December 4, 2003. A final design prototype W221 was presented in December 2002 to Autospies journalists at a consumer design clinic, 2.5 years prior to the official production model unveiling in June 2005.
Inside, the W221's interior is also significantly different from the preceding model, even more dominated by leather, wood and metal. Where the W220 still had a fair amount of plastic fascias and switches, the W221 has replaced most of these by more luxurious materials such as wood, leather and metal. The interior features an instrument cluster with two large flat panel screens, one for the hard disk based
COMAND
Cockpit Management and Data system - COMAND for short - acts as a combined command and control centre for all audio, telematics and telecommunications functions on Mercedes-Benz vehicles and includes a dedicated flat display screen. In addition t ...
system which includes the navigation screen and one replacing the analog speedometer by a graphical representation of it, which can display a range of additional information and can also be replaced by the
Night View Assist
An automotive night vision system uses a thermographic camera to increase a driver's perception and seeing distance in darkness or poor weather beyond the reach of the vehicle's headlights. Such systems are offered as optional equipment on certa ...
display. Below the central COMAND screen are silver effect air vents, and a square, analog
clock
A clock or a timepiece is a device used to measure and indicate time. The clock is one of the oldest human inventions, meeting the need to measure intervals of time shorter than the natural units such as the day, the lunar month and the ...
within the vents. Below the vents are metal tab switches with a black field behind them, to control the
HVAC
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) is the use of various technologies to control the temperature, humidity, and purity of the air in an enclosed space. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. HV ...
system (these functions are all also accessible via the COMAND system, which also offers access to some additional HVAC functions, such as foot-well temperature settings and air flow control).
Below the HVAC button section is a panel that opens to give access to the DVD changer which also includes a
CompactFlash
CompactFlash (CF) is a flash memory mass storage device used mainly in portable electronic devices. The format was specified and the devices were first manufactured by SanDisk in 1994.
CompactFlash became one of the most successful of the e ...
card reader. On the center console, a metal control wheel for the COMAND system sits above a piece of wood, surrounded by metal buttons. There is no longer a central gear shift lever as in previous models, instead a stalk on the steering wheel controls the gearbox (with buttons or, optionally, paddles on the steering wheel for manual gear control). Controls mounted on the door panels provide access to the main seat controls (including the optional seat heating, seat ventilation and memories) and to the electrical mirrors, windows and boot lid opening and closing. Additional seat controls are accessed via the standard COMAND system (these include controlling the optional multi-contour and dynamic driving seats and the massaging seat functions). Throughout the interior, many buttons are metal, with black fields above them denoting the switches' function.
![Mercedes-Benz W221 S350 Obsidianschwarz Interieur](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/57/Mercedes-Benz_W221_S350_Obsidianschwarz_Interieur.JPG)
The steering wheel has various control buttons for the cluster display, volume and telephone control and for the optional
Linguatronic
Cockpit Management and Data system - COMAND for short - acts as a combined command and control centre for all audio, telematics and telecommunications functions on Mercedes-Benz vehicles and includes a dedicated flat display screen. In addition t ...
voice control
A voice-user interface (VUI) makes spoken human interaction with computers possible, using speech recognition to understand spoken commands and answer questions, and typically text to speech to play a reply. A voice command device is a device con ...
system. On the electrically adjustable steering wheel column are also mounted the gearbox control lever, the stalk for controlling the speedtronic and cruise control functions, the main combination lever that operates the indicators, high beam and windscreen wipers and a stalk to adjust the steering wheel and control the optional heated steering wheel. Controls for the interior lighting and the sun roof or panoramic sun roof are mounted on the roof, near the interior rear-view mirror. This section also includes a compartment for sun glasses.
The W221 is slightly larger in all dimensions than the W220, with a longer
wheelbase
In both road and rail vehicles, the wheelbase is the horizontal distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels. For road vehicles with more than two axles (e.g. some trucks), the wheelbase is the distance between the steering (front ...
and more interior room.
The S-Class is available in short-wheelbase form, except in the US, Mexico, Russia, China and Indonesia, where all models are long-wheelbase.
Features
Like for all other
S-Class generations, the W221 introduced a raft of improved and new features and systems. The standard
COMAND
Cockpit Management and Data system - COMAND for short - acts as a combined command and control centre for all audio, telematics and telecommunications functions on Mercedes-Benz vehicles and includes a dedicated flat display screen. In addition t ...
now also controlled more of these features and/or provided access to additional settings for various functions, including the
HVAC
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) is the use of various technologies to control the temperature, humidity, and purity of the air in an enclosed space. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. HV ...
system and seat controls.
Safety
*
Electronic Stability Program
Electronic stability control (ESC), also referred to as electronic stability program (ESP) or dynamic stability control (DSC), is a computerized technology that improves a vehicle's stability by detecting and reducing loss of traction ( skiddi ...
(ESP): standard on the
S-Class since the W220 model and similar to the systems fitted to other Mercedes vehicles, this system measures driver inputs and compares these to the vehicle's path. If these diverge, ESP brakes single wheels selectively to eliminate oversteer (fishtailing) and understeer (plowing), and reduces engine power, if necessary. ESP includes anti-lock braking (ABS) and traction control (ASR) within its wider functions.
*
Brake Assist
Brake assist (BA or BAS) or emergency brake assist (EBA) is a term for an automobile braking technology that increases braking pressure in an emergency. The first application was developed jointly by Daimler-Benz and TRW/LucasVarity. Research c ...
and (for vehicles with the optional
Distronic Plus
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an available cruise control advanced driver-assistance system for road vehicles that automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead. As of 2019, it is also called by 20 u ...
system)
Brake Assist Plus: a system that recognises
emergency braking and increases the braking force (according to
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz (), commonly referred to as Mercedes and sometimes as Benz, is a German luxury and commercial vehicle automotive brand established in 1926. Mercedes-Benz AG (a Mercedes-Benz Group subsidiary established in 2019) is headquartere ...
90% of drivers are too hesitant with the brakes in an emergency). Brake Assist Plus uses the radar to apportion brake pressure based on sensor data and measured distance between the car and vehicles or other objects in front.
*
Speedtronic adjustable speed limiter for not exceeding a set speed on roads with speed limits.
*Distronic Plus
radar controlled cruise control
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an available cruise control Advanced driver-assistance systems, advanced driver-assistance system for road vehicles that automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead. As ...
(optional, standard cruise control on other cars), an evolution of the Distronic system introduced on the W220, which maintains a safe distance to the previous vehicle and now can bring the car to a full stop if necessary.
*
Pre-Safe and Pre-Safe Plus for vehicles with Distronic Plus: a development of the previous Pre-Safe system fitted to the W220 S-Class, which uses vehicle-dynamic sensors to predict collisions and trigger precautionary measures to protect the vehicle occupants, the W221's Pre-Safe Plus system also takes into account
closing speed, as measured by the vehicle's
radar
Radar is a detection system that uses radio waves to determine the distance (''ranging''), angle, and radial velocity of objects relative to the site. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, w ...
. If a collision appears likely, Pre-Safe closes all windows and the sunroof, moves all passenger's seats and their head restraints to a safer position, and tightens the seatbelts. It also inflates the air chambers in the side bolsters of the optional multi-contour seats and (from 2006) engages
Pre-Safe Brake
A collision avoidance system (CAS), also known as a pre-crash system, forward collision warning system, or collision mitigation system, is an advanced driver-assistance system designed to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. In its ...
s in order to reduce speed and therefore severity of impact.
*
Bi-Xenon
A headlamp is a lamp attached to the front of a vehicle to illuminate the road ahead. Headlamps are also often called headlights, but in the most precise usage, ''headlamp'' is the term for the device itself and ''headlight'' is the term for ...
headlights with
Active Light Function swivelling curve light
*
Night View Assist
An automotive night vision system uses a thermographic camera to increase a driver's perception and seeing distance in darkness or poor weather beyond the reach of the vehicle's headlights. Such systems are offered as optional equipment on certa ...
: optional, uses two
near-infrared
Infrared (IR), sometimes called infrared light, is electromagnetic radiation (EMR) with wavelengths longer than those of Light, visible light. It is therefore invisible to the human eye. IR is generally understood to encompass wavelengths from ...
(NIR) illuminators mounted in the headlamp clusters and a camera in the windshield. The infrared beams are picked up by the camera and an image is displayed in the instrument cluster. Mercedes-Benz claims that this system provides the same viewable distance as
high-beam headlights, without blinding oncoming motorists.
*
Adaptive Brake Lights
*Automatically dimming rear-view mirror and driver's door mirror
*Seat belt pre-tensioners, belt force limiters and automatic belt height adjustment, front and rear
The W221 also contains many other safety features, including front and rear crumple zones, eight dual-stage
air bag
An airbag is a vehicle occupant-restraint system using a bag designed to inflate extremely quickly, then quickly deflate during a Traffic collision, collision. It consists of the airbag cushion, a flexible fabric bag, an inflation module, and a ...
s,
anti-lock brakes
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety anti-skid braking system used on aircraft and on land vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. ABS operates by preventing the wheels from locking up during braking, thereby maintainin ...
(ABS), collapsible steering column, and
traction control
A traction control system (TCS), also known as ASR (from german: Antriebsschlupfregelung, lit=drive slippage regulation), is typically (but not necessarily) a secondary function of the electronic stability control (ESC) on production motor vehicle ...
.
Suspension and handling
*''
Airmatic'' –
air suspension
Air suspension is a type of vehicle suspension powered by an electric or engine-driven air pump or compressor. This compressor pumps the air into a flexible bellows, usually made from textile-reinforced rubber. Unlike hydropneumatic suspension, ...
, an evolution of the suspension system introduced on the W220, using compressed air instead of steel springs to provide a softer ride with better handling characteristics at the same time and adaptive electronic control (known as
Adaptive Damping System) to sense road and driving conditions and produce a sportier or softer ride. Airmatic also allows the vehicle to be raised by pressing a button in order to increase
ground clearance
Ride height or ground clearance is the amount of space between the base of an automobile tire and the lowest point of the automobile (typically the axle); or, more properly, to the shortest distance between a flat, level surface, and the lowest p ...
while lowering the body at higher speeds. Airmatic is the standard suspension system for all
S-Class models apart from the S 600, S 63, and S 65 AMG which are all equipped with
Active Body Control
Active Body Control, or ABC, is the Mercedes-Benz brand name used to describe electronically controlled hydropneumatic suspension.
This suspension combines a high level of ride quality with control of the vehicle body motions, and therefore vi ...
as standard.
*The
hydropneumatic
Hydropneumatic suspension is a type of motor vehicle suspension system, designed by Paul Magès, invented by Citroën, and fitted to Citroën cars, as well as being used under licence by other car manufacturers, notably Rolls-Royce ( Silver Shado ...
''
Active Body Control
Active Body Control, or ABC, is the Mercedes-Benz brand name used to describe electronically controlled hydropneumatic suspension.
This suspension combines a high level of ride quality with control of the vehicle body motions, and therefore vi ...
'' (ABC) system is a more advanced suspension compared to Airmatic, based on steel springs and high pressure hydraulics. It keeps the car level even in fast corners, providing a comfort and sports setting as in the case of Airmatic. Again, the car height can be increased by using a button, increasing ground clearance for driving on difficult terrain or in snow. ABC is standard on the S 600, S 63 and S 65, while optional on all other models except vehicles equipped with 4Matic all wheel drive.
*
Tele Aid, uses
GPS tracking
A GPS tracking unit, geotracking unit, satellite tracking unit, or simply tracker is a navigation device normally on a vehicle, asset, person or animal that uses satellite navigation to determine its movement and determine its WGS84 UTM ge ...
and cell phone service to provide assistance. Can be used for information, to call for
roadside assistance
Roadside assistance, also known as breakdown coverage, is a service that assists motorists, motorcyclists, or bicyclists whose vehicles have suffered a mechanical failure that either cannot be resolved by the motorist, or has prevented them from ...
, or to call for help in emergencies. Automatically calls for help if an airbag or
seatbelt tensioner deploys. Not available in all markets.
Comfort and convenience
*Rain-sensing windshield wipers with two sensitivity settings.
*Fully automatic climate control system (
HVAC
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) is the use of various technologies to control the temperature, humidity, and purity of the air in an enclosed space. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. HV ...
) with pollen and charcoal filters, three different ventilation modes (diffuse, medium and focused), the ability to adjust the foot-well temperature one or two steps warmer or colder than the rest of the vehicle and an optional separate rear-seat climate control.
*Electrically adjustable, Heated and (optionally)
Active-Ventilated seats, with heating elements for warming the seats and small fans to keep the seats cool and draw perspiration away from occupants. Seat memories are standard on some models, available as an option on others.
*Speed sensitive
parameter steering.
*Electrically adjustable, folding, heated mirrors (with memory on some models).
*An
electric park brake
An electronic parking brake (EPB), also known as an electric parking brake or electric park brake, is an electronically controlled parking brake
In road vehicles, the parking brake, also known as a handbrake or emergency brake (e-brake), is a ...
replaces the pedal operated system from previous generations.
*Optional
Multi-contour seats provide additional control over lumbar, shoulder and side bolster settings in the seats, using
air chamber
The atmosphere of Earth is the layer of gases, known collectively as air, retained by Earth's gravity that surrounds the planet and forms its planetary atmosphere. The atmosphere of Earth protects life on Earth by creating pressure allowing for ...
s that can be inflated or deflated to better suit the occupant and which are also used to provide a four-mode massaging function.
*
Drive-Dynamic seats (which include the Multi-contour seat function) adds a further function to the air chamber control by inflating and deflating them dynamically to support the seat occupant during cornering.
*Electrically operated rear-
window shade and rear side window sun shades are optionally available (standard on some models).
*Optional comfort head restraints are not just adjustable in height and angle, but also feature adjustable side bolsters.
*
Self-closing doors and boot-lid are standard on some models, optionally available on others. There is also an option for a powered boot lid which closes at the touch of a button.
*
Keyless Go
A smart key is an electronics, electronic access and authorization system that is available either as standard equipment, or as an option in several car designs. It was first developed by Siemens in 1995 and introduced by Mercedes-Benz under the n ...
, an optional
smart key
A smart key is an electronic access and authorization system that is available either as standard equipment, or as an option in several car designs. It was first developed by Siemens in 1995 and introduced by Mercedes-Benz under the name "Keyless- ...
entry and startup system.
*Optional
Fiber-optic
An optical fiber, or optical fibre in Commonwealth English, is a flexible, transparent fiber made by drawing glass (silica) or plastic to a diameter slightly thicker than that of a human hair. Optical fibers are used most often as a means t ...
Ambient Lighting package for the dashboard, doors, footwells, and other areas.
*A range of parking systems are available, depending on model and model year.
Parktronic
Parking sensors are proximity sensors for road vehicles designed to alert the driver of obstacles while parking. These systems use either electromagnetic or ultrasonic sensors.
Ultrasonic systems
These systems feature ultrasonic proximity det ...
is an ultrasound parking aid with visual and audible signals. A
rear-view camera is available as an option and models with Distronic Plus offer radar based parking assistance (
Parking Assist,
Advanced Parking Guidance
Automatic parking is an autonomous car-maneuvering system that moves a vehicle from a traffic lane into a parking spot to perform parallel, perpendicular, or angle parking. The automatic parking system aims to enhance the comfort and safety of ...
).
*
Bi-xenon
A headlamp is a lamp attached to the front of a vehicle to illuminate the road ahead. Headlamps are also often called headlights, but in the most precise usage, ''headlamp'' is the term for the device itself and ''headlight'' is the term for ...
headlamps with
Headlamp Assist (automatic activation when dark) and optional
Active Light System with cornering function.
*Electrically folding rear head restraints.
*Leather upholstery.
*Electrically adjustable steering column with easy entry function.
*
Infrared reflecting glass,
noise insulating glass.
*Long wheel base models (with an 'L' in the model name) have electrically adjustable rear seats (optional on other models) and the front passenger seat can be adjusted from the rear.
*A garage door opener integrated in the interior rear view mirror is also available.
*A
Tyre Pressure warning system
Tyre most often refers to:
* Tire, the outer part of a wheel
* Tyre, Lebanon, a Mediterranean city
Tyre or Tyres may also refer to:
Other places Lebanon
* Tyre District
* See of Tyre, a Christian diocese
*Tyre Hippodrome, a UNESCO World Heritag ...
is standard, optionally a
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
A tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) monitors the air pressure inside the pneumatic tires on vehicles.
A TPMS reports real-time tire-pressure information to the driver, using either a gauge, a pictogram display, or a simple low-pressure wa ...
that displays the exact tyre pressure and warns the driver of any punctures.
Multimedia
*A new
hard disk
A hard disk drive (HDD), hard disk, hard drive, or fixed disk is an electro-mechanical data storage device that stores and retrieves digital data using magnetic storage with one or more rigid rapidly rotating platters coated with magnet ...
based
COMAND
Cockpit Management and Data system - COMAND for short - acts as a combined command and control centre for all audio, telematics and telecommunications functions on Mercedes-Benz vehicles and includes a dedicated flat display screen. In addition t ...
system is standard on the W221. Compared to the W220 COMAND this one is even further integrated and provides access to more functions than before. The COMAND controller is now much larger, includes
haptic feedback and is installed prominently on the centre console. The Hi-Res 8" main TFT colour COMAND display screen is mounted higher and more directly into the driver's line of sight. The brightness and tilt of this screen can also be adjusted. In addition to the GPS navigation system, COMAND also offers command and control over the radio, CD/DVD, video, address book and telephone functions and can be used to control many other vehicle and equipment settings (including multi-contour seats, rear window shade and the
HVAC
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) is the use of various technologies to control the temperature, humidity, and purity of the air in an enclosed space. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. HV ...
system). There is also a "favourite" button to which one can assign a frequently used function.
*There are also dedicated shortcut switches on the centre console to control some other frequently used functions, such as switching between radio, music, navigation and telephone, seat settings and volume control.
*There is an in-dash DVD (and CD) changer and
CompactFlash
CompactFlash (CF) is a flash memory mass storage device used mainly in portable electronic devices. The format was specified and the devices were first manufactured by SanDisk in 1994.
CompactFlash became one of the most successful of the e ...
reader.
*A digital
TV tuner
A tuner is a subsystem that receives radio frequency (RF) transmissions, such as FM broadcasting, and converts the selected carrier frequency and its associated bandwidth into a fixed frequency that is suitable for further processing, usually be ...
can be optionally installed.
*An optional
harman/kardon Logic7 stereo sound system with 14 speakers and a 600W 13-channel DSP amplifier, supporting
Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital, originally synonymous with Dolby AC-3, is the name for what has now become a family of audio compression technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories. Formerly named Dolby Stereo Digital until 1995, the audio compression is lossy ...
5.1 and
Digital Theatre System
DTS, Inc. (originally Digital Theater Systems) is an American company that makes surround sound, multichannel audio technologies for film and video. Based in Calabasas, California, the company introduced its DTS technology in 1993 as a competitor ...
(DTS) sound processing.
*Also available is a factory fitted rear seat entertainment package, which provides two screens for rear passengers, a separate DVD drive in the rear and two sets of headphones. This also comes with COMAND style rotary controller and additional buttons mounted on the center arm rest in the rear.
*
Linguatronic
Cockpit Management and Data system - COMAND for short - acts as a combined command and control centre for all audio, telematics and telecommunications functions on Mercedes-Benz vehicles and includes a dedicated flat display screen. In addition t ...
voice command
Speech recognition is an interdisciplinary subfield of computer science and computational linguistics that develops methodologies and technologies that enable the recognition and translation of spoken language into text by computers with the ma ...
and control is available as an option and includes more functions than on the W220, including voice entry of navigation destination.
Models
2009 facelift
Development to further refine the W221 started in 2006 with these design changes being approved in early 2007. The revised 2010 S-Class was announced on April 8, 2009, at Stuttgart. The minor model update includes minor cosmetic changes and several new features:
*
Adaptive Highbeam Assist – detects vehicles with their lights on which are travelling towards or ahead of the car in which the system is fitted and controls the headlamps to ensure the largest possible range without
dazzling other drivers.
*
Blind Spot Assist
The blind spot monitor or blind-spot monitoring is a vehicle-based sensor device that detects other vehicles located to the driver’s side and rear. Warnings can be visual, audible, vibrating, or tactile.
Blind spot monitors may do more tha ...
– warning indicator on side mirror activates if vehicle detected in blind spot.
*
Lane Keeping Assist
In road-transport terminology, a lane departure warning system (LDWS) is a mechanism designed to warn the driver when the vehicle begins to move out of its lane (unless a turn signal is on in that direction) on freeways and arterial roads. These ...
– detects road markings and senses if the driver is inadvertently straying out of the lane. If so, the driver is warned by short vibrations of the steering wheel. This system can also distinguish between intentional (for example, overtaking or merging) and unintentional lane departures, reducing the number of false alarms.
*
Speed Limit Assist
Traffic-sign recognition (TSR) is a technology by which a vehicle is able to recognize the traffic signs put on the road e.g. "speed limit" or "children" or "turn ahead". This is part of the features collectively called ADAS. The technology is b ...
– identifies speed limit signs in passing and shows the relevant speed limit in the central display. It is standard for S 600.
*
Attention Assist
Driver drowsiness detection is a car safety technology which helps prevent accidents caused by the driver getting drowsy. Various studies have suggested that around 20% of all road accidents are fatigue-related, up to 50% on certain roads.
Some of ...
– continuously monitors more than 70 different parameters to detect
driver fatigue
Sleep-deprived driving (commonly known as tired driving, drowsy driving, or fatigued driving) is the operation of a motor vehicle while being cognitively impaired by a lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents, an ...
and tiredness. Once the system detects behaviour that typically indicates the onset of
drowsiness
Somnolence (alternatively sleepiness or drowsiness) is a state of strong desire for sleep, or sleeping for unusually long periods (compare hypersomnia). It has distinct meanings and causes. It can refer to the usual state preceding falling asleep ...
, a warning signal is sounded and "
ATTENTION ASSIST
Driver drowsiness detection is a car safety technology which helps prevent accidents caused by the driver getting drowsy. Various studies have suggested that around 20% of all road accidents are fatigue-related, up to 50% on certain roads.
Some of ...
. Break!" appears in the
instrument cluster For business applications, see Dashboard (business).
A dashboard (also called dash, instrument panel (IP), or fascia) is a control panel set within the central console of a vehicle or small aircraft. Usually located directly ahead of the driver ...
. It is not standard on the S 400 HYBRID.
*
Active Body Control
Active Body Control, or ABC, is the Mercedes-Benz brand name used to describe electronically controlled hydropneumatic suspension.
This suspension combines a high level of ride quality with control of the vehicle body motions, and therefore vi ...
(ABC)
crosswind stabilization
Crosswind stabilization (CWS) is a relatively new advanced driver-assistance system in cars and trucks that was first featured in a 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. CWS assists drivers in controlling a vehicle during strong wind conditions such as dr ...
– uses the sensors of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to vary the
wheel load
A wheel is a circular component that is intended to rotate on an axle Bearing (mechanical), bearing. The wheel is one of the key components of the wheel and axle which is one of the Simple machine, six simple machines. Wheels, in conjunction wi ...
distribution via the ABC
spring struts, depending on the direction and intensity of the
crosswind
A crosswind is any wind that has a perpendicular component to the line or direction of travel. This affects the aerodynamics of many forms of transport. Moving non-parallel to the wind's direction creates a crosswind component on the object and th ...
, in order to reduce the adverse effects of crosswinds. This is standard on the S 600.
*
Torque Vectoring Brake
Torque vectoring is a technology employed in automobile differentials that has the ability to vary the torque to each half-shaft with an electronic system; or in rail vehicles which achieve the same using individually motored wheels. This method ...
– brakes the inside rear wheel during cornering to enhance handling and safety by reducing
understeer
Understeer and oversteer are vehicle dynamics terms used to describe the sensitivity of a vehicle to steering. Oversteer is what occurs when a car turns (steers) by more than the amount commanded by the driver. Conversely, understeer is what occ ...
.
*
PRE-SAFE Brake
A collision avoidance system (CAS), also known as a pre-crash system, forward collision warning system, or collision mitigation system, is an advanced driver-assistance system designed to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. In its ...
upgrade now activates maximum braking pressure around 0.6 seconds before what it recognises as an unavoidable collision.
*
Night View Assist Plus with pedestrian recognition
*COMAND with SPLITVIEW dual view display.
*
COMAND APS
Cockpit Management and Data system - COMAND for short - acts as a combined command and control centre for all audio, telematics and telecommunications functions on Mercedes-Benz vehicles and includes a dedicated flat display screen. In addition to ...
navigation system replaces DVD with 40 gigabyte
hard-disk drive
A hard disk drive (HDD), hard disk, hard drive, or fixed disk is an electro-mechanical data storage device that stores and retrieves digital data using magnetic storage with one or more rigid rapidly rotating platters coated with magne ...
map.
*
Direct-Steer
Equipment
*standard AIRMATIC
air suspension
Air suspension is a type of vehicle suspension powered by an electric or engine-driven air pump or compressor. This compressor pumps the air into a flexible bellows, usually made from textile-reinforced rubber. Unlike hydropneumatic suspension, ...
with continuously
Adaptive Damping System Plus (not for S 600 and AMG)
*
Active Body Control
Active Body Control, or ABC, is the Mercedes-Benz brand name used to describe electronically controlled hydropneumatic suspension.
This suspension combines a high level of ride quality with control of the vehicle body motions, and therefore vi ...
suspension (optional, only on rear-wheel drive)
*Nine
airbag
An airbag is a vehicle occupant-restraint system using a bag designed to inflate extremely quickly, then quickly deflate during a collision. It consists of the airbag cushion, a flexible fabric bag, an inflation module, and an impact sensor. Th ...
s as standard
*
ESP
ESP most commonly refers to:
* Extrasensory perception, a paranormal ability
ESP may also refer to:
Arts, entertainment Music
* ESP Guitars, a manufacturer of electric guitars
* E.S. Posthumus, an independent music group formed in 2000, ...
Dynamic Cornering Assist
Cornering brake control (CBC) is an automotive safety system introduced by carmakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz (ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist and Curve Dynamic Assist). It is a further development and expansion of the anti-lock braking system, desig ...
*
Traffic Sign Assist
Traffic-sign recognition (TSR) is a technology by which a vehicle is able to recognize the traffic signs put on the road e.g. "speed limit" or "children" or "turn ahead". This is part of the features collectively called ADAS. The technology is b ...
with
Speed Limit Assist
Traffic-sign recognition (TSR) is a technology by which a vehicle is able to recognize the traffic signs put on the road e.g. "speed limit" or "children" or "turn ahead". This is part of the features collectively called ADAS. The technology is b ...
*
ATTENTION ASSIST
Driver drowsiness detection is a car safety technology which helps prevent accidents caused by the driver getting drowsy. Various studies have suggested that around 20% of all road accidents are fatigue-related, up to 50% on certain roads.
Some of ...
(as standard)
*
ADAPTIVE BRAKE
Adaptation, in biology, is the process or trait by which organisms or population better match their environment
Adaptation may also refer to:
Arts
* Adaptation (arts), a transfer of a work of art from one medium to another
** Film adaptation, ...
(as standard)
*
DISTRONIC PLUS
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an available cruise control advanced driver-assistance system for road vehicles that automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead. As of 2019, it is also called by 20 u ...
*
Brake Assist
Brake assist (BA or BAS) or emergency brake assist (EBA) is a term for an automobile braking technology that increases braking pressure in an emergency. The first application was developed jointly by Daimler-Benz and TRW/LucasVarity. Research c ...
system
BAS PLUS
A collision avoidance system (CAS), also known as a pre-crash system, forward collision warning system, or collision mitigation system, is an advanced driver-assistance system designed to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. In its ...
*
NECK-PRO crash-responsive
head restraint
Head restraints (also called headrests) are an automotive safety feature, attached or integrated into the top of each car seat, seat to limit the rearward movement of the adult occupant's head, relative to the torso, in a Traffic collision, col ...
s
*
PRE-SAFE,
PRE-SAFE Brake
A collision avoidance system (CAS), also known as a pre-crash system, forward collision warning system, or collision mitigation system, is an advanced driver-assistance system designed to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. In its ...
*
Active bonnet
In May 2013 the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that more than 270,000 pedestrians lose their lives on the world’s roads each year, accounting for 22% of the total 1.24 million road traffic deaths. Despite the magnitude of the problem, ...
*
Active Lane Keeping Assist
In road-transport terminology, a lane departure warning system (LDWS) is a mechanism designed to warn the driver when the vehicle begins to move out of its lane (unless a turn signal is on in that direction) on freeways and arterial roads. These ...
*Bi-Xenon headlamps with
Intelligent Light System and
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
*
Night View Assist PLUS
*
Active Parking Assist
Automatic parking is an autonomous car-maneuvering system that moves a vehicle from a traffic lane into a parking spot to perform parallel, perpendicular, or angle parking. The automatic parking system aims to enhance the comfort and safety of ...
*
Active Blind Spot Assist
The blind spot monitor or blind-spot monitoring is a vehicle-based sensor device that detects other vehicles located to the driver’s side and rear. Warnings can be visual, audible, vibrating, or Touch, tactile.
Vehicle blind spot, Blind spot ...
*
Crosswind Assist
*
Torque Vectoring Brake
Torque vectoring is a technology employed in automobile differentials that has the ability to vary the torque to each half-shaft with an electronic system; or in rail vehicles which achieve the same using individually motored wheels. This method ...
*
Backup camera
A backup camera (also called a reversing camera or rear-view camera) is a special type of video camera that is produced specifically for the purpose of being attached to the rear of a vehicle to aid in backing up and to alleviate the rear blind ...
*
Electric parking brake with emergency braking function
*
Direct-Steer Electromechanical steering with
Steer Assist Steer, Steers or Steering may refer to:
Animals
* Steer or bullock, castrated male cattle
* Ox, a steer used as a draft animal
People
* Steer (surname)
* Steers (surname)
Places
* Steer Creek (West Virginia), a tributary of the Little ...
electromechanical steering power assistance
The updated models went on sale in June 2009. Early models included: S 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, S 450 CDI, S 350, S 400 HYBRID, S 450, S 500, S 600.
S 280 and S 300L (2006–2013)
The S 300L (only available in long wheelbase form) was exclusive to some Asian markets, including Singapore and Malaysia.
In 2007, the retail price was S$292,888 in Singapore
($190k, all cars are extremely expensive in Singapore); in December 2013, at the end of the W221's life cycle, it was sold at RM657,218 in Malaysia.
The S 280 was sold in other markets like the United Kingdom, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates. It appears to be a short wheelbase version of the S 300L with no other significant differences.
S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (2008–2009)
It is a replacement of S 320 CDI with improved fuel efficiency. Changes include: on-demand electric hydraulic power steering pump, standstill decoupling for the 7G-TRONIC
automatic transmission
An automatic transmission (sometimes abbreviated to auto or AT) is a multi-speed transmission used in internal combustion engine-based motor vehicles that does not require any input from the driver to change forward gears under normal driving c ...
, and 17-inch light-alloy wheels with reduced rolling resistance tyres.
The German model has an MSRP of €70,864.50 (incl. VAT) for the short-wheelbase version, €78,718.50 (incl. VAT) for long-wheelbase version.
S 400 Hybrid (2009–2013)
The S 400 BlueHybrid is a
mild hybrid
Mild hybrids (also known as power-assist hybrids, battery-assisted hybrid vehicles or BAHVs) are generally cars with an internal combustion engine equipped with an electric machine (one motor/generator in a parallel hybrid configuration) allowing t ...
and the first
hybrid car
A hybrid vehicle is one that uses two or more distinct types of power, such as submarines that use diesel when surfaced and batteries when submerged. Other means to store energy include pressurized fluid in hydraulic hybrids.
The basic princip ...
to adopt a
lithium-ion battery
A lithium-ion or Li-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery which uses the reversible reduction of lithium ions to store energy. It is the predominant battery type used in portable consumer electronics and electric vehicles. It also se ...
.
The battery pack was supplied by
Continental AG
Continental AG, commonly known as Continental or colloquially as Conti, is a German multinational automotive parts manufacturing company specializing in tires, brake systems, interior electronics, automotive safety, powertrain and chassis compo ...
[ and the cells were provided by Johnson Controls-Saft. The S 400 BlueHybrid was unveiled at the 2009 ]Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is held annually in February at Chicago's McCormick Place
convention center. It is the largest auto show in North America.
History
Samuel Miles, formerly a promoter of bicycle shows, produced the first "official" Chic ...
. US models went on sale in August 2009, but were delivered to dealers in 2009–10. Japan models went on sale in October 2009.
The 3.5 liter V6 engine in the vehicle, combined with the hybrid system, develops and of torque. It gets in the city and on the highway.
ESF 2009 Experimental Safety Vehicle (2009)
The ESF 2009 Experimental Safety Vehicle is a safety research vehicle based on the S 400 Hybrid.
S 420 CDI (2006–2009)
The vehicles were delivered beginning in December 2006, with MSRP of short-wheelbase model at €84,448 (net price €72,800) and the long-wheelbase model at €92,104 (net price €79,400).
S 450 CDI (2009–2010)
The V8 diesel was updated to offer more power () while reducing emissions and fuel consumption. In spite of same displacement, the model designation is S 450 CDI.
The V8 diesel motors were dropped for the model year 2011 because of more powerful V6 diesel motors and because of low demand.
S 600 Guard (2006–2013)
It is an armoured vehicle with European B6/B7 resistance level. It resists military-standard small-arms projectiles and provides protection against fragments from hand grenades and other explosive charges. Additional safety features include run-flat tyres, 90L self-sealing fuel tank and a fire-extinguishing system. Other features include Michelin PAX 245–700 R470 AC tires, optional emergency fresh-air system, pneumatic emergency control system for the power windows (operates independently of the on-board electronics), emergency boot opening facility, optional Panic Alarm System, rear camera, heated front windscreen and heated front windows, adjustable doorhold system for all four doors, rear doors that are pulled shut automatically over the last few millimetres, rear electric roller blinds. The vehicle has top speed of , with GVW of .
S 600 Pullman Guard (2008–2013)
It was based on the Mercedes Benz S 600 L Guard, but in limousine form with an extra-long wheelbase. It includes a rear entrance with increased headroom, 4 seats behind driver partition. Other features included reinforcement of the links between the suspension components and the bodyshell, specifically targeted modification of the suspension components themselves, an additional brace (strut tower brace) between the front suspension struts, two additional steel springs at the rear to complement the air suspension, larger twin-calliper front brake discs.
The vehicles were delivered beginning in late 2008 (the first one in early part of the year for the inauguration of new Russian president Dmitry Medvedev
Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev ( rus, links=no, Дмитрий Анатольевич Медведев, p=ˈdmʲitrʲɪj ɐnɐˈtolʲjɪvʲɪtɕ mʲɪdˈvʲedʲɪf; born 14 September 1965) is a Russian politician who has been serving as the dep ...
). The production launch marked the 80th anniversary of the Mercedes-Benz special-protection unit. The President of India
The president of India ( IAST: ) is the head of state of the Republic of India. The president is the nominal head of the executive, the first citizen of the country, as well as the commander-in-chief of the Indian Armed Forces. Droupadi Murmu ...
travels in a black Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, formerly known as ''Sonderklasse'' (German for "special class", abbreviated as "S-Klasse"), is a series of full-sized luxury vehicle, luxury sedans, limousines and Armored car (VIP), armored sedans produced by the Germa ...
(S 600) Pullman Guard, which is stretched to limousine
A limousine ( or ), or limo () for short, is a large, chauffeur-driven luxury vehicle with a partition between the driver compartment and the passenger compartment.
A very long wheelbase luxury sedan (with more than four doors) driven by a prof ...
form and the limousine has a longer wheelbase
In both road and rail vehicles, the wheelbase is the horizontal distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels. For road vehicles with more than two axles (e.g. some trucks), the wheelbase is the distance between the steering (front ...
.
S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG
The S 63 AMG is powered by the Mercedes-Benz M156 V8 engine
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder piston engine in which two banks of four cylinders share a common crankshaft and are arranged in a V configuration.
The first V8 engine was produced by the French Antoinette company in 1904, developed and us ...
rated at and of torque. It can accelerate from in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed limited to .
The S 63 AMG has an aluminum and steel body with 19" light-alloy multispoke wheels in the front and back, shod with 255/40 tires in front, and 275/40 tires in the rear, and covered with a high-sheen finish. The S 63 w feature LED turn signals in front, and in the back, 52 LEDS form a "C" on both tail lights.
The S 65 AMG is powered by the Mercedes-Benz M275 V12 engine
A V12 engine is a twelve-cylinder piston engine where two banks of six cylinders are arranged in a V configuration around a common crankshaft. V12 engines are more common than V10 engines. However, they are less common than V8 engines.
The fi ...
rated at or (on facelift version after 2010) and of torque. It includes restyled front and rear bumpers and rocker panels, larger wheels, brakes, and tires, four exhaust pipes, modified and reprogrammed suspension for sport biased handling, and various interior changes. Apart from the higher output engine, many of the AMG modifications give the S 65 AMG a distinctly different character than the S 600 base V12 model. The S65 continues to use the 5 speed transmission, because it can handle the higher torque of the engine, as opposed to the 7-speed transmission.
The vehicles were unveiled at the 2006 Detroit motor show
The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), also known as the Detroit Auto Show as of 2022 and prior to NAIAS, is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., at Huntington Place. The show was held in January from 1989 to 2019. I ...
.
S 250 CDI (2011–2013)
Mercedes unveiled the S 250 CDI at the Paris Motor Show
The Paris Motor Show (french: Mondial de l'Automobile) is a biennial auto show in Paris. Held during October, it is one of the most important auto shows, often with many new production automobile and concept car debuts. The show presently take ...
. The car is powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine which produces and of torque. Despite this relatively small engine, the S 250 accelerates from in 8.2 seconds and can reach a top speed of . Fuel consumption is 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers (41.2 mpg US), while emissions are 149 g/km. The engine has two turbos, and turns off when stopped.
The Mercedes-Benz S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY won the 2012 World Green Car of the Year.
Mercedes-Benz Concept Ocean Drive (2007)
Other features include aluminum wheels with 275/35ZR21 tires.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2007 NAIAS.
Specifications
Engines
S 280 is only sold in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Asia (badged as S 300).
S 350 CDI 4MATIC is badged as S 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY in Germany.
S 500 is badged as S 550 in Canada, US and Japan market.
Transmissions
All models with the exception of the S600 and S65 AMG are equipped with the 7G-TRONIC
7G-Tronic is Mercedes-Benz's trademark name for its seven-speed automatic transmission, starting off with the W7A 700 and W7A 400 (Wandler-7-Gang-Automatik bis 700 oder 400 Nm Eingangsdrehmoment; converter-7-gear-automatic with 516 ...
transmission. S350, S350 4MATIC, S400 Hybrid, S450, S450 4MATIC, S500 include 7G-TRONIC
7G-Tronic is Mercedes-Benz's trademark name for its seven-speed automatic transmission, starting off with the W7A 700 and W7A 400 (Wandler-7-Gang-Automatik bis 700 oder 400 Nm Eingangsdrehmoment; converter-7-gear-automatic with 516 ...
Sport transmission. Models with 7G-TRONIC transmission include DIRECT SELECT, which allows 7G-TRONIC to be electronically controlled by touching the lever on the right-hand side of the steering column.
The S600 retains the 5G-TRONIC automatic transmission
An automatic transmission (sometimes abbreviated to auto or AT) is a multi-speed transmission used in internal combustion engine-based motor vehicles that does not require any input from the driver to change forward gears under normal driving c ...
. S65 AMG included five-speed automatic SPEEDSHIFT transmission with DIRECT SELECT.
Beginning in 2009, S63 AMG includes AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission, S65 AMG includes AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-speed automatic transmission.
Handling
All models except S 63 AMG, S 600 L, S 65 L AMG use AIRMATIC suspension, with optional Active Body Control
Active Body Control, or ABC, is the Mercedes-Benz brand name used to describe electronically controlled hydropneumatic suspension.
This suspension combines a high level of ride quality with control of the vehicle body motions, and therefore vi ...
except for 4MATIC models. S 63 AMG, S 600 L, S 65 L AMG include Active Body Control
Active Body Control, or ABC, is the Mercedes-Benz brand name used to describe electronically controlled hydropneumatic suspension.
This suspension combines a high level of ride quality with control of the vehicle body motions, and therefore vi ...
as standard.
4MATIC models were unveiled in the 2006 Paris Motor Show. Initial products include S 450 4MATIC and S 500 4MATIC, followed by S 320 CDI 4MATIC in 2006–12, then S 350 4MATIC in mid 2007. All 4MATIC models were made in short and long wheelbases. S 320 CDI 4MATIC was replaced by S 350 CDI 4MATIC.
Sales
On 11 May 2009, Mercedes-Benz announced the sale of 270,000 units since the original W221 launch.
Production
S 600 Guard and S 600 Guard Pullman were built in Sindelfingen plant with a separate production line.
Marketing
As part of the W221 launch campaign, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH introduced a series of 17 products under S-Class Collection, beginning in 2005–09. Products include wrist watch designed with Sindelfingen-based Design Centre, piqué polo shirt, cufflinks, pen, umbrella, key fob, mouse pads, pen cases, cigar set, note pad, wallet, 1/43 S-Class scale model car. Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH also introduced a series of 1,200 units of S-Class vehicle freight train.
Awards
In the 2007 J.D. Power
J.D. Power is an American consumer research, data, and analytics firm based in Troy, Michigan. The company was founded in 1968 by James David Power III. It conducts surveys of customer satisfaction, product quality, and buyer behavior for the aut ...
Initial Quality Study, the W221 tied for first ranking in its category (with the Audi A8
The Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Audi since 1994. Succeeding the Audi V8, and now in its fourth generation, the A8 has been offered with both front- or permanent all-wheel drive—and in s ...
) for having the fewest quality problems in the industry after 90 days of ownership. The W221 was given the ''Bild am Sonntag'' 2006 Golden Steering Wheel Award in the Luxury category, ''Drive'' Car of the Year Awards Best Luxury Car over A$60,000, and top luxury auto in the Topauto 2006 awards. Safety awards include ''Popular Mechanics
''Popular Mechanics'' (sometimes PM or PopMech) is a magazine of popular science and technology, featuring automotive, home, outdoor, electronics, science, do-it-yourself, and technology topics. Military topics, aviation and transportation o ...
'' 2007 Automotive Excellence Award for Safety, 2007's ''What Car?
''What Car?'' is a British monthly automobile magazine and website, currently edited by Steve Huntingford and published by Haymarket Consumer Media. Other team members include deputy editor Darren Moss and test editors Will Nightingale, Neil ...
'' Safety Award, and 2006 British Insurance Car Security Award. Design awards include ''Wheels Magazine
''Wheels'' is an Australian automotive magazine owned by Are Media. The publication is well-renowned by Australian car enthusiasts. Its main competitor within the Australian car magazine market is ''Motor'', though ''Wheels'' and ''Motor'' ar ...
's'' 2006 Automotive Design Award, Automotive Circle International (ACI) "EuroCarBody Award 2005",[ Topauto 2006 award winner in the Innovation category for the ''Distronic Plus'' adaptive cruise control, and 2006 Automotive Interior of the Year Awards for Best Seat.]
References
Notes
Bibliography
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*
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External links
Mercedes-Benz S-Class official website (German)
Mercedes Benz NTG3 Navigation
{{DaimlerChrysler
W221
The Mercedes-Benz W221 is a chassis code of S-Class, the successor of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220) and the predecessor of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222). The S-Class are the flagship vehicles of Mercedes-Benz and each generation typical ...
W221
The Mercedes-Benz W221 is a chassis code of S-Class, the successor of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220) and the predecessor of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222). The S-Class are the flagship vehicles of Mercedes-Benz and each generation typical ...
Cars introduced in 2005
All-wheel-drive vehicles
Rear-wheel-drive vehicles
Full-size vehicles
Luxury vehicles
Sedans
2010s cars
Limousines
Russian presidential state cars