The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a series of full-size luxury cars and coupes produced by Mercedes-Benz since 1972. It has been known for incorporating various advanced technologies and safety features and serves as the flagship model of the Mercedes-Benz lineup.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Overview
Manufacturer	Daimler-Benz (1972–1998) DaimlerChrysler (1998–2007) Daimler AG (2007–2022) Mercedes-Benz Group (2022–present)
Production	1954–present (S-Class nomenclature adopted since 1972)
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size luxury car (F-segment)[1]
Body style	4-door sedan 2-door coupé (1992–2021)
Related	Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Chronology
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz W187

First generation
Mercedes-Benz 280 SEL (W116)
Overview
Model code	W116
Also called	280S, 280SE, 280SEL, 350SE, 350SEL, 450SE, 450SEL, 300SD
Production	1972–1980
Body and chassis
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	2.8 L m110 I6 3.5 L M116 V8 4.5 L m117 V8 6.8 L M100 V8 3.0 L OM617 I5 turbodiesel
Transmission	3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 4-speed manual

The W116 series was produced from 1972 to 1980 and is the first official S-Class model. It introduced features such as anti-lock braking system (ABS) and improved safety features compared to its predecessors.

Second generation
Overview
Also called	260/280/300/380SE/SEL, 420/500/560SE/SEL/SEC, 300/350SD/SDL
Production	December 1979 – April 1992
Body and chassis
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	2.6 L I6 2.8 L I6 3.0 L I6 3.8 L V8 4.2 L V8 5.0 L V8 5.6 L V8 3.0 L 5-cylinder turbodiesel 3.0 L 6-cylinder turbodiesel 3.5 L 6-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual model_code = W126 (Sedan) C126 (Coupé)

The W126, produced from 1979 to 1992, included innovations such as airbags, improved engine performance, and electronic systems. It was recognized for its reliability and durability and is often regarded as a benchmark in luxury automotive engineering.

Third generation
Overview
Also called	300SE/SEL, 400/500/600SEL, 500/600SEC, 300SDL, 350SDL (1991–1993) S280/300/320/320L/420/420L/ 500/500L/600/600L (1993–1998)
Production	April 1991 – August 1998
Body and chassis
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	2.8 L 145 kW (197 PS; 194 bhp) I6 3.2 L 170 kW (231 PS; 228 bhp) I6 4.2 L 205 kW (279 PS; 275 bhp) V8 5.0 L 240 kW (326 PS; 322 bhp) V8 6.0 L 300 kW (408 PS; 402 bhp) V12 M120 (1991–1993) 6.0 L 290 kW (394 PS; 389 bhp) V12 M120 (1993–1998) 3.0 L Turbodiesel 130 kW (177 PS; 175 bhp) I6 3.5 L Turbodiesel 110 kW (150 PS; 150 bhp) I6
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic 5-speed manual model_code = W140 (Sedan) C140 (Coupé)

The W140, manufactured from 1991 to 1998, introduced dual airbags, traction control, and the electronic stability program (ESP). It was also the first S-Class to feature automatic climate control and a more extensive range of engine options.

Fourth generation
Overview
Also called	S280, S320, S320 CDI, S400 CDI, S350, S430, S500, S600, S55, S63, S65
Production	August 1998 – July 2005
Body and chassis
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive model_code = W220
Powertrain
Engine	2.8 L 150 kW (204 PS; 201 bhp) V6 3.2 L 165 kW (224 PS; 221 bhp) V6 3.2 L 145 kW (197 PS; 194 bhp) I6 diesel 3.7 L 180 kW (245 PS; 242 bhp) V6 4.0 L 180 kW (250 PS; 250 bhp) V8 diesel 4.0 L 190 kW (260 PS; 260 bhp) V8 diesel 4.3 L 205 kW (279 PS; 275 bhp) V8 5.0 L 225 kW (306 PS; 302 bhp) V8 5.4 L 370 kW (500 PS; 490 bhp) V8 5.8 L 270 kW (367 PS; 362 bhp) V12 5.5 L 370 kW (500 PS; 490 bhp) V12 6.3 L 330 kW (450 PS; 440 bhp) V12 6.0 L 450 kW (612 PS; 604 bhp) V12
Transmission	5-speed automatic and 7-speed automatic (7G-Tronic)

Produced from 1998 to 2005, the W220 series marked a shift to a more modern design. It featured advancements such as air suspension for and stability control. This generation also introduced new V8 and V12 engine options.

Fifth generation
Overview
Also called	S250 CDI, S300, S350 (BlueEFFICIENCY, BlueTEC), S400 HYBRID, S450, S550(500), S600, S320/S420 CDI, S63, S65
Production	August 2005 – June 2013
Model years	2006–2013 (Worldwide) 2007–2013 (North America)
Designer	Gorden Wagener (2001)
Body and chassis
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive model_code = W221
Related	Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
Powertrain
Engine	2.1 L diesel 150 kW (204 PS; 201 bhp) I4 3.0 L diesel 190 kW (259 PS; 255 bhp) V6 3.5 L 225 kW (306 PS; 302 bhp) V6 3.5 L hybrid 220 kW (299 PS; 295 bhp) V6 4.0 L diesel 236 kW (320 PS; 316 bhp) V8 4.7 L 250 kW (340 PS; 335 bhp) V8 4.7 L 320 kW (435 PS; 429 bhp) V8 5.5 L 285 kW (387 PS; 382 bhp) V8 5.5 L 380 kW (516 PS; 509 bhp) V12 5.5 L AMG 400 kW (543 PS; 536 bhp) V8 6.0 L AMG 463 kW (630 PS; 621 bhp) V12 6.2 L AMG 386 kW (525 PS; 518 bhp) V8
Transmission	7-speed (5-speed on S65 & S600) automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	SWB: 3,035 mm (119.5 in) LWB: 3,165 mm (124.6 in)

The W221, made from 2005 to 2013, was known for its updated interior design, new technological features, and improved fuel efficiency. It included options like lane-keeping assist and night vision systems.

Sixth generation
Overview
Production	June 2013–September 2020 (W222) November 2014–August 2020 (C217/A217)
Model years	2014–2020 (W222) 2015–2021 (C217/A217)
Body and chassis
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
Powertrain
Transmission	7-speed 7G-Tronic / 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	SWB: 3,035 mm (119.5 in) LWB: 3,165 mm (124.6 in)
Length	SWB: 5,116 mm (201.4 in) LWB: 5,248 mm (206.6 in)[2]
Width	1,899 mm (74.8 in)[2]
Height	1,496 mm (58.9 in)[2] model_code = W222 (Sedan) C217 (Coupé) A217 (Cabriolet)

The W222 series, produced from 2013 to 2020, emphasized comfort and advanced technology. It offered features such as adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, and a wider range of powertrain options, including hybrid engines.

Seventh generation
Overview
Production	2020–present
Body and chassis
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
Powertrain
Transmission	9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	SWB: 3,106 mm (122.3 in) LWB: 3,216 mm (126.6 in)
Length	SWB: 5,179 mm (203.9 in) LWB: 5,289 mm (208.2 in)
Width	1,954 mm (76.9 in)
Height	1,503 mm (59.2 in) model_code = W223

The W223 series, launched in 2020, continues to represent the flagship model of the S-Class line. It includes modern driver assistance systems such as active lane-keeping, automatic parking, and a new MBUX infotainment system. The generation also offers hybrid options.