Mercedes-Benz W220

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For a complete overview of all S-Class models see Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Mercedes-Benz S430 W220 (US)

A rare 2006 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

A rare 2006 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG (rear)

The W220 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans (and similar W215 CL-class coupés) started production in 1998 and went out of production in 2005 when it was replaced by the W221 S-Class and the W216 CL-class. The W220 replaced the W140 S-Class after the 1999 model year.

Production totalled 485,000 units, slightly more than the production totals from the W140.

1 Style
2 Engineering
3 Engines
4 External Links

[edit] Style

The W220 was not the first model to feature the company's new design theme for the next generation of Mercedes-Benz. This honor was given to the A-Class launched in 1997.

Despite being smaller, the new car was roomier inside while the dashboard carried over the new styling details first seen in the Mk I A-Class the year before.

[edit] Engineering

As with each new S-Class, the W220 was technologically advanced at the time of its launch, bringing in new innovations such as Airmatic air suspension, Active Ventilated seats (which use miniature fans in the seats to move air through perforations), keyless entry and ignition, radar-controlled distronic distance system and a cylinder deactivation system called Active Cylinder Control, which improves fuel consumption and reduces emissions. All pioneering innovations at the time of the W220's conception.

4MATIC all wheel drive was introduced to the North American S-Class for 2003.

[edit] Engines

The W220 was available with more engine options than the W126 or W140. The range started with a smaller 3.2L 224hp V6 motor, which was superseded by an enlarged 3.7L 245hp V6 in the S350.

The S430 was powered by a 4.3L 279hp V8 and the S500 was powered by a 5.0L 306hp V8. The S55 AMG ('01-'02) was outfitted with a 5.4L 354hp V8 motor while the later versions ('03-'06) sported the same motor, but supercharged to a rated 493hp. The S600 ('01-'02) was outfitted with a 5.8L 362hp V12 engine while the later versions ('03-'06) sported a twin-turbocharged (or Bi-Turbo) 493hp 5.5L V12.

For one month in 2001, AMG produced a S63 AMG, which was sold in very limited numbers. The S63 was powered by a 6.3L 444hp V12. An undisclosed number of the cars were sold exclusively through AMG in European and Asian markets.

The S65 AMG was introduced in 2005. Powered by a 6.0L 612hp V12 motor, the S65 was the most powerful S-Class, as well as the world's most powerful five-seat sedan with a staggering output of 604hp and 738 ft-lbs of torque.