Mercedes-Benz S-Class (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 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. 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 Maybach – 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 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 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 display. Below the central COMAND screen are silver effect air vents, and a square, analog clock within the vents. Below the vents are metal tab switches with a black field behind them, to control the HVAC 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 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. The steering wheel has various control buttons for the cluster display, volume and telephone control  and for the optional Linguatronic voice control 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 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 now also controlled more of these features and/or provided access to additional settings for various functions, including the HVAC system and seat controls. Safety. The W221 also contains many other safety features, including front and rear crumple zones, eight dual-stage  air bags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), collapsible steering column, and traction control. 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: Equipment. 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, 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 and the first hybrid car to adopt a lithium-ion battery. The battery pack was supplied by Continental AG and the cells were provided by Johnson Controls-Saft. The S 400 BlueHybrid was  unveiled at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. 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). The production launch marked the 80th anniversary of the Mercedes-Benz special-protection unit. The President of India travels in a black Mercedes-Benz S-Class (S 600) Pullman Guard, which is stretched to limousine form and the limousine has a longer wheelbase. S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG. The S 63 AMG is powered by the Mercedes-Benz M156 V8 engine rated at and of torque. It can accelerate from in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed limited to . The Interior of the  S 63 AMG comes in supple German Leather, coming in the standard leather, or diamond texture, with black and chrome trim on the dash and center console (front and back row). The S 63 comes with a variety of luxury features, including but not limited to: dual-zone automatic climate control, rear-seat DVD entertainment, built-in navigation, and heated and cooled front and rear seats, to name a few in the long list of standard features. The S 63 AMG sports 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. In front, the S 63 will feature a more pronounced, arrow-shaped radiator grille, and "6.3 AMG" on the front wing, and newly redesigned exterior mirrors. In the rear, the S 63 will have new AMG sport exhaust with two sets of double chromed tips. The S 63 will also feature squared-off front headlamps with LED lights in addition  to the traditional lights. In 2009, the engines had reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 3%. Styling changes include arrow-shaped radiator grille, AMG-specific daytime running lights, two transverse air outlets on each side, "6.3 AMG" lettering on the front wings, redesigned exterior mirrors, 52-LED tail lights. Active Body Control provides crosswind stabilization as standard equipment. Torque Vectoring Brake is added. Interior include PASSION leather upholstery, AMG-specific analogue clock featuring an IWC design. The S 65 AMG is powered by the Mercedes-Benz M275 V12 engine rated at 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. Optional accessories include: The vehicles went on sale in June 2009, with S 65 AMG available in long-wheelbase version  only. The vehicles were unveiled at the 2009 Shanghai motor show. S 250 CDI (2011–2013). Mercedes unveiled the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY at the Paris Motor Show. As the name suggests, 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 CO2 emissions are 149 g/km. To get those class-leading figures, Mercedes outfitted the engine with twin-turbochargers and a start /stop system. Furthermore, engineers "extensively revised" the seven-speed automatic transmission (called the 7G-TRONIC PLUS) for improved efficiency. The Mercedes-Benz S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY won the 2012 World Green Car of the Year. Mercedes-Benz Concept Ocean Drive (2007). The Ocean Drive is a four-door cabriolet concept vehicle based on long-wheelbase version of S 600, but with two-tone yarn fabric roof. The vehicle features an oversized grille, redesigned LED headlights and restyled trunk, LED head and tail lamps, a revised air dam, restyled flanks without the wheelhouse bulges, door handles that fit flush into the  body, AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, on all 4 seats. The car also contains pillarless windows that provide an unobstructed view for occupants when the large soft top is down. 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  are equipped with the 7G-TRONIC transmission. S350, S350 4MATIC, S400 Hybrid, S450, S450 4MATIC, S500 include 7G-TRONIC 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. 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 except for 4MATIC models. S 63 AMG, S 600 L, S 65 L AMG include Active Body Control 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 Initial Quality Study, the W221 tied for first ranking in its category (with the Audi A8) 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" 2007 Automotive Excellence Award for Safety, 2007's "What Car?" Safety Award, and 2006 British Insurance Car Security Award. Design awards include  Wheels Magazine'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.