Mercedes-Benz W221

The Mercedes-Benz W221 is a chassis code of S-Class, the successor of Mercedes-Benz W220.

Mercedes-Benz W221

Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Production	2005–present
Assembly	Sindelfingen, Germany Toluca, Mexico 6th of October City, Egypt (EGA)^[1] Pekan, Malaysia (DRB-HICOM)
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz W220
Class	Full-size luxury car
Body style	4-door sedan
Platform	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Engine	2.1L diesel 204 PS (150 kW) L4 3.0L diesel 235 PS (173 kW) V6 3.5L 272 PS (200 kW) V6 4.0L diesel 320 PS (240 kW) V8 4.6L 340 PS (250 kW) V8 4.7L 435 PS (320 kW) V8 5.5L 381 PS (280 kW) V8 5.5L 517 PS (380 kW) V12 biturbo 6.2L AMG 525 PS (386 kW) V8 6.0L AMG 612 PS (450 kW) V12 biturbo
Transmission	7-speed G-Tronic automatic 5-speed G-Tronic automatic
Wheelbase	3,035 mm (119.5 in) LWB: 3,165 mm (124.6 in)
Length	2006-08 SWB: 5,076 mm (199.8 in) 2009- SWB: 5,079 mm (200.0 in) 2006-08 LWB: 5,206 mm (205.0 in) 2009- LWB: 5,209 mm (205.1 in)
Width	2006-08: 1,871 mm (73.7 in) 2009- 1,872 mm (73.7 in) BlueHybrid: 83.3 in (2,116 mm)
Height	1,473 mm (58.0 in)
Curb weight	from 1,955 kg (4,310 lb) [S320 CDI] to 2,270 kg (5,000 lb) [S65 AMG]

The Mercedes-Benz W221 is a chassis code of S-Class, the successor of Mercedes-Benz W220.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Styling

The W221 S-Class' exterior styling is distinctly different to the W220. The rear styling is similar to the Mercedes-Benz Maybach - the larger saloon from Daimler AG's flagship brand, which was presented to public in 1997. Development began in 1999, with the final design being approved circa 2001-2002 and patented in late 2003, and development commencing in 2005. A final design prototype W221 was presented in December 2002 to Autospies journalists, 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. The interior features an instrument cluster shroud that also contains the navigation screen, with silver effect air vents below, 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. On the center console, a metal control wheel for the COMAND system sits above a piece of wood, surrounded by metal buttons. Throughout the interior, many buttons are metal, with black fields above them denoting the switches' function.
The W221 is slightly larger in all dimensions than the W220, with a longer wheelbase and more interior room.
The S-Class is only available in the long-wheelbase form in the USA.

Models

2009 facelift

The revised 2010 S-Class was announced on Apr 08, 2009 at Stuttgart. The minor model update includes minor cosmetic changes and several new features:Development to further refine the W221 started in 2006 after sales began for the MY2007, with any design changes being approved in late 2007.

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 - warning indicator on side mirror activates if vehicle detected in blind spot.
Lane Keeping Assist - 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 - identifies speed limit signs in passing and shows the relevant speed limit in the central display. It is standard for S 600.
Attention Assist - continuously monitors more than 70 different parameters to detect driver fatigue and tiredness. Once the system detects behaviour that typically indicates the onset of drowsiness, a warning signal is sounded and "ATTENTION ASSIST. Break!" appears in the instrument cluster. It is not standard on the S 400 HYBRID.
Active Body Control (ABC) crosswind compensation - uses the sensors of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to vary the wheel load distribution via the ABC spring struts, depending on the direction and intensity of the crosswind, in order to reduce the adverse effects of crosswinds. This is standard on the S 600.
Torque Vectoring Brake - brakes the inside rear wheel during cornering to enhance handling and safety by reducing understeer.

The updated models went on sale in June 2009. Early models include S 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, S 450 CDI, S 350, S 400 HYBRID, S 450, S 500, S 600.

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, 17-inch light-alloy wheels with reduced rolling resistance tyres.
Germany model has MSRP of €70,864.50 (incl. VAT) for short-wheelbase version, €78,718.50 (incl. VAT) for long-wheelbase version.

S 400 Hybrid (2009-)

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid (US)

The S400 BlueHybrid is a mild hybrid and the first hybrid car to adopt a lithium ion battery. The battery pack was supplied by Continental AGand the cells were provided by Johnson Controls-Saft.The S400 BlueHybrid was unveiled in 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 295 horsepower (220 kW) and 284 pound-feet (385 N·m) of torque. It gets 19 miles per US gallon (12 L/100 km; 23 mpg_-imp) in the city and 26 miles per US gallon (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg_-imp) on the highway.

ESF 2009 (2009)

It is a safety research vehicle based on S 400 Hybrid, but with braking bag, Interactive Vehicle Communication.
The vehicle was unveiled in the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV) Conference in Stuttgart.^[

S 420 CDI (2006-)

The vehicle 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 600 Guard (2006-)

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 210 km/h (130 mph), with GVW of 4,200 kg (9,300 lb).

S 600 Guard Pullman (2008-)

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 production launch marked the 80th anniversary of the Mercedes-Benz special-protection unit.

S-600P

Mexican built Mercedes-Benz S-600P police cruiser variant in Mexico City. (Identifying marks of the police unit edited out for security purposes).

The Mercedes Benz Mexico factory in Toluca, Mexico also produces a police spec model of the S-600, the S-600P. The S-600P is similar to the standard S-600 but is equipped with the dual turbocharged V-12 engine of the S65 AMG and includes police lights, siren, run flat tires, a gun mount, a Lanix computer station integrated with the host police network, optional prisoner cage and restraint seats, and level B6/B7 armoring. The S-600P is only built in Mexico and only comes in long-wheelbase version. The Mexican government uses S-600Ps mainly for transporting important figures, but several police departments in wealthier cities in the country use them as patrol vehicles, as does the Mexican Federal Police in limited numbers. A small number of S-600P were purchased by the police department of Guangzhou, China for protection of key government figures.

S 63 AMG & S 65 AMG

S 63 AMG includes Mercedes-Benz M156 V8 engine rated 525 PS (386 kW; 518 hp) and 630 N·m (465 ft·lbf).
The Interior of the S63 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 S63 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 S63 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 S63 will feature LED turn signals in front, and in the back, 52 LEDS form a "C" on both tail lights. In front, the S63 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 S63 will have new AMG sport exhaust with two sets of double chromed tips. The S63 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 stabilisation as standard equipment. Torque Vectoring Brake is added. Interior include PASSION leather upholstery, AMG-specific analogue clock featuring an IWC design.
S 65 AMG includes Mercedes-Benz M275 V12 engine rated 612 PS (450 kW; 604 hp) and 1,000 N·m (738 ft·lbf), 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.
Optional accessories include:

AMG 20-inch forged wheels with 255/35R20 front and 275/30R20 rear tyres
AMG trim elements in carbon fibre/piano lacquer
AMG floor mats

The vehicles went on sale in June 2009, with S 65 AMG available in long-wheelbase version only.
The vehicles were unveiled in 2009 Shanghai Motor Show.

S 250 CDI (2011-)

Mercedes has 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 150 kW (204 PS / 201 hp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. Despite this relatively small engine, the S 250 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and hits a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph). More importantly, 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.

Mercedes-Benz Concept Ocean Drive (2007)

It is a 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

Model	Years	Engine type/code	Power, Torque@rpm
Petrol engines
S 280 / S 300	2007-	2,997 cc (2.997 L; 182.9 cu in) V6 (M272)	231 PS (170 kW; 228 hp)@6000, 300 N·m (221 ft·lbf)@2400-5000
S 350	2005-	3,498 cc (3.498 L; 213.5 cu in) V6 (M272)	272 PS (200 kW; 268 hp)@6000, 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf)@2400-5000
S 350 4MATIC	2007-	3,498 cc (3.498 L; 213.5 cu in) V6 (M272)	272 PS (200 kW; 268 hp)@6000, 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf)@2400-5000
S 400 HYBRID	2009-	3,498 cc (3.498 L; 213.5 cu in) V6 (M272)	279 PS (205 kW; 275 hp)@6000, 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf)@2400-5000
		3-phase AC magneto motor (external rotor)	20 PS (15 kW; 20 hp)@6000, 160 N·m (118 ft·lbf)
		Total	299 PS (220 kW; 295 hp)@, 385 N·m (284 ft·lbf)@2400-5000
S 450, S 450 4MATIC	2006-	4,663 cc (4.663 L; 284.6 cu in) V8 (M273)	340 PS (250 kW; 335 hp)@6000, 460 N·m (339 ft·lbf)@2700-5000
S 550	2005-	5,461 cc (5.461 L; 333.3 cu in) V8 (M273)	388 PS (285 kW; 383 hp)@6000, 530 N·m (391 ft·lbf)@2800-4800
S 550 4MATIC	2006-	5,461 cc (5.461 L; 333.3 cu in) V8 (M273)	388 PS (285 kW; 383 hp)@6000, 530 N·m (391 ft·lbf)@2800-4800
S 600, S 600 Guard	2006-	5,513 cc (5.513 L; 336.4 cu in) V12 BiTurbo (M275)	517 PS (380 kW; 510 hp)@5000, 830 N·m (612 ft·lbf)@1800-3500
S 600 Guard Pullman	2008-	5,513 cc (5.513 L; 336.4 cu in) V12 BiTurbo (M275)	517 PS (380 kW; 510 hp)@5000, 830 N·m (612 ft·lbf)@1800-3500
S 63 AMG	2006-	6,208 cc (6.208 L; 378.8 cu in) V8 (M156)	525 PS (386 kW; 518 hp)@6800, 630 N·m (465 ft·lbf)@5200
S 65 AMG	2006-	5,980 cc (5.98 L; 365 cu in) V12 BiTurbo (M275)	612 PS (450 kW; 604 hp)@4800-5100, 1,000 N·m (738 ft·lbf)@2000-4000
Diesel engines
S 250 CDI	2009-	2,143 cc (2.143 L; 130.8 cu in) I4 turbo (OM651)	204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp)@4200, 500 N·m (369 ft·lbf)@1600–1800
S 300 BlueTec HYBRID	2009–2010	2,987 cc (2.987 L; 182.3 cu in) V6 electric motor	Total 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp), 560 N·m (413 ft·lbf)
S 320 CDI, S 320 CDI 4MATIC	2006–2008	2,987 cc (2.987 L; 182.3 cu in) V6 Biturbo (OM642)	235 PS (173 kW; 232 hp)@3600, 540 N·m (398 ft·lbf)@1600–2400
S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY	2008–2009	2,987 cc (2.987 L; 182.3 cu in) V6 Biturbo (OM642)	235 PS (173 kW; 232 hp)@3600, 540 N·m (398 ft·lbf)@1600–2400
S 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, S 350 CDI 4MATIC	2009-	2,987 cc (2.987 L; 182.3 cu in) V6 Biturbo (OM642)	235 PS (173 kW; 232 hp)@3600, 540 N·m (398 ft·lbf)@1600–2400
S 350 4MATIC BlueTec (US)	2012-	2,987 cc (2.987 L; 182.3 cu in) V6 Turbo	240 hp (180 kW; 240 PS)@3600, 455 ft·lbf @1600–2400
S 420 CDI	2006–2009	3,996 cc (3.996 L; 243.9 cu in) V8 Biturbo (OM629)	320 PS (235 kW; 316 hp)@3600, 730 N·m (538 ft·lbf)@2200
S 450 CDI	2009-	3,996 cc (3.996 L; 243.9 cu in) V8 Biturbo (OM629)	320 PS (235 kW; 316 hp)@3600, 730 N·m (538 ft·lbf)@2200

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

Models with V12 engines have 5G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Models with non-V12 engines have 7G-TRONIC transmission. S 350, S 350 4MATIC, S 400 Hybrid, S 450, S 450 4MATIC, S 500 include 7G-TRONIC Sport transmission.
S 65 AMG included five-speed automatic SPEEDSHIFT transmission with DIRECT SELECT.
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.
Beginning in 2009, S 63 AMG includes AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission, S 65 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 2006 Paris Motor Show. Initial products include S 450 4MATIC and S 500 4MATIC, followed by S320 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.

Safety

Brake Assist Plus: an optional system designed to apportion brake pressure based on pedal speed and distance between the car and objects. This is an evolution of the Brake Assist system found on earlier models, and uses the vehicle's radar, in addition to the usual Brake Assist's monitoring of pedal depression speed, to apply power brake boost as required. This requires the optional adaptive cruise control's radar, so in vehicles not equipped with the latter, standard Brake Assist is substituted.
Pre-Safe: a development of the previous Pre-Safe system fitted to the W220 S-Class, which uses vehicle-dynamic sensors to predict collisions, the W221's system also takes into account closing speed, as measured by the vehicle's radar. 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.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP): 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.
Night View Assist: optional, uses two near-infrared (NIR) illuminators mounted in the headlamp clusters and a sensor in the windshield. The infrared beams are picked up by the sensor 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.

The W221 also contains many other safety features, including front and rear crumple zones, eight dual-stage air bags, seatbelt pre-tensioning devices, anti-lock brakes (ABS), collapsible steering column, and traction control.

Equipment

Airmatic DC - air suspension, similar to the system fitted to the W211 E-Class, uses air springs and adaptive electronic control to sense road and driving conditions and produce a firm or soft ride. The air suspension is only available for the smaller engines up to S 500. The S 600, S 63, and S 65 AMG are equipped with an active suspension system called Active Body Control, which is based on steel springs. ABC is also optional on all other models except vehicles equipped with 4Matic all wheel drive.
Distronic Plus - optional, a development of the Distronic system fitted to earlier models. Uses more radar systems (long- and short-wave) and improved control logic to detect vehicles ahead and adjust the vehicle's speed to maintain a driver-set distance behind the car in front. The system has more authority over the vehicle than previous Distronic iterations, and can bring the vehicle to a complete stop if necessary, unlike the previous versions.

W221 S-Class interior

Drive-Dynamic seats with massage - optional, an evolution of the system fitted to many other Mercedes models, uses air bladders in the seat bolsters to support the driver during cornering. Also, other air bladders provide a four-mode massage function to front-seat passengers.
Heated and Active-Ventilated seats, with heating elements for warming the seats and small fans to keep the seats cool and draw perspiration away from occupants.
harman/kardon Logic7 stereo sound system with 14 speakers, in-dash CD changer and PC Card slot
Hard-drive based GPS satellite navigation system
Revised COMAND navigation and radio control system, uses the dash-top display and a central knob to navigate menu choices and options. Most frequently used functions (such as volume) can be controlled by dedicated switches.
Fiber-optic ambient lighting for the dashboard, footwells, and other areas.
Tele Aid, uses GPS tracking and cell phone service to provide assistance. Can be used for information, to call for roadside assistance, or to call for help in emergencies. Automatically calls for help if an air bag or seatbelt tensioner deploys.

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.

Gallery

2006 Europe variant Mercedes-Benz S 500(S550) with the optional AMG bodykit applied.
The W221 S550 is sold as the same-engined S500 in Europe.
The Ocean Drive Concept.
President of Germany W221
Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG (US)