The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a full-size German luxury sedan that competes against rivals such as the BMW 7-Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, and Genesis G80. The very first S-Class models date back before the S-Class officially got its name in 1972. Its first descendant, the Mercedes-Benz 220 'Ponton' sedan, debuted in 1954. Its size set it apart from many other new cars of the day and ultimately set the stage for the S-Class’ current-day presence.

The Mercedes S-Class has come a long way since then. Still, it has always stood out as a stylish, luxurious way to travel. Today, its ultra-luxe status caters to the upper classes of society, it is jam-packed with the most up-to-date technology, and it has cemented itself as one of the best cars in history.

### 2021 - Present Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223 Seventh Generation)

[![Mercedes-Benz S-Class 7th Generation](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/5wMr4IVPJl4ccXN451w9bo/37994fbb2fcd4a20053f7b7ab5c673f9/Mercedes-Benz_S-Class_7th_Generation.jpg)](https://www.autolist.com/mercedes+benz-s+class#year_min=2021)

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan was fully redesigned for the 2021 model year, ushering in the seventh and most current generation of the German luxury car. Its styling updates are subtle yet noticeable. Slimmed-down headlights and taillights accent the car’s familiar lines. Subtle and slightly more modern interior styling stands out as one of the best in the class.

![Mercedes-Benz S-Class 7th Generation Rear](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/7j18IvBMVMwrQLL4jQGrxz/d381f4d8b8d349bd35e4af93cfe28396/Mercedes-Benz_S-Class_7th_Generation_Rear.jpg)

To kick off the next-generation S-Class sedan, buyers were offered two powertrain options. The entry-level S 500 featured a turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine, a mild hybrid system, 429 horsepower, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Stepping up to the S 580 would net buyers a twin-turbo V8 engine and 496 horsepower. Both models came with all-wheel drive as standard. 

![Mercedes-Benz S-Class 7th Generation Interior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/4F4Foy8acTp55m0AAYj2v0/ede2485526001579cbc68ee7a5a9a585/Mercedes-Benz_S-Class_7th_Generation_Interior.jpg)

Standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, driver attention monitoring, and blind-spot monitoring helped the S-Class continue its legacy of safety.

A 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen served as the centerpiece of the interior. Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, wireless device charging, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, navigation, dual-zone climate control, remote start, a hands-free power-operated trunk lid, heated front seats, ventilated front seats, and a 15-speaker stereo rounded out the main standard features. 

Naturally, extras such as a rear-seat entertainment system, a rear-axle steering system, a champagne refrigerator, quad-zone climate control, a 30-speaker audio system, and massaging rear seats could be added to enhance your luxury experience. 

Mercedes-Benz retired both the coupe and cabriolet S-Class models after the 2021 model year. For 2023, it added a plug-in hybrid S 580 model with 510 horsepower to the lineup. Back in the lineup for 2024 is the S 63 AMG. It features a 791-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain, 1055 lb-ft of torque, and all-wheel drive.

In a world where large cars are losing out to crossovers, the S-Class has soldiered on. It was the first car to pioneer a host of technologies in the past, and it continues its legacy today as one of the most luxurious and technologically advanced new cars on the market.

[View 7th Generation Listings](https://www.autolist.com/mercedes+benz-s+class#year_min=2021)

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### 2014 - 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222 6th Generation)

[![Mercedes-Benz S-Class 6th Generation](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/1GDvZGytfMvyNBXQZSW3wc/e0987de0ec82131265cfcc7ee09612ef/Mercedes-Benz_S-Class_6th_Generation.jpg)](https://www.autolist.com/mercedes+benz-s+class#year_min=2014&year_max=2020)

The sixth-generation S-Class sets the bar as one of the most impressive cars in the world. S 550 models packing 449-horsepower carried over with either standard rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC AWD and 577-horsepower S 63 AMG models, both featuring a seven-speed automatic transmission, comprised the initial lineup. 

Modern styling with more aggressive headlights and an equally bold front bumper made it look sportier than the more laid-back and executive W221 model. Interior styling was also greatly improved over the awkward and heavily criticized outgoing model.

Standard features such as a 12.3-inch infotainment display, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 13-speaker audio system, navigation, push-button start, adjustable air suspension, and an updated COMAND system were a few of the standouts in the lineup. 

Features such as Magic Body Control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, Distronic adaptive cruise control, quad-zone climate control, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a 24-speaker audio system drove the price of the S-Class ever higher, but they also kept it in a class of its own.

The lineup expanded in 2015 to include an S 550 coupe, an S63 AMG 4MATIC in either coupe or sedan body styles, an S600 model with a 523-horsepower V12 engine, a 621-horsepower S65 AMG coupe or sedan, or an S550 plug-in hybrid with 436 horsepower. S 550, S 63 AMG, and S 65 AMG cabriolet models joined the lineup for the 2016 model year alongside an even more prestigious Mercedes-Maybach S 550 model.

Rear-wheel drive S 550 models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the rest of the lineup soldiered on with the seven-speed gearbox. That would change the following model year, when most of the lineup adopted the nine-speed automatic transmission as well. An optional Magic Sky sunroof capped off the major changes for the 2017 model year.

A mid-cycle refresh hit the S-Class for the 2018 model year. The updated car featured lightly revised headlights, grille, and bumpers, along with an updated infotainment system, standard wireless device charging, suspension upgrades, and a new S 450 trim level featuring a 362 horsepower 3.0-liter V6 turbo. 

Another plug-in hybrid model was added to the lineup in 2019 as part of the S 560 trim, and several features such as a hands-free power-operated trunk and an automatic parking system were added as standard to close out the final model year.

[View 6th Generation Listings](https://www.autolist.com/mercedes+benz-s+class#year_min=2014&year_max=2020)

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### 2007 - 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221 5th Generation)

To kick off its fifth generation, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was redesigned to feature a more aerodynamic shape, an even more coupe-like body, and wider fenders. Three inches were added to its wheelbase and two inches to its overall length. Although the interior was an improvement on that of the outgoing model, it was not well-received for its overall design.

4MATIC all-wheel drive carried over as an option into the 2007 S 550. It featured a more powerful 391-horsepower entry-level V8 engine with the seven-speed automatic transmission from the previous generation. Both the S 600 and S 65 AMG retained the five-speed automatic. The S 430 and S 55 AMG were dropped entirely and the S 600 was upgraded to produce 510 horsepower from its twin-turbo V12. 

In typical S-Class fashion, models featured upgrades to the Airmatic air suspension system, Distronic cruise control system, COMAND system, and Active Body Control system. Features such as adaptive brake lights, night view assist, an electronic parking brake, adaptive headlights, a digital TV tuner, a digital theatre system, and a Tele Aid emergency system were all added to the suite of available features. 

An S 63 AMG model with a 518-horsepower V8 and a seven-speed automatic transmission was added to the lineup for 2008. 

The S-Class sedan received a mid-cycle refresh for the 2010 model year. Upgrades such as optional driver attention monitoring blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and pedestrian detection reinforced the S-Class as one of the most technologically advanced vehicles on the road. 

An S 400 hybrid was introduced in 2010. It sported a V6 engine and a lithium-ion battery for a total output of 295 horsepower. The next year, the S 63 AMG was updated to produce 536 horsepower, and the S 65 AMG was bumped to 621 horsepower. 

Further updates in 2012 included an all-wheel drive S 350 BlueTec model with a seven-speed automatic transmission and a 240-horsepower V6 diesel engine. S 550 models benefitted from a new V8 engine that produced 429 horsepower. The S-Class remained a prime competitor among its rivals from Germany, but it was time for another redesign.

[View 5th Generation Listings](https://www.autolist.com/mercedes+benz-s+class#year_min=2007&year_max=2013)

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### 2000 - 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220 4th Generation)

The fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class marked the farthest departure from a previous generation to date. Its previously boxy lines gave way to smoother, more coupe-like curves and several inches taken from its wheelbase and overall length. 

The 2000 model year featured both an S 430 and S 500 trim level, which were powered by a 275-horsepower 4.3-liter V8 engine and a 302-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine respectively. Each had a five-speed automatic transmission. 

That lineup was expanded for the 2001 model year to include the S 55 AMG and the S 600 models. The AMG featured a 5.4-liter V8 engine that produced 354 horsepower, while the S 600 boasted a 5.8-liter V12 engine that produced 362 horsepower with the same five-speed automatic transmission as the other models.

State-of-the-art features such as Distronic adaptive cruise control, an automatic liftgate, auto-dimming mirrors, dusk-sensing automatic headlights, LED brake lights, standard front and rear side curtain airbags, automatic heated side mirrors, Linguatronic voice recognition, cylinder deactivation, ESP, Brake Assist, Active Body Control, air suspension, and a COMAND audio system were all available. 

A slight facelift for the 2002 model year was accompanied by more than just design updates. Mercedes-Benz debuted the world’s first active accident avoidance system, known as Pre-Safe. Bi-xenon headlights, voice-controlled navigation, and automatic height adjustment at speed were also added to the mix. 

Mercedes-Benz’s 4matic all-wheel drive system debuted for the 2003 model year in both the S 430 and S 500 models. The S 55 AMG was supercharged and boosted to produce 493 horsepower. The V12 engine in the S 600 received a twin-turbo setup and produced the same power. A new seven-speed automatic transmission made its way onto the rear-wheel drive S 430 and S 500 models for the 2004 model year.

Before moving on to its fifth generation of production, Mercedes-Benz had one more trick up its sleeve and released the S 65 AMG. It featured a twin-turbo V12 engine that produced 604 horsepower. 

[View 4th Generation Listings](https://www.autolist.com/mercedes+benz-s+class#year_min=2000&year_max=2006)

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### 1992 - 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140 3rd Generation)

The third generation S-Class arrived for the 1992 model year. As with the previous generation’s redesign, the S-Class became even more aerodynamic without losing the quintessential design philosophy of the model to that point. Despite its similarities to its equivalents, the third generation’s design was influenced by both the Jaguar XJ40 sedan and the BMW 7-Series. 

A standard and long-wheelbase sedan continued to be offered, along with a coupe. The inline six-cylinder turbodiesel from the previous generation also carried over into the W140. A 190-horsepower 2.8-liter inline-six, a 231-horsepower 3.2-liter inline-six, a 282-horsepower 4.2-liter V8, and a 322-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 were available. 

A V12 engine with 402 horsepower was also added to the lineup to combat the BMW 7-Series’ long-serving V12 engine. A four or five-speed automatic transmission stayed in the North American market, depending on the engine of choice. 

Like the models before it, boundary-pushing safety and technology features were available within the S-Class lineup, appropriate for its gigantic size, attitude, luxury credentials, and price point. 

A newly developed suspension system, a hydropneumatic adaptive damping system, electric side mirrors, an electric auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone climate control, soft-close doors, speed-sensitive steering, and double-paned soundproof glass are just a few of the features included in the third-generation S-Class. 

The S-Class was given a mild facelift for the 1995 model year, along with several different improvements to the car across the lineup. Mercedes’ Electronic Stability Program, or ESP, was introduced to improve handling, xenon headlights became available, a GPS navigation system was introduced for the first time, and a Parktronic parking assistance system became available.

Further improvements in 1996 included the addition of Mercedes’ Brake Assist System, side airbags, rain-sensing windshield wipers, self-leveling suspension, and even Linguatronic voice control. Finally, the diesel engine offered in the S-Class to this point was replaced by a new, more powerful turbodiesel unit that produced 174 horsepower. 

[View 3rd Generation Listings](https://www.autolist.com/mercedes+benz-s+class#year_min=1992&year_max=1999)

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### 1981 - 1991 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126 2nd Generation)

The second-generation Mercedes S-Class featured redesigned styling with more aerodynamic body lines. Despite the redesign, its styling was still recognizable as a Mercedes-Benz and clearly inherited its basic design philosophy from the first-generation S-Class. It was introduced to the North American market for the 1981 model year. 

As with the previous generation, both short and long wheelbase options were available. The standard 2.8-liter inline six-cylinder engine also carried over from the previous 280S, 280SE, and 280SEL models. Alternatively, a 3.8-liter V8 engine with around 200 horsepower was available. Both options came with a four-speed automatic transmission. The five-cylinder turbodiesel engine also remained available to the U.S. market without any significant updates. 

The 5.0-liter V8 engine, previously unavailable in the North American market, was eventually added to the lineup to offset the large number of grey imports to the States. 

A coupe variant based on the S-Class and referred to as the C126 was also made available in 1981. It featured slightly different styling from the sedan on which it was based and was eventually split into its own model line, the CL-Class. 

The 1986 S-Class was ushered in with a mid-cycle refresh. It was given slight styling revisions and several technology upgrades over pre-facelift cars. Most notably, updated engine options became available. A new six-cylinder turbodiesel engine replaced the old five-cylinder diesel in the North American market, two new inline six-cylinder engines were introduced, and the previous 3.8-liter V8 engine was increased to 4.2 liters. 

With the second-generation redesign came a greater overall emphasis on safety, luxury, and emissions. The use of crumple zones, high-strength structural materials, seat belt pre-tensioners, and fluted taillights all helped improve safety. ABS became standard across the S-Class lineup in 1986, driver airbags were standardised in 1987, a third brake lamp was added in 1986, and traction control became available at the tail end of second generation production. 

Luxury touches such as reading lights, automatic climate control, an exterior temperature sensor, power-operated seats, a theft deterrent system, seat heaters, a power-operated steering column, and courtesy lights all made their appearance in the second-generation S-Class. Most of these features were optional, but they set the bar for luxury cars of the time. 

[View 2nd Generation Listings](https://www.autolist.com/mercedes+benz-s+class#year_min=1981&year_max=1991)

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### 1973 - 1980 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W116 1st Generation)

The S-Class was officially designated as such in 1972. Before that, the W180 'Ponton' in 1954, the W111 'Fintail' in 1959, and the W108 in 1965 all helped to lay the groundwork for the W116 S-Class. Its styling was different from its predecessors, but important advances in technology and safety set a high bar for Mercedes-Benz’s full-size luxury car. 

It went on sale in the United States for the 1973 model year, featuring a variety of engines. A 2.8-liter inline six-cylinder, a 3.5-liter V8, and a 4.5-liter V8 were all available in both short-wheelbase SE models and long-wheelbase SEL versions. A three-speed automatic or a four-speed automatic transmission were standard, depending on the engine. A manual transmission did not enter the picture until later, and each came with rear-wheel drive as standard.

An upgraded fuel injection system was implemented in 1975 to comply with the stricter emissions regulations of the time and a five-cylinder turbodiesel engine was developed and sold exclusively in the North American and Japanese markets in 1978. It was marketed as the 300SD and only had 114 horsepower, but it was the world’s first production car with a turbocharged diesel engine. 

First-generation S-Class models were packed with technology and safety innovations. The model featured four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, hydropneumatic suspension, padded door trim, a padded steering wheel, a rainwater management system, and a strengthened occupant shell. Its fuel tank was mounted over the rear axle for further safety enhancement. 

Airbags and ABS both became optional safety features later in the generation with ABS carrying over to other Mercedes-Benz models by the start of the second generation. Cruise control even became optional in the mid-1970s.

[View 1st Generation Listings](https://www.autolist.com/mercedes+benz-s+class#year_min=1973&year_max=1980)

See all Mercedes-Benz S-Class generations here.

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Here are the top Mercedes-Benz S-Class listings for sale ASAP. Check the carfax, find a low miles S-Class, view S-Class photos and interior/exterior features. Search by price, view certified pre-owned S-Classs, filter by color and much more. What will be your next ride?

Aquí están los mejores listados de Mercedes-Benz S-Class a la venta lo antes posible. Verifique el carfax, busque millas bajas en S-Class, vea las fotos de S-Class y las características interiores / exteriores. Busque por precio, vea S-Classs usados ​​certificados, filtre por color y mucho más. ¿Cuál será tu próximo vehículo?

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