Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan (W221) · 5th generation S
W221
Presence restored — the S-Class regains its authority.
- Production
- 2005–2013
- Built
- 547,599
- Body
- Sedan
- Chassis
- W221
The W221 answered the criticism levelled at its predecessor by putting the muscle back — pronounced rear haunches, a deeper grille and a cabin that made the W220 look tentative.
Introduced in August 2005, it offered the M272 V6, M273 V8 and M275 V12, later joined by the M278 biturbo V8 and, from AMG, the naturally aspirated M156 6.2 and the M157 5.5 biturbo. It was the first Mercedes-Benz with Night View Assist, and the S 400 HYBRID of 2009 was the world’s first production car to use a lithium-ion battery.
A comprehensive 2009 facelift carried it through to June 2013, alongside long-wheelbase, Pullman and Guard derivatives built at Sindelfingen.
Every model.
11 model designations across 2005–2013 — engines, transmissions and series codes for the W221.
| Model | Lata modelowe | Podwozie | Silnik | Skrzynia biegów | Razem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S 350 | 2005–2013 | 221 | 272 · 276 | 722.9 | — |
| S 450 | 2005–2013 | 221 | 273 | 722.9 | — |
| S 500 | 2005–2013 | 221 | 273 · 278 | 722.9 | — |
| S 600 | 2005–2013 | 221 | 275 | 722.6 | — |
| S 250 CDI | 2010–2013 | 221 | 651 | 722.9 | — |
| S 320 CDI | 2005–2013 | 221 | 642 | 722.9 | — |
| S 350 BlueTEC | 2009–2013 | 221 | 642 | 722.9 | — |
| S 420 CDI | 2005–2013 | 221 | 629 | 722.9 | — |
| S 400 HYBRID | 2009–2013 | 221 | 272 | 722.9 | — |
| S 63 AMG | 2005–2013 | 221 | 156 · 157 | 722.9 | — |
| S 65 AMG | 2005–2013 | 221 | 275 | 722.6 | — |
Year by year.
The technology-rich W221 from launch through its hybrid facelift, new engines and final edition.
- 2007
- The W221 reached the United States with a console COMAND controller, PRE-SAFE and optional Night View Assist, DISTRONIC PLUS and Brake Assist PLUS.
- The S 65 AMG joined the US range with a 604-hp twin-turbo V12.
- 2008
- The S 63 AMG joined the US range with a 518-hp naturally aspirated M156 V8.
- Blind Spot Assist became available as a radar-based warning system for vehicles alongside the S-Class.
- 2010
- The facelift introduced revised bumpers, a more pronounced grille, LED daytime running lamps, LED rear lamps and new exterior mirrors.
- Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist and an upgraded Night View Assist PLUS expanded the driver-assistance range.
- The S 400 HYBRID became the first series-production passenger car to use a lithium-ion traction battery.
- 2011
- The S 350 BlueTEC joined the US range with AdBlue emissions treatment and standard 4MATIC.
- The S 550 adopted the direct-injected twin-turbo M278 V8, while the S 63 AMG changed to the twin-turbo M157 V8 and AMG MCT transmission.
- 2013
- The Grand Edition marked the W221 final production phase with AMG styling, 19-inch wheels and upgraded interior trim in selected markets.
