Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan (W223) · 7th generation S
W223
Rear-axle steering, five screens and a return to quiet.
- Production
- 2020–present
- Built
- —
- Body
- Sedan
- Chassis
- W223
The W223 arrived in September 2020 with a 3D driver display that tracks the driver’s eyes and rear-axle steering that shrinks a five-meter saloon to something close to compact-car manoeuvrability.
Every engine is electrified: OM654 and OM656 diesels and M254 and M256 petrols with integrated starter-generators, plus the S 580 e plug-in hybrid and the AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE. MBUX with augmented-reality navigation, rear airbags and — in approved markets — Level 3 DRIVE PILOT are all firsts for the model.
It is assembled in the digital “Factory 56” hall at Sindelfingen and also forms the basis of the Mercedes-Maybach Z223.
Every model.
7 model designations across 2020–present — engines, transmissions and series codes for the W223.
| Model | Lata modelowe | Podwozie | Silnik | Skrzynia biegów | Razem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S 450 4MATIC | 2020–2027 | 223 | 256 | 725.1 | — |
| S 500 4MATIC | 2020–2027 | 223 | 256 | 725.1 | — |
| S 580 4MATIC | 2020–2027 | 223 | 176 | 725.1 | — |
| S 350 d | 2020–2027 | 223 | 656 | 725.1 | — |
| S 400 d 4MATIC | 2020–2027 | 223 | 656 | 725.1 | — |
| S 580 e | 2020–2027 | 223 | 256 | 725.1 | — |
| AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE | 2020–2027 | 223 | 177 | 725.1 | — |
Year by year.
Rear airbags and rear steering, Level 3 automation, AMG hybrid power and the extensive 2026 facelift.
- 2021
- W223 launched in the United States with second-generation MBUX, a 12.8-inch OLED center display, available 3D driver display and augmented-reality head-up display.
- Up to 10-degree rear-axle steering, E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL with PRE-SAFE Impulse Side and the first series-production rear-seat frontal airbags became available.
- S 500 introduced the 48-volt M256 inline-six; S 580 paired the M176 V8 with an integrated starter-generator and standard 4MATIC.
- 2022
- DRIVE PILOT became the first internationally certified SAE Level 3 system offered to customers, initially in Germany at up to 60 km/h on approved motorways.
- 2023
- AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE arrived with a V8 and rear-axle electric drive unit producing 590 kW (802 PS) and 1,430 N·m.
- S 580 e plug-in hybrid joined the US range with DC charging and more than twice the predecessor’s electric range.
- 2024
- DRIVE PILOT reached US customers in California and Nevada on model-year 2024 S-Class cars, with turquoise automated-driving marker lights permitted in those states.
- 2026
- The most extensive W223 update premiered globally in January 2026 and reaches the United States as the model-year 2027 S-Class; a larger illuminated grille and standing star, new twin-star DIGITAL LIGHT graphics and revised rear lamps identify the facelift.
- MB.OS and fourth-generation MBUX replaced the earlier software stack, with an available passenger display completing the MBUX Superscreen.
- Six- and eight-cylinder engines were re-engineered with stronger 48-volt assistance; S 580 adopted the M177 Evo V8, while plug-in hybrids gained power and electric performance.
- Facelift series production began at Factory 56 in Sindelfingen in spring.
