The S-Class is considered to be the flagship sedan of the Mercedes-Benz luxury division. The S-Class offers seven different trim levels which are identified by a number that tells of the engine displacement and price rank. The numbers in the S-Class are in ascending order telling of the upscale nature of each model. The S-Class vehicles first rolled off of the assembly lines and into the dealerships on August 6, 1991.
The S-Class began in 1959, though it was not officially a class until 1991. The S-Class models truly marked the beginning of the luxury sedan by carrying an S in every nameplate in the high end Mercedes-Benz models after about 1959.
The first generation of the S-Class was in 1991 as the W140 series. Mercedes-Benz brought several cars into this single class which resulted in a wide variety of models so that the S-Class would appeal to just about anyone in the market for a luxury sedan. The new S-Class had a new grille, headlights, and a new rear design. Door panels and dashboards were redesigned as well. The 600 SEL joined the S-Class in 1992 with a V12 engine.
The second generation started with the 2000 model and lasted until 2005. There were several new features for the S-Class including Airmatic air suspension, ventilated seats, and cockpit management and data systems. The body type was more rounded and aerodynamic than the first generation. Overall, the second generation of the S-Class was much more sporty than they had been before.
The third generation hit the market for the 2006 model year. The W221 was the first new model and was introduced in late 2005. The new model is slightly larger and more luxurious. Everything has been redone on the interior of the S-Class as all the materials have been updated and redesigned. The seven speed automatic transmission is standard in the S-Class vehicles except on the V12 engines where the 5 speed Sequentronic is standard. Mercedes-Benz also expects to make changes to the cruise control and breaking systems in the third generation S-Class vehicles which will make the third generation even better than the last two!
