The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has always been famous for being at the forefront of innovation, and the new W223 is no exception. With the new S-Class just launched, let’s take a look at what each model in the history of the luxury sedan has done to change the industry.
Due to the large number of advances introduced with each S-Class, the cars on this list will feature only the most influential.
W187 (1951 to 1954)
The first S-Class featured an advanced 6-cylinder engine with an overhead camshaft for the time. In addition, it pioneered the taper pin security lock, which was a much stronger alternative to the traditional lock. Due to this extra resistance, he was better able to prevent the doors from opening in an accident.
W105 / W180 / W128 (1954 to 1959)
The technological advances of the W105 / W180 / W128 featured a self-supporting body, as well as brake drums that used something called “Turbocooling”, which essentially consisted of ribs on the brake drums that helped to dissipate heat. In addition, as of 1958, the 220SE had controlled fuel injection into the manifold.
W111 / W 112 (1959 to 1965)
The W111 / W112 came with many new technology features over its already advanced predecessor, most of which are major advances in security. On the one hand, there was now a padded steering wheel and a general “injury-reducing interior”. It also had a passenger safety cell with front and rear crumple zones, marking the first use of this technology in a series production model. In addition to safety features, from 1961, the 300SE received a series of comforts, such as disc brakes, air suspension and centrally locking doors.
W108 / W109 (1965 to 1972)
The W108 / W109 was more of an evolution than a revolution compared to its predecessor, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t bring something new to the table. All models featured hydropneumatic compensation springs on the rear axle, and the top-of-the-range 300SEL 6.3 featured a 247 hp (250 PS / 184 kW) large-capacity V8 engine for additional performance. It was also a modified version of this car that later became the famous racing car known as “Red Pig“.
W116 (1972 to 1980)
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The W116 was certainly a milestone in the model’s history, as it was the first to officially bear the moniker S-Class. Some technological advances presented were ABS (from 1978) and cruise control (from 1975) as options, taillights and dirt-resistant side windows and a fuel tank on the rear axle to provide protection in the event of a collision. The W116 was also the first production car to be offered with a turbocharged diesel engine.
W126 (1979 to 1991)
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Much like the W111 / W112, the technological advances in the W126 came with a strong focus on security. It had an optional 1981 seat belt tensioner and driver airbag, optional 1988 front passenger airbags and optional ASR acceleration skid control for 1985 V8 models. It also featured an electrically adjustable steering column as optional equipment from 1985.
W140 (1991 to 1998)
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Although we can think of it as being very square today, when it debuted, the W140 had a relatively low drag coefficient of just 0.31. It was also Mercedes Benz’s first production car with a twelve-cylinder engine, which was also the most powerful engine of all time. The advancements of this generation were very much focused on providing as many amenities as possible. It had side windows with double glazing, optional electric lock for doors and trunk, multiplex wiring system based on CAN (Controller Area Network), optional navigation system Auto Pilot System (APS) as optional equipment from 1995, headlights. Optional dynamic Xenon and 1996 LINGUATRONIC voice control, and the first carphone system activated by voice control in series production.
In addition to these amenities, the W140 also featured a number of driver assistance features, such as the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard or optional depending on the model, PARKTRONIC parking assistance system as standard or optional depending on the model and Brake Assistance (BAS) as standard in 1996.
W220 (1998 to 2005)
See too: How bulletproof is a Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220?
The W220 is without a doubt the first S-Class of the modern era. It featured all kinds of new and / or emerging automotive technologies, such as automatic cylinder shutdown, an electronically controlled automatic transmission from 2004, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, optional KEYLESS GO keyless access and preventive PRE-SAFE® steering authorization system 2002 occupant protection system. In addition, the W220 was the first S-Class to have AMG variants with the S55 and S65, as well as the first S-Class to be offered with optional 4MATIC four-wheel drive.
W221 (2005 to 2013)
Read more: 5 reasons to buy a Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221
The advances in the W221 have largely focused on driver assistance. Features enhanced DISTRONIC PLUS enhanced active distance assistance (with braking to standstill), PRE-SAFE® brake with autonomous partial braking 2006, optional autonomous emergency braking 2009, optional active night vision assistance and optional lane maintenance assistance 2009. It was also the first S-Class to feature a hybrid variant with the 2009 S400 Hybrid.
W222 (2013 to 2020)
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The W222 was one of, if not the most innovative S-Class to date. In addition to all his technology, he has also made numerous advances related to engineering. It featured a brand new aluminum hybrid body that had a torsional stiffness rating 50 percent higher in weight and size compared to its predecessors. In addition, it was the first car entirely without traditional bulbs, featuring, instead, almost 500 LEDs in the entire car.
The car also had a series of advanced driver aids at its disposal that Mercedes-Benz dubbed the “Intelligent Drive”. The most prominent were ROAD SURFACE SCAN, which was able to identify holes before finding them, and MAGIC BODY CONTROL, which adapted the chassis and suspension accordingly.
W223 (current days)
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The latest S-Class technology is mainly focused on things that improve the driving experience with features like an abundance of screens (some OLEDs), a new infotainment system and active ambient lighting that is able to visually reinforce warnings. In addition, more than 50 car components can be updated over the air. The W223 also features the world’s first series production airbag in the rear seat, as well as an optional rear axle steering system that can turn up to 10 degrees.
Which S-Class generation is your favorite? Leave us your opinion in the comments.