Mercedes-Benz W220

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For a complete overview of all S-Class models see Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

A rare 2006 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

A rare 2006 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG (rear)

The Mercedes-Benz W220 sedans (and similar C215 coupes) started production in 1998 and went out of production in 2005 when it was replaced by the W221 S-Class. They were sold under the S-Class and CL-Class model names, respectively. The W220 replaced the W140 S-Class after the 1999 model year.

The design was regarded as outstanding by many journalists, but faced stiff competition from rivals like the Audi A8 Mk II, BMW 7 Series Mk IV, Jaguar XJ Mk III, and Lexus LS/Toyota Celsior Mk III.

Production totalled 485,000 units, slightly more than the production totals from the W140.

Style

The W220 was not the first model to feature the company's new design theme for the next generation of Mercedes-Benz. This honor was given to the A-Class launched in 1997. The new S-Class incorporated the new styling cues and addressed the criticisms of the previous model's styling. While the W140 was known colloquially as 'the tank' or 'battle ship', the W220 was known for its rounded and graceful lines.

Despite being smaller, and therefore addressing another criticism of its predecessor, the new car was roomier inside while the dashboard carried over the new styling details first seen in the Mk I A-Class the year before.

Engineering

As with each new S-Class, the W220 was technologically advanced at the time of its launch, bringing in new innovations such as Airmatic air suspension, Active Ventilated seats (which use miniature fans in the seats to move air through perforations), keyless entry and ignition, radar-controlled distronic distance system and a cylinder deactivation system called Active Cylinder Control, which improves fuel consumption and reduces emissions. All pioneering innovations at the time of the W220's conception.

4MATIC all wheel drive was introduced to the North American S-Class for 2002.

Engines

The models produced include the S 280, S 320 (which was later replaced by the S 350), S 320 CDI, S 430, S 500, and S 600, the latter featuring a 500 PS (368 kW/493 hp) twin-turbo V12 engine from the Maybach 57/62. The two AMG models also produced are the S 55 and S65 AMG, the latter featuring the twin-turbo V12 engine producing 612 PS (450 kW/604 hp).

The extremely rare, V12-powered S 63 AMG was produced in 2001 only. An undisclosed number were sold exclusively through AMG in European and Asian markets.

[[Template:Classic Mercedes-Benz-Azubis vehicles|<- Previous]] Mercedes-Benz road car timeline, 1980s-present [ edit]
Type Class 1980s 1990s 2000s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Supermini A W168 W169

Compact C W201 (190) W202 W203 W204

Mid-size E W123 W124 W210 W211 W212
CLS W219

Full-size S W126 W140 W220 W221
Maybach W240

Roadster SLK R170 R171
SL R107 R129 R230

Coupé CLK W208 W209
CL W126 W140 W215 C216

Supercar SLR C199

SUV G W460/W461 W463

Crossover SUV GLK GLK
M W163 W164
GL X164
MPVs B W245
R W251
Vaneo Vaneo
Sprinter Sprinter

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