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Photo of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The flagship that put four-wheel ABS on the options list in 1978.12

Researched October 23, 2026 from 41 sources

Also called

  • PontonThe W180 predecessor's name referred to its unibody construction, accompanied by rounded fenders.1
  • FintailThe W111/W112 predecessors earned the name from their rear-fender fins, which also served as parking guides.2
  • The 6.9Affectionate shorthand for the limited-production 450 SEL 6.9 V8.1
  • Red PigPress and rivals coined it for AMG's red, ungainly 300 SEL 6.8 racer at the 1971 Spa 24-hour race.3

At a glance

0400800
110–791 hpPower
01020
3.3–17 s0–100 km/h
0150300
165–300 km/hTop speed
08001,600
194–1,430 N·mTorque
02,0004,000
1,650–3,385 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.4591011

Engine
Across generations: 2.0 L I4 to 7.3 L AMG V12; gas, diesel and hybrids1112
Layout
Front engine; rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive10
Gearbox
3/4/5/7/9-speed automatics; early generations also had 4/5-speed manuals1510
Built at
W223: Factory 56, Sindelfingen, Germany910
Units built
473,035 W116s; 892,126 W126s including coupes113

The story

Created as Mercedes-Benz's flagship, the S-Class takes its name from Sonderklasse, or special class. Officially introduced with the W116 in 1972, it put safety ahead of styling.1

1972: The W116 makes S-Class official19721978: ABS and the first passenger turbodiesel19781981: The 126 series gains a driver airbag19811995: ESP becomes standard on the S 60019952002: PRE-SAFE arrives on the W22020022020: Five screens and rear-seat airbags20202021: 3.9 seconds to 60 mph in the S58020212022: S 580 e L wins the plug-in showdown20222023: 791 hp for the plug-in S 632023 Mercedes-Benz 220a–220SE Ponton (W180/W128): 1954–1959Mercedes-Benz 220–300 SE Fintail (W111/W112): 1959–1965Mercedes-Benz 250 S–300 SEL 6.3 (W108/W109): 1965–1972Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W116) (W116): 1972–1980W116Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126/C126) (W126/C126): 1979–1992W126/C126Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140/C140) (W140/C140): 1991–1998Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220) (W220): 1998–2005W220Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221) (W221): 2005–2013W221Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222) (W222): 2013–2020W222Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223) (W223): 2020–presentW223 1960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones12451011121325262728
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1954–1959Mercedes-Benz 220a–220SE Ponton (W180/W128)
1959–1965Mercedes-Benz 220–300 SE Fintail (W111/W112)
1965–1972Mercedes-Benz 250 S–300 SEL 6.3 (W108/W109)
1972–1980Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W116) (W116)
1979–1992Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126/C126) (W126/C126)
1991–1998Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140/C140) (W140/C140)
1998–2005Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220) (W220)
2005–2013Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221) (W221)
2013–2020Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222) (W222)
2020–presentMercedes-Benz S-Class (W223) (W223)
1972The W116 makes S-Class official
1978ABS and the first passenger turbodiesel
1981The 126 series gains a driver airbag
1995ESP becomes standard on the S 600
2002PRE-SAFE arrives on the W220
2020Five screens and rear-seat airbags
20213.9 seconds to 60 mph in the S580
2022S 580 e L wins the plug-in showdown
2023791 hp for the plug-in S 63
  1. 1972

    The W116 makes S-Class official

    Mercedes-Benz adopts the S-Class name for the W116, whose chassis combines independent suspension with disc brakes at all four wheels.14

  2. 1978

    ABS and the first passenger turbodiesel

    W116 adds optional four-wheel, multi-channel ABS. The 300 SD launches with the first turbocharged diesel in a production passenger car.24

  3. 1981

    The 126 series gains a driver airbag

    A driver's airbag and front passenger belt tensioner become optional; an optional front passenger airbag follows in 1988.2

  4. 1995

    ESP becomes standard on the S 600

    ESP is standard on the S 600 and optional on the S 420 and S 500; it brakes individual wheels to counter a skid.2

  5. 2002

    PRE-SAFE arrives on the W220

    The W220 adds PRE-SAFE preventive occupant protection, while 4MATIC all-wheel drive joins the options list.25

  6. 2020

    Five screens and rear-seat airbags

    The new S-Class debuts second-generation MBUX, optional rear airbags and rear steering up to 10 degrees; E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL is set to follow.26

  7. 2021

    3.9 seconds to 60 mph in the S580

    The US 496-hp S580 4MATIC clocks 3.9 seconds to 60 mph; at 70 mph, cabin noise measures 65 decibels.7

  8. 2022

    S 580 e L wins the plug-in showdown

    The S 580 e L wins a comparison against the Audi A8 L 60 TFSI e; its longer electric range gives it the edge.8

  9. 2023

    791 hp for the plug-in S 63

    The S 63 E PERFORMANCE pairs a 4.0 L biturbo V8 with electric drive, delivering 1,430 Nm and 0–100 km/h in 3.3 seconds.910

Every generation

  • Mercedes-Benz 220a–220SE Ponton
    W180/W1281954–1959
  • Mercedes-Benz 220–300 SE Fintail
    W111/W1121959–1965
  • Mercedes-Benz 250 S–300 SEL 6.3
    W108/W1091965–1972
  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W116)
    W1161972–1980
  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126/C126)
    W126/C1261979–1992
  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140/C140)
    W140/C1401991–1998
  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220)
    W2201998–2005
  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221)
    W2212005–2013
  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222)
    W2222013–2020
  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223)
    W2232020–present

Power over the years

From 282 hp to 791 hp in 48 years.

0200400600800 19801990200020102020 hp 1975 · 282 hp · 450 SEL 6.9, Europe1977 · 250 hp · 450 SEL 6.9, North America1989 · 385 hp · 560 SEL 6.0 AMG conversion1999 · 355 hp · S 55 AMG, naturally aspirated2003 · 493 hp · S 55 AMG, supercharged2007 · 604 hp · S65 AMG, SAE net2013 · 577 hp · S63 AMG, UK launch2014 · 621 hp · S 65 AMG, V12 biturbo2018 · 603 hp · AMG S63 Coupe, US2021 · 496 hp · S580 4MATIC, US2023 · 791 hp · S 63 E PERFORMANCE, system output2027 · 530 hp · S 580 4MATIC, US 791 hp S 63 E PERFORMANCE, system output 282 hp 450 SEL 6.9, Europe
57911141516171819
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1975282450 SEL 6.9, Europe
1977250450 SEL 6.9, North America
1989385560 SEL 6.0 AMG conversion
1999355S 55 AMG, naturally aspirated
2003493S 55 AMG, supercharged
2007604S65 AMG, SAE net
2013577S63 AMG, UK launch
2014621S 65 AMG, V12 biturbo
2018603AMG S63 Coupe, US
2021496S580 4MATIC, US
2023791S 63 E PERFORMANCE, system output
2027530S 580 4MATIC, US

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • SE Line / AMG Line (W222)

    Standard

    SE Line / AMG Line (W222)

    2013–2020

  • 300 SD Turbodiesel (W116)

    Standard

    300 SD Turbodiesel (W116)

    1978–1980

    28,634 built

  • S560 / AMG S63 / S65 (C217/A217)

    Standard

    S560 / AMG S63 / S65 (C217/A217)

    2018

  • S63 AMG (V8 sedans)

    Performance

    S63 AMG (V8 sedans)

  • 450SEL 6.9

    Performance

    450SEL 6.9

    1975–1980

    282 hp

    7,380 built

  • Mercedes-Maybach S-Class / Pullman Guard

    Special

    Mercedes-Maybach S-Class / Pullman Guard

  • S500 Grand Edition (W140)

    Special

    S500 Grand Edition (W140)

    1999

    315 hp

  • Limited

    S63 E PERFORMANCE Edition 1

    2023

    791 hp
  • S65 Final Edition

    Limited

    S65 Final Edition

    2019

    621 hp

    130 built

  • Mercedes-Maybach collector editions

    Limited

    Mercedes-Maybach collector editions

How to spot one

Look for

  • W116: large, boxy taillights with ribbed lenses.1
  • W126: plastic side cladding, often called Sacco boards.25
  • On W126 sedans, the SEL suffix identifies the longer body.25

Year by year

  1. W126: 1986 model year

    Smoother bumpers and side cladding, revised manhole-cover alloys and a deeper front bumper with an air dam mark the 1985 update.13

  2. W140: 1997 US models

    Single-color exteriors and clear rear indicator lenses replace the earlier two-tone look.12

  3. W220: September 2002

    A larger, more upright grille, clear projector-headlight covers and revised taillights mark the facelift.5

  4. W222: 2017–2018

    After the July 2017 restyle, model-year 2018 cars move AMG and MAYBACH lettering to the left side of the trunk.11117

  5. C217/A217: 2018

    Coupe and Cabriolet gain OLED taillights with 66 ultra-thin light elements.118

  6. 2027 US models

    An illuminated grille surround is standard; an illuminated standing Mercedes-Benz star is optional.19

Against its rivals

  • Audi A8 L 60 TFSI e

    S-Class vs Audi A8 L 60 TFSI e

    0–100 km/h lower is better

    S-Class5.2 s
    Audi A8 L 60 TFSI e4.9 s
    8

Prices

Value today $16.8K–$32.0K2232

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$50K$100K$150K 19801990200020102020 Value today: $16,825–$32,000 1973 · $13,000 · US 450SE sticker, approximate1977 · $38,230 · US base, 450SEL 6.91980 · $52,995 · North America base, 450SEL 6.92021 · $117,350 · US base, S580 4MATIC2021 · $143,240 · US as tested, S580 4MATIC2027 · $112,550 · US base, S 500 4MATIC (excl. dest.)2027 · $134,600 · US base, S 580e 4MATIC (excl. dest.)2027 · $134,600 · US base, S 580 4MATIC (excl. dest.) 1973 · $13,000 · US 450SE sticker, 1973 model year (approximate) 2023 · $50,400 · 1977 450 SEL 6.9, cosmetic restoration, Arizona 20232025 · $56,500 · 2021 S580 4MATIC, 42k miles, BaT2025 · $31,500 · 1979 450SEL 6.9, 67k miles shown, BaT2026 · $16,825 · 1988 560SEL, 135k miles, BaT2026 · $110,000 · 2017 AMG S65 Coupe, 30k km, BaT2026 · $19,200 · 2005 S55 AMG, 46k miles, BaT2026 · $24,750 · 1988 560SEL, 108k miles shown, BaT2026 · $17,500 · 2012 S550, 80k miles, BaT $110.0K BaT, 2026
171419323335363738394041
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1973Launch price$13,000US 450SE sticker, 1973 model year (approximate)
1973Price when new$13,000US 450SE sticker, approximate
1977Price when new$38,230US base, 450SEL 6.9
1980Price when new$52,995North America base, 450SEL 6.9
2021Price when new$117,350US base, S580 4MATIC
2021Price when new$143,240US as tested, S580 4MATIC
2027Price when new$112,550US base, S 500 4MATIC (excl. dest.)
2027Price when new$134,600US base, S 580e 4MATIC (excl. dest.)
2027Price when new$134,600US base, S 580 4MATIC (excl. dest.)
2023Auction sale$50,4001977 450 SEL 6.9, cosmetic restoration, Arizona 2023
2025Auction sale$56,5002021 S580 4MATIC, 42k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$31,5001979 450SEL 6.9, 67k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$16,8251988 560SEL, 135k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$110,0002017 AMG S65 Coupe, 30k km, BaT
2026Auction sale$19,2002005 S55 AMG, 46k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$24,7501988 560SEL, 108k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$17,5002012 S550, 80k miles, BaT
2026Value today$16,825–$32,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “Spa victory with just two gears left”
    • “AMG's Red Pig took second at Spa”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 10 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 41 sources
  1. Mercedes-Benz S-Class - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  3. 55 Years of the Rote Sau - Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team mercedesamgf1.com
  4. Mercedes-Benz W116 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  6. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  7. Tested: 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580 Resets the Flagship caranddriver.com
  8. Audi A8 vs Mercedes S-Class: 2022 twin test review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  9. Ab sofort bestellbar: Der neue Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE, auch als exklusive Edition 1 | Mercedes-Benz Media media.mercedes-benz.com
  10. Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  11. Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  12. Mercedes-Benz W140 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  13. Mercedes-Benz W126 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  14. Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  15. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL 6.0 AMG | Miami | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  16. Tested: 2007 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG caranddriver.com
  17. Used Mercedes S-Class (Mk6, W222, 2013 - 2020) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  18. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  19. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  20. Mercedes-Benz S-Class For Sale - BaT Auctions bringatrailer.com
  21. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  22. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S500 Grand Edition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $32,000 on October 15, 2026 (Lot #268,736) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  23. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  24. Rare 2017 Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet Debuts in L.A. motortrend.com
  25. Mercedes-Benz W 126 S-Class Buying guide classic-trader.com
  26. Die Historie und das Glossar | Mercedes-Benz Media media.mercedes-benz.com
  27. Former Mercedes-Benz chief designer Bruno Sacco has passed away media.mercedes-benz.be
  28. Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  29. 24H Spa: Mercedes in 24 Uren van Francorchamps: van 1964 geleden… - Autosport.be autosport.be
  30. AMG-Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC Tourenwagen 1989 traumautoarchiv.de
  31. Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG | Forza Horizon Wiki forzahorizonwiki.com
  32. No Reserve: Single-Family-Owned 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,825 on August 25, 2026 (Lot #259,607) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 | Arizona 2023 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  34. Buying Guide - W220 S-Class Encyclopedia w220.wiki
  35. Tested: 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 caranddriver.com
  36. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $17,500 on January 12, 2026 (Lot #226,169) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. 30k-Kilometer 2017 Mercedes-AMG S65 Coupe for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $110,000 on September 2, 2026 (Lot #261,088) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. No Reserve: 46k-Mile 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $19,200 on January 31, 2026 (Lot #228,415) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $24,750 on January 28, 2026 (Lot #228,101) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  40. 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580 4MATIC for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $56,500 on September 9, 2025 (Lot #209,128) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  41. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $31,500 on April 11, 2025 (Lot #187,218) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • media.mbusa.com
  • mercedesamgf1.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • media.mercedes-benz.com
  • rmsothebys.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • motortrend.com
  • classic-trader.com
  • media.mercedes-benz.be
  • autosport.be
  • traumautoarchiv.de
  • forzahorizonwiki.com

Photo credits

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