The name "S-Class" derives from the German word "Sonderklasse" of which "S-Class" is an abbreviation. Sonderklasse means "special class" (or rather: "In a class of its own"), and in automotive terms thus refers to "a specially outfitted car." Although used colloquially for decades, following its official application in 1972, five generations of officially-named S-Class sedans have been produced. Past two-door coupe models of the S-Class were known as SEC and later S-Coupe. In 1998 they were spun off in a separate line as the CL-Class, however it will be re-designated as the S-Coupe for the 2011 model year.W116 (1972)
In 1973, Mercedes-Benz introduced the W116 line, the first to be officially called the S-Class. Produced from 1972 through 1979, the W116 series featured a four-wheel independent suspension and disc brakes. The 280, 350, and 450 (4.5L version) models featured SE and SEL versions. Production of the W116 totaled 473,035 units. This was a groundbreaking sedan for Mercedes-Benz, and for the first time in the company history, the car had an obvious, blatant and outward emphasis on safety placed above a pure styling viewpoint. The overall design incorporated numerous safety features developed from the "safety research vehicles" in the mid-to-late 1960s to the very early 1970s.
W126 (1979)
The W126 series premiered in late 1979 as 1980 model (and 1981 in USA and Australia), replacing the W116 line. The W126 line introduced a host of new safety features, and ushered in the next phase of Mercedes-Benz styling. The W126 brought much-improved aerodynamics to the S-Class, enlarged yet lighter engines with blocks made of aluminium. The W126 S-Class was also the first luxury car to win the prestigious Car of the Year award from Australia's Wheels magazine, which it did in 1981. The W126 line lasted from 1979 through 1991, a production run of over twelve years, its model cycle extended by the first-ever S-Class mid-cycle update. Coupé models based on the S-Class were reintroduced with the W126 (380/500 SEC). Total sales of the W126 S-Class sedans reached 818,036 units, with an additional 74,060 coupes sold. These sales figures make the W126 the most successful S-Class line in Mercedes-Benz history.
W140 (1991)
W140 (1991)In 1991, the W140 series replaced the W126 line in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, and the first production model of the latest S-Class rolled off the assembly line on August 6 of that year. As with its predecessor, the W140 was the first of the "next generation" of Mercedes-Benz models to feature the company's new design theme. The W140 saw the car grow dramatically in its proportions, for which it received criticism; more technology and numerous features were added in response to growing international competition. Following S-Class tradition, the car was available in two wheelbase lengths, along with the shorter-wheelbase W140 coupé. Production totaled 432,732 units, well down on the figures for the W126, reflecting its shorter production life and the inroads made by the newly introduced Lexus LS into the key US export market. The W140 was the type of S-class in which Princess Diana died in when her chauffeur crashed into a concrete pillar in August, 1997. The only one surviving the accident was her bodyguard.
W220 (1999)
In late 1999, the W220 was introduced. The W220 S-Class was completely restyled, with a body that was slightly smaller and lighter than its predecessor. Unlike its predecessor, 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 when it launched in 1997. The new S-Class incorporated the new styling cues first introduced on the Mk I A-Class the year before (for example, the dashboard carried over the new styling details first seen in the A-Class), with a renewed focus on elegance and style in a more rounded shape compared to the preceding W140. Despite being smaller, the W220 S-Class offered more interior space than the W140. Production of the W220 S-Class totaled 485,000 units, slightly more than the production totals from the W140. The W220 was produced in a sedan version only.
W221 (2005)
The all-new W221 was introduced in the autumn of 2005 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, with export to other markets beginning in 2006. The W221 S-Class made its North American premiere at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. The latest S-Class is slightly larger in all dimensions than its predecessor, and it features three newly developed engines with up to 26% power increase. The interior is completely new, all materials have been upgraded and make for a more luxurious ride, and the center console transmission gear lever has been replaced with a column-mounted shifter. New technological features on the W221 include an infrared Night View Assist feature and the latest Mercedes-Benz pre-collision system. The W221 features sharper exterior styling (most notably wide fender arcs) and technological improvements. The W221 is the second consecutive generation of the S-Class to be solely produced in a sedan body style.
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a roadster manufactured by Mercedes since 1954. The designation SL derives from the German Sport Leicht, or Sport Light — and was first applied to the 300SL 'Gullwing' named also after its gullwing or upward-opening doors.The term SL-Class refers to the marketing variations of the vehicle, including the numerous engine configurations spanning five design generations.
1954 to 1963
The 300SL roadster succeeded the Gullwing in 1957. The 4-cylinder
190SL was more widely produced with 25,881 units, starting in 1955.Cars of the open SL-Class were available as a coupe with a removable
hardtop or as a roadster with convertible soft top or with both tops.
Production for the 190SL and 300SL ended in 1963.
1963 to 1971
Next came the SL-Class 230SL, a new design with a 2.3L mechanicallyfuel injected six cylinder engine. It featured a low waistline and big curved
greenhouse windows, and a Coupe Roadster with detachable hardtop,
whose distinctive roofline earned the nickname "pagoda top." The design
was by Paul Bracq. Around 1967 the engine received a displacement
increase and the model became known as the 250SL. Within a year the
engine displacement was increased for the final time and the model designation became 280SL. Beginning with later versions of the 250SL changes were made to dashboard padding, switches and knobs, door
pockets (U.S. models only) and steering wheel. In addition, on the 280SL formerly separate center hub caps and wheel trim rings becamefull wheelcovers.
1972 to 1989
- 350SL - 1971–1980
- 450SL - 1973–1980
- 280SL - 1974–1985
- 380SL - 1980–1986
- 500SL - 1980–1986
All updated 86-89 models have the advantages of the more modern 4 pot brakes, larger discs, and suspension derived from the W124 sedan. The body itself is built with a modern paint system designed to improve protection from rust.- 300SL - 1986–1989 Base model was available as standard in a 5-speed manual although very few were sold. The SOHC 6 cylinder M103 considered by many to have handling advantages with its lighter engine.
- 420SL - 1986–1989
- 500SL - 1986–1989
- 560SL - 1986–1989 From 86 onwards, only the USA, Canada, Japan, and Australia received this model.
1989 to 2002
The 1989 Mercedes SL base model was the 228 hp (170 kW) 3.0 L inline 6 300SL version in the US. In Europe the base model was the 190 hp (140 kW) 3.0 L inline 6 300SL with 12 valves, and the 228 hp (170 kW) 3.0 L inline 6 with 24 valves is known as the 300SL 24 . But it was the 322 hp (240 kW) 500SL (with a 5.0 L V8 engine) which made the most headlines. The specification was high, with electric windows, mirrors, seats and roof.
1994 saw a huge facelift for the SL, and the 300SL was replaced in Europe by the SL280 and SL320 (with 2.8 L and 3.2 L I6 engines). The SL500 continued with the same powerful engine. A 389 hp (290 kW) 6.0 L V12 SL600 topped the range. Introduced in 1993 as the 600SL, it was re-badged the SL600 in 1994.The SL320 replaced the 300SL in the United States in 1995, but the SL280 was not offered. The 6-cylinder SLs were dropped from the US lineup in 1998, leaving just the V8 and V12. The SL500 got a new 302 hp (225 kW) 5.0 L V8 for 1999.
2003-2008
2008 to present (facelift)
The SL received a face lift in 2008 featuring a new front end that evokes the classic 300SL with a large grille featuring a prominent 3-pointed star and twin "power domes" on the hood, the car also features new headlights with an optional "Intelligent Light System" and a new speed sensitive steering system.SL 63 AMG replaced SL 55 AMG.
