- Refined powertrains
- Comfortable ride, particularly with air suspension
- Quiet, well-insulated cabin
- High standard of fit and finish
- Slightly ponderous handling
- Front seats are overly firm and lack lateral support
- Small boot
- M137 V12 engine susceptible to oil cooler O-ring leaks
Mercedes-Benz W220.I and V220.I S-Class (1999-03)
Overview
Released in Australia in April 1999, the W220 and V220 S-Class were prestige sedans with standard and long wheelbases, respectively. Manufactured in Sindelfingen, Germany, the W220 and V220 S-Class range initially consisted of the S 320, S 430 and S 500 models. In November 2000, however, the range was expanded with the introduction of the range-topping S 600.
Please note that the Mercedes W220 S 55 and V220 S 65 AMG have been reviewed separately.
| W/base | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S 320 | SWB | 1999-03 | 3.2-litre petrol V6 (M112) | 5sp auto | 165 kW at 5600 rpm | 315 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| S 430 | SWB, LWB |
1999-03 | 4.3-litre petrol V8 (M113) | 5sp auto | 205 kW at 5750 rpm | 400 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| S 500 | LWB | 1999-03 | 5.0-litre petrol V8 (M113) | 5sp auto | 225 kW at 5600 rpm | 460 Nm at 2700 rpm |
| S 600 | LWB | 2000-03 | 5.8-litre petrol V12 (M137) | 5sp auto | 270 kW at 5500 rpm | 530 Nm at 4100 rpm |
Dimensions
Compared to the W140 S-Class , the W220 S-Class was 75 mm shorter (at 5038 mm), 31 mm narrower (1855 mm), 42 mm lower (1444 mm) and had a 75 mm shorter wheelbase (2965 mm). Compared to the W220, the long wheelbase V220 S-Class had a 120 mm longer wheelbase (at 3085 mm) and overall length (5158 mm). Furthermore, the W220/V220 S-Class was around 300 kg lighter, in part due to the extensive use of aluminium.
Suspension
The Mercedes-Benz W220/V220 S-Class had double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, including Mercedes-Benz’s ‘AIRMATIC’ air suspension and Adaptive Damping System (‘ADS’) which automatically adjusted the shock absorbers to the road surface conditions.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz W220/V220 S-Class included dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front and outer rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.
Features: W220 S 320 and W220/V220 S 430
Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz W220 S 320 included 16-inch alloy wheels, Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data System) system with a ten speaker sound system and six-disc CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, front fog lamps, cruise control, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, multi-function steering wheel, telephone, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a power adjustable steering column (height and reach), automatically dipping mirrors on reverse, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, trip computer and an immobiliser.
The Mercedes-Benz W220 S 430 was further equipped with headlamp washers and wipers, while the long wheelbase V220 S 430 L was also fitted with power adjustable rear seats, a power sunroof and rear power blind.
Features: V220 S 500 and S 600
Compared to the S 430, the Mercedes-Benz V220 S 500 L was further equipped with ventilated front seats (with heating function) and rear parking sensors. The range-topping S 600 L was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels, heated rear seats, xenon headlights and alarm system. The S 500 and S 600 L also featured cylinder deactivation, enabling the engine to shut half of its cylinders for greater fuel efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz W220.II and V220.II S-Class (2003-06)
Overview
Released in February 2003, the W220 and V220 Series II (W220.II and V220.II) S-Class range featured a revised line-up (the S 320 was replaced by the S 350), improved safety equipment and more standard features.
Visually, the W220.II and V220.II S-Class could be identified by its more upright grille, transparent headlights housing, lower air intakes and revised tail-lights. Inside, there were new seats and the COMAND system was updated for greater ease-of use.
| W/b | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S 350 | SWB, LWB |
2003-06 | 3.7-litre petrol V6 (M112) | 5sp auto | 180 kW at 5700 rpm | 350 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| S 430 | SWB, LWB |
2003-06 | 4.3-litre petrol V8 (M113) | 5sp auto | 205 kW at 5750 rpm | 400 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| S 500 | LWB | 2003 | 5.0-litre petrol V8 (M113) | 5sp auto | 225 kW at 5600 rpm | 460 Nm at 2700 rpm |
| 2003-06 | 7sp auto | |||||
| S 600 | LWB | 2003-06 | 5.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V12 (M275) | 5sp auto | 368 kW at 5000 rpm | 800 Nm at 1800-3500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz W220.II and V220.II S-Class was improved with the introduction of Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Pre-Safe’ system, which anticipated and prepared for collisions by tensioning the seatbelts, adjusting the seat positions for optimal airbag deployment and closing the sunroof (if open).
Features
Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz W220.II and V220.II S-Class were extended with rear parking sensors and a TV tuner fitted across the range.
May 2005: S-Class update
In May 2005, there was a minor update for the S-Class range as standard features were extended to include a rear TV/DVD screen, voice recognition (‘Linguatronic’), bi-xenon headlights, COMAND remote control and mobile phone interface. The 16-inch wheels fitted to V6 and naturally aspirated V8 models were also replaced with 17-inch alloy wheels.
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