Mercedes-Benz History
Mercedes-Benz S-Class History
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the world's most prestigious production luxury sedan — the benchmark against which all other luxury cars are measured for over 50 years.
1972–1980
W116 — The First True S-Class
Mercedes-Benz officially introduced the "S-Class" designation with the W116 in 1972. The "S" stands for "Sonderklasse" — Special Class. The W116 was revolutionary, introducing the first driver airbag in a production car and setting new standards for safety and comfort.
1979–1991
W126 — The Icon
The W126 S-Class, produced from 1979 to 1991, is widely regarded as the greatest S-Class ever made. Its exceptional build quality, longevity, and clean design made it a cultural icon. Many automotive experts consider it the finest car ever produced.
1991–1998
W140 — The Über-Mercedes
The W140 was controversial in its size and opulence, but became a symbol of wealth and power in the 1990s. Packed with technology including the first dual-zone climate control and the most advanced safety systems of its era.
1998–2013
W220 & W221 — Modern Era
The W220 and W221 generations brought the S-Class into the modern luxury era with sophisticated air suspension, Distronic adaptive cruise control, and Night Vision systems. These generations cemented the S-Class as the technology flagship of the automotive world.
2020–Present
W223 — The Masterpiece
The current W223 S-Class features a second-generation MBUX system with augmented reality navigation, a 3D instrument cluster, rear-axle steering, and over 30 airbags — the benchmark luxury sedan of the 2020s.