The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a series of the largest sedans produced by Mercedes-Benz, a division of Daimler AG. The S-Class, a product of nine lines of Mercedes-Benz models dating since the mid-1950s, is the world’s best-selling luxury flagship sedan.
As the foremost model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the S-Class has debuted many of the company’s latest innovations, including drivetrain technologies, interior features, and safety systems (such as the first airbag supplemental restraint systems, seatbelt pretensioners, and electronic stability program). The latest generation, the W221 S-Class, premiered in 2006 as an all-new design.
As in previous iterations, the latest S-Class is sold in standard and long wheelbase versions and offers V6, V8, V12, and diesel powertrains.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, the “S-Class” designation was first officially applied in 1973 with the debut of the W116 model line. Since then, 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 when launching the mid-generational facelift/refresh of the C216 later in 2009 as a 2010 model.
