Generation history
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been through 7 generations, starting in 1972, 1979, 1991, 1998, 2005, 2013 and 2020. The gaps were 7, 12, 7, 7, 8, 7 years, an average of 8.0. Some of those waits were long. The current generation began in 2020. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2027 through 2029, centered on 2028. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: The W223 was unveiled on 2 September 2020. Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class model page.
Every generation
| Generation | Code | Years | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | W116 | 1972–1979 | In 1972, Mercedes-Benz introduced the W116 line, the first to be officially called the S-Class. |
| Second generation | W126/C126 | 1979–1991 | The W126 series premiered in September 1979, launching in March 1980 as a 1980 model and late 1980 as a 1981 model in the US and Australia replacing the W116 line. |
| Third generation | W140/C140 | 1991–1998 | In 1991, the W140 series replaced the W126 line with the first production model assembled in April of that year. |
| Fourth generation | W220 | 1998–2005 | Mercedes-Benz presented the W220 in July 1998, marketed as a sedan, only. |
| Fifth generation | W221/C216 | 2005–2013 | The W221 was introduced in the autumn of 2005 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, with sales starting in autumn of 2005 and export to other markets beginning in 2006. |
| Sixth generation | W222/C217/A217 | 2013–2020 | Officially unveiled in May 2013, the new S-Class has a more streamlined appearance than the outgoing model. |
| Seventh generation | W223 | 2020–present | The W223 was unveiled on 2 September 2020. |
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class spent 8.0 years per generation on average. The current one is 6 years old. Treat 2027 to 2029 as a range, not a date.
Source: Mercedes-Benz S-Class (Wikipedia). The estimate is our arithmetic on those start years.
Open the Mercedes-Benz S-Class model page for specifications, trims, safety record and answers.
In more detail
In 1972, Mercedes-Benz introduced the W116 line, the first to be officially called the S-Class. Produced from 1972 through 1980, the W116 series featured 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.
The W126 series premiered in September 1979, launching in March 1980 as a 1980 model and late 1980 as a 1981 model in the US and Australia replacing the W116 line. The W126 line featured improved aerodynamics and enlarged aluminum engine blocks. In Australia in 1981, the W126 S-Class won Wheels magazine's Car of the Year award. The W126 was manufactured from 1979 through 1991 with a mid-cycle update.
In 1991, the W140 series replaced the W126 line with the first production model assembled in April of that year. The W140 grew in proportions and featured two wheelbase lengths and a shorter-wheelbase W140 coupé.
Mercedes-Benz presented the W220 in July 1998, marketed as a sedan, only. Despite being smaller than the previous generation, the W220 offered more interior space. Production of the W220 totaled 485,000 units. The W220 introduced air suspension, marketed as Airmatic, as well as a navigation system with center console-mounted screen display, along with its input control system, marketed as COMAND.
The W221 was introduced in the autumn of 2005 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, with sales starting in autumn of 2005 and export to other markets beginning in 2006. Again there was a big change in design. The W221 S-Class made its North American premiere at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. The W221 is slightly larger in all dimensions than its predecessor, and it features three newly developed engines with up to 26% power increase.
Officially unveiled in May 2013, the new S-Class has a more streamlined appearance than the outgoing model. Some interesting features include a large front grille inspired by the F700 Concept car and LED lights used exclusively inside and out – a first in the automotive industry. Two strong converging character lines give the flanks a more sculpted look, while integrated exhaust tips and a large glass roof (likely optional) highlight the design.
The W223 was unveiled on 2 September 2020. This generation does not feature a coupe or convertible model, as these body styles were replaced by the next generation AMG GT and SL-Class models respectively. The interior includes up to five displays, an augmented reality head-up display and an ambient lighting system. Additionally, the W223 S-Class is the first production car to feature rear seat airbags that deploy by inflating supporting structures, allowing ambient air to fill the bag rather than using a fully gas-inflated design.
Generation notes adapted from Mercedes-Benz S-Class (Wikipedia).
Today's Mercedes-Benz S-Class