Mercedes-Benz W221 S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz W221 S-Class is the fifth generation of the S-Class that saw models being produced for the model years 2006-2013. Initial development for the W221 S-Class began in 1999, seven years before the first model was even sold. Along with the help of others, three notable names were involved with the design of the W221: Jürgen Hubbert, Peter Pfeiffer, and Gorden Wagener.
Design of the W221 S-Class
W221 Exterior
Initial designs of the W221 S-Class were based on the preceding W220 models. The exterior was set to have a longer wheelbase with the intention of adding more interior room. The longer wheelbase meant a larger, and thus heavier vehicle. When compared to the same models of the previous W220 generation, the W221 S-Class was over 100 lb heavier.
For both style and aerodynamics, the exterior of the W221 was both sleek and bold. Smooth exterior surfaces were contrasted by distinct body lines that contributed to its luxury appeal. Wheel arches were bulged out, contributing to the wider body compared to the W220. Chrome accents around windows, mirrors, and door handles also added to the premium feel of the S-Class.
W221 Interior
The interior of the W221 underwent an upgrade from the previous W220. Being a luxury model, Mercedes had improved the materials that they used for the interior. Where plastic was previously used, wood or metal was used instead.
The slightly curved and sweeping dashboard was elegantly designed to include wood, and it housed the air vents and a screen. Controversial to some, the gear shift was replaced with a control knob for that new infotainment screen. The traditional gear selector was relocated to the right side of the steering wheel, gears were instead selected using a control stalk. These changes cleaned up the center console and dashboard, creating a sleek and elegant interior that allowed one to focus on the premium materiality and technology of the S-Class.
Considered advanced for its era, the COMAND system infotainment screen provided riders with the ability to control navigation, audio, phone, and adjust vehicle settings. The traditional instrument cluster with gauges was tastefully replaced by a display as well. While some may prefer the analog switches and buttons to the screens, it is difficult to find fault with Mercedes’ designers. Competitors were releasing vehicles with more and more technology, and Mercedes had to find a way to compete.
The seating in the S-Class models are incomparable to other Mercedes-Benz models. Often leather-upholstered, front seats included standard power adjustment and lumbar support. Optional upgrades included heated and ventilated seats for both the front and rear. As for the rear seats, comfort was enhanced especially with the long-wheelbase models as there was ample legroom and reclining seats for passengers. The optional entertainment package even had mounted screens on the rear of the front seat headrests.
Release of the W221
Mercedes originally revealed the W221 to the press in June 2005, and later went on to publicly announce and showcase the car at the September 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. Initial models began being sold in early 2006, and were limited to the S320 CDI, S350, S500, and S600. Each had a different engine that is outlined here:
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Models
| Model | Engine |
|---|---|
| S320 CDI | 3.0L Diesel |
| S350 | 3.5L V6 |
| S500/S550* | 5.5L V6 |
| S600 | 5.5L Biturbo V12 |
| *Depending on the country, the S500 was badged an S550, despite being the same car. | |
In the first year of being sold, the W221 S-Class greatly exceeded sales expectations. While exact sales figures for the initial 2006 models are unknown, Mercedes stated that by the end of October 2006, over 70,000 units were sold worldwide.
New 2007 models were announced around mid to late 2006, including an S420 CDI (diesel), S450, S63 AMG, and S65 AMG. Not all models were available worldwide, some models were limited to specific markets. The table below shows a comprehensive list of available models and years:
Mercedes-Benz W221 S-Class Diesel Models
| Model | Year | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| S250 CDI | 2009-2013 | 2.1L Inline 4 |
| S320 CDI | 2006-2008 | 3.0L V6 |
| S320 CDI 4Matic | 2006-2008 | 3.0L V6 |
| S320 CDI BlueEfficiency | 2008-2009 | 3.0L V6 |
| S350 CDI BlueEfficiency | 2009-2013 | 3.0L V6 |
| S350 CDI 4Matic | 2009-2013 | 3.0L V6 |
| S350 4Matic BlueTec | 2012-2013 | 3.0L V6 |
| S420 CDI | 2006-2009 | 4.0L V8 |
| S450 CDI | 2009-2011 | 4.0L V8 |
Mercedes-Benz W221 S-Class Gasoline Models
| Model | Year | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| S280/S300 | 2007-2013 | 3.0L V6 |
| S350 | 2005-2013 | 3.5L V6 |
| S350 4Matic | 2007-2013 | 3.5L V6 |
| S350 4Matic BlueTec | 2011-2013 | 3.5L V6 |
| S400 Hybrid | 2009-2013 | 3.5L V6 (plus electric) |
| S450 | 2006-2013 | 4.6L V8 |
| S450 4Matic | 2006-2013 | 4.6L V8 |
| S500/S550 | 2005-2013 | 5.5L V8 |
| S550 4Matic | 2006-2013 | 5.5L V8 |
| S600 | 2006-2013 | 5.5L V12 |
| S600 Guard | 2006-2013 | 5.5L V12 |
| S600 Guard Pullman | 2006-2013 | 5.5L V12 |
| S63 AMG | 2006-2010 | 6.2L V8 |
| S63 AMG | 2010-2013 | 5.5L V8 |
| S65 AMG | 2006-2013 | 6.0L V12 |
W221 Facelift in 2009
In early 2009, Mercedes had showcased their plans for a W221 facelift, with changes being implemented for 2010 models. Facelift models began being sold around mid 2009, and changes were fairly significant:
- Grille: A redesigned grille was implemented, the new one being a bit more pointed and imposing.
- Headlights: LED daytime running lights were introduced, without changing the actual shape of the headlights.
- Tail lights: Pre-facelift tail lights included two strips of body-colored paint that separated the cohesive look. The facelift tail lights were full red LED lights.
- Bumpers: The front bumper was altered to have a lower front spoiler on it, and the rear bumper integrated the exhaust tips.
- Dashboard: New leather and wood trims were introduced along with an updated version of the COMAND infotainment system.
- Seats: The front seats now included more adjustment options and heated seats were standard for most. Long-wheelbase models now came standard with rear heated seats as well.
Notable changes for the later models of the W221 include the introduction of the S250 CDI diesel model. Never before seen in an S-Class, this S250 CDI carried a 4-cylinder engine in it. Previously, the smallest engine in a W221 was the 3.0L V6. The S250 CDI came in at just 2.1L, however, Mercedes had boosted it with twin turbochargers. Despite being the slowest S-Class to date, it still proved to have sufficient power for the casual driver.
First Ever Mercedes S-Class Hybrid
An oddity in the S-Class line was the introduction of the first hybrid S-Class. This is the S400 Hybrid, which was available only in select markets. Beginning in late 2009, customers were able to purchase the S400 Hybrid, which had a 3.5L V6 gasoline engine paired with a lithium-ion battery to earn it the “hybrid” title. The S400 Hybrid engine was a slightly altered version of the S350 engine, and proved to be better on gas. Posted figures for the S400 Hybrid are 29.8 MPG combined, compared to 23.2 MPG combined on an S350 with the same engine.
Mercedes S63 AMG (2006-2013)
Another change for the facelift models was a surprising one at that. The award-winning 6.2L V8 engine that was found only in the S63 AMG was being replaced with a 5.5L twin-turbocharged V8. The goal Mercedes had with many of these engine adjustments was to create a more fuel efficient ride. The S63 AMG clientele didn’t exactly have fuel efficiency at the top of their list of needs.
By opting for a smaller, more fuel efficient engine, Mercedes had to go back to the drawing board to come up with the extra power that was sought after in this specific model. Through the twin turbochargers and other internal tweaks, engineers had achieved their goal. The smaller engine in the later S63 AMG models had proven to be more powerful than the original, and it used less fuel as an added bonus.
Production Figures for Mercedes W221 Models
Exact numbers for the W221 production are not available, however, it is estimated that about 516,000 Mercedes W221 S-Class vehicles were produced. The worldwide sales figures for the W221 by year is estimated to be as follows:
Estimated Worldwide Production of Mercedes W221 Models
| Year | Yearly Production | Cumulative Production |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 85,900 | 85,900 |
| 2007 | 85,500 | 171,400 |
| 2008 | 90,600 | 262,000 |
| 2009 | 53,400 | 315,400 |
| 2010 | 66,500 | 381,900 |
| 2011 | 69,000 | 450,900 |
| 2012 | 65,100 | 516,000 |
MSRP Prices of Mercedes-Benz W221 S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz Public Archive lists the MSRP prices for most W221 models, except for limited models such as the Pullman or Guard variants. Prices of the W221 varied widely based on model and trim level. The cheapest W221 model you could purchase was the 2006 S320 CDI for €67,048. The most expensive W221 model was the 2013 S65 AMG LWB, which has a listed price of €230,384. The entire list of MSRP prices for the Mercedes W221 S-Class are available by year and model in the charts below:
Mercedes-Benz W221 Pre-Facelift Prices
| Model | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S320 CDI | €67,048.00 | €67,048.00 | €69,674.50 | €70,864.50 | |
| S320 CDI LWB | €74,704.00 | €74,704.00 | €77,528.50 | €78,718.50 | |
| S320 CDI 4M | €70,760.00 | €73,482.50 | €74,672.50 | €76,160.00 | |
| S320 CDI 4M LWB | €78,416.00 | €81,336.50 | €82,526.50 | €84,014.00 | |
| S420 CDI | €84,448.00 | €87,941.00 | €89,607.00 | €91,094.50 | |
| S420 CDI LWB | €92,104.00 | €95,795.00 | €97,461.00 | €98,948.50 | |
| S350 | €70,760.00 | €70,760.00 | €73,066.00 | €74,018.00 | €75,505.50 |
| S350 LWB | €78,416.00 | €78,416.00 | €80,920.00 | €81,872.00 | €83,359.50 |
| S350 4M | €76,874.00 | €77,826.00 | €79,313.50 | ||
| S350 4M LWB | €84,728.00 | €85,680.00 | €87,167.50 | ||
| S450 | €77,256.00 | €80,563.00 | €82,229.00 | €83,716.50 | |
| S450 LWB | €84,912.00 | €88,417.00 | €90,083.00 | €91,570.50 | |
| S450 4M | €80,968.00 | €84,371.00 | €86,037.00 | €87,524.50 | |
| S450 4M LWB | €88,624.00 | €92,225.00 | €93,891.00 | €95,378.50 | |
| S500 | €89,668.00 | €89,668.00 | €92,820.00 | €94,129.00 | €95,616.50 |
| S500 LWB | €95,236.00 | €95,236.00 | €98,532.00 | €99,841.00 | €101,328.50 |
| S500 4M | €93,380.00 | €96,628.00 | €97,937.00 | €99,424.50 | |
| S500 4M LWB | €98,948.00 | €102,340.00 | €103,649.00 | €105,136.50 | |
| S600 LWB | €143,724.00 | €143,724.00 | €151,130.00 | €152,796.00 | €154,283.50 |
| S63 AMG | €131,376.00 | €132,685.00 | €134,232.00 | ||
| S63 AMG LWB | €137,683.00 | €138,516.00 | €139,825.00 | €141,372.00 | |
| S65 AMG LWB | €211,761.00 | €215,449.50 | €217,115.50 | €218,960.00 |
Mercedes-Benz W221 Post-Facelift Prices
| Model | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S250 CDI BE | €71,876.00 | €71,876.00 | €71,876.00 | |
| S250 CDI BE LWB | €80,206.00 | €80,206.00 | €80,206.00 | |
| S350 CDI BE | €73,006.50 | €73,720.50 | ||
| S350 CDI BE LWB | €80,860.50 | €82,050.50 | ||
| S350 CDI 4M BE | €76,814.50 | €77,528.50 | ||
| S350 CDI 4M BE LWB | €84,668.50 | €85,858.50 | ||
| S350 BT | €76,279.00 | €76,517.00 | €76,517.00 | |
| S350 BT LWB | €84,609.00 | €84,847.00 | €84,847.00 | |
| S350 BT 4M | €80,087.00 | €80,325.00 | €80,325.00 | |
| S350 BT 4M LWB | €88,417.00 | €88,655.00 | €88,655.00 | |
| S450 CDI | €91,987.00 | €92,701.00 | ||
| S450 CDI LWB | €99,841.00 | €101,031.00 | ||
| S350 | €76,160.00 | €76,933.50 | ||
| S350 LWB | €84,014.00 | €85,263.50 | ||
| S350 4M | €79,968.00 | €80,741.50 | ||
| S350 4M LWB | €87,822.00 | €89,071.50 | ||
| S350 BE | €78,718.50 | €78,718.50 | €79,194.50 | |
| S350 BE LWB | €87,048.50 | €87,048.50 | €87,524.50 | |
| S350 4M BE | €82,526.50 | €82,526.50 | €83,002.50 | |
| S350 4M BE LWB | €90,856.50 | €90,856.50 | €91,332.50 | |
| S400 H | €85,323.00 | €86,096.50 | €86,810.50 | €87,286.50 |
| S400 H LWB | €93,177.00 | €94,426.50 | €95,140.50 | €95,616.50 |
| S450 | €84,609.00 | €85,323.00 | ||
| S450 LWB | €92,463.00 | €93,653.00 | ||
| S450 4M | €88,417.00 | €89,131.00 | ||
| S450 4M LWB | €96,271.00 | €97,461.00 | ||
| S500 | €96,509.00 | €97,282.50 | ||
| S500 LWB | €102,221.00 | €103,470.50 | ||
| S500 4M | €100,317.00 | €101,090.50 | ||
| S500 4M LWB | €106,029.00 | €107,278.50 | ||
| S500 BE | €99,186.50 | €99,186.50 | €99,662.50 | |
| S500 BE LWB | €105,374.50 | €105,374.50 | €105,850.50 | |
| S500 4M BE | €102,994.50 | €102,994.50 | €103,470.50 | |
| S500 4M BE LWB | €109,182.50 | €109,182.50 | €109,658.50 | |
| S600 LWB | €155,354.50 | €156,961.00 | €157,675.00 | €158,151.00 |
| S63 AMG 6.2L | €137,683.00 | €138,397.00 | ||
| S63 AMG 6.2L LWB | €144,823.00 | €146,013.00 | ||
| S63 AMG 5.5L | €143,752.00 | €144,466.00 | €145,061.00 | |
| S63 AMG 5.5L LWB | €151,368.00 | €152,082.00 | €152,677.00 | |
| S65 AMG LWB | €221,221.00 | €229,075.00 | €229,789.00 | €230,384.00 |
Do you or have you owned a W221 S-Class? Out of all of the Mercedes S-Class generations, which is your favorite? Leave a comment below, letting us know your thoughts on this vehicle!