Mercedes-Benz S-Class Turns 50 This Year, Here Is How Flagship Sedan Has Changed Since 1972

Mercedes-Benz S-Class turns 50 years this year, here is how the flagship sedan has changed since 1972.

The flagship sedan have been around since the 1950s as the Sonderklasse (German for “special class”, abbreviated as “S-Klasse”).

But the actual ‘S’ suffix didn’t appear on the flagship sedan until 1972.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class flagship sedan is turning 50 this year. Though, the flagship sedan have been around since the 1950s as the Sonderklasse (German for “special class”, abbreviated as “S-Klasse”), the actual ‘S’ suffix didn’t appear until 1972.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class is renowned for its luxury, style and elegance. S-Class debuted many of Mercedes-Benz latest innovations, including drivetrain techs, interior features, and first seatbelt pretensioners.

Mercedes-Benze S 600 Pullman (1995)

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class launched in September 2020 is no exception as the latest generation sedan debuted with several new techs, as well as advanced safety and ultra-luxury features.

Let’s take a look at the evolution of the flagship Mercedes-Benz S-Class luxury sedan since 1972.

First generation S-Class, W116 (1972 to 1980)

450 SEL

The W116 was the first model to carry the S-Class badge. It is also called 280S, 280SE, 280SEL, 350SE, 350SEL, 450SE, 450SEL, 300SD

Second generation S-Class W126 (1979 to 1991)

560 SEL

The second generation of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is also called the 260/280/300/380SE/SEL, 420/500/560SE/SEL/SEC, 300/350SD/SDL

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Third generation S-Class, W140/C140 (1991 to 1998)

S600

The 3rd generation S-Class is also called 300SE/SEL, 400/500/600SEL, 500/600SEC, 300SDL, 350SDL (1991-1993)

S280/300/320/320L/420/420L/500/500L/600/600L (1993-1998)

Fourth generation S-Class, W220 (1998 to 2005)

S65

The 4th generation S-Class is also called S280, S320, S320 CDI, S400 CDI, S350, S430, S500, S600, S55, S63, S65

Fifth generation S-Class, W221 (2006 to 2013)

S550

The fifth generation S-Class is also called S250 CDI, S300, S350 (BlueEFFICIENCY, BlueTEC), S400 HYBRID, S450, S550(500), S600, S320/S420 CDI, S63, S65

Sixth generation S-Class, W222/ C217/A217 (2014 to 2020)

W222

The Mercedes-Benz W222/C217/A217

The short-wheelbase model carries chassis code W222 while the long-wheelbase model uses chassis code V222.

Seventh generation S-Class, W223 (2020 to Present)

Unveiled on 2 September 2020, the latest-generation will not feature a coupe or convertible model. They will instead be replaced by the next generation AMG GT and SL-Class models respectively.

So, which generation of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is your favorite?

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