Mercedes-Benz
S-Class
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: official NHTSA recalls, fault code help and maintenance guides.
Licensed photo · Photo creditMakeMercedes-Benz
ClassLarge car
Model years (US)2000–2027
New registrations (EU)2000–2026
Recall dataNHTSA (United States)
Generations and technical specifications
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223)2020–present
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | September 2020–present |
| Model years | 2021–present |
| Body styles | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive (4MATIC) |
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz MRA Large |
| Engines | Petrol 2.5 L M256 turbo I6 (China) 3.0 L M256 turbo I6 4.0 L M176 twin-turbo V8 6.0 L M279 twin-turbo V12 Petrol plug-in hybrid 3.0 L M256 turbo I6 4.0 L M176 twin-turbo V8 4.0 L M177 twin-turbo V8 Diesel 2.9 L OM656 turbo I6 |
| Electric motor | 48 V electrical system (EQ Boost) Schaeffler PSM P2 Hybrid Module High Voltage gearbox-mounted electric motor (PHEV) 140 kW synchronous electric motor (63 S E Performance) |
| Transmissions | 9-speed 9G-Tronic/9G-Tronic plug-in-hybrid automatic |
| Drivetrain | Mild hybrid (EQ Boost) Plug-in hybrid |
| Battery | Up to 29 kWh high-voltage lithium ion |
| Electric range | 100 km |
| Wheelbase | 3,106 mm (W223) 3,216 mm (V223) 3,396 mm (Z223) |
| Length | 5,179 mm (W223) 5,289 mm (V223) 5,460 mm (Z223) |
| Width | 1,954 mm |
| Height | 1,503 mm |
| Class | Full-size luxury car (F) |
| Assembly | Germany: Sindelfingen India: Pune (MBI) Indonesia: Bogor (MBI) Malaysia: Pekan (HICOM) Thailand: Samut Prakan (Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant Co., Ltd.) |
| Designer | Balázs Filczer |
Mercedes-Benz S-Class – Seventh generation2020–present
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | W223 |
| Production | 2020–present |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive |
| Transmissions | 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic |
| Wheelbase | SWB: 3,106 mm LWB: 3,216 mm |
| Length | SWB: 5,179 mm LWB: 5,289 mm |
| Width | 1,954 mm |
| Height | 1,503 mm |
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (C217)2014–2021
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | November 2014 – August 2020 |
| Model years | 2015–2021 |
| Body styles | 2-door coupé (C217) 2-door convertible (A217) |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive (4Matic) |
| Engines | 3.0 L M276 twin-turbo V6 4.0 L M177 twin-turbo V8 4.7 L M278 twin-turbo V8 5.5 L M157 twin-turbo V8 6.0 L M279 twin-turbo V12 |
| Transmissions | 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,945 mm |
| Length | 5,027 mm |
| Width | 1,899 mm |
| Height | 1,411 mm |
| Class | Grand tourer (S) |
| Assembly | Germany: Sindelfingen |
| Designer | Robert Lešnik |
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222)2013–2020
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | 12 June 2013– September 2020 |
| Model years | 2014–2020 |
| Body styles | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (4MATIC) |
| Platform | W221/W222 |
| Engines | Petrol engines 2.0 L M264 turbo I4 (China) 3.0 L M256 turbo I6 3.0 L M276 twin-turbo V6 3.5 L M276 V6 + electric motor 4.7 L M278 twin-turbo V8 3.0 L M276 twin-turbo V6 Plug-in Hybrid + electric motor 4.0 L M176/M177 twin-turbo V8 5.5 L M157 twin-turbo V8 6.0 L M277/279 twin-turbo V12 Diesel engines 2.2 L OM651 twin turbo I4 Bluetec Hybrid 2.9 L OM656 twin-turbo I6 3.0 L OM642 turbo V6 |
| Transmissions | 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic |
| Drivetrain | FHEV (Parallel Hybrid) (S400 Hybrid, S300 Bluetec Hybrid) Mild Hybrid (EQ Boost) Plug-in hybrid (S 500 e / S 560 e) |
| Wheelbase | SWB: 3,035 mm LWB: 3,165 mm Maybach: 3,365 mm Pullman: 4,418 mm |
| Length | SWB: 5,146 mm LWB: 5,296 mm Maybach: 5,453 mm Pullman: 6,499 mm |
| Width | 1,899 mm |
| Height | 1,496 mm 1,598 mm (Pullman) |
| Kerb weight | 1,910–2,275 kg 2,295–2,360 kg (Mercedes-Maybach) |
| Class | Full-size luxury car (F) |
| Assembly | Germany: Sindelfingen India: Pune (Mercedes Benz India) Malaysia: Pekan (HICOM) Indonesia: Bogor (MBI) Thailand: Samut Prakan (Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant Co., Ltd.) Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City (MBV) |
| Designer | Il-hun Yoon Robert Lešnik (2009) |
Mercedes-Benz S-Class – Sixth generation2013–2021
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | W222 (Sedan) / C217 (Coupé) / A217 (Cabriolet) |
| Production | June 2013–September 2020 (W222) November 2014–August 2020 (C217/A217) |
| Model years | 2014–2020 (W222) 2015–2021 (C217/A217) |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive |
| Transmissions | 7-speed 7G-Tronic / 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic |
| Wheelbase | SWB: 3,035 mm LWB: 3,165 mm |
| Length | SWB: 5,116 mm LWB: 5,248 mm |
| Width | 1,899 mm |
| Height | 1,496 mm |
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221)2005–2013
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | August 2005 – June 2013 |
| Model years | 2005–2013 (Worldwide) 2007–2013 (Canada & US) |
| Body styles | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Engines | Petrol 3.0–3.5 L M272 V6 3.5 L M272 V6 hybrid 4.7–5.5 L M273 V8 4.7 L M278 twin-turbo V8 5.5 L M157 twin-turbo V8 6.2 L M156 V8 5.5–6.0 L M275 twin-turbo V12 Diesel 2.1 L OM651 turbo I4 3.0 L OM642 turbo V6 3.0 L OM642 turbo V6 hybrid 4.0 L OM629 twin-turbo V8 |
| Electric motor | 20 hp Additional AC permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor |
| Transmissions | 5-speed 5G-Tronic automatic 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic |
| Drivetrain | FHEV (Parallel Hybrid) (S400 Hybrid) |
| Wheelbase | 3,035 mm 3,165 mm (LWB) 4,315 mm (Pullman) |
| Length | 2006–08 SWB: 5,076 mm 2009–13 SWB: 5,079 mm 2006–08 LWB: 5,208 mm 2009–13 LWB: 5,218 mm |
| Width | 2006–08: 1,871 mm 2009–13 1,872 mm BlueHybrid: 2,116 mm |
| Height | 1,473 mm |
| Kerb weight | from 1,955 kg [S 320 CDI] to 2,270 kg [S 65 AMG] |
| Class | Full-size luxury car (F) |
| Assembly | Germany: Sindelfingen Mexico: Toluca Egypt: 6th of October City (EGA) Malaysia: Pekan (HICOM) Indonesia: Bogor (MBI) |
| Designer | Gorden Wagener (2001) |
Mercedes-Benz S-Class – Fifth generation2005–2013
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | W221 (Sedan) / C216 (Coupé) |
| Production | July 2005 – June 2013 |
| Model years | 2006–2013 (Worldwide) 2007–2013 (North America) |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive |
| Engines | 2.1 L diesel 201 hp I4 3.0 L diesel 255 hp V6 3.5 L 302 hp V6 3.5 L hybrid 295 hp V6 4.0 L diesel 316 hp V8 4.7 L 335 hp V8 4.7 L 429 hp V8 5.5 L 382 hp V8 5.5 L 509 hp V12 5.5 L AMG 536 hp V8 6.0 L AMG 621 hp V12 6.2 L AMG 518 hp V8 |
| Transmissions | 7-speed (5-speed on S65 & S600) automatic |
| Wheelbase | SWB: 3,035 mm LWB: 3,165 mm |
| Designer | Gorden Wagener (2001) |
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220)1998–2006
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | September 1998 – July 20, 2005 |
| Model years | 1999–2005 2000–2006 (North America) |
| Body styles | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Engines | Petrol 2.8–3.7 L M112 V6 4.3–5.4 L M113 V8 5.4 L M113 supercharged V8 5.5–6.0 L M275 twin-turbo V12 5.8–6.3 L M137 V12 Diesel 3.2 L OM613 I6 3.2 L OM648 I6 4.0 L OM628 V8 |
| Transmissions | 5-speed 5G-Tronic automatic 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,960 mm (SWB) 3,085 mm (LWB) |
| Length | 5,038 mm (SWB) 5,043 mm (SWB, 2002–05) 5,158 mm (LWB) 5,163 mm (LWB, 2002–05) |
| Width | 1,855 mm |
| Height | 1,444 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,770–3,385 kg |
| Class | Full-size luxury car (F) |
| Assembly | Germany: Sindelfingen Mexico: Toluca Indonesia: Bogor (DaimlerChrysler Indonesia) |
| Designer | Steve Mattin, Bruno Sacco (1995) |
Engines and transmissions
| Model years | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–2027 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl mild hybrid | 9-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2022–2027 | 4.0 L, 8 cyl mild hybrid | 9-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2022–2027 | 6.0 L, 12 cyl | 9-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2023, 2025 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl plug-in hybrid | 9-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) and electricity |
| 2025 | 4.0 L, 8 cyl plug-in hybrid | 9-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) and electricity |
| 2021 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl mild hybrid | 9-speed automatic | Four-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2018–2021 | 4.0 L, 8 cyl | 9-speed automatic | Four-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2020–2021 | 4.0 L, 8 cyl | 9-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2021 | 4.0 L, 8 cyl mild hybrid | 9-speed automatic | Four-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2018–2020 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl | 9-speed automatic | Four-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2018–2020 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl | 9-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2020 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl plug-in hybrid | 9-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) and electricity |
| +26 more configurations |
Fuel economy (EPA)
| Model years | Configuration | Combined | City | Highway | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–2027 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl mild hybrid · 9-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 9.8–10.2 L/100 km | 11.2–11.8 L/100 km | 7.6–8.4 L/100 km | – |
| 2022–2027 | 4.0 L, 8 cyl mild hybrid · 9-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 11.2–13.1 L/100 km | 13.1–15.7 L/100 km | 8.7–9.8 L/100 km | – |
| 2022–2027 | 6.0 L, 12 cyl · 9-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 15.7–16.8 L/100 km | 19.6 L/100 km | 11.2–11.8 L/100 km | – |
| 2023, 2025 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl plug-in hybrid · 9-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 10.2 L/100 km | 11.8 L/100 km | 8.1 L/100 km | 77–90 km |
| 2025 | 4.0 L, 8 cyl plug-in hybrid · 9-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 13.1 L/100 km | 15.7 L/100 km | 10.2 L/100 km | 26 km |
| 2021 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl mild hybrid · 9-speed automatic · Four-wheel drive | 9.8 L/100 km | 11.8 L/100 km | 8.1 L/100 km | – |
| 2018–2021 | 4.0 L, 8 cyl · 9-speed automatic · Four-wheel drive | 11.2–13.8 L/100 km | 13.8–16.8 L/100 km | 8.7–9.8 L/100 km | – |
| 2020–2021 | 4.0 L, 8 cyl · 9-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 11.2–11.8 L/100 km | 13.8–14.7 L/100 km | 8.7–9.0 L/100 km | – |
| 2021 | 4.0 L, 8 cyl mild hybrid · 9-speed automatic · Four-wheel drive | 11.8–12.4 L/100 km | 13.8–14.7 L/100 km | 9.4–9.8 L/100 km | – |
| 2018–2020 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl · 9-speed automatic · Four-wheel drive | 10.7 L/100 km | 13.1 L/100 km | 8.4 L/100 km | – |
| 2018–2020 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl · 9-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 10.7 L/100 km | 12.4 L/100 km | 8.4 L/100 km | – |
| 2020 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl plug-in hybrid · 9-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 10.2 L/100 km | 11.2 L/100 km | 9.0 L/100 km | 31 km |
| +25 more configurations |
Values are the official EPA label figures for each model year, shown as the lowest and highest value for the configuration. Electric models show energy use per 100 km. Real-world consumption depends on driving style, weather and load. Luggage and passenger volumes follow the EPA measuring method and can differ from the VDA figures used in Europe.
EU type-approval data
| Years | Powertrain | Engine | Power | Mass | CO₂ | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–2025 | Petrol hybrid | 3982 cm³ | 370 kW (503 PS) | 2115–2290 kg | 234–256 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2019–2025 | Petrol plug-in hybrid | 2999 cm³ | 270 kW (367 PS) | 2380–2470 kg | 15–206 g/km (WLTP) | 100–112 km · 220–257 Wh/km |
| 2021–2025 | Petrol plug-in hybrid | 3982 cm³ | 450 kW (612 PS) | 2595–2645 kg | 100–104 g/km (WLTP) | 31–33 km · 222–336 Wh/km |
| 2023–2025 | Diesel hybrid | 2989 cm³ | 230 kW (313 PS) | 2090–2145 kg | 161–177 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2023–2025 | Diesel hybrid | 2989 cm³ | 270 kW (367 PS) | 2125–2145 kg | 169–180 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2011–2012, 2014–2020, 2024 | Petrol | 5980 cm³ | 463 kW (630 PS) | 2185–2360 kg | 328–345 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2019–2023 | Petrol hybrid | 2999 cm³ | 270 kW (367 PS) | 1995–2075 kg | 185–206 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2020–2023 | Petrol hybrid | 2999 cm³ | 320 kW (435 PS) | 2045–2065 kg | 190–207 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2017–2023 | Diesel | 2925 cm³ | 210 kW (286 PS) | 2000–2080 kg | 174–197 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2020–2023 | Diesel | 2925 cm³ | 243 kW (330 PS) | 2070–2090 kg | 181–197 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2016–2019, 2021–2022 | Petrol | 2999 cm³ | 270 kW (367 PS) | 1995–2075 kg | 181–204 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2016–2019, 2021–2022 | Petrol | 2999 cm³ | 320 kW (435 PS) | 2010–2085 kg | 185–204 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2016–2021 | Petrol | 2996 cm³ | 270 kW (367 PS) | 2035–2055 kg | 226–236 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2016–2021 | Petrol | 3982 cm³ | 345 kW (469 PS) | 2100–2295 kg | 236–246 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2017–2021 | Petrol | 3982 cm³ | 450 kW (612 PS) | 2070–2205 kg | 265–277 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2019–2021 | Petrol plug-in hybrid | 2996 cm³ | 270 kW (367 PS) | 2215–2225 kg | 54–187 g/km (WLTP) | 42–50 km · 200–268 Wh/km |
| 2017–2021 | Diesel | 2925 cm³ | 250 kW (340 PS) | 2060–2105 kg | 180–199 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2013–2018 | Petrol | 4663 cm³ | 335 kW (455 PS) | 2015–2115 kg | 204–228 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2013–2018 | Petrol | 5461 cm³ | 430 kW (585 PS) | 2070–2185 kg | 242–244 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2014–2017 | Petrol-electric | 2996 cm³ | 245 kW (333 PS) | 2215 kg | 65 g/km (NEDC) | 135–155 Wh/km |
| 2011–2017 | Diesel | 2143 cm³ | 150 kW (204 PS) | 1970–2045 kg | 110–151 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2011–2017 | Diesel | 2987 cm³ | 190 kW (258 PS) | 1955–2065 kg | 146–177 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2011–2016 | Petrol | 3498 cm³ | 225 kW (306 PS) | 1910–1975 kg | 147–184 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2011–2014 | Petrol | 4663 cm³ | 320 kW (435 PS) | 2010–2140 kg | 219–231 g/km (NEDC) | – |
Years are registration years. Each range runs from the 10th to the 90th percentile of the values reported for new registrations; it is not an average. Mass is the mass in running order. For electric cars the power is the type-approval net power, which can be lower than the peak power in brochures.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| EPA size class | Large car, Midsize car, Subcompact car, Compact car |
| Model years in EPA data | 2000–2027 |
| Powertrains | Petrol, Mild hybrid, Plug-in hybrid, Hybrid, Diesel |
| Engine displacement | 3.0–6.3 L |
| Cylinders | 4, 6, 8, 12 |
| Transmission types | Automatic |
| Drive | All-wheel drive, Rear-wheel drive, Four-wheel drive, Front-wheel drive, Four-wheel or all-wheel drive |
| Fuel | Petrol (premium), Petrol (premium) and electricity, Diesel |
| Configurations listed | 189 |
| Forced induction | Turbo- and supercharged (on some versions) |
| Start-stop system | On some versions |
| Electric motor (EPA) | 140 and 150 kW AC PMSM; 110 kW AC PMSM; 110 kW PMSM; 90 kW DCPM |
| Luggage volume (EPA) | 198–453 L |
| Passenger volume (EPA) | 2,492–3,398 L |
| Powertrains (EU) | Petrol, Petrol hybrid, Petrol plug-in hybrid, Diesel |
| Engine displacement (EU) | 2,925–5,461 cm³ |
| Power (EU) | 190–450 kW (258–612 PS) |
| Mass in running order (EU) | 1,910–2,470 kg |
| Wheelbase (EU) | 2,945–3,396 mm |
Years and markets
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model years (US) | 2000–2027 |
| New registrations (EU) | 2000–2026 |
Owner complaints (NHTSA)
| Component | Complaints | Most reported model years |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 196 | 2002, 2003, 2004 |
| Suspension | 110 | 2002, 2003, 2007 |
| Engine and cooling | 110 | 2002, 2006, 2007 |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 75 | 2003, 2004, 2007 |
| Fuel and propulsion | 59 | 2007, 2010, 2011 |
| Brakes | 52 | 2004, 2018, 2022 |
| Lights | 50 | 2002, 2003, 2005 |
| Speed control and cruise | 43 | 2006, 2007, 2016 |
| Steering | 43 | 2004, 2010, 2018 |
| Body and structure | 38 | 2002, 2003, 2015 |
Source: complaints filed by owners with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2002–2024: 779 complaints, 32 with a crash and 26 with a fire. Complaints are owner reports that NHTSA has not verified, and one complaint can name more than one component. More complaints can also mean more cars sold.