S-Class—this series name has long denoted the flagship models from Mercedes-Benz. Some of the best cars to ever wear the 3-pointed star have been a part of the S-Class line-up, but there have arguably been some less successful generations as well. Let’s take a quick look at the S-Class range through the years and make our picks for the good, the bad and the ugly.
Where to begin? Mercedes used the “S” designation to denote Sonderklasse (special class) on flagship models in the 1950s through the early 1970s, including notable cars like the W108 300SEL. But the official use of S-Class started with the unveiling of the W116 series in 1972, and has continued since. So those cars will be the S-Class models for us to pick from. In the interest of simplicity, let’s also limit this QOTD to the sedans, as those have been the common thread though all the generations.
W116 S-Class: 1972 – 1980 (U.S. models arrived for 1973)
The generation that formally launched the S-Class name, and firmly cemented Mercedes-Benz leadership. Often credited with being the “best sedan in the world” when new, these cars embodied Mercedes dedication to engineering innovation and excellence, as well as superior materials and build quality.
W126 S-Class: 1980 – 1991 (U.S. models arrived for 1981)
Needing to respond to global demands for increased efficiency while retaining the ultra upper-crust snob appeal, this generation brought sleekly elegant, aerodynamic designs and a broad array of engines to demonstrate the pinnacle of the luxury car art for the 1980s.
W140 S-Class: 1991 – 1999 (U.S. models arrived for 1992)
The “grosser” S-Class: too big and too expensive, the ultimate example of Mercedes-Benz over-engineering. Still the “best” in many ways, but unable to define the future of luxury sedans as effectively as previous S-Class generations.
W220 S-Class: 1999 – 2006 (U.S. models arrived for 2000)
The polar opposite of the W140, this generation was lighter, nimbler, less expensive, tech filled and targeted as a “younger, hipper” big Benz. The long-term was not kind to these cars, however, as they didn’t maintain Mercedes quality standards in many key areas.
W221 S-Class: 2006-2014 (U.S. models arrived for 2007)
This generation added in styling gimmicks like flared wheel arches and Mercedes-Benz’s version of BMW’s “Bangle Butt” 7 Series raised deck lid, along with a move back to higher quality materials and a more substantial feel. Technological proliferation continued unabated, with ever more advanced and complicated features.
W222 S-Class: 2014 to the present day
Demonstrating renewed vigor in Mercedes-Benz mastery of the conventional ultra-luxury large sedan, loaded with luxury features, technology, craftsmanship and “street cred.” But with the Tesla Model S setting the pace for innovation in the super premium luxury segment, the Benz becomes the best of the “old school” approach.
So now let’s make our choices! Here is my list, from most favorite to least favorite S-Class.
The Top Three
- The W126 just nailed it for me. Modern, arrogant, brilliant—it defined Mercedes-Benz as the maker of the world’s best sedans. I was an impressionable young teen when these arrived, and I thought they were amazing—pretty good showing for a big 4-door sedan!
- The W116 also set the pace for Mercedes excellence, and made significant sales inroads in key global markets. Established Stuttgart’s definition of the modern luxury sedan as the one to beat.
- The W222 felt like Mercedes rediscovered the magic that had made previous S-Class generations so successful: great presence, cutting edge technology and great build quality along with an absolutely sumptuous interior. Truly a state-of-the-art luxobarge.
I would be thrilled to own any of these S-Class models, and feel they are truly best of breed. Now on the rest on my list, which I will add I have no interest in ever owning.
The Bottom Three
- The W221 represented a return to a bit more traditional substance after the lightweight W220. But those fender flairs looked like they were from a PT Cruiser, and this generation felt gimmicky rather than timeless.
- The W140 was a car I wish I could like more than I do. On the one hand, it was so solid, commanding and over-the-top, with the ultimate expression of the traditional Mercedes interior. But the size, and the looks…. No thanks.
- Every list has to have last place, and the W220 takes mine among S-Class models. Time has not been kind to this car, and what was seen as fresh when new turned out to be below the quality standards that the brand had historically offered. It just doesn’t live up to the lofty standards set by other generations of Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedans.
So those are my picks, what are yours?
An optioned W126 500 definitely, W108 second as it defines what a Benz should look like, and W140 third
The W126 is everything I want in a luxury saloon and would find it completely satisfying today along with a Jag XJ6 series 1, I rate it for the following reasons
Resistance to rust, far better then the preceding W116 and disgracefully some of the later ones
High gearing and effortless cruising at 135 mph all day long, I speak from experience.
Outstanding top speed and acceleration with fair fuel economy for the performance, (much better than the W116) , it is as fast a car as I would want today
Drives exceptionally well, really good handling to match the excellent performance
Aesthetics after the W108 – but must have Euro headlights – subjective, but the cleanest one to me, the later ones I find plain ugly, much too fussy
Still relatively simple electronically and mechanically, the later cars gave trouble
The US cars might have done as many miles as was mentioned in another post, but I don’t think the buyer of the Benz would have considered them a substitute, not in Europe anyway
W126.
I’m not really big on any of these (way too much talk of reliability), but I will say that I’m surprised at the dash layout in the W116, its a surprisingly ahead of its time lay-out that we see quite often in modern cars.
Just stick a screen in there, add some arbitrary angles/curbs, and you have the front interior to most recent cars.
W116, unmatched gravitas. With W126 a close second.
I like the W126, but the US sealed beams really uglify the front view. The European version looks much better.
In the case of the S-Class, the older the better
Peak S Class right there in a Coupe or Convertible.
W126 absolutely! In the early 2000s the general manager of the then newest Mercedes-Benz dealership in my area, a man who had been selling Mercedes-Benz for almost 40 years at the time, told me the W126 sedans were “the quintessence of Mercedes-Benz automobiles.” I’ve never owned one though I have owned two W124s and have driven and rode in several W126s so I have to agree with his assertion.
Add to that their look is reserved, understated, regal, stately, and totally bad-ass. To back up that claim I cite the car’s appearance in the Eddie Murphy movie Coming to America where the prince’s father (the king, played by James Earl Jones) arrives in New York with an entourage comprising three of these – all painted black. I am sure there are many other movies and TV shows where the W126 was an indicator of the superior power and prestige of its owner.
At one time my brother-in-law, who had a ranch in south central Texas, got the bio-fuel bug. He was going to supply his Diesel powered agricultural equipment and pick-up truck with fuel he “brewed” himself. On a lark he bought a 20 year old 300SDL. Cosmetically the car looked its age but it was in excellent mechanical shape. We took it out on some back roads and got it up to 85 mph where it cruised for several miles in total comfort and poise. We decided not to push our luck and the b-i-l ultimately sold it to an enthusiast for more than he paid for it about a year later reasoning that future maintenance requirements might obviate any savings in fuel.
The 300SE was not quick by any contemporary measure but, like the 560SEL it could cruise at VERY extra-normal speeds all day long.
Just found this W116 production plant video.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DK_NKoMF3k38&ved=2ahUKEwir35uex67dAhXhFjQIHYIzBP8QtwIwAHoECAYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1EYcVlYTBp9Q1kC5d__uRI
And at the other end of the life cycle, a rusty, blown engined and chicken coop stored example is rescued by a father and son team, covered with over 20 years of chicken shit…
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DoBpuaJo7s7U&ved=2ahUKEwjszNzbya7dAhXcBjQIHQVXBrwQtwIwAXoECAcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2JUL5nMKP5_6v8cacXQTH5
W126 560SEL by miles! Then the W116 and the W140, primarily because you could tell that they were the ‘top of the line’ owing to their overall presence on the road. The newest one does restore some of that road presence.
I may judge only by design. My top 3 cars are:
1Mercedes w220
2Mercedes W222
3 Mercedes W126
Why I put W220 on the first place. I still remember early 2000s when I first saw W220 on the street. I was so impressed, it was such a modern and revolutionary look like nothing on the street at the moment. The W220 design is brave attempt to bring the radical jump in understanding how the future of the automobile design should look like. Also the W220 is the most sold S class of all times just check the figures.
Mercedes 126 the best design by far. I have had two 380SE in Nautical Blue Metallic. One day at the grocer, an older woman walked over to my vehicle and said “Now that’s a real automobile!”..She was right,eh?