Mercedes-Benz S-Class Model series 220 (1998 to 2005)

After the model change in 1998, the appearance of the new S-Class (model series 220) was all about understatement. Weight saving and a further increase in safety and comfort were among the primary development goals. Despite having to abandon weight-intensive features such as double glazing, the new model generation offered even greater comfort, not least due to the new electronically controlled AIRMATIC air suspension, COMAND control and display system, and innovative DISTRONIC proximity-controlled cruise control system. Active Body Control (ABC), which was available from 1999, reduced body roll for an as yet unsurpassed level of driving dynamics. The interior design which, for the first time, had been developed in close conjunction with the exterior, created an inimitable ambience in the S-Class. The first AMG model to officially make its way into the S-Class price list, the S 55 AMG appealed to customers with a passion for speed. Even the regular high-end model without the AMG sports badge, the S 600, had its performance boosted in autumn 2002, making it capable of reaching the magical 368 kW (500 hp) mark for the first time ever. At the same time, the model series 220 saw the introduction of another ground-breaking innovation: the PRE-SAFE preventive occupant safety system. This system enabled the vehicle to prepare occupants for an imminent collision by automatically initiating measures for their optimum protection. As part of the model refinement, the S-Class could now also be equipped with intelligent 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive for the first time.

• Mercedes-Benz S-Class 220 model (1998 to 2005)
• Lightweight body with weight-reducing materials mix (high-tensile steel, light alloy, plastic)
• Aluminium crash boxes in the front end and rear structure
• Drag coefficient cd = 0.27
• Automatic cylinder cut-out system as standard equipment (S 600) or special equipment (S 500)
• Seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with electronic management (S 430, S 500, from 2004)
• AIRMATIC air suspension with electronically controlled adaptive damping system ADS
• Active Body Control ABC as special equipment (standard fitment on the S 600)
• Additional turn signal lamps integrated into the wing mirrors
• Auto on/off headlamps
• COMAND control and display system with dynamic navigation system as special equipment
• Window bags
• Rear Side bags
• Passenger-side air bag with two-stage gas generator
• Rear belt tensioner and belt force limiter
• Side windows with laminated glass
• Multizone automatic climate control with solar-dependent settings for individual seats
• Luxury seats with ventilation and dynamic multi-contour backrest as special equipment
• DISTRONIC proximity control as special equipment
• KEYLESSGO keyless access and drive authorisation system as special equipment
• Bi-xenon headlights with dynamic headlamp range control as special equipment (from 2002, standard fitment on the S 600)
• PRESAFE® preventive occupant safety system (from 2002)
• V8 diesel engine with light alloy block (S 400 CDI)
• 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive as special equipment (S 430, S 500, from 2002)

A bird's eye view emphasises the coupé-like roof line of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class 220 series. The photo shows an S 320 from 1998.

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