The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the flagship sedan of Daimler-Chrysler's Mercedes-Benz luxury devision. The S-Class is available in seven trim levels each identified by a numerical code that not only describes the engine displacement but also gives insight into the vehicle's price rank within the S-Class line-up as the numbers are given in ascending order to more and more upscale models.


All S-Classes are currently built in Sindelfingen, Germany. The very first 1992 Mercedes S-Class rolled off the assembly line on August 6, 1991.



The "S-Class" name was applied to the whole range with the W108/W109 series of 1965. These sedans received V8 power for the first time in 1968 with the muscle car 300 SEL 6.3, as well as being designed by a Frenchman.


The S-Class continued in the 1970s with the W116 series. Produced from 1972 through 1979, the most notable W116 was the high-performance, limited-production 450 SEL 6.9. This model boasted the largest engine ever installed in a postwar Mercedes-Benz until the 7.3 L AMG V12 of the 1990s. It also featured ABS as an option from 1978 on.


During this period, the designation SE is used for short wheel based models. Longer models (with more room in the back) are designated SEL.