Its modern, spacious “ponton body”, which Mercedes-Benz had launched just six months earlier in the mid-range 180 model, offered hitherto unknown standards of spaciousness and comfort. With the launch of the revised and more powerful 220 S in 1956, the letter “S” became a permanent fixture in the names of high-end Mercedes-Benz models, underlining the special status of the 6-cylinder “ponton” saloon.
Highlights
- Integral body construction
- Increased spaciousness thanks to advanced self-supporting chassis-body structure
- Front suspension subframe
- Single-joint swing axle with low centre of rotation
- Brake drums with "turbo cooler"
- Heating with blower as standard, separately adjustable for driver and front passenger
- "Hydrak" automated hydraulic clutch available as an optional extra (from 1957)
- Mechanically controlled intake manifold petrol injection (220 SE, from 1958)
