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Museum & History

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    Mercedes-Benz S-Class (220 model series).

The new 220-series S-Class.

The new 220-series S-Class of 1998 impressed not only with its coupé-like styling but also with weight savings combined with further enhancements in safety and comfort. 2002 saw the introduction of the PRE-SAFE anticipatory occupant protection system, which prepares passengers for a possibly imminent collision by automatically initiating measures designed to ensure their optimum protection.

Concurrently with the introduction of the new safety system, the S-Class was optionally available with intelligent 4MATIC all-wheel drive, which helps to guarantee optimum traction at all times, including in adverse driving conditions.

Highlights.

  • Lightweight body with weight-reducing material mix (high-tensile steel, light alloy, plastic)
  • Aluminium crash boxes in the front-end and rear-end structure
  • Drag coefficient of Cd = 0.27
  • Automatic cylinder shut-off system available as standard (S 600) or as an optional extra (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 suspension system Active Body Control ABC available as an optional extra (standard on the S 600)
  • Additional turn signal lamps integrated into the exterior mirrors
  • Automatic headlamp mode
  • COMAND control and display system with dynamic navigation system available as an optional extra
  • Window bags
  • Sidebags in the rear
  • Front-passenger airbag with two-stage gas generator
  • Belt tensioner and belt force limiter in the rear
  • Side windows with laminated glass
  • Multi-zone automatic climate control with sun angle-dependent settings for individual seats
  • Luxury seats with ventilation and dynamic multi-contour backrest available as an optional extra
  • DISTRONIC proximity control available as an optional extra
  • KEYLESS GO keyless access and drive authorisation system available as an optional extra
  • Bi-xenon headlamps with dynamic headlamp range control available as an optional extra (from 2002, standard on S 600)
  • PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system (from 2002)
  • V8 diesel engine with light-alloy block (S 400 CDI)
  • 4MATIC all-wheel drive available as an optional extra (S 430, S 500, from 2002)