The Mercedes-Benz W223 is the seventh generation of the SClass produced by Mercedes-Benz since 2020. It replaces the W222 SClass which has been produced since 2013. The W223 SClass was unveiled on 2 September 2020.
Development and launch
The W223 S-Class is based on the second-generation Modular Rear Architecture (MRA) platform and uses a four-link front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension. Air suspension is standard and can automatically lower by at to increase stability.
Compared to the previous generation W222 S-Class, rear headroom has increased by and rear legroom has increased by . Boot capacity has increased by to . The W223 directs heat from the engine to the wheel arches and underbody to improve airflow and has a drag coefficient of 0.22.
The models with six-cylinder inline petrol engines have a 48V electrical system to provide additional power when needed. This also provided the power for the air conditioning system and for recharging the battery. It is also used as a starter motor in lieu of a separate and dedicated starter motor.
Models
Mercedes-Benz S 680 Guard 4MATIC
On 28 July 2021, Mercedes-Benz announced the new armoured S 680 Guard 4MATIC. The S 680 Guard 4MATIC has VPAM V10 armour level.
Mercedes-Maybach
The Z223 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class was revealed on 19 November 2020 with model designations S 580 4MATIC and S 680 4MATIC. The Mercedes-Maybach is 18 centimetres longer than the predecessor. Several design cues, separating the Mercedes-Maybach from Mercedes-Benz, are carried over. Another first for Mercedes-Benz is the frontal airbags for the rear passengers.
Available engines are a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 for the S 580 4MATIC and a 6.0-litre biturbo V12 for the S 680 4MATIC. Both are fitted with standard 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The rear-wheel-steering system for reducing the turning radius is optional extra cost. The turning angle can be set at 4.5° or 10°, reducing the turning radius from to and respectively. A third engine option is the 3.0-litre petrol inline six-cylinder engine with E-Boost. Called the S 480 4MATIC, it was developed for the Chinese market due to the high displacement tax imposed in that country and is not sold anywhere else.
In Germany Mercedes-Maybach announced the launch date of May 2021 for ordering and the delivery date of July 2021.
Mercedes-Benz launched the S 580 and the S 680 in India on 3 March 2022. The S 580 is assembled at Mercedes-Benz's plant in Chakan, Pune.
Mercedes-Maybach S580e
The Mercedes-Maybach S580e debuted in February 2023 as the brand's first plug-in hybrid model, featuring an inline-six engine and an electric motor that produce a combined output.
Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance
In December 2022, Mercedes introduced the Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance, the high performance version of the S Class. It uses a plug-in hybrid drivetrain powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, electric motor, and 13.1-kWh battery pack. The car produces and accelerates from in a claimed 3.2 seconds. For the first time in the S-Class sedan, the grille uses the Panamericana model with the large Mercedes-Benz logo in the center instead of the traditional classic-styled grille.
Mercedes-Maybach S680 Haute Voiture
The Mercedes-Maybach S680 Haute Voiture is a special edition of the S680 that is based on high fashion. It was presented in May 2022 in concept form, with Mercedes later confirming intentions to put the Haute Voiture into production, with the production version being unveiled in December following a Dubai fashion show.
The car features a two-tone paint job consisting of Nautical Blue and Rose Gold above and below the belt line, respectively. This color is exclusive to the Haute Voiture. It sports monoblock wheels painted to match the blue paint on the upper body. The body is also adorned with chrome trim.
On the interior, the car is upholstered in Bouclé, a type of fabric woven from yarn, that incorporates blue, beige, rose gold, and various other shades of gold into the pattern, with additional crystal and glossy opal white features. The car comes with a set of linen and mohair (yarn made from goat hair) floor mats, as well as a set of rose gold champagne flutes.
The MBUX system was upgraded with the intention to emphasize the atmosphere of a fashion show catwalk, with sparkling glitter clouds and a variety of rose gold accents. Drivers are greeted with sparkling particles and a magnolia blossom on the profile selection menu, and available are 12 different elegantly dressed avatars, such as in a tailcoat, evening gown, and dinner jacket, and are adorned with fine accessories.