The , produced from 2006 to 2013 , is widely considered one of the finest luxury flagships of its era, marking a significant return to form for Mercedes after the reliability criticisms of the previous W220 model. While it offers exceptional comfort and pioneering technology, it requires a "luxury maintenance" budget to remain reliable on the used market. Key Highlights
: Uses infrared technology to see pedestrians at night.
: An advanced adaptive cruise control that can bring the car to a full stop in traffic. MERCEDES S-CLASS W221 1.45
: The cabin replaced many plastic surfaces with higher-end leather, wood, and metal. High-end options include massaging seats with four modes and active ventilation. Engine Options & Reliability
: This generation introduced several high-tech features still impressive today: The , produced from 2006 to 2013 ,
: The W221 provides a quiet, composed ride with excellent sound deadening and thick glass. All models, despite their size, are noted for handling like smaller cars.
Reliability varies significantly by the engine and production year. The (Phase 2) is generally recommended as it resolved several early mechanical issues. : An advanced adaptive cruise control that can
: Predicts collisions and can automatically apply maximum braking pressure.