From 1954 onward, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (and its direct predecessors) consistently redefined what luxury, safety, and engineering excellence meant in a road car. Starting with the W180 “Ponton”, Mercedes-Benz made a bold design and engineering statement by abandoning the upright, post-war styling for a wider, integrated look. The W180 220s offered more space, an inline-six engine, and a trunk integrated into the body shell - a massive shift in automotive architecture that marked the foundation of what would eventually become the S-Class legacy.
This design ethos continued into the 1959 “Fintail” W111, a vehicle that combined American-influenced styling with unmatched German engineering. But it was in 1963, with the debut of the Mercedes-Benz 600 (W100), that the brand unveiled its true flagship: a globally iconic limousine that was more than just a car - it was a symbol of status, influence, and power. Known as the “Grand Mercedes”, the W100 was embraced by celebrities and world leaders alike. It showcased innovations like an air suspension system, hydraulic controls for everything from seats to windows, and a V8 engine that was as smooth as it was powerful.
But for everyday luxury that still sat atop the market, the S-Class badge (officially introduced in the early '70s) carried that prestige. The 1979 W126 S-Class remains a high watermark, being the best-selling S-Class of all time and the first to use deformable polyurethane bumpers and aerodynamically optimized bodywork. Its interior space and safety features cemented its place as the standard for executive cars globally.
In the '90s, the W140 brought even more innovation - double-pane glass, power-assisted closing doors, and the now-famous V12 engine. But it was heavy and faced aesthetic criticism, prompting a quick facelift in 1994. It paved the way for the W220 in 1998, which returned to elegance with sleeker lines and introduced PreSafe, a revolutionary safety system that anticipated collisions and protected occupants proactively.
By 2005, the W221 made luxury smarter, not just more luxurious. It brought the COMAND system, active multicontour seats, and a broader range of hybrid and high-performance AMG versions. A further facelift in 2009 addressed both design and European emissions standards, while adding hybrid drive options.
The W222, introduced in 2013, became the definitive modern S-Class. It was the first car in the world to forego light bulbs entirely, switching to 100% LED lighting, and introduced Magic Body Control, using cameras to read the road ahead and adjust suspension in real time. It was so advanced it replaced the Maybach 57 and 62, absorbing the ultra luxury territory while maintaining its identity as a Mercedes-Benz. A major 2017 refresh brought over 6000 component changes, including new engines and semi-autonomous driving tech.
Through each generation, the S-Class has shaped the very idea of what a luxury sedan should be. And for owners of any generation of the S-Class, SherlockLock offers specialized, certified locksmith services to match the elite quality of your vehicle. Whether you need car key replacement, key fob programming, or 24/7 emergency car lockout service, SherlockLock is trusted by Mercedes-Benz drivers who demand precision and professionalism. If you’ve ever faced the issue of lost car keys, need an emergency key fob replacement, or are looking for same day car key solutions for your S-Class, SherlockLock is the certified car key locksmith to rely on.
Serving classic W126s to cutting-edge W223s, we understand that S-Class owners value excellence - and so do we. Call SherlockLock for automotive locksmith in my area, car key replacement in my area, or even emergency key fob replacement in my area, and let your luxury never be compromised.