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  4. IX (W221)

Mercedes-Benz S-Class IX (W221) gallery (2005–2013)

Ninth generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221), produced from 2005 to 2013 featuring imposing styling and Night View Assist technology.

All photos 1765 I (W187) 0 1951–1955 II (W180/W128) 0 1954–1959 III (W111/W112) 0 1959–1971 IV (W108/W109) 0 1965–1972 V (W116) 0 1972–1980 VI (W126) 98 1979–1991 VII (W140) 18 1991–1998 VIII (W220) 30 1998–2005 IX (W221) 181 2005–2013 X (W222) 1300 2013–2020 XI (W223) 104 2020
Mercedes-Benz S-Class IX (W221), sedan, grey, front three-quarter view — photo 101444 2048 x 1536 2 2012
sedan A grey sedan driving along a country road on a sunny day. Dynamic rolling shot from a front three-quarter angle with a driver wearing sunglasses visible through the windshield.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class IX (W221), sedan, grey, front view — photo 101443 2048 x 1536 2 2012
sedan A grey executive sedan driving along a country road. The close front view highlights a prominent chrome grille, LED headlights, a German registration plate, and a driver wearing sunglasses visible through the windshield against green roadside scenery.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class IX (W221), sedan, grey, rear three-quarter view — photo 101442 2048 x 1536 1 2012
sedan A grey full-size luxury sedan driving on a rural asphalt road against a background of green fields and hills, captured in motion from a rear three-quarter angle.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class IX (W221) photo 101441 2048 x 1536 2 2012
Mercedes-Benz S-Class IX (W221) photo 101440 2048 x 1536 2 2012
Mercedes-Benz S-Class IX (W221) photo 97438 2048 x 1536 11 2012
Mercedes-Benz S-Class IX (W221) photo 97437 2048 x 1536 12 2012
Mercedes-Benz S-Class IX (W221) photo 97436 2048 x 1536 14 2012
Mercedes-Benz S-Class IX (W221) photo 97435 2048 x 1536 9 2012
Mercedes-Benz S-Class IX (W221) photo 97434 2048 x 1536 14 2012
Mercedes-Benz S-Class IX (W221) photo 97433 2048 x 1536 7 2012
Mercedes-Benz S-Class IX (W221) photo 97432 2048 x 1536 10 2012
Mercedes-Benz S-Class IX (W221) photo 97431 2048 x 1536 14 2012
Mercedes-Benz S-Class IX (W221) photo 97430 2048 x 1536 9 2012
Mercedes-Benz S-Class IX (W221) photo 97429 2048 x 1536 3 2012

The ninth-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221) premiered at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2005. Reverting to a more commanding road presence with flared wheel arches and a sculpted trunk, the W221 was produced in standard (W221) and long-wheelbase (V221) sedan configurations. Inside, the cabin debuted a dual-screen digital instrument and infotainment architecture controlled via a central COMAND dial, accompanied by a column-mounted DIRECT SELECT gear lever. Innovative driver aids included Night View Assist with infrared optics and DISTRONIC PLUS radar cruise control.

Engine options featured M272 V6, M273/M278 V8, and M275 twin-turbo V12 powertrains alongside frugal four-cylinder and V6/V8 CDI diesels. The S 400 Hybrid debuted in 2009 as the world's first production series hybrid with a lithium-ion battery. Performance AMG models included the S 63 AMG (initially 6.2L naturally aspirated, later 5.5L biturbo V8) and the formidable S 65 AMG V12 biturbo. A 2009 mid-cycle update introduced full LED exterior lighting, lane-keeping assistance, SplitView dual-view monitors, and direct-injection gasoline engines.