Mercedes-Benz, S-Class, W220, S600 (1998-2005)

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220 S600 is a luxury sedan produced from 1998 to 2005. It was the flagship model of the S-Class range during this period and featured a 5.9-liter V12 engine producing 444 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque.

Design and Features:

• The W220 S600 had a more angular and aggressive design compared to its predecessor, with a focus on aerodynamics and luxury.
• Its exterior dimensions measured 210.4 inches (534 cm) in length, 75.2 inches (191 cm) in width, and 57.1 inches (145 cm) in height.
• The interior was designed for comfort and opulence, featuring premium leather upholstery, a wood-trimmed dashboard, and an optional panoramic sunroof.
• Standard features included dual-zone climate control, a CD changer, and a Becker radio system with a 12-speaker sound system.

Performance:

• The S600's 5.9-liter V12 engine was paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (4MATIC) as an option.
• Its top speed was electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), while the 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) time took around 6 seconds.

Safety and Technology:

• The W220 S600 featured a range of advanced safety systems, including Adaptive Brake Control (ABC), which applied individual brakes to each wheel.
• Other notable features included an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), traction control, and seven airbags as standard equipment.
• The optional Parktronic system used ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles and provide visual and audio warnings.

Maintenance and Reliability:

• The W220 S600 had a generally good reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs compared to other luxury sedans of the time.
• However, some owners reported issues with the 5-speed automatic transmission and the V12 engine's oil consumption.

Price and Trim Levels:

• The starting price for the W220 S600 was around $90,000 in the United States when it was first introduced.
• Over its production run, several trim levels were available, including the base model, the Long 4MATIC (with a longer wheelbase), and the Exclusive package with additional features like rear-seat entertainment.

Recall History:

• The W220 S600 had several recalls issued during its production run due to issues with the transmission, engine, and other systems.
• One notable recall in 2003 affected over 13,000 units worldwide due to a defect in the power steering system.