1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220

• The 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220 marked a sharp design shift from the W140, shedding bulk and boxiness.

• Introduced features like AIRMATIC suspension and the first-gen COMAND system that defined future luxury car tech.

• Early reliability quirks aside, the W220 moved the flagship S-Class into a more modern, tech-forward direction.

Slimmed Down, Cleaned Up

When the 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220 broke cover, it didn’t just evolve—it downsized. Compared to the W140 it replaced, the W220 was nearly 500 pounds lighter. That’s no small feat for a flagship sedan.

The big, squared-off styling of the old S-Class gave way to a sleeker, more sculpted form. The hood sat lower, the fenders tapered more organically, and the glasshouse had a smoother arc. It looked... lighter. More athletic. Still stately, but now less formal. Like the S-Class had finally loosened its collar.

A Cabin That Talks Back

Inside, Mercedes aimed to raise the bar again. The W220 was the first S-Class to get the COMAND infotainment system—a screen-based interface that handled navigation, audio, and car settings. It felt ambitious in 1999. Maybe even a bit too forward-thinking, given how early units aged.

But the materials? Top-notch. The layout? Calm, symmetrical, and plush. You could spec everything from double-paned glass to ventilated seats and rear-seat refrigerators. Mercedes didn’t skimp. This was still very much a rolling executive lounge.

Engine Lineup That Covered Everyone

Mercedes didn’t hold back under the hood, either. The S 320 ran with a 3.2L V6 pushing out 228 hp. One step up, the S 420 brought a 4.2L V8 with 275 hp. The S 500—often the sweet spot—used a 5.0L V8 for 302 hp. And then there was the S 600, with its 5.8L V12 churning out 389 hp. All engines sent power through a 5-speed automatic, and even the base cars had enough torque to feel luxurious on the move.

Ride quality was dialed in with AIRMATIC—Mercedes’ new air suspension system that could adjust ride height and damping on the fly. It kept things composed whether you were gliding down the autobahn or crawling over poorly paved city streets.

Competition Wasn’t Asleep

BMW’s 7 Series and Audi’s A8 weren’t far behind. Lexus had started shaking things up with the LS as well. But while others leaned into either sportiness or value, the W220 stayed true to Mercedes’ long-standing luxury-first philosophy. Even so, early reliability issues—mostly electrical—dinged the car’s otherwise strong reputation. It was the price of innovation, some would say.

Final Word

The 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220 wasn’t flawless. But it was important. It moved the S-Class into a new era, both stylistically and technologically. The big Benz lost its boxy suit and put on something sharper—and didn’t forget the tech along the way.

More than two decades later, that formula still sounds familiar. Because this is where it really began.

Technical Specifications: 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220

Performance:

• S 320:

  • 3.2L V6 engine producing 228 hp (170 kW) at 5,600 rpm

  • Torque: 232 lb-ft (315 Nm) at 3,750 rpm

  • 0–60 mph in approximately 8.9 seconds

  • Top speed: 240 km/h (149 mph)

  • Fuel economy: 15 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
    

• S 420:

  • 4.2L V8 engine delivering 275 hp (205 kW) at 5,700 rpm

  • Torque: 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) at 3,900 rpm

  • 0–60 mph in approximately 6.9 seconds

  • Fuel economy: 14 mpg city / 20 mpg highway

• S 500:

  • 5.0L V8 engine with 302 hp (225 kW) at 5,600 rpm

  • Torque: 339 lb-ft (460 Nm) at 2,700 rpm

  • 0–60 mph in approximately 6.0 seconds

  • Fuel economy: 13 mpg city / 20 mpg highway

• S 600:

  • 5.8L V12 engine generating 389 hp (290 kW) at 5,500 rpm

  • Torque: 420 lb-ft (570 Nm) at 3,800 rpm

  • 0–60 mph in approximately 6.3 seconds

  • Fuel economy: 11 mpg city / 17 mpg highway

Body Measurements:

• Length: 5,038 mm (198.3 in)

• Width: 1,855 mm (73.0 in)

• Height: 1,445 mm (56.9 in)

• Wheelbase: 3,035 mm (119.5 in)

• Curb Weight: Approximately 1,770–1,855 kg (3,902–4,090 lbs) depending on the model

Powertrain:

• Transmission: 5-speed automatic (5G-Tronic)

• Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive; 4MATIC all-wheel drive available on select models

• Suspension: AIRMATIC air suspension standard; Active Body Control (ABC) optional on higher trims
  

Capacities:

• Fuel Tank Capacity: 100 liters (26.4 US gallons)

• Seating Capacity: 5 passengers

• Cargo Volume: Approximately 500 liters (17.7 cu.ft.)

Price:

• Original MSRP (1999):

  • S 320 SWB: $65,345

  • S 320 LWB: $68,595

  • S 420: $75,795

  • S 500: $89,795

  • S 600: $137,845

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