What the W223 S-Class changed in the seventh generation

The W223 is the seventh-generation S-Class, produced since 2020 to replace the W222. It was built on a second-generation platform and added a roomier rear cabin, a drag coefficient of 0.22 and a wide suite of driver-assistance sensors. The 2026 facelift changed more than 2,700 parts, which Mercedes described as the most comprehensive refresh within a single generation.

Where did the W223 S-Class come from?

The W223 replaced the W222 and was built on the second-generation Modular Rear Architecture platform. It uses a four-link front suspension and a multi-link independent rear, and air suspension is standard. Most markets sell standard and long-wheelbase versions, while the US, China, Russia and Turkey receive only the long wheelbase.

The air suspension can drop the car 20 mm (0.79 in) when it reaches 160 km/h (99 mph), which helps stability at speed. The body also directs engine heat to the wheel arches and underbody, which improves the airflow around the car.

At launch Mercedes ruled out a coupe or convertible version of the S-Class. At IAA 2021 in Munich it changed that position and added the V12 to the standard S-Class, ending the Maybach's exclusive use of the engine.

A roomier rear cabin, 22 cameras and a drag coefficient of 0.22 mark the seventh-generation S-Class.

How much roomier is the W223 inside?

Rear headroom went up 16 mm (0.63 in) and the legroom grew 41 mm (1.6 in) compared with the W222. The boot gained 20 litres, to 550 litres (19 cu ft), and the car's drag coefficient is 0.22, a figure Mercedes quoted for the whole car.

Rear-axle steering was an option that reduced the turning circle. The turning angle could be set at 4.5 or 10 degrees, shrinking the turning radius from 13.1 m (43 ft) to 12.2 m (40 ft) and 11.2 m (37 ft) respectively.

Flush-fitted electric door handles were offered as an extra-cost option, sitting alongside the standard grip handles. Buyers chose between the two when ordering. The S-Class became the first Mercedes model with two types of door handle, which made the car's exterior a little more varied.

How does 4MATIC work on the W223?

4MATIC is standard on most W223 models, with the S 450 e the main exception. Non-AMG cars use a Magna Trumax transfer case with a 45/55 front-to-rear torque split, while the S 680 models run a more rear-biased 31/69 split.

AMG Performance 4MATIC+ swaps the open centre differential for a multi-disc clutch that is electronically controlled. The front axle can take anywhere between 0 and 50 percent of drive torque, and the rear axle is always driven.

The V12 was fitted with 4MATIC for the first time on a Mercedes-Benz passenger car. It is exclusive to the S 680 Guard 4MATIC.

What technology came with the W223?

The W223 used the second-generation MBUX infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch cluster for the driver and a 12.8-inch OLED screen in the centre with haptic feedback. Its 22 cameras and radar sensors handled adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, emergency braking and steering assistance.

Interior cameras can lower the rear sunblinds when the driver looks back, and they can switch on the interior light when a hand reaches for the glovebox. They also detect a child seat that has been installed without its belt buckled. Driver profiles can be selected by voice or by fingerprint recognition, and the virtual assistant responds to 'Hey Mercedes'.

Radar sensors can anticipate an oncoming side collision, and they raise the car by 8 cm (3.1 in) through its suspension to steer the crash force towards the doorsills. Germany has offered a semi-autonomous system at SAE Level 3 since the second half of 2021.

What is the Mercedes-Maybach version?

The Mercedes-Maybach Z223 was revealed on 19 November 2020 with S 580 4MATIC and S 680 4MATIC designations. Several design cues that set it apart from the standard car carried over from its predecessor. It is 18 cm longer than the predecessor, and it introduced front airbags for rear passengers, a first for Mercedes-Benz.

Engines ranged from a 3-litre inline-six in the S 580 e to a 4-litre biturbo V8 in the S 580 and a 6-litre biturbo V12 in the S 680. A China-only S 480 4MATIC used the six-cylinder, because of the high taxation on engine displacement there.

The S 680 Guard 4MATIC was announced on 28 July 2021 with VPAM VR10 armour. Its extra mass reduced the top speed limit to 190 km/h (118 mph).

Which special Maybach editions were built?

The Edition 100 marked the 1921 anniversary of Maybach Motorenbau's first production car and was limited to 100 units. Each of the editions was built in small numbers. It wore two-tone paint in High Tech Silver and Nautical Blue, with Crystal White and Silver-grey Pearl upholstery.

The Haute Voiture was a fashion-inspired S 680 with Boucle upholstery and rose gold accents. It was launched in early 2023 and limited to 150 units, and a bag collection made from its interior materials was released in limited numbers.

The Maybach by Virgil Abloh S 680 honoured the designer, who died in 2021. Mercedes built 152 of them, and 39 went to buyers in the United States, with Alicia Keys the first to receive one.

What is the S 63 E Performance?

The S 63 E Performance is a plug-in hybrid AMG flagship introduced in December 2022. It combines a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor and a 13.1 kWh battery for 802 PS (791 hp) and 1,430 Nm (1,055 lb ft), and it accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds.

Its top speed is 250 km/h (155 mph), rising to about 290 km/h (180 mph) with the AMG Driver's Package. It is the first S-Class sedan with a Panamericana-style grille, which carries a large Mercedes-Benz logo in place of a hood ornament.

Orders opened on 5 April 2023, but buyers were told in June 2023 that deliveries would not start until the first quarter of 2025.

What did the 2026 facelift change?

The facelift debuted on 29 January 2026 and changed more than 2,700 parts, about half the car. Production of the standard model began in March 2026 and the Maybach followed in April 2026, with a larger illuminated grille and a three-pointed star on the bonnet.

A water-cooled supercomputer running MB.OS handles all the interior electronics. Mercedes chose the MBUX Superscreen over the Hyperscreen because its driver display is more upright, and two 13.1-inch rear displays run native apps such as Disney+ and YouTube.

The India launch on 15 June 2026 brought the S 450e plug-in hybrid, with 435 hp, 680 Nm and a 115 km pure EV range. Heated seatbelts are now available in all four seats.

How did the W223 engine line-up start?

The W223 carried over the engine range of the W222, with inline six, V8 and V12 units. At launch two six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines were offered, and the V8 and V12 models followed in May 2021. The S 580 e, first shown in February 2023, is the brand's first plug-in Maybach.

All models used the nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic at launch, while the AMG S 63 E Performance added a two-speed gearbox that serves only its electric motor. Mercedes had not introduced a diesel plug-in hybrid as of November 2023.

In China the long-wheelbase cars carry an L badge, which is not used in the German or other international markets.

Specifications at a glance