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Model dossier · Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Fifth generation

2005 to 2013 HybridDiesel
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01 Overview

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (Fifth generation) was built from 2005 to 2013. Powertrain: 2.1 L diesel 201 hp I4; 3.0 L diesel 255 hp V6; 3.5 L 302 hp V6; 3.5 L hybrid 295 hp V6; 4.0 L diesel 316 hp V8; 4.7 L 335 hp V8; 4.7 L 429…. Layout: Front engine, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive; model_code = W221 (Sedan);….

Composed from the specifications below, so it states nothing the specs do not. The picture illustrates the body shape, not this car; a photograph is added when a licence-safe one exists.

02 Features and what it can do
Four-wheel / all-wheel driveHybrid powertrainDiesel option

Overview

Models sold in North America are the S450 (2008– , SWB and Canada only), S400 Hybrid (2010– ), S350 Bluetec 4MATIC (2012– ), S550, S600, S63 AMG and S65 AMG; other models to be sold outside North America include the S280, S350, S300, S420 CDI and S320 CDI. The first W221 model released in North America and Japan was the S550 (called S500 outside North America), with the S600 arriving in the following spring. In the US for the 2010 model year, the S-Class received a facelift across the entire model line in mid-2009, with a new S400 Hybrid version. Daytime LED running lights were fitted to the outer edges of the bi-xenon lamp units.

Source: the English Wikipedia article on this model, CC BY-SA 4.0. Text may be shortened; read the full article for the complete text.

03 Specifications
Built2005 - 2013
Engine2.1 L diesel 201 hp I4; 3.0 L diesel 255 hp V6; 3.5 L 302 hp V6; 3.5 L hybrid 295 hp V6; 4.0 L diesel 316 hp V8; 4.7 L 335 hp V8; 4.7 L 429 hp V8; 5.5 L 382 hp V8; 5.5 L 509 hp V12; 5.5 L AMG 536 hp V8; 6.0 L AMG 621 hp V12 6.2 L AMG 518 hp V8
LayoutFront engine, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive; model_code = W221 (Sedan); C216 (Coupé)
Transmission7-speed (5-speed on S65 & S600) automatic
04 Market price

Not yet sourced for this model. Used prices swing with year, mileage, grade and country, so we publish a market range only when it comes with a named source and a date, and never an estimate. For a live figure, use the landed-cost tool with the price on the auction sheet.

05 Buyer's guide

Who it suits

  • High-mileage or city drivers who want lower fuel use without charging.

Check before you buy

  • Ask for a battery state-of-health report: the traction battery is the main value driver in a used hybrid or electric car. Battery SOH tool
  • Check the emissions equipment (particulate filter, NOx treatment) and the destination country's emissions rules; some markets restrict used diesels.
  • Test the four-wheel-drive system (transfer case, differentials) and look for uneven tyre wear.
  • Inspect for corrosion at sills, floor, subframes and suspension mounts, and replace perishable rubber (hoses, bushes, boots) at import.
  • Read the auction sheet grade and notes, and verify the odometer against service and inspection records. How to read an auction sheet
  • Run a history check (accidents, flood, mileage) before you bid. History check guide
  • Import age rules: this generation already qualifies in Canada, United Kingdom. Confirm the rule for your exact vehicle with customs before buying. Landed-cost calculator

General guidance for this type of vehicle, worked out from its body, powertrain and age. It is not a finding about this particular model; use an inspection and the auction sheet for the car you are actually buying.

06 Import age windows

Worked out from this generation's production years and each country's age rule. Rules also depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.

United StatesEarliest examples become eligible in 2030.
CanadaEligible now (built from 2005, 15-year rule).
United KingdomEligible now (built from 2005, 10-year rule).
AustraliaEarliest examples become eligible in 2030.
KenyaAll examples are older than the 8-year cap (newest built 2013).
07 Other generations and models

Other generations of the S-Class

08 Questions buyers ask

Can I import a Mercedes-Benz S-Class (Fifth generation) from Japan?

By production year alone, Mercedes-Benz S-Class (Fifth generation) is inside the age window for Canada, United Kingdom. The earliest examples become eligible later in: United States (2030); Australia (2030). Rules depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.

What powers the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (Fifth generation)?

Per its encyclopedia infobox, engine: 2.1 L diesel 201 hp I4; 3.0 L diesel 255 hp V6; 3.5 L 302 hp V6; 3.5 L hybrid 295 hp V6; 4.0 L diesel 316 hp V8; 4.7 L 335 hp V8; 4.7 L 429 hp V8; 5.5 L 382 hp V8; 5.5 L 509 hp V12; 5.5 L AMG 536 hp V8; 6.0 L AMG 621 hp V12 6.2 L AMG 518 hp V8.

Answered from this page's own data, not from outside claims. See the sources below.

09 Sources

Confidence: single-source (Wikipedia infobox). Specifications differ by market, trim and model year; the auction sheet or the vehicle's registration document is the final word on a particular car.

Work out the landed cost Back to Luxury Database
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