Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2005–2009 car dimensions: 5209 mm long, 1872 mm wide and 1473 mm high. Braked towing is 2,100 kg.
The cabin has a high-quality feel with leather, wood and metal trim plus excellent noise insulation. COMAND is standard with an 8-inch colour display and rotary controller for navigation, audio, phone and climate settings. Fully automatic climate control is standard with pollen/charcoal filters and multiple modes. rear climate is optional. Standard cruise control is fitted, with Distronic Plus adaptive cruise available as an option. Parktronic ultrasound parking sensors are standard on the LWB. A reversing camera is optional. PRE-SAFE Brake automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning and lane keep assist are available only on some grades or with packages, mainly later in the run.
Boot space is 560 litres with the seats in place. The rear seats do not fold to increase capacity in any meaningful way.
Braked towing capacity is 2100 kg and unbraked is 750 kg. Payload is typically around 580 kg depending on exact model and equipment. Airmatic air suspension is standard and helps maintain ride comfort when loaded. Active Body Control is optional on some versions. The car is a luxury saloon so everyday work use is limited to light duties.
The LWB cabin is spacious with high-quality leather and wood trim. Standard 12-way power front seats include lumbar support. Optional multicontour and dynamic multicontour seats add air cushions for bolsters plus massage. Active ventilation and heating are available. Infrared-reflecting noise-insulating glass keeps the interior quiet. LWB versions add power rear seats and heated rear seats as standard. An optional panoramic roof is offered on LWB. The overall feel is refined and calm for long journeys.
Combined fuel use from 8.3 l/100 km on diesel to around 12 l/100 km on V8 petrol.
ASSYST flexible service intervals typically every 15 000-25 000 km or one year.
No Euro NCAP crash-test rating published for this model.
Standard safety includes PRE-SAFE, multiple airbags, ESP, ABS and Brake Assist.
AIRMATIC air suspension is standard on most versions.
Fuel consumption depends on the engine. The S 320 CDI returns about 8.3-8.5 l/100 km combined. The S 350 sits near 10.1-10.3 l/100 km. The S 500 LWB uses 11.8-12.0 l/100 km. Higher-output V12 models consume more.
Servicing follows the ASSYST system. Intervals are flexible based on use and typically fall between 15 000 km and 25 000 km or once a year. Service A covers oil and basic checks. Service B adds filters and brake fluid. Brake fluid is due every two years.
Safety equipment centres on PRE-SAFE which tightens belts, closes windows and adjusts seats before a crash. Standard kit includes dual front airbags, side and curtain airbags, ESP, ABS, Brake Assist and active head restraints. Optional systems add radar-based BAS PLUS, Night View Assist and Blind Spot Assist.
Living with the car means watching the air suspension for leaks and compressor wear. The 7G-Tronic gearbox benefits from regular fluid changes. Electronics and sensors need care but the build quality supports long-term ownership when maintained.
Length 5209 mm, Width 1872 mm, Height 1473 mm, Wheelbase 3165 mm (S-Class 2005–2009)
Sources: manufacturer data, DaimlerChrysler AG S-Class brochure, international edition, to press 15 May 2006: long-wheelbase dimension drawing, mean values, 871+3165+1173 mm) and technical-data tables.