Mercedes-Benz S-Class | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Daimler-Benz (1972-1998) DaimlerChrysler (1998-2007) Daimler AG (2007-present) |
Production | Predecessors date to 1954 S-Class nomenclature adopted in 1972 |
Assembly | Sindelfingen, Germany Pune, India[1] Samut Prakan, Thailand[2] Pekan, Malaysia[3] Bogor, Indonesia[4] |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Full-sizeluxury car (F) |
Body style | 4-door sedan 2-door coupé |
Related | Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz W187 |
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, formerly known as Sonderklasse (German for 'special class', abbreviated as 'S-Klasse'), is a series of full-sized luxury flagship vehicles produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz, a division of German company Daimler AG. The S-Class designation for top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz models was officially introduced in 1972 with the W116, and has remained in use ever since.
The S-Class has debuted many of the company's latest innovations, including drivetrain technologies, interior features, and safety systems (such as the first seatbelt pretensioners).[5] The S-Class has ranked as the world's best-selling luxury sedan,[6] and its latest generation, the W222 S-Class, premiered in 2013. As in previous iterations, the W222 S-Class is sold in standard and long-wheelbase versions; I4, V6, V8, V12, diesel and hybrid powertrains are offered. All models built in Mexico or sold in the United States are available in long wheelbase only.
In automotive terms, Sonderklasse refers to 'a specially outfitted car.' Although used colloquially for decades,[citation needed] following its official application in 1972, six generations of officially named S-Klasse sedans have been produced. Previous two-door coupe models of the S-Class were known as SEC and later S-Coupe. In 1996 the S-Class coupe was spun off in a separate line as the CL-Class, however as of June 2014, it has been re-designated as the S-Class Coupé for the 2015 model year, doing away with the CL-Class. In 2016, the S-Class Cabriolet, internally named A217, was introduced with three variants: the S 550 Cabriolet, the Mercedes-AMG S 63 Cabriolet with 4Matic, and the Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet.[7] The Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Cabriolet, based on the S 65 Cabriolet, was announced in 2016.[8]
Chassis | Type | Debut |
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W180 | 'Ponton' | 1954 |
W128 | 'Ponton' | 1958 |
W111 | 'Fintail' | 1959 |
W112 | 'Fintail' | 1959 |
W108 | 'Stroke 8' | 1965 |
W116 | S-Class | 1972 |
W126 | S-Class | 1979 |
W140 | S-Class | 1991 |
W220 | S-Class | 1999 |
W221 | S-Class | 2005 |
W222 | S-Class | 2014 |
In 1993, when the W202 was introduced as C-Class, the traditional naming convention (numbers, plus letters) was reversed, with a leading letter identifying the line (As of late 2017, A, B, C, CLA, CLS, E, G, GLA, GLC, GLE, GLS, S, SL, SLC, V and X are in active use). From then on, the long-wheelbase models (formerly 'SEL') and the regular-length models (formerly 'SE') are both labeled with the prefix of 'S' regardless of length. For example, both 500SE and 500SEL are now labeled as S500/S500L, with fuel injection being standard by now anyway. The W221 S-Class has been available in four trim levels; the numbers are given in ascending order to denote more upscale models (e.g. S500 (S550 for US)/S600/S63 AMG/S65 AMG etc.). In official Mercedes-Benz publications and on vehicle nameplates, a space between the letter and numbers is customary (e.g. S 600).
W180, W128 | |
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Mercedes-Benz 220 (W180) | |
Overview | |
Also called | 220a, 220S, 220SE |
Production | 1954–1957 (W180) 1958–1961 (W128) |
Layout | FR layout |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 2.2L I6 |
The W180 line debuted in 1954, and is the first lineup of 'Ponton' models retroactively associated with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The W180 featured six-cylinder sedan, coupé, and convertible models, and was produced until 1957. The later W128 lineup, introduced in the mid-to-late 1950s, was the last to be associated with the 'Ponton' name. It featured the 220a, 219 (W105), 220S, and 220SE models (sedan, coupé, and cabriolet) powered by a 2.2L straight-6, and came to ten. The 'Ponton' designation referred to pontoon fenders, a stylistic feature on the W180/W128 models.
The 'Ponton' lineup included four- and six-cylinder models, but only the six-cylinder W180 and W128 lines are considered part of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class chronology, as they were the most powerful 'Ponton' versions available. Both 'Ponton' models were Mercedes' first without a conventional frame, using a unitized body/frame construction.
W111, W112 | |
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Overview | |
Also called | 220, 220S, 220SE, 230S, 250SE, 280SE, 280SE 3.5 |
Production | 1959–1968 (sedan) 1961–1971 (coupe and cabriolet) |
Layout | FR layout |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 2.2 L I6 2.3 L I6 2.5 L I6 2.8 L I6 3.5 L V8 |
Mercedes Benz Fintail (German: Heckflosse) is an informal nickname given to Mercedes Benz vehicles notable for the presence of tailfins. Though never officially designated as such - Mercedes-Benz claimed they were functional and designated them Peilstege ('sight lines'), assisting to mark the end of the car in the rear view mirror. The Fintail series replaced the Ponton series.
The exterior was designed for the European and North American markets. The W111 was a chassis code given to its top-range vehicles, including four-door sedans, produced from 1959 to 1968, and two-door coupes and cabriolets from 1961 to 1971. The W111, was initially attributed only to six-cylinder cars with 2.2-litre engines. The luxury version with big-block 3-litre engines were given the chassis code W112. The entry-level vehicles with four-cylinder engines were called W110. All three versions W110, W111, and W112, in both two- and four-door bodies, were built on an identical chassis.
W108, W109 | |
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Overview | |
Also called | 250S, 250SE, 280S, 280SE, 300SE |
Production | 1965–1972 |
Layout | FR layout |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 2.5 L I6 2.8 L I6 3.0L I6 3.5 L V8 4.5 L V8 6.3 L V8 |
The updated and larger W108/W109 model lines were introduced in 1965. The squarish W108 line included the straight-six M129 engine powered 250S, 250SE, 280S 280SE and 280SEL. In 1968 the 300 SEL 6.3 borrowed the 6-litre V8 from the W100 600 Pullman to offer a truly high-performance luxury sedan.
During this period, the designation S (for 'Sedan') was used for standard carburated short-wheelbase models; an E (for 'Einspritzung', German for fuel-injection) was added to the 250SE, 280SE and 300SE. Long-wheelbase models gained an L (for 'Lang', German for 'long'), reflecting an extra 10 centimetres (3.9 in) added in the rear passenger compartment. Since the advent of the W108 series, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has always included two wheelbase lengths, although not all wheelbases are sold in every country.
The more powerful 300SE and 300SEL models were classified as the W109 chassis, with front and rear air suspension (rather than the coil spring based W108 rear suspension), and available burl walnut interior trim, automatic transmission, and power windows.
In 1968, the W108 line dropped the 250SE in favor of the larger-engined 280S and 280SEL; the 250S remained as an entry model until 1969; the 300SE/SEL yielded their 3.0 litre inline-6 for the intermediate SL type (W113) 2.8 litre engine, and were later offered with a 3.5-litre V8 engine (in both the SE and SEL form, not in the U.S.) and 4.5-litre (U.S. only) and 6.3-litre V8 engines (in the SEL model only). The W108/109 lines, which eventually supplanted the W111 lines, were never available with four-cylinder engines.
W116 | |
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Overview | |
Also called | 280S, 280SE, 280SEL, 350SE, 350SEL, 450SE, 450SEL, 300SD |
Production | 1972–1980 |
Layout | FR layout |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 2.8 L I6 3.5 L V8 4.5 L V8 6.8 L V8 3.0 L I5turbodiesel |
Transmission | 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
In 1972, Mercedes-Benz introduced the W116 line, the first to be officially called the S-Class.[9] Produced from 1972 through 1980, the W116 series featured a four-wheel independent suspension and disc brakes. The 280, 350, and 450 (4.5L version) models featured SE and SEL versions. Production of the W116 totaled 473,035 units. This was a groundbreaking sedan for Mercedes-Benz, and for the first time in the company history, the car had an obvious, blatant and outward emphasis on safety placed above a pure styling viewpoint. The overall design incorporated numerous safety features developed from the 'safety research vehicles' in the mid-to-late 1960s to the very early 1970s.
These safety features were all newly introduced passenger-car 'firsts' on a production vehicle: padded door trim around the windows, heavily padded steering wheel (later to be replaced by an airbag with the Mercedes-Benz abbreviation of SRS standing for the English-language term Supplemental Restraint System), more comprehensive safety padding on the dashboard and around the interior, dual asymmetric windshield wipers, headrests with a center depression to locate the occupant's head in a more central position during a rear impact, a rain-water management system to improve visibility consisting of deep channels on both sides of the windshield and flowing into deeply channeled rain gutters, including similar designs on the side mirrors, rounded body shapes along the edges, such as the tops of the front fenders, etc., designed to ameliorate pedestrian injuries, ribbed rear taillamp lenses which would remain clearer of dirt on the recessed areas, an easy-to-access first aid kit stowed in a recessed compartment on the rear parcel shelf prominently labeled with the universally recognized 'cross' symbol which represents 'first aid', and several other subtle safety features related to both active and passive safety. The Mercedes Benz S-Class is a classic chauffeur driven car,[10] and has frequently been used as standard by car hire companies. It is comfortable and safe as well as elegant looking; ideal for drives across the countryside or high class transport on a night out.
The W116 models were large luxury sedans. The W116 was larger on the outside than the W108/W109 series it replaced, but had similar interior capacity, as the additional bulk was driven by several new and aforementioned engineering developments on car safety and occupant protection in a crash. The W116 introduced other improved passive safety features into the vehicle design, including a strengthened vehicle occupant shell. It was one of the first cars to be available with ABS, a driver's airbag supplemental restraint system (but not available at the vehicle's initial launch). Also, the W116 was the first mass production passenger vehicle offered with a turbocharged diesel engine.
The 450SE, then the most powerful model in the W116 lineup, was awarded European Car of the Year in 1974. At the New England Auto Show in 1972 held in the fall season in Boston, the Munroney Label (window sticker) of a 1973 450SE was right at $13,000. 1973 was the first model year of the W116 for the US market. Starting in 1975, the W116 was upgraded with a new fuel injection system to comply with revised exhaust emission standards in European markets. A slight power reduction was a result of this update, but in 1978, a series of further engine upgrades restored original performance levels under the new fuel injection systems.Between 1973 and 1977, 997 Special Edition W116 models were made on order by Mercedes. These cars incorporated stronger body paneling and suspension and was 50 kg heavier than its normal counterpart.
With the W116 models, the V8-engines of the 350/450 SE/SEL models were now regular options. Due to the oil crisis, fuel efficiency was the major concern for the engineers, yet they still added also the high-performance, limited-production 450 SEL 6.9. This 8-cylinder model, affectionately referred to as simply 'the 6.9', boasted the largest engine installed in a postwar Mercedes-Benz up to that time. Every 450 SEL 6.9 featured a self-levelinghydropneumatic suspension, and offered the ABS anti-lock braking system as an option from 1978 onwards. Also, in the United States and Canada only, Mercedes-Benz introduced the economical but powerful 3.0-liter 5-cylinder turbodiesel OM 617 A producing 85 kW (116 PS; 114 bhp) in 1978, sold as the 300SD.
W126 | |
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Overview | |
Also called | 260/280/300/380SE/SEL, 420/500/560SE/SEL/SEC, 300/350SD/SDL |
Production | December 1979 – April 1992 |
Layout | FR layout |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 2.6 L I6 2.8 L I6 3.0 L I6 3.5 L I6 3.8 L V8 4.2 L V8 5.0 L V8 5.6 L V8 3.0 L 5-cylinder turbodiesel 3.0 L 6-cylinder turbodiesel 3.5 L 6-cylinder turbodiesel |
Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
The W126 series premiered in September 1979, launching in March 1980 as a 1980 model and late 1980 as a 1981 model in the US and Australia replacing the W116 line. The W126 line featured improved aerodynamics and enlarged aluminum engine blocks. In Australia in 1981, the W126 S-Class won Wheels magazine's Car of the Year award. The W126 was manufactured from 1979 through 1991 with a mid-cycle update. Coupé models based on the S-Class were reintroduced with the W126 (380/500 SEC). Total sales of the W126 S-Class sedans reached 818,036 units, with an additional 74,060 coupes sold.
In December 1980, the W126 introduced a driver side airbag, as patented by Mercedes-Benz in 1971, as well as passenger side airbags (in 1988), seat-belt pretensioners, and traction control. It was the first production car to feature an airbag standard, and as late as 1991 there were only a few other manufacturers in Europe who offered an airbag. The interior featured additional courtesy and reading lamps, along with heated seats and a more advanced climate control system. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard.
Although the top of range Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 of the previous generation was not directly replaced, the W126 carried forward the hydropneumatic suspension of the 6.9 as an option on the 500SEL. A new cruise control system was offered as well. Succeeding the roadster based coupes, the W126 introduced a two-door variant, the SEC coupé.The W126 S-Class received a mid-cycle update in 1985 with exterior modifications and engine upgrades occurred.
Powerplants on the W126 S-Class included straight-6 and V8 engines. Most sales came from the diesel model in Europe and straight-six models in the United States, although the V8 models were praised by contemporary journalists. During the W126 mid-cycle update in 1986, both the straight-6 and V8 engines were upgraded in several models to different displacement levels (six-cylinder upgraded from 2.8 L to 3.0 L, eight-cylinder upgraded from 3.8 L to 4.2 L, and 5.0 L to 5.6 L).
W140 | |
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Overview | |
Also called | 300SE/SEL, 400/500/600SEL, 500/600SEC, 300SDL, 350SDL (1991-1993) S280/300/320/320L/420/420L/500/500L/600/600L (1993-1998) |
Production | April 1991 – August 1998 |
Layout | FR layout |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 2.8 L 145 kW (197 PS; 194 bhp) I6 3.2 L 170 kW (231 PS; 228 bhp) I6 4.2 L 205 kW (279 PS; 275 bhp) V8 5.0 L 240 kW (326 PS; 322 bhp) V8 6.0 L 300 kW (408 PS; 402 bhp) V12M120 (1991–1993) 6.0 L 290 kW (394 PS; 389 bhp) V12 M120 (1993–1998) 3.0 L Turbodiesel 130 kW (177 PS; 175 bhp) I6 3.5 L Turbodiesel 110 kW (150 PS; 150 bhp) I6 |
Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
In 1991, the W140 series replaced the W126 line with the first production model assembled in April of that year. The W140 grew in proportions and featured two wheelbase lengths and a shorter-wheelbase W140 coupé. Production totalled 432,732 units.[citation needed]
The W140 cost 25% more than the W126 that it replaced and featured double-pane window glazing, self-closing boot lid and doors, electric windows with a jam-protection feature (lowering when encountering an obstruction), rear-parking markers in the US (which appeared on the rear wings when in reverse), and a heating system which emitted warm air while residual energy was available after the engine was turned off.
In 1993, Mercedes-Benz model nomenclature was rationalized, with the SE/SEL/SEC cars becoming the S-Class and alphanumerical designations inverted (e.g. the both 500SE and 500SEL became S500 regardless of wheelbase length). In 1995, the W140 received a minor face lift featuring clear turn signal indicator lenses on the front and rear as well as headlamps fitted with separate low- and high-beam reflectors for the US market. Following the mid-year face lift, the W140 coupe and sedan (Saloon) featured Electronic Stability Control. This particular generation of S-class is heavily referred to or nicknamed as the Mercedes 'Shabah/شبح'(Meaning ghost when translated) in many middle eastern countries.
W220 | |
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Overview | |
Also called | S280, S320, S320 CDI, S400 CDI, S350, S430, S500, S600, S55, S63, S65 |
Production | August 1998 – July 2005 |
Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 2.8 L 150 kW (204 PS; 201 bhp) V6 3.2 L 165 kW (224 PS; 221 bhp) V6 3.2 L 145 kW (197 PS; 194 bhp) I6 diesel 3.2 L 150 kW (204 PS; 201 bhp) I6 diesel 3.7 L 180 kW (245 PS; 242 bhp) V6 4.0 L 180 kW (250 PS; 250 bhp) V8 diesel 4.0 L 190 kW (260 PS; 260 bhp) V8 diesel 4.3 L 205 kW (279 PS; 275 bhp) V8 5.0 L 225 kW (306 PS; 302 bhp) V8 5.4 L 370 kW (500 PS; 490 bhp) V8 5.8 L 270 kW (367 PS; 362 bhp) V12 5.5 L 370 kW (500 PS; 490 bhp) V12 6.3 L 330 kW (450 PS; 440 bhp) V12 6.0 L 450 kW (612 PS; 604 bhp) V12 |
Transmission | 5-speed automatic and 7-speed automatic (7G-Tronic) |
In July 1998, the W220 was presented. The W220 S-Class was completely restyled, with a body that was slightly smaller and lighter than its predecessor. Unlike its predecessor, the W220 was not the first model to feature the company's new design theme for the next generation of Mercedes-Benz. This honor was given to the W168 A-Class when it launched in 1997. The new S-Class incorporated the new styling cues first introduced on the Mk I A-Class the year before (for example, the dashboard carried over the new styling details first seen in the A-Class), with a renewed focus on elegance and style in a more rounded shape compared to the preceding W140. Despite being smaller, the W220 S-Class offered more interior space than the W140. Production of the W220 S-Class totaled 485,000 units, slightly more than the production totals from the W140. The W220 was produced in a sedan version only.[11]
As with each new S-Class, the W220 brought in innovations such as Airmatic air suspension and Active Ventilated Seats (which used miniature fans in the seats to move air through perforations). A navigation system with center console-mounted screen display was introduced, along with the COMAND input control system. Other options included keyless entry and ignition, a radar-controlled Distronic cruise control system and a cylinder shut-off system called Active Cylinder Control. The 4MATICall-wheel drive system was introduced to the North America market S-Class for 2003, complementing the traditional rear-wheel drive configurations.
While Consumer Reports classified the W220 model's reliability as 'poor,' its lowest rating, and declared it one of the 'least reliable luxury cars,'[12] Edmunds gave the S-Class a 5 out of 5 reliability rating[13] and MSN Autos assign an expert rating of 9.0 out of 10.[14] By March 2011, Consumer Reports had changed its reliability ratings for the 2001 and 2002 S-Class as having improved to 'average'. Build quality was generally considered to be good. For instance, Forbes described the W220 S500 as 'built remarkably well.'[15] Early W220s were recalled for issues with the trunk spring and the hydraulic fuel line; there were no recalls for the 2005 or 2006 model years.
In 2002, Mercedes-Benz introduced the world's first preemptive safety system on the W220 with its first iteration of Pre-Safe. The W220 S-Class received an exterior refresh with updates to the front fascia. The grille angle was adjusted to a slightly more upright position, and the xenon-discharge headlamps were given a new transparent housing, replacing the earlier opaque versions. The front bumper's lower air intakes were also restyled. In 2005, the S-Class was the first vehicle to receive a TÜV Institute environmental certificate from the German Commission on Technical Compliance for environmentally friendly components.[16]
The W220 was available with more engine options than the W126 or W140. The range started with smaller 2.8 (Singapore) then 3.2L 167 kW (227 PS; 224 bhp) V6 motor, which was superseded by an enlarged 3.7 L 183 kW (248 PS; 245 bhp) V6 in the S350. The S430 was powered by a 4.3 L 208 kW (283 PS; 279 bhp) V8 and the S500 was powered by a 5.0 L 228 kW (310 PS; 306 bhp) V8. The S55 AMG was outfitted with a supercharged 5.4 L 368 kW (500 PS; 493 bhp) V8 motor, the S55 AMG 2000/2001 was outfitted with the naturally aspirated 5.4 L 270 kW (360 PS; 360 bhp) V8 motor. The S600 was outfitted with a 5.5 L 368 kW (500 PS; 493 bhp) M275 V12 twin turbo engine, the S600 2000/2001 was outfitted with the naturally aspirated M137 5.8 L 274 kW (372 PS; 367 bhp) V12 engine.
For one month in 2001, AMG produced the S63 AMG, which was sold in very limited numbers. The S63 was powered by a 6.3 L 331 kW (450 PS; 444 bhp) V12. An undisclosed number of them were sold exclusively through AMG in European and Asian markets. A handful of the S600 AMG 'collectors edition' were produced in the later years of the W220, much the same specs as the S63 AMG, but with an improved interior and voice command. The S600 AMG were one of the earlier models to be introduced with the Euro 4 emissions system. The S65 AMG was introduced in 2003 and went on sale in 2004 as a 2005 model. Powered by a 6.0 L 456 kW (620 PS; 612 bhp) V12 twin turbo motor, the S65 was the most powerful S-Class, as well as the world's most powerful production sedan of the era. The S65 had a 0 to 97 km/h (0 to 60 mph) time of 4.2 seconds (conservative MB estimate) and an owner-tested time of 3.8 seconds and could reach 160 km/h (100 mph) under 9 seconds. Furthermore, an ECU software upgrade can result in the engine producing 550 kW (750 PS; 740 bhp) and over 1,150 N⋅m (850 lb⋅ft) of torque.
W221 | |
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Overview | |
Also called | S250 CDI, S300, S350 (BlueEFFICIENCY, BlueTEC), S400 HYBRID, S450, S550(500), S600, S320/S420 CDI, S63, S65 |
Production | 2005–2013 |
Model years | 2006–2013 (Europe) 2007–2014 |
Body and chassis | |
Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive |
Related | Mercedes-Benz CL-Class |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 2.1 L diesel 150 kW (204 PS; 201 bhp) I4 3.0 L diesel 255 hp (190 kW) V6 |
Transmission | 7-speed (5-speed on S65 & S600) automatic |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | SWB: 5035 mm LWB: 5165 mm |
The all-new W221 was introduced in the autumn of 2005 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, with sales starting in autumn of 2005 and export to other markets beginning in 2006. The W221S-Class made its North American premiere at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. The W221 is slightly larger in all dimensions than its predecessor, and it features three newly developed engines with up to 26% power increase. The interior is completely new, all materials have been upgraded and make for a more luxurious ride, and the center console transmission gear lever has been replaced with a column-mounted shifter. New technological features on the W221 include an infraredNight View Assist feature and the latest Mercedes-Benz pre-collision system. The W221 features sharper exterior styling (most notably wide fender arcs) and technological improvements. The W221 is the second consecutive generation of the S-Class to be solely produced in a sedan body style.
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 and Japan), with the S600 arriving in the following spring.[17][18] Mercedes Benz Mexico also produces a police spec model of the S-600, the S-600P. The S-600P is similar to the standard S-600 but is equipped with the dual turbo charged V-12 engine of the S65 AMG and includes police lights, siren, run-flat tires, a gun mount, a Lanix computer station integrated with the host police network, optional prisoner cage and restraint seats, and level B6/B7 armoring. The S-600P is only built in Mexico and only comes in long-wheelbase version. The Mexican government uses S-600P's mainly for transporting important figures, but several police departments in wealthier cities in the country use them as patrol vehicles, as does the Mexican Federal Police in limited numbers. A small number of S-600P were purchased by the police department of Guangzhou, China for protection of key government figures.
In the US for the 2010 model year, the S-Class received a facelift across the entire model line in mid-2009. Daytime LED running lights were fitted to the outer edges of the bi-xenon lamp units. The rear end was accented with a total of 52 distinctively arranged LEDs in the two taillights. Gone are the body-colored strips through the tail lamps. Other noticeable changes at the front of the car are a more pronounced arrow-shaped grille, plus a new front bumper with a light-catching contour and a chrome strip below the cooling air intakes. New, sleeker rear-view door mirrors with LED turn signals were also added. Exhaust tailpipes of all S-Class variants were visibly integrated into the rear bumper. The wheels were updated to more modern-style ones. Also new is a S400 Hybrid version. Safety also improved on most Mercedes Benz models, with the orange-colored light reflectors mounted on the side of the bumpers. Also, before it was updated it had a C-Class look at the front. Afterwards it disappeared. Also, some shiny chrome is added to the bottom of the doors and bumper.[19]
In terms of performance, the S550 completes the 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) run in just 5.4 seconds. Despite having a weight of 2,304 kg (5,079 lb), the S65 AMG still makes it 0 to 97 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in just 4.2 seconds.[20] The S600 makes the same sprint in about 4.6 seconds.
The brakes continue to become more advanced with the new Brake Assist Plus system monitoring for an impending collision and increasing braking if needed, while the Distronic Plus radar guided cruise control can now bring the car to a complete stop.[21] This system works in outdoor conditions; a test demonstration by Mercedes-Benz in a crash-test hall resulted in embarrassment for the company when a new S-Class crashed into the back of a stationary W220 S-Class. This incident was later attributed to the radar system malfunctioning inside the radar-reflective (i.e. radar-confusing) steel test building where the event was filmed.[22]
Upscale department store Saks Fifth Avenue offered 20 special-edition S600 sedans for sale in its 2005 Christmas catalog. All 20 cars, priced at US$145,000 each, sold on November 22, 2005 in under seven minutes. The Saks-edition S600 sedans were finished in a mocha black exterior with an almond beige interior and were the first examples of the S600 to be sold to private owners. The S600s came with nearly every option standard. In 2007, Automobile Magazine named the W221 S-Class as one of its 2007 'All-Stars' over rivals from Lexus and BMW,[23] and Car and Driver selected the S550 as the winner in a five-way comparison test of flagship luxury sedans,[24] as did Motor Trend Magazine in July 2009 in a three way comparison test, with the other two competitors being the BMW750Li, and AudiA8L 4.2 Quattro. The W221 S-Class was also the recipient of several other motoring awards (see following).
W222/C217/A217 | |
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Overview | |
Production | June 2013–present |
Model years | 2014–present |
Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive |
Powertrain | |
Transmission | 7-speed 7G-Tronic / 9-speed 9G-Tronicautomatic |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | SWB: 3,035 mm (119.5 in) LWB: 3,165 mm (124.6 in) |
Length | SWB: 5,116 mm (201.4 in) LWB: 6,946 mm (273.5 in)[25] |
Width | 1,899 mm (74.8 in)[25] |
Height | 1,496 mm (58.9 in)[25] |
Officially unveiled in May 2013, the newest S-Class has a more streamlined appearance than the outgoing model. Some interesting features include a large front grille inspired by the F700 Concept car and LED lights used exclusively inside and out – a first in the automotive industry. Two strong converging character lines give the flanks a more sculpted look, while integrated exhaust tips and a large glass roof (likely optional) highlight the design.
Along with the sedan, the S-Class spawned a coupe (Mercedes-Benz C217) and convertible (Mercedes-Benz A217) as well as an extended-wheelbase 'Pullman' variant, longer than the long wheelbase 'L.' While the short-wheelbase model carries chassis code W222, the long-wheelbase model uses chassis code V222. Unlike with previous generations, Mercedes focused primarily on the development of the longer model as many customers in the fast-growing Asian markets prefer to be chauffeured.[26]
Inside, almost every surface is covered by a 'luxury' material – everything that looks like leather is genuine leather and metal is used rather than any plastic alternative. The instrument cluster consists entirely of two widescreen (30.5 cm diagonal) LCD displays with animated graphics. A 'Head-Up' display and gesture responsive touch pad became options in early 2014.
The W222 debuts the available Magic Body Control, consisting of windshield mounted stereo cameras that can 'read' the road ahead (Road Surface Scan) and communicate with the Active Body Control suspension to ready it for an uneven road surface.[27] Initially available only on 8-cylinder models and above, Magic Ride Control attempts to isolate the car's body by predicting rather than reacting to broken pavement and speed humps.
Available luxury appointments over and above what was offered in the W221 include a choice of massage type for each seat occupant (the W221 offered various intensities of a single massage type) and two levels of premium audio from luxury German brand, Burmester.
The W222 has driver assistance systems aboard that allow it to steer a course within a lane and follow a leading vehicle for a short period (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, also called traffic jam assistant). It will also slow or come to a dead stop and accelerate in response to traffic ahead. Mercedes engineers claim to have, under controlled conditions, ridden aboard a W222 S Class that has driven autonomously for 50 km, merely by altering parameters controlling equipment already fitted. Such modifications are not available to the general public.
Like the W221 S500, the W222 S-Class will be powered by a more powerful twin-turbo V8 producing 455 hp (339 kW) while the S600 will carry a twin-turbo V12. There is also a diesel-powered S350 BlueTEC version, a hybrid S400 with a 20-kilowatt (27 PS; 27 hp) electric motor and 228 kW (310 PS; 306 bhp) V6 engine, a diesel-electric hybrid S300 BlueTEC. A S500 Plug-in Hybrid was later introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) with a market release of 2014 and claimed a 3 l/100 km (94 mpg‑imp; 78 mpg‑US) mileage, a CO2 rating of 69 g/km (3.9 oz/mi) and up to 30 km (19 mi) of emissions free driving. The S500 Plug-In hybrid is fitted with a 245 kW (334 PS; 329 bhp) 3-litre V6 and an 80-kilowatt (110 PS; 110 hp) electric motor.[28][29] AMG fettled S63 (V8 bi-turbo) and S65 (V12 bi-turbo) LWB sedans are also on offer. All S-Class models will come with a 7-speed automatic transmission.[30]
Historically, the engineering of the S-Class was claimed[by whom?] to have been designed without regard to cost, a practice which continued unfettered up through the W140 line.[citation needed] The company in turn has been able to exploit this as a marketing tool, culminating in its onetime slogan, 'engineered like no other car in the world.' This slogan was used throughout the 1980s with the marketing of the W126 S-Class. However, following the formation of DaimlerChrysler and the cessation of engineer-sanctioned overbudgeting in the late 1990s, this slogan was dropped. The subsequent W220 model S-Class were reported to suffer from relatively lower reliability and quality rates to previous models.[31]
In the 1980s, Mercedes-Benz built the world's first driverless cars using the S-Class, together with the team of Professor Ernst Dickmanns at Bundeswehr Universität München.[32] The culmination of this effort was achieved in 1995, when Dickmanns' re-engineered autonomous S-Class robot completed a trip from Munich, Bavaria to Copenhagen, Denmark and back. On the autobahn, the robot S-Class achieved speeds exceeding 175 km/h (109 mph). It suggested and executed overtaking maneuvers. The car's abilities left a big impression on many observers, and is said to have heavily influenced robot car research and funding decisions worldwide.
A concept future hybrid, the F700 research car, was also unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.[33] The F700 featured three regular opening doors and a fourth door capable of 180-degree rotation. The concept also featured bulletproof and puncture-resistant tires.
Mercedes-Benz has traditionally introduced its safety innovations in the S-Class. For instance, the S-Class was the first car in Europe to incorporate airbags and three point seatbelts. S-Class safety features included innovations in active safety (accident avoidance), passive safety (collision protection), and holistic safety (integration of both active and passive safety features). Active safety features include: ABS braking in 1978[34] (acts to reduce braking distances and improve stopping control; co-developed with Bosch); traction control and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in 1995[34] (improves driver control during difficult road conditions); and Brake Assist (provides full braking power during emergency stops). In 2005, a new infrared night vision feature was introduced (improves visibility during nighttime conditions). Despite the popular misconception, the S-Class was not the first car fitted with ABS braking technology, although some credit can be given for popularizing this now largely standard feature (ABS was initially an option on most models of the W126 S-Class). Active lane keeping became standard in 2011.[35]
Passive safety features include: crumple zones in 1957 (vehicle body structure absorbs the force of impact); collapsible steering column (prevents the steering column from protruding into the cabin during accidents), strengthened occupant cell enhanced occupant protection during severe impacts (rollovers); pre-accident seatbelt tensioning (tightens seatbelts prior to impact), and sandwich platforms (allows the engine to slide under the occupants in a head-on collision).
PRE-SAFE, Mercedes-Benz's holistic safety feature, was introduced on the S-Class in 2002. PRE-SAFE integrates multiple active and passive safety features for a 'safety net' approach to vehicle safety by attempting to prevent accidents; if accidents do occur, PRE-SAFE aims to reduce occupant injury. In the latest version of this pre-collision system, PRE-SAFE will prime the brake assist system, lock the doors to prevent accidental opening during the accident, adjust the seats, close the windows and sunroof, and tighten seatbelts during certain types of collisions. In the event an accident results in a roll over, the PRE-SAFE feature unlocks the doors and lowers the windows approximately 1 cm (1⁄2 in) to allow you to exit or safety workers to gain access easily.
Road accident statistics on a model-by-model basis from the UK Department of Transport show that the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one of the safest cars on the UK roads[citation needed] (measured in terms of chance of death in an accident).
A special armored version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been produced, known as the S-Guard. Features include the capability to withstand small arms fire and certain explosive devices, a self-sealing fuel tank, and an alarm system.[36] For 2009, Mercedes-Benz launched a long-wheelbase version of the S-Guard, known as the Pullman Guard. This model is 45 cm (18 in) longer than the standard model and also has a higher roof and taller rear window with a different rake.[37]
The S-Guard is widely used at the diplomatic level to protect world leaders. Ninety governments worldwide are known to use the S-Guard for transport of government leaders and dignitaries.[38] The S-Guard is built on a special production line at the S-Class facility in Sindelfingen, Germany, with specific S-Guard enhancements integrated at multiple stages throughout the production process.[38]
Most S-Class models, including the W221, are built at the Daimler AG plant in Sindelfingen, Germany and at the Mercedes-Benz-Valdez plant in Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico. Founded by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft in 1915, the Sindelfingen plant also produced the model 600 'Grosser Mercedes' and past generations of the S-Class.[39] Previous S-Class models (such as the W126) were built in different locations ranging from Stuttgart to South Africa, but with recent models (such as the W220) production has been concentrated in Sindelfingen and Santiago Tianguistenco. In February 2007, DaimlerChrysler Malaysia's (now, Mercedes Benz Malaysia) plant in Pekan, Pahang began production of S350 (model W221) vehicles and is currently assembling S300, S350L and S500L.[40] In all, some 2.7 million S-Class vehicles have been produced in the past forty years.[41]
Calendar year | US (hybrid) | Germany | China |
---|---|---|---|
1999 | 22,966 | ||
2000 | 21,989 | ||
2001 | 25,998[49] | 18,347 | |
2002 | 21,118 | 11,395 | |
2003 | 22,940[50] | 9,865 | |
2004 | 20,460 | 7,045 | |
2005 | 16,036[51] | 6,718 | |
2006 | 30,886 | 10,985 | |
2007 | 26,081[52] | 8,262 | |
2008 | 17,787 | 8,077 | |
2009 | 11,199[53] () | 6,617 | 14,959[54] |
2010 | 13,608 (955)[55] | 5,177 | 25,000[56] |
2011 | 12,258[57] | 4,730 | 31,050[58] |
2012 | 11,794 | 3,304 | 33,140 |
2013 | 13,303 | 4,963 | 20,448 (11 months) [54] |
2014 | 25,276 | 8,617 | 28,054[54] |
2015 | 21,934 | 7,312 | 26,234[59] |
2016 | 18,803 | 6,812 | |
2017 | 15,888[60] | 6,759 | |
2018 | 14,978[60] | 6,527 |
Notable examples of awards received by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class include the top ranking in the J.D. Power Sales Satisfaction Index from 1987 to 1990,[61] seven time ranking as What Car? 'Best Luxury Car',[16] and five times as Fleet News 'Luxury Car of the Year'.[16] The S-Class was Wheels Magazine Car of the Year for 1981 and 1999,[62]U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute 'Safest Passenger Car of the Year' in 1988 and 1989,[63] and European Car of the Year in 1974. The S-Class is also the first car ever (2005) to receive an environmental certificate from the German Commission on Technical Compliance (TÜV).[16] Other awards range from Popular Science Best of What's New—Grand Award 2005 to Top Gear magazine's 'Limousine of the Year' for 2006.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mercedes-Benz S-Class. |
« previous — Mercedes-Benz road car timeline, 1990s–present | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Model | Body | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | ||
A | Hatch | W168 | W169 | W176 | W177 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
B | W245 | W246 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
C | Saloon | W201 | W202 | W203 | W204 | W205 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Estate | S202 | S203 | S204 | S205 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
E | Saloon | W124 | W210 | W211 | W212 | W213 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Limousine | V124 | V212 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Estate | S124 | S210 | S211 | S212 | S213 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
S | Saloon | W126 | W140 | W220 | W221 | W222 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Limousine | V126 | V140 | V220 | V221 | V222, X222 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pullman | VF140 | VF220 | VV222 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CLA | 4-door coupé | C117 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shooting-brake | X117 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CLS | 4-door coupé | W219 | W218 | C257 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shooting-brake | X218 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CLC/C | Coupé | CL203 | CL203 | C204 | C205 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cabriolet | A205 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CLK/E | Coupé | C124 | C208 | C209 | C207 | C238 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cabriolet | A124 | A208 | A209 | A207 | A238 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
CL/S | Coupé | C126 | C140 | C215 | C216 | C217 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cabriolet | A217 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SLK/SLC | Roadster | R170 | R171 | R172 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SL | R129 | R230 | R231 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SLS/GT | Coupé | C197 | C190 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Roadster | R197 | R190 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SLR | Coupé | C199 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Roadster | R199 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Speedster | Z199 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vaneo | MPV | W414 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
R | W251 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
V | W447 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
GLA | Crossover | X156 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
GLK/GLC | SUV | X204 | X253 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
C253 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
M/GLE | SUV | W163 | W164 | W166 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
C292 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
GL/GLS | SUV | X164 | X166 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
G | Off-road vehicle | W460/461 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
W463 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
X | Pickup truck | BR 470 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Citan | LCV | W415 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vito & Viano | MB100 | W638 | W639 | W447 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sprinter | T1 | W901 - W905 | NCV3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vario | T2 | W670 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unimog | Tractor/truck | U435 | U437 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Model | Body | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
1990s | 2000s | 2010s |
hearts and souls and lives can themselves be sites of unimaginable suffering.
topics | posts | views | last activity |
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Der 'Erwachsenen-..:Leserunde: S. Das Schiff des Theseus - J.J. Abrams & Doug Dorst | 22 | 13 | May 27, 2019 04:19AM |
SciFi and Fantasy..:'Ship of Theseus' Buddy Read | 122 | 88 | Apr 29, 2019 12:22PM |
Around the Year i..:S., by J.J. Abrams | 8 | 76 | Jan 04, 2019 04:49PM |
You'll love this ..:S. / The Ship of Theseus | 104 | 78 | Jun 12, 2017 07:45AM |
S | |
---|---|
S s | |
(See below) | |
Usage | |
Writing system | Latin script |
Type | Alphabetic and Logographic |
Language of origin | Latin language |
Phonetic usage | [s] [ʃ] [θ] [ts] [ʒ] /ɛs/ |
Unicode value | U+0053, U+0073 |
Alphabetical position | 19 |
History | |
Development | |
Time period | ~-700 to present |
Descendants | • ſ • ß • Ƨ • Ꞅ • $ • ₷ • § • ℠ • ᛋ • ∫ |
Sisters | С Ш Щ Ҫ Ԍ ש ش ܫ س ࠔ ? ? ሠ ㅅ (disputed) ㅆ (disputed) Սս श स શ સ |
Variations | (See below) |
Other | |
Other letters commonly used with | s(x), sh, sz |
This article contains IPA phonetic symbols. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of Unicode characters. For an introductory guide on IPA symbols, see Help:IPA. |
|
S (namedess/ɛs/,[1] plural esses[2]) is the 19th letter in the Modern English alphabet and the ISO basic Latin alphabet.
Northwest Semiticšîn represented a voiceless postalveolar fricative/ʃ/ (as in 'ship'). It originated most likely as a pictogram of a tooth (שנא) and represented the phoneme /ʃ/ via the acrophonic principle.[3]
Greek did not have a /ʃ/ phoneme, so the derived Greek letter sigma (Σ) came to represent the voiceless alveolar sibilant/s/. While the letter shape Σ continues Phoenician šîn, its name sigma is taken from the letter samekh, while the shape and position of samekh but name of šîn is continued in the xi.[citation needed]Within Greek, the name of sigma was influenced by its association with the Greek word σίζω (earlier *sigj-) 'to hiss'. The original name of the letter 'sigma' may have been san, but due to the complicated early history of the Greek epichoric alphabets, 'san' came to be identified as a separate letter, Ϻ.[4]Herodotus reports that 'San' was the name given by the Dorians to the same letter called 'Sigma' by the Ionians.[5]
The Western Greek alphabet used in Cumae was adopted by the Etruscans and Latins in the 7th century BC, over the following centuries developing into a range of Old Italic alphabets including the Etruscan alphabet and the early Latin alphabet.In Etruscan, the value /s/ of Greek sigma (?) was maintained, while san (?)represented a separate phoneme, most likely /ʃ/ (transliterated as ś). The early Latin alphabet adopted sigma, but not san, as Old Latin did not have a /ʃ/ phoneme.
The shape of Latin S arises from Greek Σ by dropping one out of the four strokes of that letter.The (angular) S-shape composed of three strokes existed as a variant of the four-stroke letter Σ already in the epigraphy in Western Greek alphabets, and the three and four strokes variants existed alongside one another in the classical Etruscan alphabet. In other Italic alphabets (Venetic, Lepontic), the letter could be represented as a zig-zagging line of any number between three and six strokes.
The Italic letter was also adopted into Elder Futhark, as Sowilō (ᛊ), and appears with four to eight strokes in the earliest runic inscriptions, but is occasionally reduced to three strokes (ᛋ) from the later 5th century, and appears regularly with three strokes in Younger Futhark.
The minuscule form ſ, called the long s, developed in the early medieval period, within the Visigothic and Carolingian hands, with predecessors in the half-uncial and cursive scripts of Late Antiquity. It remained standard in western writing throughout the medieval period and was adopted in early printing with movable types. It existed alongside minuscule 'round' or 'short' s, which was at the time only used at the end of words.
In most western orthographies, the ſ gradually fell out of use during the second half of the 18th century, although it remained in occasional use into the 19th century.In Spain, the change was mainly accomplished between the years 1760 and 1766. In France, the change occurred between 1782 and 1793. Printers in the United States stopped using the long s between 1795 and 1810. In English orthography, the London printer John Bell (1745–1831) pioneered the change. His edition of Shakespeare, in 1785, was advertised with the claim that he 'ventured to depart from the common mode by rejecting the long 'ſ' in favor of the round one, as being less liable to error...'[6]The Times of London made the switch from the long to the short s with its issue of 10 September 1803. Encyclopædia Britannica's 5th edition, completed in 1817, was the last edition to use the long s.
In German orthography, long s was retained in Fraktur (Schwabacher) type as well as in standard cursive (Sütterlin) well into the 20th century, and was officially abolished in 1941.[7]The ligature of ſs (or ſz) was retained, however, giving rise to the Eszett, ß in contemporary German orthography.
The letter ⟨s⟩ is the seventh most common letter in English and the third-most common consonant after ⟨t⟩ and ⟨n⟩.[8] It is the most common letter in starting and ending position.[citation needed]
In English and several other languages, primarily Western Romance ones like Spanish and French, final ⟨s⟩ is the usual mark of pluralnouns. It is the regular ending of English third personpresent tenseverbs.
⟨s⟩ represents the voiceless alveolar or voiceless dental sibilant/s/ in most languages as well as in the International Phonetic Alphabet. It also commonly represents the voiced alveolar or voiced dental sibilant/z/, as in Portuguesemesa (table) or English 'rose' and 'bands', or it may represent the voiceless palato-alveolar fricative[ʃ], as in most Portuguese dialects when syllable-finally, in Hungarian, in German (before ⟨p⟩, ⟨t⟩) and some English words as 'sugar', since yod-coalescence became a dominant feature, and [ʒ], as in English 'measure' (also because of yod-coalescence), European PortugueseIslão (Islam) or, in many sociolects of Brazilian Portuguese, esdrúxulo (proparoxytone) in some Andalusian dialects, it merged with Peninsular Spanish ⟨c⟩ and ⟨z⟩ and is now pronounced [θ]. In some English words of French origin, the letter ⟨s⟩ is silent, as in 'isle' or 'debris'.
The ⟨sh⟩ digraph for English /ʃ/ arises in Middle English (alongside ⟨sch⟩), replacing the Old English ⟨sc⟩ digraph. Similarly, Old High German ⟨sc⟩ was replaced by ⟨sch⟩ in Early Modern High German orthography.
Character | S | s | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Unicode name | LATIN CAPITAL LETTER S | LATIN SMALL LETTER S | ||
Encodings | decimal | hex | decimal | hex |
Unicode | 83 | U+0053 | 115 | U+0073 |
UTF-8 | 83 | 53 | 115 | 73 |
Numeric character reference | S | S | s | s |
ASCII1 | 83 | 53 | 115 | 73 |
NATO phonetic | Morse code |
Sierra | ··· |
Signal flag | Flag semaphore | American manual alphabet (ASLfingerspelling) | Braille dots-234 |
Smith & Wesson Model 19 | |
---|---|
Type | Revolver |
Place of origin | United States |
Production history | |
Designer | Smith & Wesson |
Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
Produced | 1957–1999, 2014-- |
Variants | Model 66 (inox steel) Model 68 (inox steel, .38 Special) |
Specifications | |
Cartridge | .357 Magnum |
Action | Double action |
Feed system | 6-round cylinder |
Sights | Adjustable |
The S&W Model 19 is a revolver produced by Smith & Wesson on its K-frame. The Model 19 is chambered for .357 Magnum. The K-frame is somewhat smaller and lighter than the original N-frame .357, usually known as the S&W Model 27.
The .357 Magnum is the oldest 'magnum' handgun cartridge. Smith & Wesson played a major part in the development and success of the cartridge and revolver that went with it. Firearms writer and experimenter Philip Sharpe is credited for its development during the 1930s when police agencies were asking for a more powerful round. S&W's Dan Wesson agreed to produce a new revolver that would handle 'high-intensity' .38 Special loads, but only if Winchester would develop a new cartridge. Elmer Keith, a well known author and wildcatter at the time, was experimenting with hand loading .38 Special ammunition beyond their original specifications, taking advantage of the newer and better designed firearm frames and metallurgy, and also played a major role in the development of the .357 Magnum. Winchester introduced the .357 Magnum, which was dimensionally identical to the .38 Special except for a .125 inch longer case, and the first revolvers (referred to as '.357 Magnum Models') were completed by S&W on April 8, 1935.[1]
Retired Assistant Chief Patrol Inspector of the U.S. Border Patrol, famous gunfighter, and noted firearms and shooting skills writer Bill Jordan consulted with Smith & Wesson on the design and characteristics of the Model 19. Jordan's idea for a 'peace officer's dream'[2] sidearm was a heavy-barreled four-inch K-Frame .357 Magnum with a shrouded barrel like the big N-frame .357 and adjustable sights. After a year of experimentation with improved-strength steels and special heat-treating processes, the result was the .357 Combat Magnum (later designated Model 19), with the first serial-number gun (K260,000) presented to Jordan on November 15, 1955.[1][3]
The .357 Magnum, four-inch barreled model was standard issue to uniformed officers of the former U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service as well as Patrol Agents of the U.S. Border Patrol until both agencies adopted .40 caliber semi-automatic pistols.
The .357 Magnum, 2.5” barreled model was standard issue to Special Agents of the former U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service as well as Patrol Agents of the U.S. Border Patrol working plain clothes assignments until both agencies adopted .40 caliber semi-automatic pistols.
The Model 19 was produced in blued carbon steel or nickel-plated steel with wood or rubber combat grips, an adjustable rear sight, full-target or semi-target hammer, serrated wide target trigger or combat-type trigger, and was available in 2.5' (3': Model 66—rare), 4', or 6-inch barrel lengths. The weights are 30.5 ounces, 36 ounces, and 39 ounces, respectively. The 2.5- and 3-inch barrel versions had round butts, while the others had square butts.[1]
The Model 19 was produced from 1957 (first model number stampings) to November 1999. The Model 66 was produced from 1970 until 2005. The Model 66 differed by its use of stainless steel and its smooth target-type trigger. The Model 68 was a limited-production version of the Model 66 made for the California Highway Patrol and Los Angeles Police Department chambered in .38 Special with a 6' barrel. The Model 19 and the Model 66 had the same trigger options.[1] One of the last variations of the Model 19 ordered for police use was the 2.5' Model 19-5, special ordered under SKU #100701 as the standard issue sidearm for Special Agents of the US Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service. This model featured a .400' wide, smooth 'combat' trigger, Pachmayr Professional Compac rubber grips, and most notably a matte black finish instead of the common high-polished blue.[1]
Engineering changes were designated with a 'dash-' number after the model number. The engineering changes are as follows:[1]
Model | Year | Modifications |
---|---|---|
19 | 1957 | Introduction |
19-1 | 1959 | Change extractor rod, right to left-hand thread |
19-2 | 1961 | Cylinder stop changed, deleted trigger guard screw |
19-2 | 1963 | Introduce 6' barrel |
19-2 | 1963 | 50 manufactured with 2.5' barrel, serial range K544672–K544721 |
19-2 | 1966 | Introduce 2.5' barrel as standard |
19-3 | 1967 | Relocation of rear sight leaf screw |
19-3 | 1968 | Delete diamond-insert grip |
19-4 | 1977 | Change gas ring from yoke to cylinder |
19-5 | 1982 | Eliminate cylinder counter bore and pinned barrel; small change in cylinder length to 1.62' |
19-6 | 1988 | New yoke retention system; radius stud package; floating hand; hammer nose bushing. |
19-6 | 1992 | Blue finish only is cataloged |
19-7 | 1994 | Add Uncle Mike's Combat synthetic grips; drill and tap frame; change extractor; change rear sight leaf |
19-7 | 1995 | Delete square butt |
19-7 | 1996 | Discontinue 6' barrel production; begin shipments in blue foam-filled plastic cases |
19-7 | 1997 | Change to MIM thumbpiece and trigger, ship with trigger locks |
19-8 | 1998 | Change frame design, eliminate cylinder stop stud, serrated tangs |
19-8 | 1998 | Add internal lock, add MIM hammer w/ floating firing pin |
19-8 | 1999 | Discontinue 2.5” barrel |
19-9 | 2018 | Reintroduced with 4.25” barrel and Performance Center Carry Comp with 3” barrel |
Two M19s were used in the 1996 Dunblane massacre.[4] This led to the enactment of Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 and Firearms (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1997, effectively banning handguns in the UK.[5]
Smith & Wesson Model 1899 Military & Police | |
---|---|
Lend-Lease M&P dating from World War II, missing lanyard ring | |
Type | |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
In service | 1899-Present |
Used by | See Users |
Wars | World War I Easter Rising Irish War of Independence World War II Korean War Vietnam War Gulf War The Troubles other conflicts |
Production history | |
Designed | 1899 |
Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
Produced | 1899–present |
Variants | 38 M&P M&P Model 1902 Model of 1905 Victory Model Model 10 |
Specifications | |
Mass | ~ 34 oz (907 g) with standard 4' (102 mm) barrel (unloaded) |
Barrel length |
|
Cartridge | .38 Long Colt .38 Special .38/200 (.38 S&W) |
Action | Double action |
Muzzle velocity | 1,000 feet per second (300 m/s) (.38 Special) 685 feet per second (209 m/s) (.38/200) |
Feed system | 6-round cylinder |
Sights | Blade front sight, notched rear sight |
The Smith & Wesson Model 10, previously known as the Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector Model of 1899, the Smith & Wesson Military & Police or the Smith & Wesson Victory Model, is a revolver of worldwide popularity. In production since 1899, the Model 10 is a six-shot, .38 Special, double-action revolver with fixed sights. Over its long production run it has been available with barrel lengths of 2 in (51 mm), 3 in (76 mm), 4 in (100 mm), 5 in (130 mm), and 6 in (150 mm). Barrels of 2.5 inches (64 mm) are also known to have been made for special contracts.[1] Some 6,000,000 of the type have been produced over the years, making it the most popular handgun of the 20th century.[2]
In 1899, the United States Army and Navy placed orders with Smith & Wesson for two to three thousand Model 1899 Hand Ejector revolvers chambered for the M1892 .38 Long Colt U.S. Service Cartridge. With this order, the Hand Ejector Model became known as the .38 Military and Police model.[3] That same year, in response to reports from military sources serving in the Philippines on the relative ineffectiveness of the new cartridge, Smith & Wesson began offering the Military & Police in a new chambering, .38 S&W Special (a.k.a. .38 Special), a slightly elongated version of the .38 Long Colt cartridge with greater bullet weight (158 grains) and powder charge increased from 18 to 21 grains of gunpowder.[3]
In 1902 the .38 Military & Police (2nd Model) was introduced, featuring substantial changes.[1] These included major modification and simplification of the internal lockwork and the addition of a locking underlug on the barrel to engage the previously free-standing ejector rod. Barrel lengths were 4-, 5-, 6-, and 6.5-inches with a rounded butt. Serial numbers for the Military & Police ranged from number 1 in the series to 20,975. Most of the early M&P revolvers chambered in .38 Special appear to have been sold to the civilian market.[3] By 1904, S&W was offering the .38 M&P with a rounded or square butt, and 4-, 5-, and 6.5-inch barrels.
The .38 S&W Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change, introduced 1915, incorporated a passive hammer block and enlarged service sights that quickly became a standard across the service revolver segment of the industry. The M&P revolver was issued in large numbers during World War I, where it proved itself to be a highly reliable and accurate weapon. Although WWI saw the rise of semi-automatic pistols, revolvers such as the M&P were often the weapon of choice, as they were generally considered more reliable and easier to use than automatic pistols.
After the War, the M&P would become the standard issue police sidearm for the next 70 years. It would also become very popular with civilian shooters, with several new models being made, including the first snubnosed 2-, 2.5- and 3-barrel models being made in 1936.[1][4]
The S&W M&P military revolvers produced from 1942 to 1944 had serial numbers with a 'V' prefix, and were known as the Smith & Wesson Victory Model. It is noteworthy that early Victory Models did not always have the V prefix. During World War II over 570,000 of these pistols were supplied to the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa under the Lend-Lease program, chambered in the British .38/200 caliber already in use in the Enfield No 2 Mk I Revolver and the Webley Mk IV Revolver. Most Victory Models sent to Britain were fitted with 4-inch or 5-inch barrels, although a few early versions had 6-inch barrels.[5][6]
The Victory Model was used by United States forces during World War II, being chambered in the well-known and popular .38 Special cartridge. The Victory Model was a standard-issue sidearm for United States Navy and Marine Corps aircrews, and was also used by security guards at factories and defense installations throughout the United States during the war.[7]
Some of these revolvers remained in service well into the 1990s with units of the United States Armed Forces, including the United States Air Force and the Coast Guard. Until the introduction of the Beretta M9 9mm pistol in 1990, U.S. Army helicopter crew members and female military police officers were equipped with .38 caliber Victory Model revolvers. Criminal Investigation Division agents were issued .38 caliber revolvers with two inch barrels. The Victory Model remained in use with Air National Guard tanker and transport crews as late as Operation Desert Storm in 1991, and with United States Navy security personnel until 1995.[8]
Some Lend-Lease Victory Model revolvers originally chambered for the British .38/200 were returned to the United States and rechambered to fire the more popular and more powerful .38 Special ammunition, and such revolvers are usually so marked on their barrels. Rechambering of .38-200 cylinders to .38 Special results in oversized chambers, which may cause problems. Lee Harvey Oswald was carrying a re-chambered Victory Model when he was apprehended on November 22, 1963.[9]
The finish on Victory Models was typically a sandblasted and parkerized finish, which is noticeably different from the higher-quality blue or nickel/chrome finishes usually found on commercial M&P/Model 10 revolvers. Other distinguishing features of the Victory Model revolver are the lanyard loop at the bottom of the grip frame, and the use of smooth (rather than checkered) walnut grip panels. However some early models did use a checkered grip, most notably the pre-1942 manufacture.[10]
After World War II, Smith & Wesson returned to manufacturing the M&P series. Along with cosmetic changes and replacement of the frame fitting grip with the Magna stocks, the spring-loaded hammer block safety gave way to a cam-actuated hammer block that rode in a channel in the side plate (Smith 1968). In 1957, Smith & Wesson adopted the convention of using numeric designations to distinguish their various models of handguns, and the M&P was renamed the Model 10.[8]
The M&P/Model 10 has been available in both blued steel finish and nickel finish for most of its production run. The model has also been offered throughout the years with both the round butt and square butt grip patterns. Beginning with the Model 10-5 series in the late 1960s, the tapered barrel and its trademark 'half moon' front sight (as shown in the illustrations on this page) were replaced by a straight bull barrel and a sloped milled ramp front sight. Late model Model 10s are capable of handling any .38 Special cartridge produced today up to and including +P+ rounds.[8]
As of 2012 the Model 10 was available only in a 4-inch barrel model, as was its stainless steel (Inox) counterpart, the Smith & Wesson Model 64.[11] Some 6,000,000 M&P revolvers have been produced over the years, making it the most popular handgun of the 20th century.[12]
Model | Year | Modifications |
---|---|---|
10 | 1957 | Introduction |
10-1 | 1959 | Heavy barrel introduced |
10-2 | 1961 | Change extractor rod thread for standard barrel |
10-3 | 1961 | Change extractor rod thread for heavy barrel, change front sight width from 1/10' to 1/8' |
10-4 | 1962 | Eliminate trigger-guard screw on standard barrel frame |
10-5 | 1962 | Change sight width from 1/10' to 1/8' on standard barrel |
10-6 | 1962 | Eliminate trigger-guard screw on heavy-barrel frame |
10-7 | 1977 | Change gas ring from yoke to cylinder for standard barrel |
10-8 | 1977 | Change gas ring from yoke to cylinder for heavy barrel |
10-9 | 1988 | Replace yoke retention system, radius stud package, floating hand hammer nose bushing for standard barrel |
10-10 | 1988 | Replace yoke retention system, radius stud package, floating hand hammer nose bushing for heavy barrel |
10-11 | 1997 | MIM hammer/trigger and floating firing pin for standard barrel |
10-12 | 1997 | MIM hammer/trigger + floating firing pin for heavy barrel |
10-13 | 2002 | Limited production 1899 commemorative edition |
10-14 | 2002 | Internal lock added |
10-14 | 2010 | Discontinued |
10-14 | 2012 | Reintroduce as part of the Classic Line |
After a small prototype run of Model 10-6 revolvers in .357 Magnum caliber, Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 13 heavy barrel in carbon steel and then the Model 65 in stainless steel. Both revolvers featured varying barrel weights and lengths—generally three and four inches with and without underlugs (shrouds). Production dates begin in 1974 for the Model 13 and end upon discontinuation in 1999. The Model 65 was in production from 1972-1999.[1] Both the blued and stainless models were popular with police and FBI, and a variation of the Model 65 was marketed in the Lady Smith line from 1992 to 1999.
From the Late 1940's to early 1960's Smith & Wesson made a Variation of the Model 10 chambered for .38 S&W called the Model 11[13] that was sent to British Commonwealth countries to supply their armies[13] and police forces.[14] they were also sent to Canada as well.[15]
The S&W Model 10 revolver was a popular weapon before the semi-automatic pistol replaced the revolver in many police departments, as well as police units and armies.
Many of the S & W Military & Police revolvers were captured and used by some of the police forces, such as the Austrian Police, during the occupation after World War II. It is incorrect to refer to them as 'the Model 10' as model numbers were not introduced by Smith & Wesson until 1957. Note that, during First World War, copies (slightly undersized) of the Military & Police were produced in Eibar and Guernica (Spain), in 8mm 1892 caliber for the French armies; the Milice man on the right holds such a copy.
The weapon is currently[when?] used by French cash couriers and banks, Disciplined Services of Hong Kong, Myanmar Police Force officers and other Burmese paramilitary units, Peruvian National Police and other police units.
A few copies of Smith & Wesson Model 10 were produced in Israel by Israel Military Industries (IMI) as the Revolver IMI 9mm. The weapon was chambered in the 9mm Luger caliber, instead of .38 Special, the original caliber.[16][17] Also, Norinco of China has manufactured the NP50, which is a copy of the Smith & Wesson Model 64, since 2000.
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