Body Styles

Sedan & Coupe & Cabriolet & Maybach & Pullman

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

The “S-Class” or “Sonderklasse” means “Special Class” — and for decades has stood as the flagship Mercedes-Benz vehicle, synonymous with innovation and leadership in the luxury automotive world. The W222 platform set new standards for refinement, driver assistance, interior design, and ride quality. It was the first vehicle to eliminate traditional bulbs entirely, adopting full-LED technology throughout. The Maybach and Pullman variants reintroduced heritage sub-brands to modern buyers: Maybach as the bespoke ultra-luxury arm, and Pullman as the ceremonial limousine par excellence.

Model Name Meaning (Languages)

“S-Class” and “Maybach” remain consistent across languages. The name Maybach (pronounced MY-bahk) refers to Wilhelm Maybach, a pioneer in luxury motoring and one of Daimler’s original collaborators. It resonates worldwide as a symbol of handcrafted prestige and exclusivity. “Pullman” evokes the golden age of rail travel and denotes a high-level ceremonial transport vehicle, still recognized in political and diplomatic circles.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The S-Class W222 series offered sophisticated shades such as Obsidian Black, Iridium Silver, Selenite Grey, and Anthracite Blue, alongside MANUFAKTUR options like Ruby Black, Emerald Green, and Allanite Grey Magno. Maybach-specific dual-tone finishes (e.g., Obsidian/Silver, Gold/Bronze) highlighted exclusivity, with custom pinstripes available on request. Pullman models were typically finished in darker, formal tones and often ordered armored.

Interiors featured Nappa and Exclusive Nappa leather, with color schemes such as Porcelain/Black, Nut Brown, Silk Beige, and Deep Sea Blue. Maybach editions added diamond-quilted seat backs, heated armrests, silver-plated champagne flutes, and refrigerated rear center consoles. Pullman interiors elevated the experience further with power-operated curtains, business-class folding tables, and rear media command modules.

Wheels ranged from 18” multispoke comfort alloys to 20” Maybach exclusive forged designs, and 21” AMG cross-spokes on sportier S 63 / S 65 Coupés. Pullman models had discreet 20” polished wheels tuned for comfort and load-bearing.

Top Expensive Options

• Executive Rear Seat Package PLUS (with recliner, footrest, massage) – $5,800
• Burmester 3D or High-End 4D Audio System (24 speakers) – $6,400–$8,000
• Magic Body Control with Curve-Tilting – $4,450
• Air-Balance Package with Active Fragrance and Ionization – $650
• Maybach Exclusive Packages (fold-out tables, LED roof, Champagne set) – $10,000+
• Night View Assist with Thermal Imaging and Highlighting – $2,300
• ENERGIZING Comfort Program with Wellness Modes – $1,100
• Maybach Dual-Tone Paintwork with Custom Finish – $12,000–$25,000
• Pullman Privacy Partition with Intercom and Monitor Feed – standard or optional in armoring programs
• AMG Carbon Ceramic Brakes (for S 63 / S 65 Coupé) – $9,000

vs Competitors

The W222 faced competitors such as the BMW 7 Series (G11), Audi A8, Lexus LS, and at its upper levels, even Bentley Flying Spur and Rolls-Royce Ghost. Where BMW emphasized dynamic chassis tuning and Audi championed digital minimalism, the S-Class stood apart with its yacht-like ride, executive-first design, and pioneering technologies like predictive suspension and Level 2 autonomy. The Maybach rivaled Bentley in customization while offering superior tech. The Pullman had virtually no direct competitors — outside custom-stretched Rolls-Royce Phantom limousines or armored state vehicles.

Fun Fact

The W222 was the first series-production vehicle in the world to use a forward-facing stereo camera system (Magic Body Control), enabling the suspension to react in real time to bumps and corners. The Maybach S 650 became the last mass-produced V12 sedan from Mercedes-Benz and remains one of the quietest cars ever tested by NVH engineers. Meanwhile, the Pullman was so exclusive that it was offered only via personal consultation, with most units built under confidential state or diplomatic contracts.