2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class - S600

Imported from Germany to Austria in 2007

Extensive optional equipment

Timeless colour combination

Long service history

When Mercedes-Benz introduced the new S-Class in 1998, the imposing bulk of the W140 was a thing of the past. The W220 was slimmer, lighter and more elegant – but technically no less ambitious. From 1999, the S 600 sat right at the top of the hierarchy.

Beneath its bonnet was initially the 5.8-litre M137 V12, producing 367 bhp and 530 Nm of torque. That was more than enough power, but its real attraction was the almost complete absence of effort that defines a great twelve-cylinder engine. Outwardly, the S 600 remained suitably discreet. Unless you paid attention to the badge and the details, it could easily be mistaken for one of its considerably more modest siblings.

Technically, however, Mercedes brought out the heavy artillery. Airmatic, ESP, Distronic, Keyless-Go and numerous electronic comfort features turned the W220 into a rolling showcase of technology. The S 600 also came with hydraulic Active Body Control, largely suppressing body roll and pitching movements.

With the 2002 facelift, the engine became slightly smaller but, thanks to turbocharging, considerably more powerful. The new 5.5-litre twin-turbo V12 now produced 500 bhp and a mighty 800 Nm of torque. It was enough to propel the luxury saloon from 0 to 100 km/h in less than five seconds.

This long-wheelbase S 600 in Obsidian Black Metallic comes from the earlier, naturally aspirated series and was delivered through a Mercedes dealership in Munich in 2001. Its list of optional equipment is so extensive that reproducing it here would rather exceed the available space. The luxury saloon, trimmed inside in black and anthracite Exclusive leather, was privately imported to Austria in 2007. From then on, it was registered to just one owner in Austria.

Despite having covered more than 200,000 kilometres, the S 600 presents in remarkably well-kept condition. A glance at the consistently stamped service book confirms the impression. The twelve-cylinder S-Class was taken off the road in 2018.

It remains proof that, even at the turn of the millennium, Mercedes-Benz was still setting benchmarks in the luxury class. Or, as Stuttgart had called its grandest saloon since the 1970s: Sonderklasse.

EEC Certificate of Conformity

Original service booklet