W140 S-Class Sedan

The replacement, the W140 was first introduced in 1991. This was a time of change. Mercedes-Benz decided to use the letter first naming scheme. For example: a 500SE would now be named S500. A 500SEL would now be called S500L. This change first started with the S-Class and then progressed to other models.
The design of the W140 was quite different than it's predecessor. It was long awaited. The W126 was in production for 12 years. People wanted a new design. The W140 was the answer. The design was fresh and new. The car was smooth and elegant, while retaining the prestige of Mercedes-Benz. The front was no longer vertical and upright. The grille and the headlights now slanted. On top was the Mercedes-Benz TriStar. The rear headlights were enlarged. This new car offered supreme elegance and prestige. Chrome was kept to a minimum. It only highlighted the grille, the bumpers, the door handles, the windows and the headlights. Also, thin narrow strips highlight the body panels. With smooth body panels and thin bits of chrome, supreme elegance is achieved.
The interior is also brilliant. No longer was velvet popular. Leather dominated all the luxury car interiors. All the S-Class models have leather upholstery as standard. All the surfaces were covered in leather. Strips of wood trim surrounded the interior. Dual-Zone Automatic climate control is standard on all S-Class vehicles. A Bose sound system is available as an option on base models and is standard on the S600. A suede headliner is also available on the S600. Comfort is enhanced by double pane window glass. This glass has improved soundproofing capabilities. Also, this provides numerous insulation benefits. Orthopedic seating, also known as multicontour seats. However, this was an expensive option. Another standard feature was reclining and heated rear seats.
The W140 featured BAS(Brake Assist System). This system allowed for greater brake power. With BAS, break distance was shortened than other vehicles without BAS. Also available as an option was ESP(Electronic Stability Program). This new addition allowed better control over wet surfaces, ice and mud/dirt. Since first introduced, ESP has saved many people's lives, especially on hostile winter conditioned. A new standard feature was ASR(Acceleration Slip Regulation). ASR prevents wheelspin during acceleration. Another addition was side airbags. When a collision occurs, airbags from the side drop like curtains. With these airbags, occupants are better protected against side collisions as well as parts and debris broken off during the crash. Early vehicles were equiped with guide rods that extend when parking. These markers aid the driver in making rear maneuvers.
The W140 received a new suspension system. It uses a double wishbone front axle. Meanwhile, it uses a multi-link independent rear suspension. This suspension aids the car in comfort and handling. Again, 7 engines are available in either long or short wheelbase models. This chart will help you understand the litrage of the engines and their correspondent amount of cylinders.

S300 CDI 3Litre Inline-6 Diesel
S340 CDI 3.4Litre Inline-6 Diesel
S280 2.8Litre Inline-6
320 3.2Litre Inline-6
S320L 3.2Litre Inline-6
S420 4.2Litre V8
S420L 4.2Litre V8
S500 5Litre V8
S500L 5Litre V8
S600 6Litre V12
S600L 6Litre V12

This was the first car in which Mercedes-Benz used a V12 engine. This 6Litre V12 was special, newly created just for the new line of vehicles. This S-Class has again revolutionized the car industry with new technologies and design trends. After an eight year production, the S-Class was replaced by the W220 S-Class in the year 1999.