Quiet Show of Force
Jaguar can be credited for being one of the first to put 12-cylinder engines in sedans in the modern era, but it was the Germans who ran away with it. Shockingly, it wasn’t Mercedes-Benz that led that charge, but rather it was BMW with the E32 750i/iL. This being Mercedes before the accountants took over, it responded with overkill with the W140 S600.
Over the years, the V12 S-Class would represent quiet authority, as one could specify it to look like a base model, but with a big motor. Sadly, though, you’ll have to go for the Maybach or the armored Guard model if you want a V12 S-Class these days.
NaplesLuxMotors/Bring a Trailer
The Backstory
The W221 is the second-to-last generation of S-Class wherein you can stick the V12 in a regular model. It was, by all means, a step up from its predecessor, and a truly pleasant large luxury sedan. But while the V12s were the top dog, they were actually cheaper to buy due to their complexity. Classic.com lists market value at around $18,800, or nearly half of the V8-powered models. Of course, the AMGs carry a premium.
But what we found on Bring a Trailer isn’t an AMG S-Class, but rather a ‘standard’ W221 S600. Mind you, that’s not a bad thing at all, as it’s one de-badge away from being a proper sleeper. This particular example was initially delivered to Mercedes-Benz of Tampa, Florida, ended up in Wisconsin for a short time, and returned to Florida later on. We’d love to know the deeper backstory of this car, as well as its service records, although the seller has the complete documents. A full service history is exactly what you’ll need in a massively complex near-20-year-old car.
If that doesn’t scare you, you’ll be glad to know that whoever specified this car new ticked all the right boxes. Some highlights include Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, Harman Kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system, rear seat massagers, a panoramic sunroof, soft-close doors, and even Night View Assist, to name a few.
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The Offer
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S600 (W221) |
| Year | 2007 |
| Mileage | 66,010 miles indicated |
| Engine | 5.5-liter M275 biturbo V12 |
| Power | 510 horsepower |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive |
| Exterior color | Flint Grey |
| Interior color | Black Exclusive leather with Burr Walnut trim |
| Wheels | 19-Inch multi-spoke alloy wheels |
| Suspension | Double-wishbone front, multi-link rear – Airmatic + ABC |
| Brakes | Four-wheel ventilated disc |
| Steering | Electro-hydraulic rack and pinion steering |
| Current bid | $3,500 |
Interested in this car? View the listing here.
NaplesLuxMotors/Bring a Trailer
Why it’s Special
As one can no longer get a standard S-Class with a V12 anymore, this W221 S600 represents a time when subtlety was still very much appreciated. The only giveaway to its potent engine was the badge and the exhaust arrangement, so it’s the type of car that quietly let you know about its authority instead of a grandiose display of power. Yes, a V12 S-Class is a daunting task to keep on the road, and buying it can easily ruin one’s finances in a matter of minutes. However, if you get a good one and you maintain it with a fine-toothed comb, it’ll give you a taste of the high life for much, much less, provided you don’t mind its thirst.
NaplesLuxMotors/Bring a Trailer
NaplesLuxMotors/Bring a Trailer
NaplesLuxMotors/Bring a Trailer
NaplesLuxMotors/Bring a Trailer
NaplesLuxMotors/Bring a Trailer
NaplesLuxMotors/Bring a Trailer
NaplesLuxMotors/Bring a Trailer
NaplesLuxMotors/Bring a Trailer
NaplesLuxMotors/Bring a Trailer
NaplesLuxMotors/Bring a Trailer
About the author
Anton Andres
News Editor