2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class: Year-to-Year Changes

2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class: A new limited-edition S600 sedan with a V12 engine joined the S-Class lineup for 2001. To save fuel, the V12 was capable of deactivating six of its cylinders when full power was not needed. The S600 got exclusive interior trim and unique high-polish wheels. Also new was an S55 AMG sedan, packing a 354-horsepower, 5.4-liter V8 engine. Created by Mercedes' performance division, the S55 featured 18-inch wheels and aero lower-body styling. An optional Sport Package for the S430 or S500 delivered an AMG appearance and included a firmer suspension. Both the S55 AMG and the S600 had Active Body Control with coil springs, with electro-hydraulic rams that counteracted body lean during hard cornering. That system was optional on other models. A Distronic "smart" cruise-control option used radar sensors to automatically adjust speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicles ahead. The standard COMAND in-dash video system controlled audio, navigation, and phone functions. TeleAid now included door unlocking and vehicle diagnostics services. A new internet-based "InfoServices" option displayed news, sports, weather, and other user-selected information.

2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class: Except for a more powerful maximum-cooling setting for the air conditioner, little was new for 2002. Power seats added a third memory setting.

2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class: S430 and S500 were offered with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive. The S55/CL55 AMG models gain supercharging boosting their 5.4 V8 by 138 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. New for the flagship S600 is a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V12 with an extra 131 hp and 199 lb-ft vs. last year's nonturbo 5.8 V12. Modified by Mercedes' in-house performance team, AMG models had 18-inch wheels, aero body addenda, and uprated brakes; other models offered a Sport Package option with similar looks and tires.

2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class: Mercedes-Benz introduced a 7-speed automatic transmission on the S430, S500, and CL500 in 2004. Also new this year is a navigation system that uses DVDs instead of CDs.

2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class: All-wheel drive at no extra cost makes 2005 news for Mercedes' largest cars. For 2005, the S430 and S500 offer Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive as a no-charge instead of extra-cost option.

2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class: A new base sedan with a 6-cyl engine joins the roster of Mercedes-Benz' largest cars for 2006. The newcomer is the S350 with a 241-hp V6. CL-Class is unchanged.