2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
For 2009, the S-Class gets a light controls-and-convenience update rather than a redesign. The headline change is a new brake-hold function, while steering-wheel shift paddles replace the prior shift buttons across the range.
About the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
W221 generation, third US model year and last year before the 2010 mid-cycle exterior, technology and safety update.
The S-Class is Mercedes-Benz's top luxury sedan, built around a quiet, spacious cabin, long-distance comfort, strong engines and advanced safety technology. Its identity combines limousine-like rear-seat room with the control and performance of a smaller car. Buyers typically choose it for its commanding road presence, air or hydraulic suspension systems, high-grade cabin materials and technology that was unusually advanced for its era.
The S 550 is the core luxury model, with a 382-hp V8, air suspension, heated and ventilated leather seats, navigation and premium audio; the S 550 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive. The S 600 emphasizes V12 power and rear-seat comfort, while the S 63 AMG and 604-hp S 65 AMG provide the performance-focused alternatives.
What changed, by category
2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.5 Liter | V12, Twin Turbo, 5.5L | V8, 6.3 Liter | V12, Twin Turbo, 6.0L | V8, 5.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 5-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd SPEEDSHIFT | Auto, 5-Spd SPEEDSHIFT | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | 4MATIC AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 382 hp | 510 hp | 518 hp | 604 hp | 382 hp |
| Torque | 391 lb-ft | 612 lb-ft | 465 lb-ft | 738 lb-ft | 391 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 42.3 in | 42.3 in | 42.3 in | 42.3 in | 42.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Night Vision System | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Massage Front Seat | |||||
| Massage Rear Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class redesigned?
No. The 2009 S-Class remains part of the W221 generation and receives only light control and convenience updates. The broader exterior, technology and safety refresh followed for 2010.
What does the 2009 S-Class brake-hold function do?
The brake-hold function keeps the 2009 S-Class stopped without the driver maintaining pressure on the brake pedal. It is useful in stopped traffic and was added across the model range for this year.
Did the 2009 S-Class get steering-wheel shift paddles?
Yes. Steering-wheel shift paddles replaced the earlier shift buttons across the 2009 S-Class range, giving the driver a more familiar way to select gears manually.
Which 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has all-wheel drive?
The 2009 S 550 4MATIC has all-wheel drive. It pairs that system with a 382-hp V8, a seven-speed automatic transmission and air suspension.
How do the 2009 S-Class AMG models differ from the regular versions?
The 2009 AMG models focus more heavily on performance. The S 63 AMG uses a 518-hp V8, while the S 65 AMG has a 604-hp twin-turbo V12; both also receive AMG-tuned suspension and stronger braking hardware.