2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a light-update model, not a redesign. The biggest change is the S63 AMG’s new twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8, paired with a new 7-speed AMG automatic transmission.
About the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
5th generation S-Class (W221, 2007-2013), second year after the 2010 refresh.
Mercedes-Benz positions the 2011 S-Class as its flagship sedan: a full-size luxury car built around quietness, comfort, safety leadership, and engineering prestige. Even though the lineup ranges from the fuel-saving S400 Hybrid to V12 and AMG versions, the core appeal is the same: a smooth, richly finished sedan for long trips, chauffeur-like rear-seat comfort, and advanced technology that was meant to set the pace for the rest of the luxury market.
The S550 remains the core luxury V8 model, while the S400 Hybrid emphasizes lower fuel use without giving up features such as air suspension, leather, navigation, and ventilated front seats. The S600 adds effortless V12 power and extensive rear-seat comfort, while the S63 AMG and S65 AMG turn the large sedan into a high-performance flagship with AMG-tuned suspension and hand-built engines.
What changed, by category
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.5 Liter | V12, Twin Turbo, 5.5L | V8, Twin Turbo, 5.5L | V12, Twin Turbo, 6.0L | V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter | V8, 5.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd SPEEDSHIFT | Auto, 5-Spd SPEEDSHIFT | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | 4MATIC AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Gas |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 12 mpg | 15 mpg | 12 mpg | 19 mpg | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 19 mpg | 22 mpg | 19 mpg | 25 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 382 hp | 510 hp | 536 hp | 621 hp | 382 hp | |
| Torque | 391 lb-ft | 612 lb-ft | 590 lb-ft | 738 lb-ft | 284 lb-ft | 391 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 16.4 cu-ft | 16.4 cu-ft | 16.4 cu-ft | 16.4 cu-ft | 16.4 cu-ft | 16.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 42.3 in | 42.3 in | 42.3 in | 42.3 in | 42.3 in | 42.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake | ||||||
| Driver Attention Assist Monitor | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||||
| Night Vision System | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Video Input | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| Memory Rear Seats | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class redesigned?
No. The 2011 S-Class is a light update to the W221 generation following the 2010 refresh, with targeted powertrain, safety, and cabin-technology changes rather than a full redesign.
What changed on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG?
The 2011 S63 AMG gets a new twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 and a 7-speed AMG automatic transmission. It produces 536 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, up from 518 hp and 465 lb-ft, while also using less fuel.
Did the 2011 S-Class receive upgraded safety features?
Yes. Driver-assistance setups on the S550 and S600 gain blind-spot and lane-keeping systems that can use braking intervention to help move the car away from danger. These upgrades are not standard across the entire lineup.
What new cabin technology did the 2011 S-Class get?
The 2011 S-Class newly offers SPLITVIEW front-display technology. Otherwise, the lineup’s main infotainment equipment carries over without a broad overhaul.
Did the 2011 S400 Hybrid gain any standard equipment?
Yes. Automatic high beams, fog lights, and ventilated front seats become standard on the 2011 S400 Hybrid after being optional for 2010.