After the W140-generation S-Class' demise during the 1999 model year, Mercedes-Benz debuted what would end up being Bruno Sacco's final S-Class for the 2000 model year in the form of the W220. Although nothing could possibly compete with the 140's legendary build quality and over-engineering, the W220 helped bring Mercedes-Benz into the 21st century with its aerodynamic design and technology expected from an S-Class. Despite the DaimlerChrysler merger and the inferior build quality compared to its predecessor, I still look back fondly on the 220s. When Norev first announced a 1/18 variant in 2020, I remember being very excited for its arrival. I decided to order one when they first hit eBay in 2021 and I don't regret it one bit.
As per the box, this is a 1998 model, which makes it a very early car, which is neat. This particular one is finished in Brilliant Silver Metallic (744) and features six-spoke Segin wheels, which are undeniably the best from the W220's roster of wheel styles.
If we look at the side, we'll find that this is the long-wheelbase V220 due to the elongated rear doors. Well, that and the S600 was only available as a long-wheelbase V220. Norev did an excellent job nailing the side profile and details of the car.
The Segin wheels look spectacular on this model, and I'm infinitely glad Norev chose to debut the casting with them in this spec.
From the rear, we find dual oval exhaust tips that give it an air of sportiness to remind everyone that this barge can still leave most cars for dead in a straight line.
If there's one thing I have to give Norev credit for here above all else, it's the headlights. They actually look great for a car at this price point. You can definitely make out the projectors and reflectors on this one, which is a nice touch.
One small detail that annoys me on the exterior is the lack of an S600 badge to remind C200s and A160s behind you to keep their distance.
Inside, we find an Ash multi-tone interior with actual ripples in the leather as well as carpeting everywhere you'd expect on a real one. Hell, even the area under the steering column has it. The Chestnut trim also looks accurate for a model of this caliber.
The trunk is also nicely appointed with full carpeting as well as a nifty little folded warning triangle as a decal on the inside of the trunk lid.
The biggest drawback to this specific model is under the hood in the form of the engine. The real one has a 5.8-liter M137 V12, but this one happens to be the M275 twin-turbocharged V12 from the facelifted 2003-2006 model, which is a damn shame.
Overall, Norev did an amazing job with their V220 casting. Although details like the engine bother me, that can be rectified by either ignoring it, hoping they fix it, or buying the S55 AMG variant with the correct M113 V8 in that one. I still don't regret buying it and would recommend it to anyone looking to add a car of this vintage to their 1/18 collection. For what the W220 represents, I don't mind keeping this one for a long time.
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