Our Fleet
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Engines Explained: S 500, S 580, S 580e, AMG and Maybach
What the numbers on an S-Class mean today, and how the inline-six, V8, plug-in hybrid, AMG and Maybach V12 engines compare for passengers.
4 min read
The Journal
Our Fleet
The history, engineering and passenger experience of the vehicles we drive every day — Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
40 stories · page 2
Our Fleet articles
Our Fleet
Mercedes-Benz S-Class History: Every Generation from 1972 to Today
The complete history of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, from the 1972 W116 to today's W223, and the safety and comfort firsts that made it the benchmark sedan.
5 min read
Our Fleet
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter History: The Van That Redefined Group Travel (1995–Today)
How the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter went from a 1995 European delivery van to America's favorite executive and group-travel van, generation by generation.
3 min read
Our Fleet
Mercedes-Benz W116: The First Car Officially Called S-Class (1972–1980)
The W116 was the first Mercedes officially named S-Class. Its safety engineering, ABS debut and the legendary 450 SEL 6.9, explained.
3 min read
Our Fleet
Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class (1979–1991): The Airbag, the Aero Shape and a 12-Year Run
The W126 S-Class introduced the airbag to Mercedes, pioneered aerodynamic luxury design and ran for 12 years. Its history, models and legacy.
3 min read
Our Fleet
Mercedes-Benz W140 S-Class (1991–1998): The Over-Engineered Masterpiece
The W140 S-Class brought double-glazed windows, soft-close doors, a V12 and ESP. Why it is called the last cost-no-object Mercedes.
3 min read
Our Fleet
Mercedes-Benz W220 S-Class (1998–2005): Lighter, Smarter and the Birth of Pre-Safe
The W220 S-Class slimmed down after the W140 and introduced Airmatic air suspension, Distronic radar cruise control, Keyless-Go and Pre-Safe.
3 min read
Our Fleet
Mercedes-Benz W221 S-Class (2005–2013): Night Vision, Hybrids and the Digital Cabin
The W221 S-Class added Night View Assist, Pre-Safe Brake, Distronic Plus, Split View screens and a lithium-ion hybrid. Its story and legacy.
3 min read
Our Fleet
Mercedes-Benz W222 S-Class (2013–2020): Magic Body Control and the Maybach Revival
The W222 S-Class could scan the road with Magic Body Control, used no light bulbs at all and brought back Maybach. Its models and legacy.
3 min read
Our Fleet
Mercedes-Benz W223 S-Class (2020–Today): The Current S-Class Explained
The current W223 S-Class explained: MBUX screens, rear-axle steering, the first rear-seat airbags, Level 3 Drive Pilot, engines and Maybach versions.
3 min read
Our Fleet
Riding in the Back of a Mercedes S-Class: A Passenger's Guide to the Rear Seat
What the rear seat of a Mercedes S-Class offers — recline, footrest, massage, climate zones, screens and safety — and which seat to choose in a chauffeured car.
4 min read
Our Fleet
Safety Firsts That Debuted on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Crumple zones, ABS, airbags, ESP, Brake Assist, Pre-Safe and rear airbags — how the Mercedes S-Class introduced the safety tech now in almost every car.
3 min read
Our Fleet
Why the Sprinter Was Sold as a Dodge and a Freightliner in America
Before it wore a Mercedes star in America, the Sprinter was sold as a Freightliner and a Dodge — and the chicken tax shaped how it was built.
3 min read
Our Fleet
How Many People and Bags Fit in a Sprinter Van? A Group Travel Guide
Planning group travel in a Mercedes Sprinter? How many passengers and suitcases fit, when you need a second vehicle, and tips for airport pickups and events.
3 min read
Our Fleet
The 1935 Chevrolet Suburban Carryall: How the First Suburban Began
In 1935 Chevrolet built an all-steel, eight-seat wagon on a truck chassis and called it the Suburban Carryall. How it started the SUV story.
3 min read
Our Fleet
The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban Redesign: Independent Rear Suspension and a Bigger Third Row
Why the 12th-generation Suburban's independent rear suspension was its biggest change in decades — and what it means for ride comfort and third-row space.
3 min read
Our Fleet
Why the U.S. Government and Secret Service Use the Chevrolet Suburban
Why black Chevrolet Suburbans fill U.S. government motorcades: size, payload for armor, reliability, parts availability and a truck-based chassis.
3 min read
Our Fleet
Why Are Black Cars Black? The History Behind the Chauffeur's Color
Why chauffeured cars, limousines and official vehicles are almost always black — from carriage livery and Henry Ford to New York's black car industry.
3 min read
Our Fleet
Why the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Became the World's Chauffeur Car
Why professional chauffeurs, hotels and heads of state keep choosing the Mercedes S-Class: rear-seat design, quiet cabin, reliability and discretion.
3 min read
Our Fleet
GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Explained: What the Top Yukon Adds
What GMC's Yukon and Yukon XL Denali Ultimate add over a regular Denali: materials, Super Cruise, air suspension, sound system and rear-seat comfort.
2 min read
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Fine automobiles, travel across New York and New Jersey, and practical chauffeur advice — sent occasionally. Your address is never shared.