2000 Mercedes-Benz S600

While the S-class had always been the target of other luxury automobile manufacturers, the car was feeling old by 1999. It was "too slab sided," not at all sporty and a "little over the top."

Mercedes changed all that in the spring of 1999 when it launched a revamped S-class as an early 2000 model. The company's flagship lineup - featuring the completely overhauled S600 on top - had been redesigned with sleek curves and a car that was a striking and well-received departure from its predecessor.

The S600 remained the upper end car for the S-series with its 5.8 liter, 362 horsepower V12 engine. The car was loaded with technological features that improved performance and safety and was quickly billed as one of the best luxury sedans in the world.