The current generation S-Class was launched for the 2007 model year. It's longer, wider and taller than previous models.The exterior's most noticeable features are the exaggerated fender flares front and rear. Additional design cues include an upright grille, headlamps and tail lamps, the latter with thick body-colored horizontal bars running through them and tied together with lower body molding. The decklid opening is not contained within the rear fenders, but instead extends out to the side of the body, with a distinctly raised position that looks a bit like the rear end of a 7 Series BMW. That was done for exactly the same aerodynamic reasons as on the BMW, to give the air rushing over the long, long roof panel a good place to separate cleanly from the body without causing drag. A side benefit is a huge trunk opening for easy loading.
To keep weight down, the hood, decklid, door skins, and much of the door interiors are made of aluminum alloys, while the main body shell is made of high-strength steel.
A wide variety of wheel designs and sizes is available to suit each model, with a number of optional wheel and tire combinations.