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- 1956 220 S (W180 II)
Mercedes-Benz1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 S (W180 II) Dimensions, Size & Specs| Production | |
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| Model Year: | 1956 |
The 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 S, also known as the W180 II, is a classic luxury sedan that epitomizes automotive elegance and engineering from the mid-1950s. This generation succeeded the original W180 220 model, offering refined styling and enhanced comfort. As a premium mid-size sedan of its time, the 220 S combined sophisticated design with advanced technology, helping solidify Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for luxury vehicles.
Although exact standardized measurements for the 1956 220 S may vary slightly depending on specific models and trims, the car typically measured around 4,760 mm (187.4 inches) in length, 1,770 mm (69.7 inches) in width, and approximately 1,560 mm (61.4 inches) in height. These dimensions positioned the W180 II well within the mid-size luxury category, providing ample passenger space while maintaining a graceful presence on the road.
The 220 S featured a sturdy yet elegant body-on-frame construction paired with distinctive rounded lines and a stately front grille that became characteristic of Mercedes-Benz in the era. Weighing approximately 1,350 to 1,400 kg (2,976 to 3,086 lbs), the vehicle offered a balanced driving experience combining comfort and performance.
Inside, occupants enjoyed a spacious cabin with high-quality materials, leather upholstery, wood trim, and the innovative technologies available at the time. The sedan was powered by a 2.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine, providing smooth power delivery that matched the vehicle's luxurious character.
Overall, the 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 S (W180 II) sedan remains a celebrated example of mid-century automotive refinement, combining classic size, elegant design, and Mercedes-Benz’s craftsmanship excellence.
Discover the standout features that make the 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 S a leader in its class
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The 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 S (W180 II) has an overall length of approximately 4,730 mm (186.2 inches), a width of around 1,770 mm (69.7 inches), and a height of about 1,540 mm (60.6 inches). These dimensions place it firmly in the mid-size luxury sedan category of its era, providing a spacious yet elegant profile typical for Mercedes-Benz sedans of the 1950s. The relatively moderate width and height helped balance interior comfort with road presence, while the extended length contributed to a roomy passenger compartment and smooth ride quality.
The curb weight of the Mercedes-Benz 220 S (W180 II), produced in 1956, is approximately 1,375 kg (3,031 lbs). This weight reflects the robust steel body construction typical of luxury automobiles in the 1950s, along with the sturdy chassis and mechanical components. The relatively elevated curb weight contributes to the vehicle's stable driving dynamics and smooth ride, although it also impacts fuel efficiency compared to more modern vehicles which use lighter materials.
The 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 S (W180 II) features a wheelbase of 2,850 mm (112.2 inches). A longer wheelbase, such as this one, is instrumental in enhancing ride comfort and providing more generous legroom for rear seat passengers. For the 220 S, the extended wheelbase allows for a spacious and comfortable cabin environment, which was a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz sedans at this time. This makes the car suitable for long journeys and executive transportation, with improved stability at higher speeds and a smoother handling experience.
The Mercedes-Benz 220 S (W180 II) sedan is designed with spaciousness in mind, providing ample interior room for both front and rear passengers. While exact passenger volume information from 1956 is limited, its large dimensions and extended wheelbase translate into a comfortable seating experience. The generous headroom, legroom, and shoulder space ensures that four to five adult passengers can travel comfortably, reflecting Mercedes-Benz's commitment to luxury and passenger comfort during that period.
The 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 S (W180 II), with an overall length of around 4,730 mm (186.2 inches), width of 1,770 mm (69.7 inches), and height of approximately 1,540 mm (60.6 inches), will generally fit into a standard modern garage. Typical garage dimensions in many regions are around 6,000 mm (236 inches) deep and 3,000 mm (118 inches) wide, which comfortably accommodate this sedan. However, it's advisable to account for additional room to maneuver around the car and open doors fully.
The W180 II (220 S) introduced in 1956 reflects a slight evolution in size and luxury compared to its predecessor, the W180 I. While sharing a similar wheelbase of 2,850 mm (112.2 inches), the W180 II generally featured slight dimensional enhancements and styling refinements for improved passenger comfort and space. The dimensions remained relatively consistent as Mercedes-Benz focused more on mechanical improvements and luxury details rather than radical size changes between these two generations.
In the mid-1950s, the Mercedes-Benz 220 S (W180 II) stood competitively among luxury sedans in terms of size. Its length of about 4,730 mm (186.2 inches) and width of 1,770 mm (69.7 inches) were comparable to contemporaries such as the Jaguar Mark IX and Cadillac Series 62. While some American luxury cars were longer and wider, especially in the US market, the 220 S presented a more European mid-size luxury footprint emphasizing elegance and maneuverability. Its balanced size made it suitable for both urban and long-distance driving.
The fuel tank capacity of the Mercedes-Benz 220 S (W180 II) is approximately 70 liters (18.5 US gallons), which supports reasonable driving range for its era. The trunk offers practical cargo space, sufficient for typical luggage needs of the period. While exact trunk volume figures are not widely documented, the vehicle's elongated rear design and sedan body style provide a reasonably spacious boot, suitable for long-distance touring and everyday use.
The 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 S (W180 II) stands approximately 1,540 mm (60.6 inches) tall, with ground clearance typical of mid-1950s luxury sedans, generally around 150-170 mm (5.9-6.7 inches). This height and clearance combination strikes a balance between elegant sedan styling and practical usability on a variety of road surfaces. The moderate height helps the car maintain a low center of gravity, enhancing stability and handling, while the reasonable ground clearance ensures the vehicle is comfortable over minor road imperfections without excessive body roll.
The Mercedes-Benz 220 S (W180 II) introduced in 1956 brought several mechanical advancements compared to earlier W180 models, most notably the adoption of a more powerful inline 6-cylinder engine producing around 115 horsepower, enhancing performance and refinement. The suspension system was upgraded to improve ride comfort and handling. Additionally, enhanced braking systems and interior luxury features set the W180 II apart, refining the overall driving experience and reinforcing Mercedes-Benz's reputation for producing high-quality luxury sedans during the 1950s.
