The Mercedes-Benz S 500 was a variant of the W220 S-Class that debuted for the 2000 model year in North America (1999 in Europe). The S500 was built on the standard and long wheel base W220 platform. The S 500 was powered by Mercedes's M113 E50 engine, which was a 5.0L V8 that generated 302hp. Although initially available with a 5 speed automatic transmission, from the 2004 model year the S500 was fitted with a 7 speed automatic. Production of the W220 Mercedes-Benz S500 ended in late 2005, with the variant sold in North America until 2006. The model series would continue life in the next generation W221 S-Class.