Mercedes-Benz S-class Coupe (C140) S 420 V8 (279 Hp) 5G-TRONIC


Overall Rating

7.9 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.8 / 5
Value 3.0 / 5
Performance 4.5 / 5
Comfort 5.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercedes-Benz S-class:

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, formerly known as "special class" , is a series of full-sized luxury sedans and coupés produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. The S-Class is the designation for top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz models and was officially introduced in 1972 with the W116, and has remained in use ever since. The S-Class is the flagship vehicle for Mercedes-Benz, being positioned above the other Mercedes-Benz models.
The S-Class has debuted many of the company's latest innovations, including drivetrain technologies, interior features, and safety systems. The S-Class has ranked as the world's best-selling luxury sedan. In automotive terms, Sonderklasse refers to "a specially outfitted car. " Although used colloquially for decades, following its official application in 1972, six generations of officially named S-Klasse sedans have been produced....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Coupe (C140) Overview:

Mercedes-Benz S-class (Coupe (C140)). With 400 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2005 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.5 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

S 420 V8 (279 Hp) 5G-TRONIC Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The 4.2L V8 offers smooth and adequate power for the large coupe, paired with the more modern and efficient 5-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel Economy

While the 'most economical' of the range, fuel consumption remains high by modern standards.

Best Use Case: Luxury Cruising / Daily Driving

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Unrivaled luxury and comfort for its era
  • • Powerful and refined V8 and V12 engine options
  • • Exceptional build quality and timeless design
  • • Smooth, quiet, and stable grand touring experience
  • • Advanced safety features for the 1990s

Cons:

  • • Very poor fuel economy across all engine variants
  • • High maintenance and repair costs due to complexity and parts availability
  • • Large exterior dimensions can make city driving challenging
  • • Potential for costly electrical issues in older models
  • • Heavy curb weight impacts agility

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Coupe (C126, facelift 1985): September, 1987 - October, 1991).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:S-class
Generation:Coupe (C140)
Modification (Engine):S 420 V8 (279 Hp) 5G-TRONIC
Start of production:September, 1995
End of production:May, 1996
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:4
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:279 Hp @ 5700 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:66.5 Hp/l [130mm more]
Torque:400 Nm @ 3900 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 119.981 More details about the engine M 119.981
Engine displacement:4196
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:8 l
Coolant:16.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:92 mm mm
Piston Stroke:78.9 mm mm
Compression ratio:11:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:15.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.7-10.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8.5 sec
Maximum speed:250 km/h, Electronically limited
Weight-to-power ratio:7.2 kg/Hp, 139.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5 kg/Nm, 199.5 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:2005
Max. weight:2600
Max load:595
Fuel tank capacity:100 l
Size:
Length:5065 mm mm [130mm more]
Width:1912 mm mm [84mm more]
Height:1452 mm mm [45mm more]
Wheelbase:2945 mm mm [95mm more]
Front track:1614 mm
Rear (Back) track:1587 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.91 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeG-TRONIC
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size255/45 R18
Wheel rims size8.5J x 18
Front suspensionCoil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Coil spring

Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Mercedes-Benz S-class?