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Mercedes-Benz S-class Long (V221) S 500 (388 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC
Overall Rating
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)
Long (V221) Overview:
Mercedes-Benz S-class (Long (V221)). With 530 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1980 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.4 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
S 500 (388 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Excellent power delivery and rapid acceleration, enhanced by the confidence-inspiring 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is higher due to the powerful V8 and AWD, typical for a vehicle of this size and performance.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unrivaled ride comfort and luxurious interior appointments.
- • Extensive range of powerful and refined engine options, including AMG and V12 models.
- • Advanced technology and safety features for its time.
- • Prestigious image and strong road presence.
- • Excellent value on the used market due to depreciation.
Cons:
- • High running costs, including fuel, maintenance, and complex repairs.
- • Sophisticated electronics can be prone to expensive failures as the car ages.
- • Large dimensions can make urban maneuvering and parking challenging.
- • Significant depreciation from new, though beneficial for used buyers.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Long (V220, facelift 2002): 2003 - 2005).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | S-class |
| Generation: | Long (V221) |
| Modification (Engine): | S 500 (388 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC |
| Start of production: | 2005 |
| End of production: | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 388 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 71 Hp/l [46mm more] |
| Torque: | 530 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 273.968 More details about the engine M 273.968 |
| Engine displacement: | 5461 |
| 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: | 8.5 l |
| Coolant: | 8.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 98 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 18.1-18.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.9-9.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.2-12.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.1 kg/Hp, 196 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.7 kg/Nm, 267.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1980 |
| Max. weight: | 2640 |
| Max load: | 660 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 560 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 90 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5209 mm mm [46mm more] |
| Width: | 1872 mm mm [17mm more] |
| Height: | 1473 mm mm [29mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3165 mm mm [80mm more] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2115 mm |
| Front track: | 1604 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1606 mm |
| Front overhang: | 871 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1173 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.2 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | G-TRONIC |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 235/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Air suspension |
Does the Mercedes-Benz S-class live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!