Mercedes-Benz S-class W140 300 SE (231 Hp) Automatic 4-speed


Overall Rating

7.6 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.8 / 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)

W140 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W140). With 310 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1890 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.6 s). The top speed reaches 225 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.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The W140 was designed before modern Euro NCAP testing protocols began in 1997. However, it was considered a leader in passive safety for its era, featuring robust construction and advanced safety systems like ABS and multiple airbags (for its time).

300 SE (231 Hp) Automatic 4-speed Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Strong acceleration for a 6-cylinder, delivering a refined driving experience.

Fuel Economy

Slightly higher fuel consumption compared to other 6-cylinder variants.

Best Use Case: Mixed/Highway Cruising

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional ride comfort and refinement
  • • Robust build quality and imposing presence
  • • Timeless, elegant design
  • • Powerful and smooth engine options (especially V8/V12)
  • • Advanced safety features for its time

Cons:

  • • High fuel consumption, particularly for larger engines
  • • Complex electronics can lead to costly repairs
  • • Large size can be challenging in urban environments and parking
  • • Expensive parts and maintenance costs
  • • Potential for rust on older, less maintained models

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:S-class
Generation:W140
Modification (Engine):300 SE (231 Hp) Automatic 4-speed
Start of production:1991
End of production:1993
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:231 Hp @ 5800 rpm.
Power per litre:72.2 Hp/l
Torque:310 Nm @ 4100 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 104 E 32/104.990
Engine displacement:3199
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:7.5 l
Coolant:14.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:89.9 mm mm
Piston Stroke:84 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:12.3 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8.6 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8.6 sec
Maximum speed:225 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.2 kg/Hp, 122.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.1 kg/Nm, 164 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1890
Max. weight:2410
Max load:520
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:525 l
Fuel tank capacity:100 l
Size:
Length:5113 mm mm
Width:1886 mm mm
Height:1492 mm mm
Wheelbase:3040 mm mm
Front track:1602 mm
Rear (Back) track:1574 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):12.18 m
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeWorm-reduction unit
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size235/60 R16
Wheel rims size7.5J x 16
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer

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