Mercedes-Benz S-class W140 S 320 (231 Hp) 4 Automatic


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 315 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 8.9 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).

S 320 (231 Hp) 4 Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers respectable performance for a large luxury sedan, providing smooth and adequate power.

Fuel Economy

Moderate fuel consumption for its class, balancing power with efficiency.

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:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W140: 1992 - 1994).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:S-class
Generation:W140
Modification (Engine):S 320 (231 Hp) 4 Automatic
Start of production:1993
End of production:1994
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:231 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:72.2 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:315 Nm @ 3750 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 104 E 32 More details about the engine M 104 E 32
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) - urban:14.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:9.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:11.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8.9 sec
Maximum speed:225 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.2 kg/Hp, 122.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6 kg/Nm, 166.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.5 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1890
Max. weight:2550
Max load:660
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:525 l
Fuel tank capacity:100 l
Size:
Length:5113 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1886 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1485 mm mm [1mm less]
Wheelbase:3040 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1606 mm
Rear (Back) track:1579 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.7 m [above average]
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 [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size235/60 R16
Wheel rims size16
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer

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