Mercedes-Benz S-class W220, facelift 2002 S 430 V8 (279 Hp) 4MATIC 5G-TRONIC


Overall Rating

7.4 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 4.2 / 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)

W220, facelift 2002 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W220, facelift 2002). With 400 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1905 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.4 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 430 V8 (279 Hp) 4MATIC 5G-TRONIC Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Competent performance, with 4MATIC providing enhanced traction, though slightly impacting acceleration.

Fuel Economy

Noticeably higher fuel consumption due to the added weight and friction of the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.

Best Use Case: All-weather driving / Regions with snow

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Unrivaled comfort and sophisticated ride quality
  • • Powerful and diverse engine options, including high-performance AMG variants
  • • Advanced technology and luxury features for its era
  • • Prestigious image and timeless design
  • • Excellent highway cruiser

Cons:

  • • Complex electronics can lead to expensive malfunctions as the car ages
  • • Airmatic air suspension system is prone to costly failures
  • • Potential for rust issues, particularly on early models
  • • High maintenance and repair costs, especially for V8 and AMG models
  • • Fuel consumption can be significant on petrol V8 models

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Long (V220): 2001 - 2002).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:S-class
Generation:W220, facelift 2002
Modification (Engine):S 430 V8 (279 Hp) 4MATIC 5G-TRONIC
Start of production:2002
End of production:2005
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:279 Hp @ 5750 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:65.4 Hp/l [115mm less]
Torque:400 Nm @ 3000-4400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 113 E 43/113.948 More details about the engine M 113 E 43/113.948
Engine displacement:4266
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:3
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:8 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:18.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:9.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:12.5 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.4 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.4 sec
Maximum speed:250 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:6.8 kg/Hp, 146.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.8 kg/Nm, 210 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1905
Max. weight:2505
Max load:600
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:525 l
Fuel tank capacity:88 l
Size:
Length:5043 mm mm [115mm less]
Width:1855 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1444 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2965 mm mm [120mm less]
Width including mirrors:2092 mm
Front track:1574 mm
Rear (Back) track:1574 mm
Front overhang:872 mm
Rear overhang:1206 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.8 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears5
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeG-TRONIC
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size225/55 R17
Wheel rims size7.5J x 16

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