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Mercedes-Benz S-class W220 S 500 V8 (306 Hp) 5G-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)
W220 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W220). With 460 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1780 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.5 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.
The Mercedes-Benz S-class W220 was not tested by Euro NCAP. However, as a flagship luxury sedan, it was equipped with advanced safety features for its time, including multiple airbags, ABS, and ESP, reflecting Mercedes-Benz's commitment to occupant protection.
S 500 V8 (306 Hp) 5G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A quintessential S-class engine, delivering smooth, potent V8 power with refined acceleration suitable for any driving situation.
Fuel Economy
Typical V8 petrol consumption for its era; not particularly economical but acceptable given its performance and luxury segment.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional ride comfort and refinement
- • Luxurious interior with high-quality materials
- • Wide range of powerful and smooth engines
- • Advanced technology for its time (e.g., Airmatic suspension, COMAND)
- • Timeless and elegant design
Cons:
- • Known reliability issues, especially with Airmatic suspension and electronics
- • High maintenance and repair costs, particularly for complex systems
- • Fuel economy can be poor on larger petrol V8 models
- • Potential for rust on earlier models
- • Complex systems can be difficult for DIY repairs
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Long (V140): 1993 - 1994).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | S-class |
| Generation: | W220 |
| Modification (Engine): | S 500 V8 (306 Hp) 5G-TRONIC |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 306 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 61.6 Hp/l [175mm less] |
| Torque: | 460 Nm @ 3000-4250 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 113 E 50/113.960 More details about the engine M 113 E 50/113.960 |
| Engine displacement: | 4966 |
| 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 |
| Coolant: | 11.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 97 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 19.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 13.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.8 kg/Hp, 171.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.9 kg/Nm, 258.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1780 |
| Max. weight: | 2380 |
| Max load: | 600 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 88 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5038 mm mm [175mm less] |
| Width: | 1855 mm mm [31mm less] |
| Height: | 1444 mm mm [41mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2965 mm mm [175mm less] |
| Front track: | 1574 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1574 mm |
| Front overhang: | 867 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1206 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.7 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | G-TRONIC |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/60 R16W |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer |
Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz S-class. How does it handle on the road?