Mercedes-Benz S-class W221 S 320 CDI (235 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)
W221 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221). With 540 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1950 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 7.8 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 W221 generation was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. However, it was equipped with numerous advanced safety features for its time, including PRE-SAFE, multiple airbags, and robust structural integrity, ensuring high levels of passive and active safety.
S 320 CDI (235 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Good torque and adequate power for a diesel, with the added benefit of 4MATIC traction for improved stability.
Fuel Economy
Very good fuel economy for an AWD luxury sedan, though slightly less efficient than its RWD counterpart.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional ride comfort and luxurious interior
- • Advanced technology and safety features for its era
- • Wide range of powerful and refined engines, including efficient diesels
- • Timeless, elegant design
- • Excellent build quality and prestige
Cons:
- • High running costs, especially for V8 petrol and AMG models
- • Complex electronics can lead to expensive repairs
- • Air suspension (Airmatic) can be a costly maintenance item
- • Depreciation can be significant, though offers good used value
- • Some interior plastics may show wear over time
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Long (V221): 2005 - 2009).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | S-class |
| Generation: | W221 |
| Modification (Engine): | S 320 CDI (235 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC |
| Start of production: | 2006 |
| End of production: | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 235 Hp @ 3600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 78.7 Hp/l [130mm less] |
| Torque: | 540 Nm @ 1600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | OM 642.930 More details about the engine OM 642.930 |
| Engine displacement: | 2987 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8.5 l |
| Coolant: | 7.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 83 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 92 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 18:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12-12.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.1-7.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.7-8.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.3 kg/Hp, 120.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.6 kg/Nm, 276.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1950 |
| Max. weight: | 2625 |
| Max load: | 675 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 560 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 90 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5079 mm [130mm less] |
| Width: | 1871 mm [1mm less] |
| Height: | 1473 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3035 mm [130mm less] |
| 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): | 11.8 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 | Disc [above average] |
| 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 |












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