Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercedes-Benz S-class W221 S 420 CDI V8 (320 Hp) 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 730 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2015 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.6 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 420 CDI V8 (320 Hp) 7G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Combines V8 power with diesel torque, offering formidable acceleration and effortless overtaking capabilities.
Fuel Economy
Impressive fuel efficiency for a powerful V8 diesel, providing a great balance of performance and running costs.
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 (V220, facelift 2002): October, 2002 - July, 2005).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | S-class |
| Generation: | W221 |
| Modification (Engine): | S 420 CDI V8 (320 Hp) 7G-TRONIC |
| Start of production: | October, 2006 |
| End of production: | April, 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Engine systems: | Particulate filter |
| Power: | 320 Hp @ 3600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 80.1 Hp/l [84mm less] |
| Torque: | 730 Nm @ 2200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | OM 629.911 More details about the engine OM 629.911 |
| Engine displacement: | 3996 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration: | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 10.5 l |
| Coolant: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 17:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13-13.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.2-7.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 9.4-9.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 13-13.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 7.2-7.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.4-9.6 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h, Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.3 kg/Hp, 158.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 2.8 kg/Nm, 362.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2015 |
| Max. weight: | 2640 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 625 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 560 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2100 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 90 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 11.2° |
| Length: | 5079 mm mm [84mm less] |
| Width: | 1872 mm mm [17mm more] |
| Height: | 1473 mm mm [29mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3035 mm mm [50mm less] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2115 mm |
| Front track: | 1604 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1606 mm |
| Front overhang: | 871 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1173 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 146 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.8 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 14.7° |
| Departure angle: | 15° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | G-TRONIC |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Air suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Mercedes-Benz S-class!