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Mercedes-Benz S-class W140 S 600 V12 (394 Hp) Automatic
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)
W140 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W140). With 570 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2180 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 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 600 V12 (394 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The flagship engine, offering immense power and very fast acceleration for its size.
Fuel Economy
Very high fuel consumption, as expected for a powerful V12 engine.
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 600 V12 (394 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1993 |
| End of production: | 1994 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 394 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 65.8 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 570 Nm @ 3800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 120 E 60/120.980 More details about the engine M 120 E 60/120.980 |
| Engine displacement: | 5987 |
| Number of cylinders: | 12 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 10 l |
| Coolant: | 18.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80.2 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 20.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 11.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 15.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.5 kg/Hp, 180.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.8 kg/Nm, 261.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2180 |
| Max. weight: | 2710 |
| Max load: | 530 |
| 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: | 1486 mm mm [Same height.] |
| 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 Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| 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) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Mercedes-Benz S-class?