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Mercedes-Benz S-class W221, facelift 2009 S 500 V8 (388 Hp) 4MATIC G-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, facelift 2009 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221, facelift 2009). With 530 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1955 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.4 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 500 V8 (388 Hp) 4MATIC G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Strong V8 power, with 4MATIC providing enhanced grip and stability, ensuring confident handling in varied conditions.
Fuel Economy
High fuel consumption, slightly worse than the RWD version due to the 4MATIC system's added drag.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unrivaled ride comfort and cabin refinement
- • Sophisticated technology and luxurious interior materials
- • Wide range of powerful and efficient engine options, including AMG variants
- • Timeless and elegant exterior design
- • Exceptional long-distance cruiser
Cons:
- • High running costs, including fuel, insurance, and premium maintenance
- • Complex electronics can lead to expensive repairs over time
- • Air suspension (Airmatic) can be prone to issues, requiring costly fixes
- • Rapid depreciation from new, though this benefits used buyers
- • Some older V8 engines are particularly thirsty
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W221: 2006 - 2009).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | S-class |
| Generation: | W221, facelift 2009 |
| Modification (Engine): | S 500 V8 (388 Hp) 4MATIC G-TRONIC |
| Start of production: | 2009 |
| End of production: | 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 388 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 71 Hp/l [17mm more] |
| Torque: | 530 Nm @ 2800-4800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 273.968 More details about the engine M 273.968 |
| Engine displacement: | 5461 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8.5 l |
| Coolant: | 8.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Compression ratio: | 10.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.8-16.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.1-8.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.3-11.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5 kg/Hp, 198.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.7 kg/Nm, 271.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1955 |
| Max. weight: | 2640 |
| Max load: | 685 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 560 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 90 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5096 mm mm [17mm more] |
| Width: | 1871 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1479 mm mm [6mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3035 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2120 mm |
| Front track: | 1600 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1606 mm |
| Front overhang: | 888 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 | Disc [above average] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 255/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
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