Daewoo Chairman W124 3.2 i 24V (220 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.9 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 4.2 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Daewoo Chairman:

The SsangYong Chairman is a full-size luxury car that was manufactured by South Korean automaker SsangYong from 1997 to 2017. The original model was renamed Chairman H in 2008, with a new model introduced in the same year and designated Chairman W.
On release to the South Korean market in 1997, the chairman was a high-end executive sedan. Its manufacturer, SsangYong, was best known for SUVs and RVs, and the chairman has been its only sedan. The first generation chairman was built on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class platform, but styled more like a modernized W140 S-Class. Coincidentally, the design also foretold that of the upcoming W220 S-Class, which led to some consternation at the German company. Mercedes-Benz requested that Ssangyong redesign the car to make it look less like a Mercedes-Benz and to refrain from selling it in developed export markets such as Europe and the United States....(Read more on Wikipedia)

W124 Overview:

Daewoo Chairman (W124). With 307 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1735 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.5 s). The top speed reaches 230 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.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Daewoo Chairman W124 generation was not directly tested by Euro NCAP. While based on the robust Mercedes-Benz W124 platform, specific safety ratings for the Chairman are unavailable, as the W124 largely predates modern NCAP testing protocols.

3.2 i 24V (220 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers strong, smooth acceleration and ample power for highway cruising, befitting a luxury sedan of its era. The inline-six configuration ensures refinement.

Fuel Economy

As a large displacement inline-six from the late 90s, fuel economy is not its strong suit, expecting moderate to high consumption typical for its class and technology.

Best Use Case: Highway cruising and comfortable long-distance travel, where its smooth power delivery and refined nature can be fully appreciated.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Smooth and powerful Mercedes-derived engine
  • • Comfortable and spacious interior
  • • Robust W124 platform engineering
  • • Distinctive styling for its market
  • • Good value for a luxury sedan experience

Cons:

  • • High fuel consumption
  • • Daewoo badge might deter some buyers
  • • Potential for parts availability issues outside Korea
  • • Aging design compared to newer rivals
  • • Limited modern safety technology

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Daewoo
Model:Chairman
Generation:W124
Modification (Engine):3.2 i 24V (220 Hp)
Start of production:1998
End of production:2005
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:220 Hp @ 5750 rpm.
Power per litre:68.8 Hp/l
Torque:307 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine displacement:3199
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:89.9 mm mm
Piston Stroke:84 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8.5 sec
Maximum speed:230 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:7.9 kg/Hp, 126.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.7 kg/Nm, 176.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1735
Max. weight:2050
Max load:315
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:500 l
Fuel tank capacity:80 l
Size:
Length:5055 mm mm
Width:1825 mm mm
Height:1465 mm mm
Wheelbase:2900 mm mm
Front track:1534 mm
Rear (Back) track:1528 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesDisc
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/60 R16
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Daewoo Chairman rank in your book?