Mercedes-Benz S-class Long (V140, facelift 1994) S 420 V8 (279 Hp) 4G-TRONIC


Overall Rating

8.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 4.2 / 5
Comfort 5.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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)

Long (V140, facelift 1994) Overview:

Mercedes-Benz S-class (Long (V140, facelift 1994)). With 400 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 2000 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.3 s). The top speed reaches 245 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 420 V8 (279 Hp) 4G-TRONIC Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Delivers strong V8 power, though the older 4-speed automatic transmission is less refined and responsive than the 5G-TRONIC.

Fuel Economy

Likely slightly less efficient than the 5G-TRONIC version due to fewer gears, specific fuel data is not available.

Best Use Case: General luxury driving, less ideal for spirited driving due to the older gearbox.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional ride comfort and refinement
  • • Robust build quality and luxurious interior materials
  • • Powerful and smooth engine options (especially V8 and V12)
  • • Iconic, imposing road presence
  • • Advanced safety features for its era

Cons:

  • • Very high fuel consumption, particularly for V8/V12 models
  • • Expensive maintenance and parts, especially for complex systems
  • • Large dimensions can make city driving and parking challenging
  • • Aging electronics can be problematic
  • • Depreciation has made them affordable, but running costs remain high

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(SE (W116): March, 1972 - January, 1976).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:S-class
Generation:Long (V140, facelift 1994)
Modification (Engine):S 420 V8 (279 Hp) 4G-TRONIC
Start of production:March, 1994
End of production:August, 1995
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:279 Hp @ 5700 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:66.5 Hp/l [253mm more]
Torque:400 Nm @ 3900 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 119.971 More details about the engine M 119.971
Engine displacement:4196
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
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:8 l
Coolant:16.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:92 mm mm
Piston Stroke:78.9 mm mm
Compression ratio:11:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:16 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:9.7-11.7 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8.3 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8.3 sec
Maximum speed:245 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:7.2 kg/Hp, 139.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5 kg/Nm, 200 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.9 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:2000
Max. weight:2650
Max load:650
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:525 l
Fuel tank capacity:100 l
Size:
Length:5213 mm mm [253mm more]
Width:1886 mm mm [16mm more]
Height:1486 mm mm [61mm more]
Wheelbase:3140 mm mm [280mm more]
Front track:1606 mm
Rear (Back) track:1579 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):12.51 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeG-TRONIC
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size235/60 R16
Wheel rims size7.5J x 16
Front suspensionCoil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Coil spring

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