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Mercedes-Benz S-class W140, facelift 1994 S 500 V8 (320 Hp) 4G-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)
W140, facelift 1994 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W140, facelift 1994). With 470 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 7.3 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 (320 Hp) 4G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers excellent V8 performance, though the 4-speed automatic transmission, while robust, doesn't match the smoothness or efficiency of the later 5-speed.
Fuel Economy
High fuel consumption is expected; the 4-speed transmission may slightly impact highway efficiency compared to the 5G-TRONIC.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unmatched ride comfort and cabin isolation for its era
- • Exceptional build quality and material luxury
- • Powerful and smooth engine options (especially V8s and V12)
- • Timeless, imposing design with strong road presence
- • Advanced safety features for the 1990s
Cons:
- • Very high fuel consumption, particularly for V8 and V12 models
- • Expensive to maintain and repair, especially complex electronics
- • Large dimensions make it challenging to maneuver and park in urban areas
- • Some engines (e.g., S 350 Turbodiesel) had known reliability issues
- • Depreciation has been steep, but parts can still be costly
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(SE (W116): March, 1972 - January, 1976).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | S-class |
| Generation: | W140, facelift 1994 |
| Modification (Engine): | S 500 V8 (320 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: | 320 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 64.3 Hp/l [153mm more] |
| Torque: | 470 Nm @ 3900 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 119.970 More details about the engine M 119.970 |
| Engine displacement: | 4973 |
| 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: | 96.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 17.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10-11.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h, Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.3 kg/Hp, 160 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.3 kg/Nm, 235 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2000 |
| Max. weight: | 2650 |
| Max load: | 650 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 525 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 100 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5113 mm mm [153mm more] |
| Width: | 1886 mm mm [16mm more] |
| Height: | 1486 mm mm [61mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3040 mm mm [180mm more] |
| Front track: | 1606 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1579 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.18 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 |
| 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 | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Coil spring |
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