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Mercedes-Benz S-class W140, facelift 1994 S 600 V12 (394 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 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.
S 600 V12 (394 Hp) 4G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Delivers immense V12 power and legendary smoothness, though the 4-speed automatic transmission, while robust, doesn't fully exploit the engine's potential or refinement.
Fuel Economy
Extremely high fuel consumption is a given for this V12, with the 4-speed potentially being marginally less efficient than the 5G-TRONIC on highways.
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 600 V12 (394 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: | 394 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 65.8 Hp/l [153mm more] |
| Torque: | 570 Nm @ 3800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 120.980 More details about the engine M 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: | 11.8-13.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h, Electronically limited |
| 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 [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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