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Mercedes-Benz S-class W220 S 320 CDI (197 Hp) 5G-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)
W220 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W220). With 470 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.4 l/100km). With a weight of 1830 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.8 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.
The Mercedes-Benz S-class W220 was not tested by Euro NCAP. However, as a flagship luxury sedan, it was equipped with advanced safety features for its time, including multiple airbags, ABS, and ESP, reflecting Mercedes-Benz's commitment to occupant protection.
S 320 CDI (197 Hp) 5G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Provides adequate power for daily driving and comfortable cruising, though not as brisk as the V8 options. Torque delivery is smooth.
Fuel Economy
The most economical choice in the W220 lineup, offering excellent fuel efficiency for a luxury sedan, ideal for high-mileage drivers.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional ride comfort and refinement
- • Luxurious interior with high-quality materials
- • Wide range of powerful and smooth engines
- • Advanced technology for its time (e.g., Airmatic suspension, COMAND)
- • Timeless and elegant design
Cons:
- • Known reliability issues, especially with Airmatic suspension and electronics
- • High maintenance and repair costs, particularly for complex systems
- • Fuel economy can be poor on larger petrol V8 models
- • Potential for rust on earlier models
- • Complex systems can be difficult for DIY repairs
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Long (V220): 1998 - 2002).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | S-class |
| Generation: | W220 |
| Modification (Engine): | S 320 CDI (197 Hp) 5G-TRONIC |
| Start of production: | 1999 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 197 Hp @ 4200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 61 Hp/l [120mm less] |
| Torque: | 470 Nm @ 1800-2600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | OM 613.960 More details about the engine OM 613.960 |
| Engine displacement: | 3227 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8.5 l |
| Coolant: | 15.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 88 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 18:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 230 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.3 kg/Hp, 107.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.9 kg/Nm, 256.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1830 |
| Max. weight: | 2430 |
| Max load: | 600 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 88 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5038 mm mm [120mm less] |
| Width: | 1855 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1444 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2965 mm mm [120mm less] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2092 mm |
| Front track: | 1574 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1574 mm |
| Front overhang: | 867 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1206 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.7 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 | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | G-Tronic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 16 |
Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz S-class. How does it handle on the road?