Mercedes-Benz S-class W221, facelift 2009 S 500 BlueEFFICIENCY (435 Hp) G-TRONIC


Overall Rating

8.3 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.5 / 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)

W221, facelift 2009 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221, facelift 2009). With 700 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1935 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5 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 BlueEFFICIENCY (435 Hp) G-TRONIC Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

Delivers exhilarating performance with rapid acceleration and immense power, truly befitting the S-Class's luxury status.

Fuel Economy

Remarkably good fuel efficiency for a high-performance V8, thanks to advanced BlueEFFICIENCY technologies.

Best Use Case: Enthusiastic driving, long-distance luxury, and mixed driving for those who demand power with modern efficiency.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Unrivaled ride comfort and cabin refinement
  • • Sophisticated technology and luxurious interior materials
  • • Wide range of powerful and efficient engine options, including AMG variants
  • • Timeless and elegant exterior design
  • • Exceptional long-distance cruiser

Cons:

  • • High running costs, including fuel, insurance, and premium maintenance
  • • Complex electronics can lead to expensive repairs over time
  • • Air suspension (Airmatic) can be prone to issues, requiring costly fixes
  • • Rapid depreciation from new, though this benefits used buyers
  • • Some older V8 engines are particularly thirsty

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Long (V221, facelift 2009): 2010 - 2013).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:S-class
Generation:W221, facelift 2009
Modification (Engine):S 500 BlueEFFICIENCY (435 Hp) G-TRONIC
Start of production:2011
End of production:2013
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:435 Hp @ 5250 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:93.3 Hp/l [130mm less]
Torque:700 Nm @ 1800-3500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 278.932 More details about the engine M 278.932
Engine displacement:4663
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Direct injection
Engine aspiration:Twin-Turbo, Intercooler
Engine oil capacity:8.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Compression ratio:10.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12.9-13.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.3-7.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9.4-9.6 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 5
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:5 sec
Maximum speed:250 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:4.4 kg/Hp, 224.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:2.8 kg/Nm, 361.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:4.8 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1935
Max. weight:2615
Max load:680
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:560 l
Fuel tank capacity:83 l
Size:
Length:5096 mm [130mm less]
Width:1871 mm [Same width.]
Height:1479 mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:3035 mm [130mm less]
Width including mirrors:2120 mm
Front track:1600 mm
Rear (Back) track:1606 mm
Front overhang:888 mm
Rear overhang:1173 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.8 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears7
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeG-TRONIC
Front brakesDisc [above average]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size255/45 R18
Wheel rims size18

Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz S-class. How does it handle on the road?