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Mercedes-Benz S-class W221, facelift 2009 S 500 V8 (388 Hp) G-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)
W221, facelift 2009 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221, facelift 2009). With 530 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1880 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.4 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 (388 Hp) G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Effortless and powerful, delivering a classic S-Class experience with strong, linear acceleration.
Fuel Economy
High fuel consumption, typical for an older, naturally aspirated V8, making it less economical than newer alternatives.
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(W221: 2006 - 2009).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | S-class |
| Generation: | W221, facelift 2009 |
| Modification (Engine): | S 500 V8 (388 Hp) G-TRONIC |
| Start of production: | 2009 |
| End of production: | 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 388 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 71 Hp/l [17mm more] |
| Torque: | 530 Nm @ 2800-4800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 273.961 More details about the engine M 273.961 |
| Engine displacement: | 5461 |
| 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 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8.5 l |
| Coolant: | 8.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Compression ratio: | 10.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.5-16.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.9-8.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11-11.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 4.8 kg/Hp, 206.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.5 kg/Nm, 281.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1880 |
| Max. weight: | 2560 |
| Max load: | 680 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 560 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 90 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5096 mm mm [17mm more] |
| Width: | 1871 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1479 mm mm [6mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3035 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| 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 Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | G-TRONIC |
| Front brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 255/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
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