UK US
← Mercedes-Benz S-Class · 1991-1998 · W140

Mercedes-Benz S-Class W140

Headline trim: S 600 V12 — 408 bhp, 0-62 in 6.1s.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class W140 press photo
Verdict
B
BHP
408 bhp
0–60
6.1 s
Top speed
155 mph
MPG
17.0 mpg
Used
£3,500-£15,000

Strengths

  • Built like a bank vault
  • Double-glazed windows
  • M120 6.0 V12

Weaknesses

  • Wiring harness rot
  • Heavy fuel
  • Outsized bulk

Notable tech

  • W140 platform
  • M104 inline-6 / M119 V8 / M120 V12
  • 5G-Tronic auto
  • RWD
  • Vacuum-locking doors
  • Self-closing boot

Common issues

  • Wiring harness
  • Hydraulic leaks
  • Fuel use
  • Vacuum doors

Engine derivatives

UK trims and engines offered across W140's life. Click any two rows to compare them side-by-side.

Pick two engines to compare
S 280 (M104 I6)
BHP193
Torque270 Nm
0–608.6 s
Top143 mph
MPG24 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5AT
S 320 (M104 I6)
BHP231
Torque315 Nm
0–607.8 s
Top149 mph
MPG23 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5AT
S 420 (M119 V8)
BHP279
Torque400 Nm
0–607.4 s
Top155 mph
MPG19 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5AT
S 500 (M119 V8)
BHP315
Torque470 Nm
0–606.5 s
Top155 mph
MPG19 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5AT
S 600 (M120 V12)
BHP408
Torque570 Nm
0–606.1 s
Top155 mph
MPG17 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5AT
S 350 Turbodiesel
BHP148
Torque330 Nm
0–6011.0 s
Top125 mph
MPG32 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5AT