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← Mercedes-Benz S-Class · 2005-2013 · W221

Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221

Headline trim: S 65 AMG V12 — 604 bhp, 0-62 in 4.4s.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 press photo
Verdict
A
BHP
604 bhp
0–60
4.4 s
Top speed
155 mph
MPG
19.0 mpg
Used
£6,000-£28,000

Strengths

  • Pre-Crisis luxury peak
  • M278 4.7 TT V8
  • AMG 6.3 NA V8

Weaknesses

  • AirMatic compressor
  • 7G-Tronic faults
  • Comand sat-nav dated

Notable tech

  • W221 platform
  • 7G-Tronic auto
  • AirMatic standard
  • M278 4.7 TT V8 from 2010
  • M157 5.5 TT V8 (S 63 AMG)
  • M275 6.0 TT V12 (S 65 AMG)
  • OM642 V6 diesel

Common issues

  • AirMatic compressor
  • 7G-Tronic mechatronic
  • Comand sat-nav
  • OM642 oil cooler

Engine derivatives

UK trims and engines offered across W221's life. Click any two rows to compare them side-by-side.

Pick two engines to compare
S 350 V6
BHP272
Torque350 Nm
0–607.3 s
Top155 mph
MPG30 mpg
DriveRWD / 4MATIC
Gearbox7AT
S 500 V8 (M273)
BHP388
Torque530 Nm
0–605.4 s
Top155 mph
MPG21 mpg
DriveRWD / 4MATIC
Gearbox7AT
S 500 V8 (M278 4.7 TT)
BHP435
Torque700 Nm
0–604.8 s
Top155 mph
MPG30 mpg
DriveRWD / 4MATIC
Gearbox7AT
S 600 V12 BiTurbo
BHP510
Torque830 Nm
0–604.6 s
Top155 mph
MPG19 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5AT
S 63 AMG (6.3 NA)
BHP525
Torque630 Nm
0–604.6 s
Top155 mph
MPG20 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox7AT
S 63 AMG (5.5 TT)
BHP564
Torque900 Nm
0–604.4 s
Top186 mph
MPG28 mpg
DriveRWD / 4MATIC
Gearbox7AT
S 65 AMG V12 BiTurbo
BHP604
Torque1,000 Nm
0–604.4 s
Top155 mph
MPG19 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5AT
S 320 CDI V6
BHP235
Torque540 Nm
0–607.6 s
Top149 mph
MPG36 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox7AT
S 400 BlueHybrid
BHP295
Torque385 Nm
0–607.2 s
Top155 mph
MPG36 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox7AT