Segment: Upper Premium
Production years: 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972
With the “Fintail” model fading away after a successful career, Mercedes-Benz had to replace it with something better. And they did it with the 1965 luxury model.
The 1965 S-Class was offered with two wheelbases, the shorter ones being more driver-oriented than for the rear-passengers. The new generation kept the nameplates as 250 S, 250 SE and 300 SE, which succeeded the “fintail” types 220 Sb, 220 SEb and 300 SE. .
It was designed by the famed French designer Paul Bracq. He adopted simple lines for the bodywork and chromed details to emphasize the luxury vehicle. It had vertical headlights, a concept that was different from other car-manufacturers at that time when most of the other car-manufacturers offered round or horizontal units. The 300 SE ditched the air-suspension from the previous model, but it had a hydropneumatic system to compensate the rear axle that could maintain a constant level to the car, regardless of the weight added to the car.
In 1966, the 300 SEL, the longer version of the 300 SE. Its 100 mm (4”) longer wheelbase was used for increased legroom for the rear passengers. Compared to its siblings, this version featured an air-suspension. While the other versions had the W108 designation code, the 300 SEL was named W109, which corresponded to an approximate 109” (2850 mm) wheelbase, compared to the 108” (2750 mm) wheelbase of the W108 models. Initially, the numbers were related to the engine size but latter on, Mercedes-Benz added specific figures for that, such as it was the 300 SEL 6.3 or 4.5, which represented the 6.3-liter and 4.5-liter units, respectively.
ENGINE SPECS - 250 S 4MT RWD (129 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2496 cm3 |
Power: | 95 KW @ 5400 RPM 129 HP @ 5400 RPM 127 BHP @ 5400 RPM |
Torque: | 144 lb-ft @ 400 RPM 195 Nm @ 400 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetors |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 21.7 gallons (82.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 112 mph (180 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 12.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185 H 14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 192.9 in (4900 mm) |
Width: | 71.3 in (1811 mm) |
Height: | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/58.5 in (1,481/1,486 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 108.3 in (2751 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3174 lbs (1440 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4276 lbs (1940 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 20.1 mpg US (11.7 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 278 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 250 SE 4MT RWD (150 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2496 cm3 |
Power: | 110 KW @ 5500 RPM 150 HP @ 5500 RPM 148 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 159 lb-ft @ 4200 RPM 216 Nm @ 4200 RPM |
Fuel System: | Mechanical Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 21.7 gallons (82.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 118 mph (190 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 11.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185 H 14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 192.9 in (4900 mm) |
Width: | 71.3 in (1811 mm) |
Height: | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/58.5 in (1,481/1,486 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 108.3 in (2751 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3262 lbs (1480 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4365 lbs (1980 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 19.9 mpg US (11.8 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 281 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 280 S 5MT RWD (140 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2778 cm3 |
Power: | 103 KW @ 5200 RPM 140 HP @ 5200 RPM 138 BHP @ 5200 RPM |
Torque: | 173 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM 235 Nm @ 3600 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetors |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 21.7 gallons (82.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 115 mph (185 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 12.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185 H 14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 192.9 in (4900 mm) |
Width: | 71.3 in (1811 mm) |
Height: | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/58.5 in (1,481/1,486 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 108.3 in (2751 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3241 lbs (1470 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4343 lbs (1970 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 19.1 mpg US (12.3 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 293 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 280 SE 3AT RWD (199 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 4520 cm3 |
Power: | 146 KW @ 4500 RPM 199 HP @ 4500 RPM 196 BHP @ 4500 RPM |
Torque: | 269 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM 365 Nm @ 3000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Electronic Fuel Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.4 gallons (62.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 124 mph (200 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 11 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 3-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185 VR 14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 192.9 in (4900 mm) |
Width: | 71.3 in (1811 mm) |
Height: | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/58.5 in (1,481/1,486 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 108.3 in (2751 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3692 lbs (1675 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4720 lbs (2141 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 15.7 mpg US (15 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 357 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 280 SE 4MT RWD (200 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 3499 cm3 |
Power: | 147 KW @ 5800 RPM 200 HP @ 5800 RPM 197 BHP @ 5800 RPM |
Torque: | 215 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 292 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Electronic Fuel Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 21.7 gallons (82.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185 VR 14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 192.9 in (4900 mm) |
Width: | 71.3 in (1811 mm) |
Height: | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/58.5 in (1,481/1,486 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 108.3 in (2751 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3428 lbs (1555 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4530 lbs (2055 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 18.1 mpg US (13 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 309 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 280 SE 5MT RWD (160 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2778 cm3 |
Power: | 118 KW @ 5500 RPM 160 HP @ 5500 RPM 158 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 181 lb-ft @ 4250 RPM 245 Nm @ 4250 RPM |
Fuel System: | Mechanical Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.4 gallons (62.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 122 mph (196 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 10.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185 H 14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 192.9 in (4900 mm) |
Width: | 71.3 in (1811 mm) |
Height: | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/58.5 in (1,481/1,486 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 108.3 in (2751 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3296 lbs (1495 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4398 lbs (1995 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 19.1 mpg US (12.3 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 293 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 280 SEL 3AT RWD (199 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 4520 cm3 |
Power: | 146 KW @ 4500 RPM 199 HP @ 4500 RPM 196 BHP @ 4500 RPM |
Torque: | 269 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM 365 Nm @ 3000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Electronic Fuel Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 21.7 gallons (82.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 124 mph (200 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 11 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 3-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185 VR 14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 196.9 in (5001 mm) |
Width: | 71.3 in (1811 mm) |
Height: | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/58.5 in (1,481/1,486 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 112.2 in (2850 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3759 lbs (1705 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4779 lbs (2168 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 15.7 mpg US (15 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 357 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 280 SEL 4MT RWD (200 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 3499 cm3 |
Power: | 147 KW @ 5800 RPM 200 HP @ 5800 RPM 197 BHP @ 5800 RPM |
Torque: | 215 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 292 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Electronic Fuel Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 21.7 gallons (82.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185 VR 14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 196.9 in (5001 mm) |
Width: | 71.3 in (1811 mm) |
Height: | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/58.5 in (1,481/1,486 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 112.2 in (2850 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3494 lbs (1585 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4596 lbs (2085 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 18.1 mpg US (13 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 309 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 280 SEL 5MT RWD (160 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2778 cm3 |
Power: | 118 KW @ 5500 RPM 160 HP @ 5500 RPM 158 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 181 lb-ft @ 4250 RPM 245 Nm @ 4250 RPM |
Fuel System: | Mechanical Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 21.7 gallons (82.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 122 mph (196 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 10.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185 H 14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 196.9 in (5001 mm) |
Width: | 71.3 in (1811 mm) |
Height: | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/58.5 in (1,481/1,486 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 112.2 in (2850 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3362 lbs (1525 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4464 lbs (2025 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 19.1 mpg US (12.3 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 293 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 300 SEb 4MT RWD (170 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2996 cm3 |
Power: | 125 KW @ 5400 RPM 170 HP @ 5400 RPM 168 BHP @ 5400 RPM |
Torque: | 203 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 275 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Mechanical Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 21.7 gallons (82.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 124 mph (200 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 11.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185 H 14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 192.9 in (4900 mm) |
Width: | 71.3 in (1811 mm) |
Height: | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/58.5 in (1,481/1,486 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 108.3 in (2751 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4541 lbs (2060 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5820.2 lbs (2640 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 19.8 mpg US (11.9 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 283 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 300 SEL 3AT RWD (199 H) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 4520 cm3 |
Power: | 146 KW @ 4500 RPM 199 HP @ 4500 RPM 196 BHP @ 4500 RPM |
Torque: | 269 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM 365 Nm @ 3000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Electronic Fuel Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 21.7 gallons (82.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 124 mph (200 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 11 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 3-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185 V 14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 196.9 in (5001 mm) |
Width: | 71.3 in (1811 mm) |
Height: | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/58.5 in (1,481/1,486 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 112.2 in (2850 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3869 lbs (1755 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4898 lbs (2222 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 15.7 mpg US (15 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 357 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 300 SEL 4MT RWD (200 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 3499 cm3 |
Power: | 147 KW @ 5800 RPM 200 HP @ 5800 RPM 197 BHP @ 5800 RPM |
Torque: | 215 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 292 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Electronic Fuel Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 21.7 gallons (82.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185 V 14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 196.9 in (5001 mm) |
Width: | 71.3 in (1811 mm) |
Height: | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/58.5 in (1,481/1,486 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 112.2 in (2850 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3593 lbs (1630 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4696 lbs (2130 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 18.1 mpg US (13 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 309 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 300 SEL 5MT RWD (170 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2996 cm3 |
Power: | 125 KW @ 5400 RPM 170 HP @ 5400 RPM 168 BHP @ 5400 RPM |
Torque: | 184 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 250 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Mechanical Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 21.7 gallons (82.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 125 mph (201 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 10.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185 H 14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 196.9 in (5001 mm) |
Width: | 71.3 in (1811 mm) |
Height: | 55.7 in (1415 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.3/58.7 in (1,481/1,491 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 112.2 in (2850 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3615 lbs (1640 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4118 lbs (1868 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 18.9 mpg US (12.4 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 296 g/km |