Segment: Upper Premium
Production years: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
The introduction of the 1991 S Class was one of the most significant turning points in the carmaker's history. It was the moment when it decided to return the V12-powered models and, moreover, to bring surprising technologies to the market.
The shocking look of the W140 S Class made a lot of people look angry, especially since its predecessor was prized for its elegance and beauty. But while the German carmaker didn't focus too much on the exterior, it took great care about other details that made this vehicle one of the best on the market at the beginning of the '90s.
Mercedes-Benz designed the W140 to look like a fortress. It was tall, wide, and long. Moreover, it was available in two wheelbases (SE and SEL). Customers could have even ordered a Pullman version, which was even longer. The front fascia was tilted backward and features large rectangular headlights with corner-mounted turn signals. The tall greenhouse continued the hood's ascending line, which ended in a sloped windscreen at the back. The carmaker installed two retractable antennas at the edges of its quarter panels for the parking sensors. It was a unique yet helpful option that later on became common on many cars.
The interior was lavish and excelled with high-quality leather upholstery complemented by wood veneers on the door cards, dashboard, and center console. Even with the standard wheelbase, the S Class offered plenty of legroom for the rear-seat passengers. The SEL, on the other hand, showed more luxurious options, including but not limited to a minibar, a footrest, and other amenities.
Under the hood, the base models featured an inline-six engine, either gasoline-powered or turbodiesel. The range-topper, on the other hand, featured a 6.0-liter powerplant that fed the horsepower battle with over 400 ponies on tap.
ENGINE SPECS - 300 SE 5MT RWD (231 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 3199 cm3 |
Power: | 170 KW @ 5800 RPM 231 HP @ 5800 RPM 228 BHP @ 5800 RPM |
Torque: | 229 lb-ft @ 4100 RPM 310 Nm @ 4100 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 26.4 gallons (99.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 143 mph (230 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 225/60 R16V |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 201 in (5105 mm) |
Width: | 74.3 in (1887 mm) |
Height: | 58.7 in (1491 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 63.1/62 in (1,603/1,575 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 119.7 in (3040 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 18.5 cuFT (524 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
Turning circle: | 40 ft (12.2 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4188.8 lbs (1900 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5621.8 lbs (2550 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 16.2 mpg US (14.5 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 24.5 mpg US (9.6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 19.8 mpg US (11.9 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 307 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 300 SE 5MT RWD (93 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2799 cm3 |
Power: | 142 KW @ 5500 RPM 193 HP @ 5500 RPM 190 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 199 lb-ft @ 3750 RPM 270 Nm @ 3750 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 26.4 gallons (99.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 131 mph (211 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 10.6 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 225/60 R16V |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 201 in (5105 mm) |
Width: | 74.3 in (1887 mm) |
Height: | 58.7 in (1491 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 63.1/62 in (1,603/1,575 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 119.7 in (3040 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 18.5 cuFT (524 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
Turning circle: | 40 ft (12.2 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4166.8 lbs (1890 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5621.8 lbs (2550 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 15.1 mpg US (15.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 27.4 mpg US (8.6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 20.3 mpg US (11.6 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 281 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 300 SEL 5MT RWD (231 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 3199 cm3 |
Power: | 170 KW @ 5800 RPM 231 HP @ 5800 RPM 228 BHP @ 5800 RPM |
Torque: | 229 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM 310 Nm @ 2000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 26.4 gallons (99.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 143 mph (230 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 225/60 R16V |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 205.2 in (5212 mm) |
Width: | 74.3 in (1887 mm) |
Height: | 58.7 in (1491 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 63.1/62 in (1,603/1,575 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 123.6 in (3139 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 18.5 cuFT (524 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4189 lbs (1900 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5710 lbs (2590 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 16.2 mpg US (14.5 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 24.5 mpg US (9.6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 19.8 mpg US (11.9 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 307 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 400 V8 SE 4AT RWD (286 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 4196 cm3 |
Power: | 210 KW @ 5700 RPM 286 HP @ 5700 RPM 282 BHP @ 5700 RPM |
Torque: | 302 lb-ft @ 3900 RPM 410 Nm @ 3900 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 26.4 gallons (99.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 152 mph (245 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.6 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 235/60 R16Z |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 201 in (5105 mm) |
Width: | 74.3 in (1887 mm) |
Height: | 58.7 in (1491 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 63.1/62 in (1,603/1,575 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 119.7 in (3040 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 18.5 cuFT (524 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
Turning circle: | 40 ft (12.2 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4387 lbs (1990 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5820.2 lbs (2640 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 14.7 mpg US (16 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 24.2 mpg US (9.7 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 18.8 mpg US (12.5 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 309 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 400 V8 SEL 4AT RWD (286 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 4196 cm3 |
Power: | 210 KW @ 5700 RPM 286 HP @ 5700 RPM 282 BHP @ 5700 RPM |
Torque: | 302 lb-ft @ 3900 RPM 410 Nm @ 3900 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 26.4 gallons (99.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 152 mph (245 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.6 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 225/60 R16V |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 205.2 in (5212 mm) |
Width: | 74.3 in (1887 mm) |
Height: | 58.7 in (1491 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 63.1/62 in (1,603/1,575 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 123.6 in (3139 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 18.5 cuFT (524 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
Turning circle: | 40 ft (12.2 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4409 lbs (2000 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5842.3 lbs (2650 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 14.7 mpg US (16 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 24.2 mpg US (9.7 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 18.8 mpg US (12.5 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 309 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 500 V8 SE 4AT RWD (326 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 4973 cm3 |
Power: | 240 KW @ 5700 RPM 326 HP @ 5700 RPM 322 BHP @ 5700 RPM |
Torque: | 354 lb-ft @ 3900 RPM 480 Nm @ 3900 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 26.4 gallons (99.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6.7 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 235/60 R16Z |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 201 in (5105 mm) |
Width: | 74.3 in (1887 mm) |
Height: | 58.7 in (1491 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 63.1/62 in (1,603/1,575 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 119.7 in (3040 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 18.5 cuFT (524 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
Turning circle: | 40 ft (12.2 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4435.7 lbs (2012 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5842.3 lbs (2650 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 13.7 mpg US (17.2 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 23.5 mpg US (10 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 18.1 mpg US (13 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 321 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 500 V8 SEL 4AT RWD (326 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 4973 cm3 |
Power: | 240 KW @ 5700 RPM 326 HP @ 5700 RPM 322 BHP @ 5700 RPM |
Torque: | 354 lb-ft @ 3900 RPM 480 Nm @ 3900 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 26.4 gallons (99.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6.7 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 225/60 R16V |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 205.2 in (5212 mm) |
Width: | 74.3 in (1887 mm) |
Height: | 58.7 in (1491 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 63.1/62 in (1,603/1,575 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 123.6 in (3139 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 18.5 cuFT (524 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
Turning circle: | 40 ft (12.2 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4436.4 lbs (2012 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5864.3 lbs (2660 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 13.7 mpg US (17.2 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 23.5 mpg US (10 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 18.1 mpg US (13 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 321 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 600 V12 SE 4AT RWD (408 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V12 |
Displacement: | 5987 cm3 |
Power: | 300 KW @ 5500 RPM 408 HP @ 5500 RPM 402 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 428 lb-ft @ 3800 RPM 580 Nm @ 3800 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 26.4 gallons (99.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 245/55 R16Z |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 201.3 in (5113 mm) |
Width: | 74.3 in (1887 mm) |
Height: | 58.9 in (1496 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 63.1/62 in (1,603/1,575 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 119.7 in (3040 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 18.5 cuFT (524 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
Turning circle: | 40 ft (12.2 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4806 lbs (2180 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5974 lbs (2710 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 11.4 mpg US (20.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 19.9 mpg US (11.8 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 15.3 mpg US (15.4 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 371 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 600 V12 SEL 4AT RWD (408 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V12 |
Displacement: | 5987 cm3 |
Power: | 300 KW @ 5500 RPM 408 HP @ 5500 RPM 402 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 428 lb-ft @ 3800 RPM 580 Nm @ 3800 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 26.4 gallons (99.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 235/55 R16Z |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 205.2 in (5212 mm) |
Width: | 74.3 in (1887 mm) |
Height: | 58.7 in (1491 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 63.1/62 in (1,603/1,575 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 123.6 in (3139 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 18.5 cuFT (524 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
Turning circle: | 40 ft (12.2 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4916.3 lbs (2230 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5996.6 lbs (2720 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 11.4 mpg US (20.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 19.9 mpg US (11.8 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 15.3 mpg US (15.4 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 371 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 300 SD 4AT RWD (150 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 3449 cm3 |
Power: | 110 KW @ 4000 RPM 150 HP @ 4000 RPM 148 BHP @ 4000 RPM |
Torque: | 229 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM 310 Nm @ 2000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Indirect Injection |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 26.4 gallons (99.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 116 mph (187 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 12.7 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 225/60 R16V |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 201.3 in (5113 mm) |
Width: | 74.3 in (1887 mm) |
Height: | 58.7 in (1491 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 63.1/62 in (1,603/1,575 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 119.7 in (3040 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 18.5 cuFT (524 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
Turning circle: | 40 ft (12.2 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4277 lbs (1940 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5710 lbs (2590 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 20.1 mpg US (11.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 30.5 mpg US (7.7 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 24.3 mpg US (9.7 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 256 g/km |