Car comparison

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500vsMercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 400d

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221)

S 500

388 hp5461 ccGasolineAWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSedan2005-2009
VS

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223)

S 400d

330 hp2925 ccDieselAWDAutomaticTwin-turboSedan2020-2023

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 400d

  • Highest torque
    700 Nm
    516 lb-ft
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    6.9 L/100 km
    34.1 mpg US
    40.9 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    8.8 L/100 km
    26.7 mpg US
    32.1 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    5.8 L/100 km
    40.6 mpg US
    48.7 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    942 km
    585 mi
  • Best overall score
    75/100
  • Best performance score
    74/100
  • Best economy score
    88/100

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.4 s
  • Fastest top speed
    265 km/h
    165 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    388 hp
    289 kW
  • Lightest
    1,935 kg
    4,266 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    201 hp/t
    150 kW/t
    5.0 kg/hp
  • Largest trunk
    560 L
  • Best practicality score
    78/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelMercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d
Power
388hp289kW
330hp246kW
Torque
530Nm391lb-ft
700Nm516lb-ft
Curb weight
1,935kg4,266lb
1,995kg4,398lb
Gross weight
2,620kg5,776lb
2,770kg6,107lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
53.2s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
54.8s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.4s
5.4s
0-200 km/h
16.1s
Calculated
16.4s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.2s
Calculated
5.2s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
12.3L/100 km19.1mpg US23.0mpg UK
6.9L/100 km34.1mpg US40.9mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
18.2L/100 km12.9mpg US15.5mpg UK
8.8L/100 km26.7mpg US32.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
9L/100 km26.1mpg US31.4mpg UK
5.8L/100 km40.6mpg US48.7mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.3s
Calculated
13.3s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
201hp/t150kW/t91hp/1000 lb
Calculated
165hp/t123kW/t75hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
274Nm/t183lb-ft/ton
Calculated
351Nm/t235lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
732km455mi
Calculated
942km585mi
Calculated
Displacement
5,461cc333cu in
2,925cc178cu in
Length
5,079mm200in
5,179mm204in
Width
1,872mm74in
1,954mm77in
Height
1,473mm58in
1,503mm59in
Wheelbase
3,035mm119in
3,106mm122in
Front track
1,604mm63in
1,660mm65in
Rear track
1,606mm63in
1,688mm66in
Ground clearance-
130mm5in
Trunk volume
560L
550L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
90L
65L
CO2 emissions
294g/km
-

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 400dPowerTorque
  • Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500: Power / Torque
  • Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 400d: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 5006,000 rpm2,800-4,800 rpm6,250 rpm
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d3,600-4,200 rpm1,200-3,200 rpm4,450 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricMercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.2 s
5.2 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.4 s
5.4 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
16.1 s
16.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.5 s
2.4 s
330 ft
101 m
6.1 s
6.1 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.9 s
8.9 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.3 s
11.3 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.3 s
13.3 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
182 km/h
113 mph
181 km/h
113 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
388 hp
289 kW
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d
330 hp
246 kW

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500 has 58 hp more than Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 400d.

The biggest power difference is between Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 400d and Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500: 58 hp (43 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
530 Nm
391 lb-ft
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d
700 Nm
516 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
1,935 kg
4,266 lb
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d
1,995 kg
4,398 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 5005.4 s
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d5.4 s

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d
6.9 L/100 km
34.1 mpg US
40.9 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 400d and Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500: 5.4 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
201 hp/t
150 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d
165 hp/t
123 kW/t
6.0 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
732 km
455 mi
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d
942 km
585 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
388 hp
289 kW
5.4 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d
330 hp
246 kW
5.4 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
Power
388 hp
289 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
560 L
19.8 cu ft
Length
5,079 mm
200.0 in
Height
1,473 mm
58.0 in
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d
Power
330 hp
246 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
550 L
19.4 cu ft
Length
5,179 mm
203.9 in
Height
1,503 mm
59.2 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
Power
388 hp
289 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d
Power
330 hp
246 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
6.9 L/100 km
34.1 mpg US
40.9 mpg UK

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 400d is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK
5.4 s
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d
6.9 L/100 km
34.1 mpg US
40.9 mpg UK
5.4 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
201 hp/t
150 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d
165 hp/t
123 kW/t
6.0 kg/hp
6.9 L/100 km
34.1 mpg US
40.9 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleMercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d
Power
388 hp
289 kW
330 hp
246 kW
Torque
530 Nm
391 lb-ft
700 Nm
516 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.4 s
5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,935 kg
4,266 lb
1,995 kg
4,398 lb
Fuel consumption
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK
6.9 L/100 km
34.1 mpg US
40.9 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
560 L
19.8 cu ft
Length
5,079 mm
200.0 in
Height
1,473 mm
58.0 in
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
550 L
19.4 cu ft
Length
5,179 mm
203.9 in
Height
1,503 mm
59.2 in
Range score
732 km
455 mi
942 km
585 mi
CO2 score
294 g/km
-
Trunk score
560 L
19.8 cu ft
550 L
19.4 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
201 hp/t
150 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
165 hp/t
123 kW/t
6.0 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleMercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 400d
Consumption12.3 L/100 km19.1 mpg US23 mpg UK6.9 L/100 km34.1 mpg US40.9 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km21.53 LC100 km12.08 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi34.64 LC100 mi19.43 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,845 L487 US gal406 UK gal1,035 L273 US gal228 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,229 LC/year1,811 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500

  • Has 58 hp more
  • Is 60 kg lighter
  • Has 35 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 10 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Lightest
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 400d

  • Has 170 Nm more
  • Uses 5.4 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 210 km (131 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Highest torque
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Heaviest
  • Smallest trunk

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Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 400d
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