Car comparison

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) · Facelift 2026 S 450vsMercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500

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

New comparison

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) · Facelift 2026

S 450

381 hp2999 ccGasolineAWDAutomaticTurbochargedSedan2026-present
VS

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221)

S 500

388 hp5461 ccGasolineAWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSedan2005-2009

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) Facelift 2026 S 450

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.9 s
  • Fastest top speed
    265 km/h
    165 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Highest torque
    560 Nm
    413 lb-ft
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    8.9 L/100 km
    26.4 mpg US
    31.7 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    854 km
    531 mi
  • Best overall score
    75/100
  • Best performance score
    74/100
  • Best economy score
    83/100

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500

  • 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 (W223)Facelift 2026S 450Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
Power
381hp284kW
388hp289kW
Torque
560Nm413lb-ft
530Nm391lb-ft
Curb weight
2,090kg4,608lb
1,935kg4,266lb
Gross weight
2,825kg6,228lb
2,620kg5,776lb
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
50.8s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
53.2s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.9s
5.4s
0-200 km/h
15.0s
Calculated
16.1s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.7s
Calculated
5.2s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
8.9L/100 km26.4mpg US31.7mpg UK
12.3L/100 km19.1mpg US23.0mpg UK
Fuel consumption city-
18.2L/100 km12.9mpg US15.5mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway-
9L/100 km26.1mpg US31.4mpg UK
Quarter mile
12.9s
Calculated
13.3s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
182hp/t136kW/t83hp/1000 lb
Calculated
201hp/t150kW/t91hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
268Nm/t179lb-ft/ton
Calculated
274Nm/t183lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
854km531mi
Calculated
732km455mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,999cc183cu in
5,461cc333cu in
Length
5,194mm204in
5,079mm200in
Width
1,921mm76in
1,872mm74in
Height
1,503mm59in
1,473mm58in
Wheelbase
3,106mm122in
3,035mm119in
Front track
1,660mm65in
1,604mm63in
Rear track
1,688mm66in
1,606mm63in
Trunk volume
530L
560L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
76L
90L
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 (W223) Facelift 2026 S 450Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500PowerTorque
  • Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) Facelift 2026 S 450: Power / Torque
  • Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 4505,000-6,100 rpm2,000-4,500 rpm6,350 rpm
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 5006,000 rpm2,800-4,800 rpm6,250 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricMercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.7 s
5.2 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.9 s
5.4 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
15.0 s
16.1 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.3 s
2.5 s
330 ft
101 m
5.8 s
6.1 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.5 s
8.9 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.9 s
11.3 s
1/4 mile
402 m
12.9 s
13.3 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
186 km/h
116 mph
182 km/h
113 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450
381 hp
284 kW
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
388 hp
289 kW

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500 has 7 hp more than Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) Facelift 2026 S 450.

The biggest power difference is between Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) Facelift 2026 S 450 and Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500: 7 hp (5 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450
560 Nm
413 lb-ft
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
530 Nm
391 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450
2,090 kg
4,608 lb
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
1,935 kg
4,266 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 (W223)Facelift 2026S 450
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
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

Although Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500 has more power, Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) Facelift 2026 S 450 is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) Facelift 2026 S 450 and Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500: 0.5 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 (W223)Facelift 2026S 450
8.9 L/100 km
26.4 mpg US
31.7 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) Facelift 2026 S 450 and Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500: 3.4 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 (W223)Facelift 2026S 450
182 hp/t
136 kW/t
5.5 kg/hp
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
201 hp/t
150 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450
854 km
531 mi
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
732 km
455 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450
381 hp
284 kW
4.9 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
388 hp
289 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 (W223)Facelift 2026S 450
Power
381 hp
284 kW
0-100 km/h4.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
530 L
18.7 cu ft
Length
5,194 mm
204.5 in
Height
1,503 mm
59.2 in
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

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 (W223)Facelift 2026S 450
Power
381 hp
284 kW
0-100 km/h4.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
8.9 L/100 km
26.4 mpg US
31.7 mpg UK
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-Benz S-class (W223) Facelift 2026 S 450 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 (W223)Facelift 2026S 450
8.9 L/100 km
26.4 mpg US
31.7 mpg UK
4.9 s
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 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 (W223)Facelift 2026S 450
182 hp/t
136 kW/t
5.5 kg/hp
8.9 L/100 km
26.4 mpg US
31.7 mpg UK
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

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleMercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500
Power
381 hp
284 kW
388 hp
289 kW
Torque
560 Nm
413 lb-ft
530 Nm
391 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.9 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
2,090 kg
4,608 lb
1,935 kg
4,266 lb
Fuel consumption
8.9 L/100 km
26.4 mpg US
31.7 mpg UK
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
530 L
18.7 cu ft
Length
5,194 mm
204.5 in
Height
1,503 mm
59.2 in
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
Range score
854 km
531 mi
732 km
455 mi
CO2 score
-
294 g/km
Trunk score
530 L
18.7 cu ft
560 L
19.8 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
182 hp/t
136 kW/t
5.5 kg/hp
201 hp/t
150 kW/t
5.0 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 (W223) Facelift 2026 S 450Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500
Consumption8.9 L/100 km26.4 mpg US31.7 mpg UK12.3 L/100 km19.1 mpg US23 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km15.58 LC100 km21.53 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi25.07 LC100 mi34.64 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,335 L353 US gal294 UK gal1,845 L487 US gal406 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,336 LC/year3,229 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) Facelift 2026 S 450

  • Has 30 Nm more
  • Is 0.5 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 3.4 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 122 km (76 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Highest torque
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Heaviest
  • Smallest trunk

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500

  • Has 7 hp more
  • Is 155 kg lighter
  • Has 18 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 30 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Lightest
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Highest combined fuel consumption

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Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) · Facelift 2026 S 450 vs Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500 - car comparison - FastVsFaster