Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221)
Car comparison
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500vsMercedes-Benz S-class (W223) · Facelift 2026 S 450e
Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.
New comparisonMercedes-Benz S-class (W223) · Facelift 2026
S 450e
Comparison overview
Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.
Best choices
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500
- Quickest 0-100 km/h5.4 s
- Fastest top speed265 km/h165 mph Unrestricted250 km/h155 mph Restricted
- Most powerful388 hp289 kW
- Lightest1,935 kg4,266 lb
- Best power-to-weight201 hp/t150 kW/t5.0 kg/hp
- Largest trunk560 L
- Best overall score74/100
- Best performance score72/100
- Best practicality score78/100
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) Facelift 2026 S 450e
- Highest torque540 Nm398 lb-ft
- Lowest combined fuel consumption8.5 L/100 km27.7 mpg US33.2 mpg UK
- Best estimated range788 km490 mi
- Best economy score84/100
Specification comparison
| Model | Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500 | Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450e |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 388hp289kW | 326hp243kW |
| Torque | 530Nm391lb-ft | 540Nm398lb-ft |
| Curb weight | 1,935kg4,266lb | 2,370kg5,225lb |
| Gross weight | 2,620kg5,776lb | 3,050kg6,724lb |
| 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 | 64.7s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph Calculated |
| 0-100 km/h | 5.4s | 5.7s |
| 0-200 km/h | 16.1s Calculated | 18.2s Calculated |
| 0-60 mph | 5.2s Calculated | 5.4s Calculated |
| Fuel consumption | 12.3L/100 km19.1mpg US23.0mpg UK | 8.5L/100 km27.7mpg US33.2mpg UK |
| Fuel consumption city | 18.2L/100 km12.9mpg US15.5mpg UK | - |
| Fuel consumption highway | 9L/100 km26.1mpg US31.4mpg UK | - |
| Quarter mile | 13.3s Calculated | 13.7s Calculated |
| Power-to-weight | 201hp/t150kW/t91hp/1000 lb Calculated | 138hp/t103kW/t62hp/1000 lb Calculated |
| Torque-to-weight | 274Nm/t183lb-ft/ton Calculated | 228Nm/t152lb-ft/ton Calculated |
| Estimated range | 732km455mi Calculated | 788km490mi Calculated |
| Displacement | 5,461cc333cu in | 2,999cc183cu in |
| Length | 5,079mm200in | 5,194mm204in |
| Width | 1,872mm74in | 1,921mm76in |
| Height | 1,473mm58in | 1,503mm59in |
| Wheelbase | 3,035mm119in | 3,106mm122in |
| Front track | 1,604mm63in | 1,655mm65in |
| Rear track | 1,606mm63in | 1,651mm65in |
| Trunk volume | 560L | 345L |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Fuel tank | 90L | 67L |
| 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 500: Power / Torque
- Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) Facelift 2026 S 450e: Power / Torque
| Vehicle | Peak power RPM | Peak torque RPM | Max engine speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500 | 6,000 rpm | 2,800-4,800 rpm | 6,250 rpm |
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450e | 4,250-6,100 rpm | 2,200-4,250 rpm | 6,350 rpm |
Acceleration curve
Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.
| Metric | Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500 | Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450e |
|---|---|---|
| Acceleration checkpoints | ||
0-60 mph 0-97 km/h | 5.2 s | 5.4 s |
0-100 km/h 0-62 mph | 5.4 s | 5.7 s |
0-200 km/h 0-124 mph | 16.1 s | 18.2 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 | 9.1 s |
1000 ft 305 m | 11.3 s | 11.6 s |
1/4 mile 402 m | 13.3 s | 13.7 s |
Trap speed 1/4 mile 402 m | 182 km/h 113 mph | 175 km/h 109 mph |
Power comparison
Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW
| Vehicle | Value |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500 | 388 hp 289 kW |
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450e | 326 hp 243 kW |
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500 has 62 hp more than Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) Facelift 2026 S 450e.
The biggest power difference is between Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) Facelift 2026 S 450e and Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500: 62 hp (46 kW).
Torque comparison
Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft
| Vehicle | Value |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500 | 530 Nm 391 lb-ft |
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450e | 540 Nm 398 lb-ft |
Curb weight comparison
Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb
| Vehicle | Value |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500 | 1,935 kg 4,266 lb |
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450e | 2,370 kg 5,225 lb |
Top speed without limiter comparison
Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph
| Vehicle | Value |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500 | Unrestricted 265 km/h165 mph Restricted 250 km/h155 mph |
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450e | 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
| Vehicle | Value |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500 | 5.4 s |
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450e | 5.7 s |
The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500 and Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) Facelift 2026 S 450e: 0.3 s.
Fuel consumption comparison
Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK
| Vehicle | Value |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500 | 12.3 L/100 km 19.1 mpg US 23.0 mpg UK |
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450e | 8.5 L/100 km 27.7 mpg US 33.2 mpg UK |
The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) Facelift 2026 S 450e and Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500: 3.8 L/100 km.
Power-to-weight comparison
Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t
| Vehicle | Value |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500 | 201 hp/t 150 kW/t 5.0 kg/hp |
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450e | 138 hp/t 103 kW/t 7.3 kg/hp |
Estimated range comparison
Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi
| Vehicle | Value |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500 | 732 km 455 mi |
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450e | 788 km 490 mi |
Performance spider chart
Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.
| Vehicle | Power | Acceleration | Top 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)Facelift 2026S 450e | 326 hp 243 kW | 5.7 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.
| Vehicle | Performance score | Practicality score | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500 |
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| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450e |
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Performance vs fuel economy
Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.
| Vehicle | Performance score | Fuel economy score | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500 |
| 12.3 L/100 km 19.1 mpg US 23.0 mpg UK | ||||||
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450e |
| 8.5 L/100 km 27.7 mpg US 33.2 mpg UK | ||||||
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) Facelift 2026 S 450e 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.
| Vehicle | Fuel consumption, L/100 km | 0-100 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)Facelift 2026S 450e | 8.5 L/100 km 27.7 mpg US 33.2 mpg UK | 5.7 s |
Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption
The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.
| Vehicle | Power-to-weight, hp/t | Fuel 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)Facelift 2026S 450e | 138 hp/t 103 kW/t 7.3 kg/hp | 8.5 L/100 km 27.7 mpg US 33.2 mpg UK |
Detailed score breakdown
| Vehicle | Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)S 500 | Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)Facelift 2026S 450e | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 388 hp 289 kW | 326 hp 243 kW | ||||||||||||||||
| Torque | 530 Nm 391 lb-ft | 540 Nm 398 lb-ft | ||||||||||||||||
| Acceleration | 5.4 s | 5.7 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 | 2,370 kg 5,225 lb | ||||||||||||||||
| Fuel consumption | 12.3 L/100 km 19.1 mpg US 23.0 mpg UK | 8.5 L/100 km 27.7 mpg US 33.2 mpg UK | ||||||||||||||||
| Practicality |
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| Range score | 732 km 455 mi | 788 km 490 mi | ||||||||||||||||
| CO2 score | 294 g/km | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Trunk score | 560 L 19.8 cu ft | 345 L 12.2 cu ft | ||||||||||||||||
| Power-to-weight score | 201 hp/t 150 kW/t 5.0 kg/hp | 138 hp/t 103 kW/t 7.3 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
| Vehicle | Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500 | Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) Facelift 2026 S 450e |
|---|---|---|
| Consumption | 12.3 L/100 km19.1 mpg US23 mpg UK | 8.5 L/100 km27.7 mpg US33.2 mpg UK |
| Cost / 100 km | 21.53 LC100 km | 14.88 LC100 km |
| Cost / 100 mi | 34.64 LC100 mi | 23.94 LC100 mi |
| Annual fuel used | 1,845 L487 US gal406 UK gal | 1,275 L337 US gal280 UK gal |
| Annual fuel cost | 3,229 LC/year | 2,231 LC/year |
Head-to-head comparisons
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500
- Has 62 hp more
- Is 435 kg lighter
- Is 0.3 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
- Has 63 hp/t better power-to-weight
- Has 215 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) Facelift 2026 S 450e
- Has 10 Nm more
- Uses 3.8 L/100 km less fuel
- Has 57 km (35 mi) more estimated range
Pros
- Highest torque
- Lowest combined fuel consumption
- Best estimated range
Cons
- Slowest 0-100 km/h
- Lowest power
- Heaviest
- Smallest trunk
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