Car comparison

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) · Facelift 2009 S 500 V8vsMercedes-Benz S-class (W222) · Facelift 2017 S 400d

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

New comparison

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) · Facelift 2009

S 500 V8

388 hp5461 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSedan2009-2011
VS

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W222) · Facelift 2017

S 400d

340 hp2925 ccDieselRWDAutomaticTurbochargedSedan2017-2020

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) Facelift 2009 S 500 V8

  • 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
    1,880 kg
    4,145 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    206 hp/t
    154 kW/t
    4.8 kg/hp
  • Largest trunk
    560 L
  • Best overall score
    75/100
  • Best practicality score
    78/100

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W222) Facelift 2017 S 400d

  • Highest torque
    700 Nm
    516 lb-ft
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    5.4 L/100 km
    43.6 mpg US
    52.3 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    6.5 L/100 km
    36.2 mpg US
    43.5 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    4.7 L/100 km
    50.0 mpg US
    60.1 mpg UK
  • Lowest CO2 emissions
    139 g/km
  • Best estimated range
    1,296 km
    805 mi
  • Best performance score
    74/100
  • Best economy score
    92/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelMercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8Mercedes-BenzS-class (W222)Facelift 2017S 400d
Power
388hp289kW
340hp254kW
Torque
530Nm391lb-ft
700Nm516lb-ft
Curb weight
1,880kg4,145lb
1,930kg4,255lb
Gross weight
2,560kg5,644lb
2,705kg5,964lb
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
52.6s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
54.6s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.4s
5.4s
0-200 km/h
16.0s
Calculated
16.3s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.2s
Calculated
5.2s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11.2L/100 km21mpg US25.2mpg UK
5.4L/100 km43.6mpg US52.3mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
16.7L/100 km14.1mpg US16.9mpg UK
6.5L/100 km36.2mpg US43.5mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
8.1L/100 km29mpg US34.9mpg UK
4.7L/100 km50mpg US60.1mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.3s
Calculated
13.3s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
206hp/t154kW/t94hp/1000 lb
Calculated
176hp/t131kW/t80hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
282Nm/t189lb-ft/ton
Calculated
363Nm/t243lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
804km499mi
Calculated
1,296km805mi
Calculated
Displacement
5,461cc333cu in
2,925cc178cu in
Length
5,096mm201in
5,141mm202in
Width
1,871mm74in
1,905mm75in
Height
1,479mm58in
1,498mm59in
Wheelbase
3,035mm119in
3,035mm119in
Front track
1,600mm63in
1,630mm64in
Rear track
1,606mm63in
1,643mm65in
Trunk volume
560L
510L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
4
Fuel tank
90L
70L
CO2 emissions
262g/km
139g/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) Facelift 2009 S 500 V8Mercedes-Benz S-class (W222) Facelift 2017 S 400dPowerTorque
  • Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) Facelift 2009 S 500 V8: Power / Torque
  • Mercedes-Benz S-class (W222) Facelift 2017 S 400d: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V86,000 rpm2,800-4,800 rpm6,250 rpm
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W222)Facelift 2017S 400d3,600-4,400 rpm1,200-3,200 rpm4,650 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricMercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8Mercedes-BenzS-class (W222)Facelift 2017S 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
16.0 s
16.3 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
Likely 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
183 km/h
113 mph
181 km/h
113 mph

Power comparison

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

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) Facelift 2009 S 500 V8 has 48 hp more than Mercedes-Benz S-class (W222) Facelift 2017 S 400d.

The biggest power difference is between Mercedes-Benz S-class (W222) Facelift 2017 S 400d and Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) Facelift 2009 S 500 V8: 48 hp (36 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / 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)Facelift 2009S 500 V8
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W222)Facelift 2017S 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

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)Facelift 2009S 500 V8
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W222)Facelift 2017S 400d
5.4 L/100 km
43.6 mpg US
52.3 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Mercedes-Benz S-class (W222) Facelift 2017 S 400d and Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) Facelift 2009 S 500 V8: 5.8 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)Facelift 2009S 500 V8
206 hp/t
154 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W222)Facelift 2017S 400d
176 hp/t
131 kW/t
5.7 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8
388 hp
289 kW
5.4 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W222)Facelift 2017S 400d
340 hp
254 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)Facelift 2009S 500 V8
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
5,096 mm
200.6 in
Height
1,479 mm
58.2 in
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W222)Facelift 2017S 400d
Power
340 hp
254 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
4 seats
Trunk
510 L
18.0 cu ft
Length
5,141 mm
202.4 in
Height
1,498 mm
59.0 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 (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8
Power
388 hp
289 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W222)Facelift 2017S 400d
Power
340 hp
254 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
5.4 L/100 km
43.6 mpg US
52.3 mpg UK

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W222) Facelift 2017 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)Facelift 2009S 500 V8
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
5.4 s
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W222)Facelift 2017S 400d
5.4 L/100 km
43.6 mpg US
52.3 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)Facelift 2009S 500 V8
206 hp/t
154 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzS-class (W222)Facelift 2017S 400d
176 hp/t
131 kW/t
5.7 kg/hp
5.4 L/100 km
43.6 mpg US
52.3 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleMercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8Mercedes-BenzS-class (W222)Facelift 2017S 400d
Power
388 hp
289 kW
340 hp
254 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
1,880 kg
4,145 lb
1,930 kg
4,255 lb
Fuel consumption
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
5.4 L/100 km
43.6 mpg US
52.3 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
560 L
19.8 cu ft
Length
5,096 mm
200.6 in
Height
1,479 mm
58.2 in
Doors/seats
4 doors
4 seats
Trunk
510 L
18.0 cu ft
Length
5,141 mm
202.4 in
Height
1,498 mm
59.0 in
Range score
804 km
499 mi
1,296 km
805 mi
CO2 score
262 g/km
139 g/km
Trunk score
560 L
19.8 cu ft
510 L
18.0 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
206 hp/t
154 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
176 hp/t
131 kW/t
5.7 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) Facelift 2009 S 500 V8Mercedes-Benz S-class (W222) Facelift 2017 S 400d
Consumption11.2 L/100 km21 mpg US25.2 mpg UK5.4 L/100 km43.6 mpg US52.3 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km19.60 LC100 km9.45 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi31.54 LC100 mi15.21 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,680 L444 US gal370 UK gal810 L214 US gal178 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,940 LC/year1,418 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) Facelift 2009 S 500 V8

  • Has 48 hp more
  • Is 50 kg lighter
  • Has 30 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 50 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
  • Highest CO2 emissions

Mercedes-Benz S-class (W222) Facelift 2017 S 400d

  • Has 170 Nm more
  • Uses 5.8 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 493 km (306 mi) more estimated range
  • Emits 123 g/km less CO2

Pros

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

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Heaviest
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

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Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) S 500 V8
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W222) S 400d
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Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) · Facelift 2009 S 500 V8 vs Mercedes-Benz S-class (W222) · Facelift 2017 S 400d - car comparison - FastVsFaster