Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) · Facelift 2009
Car comparison
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) · Facelift 2009 S 500 V8vsMercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 400d
Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.
New comparisonMercedes-Benz S-class (W223)
S 400d
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/h5.4 s
- Fastest top speed265 km/h165 mph Unrestricted250 km/h155 mph Restricted
- Most powerful388 hp289 kW
- Lightest1,880 kg4,145 lb
- Best power-to-weight206 hp/t154 kW/t4.8 kg/hp
- Largest trunk560 L
- Best overall score75/100
- Best practicality score78/100
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 400d
- Highest torque700 Nm516 lb-ft
- Lowest combined fuel consumption6.9 L/100 km34.1 mpg US40.9 mpg UK
- Lowest city consumption8.8 L/100 km26.7 mpg US32.1 mpg UK
- Lowest highway consumption5.8 L/100 km40.6 mpg US48.7 mpg UK
- Best estimated range942 km585 mi
- Best performance score74/100
- Best economy score88/100
Specification comparison
| Model | Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8 | Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 388hp289kW | 330hp246kW |
| Torque | 530Nm391lb-ft | 700Nm516lb-ft |
| Curb weight | 1,880kg4,145lb | 1,995kg4,398lb |
| Gross weight | 2,560kg5,644lb | 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 | 52.6s99% 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 | 16.0s Calculated | 16.4s Calculated |
| 0-60 mph | 5.2s Calculated | 5.2s Calculated |
| Fuel consumption | 11.2L/100 km21mpg US25.2mpg UK | 6.9L/100 km34.1mpg US40.9mpg UK |
| Fuel consumption city | 16.7L/100 km14.1mpg US16.9mpg UK | 8.8L/100 km26.7mpg US32.1mpg UK |
| Fuel consumption highway | 8.1L/100 km29mpg US34.9mpg UK | 5.8L/100 km40.6mpg US48.7mpg UK |
| Quarter mile | 13.3s Calculated | 13.3s Calculated |
| Power-to-weight | 206hp/t154kW/t94hp/1000 lb Calculated | 165hp/t123kW/t75hp/1000 lb Calculated |
| Torque-to-weight | 282Nm/t189lb-ft/ton Calculated | 351Nm/t235lb-ft/ton Calculated |
| Estimated range | 804km499mi Calculated | 942km585mi Calculated |
| Displacement | 5,461cc333cu in | 2,925cc178cu in |
| Length | 5,096mm201in | 5,179mm204in |
| Width | 1,871mm74in | 1,954mm77in |
| Height | 1,479mm58in | 1,503mm59in |
| Wheelbase | 3,035mm119in | 3,106mm122in |
| Front track | 1,600mm63in | 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 | 262g/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 V8: Power / Torque
- Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 400d: Power / Torque
| Vehicle | Peak power RPM | Peak torque RPM | Max engine speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8 | 6,000 rpm | 2,800-4,800 rpm | 6,250 rpm |
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d | 3,600-4,200 rpm | 1,200-3,200 rpm | 4,450 rpm |
Acceleration curve
Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.
| Metric | Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8 | Mercedes-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 | 16.0 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 | 183 km/h 113 mph | 181 km/h 113 mph |
Power comparison
Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW
| Vehicle | Value |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8 | 388 hp 289 kW |
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d | 330 hp 246 kW |
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) Facelift 2009 S 500 V8 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) Facelift 2009 S 500 V8: 58 hp (43 kW).
Torque comparison
Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft
| Vehicle | Value |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8 | 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
| Vehicle | Value |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8 | 1,880 kg 4,145 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
| Vehicle | Value |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8 | 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
| Vehicle | Value |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8 | 5.4 s |
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d | 5.4 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)Facelift 2009S 500 V8 | 11.2 L/100 km 21.0 mpg US 25.2 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) Facelift 2009 S 500 V8: 4.3 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)Facelift 2009S 500 V8 | 206 hp/t 154 kW/t 4.8 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
| Vehicle | Value |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8 | 804 km 499 mi |
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d | 942 km 585 mi |
Performance spider chart
Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.
| Vehicle | Power | Acceleration | Top 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 (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.
| Vehicle | Performance score | Practicality score | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8 |
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| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d |
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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)Facelift 2009S 500 V8 |
| 11.2 L/100 km 21.0 mpg US 25.2 mpg UK | ||||||
| Mercedes-BenzS-class (W223)S 400d |
| 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.
| Vehicle | Fuel consumption, L/100 km | 0-100 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 (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.
| Vehicle | Power-to-weight, hp/t | Fuel 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 (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
| Vehicle | Mercedes-BenzS-class (W221)Facelift 2009S 500 V8 | Mercedes-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 | 1,880 kg 4,145 lb | 1,995 kg 4,398 lb | ||||||||||||||||
| Fuel consumption | 11.2 L/100 km 21.0 mpg US 25.2 mpg UK | 6.9 L/100 km 34.1 mpg US 40.9 mpg UK | ||||||||||||||||
| Practicality |
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| Range score | 804 km 499 mi | 942 km 585 mi | ||||||||||||||||
| CO2 score | 262 g/km | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Trunk score | 560 L 19.8 cu ft | 550 L 19.4 cu ft | ||||||||||||||||
| Power-to-weight score | 206 hp/t 154 kW/t 4.8 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
| Vehicle | Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) Facelift 2009 S 500 V8 | Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223) S 400d |
|---|---|---|
| Consumption | 11.2 L/100 km21 mpg US25.2 mpg UK | 6.9 L/100 km34.1 mpg US40.9 mpg UK |
| Cost / 100 km | 19.60 LC100 km | 12.08 LC100 km |
| Cost / 100 mi | 31.54 LC100 mi | 19.43 LC100 mi |
| Annual fuel used | 1,680 L444 US gal370 UK gal | 1,035 L273 US gal228 UK gal |
| Annual fuel cost | 2,940 LC/year | 1,811 LC/year |
Head-to-head comparisons
Mercedes-Benz S-class (W221) Facelift 2009 S 500 V8
- Has 58 hp more
- Is 115 kg lighter
- Has 41 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 4.3 L/100 km less fuel
- Has 138 km (86 mi) more estimated range
Pros
- Highest torque
- Lowest combined fuel consumption
- Best estimated range
Cons
- Lowest power
- Heaviest
- Smallest trunk
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