The Mercedes-Benz S 600 V12, part of the W140 S-Class facelift produced from September 1995 to July 1998, represented the pinnacle of luxury and performance for the brand during that period. Positioned as the flagship model within the W140 range, it offered a significantly more potent engine and enhanced features compared to the S320, S420, and even the S500 variants. The W140 S-Class, known for its robust build quality and advanced technology for its time, aimed to solidify Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for engineering excellence and opulent comfort in the full-size luxury sedan segment. This particular V12 model was primarily marketed towards discerning buyers who demanded the ultimate in refinement and power, often serving as a statement of success.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S-class |
| Generation | S-class (W140, facelift 1994) |
| Type (Engine) | S 600 V12 (394 Hp) 5G-TRONIC |
| Start of production | September, 1995 |
| End of production | July, 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 24.5 l/100 km (9.6 US mpg, 11.5 UK mpg, 4.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 12.5 l/100 km (18.8 US mpg, 22.6 UK mpg, 8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 16.9 l/100 km (13.9 US mpg, 16.7 UK mpg, 5.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 400 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph), Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.5 kg/Hp, 180.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.8 kg/Nm, 261.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 394 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 65.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 570 Nm @ 3800 rpm (420.41 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 120.982 |
| Engine displacement | 5987 cm3 (365.35 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 12 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.2 mm (3.16 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 9.5 l (10.04 US qt, 8.36 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 18.5 l (19.55 US qt, 16.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2180 kg (4806.08 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2710 kg (5974.53 lbs.) |
| Max load | 530 kg (1168.45 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 525 l (18.54 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 100 l (26.42 US gal, 22 UK gal) |
| Length | 5113 mm (201.3 in.) |
| Width | 1886 mm (74.25 in.) |
| Height | 1486 mm (58.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3040 mm (119.69 in.) |
| Front track | 1606 mm (63.23 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1579 mm (62.17 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.18 m (39.96 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission G-TRONIC |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the S 600 V12 was the M120.982 engine, a 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V12. This engine was a marvel of engineering, featuring all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) per cylinder bank, and a sophisticated multi-port fuel injection system. The 60-degree V-angle was chosen for smoothness and compactness. Producing 394 horsepower at 5200 rpm and a substantial 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque at 3800 rpm, the M120 provided effortless acceleration and a refined driving experience. The engine’s high compression ratio of 10:1 contributed to its power output. Paired exclusively with the 5G-TRONIC five-speed automatic transmission, the S 600 V12 offered smooth and responsive gear changes, although it wasn’t designed for aggressive shifting. The 5G-TRONIC was an early electronically controlled automatic, offering adaptive shift patterns based on driving conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The S 600 V12 delivered a driving experience focused on effortless power and supreme comfort. While not a sports sedan, the V12 provided brisk acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.3 seconds – and a seemingly limitless reserve of power for overtaking. The 5G-TRONIC transmission, while smooth, prioritized comfort over outright performance, resulting in slightly slower shifts compared to the manual transmissions available in other S-Class models. The substantial weight of the vehicle (over 4800 lbs) was well-managed by the powerful engine, but it did impact handling agility. Compared to the S500, the V12 offered a significantly more relaxed and refined driving experience, with less need for aggressive throttle inputs. The S420 and S320 models, with their smaller engines, felt considerably less powerful and required more effort to maintain highway speeds.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The S 600 V12 came standard with a comprehensive list of luxury features. Leather upholstery was standard, along with wood trim, power-adjustable heated front and rear seats, a premium sound system, and automatic climate control. Many examples were equipped with optional features such as a rear seat entertainment system, a refrigerator in the rear center console, and upgraded leather packages. The interior design emphasized elegance and sophistication, with a focus on high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Exterior features included alloy wheels, a subtle rear spoiler, and chrome accents.
Chassis & Braking
The W140 S-Class featured a robust chassis with independent suspension all around. The front suspension utilized coil springs and a double wishbone setup, while the rear employed an independent multi-link suspension. Both ends benefited from a transverse stabilizer bar to reduce body roll. The S 600 V12 was equipped with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard. The steering system was a recirculating ball type with hydraulic power assistance, offering a smooth and precise feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The S 600 V12 was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its powerful engine, luxurious interior, and refined driving experience. However, its high price tag and substantial fuel consumption limited its appeal to a relatively small segment of the market. Compared to the S500, the V12 offered a significant performance advantage but came at a considerable cost premium. Fuel economy was a major drawback, with combined fuel consumption averaging around 13.9 US mpg. Reliability was generally good, but the complexity of the V12 engine and its associated systems meant that maintenance costs were higher than those of the six-cylinder or V8 models.
Legacy
Today, the W140 S 600 V12 is considered a classic Mercedes-Benz, appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts for its engineering excellence and luxurious appointments. While maintenance can be expensive due to the age and complexity of the vehicle, well-maintained examples command a premium in the used car market. The M120 V12 engine is renowned for its durability and smooth operation, and many examples have exceeded 200,000 miles. The S 600 V12 represents a high point in Mercedes-Benz engineering, embodying the brand’s commitment to luxury, performance, and innovation.
