Mercedes-Benz S-Class 1994–1998 car dimensions: 5113 mm long, 1886 mm wide and 1486 mm high. Unladen weight is 2,000 kg. Braked towing is 2,100 kg.
The cabin offers dual-zone automatic climate control as standard, with four-zone available on long-wheelbase models. Cruise control is fitted. Early cars have extending rear parking guide rods as standard. from 1995 Parktronic ultrasonic sensors are optional or standard on higher models. Power seats with memory, soft-close doors and double-glazed windows provide quiet luxury travel. No modern digital driver aids like screens or cameras appear in the records.
Boot space measures 525 litres with the seats in place. Rear seats do not fold, so there is no expanded volume or through-load option.
Braked towing capacity reaches 2100 kg and unbraked 750 kg. Payload is 650 kg. The car suits light trailer use but lacks any noted heavy-duty cooling or reinforced suspension packages for demanding work.
The cabin feels very quiet and isolated thanks to standard double-pane side glass. Front seats are 12-way power adjustable with memory and lumbar support. Long-wheelbase models add power-reclining rear seats. Dual-zone climate control is standard, with four-zone available on long-wheelbase cars. Soft-close doors and trunk make entry and exit smooth. Ride quality is soft and composed over most surfaces.
Petrol V8, manufacturer combined consumption 13.0 l/100 km
100-litre fuel tank
ABS standard
Driver and passenger airbags standard from 1993/94
ASR traction control standard on S 500
Side airbags and Brake Assist added later in production
The S 500 runs on Super petrol. Maker figures list combined use at 13.0 l/100 km, with urban around 17 l/100 km and extra-urban 10-12 l/100 km. The tank holds 100 litres for long range.
Standard safety includes ABS and dual front airbags. ASR traction control is fitted on the S 500. Later cars gained door-mounted side airbags, seat occupancy sensors, Brake Assist and optional ESP.
The car is solidly built with a rigid body and good corrosion protection for its age. Double-pane glass and pneumatic soft-close systems need care as seals and pumps age. Regular attention to the timing chain guides on the V8 keeps the engine reliable.
Length 5113 mm, Width 1886 mm, Height 1486 mm, Wheelbase 3040 mm (S-Class 1994–1998)
Sources: manufacturer data, Mercedes-Benz Classic technical data, The same archive’s 140-series saloon history, ADAC Autokatalog manufacturer column.