1998 Mercedes-Benz S-class Long (V220) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Mercedes-Benz S-class Long (V220) ranges between 1725 kg (3804 lbs) to 1960 kg (4321 lbs), depending on the specific model and equipment level. The maximum permissible weight, or gross vehicle weight, is between 2330 kg (5137 lbs) and 2460 kg (5423 lbs). This variation accounts for different trim levels, engine options, and additional optional equipment. The vehicle's robust weight is typical for luxury sedans of this size and era, providing a solid, stable ride and enhanced safety features.

The Mercedes-Benz S-class Long (V220) comes equipped with rim sizes of 7.5J x 16 and 7.5J, paired with tire sizes that vary including 225/60 VR16, 225/60 R16, 225/55 R17W, and 225/60 R16W. These tire measurements reflect a balance between comfort and performance, typical for luxury sedans prioritizing smooth ride quality. The 16 to 17-inch rim sizes complement the vehicle's suspension setup to provide stable handling while ensuring a quiet driving experience.

Fitting the Mercedes-Benz S-class Long (V220), which is 5158 mm (203.1 inches) long and 1855 mm (73 inches) wide without mirrors, into a standard residential garage generally depends on the garage size. Typical North American single-car garages measure approximately 6 meters (20 feet) deep and 3 meters (10 feet) wide, which can accommodate the V220 in terms of length and width. However, with the mirrors opened (2092 mm or 82.3 inches wide), width clearance becomes tighter. Ensure your garage width is sufficient to avoid mirror damage, or fold in the mirrors when parking.

The luggage capacity of the Mercedes-Benz S-class Long (V220) is rated at 500 liters (approximately 17.7 cubic feet). This is a generous size for a luxury sedan, providing ample space for several suitcases or large items, making it practical for extended trips or business travel. The trunk's design in this model focuses on usability with a wide opening, facilitating easy loading and unloading, which is beneficial despite the car’s long-wheelbase sedan format.

The Mercedes-Benz S-class Long (V220) offers a ride height or ground clearance of 150 mm (5.9 inches). This clearance is fairly standard for luxury sedans of its class and era, providing a comfortable balance between sporty handling and practicality. While sufficient for most urban and highway conditions, drivers should be cautious over steep driveways or speed bumps to avoid underbody contact. This ground clearance complements the V220’s suspension setup aimed at delivering a smooth, composed ride.

Compared to its predecessor, the Mercedes-Benz S-class Long (V220) introduced in 1998 brought a more refined and slightly larger package. The V220 is longer, measuring 5158 mm (203.1 inches), offering increased rear legroom and rear passenger comfort compared to previous S-class long-wheelbase models. It also incorporated more modern styling and improved aerodynamics. While width and height remained relatively similar, the enhanced dimensions contributed to better luxury and interior space, solidifying its position as a flagship luxury sedan.

Dimensionally, the Mercedes-Benz S-class Long (V220) is competitive among luxury sedans of its era. With a length of 5158 mm (203.1 inches), it tends to be longer than many rivals such as the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8 from the same period, which typically ranged around 5 meters (197 inches). Its width of 1855 mm (73 inches) is also robust but not excessively wide, making it a balanced choice in terms of maneuverability and interior space. The V220 stands out especially because of its extended wheelbase providing superior rear passenger legroom compared to competitors.

The roof load capacity for the Mercedes-Benz S-class Long (V220) is specified at 100 kg (220 lbs). This limit is important for those considering mounting roof racks, luggage carriers, or other accessories. Staying within this limit ensures that the car's structural integrity and handling characteristics are maintained. Given the car's luxury sedan build, it’s designed primarily for comfort and performance, so roof usage should be moderate and carefully planned to avoid any adverse effects on driving stability or vehicle roof damage.

The 'Long' designation in the Mercedes-Benz S-class Long (V220) refers to an extended wheelbase version of the standard S-class sedan. This extension primarily increases interior cabin length, especially benefitting rear passengers with significantly more legroom and headroom compared to the standard wheelbase model. This makes the V220 Long model a favored choice for chauffeur-driven usage and those valuing rear-seat luxury. The longer wheelbase also tends to improve ride smoothness by increasing the distance between the front and rear axles, reducing the impact of road imperfections.