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Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse and predecessors

1979 – 1991 Germany

Mercedes-Benz built the S-Klasse and predecessors for 12 years, from 1979 to 1991. All 16 variants use petrol engines, from 156 to 300 hp. The fastest versions reach 250 km/h. Against its predecessor (1972 – 1980), peak power rose from 286 to 300 hp, and minimum weight went down by 95 kg.

VariantFuelPower0–100TopGearbox
280 S 4MT RWD (156 HP)
2.7 L · 6 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 156 hp — 200 4-speed manual
260 SE 5MT RWD (170 HP)
2.6 L · 6 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 170 hp 10.2 s 204 5-Speed manual
300 SE 5MT RWD (179 HP)
3.0 L · 6 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 179 hp 9.3 s 204 5-Speed manual
300 SEL 5MT RWD (179 HP)
3.0 L · 6 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 179 hp 9.3 s 204 5-Speed manual
280 SE 4MT RWD (185 HP)
2.7 L · 6 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 185 hp — 211 4-speed manual
280 SEL 4MT RWD (185 HP)
2.7 L · 6 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 185 hp — 225 4-speed manual
380 SE 4AT RWD (204 HP)
3.8 L · 8 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 204 hp — 214 4-Speed automatic
380 SEL 4AT RWD (204 HP)
3.8 L · 8 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 204 hp — 225 4-Speed automatic
420 SE 4AT RWD (224 HP)
4.2 L · 8 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 224 hp 8.3 s 220 4-Speed automatic
420 SEL 4AT RWD (224 HP)
4.2 L · 8 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 224 hp 8.3 s 220 4-Speed automatic
500 SE 4AT RWD (231 HP)
5.0 L · 8 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 231 hp — 225 4-Speed automatic
500 SEL 4AT RWD (231 HP)
5.0 L · 8 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 231 hp — 225 4-Speed automatic
500 SE 4AT RWD (265 HP)
5.0 L · 8 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 265 hp 7.2 s 235 4-Speed automatic
500 SEL 4AT RWD (265 HP)
5.0 L · 8 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 265 hp 7.2 s 235 4-Speed automatic
560 SE 5AT RWD (300 HP)
5.5 L · 8 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 300 hp 6.9 s 250 5-speed automatic
560 SEL 4AT RWD (300 HP)
5.5 L · 8 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 300 hp 6.9 s 250 4-Speed automatic

Engine

Cylinders
L6
Displacement
2746 cm3 (168 ci)
Power
115 KW @ 5500 RPM156 HP @ 5500 RPM154 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque
166 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM225 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System
Carburetor
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
23.8 gallons (90.1 L)

Performance

Top Speed
124 mph (200 km/h)

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
4-speed manual

Brakes

Front
Ventilated Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
195/70HR14

Dimensions

Length
197.6 in (5019 mm)
Width
71.7 in (1821 mm)
Height
56.6 in (1438 mm)
Front/rear Track
60.6/59.8 in (1,539/1,519 mm)
Wheelbase
115.6 in (2936 mm)
Cargo Volume
18 cuFT (510 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.36
Turning circle
38.7 ft (11.8 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3428.8 lbs (1555 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
4585.6 lbs (2080 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
20.6 mpg US (11.4 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions
272 g/km

Engine

Cylinders
L6
Displacement
2599 cm3 (159 ci)
Power
125 KW @ 5800 RPM170 HP @ 5800 RPM168 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque
168 lb-ft @ 4600 RPM228 Nm @ 4600 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
23.8 gallons (90.1 L)

Performance

Top Speed
127 mph (204 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
10.2 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
5-Speed manual

Brakes

Front
Ventilated Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
205/65 R15H

Dimensions

Length
197.6 in (5019 mm)
Width
71.7 in (1821 mm)
Height
56.6 in (1438 mm)
Front/rear Track
61.4/60.2 in (1,560/1,529 mm)
Wheelbase
115.6 in (2936 mm)
Cargo Volume
18 cuFT (510 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.36
Turning circle
38.7 ft (11.8 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3351 lbs (1520 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
4497 lbs (2040 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

City
16.4 mpg US (14.3 L/100Km)
Highway
30.5 mpg US (7.7 L/100Km)
Combined
22 mpg US (10.7 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions
254 g/km

Engine

Cylinders
L6
Displacement
2962 cm3 (181 ci)
Power
132 KW @ 5700 RPM179 HP @ 5700 RPM177 BHP @ 5700 RPM
Torque
188 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM255 Nm @ 4400 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
23.8 gallons (90.1 L)

Performance

Top Speed
127 mph (204 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
9.3 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
5-Speed manual

Brakes

Front
Ventilated Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
205/65 R15V

Dimensions

Length
197.6 in (5019 mm)
Width
71.7 in (1821 mm)
Height
56.6 in (1438 mm)
Front/rear Track
60.6/59.8 in (1,539/1,519 mm)
Wheelbase
115.6 in (2936 mm)
Cargo Volume
18 cuFT (510 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.36
Turning circle
38.7 ft (11.8 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3362 lbs (1525 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
4497 lbs (2040 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

City
16.2 mpg US (14.5 L/100Km)
Highway
29.4 mpg US (8 L/100Km)
Combined
21.6 mpg US (10.9 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions
259 g/km

Engine

Cylinders
L6
Displacement
2962 cm3 (181 ci)
Power
132 KW @ 5700 RPM179 HP @ 5700 RPM177 BHP @ 5700 RPM
Torque
180 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM244 Nm @ 4400 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
23.8 gallons (90.1 L)

Performance

Top Speed
127 mph (204 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
9.3 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
5-Speed manual

Brakes

Front
Ventilated Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
205/65 VR15

Dimensions

Length
203.1 in (5159 mm)
Width
71.7 in (1821 mm)
Height
56.6 in (1438 mm)
Front/rear Track
60.6/59.8 in (1,539/1,519 mm)
Wheelbase
120.9 in (3071 mm)
Cargo Volume
18 cuFT (510 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.36
Turning circle
38.7 ft (11.8 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3417 lbs (1550 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
4563 lbs (2070 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
21.6 mpg US (10.9 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions
259 g/km

Engine

Cylinders
L6
Displacement
2746 cm3 (168 ci)
Power
136 KW @ 5800 RPM185 HP @ 5800 RPM182 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque
177 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM240 Nm @ 4500 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
23.8 gallons (90.1 L)

Performance

Top Speed
131 mph (211 km/h)

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
4-speed manual

Brakes

Front
Ventilated Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
195/70 VR14

Dimensions

Length
197.6 in (5019 mm)
Width
71.7 in (1821 mm)
Height
56.6 in (1438 mm)
Front/rear Track
60.6/59.8 in (1,539/1,519 mm)
Wheelbase
115.6 in (2936 mm)
Cargo Volume
18 cuFT (510 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.36
Turning circle
38.7 ft (11.8 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3432 lbs (1557 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
4590.1 lbs (2082 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
20.3 mpg US (11.6 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions
276 g/km

Engine

Cylinders
L6
Displacement
2746 cm3 (168 ci)
Power
136 KW @ 5800 RPM185 HP @ 5800 RPM182 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque
177 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM240 Nm @ 4500 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
23.8 gallons (90.1 L)

Performance

Top Speed
140 mph (225 km/h)

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
4-speed manual

Brakes

Front
Ventilated Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
195/70VR14

Dimensions

Length
202.2 in (5136 mm)
Width
71.7 in (1821 mm)
Height
56.6 in (1438 mm)
Front/rear Track
60.6/59.8 in (1,539/1,519 mm)
Wheelbase
120.9 in (3071 mm)
Cargo Volume
18 cuFT (510 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.36
Turning circle
38.7 ft (11.8 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3585 lbs (1626 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
4756 lbs (2157 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
20.2 mpg US (11.6 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions
277 g/km

Engine

Cylinders
V8
Displacement
3839 cm3 (234 ci)
Power
150 KW @ 5250 RPM204 HP @ 5250 RPM201 BHP @ 5250 RPM
Torque
232 lb-ft @ 3250 RPM315 Nm @ 3250 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
23.8 gallons (90.1 L)

Performance

Top Speed
133 mph (214 km/h)

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
4-Speed automatic

Brakes

Front
Ventilated Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
205/70 VR14

Dimensions

Length
197.6 in (5019 mm)
Width
71.7 in (1821 mm)
Height
56.6 in (1438 mm)
Front/rear Track
60.6/59.8 in (1,539/1,519 mm)
Wheelbase
115.6 in (2936 mm)
Cargo Volume
18 cuFT (510 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.36
Turning circle
38.7 ft (11.8 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3517 lbs (1595 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
4662 lbs (2115 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
19.9 mpg US (11.8 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions
281 g/km

Engine

Cylinders
V8
Displacement
3839 cm3 (234 ci)
Power
150 KW @ 5250 RPM204 HP @ 5250 RPM201 BHP @ 5250 RPM
Torque
232 lb-ft @ 3250 RPM315 Nm @ 3250 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
23.8 gallons (90.1 L)

Performance

Top Speed
140 mph (225 km/h)

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
4-Speed automatic

Brakes

Front
Ventilated Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
205/70 VR14

Dimensions

Length
202.2 in (5136 mm)
Width
71.7 in (1821 mm)
Height
56.6 in (1438 mm)
Front/rear Track
60.6/59.8 in (1,539/1,519 mm)
Wheelbase
120.9 in (3071 mm)
Cargo Volume
18 cuFT (510 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.36
Turning circle
38.7 ft (11.8 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3560 lbs (1615 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
4706 lbs (2135 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
21 mpg US (11.2 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions
267 g/km

Engine

Cylinders
V8
Displacement
4196 cm3 (256 ci)
Power
165 KW @ 5400 RPM224 HP @ 5400 RPM221 BHP @ 5400 RPM
Torque
240 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM325 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
23.8 gallons (90.1 L)

Performance

Top Speed
137 mph (220 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
8.3 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
4-Speed automatic

Brakes

Front
Ventilated Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
205/65 R15V

Dimensions

Length
197.6 in (5019 mm)
Width
71.7 in (1821 mm)
Height
56.6 in (1438 mm)
Front/rear Track
60.6/59.8 in (1,539/1,519 mm)
Wheelbase
115.6 in (2936 mm)
Cargo Volume
18 cuFT (510 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.36
Turning circle
38.7 ft (11.8 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3527 lbs (1600 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
4673 lbs (2120 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

City
15.3 mpg US (15.4 L/100Km)
Highway
25.8 mpg US (9.1 L/100Km)
Combined
19.8 mpg US (11.9 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions
282 g/km

Engine

Cylinders
V8
Displacement
4196 cm3 (256 ci)
Power
165 KW @ 5400 RPM224 HP @ 5400 RPM221 BHP @ 5400 RPM
Torque
240 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM325 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
23.8 gallons (90.1 L)

Performance

Top Speed
137 mph (220 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
8.3 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
4-Speed automatic

Brakes

Front
Ventilated Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
205/65 VR15

Dimensions

Length
203.1 in (5159 mm)
Width
71.7 in (1821 mm)
Height
56.6 in (1438 mm)
Front/rear Track
60.6/59.8 in (1,539/1,519 mm)
Wheelbase
120.9 in (3071 mm)
Cargo Volume
18 cuFT (510 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.36
Turning circle
38.7 ft (11.8 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3604 lbs (1635 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
4751 lbs (2155 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
19.8 mpg US (11.9 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions
282 g/km

Engine

Cylinders
V8
Displacement
4973 cm3 (303 ci)
Power
170 KW @ 4750 RPM231 HP @ 4750 RPM228 BHP @ 4750 RPM
Torque
299 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM405 Nm @ 3000 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
23.8 gallons (90.1 L)

Performance

Top Speed
140 mph (225 km/h)

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
4-Speed automatic

Brakes

Front
Ventilated Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
205/70 VR14

Dimensions

Length
197.6 in (5019 mm)
Width
71.7 in (1821 mm)
Height
56.6 in (1438 mm)
Front/rear Track
60.6/59.8 in (1,539/1,519 mm)
Wheelbase
115.6 in (2936 mm)
Cargo Volume
18 cuFT (510 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.36
Turning circle
38.7 ft (11.8 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3571.5 lbs (1620 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
4740 lbs (2150 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
19.8 mpg US (11.9 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions
282 g/km

Engine

Cylinders
V8
Displacement
4973 cm3 (303 ci)
Power
170 KW @ 4750 RPM231 HP @ 4750 RPM228 BHP @ 4750 RPM
Torque
299 lb-ft @ 2750 RPM405 Nm @ 2750 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
23.8 gallons (90.1 L)

Performance

Top Speed
140 mph (225 km/h)

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
4-Speed automatic

Brakes

Front
Ventilated Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
205/70 VR14

Dimensions

Length
202.2 in (5136 mm)
Width
71.7 in (1821 mm)
Height
56.6 in (1438 mm)
Front/rear Track
60.6/59.8 in (1,539/1,519 mm)
Wheelbase
120.9 in (3071 mm)
Cargo Volume
18 cuFT (510 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.36
Turning circle
38.7 ft (11.8 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3648 lbs (1655 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
4795 lbs (2175 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
19.8 mpg US (11.9 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions
282 g/km

Engine

Cylinders
V8
Displacement
4973 cm3 (303 ci)
Power
195 KW @ 5200 RPM265 HP @ 5200 RPM261 BHP @ 5200 RPM
Torque
299 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM405 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
23.8 gallons (90.1 L)

Performance

Top Speed
146 mph (235 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
7.2 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
4-Speed automatic

Brakes

Front
Ventilated Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
205/65 R15V

Dimensions

Length
197.6 in (5019 mm)
Width
71.7 in (1821 mm)
Height
56.6 in (1438 mm)
Front/rear Track
60.6/59.8 in (1,539/1,519 mm)
Wheelbase
115.6 in (2936 mm)
Cargo Volume
18 cuFT (510 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.36
Turning circle
38.7 ft (11.8 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3571 lbs (1620 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
4718 lbs (2140 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

City
14.5 mpg US (16.2 L/100Km)
Highway
25 mpg US (9.4 L/100Km)
Combined
19 mpg US (12.4 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions
294 g/km

Engine

Cylinders
V8
Displacement
4973 cm3 (303 ci)
Power
195 KW @ 5200 RPM265 HP @ 5200 RPM261 BHP @ 5200 RPM
Torque
299 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM405 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
23.8 gallons (90.1 L)

Performance

Top Speed
146 mph (235 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
7.2 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
4-Speed automatic

Brakes

Front
Ventilated Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
205/65 VR15

Dimensions

Length
203.1 in (5159 mm)
Width
71.7 in (1821 mm)
Height
56.6 in (1438 mm)
Front/rear Track
60.6/59.8 in (1,539/1,519 mm)
Wheelbase
120.9 in (3071 mm)
Cargo Volume
18 cuFT (510 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.36
Turning circle
38.7 ft (11.8 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3692 lbs (1675 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
4839 lbs (2195 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
19.8 mpg US (11.9 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions
282 g/km

Engine

Cylinders
V8
Displacement
5547 cm3 (338 ci)
Power
221 KW @ 5000 RPM300 HP @ 5000 RPM296 BHP @ 5000 RPM
Torque
336 lb-ft @ 3750 RPM455 Nm @ 3750 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
23.8 gallons (90.1 L)

Performance

Top Speed
155.3 mph (250 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
6.9 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
5-speed automatic

Brakes

Front
Ventilated Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
215/65 R15V

Dimensions

Length
197.6 in (5019 mm)
Width
71.7 in (1821 mm)
Height
56.6 in (1438 mm)
Front/rear Track
60.6/59.8 in (1,539/1,519 mm)
Wheelbase
115.6 in (2936 mm)
Cargo Volume
18 cuFT (510 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.36
Turning circle
38.7 ft (11.8 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3881 lbs (1760 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
4894 lbs (2220 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

City
13.4 mpg US (17.6 L/100Km)
Highway
21.2 mpg US (11.1 L/100Km)
Combined
16.7 mpg US (14.1 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions
335 g/km

Engine

Cylinders
V8
Displacement
5547 cm3 (338 ci)
Power
221 KW @ 5000 RPM300 HP @ 5000 RPM296 BHP @ 5000 RPM
Torque
336 lb-ft @ 3750 RPM455 Nm @ 3750 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
23.8 gallons (90.1 L)

Performance

Top Speed
155.3 mph (250 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
6.9 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
4-Speed automatic

Brakes

Front
Ventilated Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
215/65 VR15

Dimensions

Length
203.1 in (5159 mm)
Width
71.7 in (1821 mm)
Height
56.6 in (1438 mm)
Front/rear Track
60.6/59.8 in (1,539/1,519 mm)
Wheelbase
120.9 in (3071 mm)
Cargo Volume
18 cuFT (510 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.36
Turning circle
38.7 ft (11.8 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
4001 lbs (1815 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
5015 lbs (2275 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
17.7 mpg US (13.3 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions
316 g/km
Length5,019 – 5,159 mm
Width1,821 mm
Height1,438 mm
Wheelbase2,936 – 3,071 mm
Curb weight1,520 – 1,815 kg
Torque225 – 455 Nm

Ranges across all 16 variants of this generation.