What does the 'd' in Mercedes-Benz S400d stand for?
3 Answers
2018 Mercedes-Benz S400d, test-driven by the UK's authoritative automotive magazine AutoCar in Zurich, Switzerland. The 'd' after the model name indicates that this is a diesel-powered luxury sedan, competing with the BMW 740d and Audi A8 3.0TDI. The chassis code of this Mercedes-Benz S-Class remains W222, belonging to the facelifted model. If this generation of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, launched in 2014, did not receive timely updates, it would lag behind competitors in terms of technological features. Therefore, the new S-Class boasts the following selling points: 1. Three new engines: One of them is a V6 engine paired with a 48V electric motor hybrid system. 2. Semi-autonomous driving: Equipped with semi-autonomous driving technology, capable of actively driving the vehicle for 30 seconds. 3. Long-wheelbase version available: The body is extended by 130mm, with a total length of 5255mm.
I always drive Mercedes-Benz cars, with a particular focus on the S-Class. The 'd' in S400d clearly indicates a diesel engine. Mercedes' naming convention is quite intuitive—the number 400 represents the engine class, while the 'd' suffix explicitly denotes Diesel. Diesel engines offer many advantages, such as high torque for strong acceleration and steady power delivery at high speeds. Fuel efficiency is a major benefit; compared to the gasoline-powered S400, the diesel version can travel dozens of kilometers more on a full tank, saving significantly on fuel costs. I’ve personally driven the S400d on long trips and experienced its smooth performance, though it’s important to maintain the filtration system regularly to prevent carbon buildup. Modern Mercedes diesel engines are technologically mature and feature excellent noise control. In short, 'd' stands for diesel, which is part of the brand’s tradition—just be careful not to confuse it with gasoline or hybrid versions when making a purchase.
As an automotive enthusiast, I've meticulously studied the details of Mercedes-Benz model designations. The 'd' in S400d stands for diesel, corresponding to Mercedes' Diesel engine naming convention. Technically speaking, it features a high-efficiency compression ignition system that delivers high torque output, making acceleration and overtaking particularly exhilarating. The diesel version offers approximately 20% better fuel efficiency compared to the gasoline S400. While there are environmental debates regarding emissions, the model is equipped with particulate filters to control pollution. I've also compared engine specifications - diesel models have slightly longer maintenance intervals but require premium fuel quality. Other Mercedes models like the S450d follow similar conventions, with the 'd' suffix remaining standard. Understanding these details leads to more informed decisions when selecting a new vehicle.
