The Mercedes-Benz S500, known as the 500SE before 1993, was a variant of the W140 S-Class Sedan that was introduced for the 1994 model year. The S500 was built on the standard and long wheel base W140 platform and powered by Mercedes' M119 E50 engine. This 5.0L V8 engine generated 315hp which was sent to the rear wheels via a 4 or 5 speed automatic transmission. Sales of the W140 S500 ended in 1999, although the model series continued life in the next generation S-Class as the W220 Mercedes-Benz S500.