Ssangyong Chairman W (W200). 2008 to date (prod. n/a). 4-door sedan, 4-door LWB sedan. F/R, F/A, 2799, 3199, 3598 cm³ (I6 DOHC), 4966 cm³ (V8 DOHC). W in name, distinguishing it from previous Chairman, denoted World, ironic since it was sold principally in Korea. New Chairman featured Korea’s first V8 engine (of Mercedes-Benz design) mated to seven-speed automatic, and 10 airbags, a record at the time for a Korean car. Also a first was the availability of an all-wheel-drive version (again, from Mercedes—namely its 4Matic transmission)—again unprecedented for a luxury Korean car. Adjustable ride height. Better appointed interior, including touch-screen interface and 40 Gbyte hard drive. Electronic brake replaced the traditional Mercedes-Benz foot-brake. Only 3·6 and V8 at launch; 3·2 added in 2009; 2·8 from 2012. More comfortable ride than previous Chairman, and more refined, though still some quality niggles and wind noise. Facelift in 2014, with vertical bars on grille, and equipment upgrades, including the availability of 19-inch wheels.

Manufacturing location: Korea

Marque: Ssangyong | Model: Ssangyong Chairman | Predecessor: Ssangyong Chairman (1997–2013)