Ssangyong Chairman/Ssangyong Chairman H (W100). 1997–2013 (prod. n/a). 4-door sedan, 4-door LWB sedan. F/R, 2295 cm³ (I4 OHC), 2799, 3199, 3598 cm³ (I6 DOHC). Top-of-the-line sedan from Ssangyong, based on Mercedes-Benz W124 platform, with Mercedes engines. Styled to resemble the larger S-Klasse. Found a niche very quickly among rich Koreans, and occasionally chauffeur-driven there, rapidly taking over the market of the Daewoo Prince and its derivatives. Facelift in 2003 saw some of the Mercedes-Benz overtones dropped. With the introduction of the Chairman W in 2008, the original model was renamed Chairman H, and the long-wheelbase models dropped. Engines cut back to the 2·8 and 3·2. Uninvolving in terms of its driving experience—not unlike the W124 Mercedes, but a decade too late—and not popular outside Korea. Not that roomy in terms of luggage space. Heavy, so the four finds it a struggle. Questionable build quality. Also made by North Korean venture Pyeonghwa as the Zunma. Further facelift in 2011.

Manufacturing location: Korea

Marque: Ssangyong | Model: Ssangyong Chairman | Successor: Ssangyong Chairman W