S-CLASS GAINS FROM NEW MERCEDES-BENZ FIREPOWER

With a great car comes great power. With great power comes great responsibility. Mercedes-Benz South Africa is now responsible for an awesome range of power, starting with the new S 500 sedan and ending with a car that can only be driven properly in the empty Karoo.

While a facelifted S-Class range appeared in August 2009, most of the engines available then were carried over. Now the entire engine list has been updated, from the S 350 up to the peerless S 65 AMG. Starting at the bottom, the S 350 BlueEFFICIENCY still carries a 3.5-litre V6 petrol with natural aspiration. Power was increased to 225kW at 6500rpm and torque is 370Nm between 3500rpm and 5250rpm. The rear axle carries all power and torque through a 7-speed automatic gearbox. Acceleration for the big guy is rated at 6.9 seconds for the 0 – 100km/h sprint while average fuel consumption is 7.7 litres per 100km.

Next up is the S 500 BlueEFFICIENCY which catches the latest 4.7-litre twin turbo engine, same one used by the new CL 500. It dispenses 320kW (up from 285kW for the old 5.5-litre V8) at 5250rpm and 700Nm of torque between 1800rpm and 3500rpm. From zero to 100km/h the S 500 is said to take just 5 seconds, topping off at 250km/h. Merc says the S 500 takes fuel at a rate of 9.5 litres per 100km.

Above the S 500 sit the two AMG models, S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG. S 63 AMG uses the new 5.5-litre biturbo V8 for its 400kW, achieved at 5500rpm. Peak torque is 800Nm between 2000rpm and 4500rpm. With the optional AMG Performance Package these will go up to 420kW and 900Nm respectively. Acceleration performance is said to be blistering, at 4.5 and 4.4 seconds each. We’d be surprised to get 4.9, given the cars’ 2.2-ton plus weight, altitude and traction challenges.

The S 65 AMG is the ultimate Mercedes-Benz, offering a plethora of luxuries, comfort items, safety and exceptional performance through its 6.0-litre V12 engine paired with two turbos. It gives out 463kW, a 13kW increase on the old model, and maximum torque of 1000Nm between 2300rpm and 4300rpm. The stupendous S 65 AMG is apparently able to reach 100km/h from standstill in only 4.4 seconds. Combined freeway and urban fuel consumption is listed at 14.3 litres per 100km.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class new engine Pricing

S 350 BlueEFFICIENCY (R1 003 480)

S 500 BlueEFFICIENCY (R1 254 900)

S 500 L BlueEFFICIENCY (R1 356 700)

S 63 AMG (R1 695 610)

S 65 AMG (R2 245 100)

(The AMG Performance Package costs an extra R64 600)