Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the new restyled S-Class, the first versions of which will arrive in Ireland late this year, in time for 2010 registrations. The car features a number of important design and technical changes. These include a more pronounced arrow-shaped radiator grille, a more discreetly contoured front bumper, new tail light design. The new S-Class now features a fresh chrome strip below the front air intakes.

The new range topper Mercedes Benz S-Class will come to the Irish market in the autumn with improved economy and safety coupled with fresh styling.

Other improvements made include an LED light package with daytime running lights and bi-xenon headlights as standard. Light is also used as an interior styling element with a choice of three lighting moods.

The new generation S-Class models will be powered by a choice of two diesel and six petrol engines of six, eight and twelve cylinder design. These engines feature lower CO2 emissions and a seven percent reduction in fuel consumption, with no loss of power. Mercedes Benz claims that this improvement in fuel economy comes from aerodynamic fine-tuning, the use of lower rolling resistance tyres and modifications to steering, fuel pump and automatic transmission systems.

Diesels units begin with the S350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY - a 235bhp, 3-litre version with fuel consumption of 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of just 199g/km. Petrol units include the S350 3.5-litre, 6-cylinder, 272bhp and two 8-cylinder units - the 4.7-litre/340bhp S450 and 5.5-litre, 388bhp S500. Flagship model is the S600 with 517bhp, 12-cylinder bi-turbo engine that accelerates from 0 - 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds.

One new model, expected to be available in right hand drive within the next two years, is the S400 Hybrid. Mercedes-Benz claims this to be the world's most efficient petrol-engine luxury saloon. This new S400 links a modified 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine developing 279bhp to a high-voltage, lithium-ion battery-powered electric motor that generates 20bhp with a starting torque of 160Nm.

Combined, they deliver 299bhp and maximum torque of 385 Nm with fuel consumption of only 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of just 186 g/km. Ranked as the CO2 champion in the luxury class, it will come with a fuel-saving start/stop function, an extensively modified drive train and seven-speed automatic transmission.

Safety standards have been improved across the range. A combination of new camera and radar based driver assistance systems include speed limit assist, drowsiness detection and adaptive high beam assist. Direct-steer and modified active body control features deliver added agility and driving enjoyment, with crosswind stabilisation a feature on 8 and 12-cylinder models.

Prices for Ireland will not be announced until closer to launch. The new S-Class models are designed to build on the reputation of 3.3 million units produced since the first version was produced in 1951.

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment