Mercedes-Benz reduces environmental impact through the use of economically-efficient and clean engines, as well as by the use of sustainable technology – and that, not only under the bonnet. For example, aerodynamic design, rolling-resistance-optimised tyres and above all, intelligent energy management, all contribute towards reducing the consumption and emissions of the S-Class.

The range of S-Class engines gets off to a particularly powerful start with the S 350 and S 350 L. The V6 engine, featuring four valves per cylinder and continuously variable camshaft adjustment, displays great accelerating power for quick sprints.

The S 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is the most fuel-efficient S-Class ever. Equipped with state-of-the-art common-rail direct injection and a series of other innovations, such as piezo-injectors, the S 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY sets new standards in diesel technology. The maximum torque of 540 Nm is available from a mere 1600 revolutions per minute, producing torque characteristics which are unsurpassed in this displacement class. And the output is an impressive 173 kW (220 hp).

Six cylinders and a balancer shaft ensure exceptionally smooth, quiet operation. In addition, the design is consistently lightweight, a fact that – together with the use of rolling-resistance optimised tyres and improved aerodynamics – is clearly reflected in its (combined) fuel consumption, which averages just 7.7 litres per 100 km. The standard diesel particulate filter ensures further significant reductions in emissions.

Effortless superiority and smooth running performance are the paramount strengths of the V8 engines. In order to make possible the great power delivery of the S 500 and S 500 L, our engineers employed lightweight materials such as magnesium, and they analysed the airflow in the cylinder intake and outlet ports, to then improve the shape of the ducts. The final result of this was optimised air supply – and consequently a considerable increase in output and reduction of emissions.

The S 63 AMG possesses a 6.3-litre V8 AMG naturally aspirated engine. It is a pure-bred sports engine: with its high-speed concept and its design it is able to deliver maximum output as a naturally aspirated engine. It accelerates the S-Class from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds – that says just about everything.

At Mercedes-Benz we are passionate about engine design. To this day our Development department is governed by Gottlieb Daimler’s motto that only the best is good enough. The pièce de resistance, the V12 biturbo engine, has therefore been further refined. Both the S 600 and the S 65 AMG, the top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG model, feature sophisticated V12 technology.

With its 830 Nm torque, the V12 is a powerplant with power reserves to spare in every situation. The S 600’s acceleration figures rival that of a sports car, the V12 reaching 100 km/h from a standstill in just 4.6 seconds. The 60 degree cylinder arrangement ensures complete equilibrium of forces.

The engine achieves this exceptional output thanks to combining two exhaust gas turbochargers and charge-air cooling. This combination of cutting-edge engine technology ensures an outstanding response from the twelve-cylinder engine, and maximum torque at a low engine speed.

The 6.0 litre AMG V12 biturbo engine accelerates the AMG top-of-the-line sports car from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds.

Both top-of-the-line 12-cylinder models are only available in the long-wheelbase versions with extended wheelbase for additional legroom in the rear compartment.