Model Update

Transport from A to B doesn’t come much more luxurious and powerful than in the latest offering from the big Mercedes Benz S-Class. Not only can you get the insane performance of the latest mighty Twin Turbo V8 petrol engine, you can also enjoy the S-Class refinement and luxury with the superb economy of the S 350 BlueTEC model.

It’s worth detailing the new BlueTEC common rail direct injection unit. A V6 power plant that puts out a lusty 190 kW at a maximum rpm of 3600 is going to be quite a mover. What is quite sensational, however, is the instant 620 Nm of torque available from as low down as 1600 rpm – just above idling, really! The new piezo injectors aid clean efficiency and direct performance. Also, worthy of a mention is the BlueTEC catalytic converter technology which uses the reactant AdBlue to purify the vehicle’s exhaust gases. What remains is essentially water, nitrogen and carbon dioxide (CO2).

S-Class for 2011 means leather, zoned climate control, premium-end safety features, onboard audio and visual entertainment systems for all passengers (regardless of where you sit) and the standard AIRMATIC air-suspension system. But wait. There’s more!

Simply sensational. Purely Mercedes.

Usually cars like the Mercedes Benz S-Class are reserved for the very rich. But what are they actually like as an everyday motorcar? Let’s take a look and see.

Sporty performance isn’t only needed for motorway work. You’re going to love the way the Mercedes Benz S-Class drags off other cars at the traffic lights. A very handy feature for when you happen to be late for picking up the kids from school. Again, the S-Class acceleration will be appreciated when the old smoky logging truck slows up the traffic ahead. Lightening quick performance allows the big sedan to pull out and pass the slower traffic when needed, accelerating well into the ticket zone if you’re not careful. Thankfully, every new Mercedes Benz S-Class does come equipped with speed sensitive cruise control, an accident avoidance system, airbags for Africa and brakes that will stop a freight liner in its tracks.

How about the interior? Well, room for all the school trips you’ve been asked to provide transport for will not be a problem. A huge boot space can swallow all the sports gear for the local soccer team. And you’ll find that with an interior as classy as the Mercedes Benz S-Class, your only problem will be saying no to all the people eager to come in your car . Those roomy leather seats are highly attractive.

Stinky hot days suddenly become very pleasant inside the S-Class cabin. The THERMOTRONIC automatic 4-zone climate control system is amazing. Ride quality is always premium, and regardless of the number of pot holes in your drive to work the S-Class is as smooth as they come. Thanks to the AIRMATIC air suspension that is equipped with an adaptive damping system, your friends will never complain about how bumpy your car is again. Oh, and perhaps the standout feature on the glamorous Mercedes Benz S-Class would have to be the ingenious PARKTRONIC guidance system. No more embarrassing moments when parking in those tight spots around town. Definitely an “I want one of those” features!

Bluetooth interface with a hands-free feature helps you to show off to the occupants, and if music is what moves them then the Harman Kardon premium sound system will completely blow their socks off. The Mercedes Benz S-Class is also equipped with an exclusive TV tuner and DVD entertainment system.

So, what lies lurking under the bonnet of an S-Class? Masses of grunt for a start. The S 350 and S 350L boast the 200 kW V6 petrol motor. Like eight cylinders? Well you can have 285 kW and a V8 petrol engine or a V8, 386 kW petrol engine in the S 500 and S63 AMG, respectively.

A diesel alternative is available that is really quite a gem. Amazingly frugal on fuel, the Mercedes Benz S 350 CDI comes featuring an advanced 3.0-litre V6 engine that keeps the fuel bill low with an average fuel consumption figure of just 7.7 litres/100 km. A maximum torque figure of 540 Nm makes everyday grocery shopping a hoot! Even the 350 CDI can manage the 0-100 km/h dash in 7.8 seconds!

For all the performance “boffs” out there, I’ll interest you with rattling off the engine stats for the Mercedes Benz V12 S 600L This has twin-turbo technology, and it breathes exquisitely freely. Peak power is 380 kW, while torque is a massive 630 Nm. Now, you probably thought that was it. But know… there is more. The flagship model is the S 65L AMG. Twin turbo performance makes 450 kW from a V12, and no less that 1000 Nm of torque. Four-point-five seconds is all it takes to hit 100 km/h from a standstill. This should suffice at the traffic lights!

Any of the S-Class models is a complete luxury limousine. The handling is world class, and every one of them will do everyday tasks – just a little more stately.

The current model series includes the:

• S 350
• S 350L
• S 500
• S 500L
• S 600L
• S 63 AMG
• S 65L AMG
• S 350 BlueTEC

For any more information on the Mercedes Benz S-Class, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Mercedes Benz dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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