The Updated S-Class Comes With Mercedes' Fancy New Straight-Sixes

New straight-sixes and a 4.0-litre V8 AMG engine confirmed for the refreshed S-Class, which is making its public debut at the Shanghai Motor Show
The Updated S-Class Comes With Mercedes' Fancy New Straight-Sixes

As with a lot of the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it facelifts we’ve seen from German brands lately, what’s particularly interesting about the new-ish S-Class is what’s under the bonnet. Chiefly, straight-sixes.

Having switched to V6 power back in the late 1990s, Mercedes is bringing back this well-balanced, less complex engine configuration to its cars.

The Updated S-Class Comes With Mercedes' Fancy New Straight-Sixes

The S350d and S400d are both powered by a new straight-six, 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, making 207 and 247bhp respectively. A 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine is on the way too, supplemented by a 48-volt sub-system and a lag-killing “electric booster compressor”.

At the shouty end of the scale, the AMG S63 (below) has ditched the old 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 in favour of the newer 4.0 litre lump, which in the go-faster S will produce 612bhp and 663lb ft. It’ll do 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds, which - for a big luxury tank like the S-Class - is frankly silly.

The Updated S-Class Comes With Mercedes' Fancy New Straight-Sixes

Want even more thrust? There’s still the option of the V12-powered S65, putting out 621bhp and an unholy 737lb ft.

For those who value luxury over physics-defying pace, the Mercedes-Mayback S560 is the one to go for. It’s powered by the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 as the ‘regular’ S560, making 463bhp.

All models receive significantly upgraded autonomous systems, with improvements to ‘Active Proximity Control’, ‘Active Steer Assist’ and ‘Active Lane Change Assist’ to name a few.

If you're into high levels of luxury and branded cushions, the Mercedes-Maybach S560 is the one you want
If you're into high levels of luxury and branded cushions, the Mercedes…

The facelift itself is mostly restricted to tweaked front and rear bumpers, and as such, it’s not going to be easy to tell the refreshed models apart. On the inside meanwhile, the S benefits from a new steering wheel (it doesn’t resembled a deranged smiley face anymore), an updated digital instrument cluster, an improved infotainment system and ambient lighting in 64 different colours.

There’s even something called an ‘energising comfort control’ which works with the climate control, the fragrance system, the massage seats, the aforementioned lighting and more for the sake of ‘wellness’. There are six options to choose from: Freshness, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Comfort and Training. Lovely.

The Updated S-Class Comes With Mercedes' Fancy New Straight-Sixes

The new S-Class goes on sale later this year, with pricing yet to be revealed. It’s on display now at the Shanghai Motor Show.

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Comments

Japman

Germans: making new cars look exactly the same as the last generation

04/18/2017 - 13:55 |
30 | 6
Darth Imperius/Anthony🇭🇷

In reply to by Japman

Why change perfection?

04/18/2017 - 14:08 |
94 | 8
BünnyRöcket Entertainment

In reply to by Japman

That’s not a new generation, it’s simply an upgrade

04/18/2017 - 14:14 |
8 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Japman

Well, it isn’t exactly a new generation, it just a refreshed W222 that so happen to look like a stretched E Class

04/18/2017 - 14:30 |
8 | 0
Turbobandit

In reply to by Japman

But it is still the same generation S class. It’s just a facelift. It’s not supposed to look like a whole new car.

04/18/2017 - 20:05 |
6 | 0
5:19.55

Imagine a na straight 6 petrol from mercedes alongside the one from bmw in a rev battle…

04/18/2017 - 13:56 |
10 | 2

But they’re both turbocharged…..?

04/18/2017 - 15:03 |
8 | 2
SubaruStig123

Its a shame that the american s class straight six will be LS swapped instantly

04/18/2017 - 13:59 |
2 | 20
Darth Imperius/Anthony🇭🇷

In reply to by SubaruStig123

What the fuuck?

04/18/2017 - 14:07 |
0 | 0

U srs?

04/18/2017 - 14:11 |
0 | 0
04/18/2017 - 14:12 |
14 | 0

I can already feel the hate

04/18/2017 - 14:24 |
2 | 2
Anonymous

Can some borrow me insert money here?

04/18/2017 - 13:59 |
2 | 0
Deadpool (Cam's much sexier twin) (Official Demon Fangirl)
04/18/2017 - 14:07 |
192 | 0

Providing the torque, that you have never seen before…..

04/18/2017 - 17:10 |
4 | 0

if only they sounded like the S54 or the RB series

04/18/2017 - 19:10 |
6 | 0
Darth Imperius/Anthony🇭🇷

Wonderful wonderful wonderful. Approved.

04/18/2017 - 14:08 |
4 | 0
CatHat

i will get that straight siz and swap it into a mx-5

04/18/2017 - 14:43 |
14 | 0
Kyle

Lol mayback…idiots

04/18/2017 - 14:54 |
0 | 8
Arne DW

Maybach Matt, Maybach. Really nice looking car though.

04/18/2017 - 14:55 |
6 | 0
Anonymous

Why they changed it to 560 and 680 though

04/18/2017 - 14:56 |
4 | 0
Mr.Beam

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

They once had the 560 SEC and before they had a W06 680

04/18/2017 - 16:14 |
4 | 0