Benz entry limo beats LCT

An update for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class range adds standard equipment and a introduces a new diesel variant boasting a combined-cycle consumption figure of 7L/100km.

The extra-efficient S 350 -- now badged 'BlueTEC', rather than CDI -- replaces the outgoing version which used 7.7L. The improvement means the entry model S-Class is exempt from the luxury car tax (LCT), which allows a dispensation for luxury vehicles priced over $58K and using 7 litres or less fuel per 100km.

During this week's launch of the updated S-Class range, Mercedes-Benz Australia managing director Horst van Sanden said: "It's fantastic for us to have a vehicle of this size, which matches equivalently-efficient cars.

"It's become a badge of honour for us [luxury car makers] to meet the highest standards of efficiency."

M-B Australia executives admit 'traditional' buyers of the S-Class have not made a connection between diesel and luxury motoring as part of the ownership experience, however he anticipates models like the S 350 BlueTec will encourage a turnaround in buyers' perceptions of diesel luxury cars.

Evidence is a shift in buyer preference for the E-Class which has recently topped 50 per cent of diesel versus petrol purchases.

Mercedes-Benz offers a hybrid version of the S-Class -- the S 400 -- and a 'smaller' entry level diesel model (S 250 CDI) in European markets.

At this stage there is no promise for either models' arrival in Australia due to right-hand-drive only production, however van Sanden said his company "would like to see them here".

Meanwhile Australians are offered the 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel S 350 BlueTec model, starting at $213,428 (includes GST and LCT if applicable), as the most efficient S-Class. The S 350's engine now produces 190kW/620Nm; up from 173kW/540Nm.

We managed 8.2L/100km over a route including rural and highway miles. Power is on tap and the ample torque moves the S-Class' two-tonne bulk with ease -- brilliant for overtaking duties and polishing off hills.

The S 350 is also impressive in the acceleration stakes and only at idle does it sound like a diesel, having a throaty growl in its upper reaches. The standard-fit seven-speed automatic is responsive if left to its own devices, or the paddle-shift can be used for instantaneous results. The S-Class also has 'switchable' engine/transmission characteristics: our 8.2L result was after most time in 'Sport' mode.

The 2011 update includes blind spot and lane assistance to the standard-fit list rangewide. The lane assistance is unobtrusive and the blind spot system offers visual and audio warning.

Stepping up to the BlueEFFICIENCY petrol version costs $220,650 and includes bigger (19 versus 18-inch) alloys. The petrol 350's combined consumption rating is significantly higher than the BlueTec's at 9L/100km, however M-B Australia claims the model is the most economical petrol-powered luxury car in its segment. Output has been increased for the new year updates; up from 200kW to 225kW, and 350Nm to 370Nm.

At the top end of the scale is the S63, now packing AMG's 5.5-litre biturbo V8. Despite the smaller -- by 747cc -- displacement to the esteemed 6.2-litre V8, the biturbo whips the naturally aspirated version with 400kW and 800Nm.

The 5.5 is also more efficient than the previous V8, using 10.6L/100km. Start/stop is included as standard.

The biturbo V8 is mated to a new seven-speed transmission with wet start-up clutch (a la SL63 and E 63). AMG attributes the engine's efficiency in part to its new Speedshift transmission.

The new engine does not replace the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 used in the '63' models; rather, it adds another option to AMG's engine lineup, which also includes the biturbo V12 available in the S-Class range. See pricing below.

Visit the Carsales Network again for our drive review of the new S 350 BlueTEC and S 63 AMG.

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