Four new S-Class models join the ranks

Mercedes-Benz is set to bolster its flagship S-Class portfolio with the addition of an impressively efficient diesel-electric hybrid model, and three new long-wheelbase variants.

Beginning this month (June 2014), the S-Class line-up will be joined by the short-wheelbase-only S 300 BlueTEC Hybrid (pictured, $195,000 plus on-road costs), long-wheelbase S 400 L (from $230,000 plus ORCs), S 63 AMG L (from $397,500 plus ORCs) and S 600 L (from $415,000 plus ORCs) variants.

Leading the range on price, fuel economy and emissions, the S 300 Hybrid combines a 2.1-litre turbo-diesel engine with a synchronous electric motor and seven-speed automatic transmission. It is capable of returning a combined cycle fuel economy average of just 4.5L/100km with CO2 emissions of 118g/km.

The S 300 diesel hybrid is joined by the S 400 L, the third instalment in the local line-up’s long-wheelbase range. Sitting between the already-available S 350 BlueTEC L and S 500 L, it is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 making 245kW and 480Nm.

Impressively green in light of its output, the S 400 L is said to consume 7.9L/100km on the ADR combined cycle while emitting 184g/km of CO2.

Joining the newly launched S 63 AMG is the long-wheelbase variant dubbed the S 63 AMG L. The model will be powered by the same 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 found in the short-wheelbase variant, also making 430kW and 900Nm.

The ‘L’ consumes just 0.1L/100km more than the ‘regular’ S 63 AMG at 10.3L/100km, and emits only 241g/km.

Finally, and at the very top of the current local S-Class range, is the S 600 L.

Not yet a replacement for the now defunct Maybach marque, the S 600 L comes close on furniture and features, and also on performance. Powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 making 390kW and 830Nm, the S 600 L offers a combined-cycle fuel figure of 11.3L/100km and CO2 emissions of 264g/km.

The existing S-Class range (priced from $215,000 to $385,000 plus ORCs), comprises short- and long-wheelbase versions of the diesel-powered S 350 BlueTEC, short- and long-wheelbase versions of the V8 petrol-powered S 500 and the current range-topping S 63 AMG (short-wheelbase), and is the best-seller of its class, outstripping its nearest competitor two to one.

At the end of May this year (2014), the Mercedes-Benz S-Class accounted for an impressive 34 per cent share of the Upper Large $100,000-plus segment, or 126 units. That figure places the S-Class well ahead of the Maserati Quattroporte in second place (17 per cent and 63 sales) and BMW's 7 Series in third (12.1 per cent and 45 sales).

Mercedes-Benz Australia says it expects the new S-Class offerings to follow a similar sales split to that of the current range, which favours the S 500 to the tune of 50 per cent, the S 350 BlueTEC at 43 per cent and the high-performing S 63 AMG on seven per cent.

A surprising 90 per cent of S-class models are sold to private buyers in Australia, where buyers prefer short-wheelbase models over long-wheelbase variants by a split of 60/40.

For more information on the new Mercedes-Benz S 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, visit motoring.com.au again soon.

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class pricing:
S 300 BlueTEC Hybrid -- $195,000 (plus ORCs)
S 350 BlueTEC -- $215,000 (plus ORCs)
S 350 BlueTEC L -- $222,500 (plus ORCs)
S 400 L -- $230,000 (plus ORCs)
S 500 -- $285,000 (plus ORCs)
S 500 L -- $310,000 (plus ORCs)
S 63 AMG -- $385,000 (plus ORCs)
S 63 AMG L -- $397,500 (plus ORCs)
S 600 L -- $415,000 (plus ORCs)