S-Class range extended

Mercedes-Benz will launch its new flagship S-Class model range over an extended period – with a drip-feed of models stretching through into 2015 at current projections.

Australia’s strongest performing luxury car brand will announce pricing for its initial tranche of S-Class models on Friday (November 29). Although not all models will be available from launch, for the first time ever Down Under, the S-Class offering will comprise a range of hybrid, turbo-diesel and petrol powertrains spanning four to 12-cylinders.

All-new, the range also introduces a bevy of new safety and convenience features wrapped in a new platform that the company claims is lighter, stiffer and more refined than ever before.

Mercedes-Benz claims it has delivered expanded “custom advantage” on all carry-over model designations.

From launch, two S 350 BlueTEC turbo-diesel models will be offered, with a new long-wheelbase variant joining the standard wheelbase oiler. Mercedes-Benz Australia says in the full model lifecycle the turbo-diesels will likely be the top selling variants.

Standard and long-wheelbase S 500 bi-turbo 4.7-litre petrol V8 models will also be offered from launch. A standard wheelbase AMG-fettled twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 S 63 AMG completes the five-model line-up that debuts locally this week.

But there are more models to come, including for the first time, two-door coupe variants and ultra-long wheelbase ‘Pullman’ models

The coupes are a rebranding of the CL-Class models. Spy photographers have already captured standard and AMG versions testing in Germany, but it is unlikely we will see the two-door models Down Under before late in 2015.

The S-Class ‘Pullman’ effectively replaces the axed Maybach brand. No firm dates or model information is forthcoming at this stage. Indeed, Mercedes is yet to officially confirm the name or any other details of the uber-S.

Official timing and details on other S-Class models is, however, available.

In mid-2014, Mercedes-Benz Australia will add two more bi-turbo petrol models to the local line-up in the shape of the V6 S 400 and long-wheelbase only V12 S 600. The 400 will be the new entry-level S-Class but will be offered in both standard and long-wheel base versions.

At this stage, the local future of the range-topping S 65 AMG V12 model is unclear. It is likely, however, that the engine variant will only be offered in a coupe model.

Alas, although AMG is offering 4MATIC all-wheel drive variants of its S63 and S65 bahnstormers in left-hand drive markets, even the all-new MR222 S-Class has not packaged-protected AWD for right-hand drive.

Mercedes is spouting the ‘green’ credentials of the new S-Class – with a drag coefficient of 0.24Cd, it’s claimed to be one of the slipperiest production cars ever built.

The new S 350 turbo-diesel models are rated at an impressive 6.0L/100km, but even these pale when compared to the diesel-electric S 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, which will also arrive Down Under in mid 2014.

Combining a 2.2-litre 150kW/500Nm four-cylinder direct-injected turbo-diesel with 20kW/250Nm electric motor, the S 300 is expected to deliver an ADR Combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of around 4.4L/100km.

At this stage, however, the greenest of all S-Class models, the S 500 Plug-in Hybrid has been all but ruled out for Australia.

According to Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesperson, David McCarthy, although the V6 petrol-electric model will be built in right-hand drive, the model appears to have had compatibility issues with local electrical systems. Price, however, seems likely to be the main sticking point.

“Charging requirements may be an issue but the biggest problem I expect will be price... It will be expensive. It’s too early to say whether we can get it at a price at which we can sell it,” he said.

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