V8 diesel for S-class

MERCEDES-BENZ has introduced a 4.0-litre V8 turbo-diesel engine into its S-class limousine in Europe, however, Australian management has backed down from confirming its introduction here after talking it up earlier this year.

Available in short and long-wheelbase versions overseas, the Euro IV-compliant 235kW/730Nm S420 CDI can accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.6 seconds and return fuel consumption figures bellow 10L/100km.

The A8 4.2 TDI rival is fitted standard with Benz’s 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission.