The 4.3-litre V8 engine features lightweight design with three valves per cylinder and dual ignition

The engine produces 205kW at 5750rpm and 400Nm between 3000rpm and 4400rpm

Engine undercuts European emission guidelines by 50 per cent and is among the most environment-friendly engines in the world

The S430L is equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission which can be left to its own devices or operated as a manual via the shifter

The Speedtronic engine governing system enables a maximum speed to be set at the press of a button, reducing the risk of speeding fines

Stopping power comes via hydraulic dual-circuit disc brakes, ventilated on the front and rear

Optional Xenon headlamps contribute to safety by providing better night-time driver vision. Xenon lamps are twice as bright, last five times longer and consume 30 per cent less power than conventional lamps

A flexible service interval display informs the driver when a service is actually needed. Benz says this could cut maintenance costs by 30 per cent

A digital display in the instrument binnacle informs the driver how much time remains to the next service

Active safety features include Brakes Assist (BAS), which shortens braking distances in emergency situations, and Acceleration Skid Control (ASR), an advanced traction control system.

ESP stability control utilises the anti-lock braking system to stabilise the car in the event of a front or rear-end slide

ESP system monitors vehicle yaw, steering wheel angle, rotation speed of each wheel and acceleration or deceleration to detect any variation from desired direction of travel

The S430 rides on 7.5x16-inch rims shod with 225/60R16 tyres