Benz S-Class arrives just in time for Christmas

THE first of Mercedes-Benz’s technology-laden, next-generation S-Class limousines is likely to arrive in Australia before the end of the year, the German luxury car-maker says.

The restyled saloon – which replaces every single incandescent globe with a low-energy LED light – will arrive with three separate variants, including the diesel-engined S350 BlueTec, the V8-engined S500 and firebrand S63 AMG.

However, versions not destined for Australian showrooms include the petrol-electric hybrid models that cut fuel use to about the same as a three-cylinder, petrol-engined Suzuki Alto hatchback.

The hybrid models, which include S350 BlueTec and S400 BlueTec versions, and eventually a plug-in hybrid model, were under “no active consideration” for the Australian market, Mercedes-Benz Australia senior manager of corporate communications, David McCarthy, said from Canada where the international media has its first drive of the vehicle.

The S350 BlueTec uses a 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 that produces 190kW of power and a big 620Nm of torque, while using only 5.5L/100km and producing 146g/km of carbon dioxide.

The S500 uses a 4.7-litre V8 producing a healthy 335kW of power and an even bigger well of 700Nm of torque, but using only 8.6L/100km and emitting 199g/km. It is also the fastest of the non-AMG-badged cars, sprinting from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds.

The S63 AMG – yet to have its world debut and therefore still light on detail – is expected to use a twin-turbocharged version of Mercedes-Benz’s 5.5-litre V8.

The first three S-Class models precede the arrival of another trio of variants – the long-wheelbase S600L, and S400 short- and long-wheelbase models – by mid-2014.

The new S-Class resets the benchmarks for driver-assist technologies. This generation of the limousine includes a pair of forward-looking cameras scan the road ahead for bumps, and adjusts the air suspension on the fly.

It’s also a more connected car, with its satellite navigation system integrating with Google Maps to provide real-world images of a destination rather than a pixellated, blocky render.

Inside, buyers can expect the usual swathe of leather and wood trim, and even a perfume dispenser that automatically fills the cabin with a pleasant scent.

The rear seatbelts include an integrated airbag that inflates in a crash, spreading the area over which the forces are spread and minimising injury to the wearer.

Mercedes-Benz’s current S-Class range starts from $213,428 for the entry-level S350 BlueTec powered by a 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 that averages a combined 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres.