Hybrid and diesel models will
follow later in the production
run.
The S550 is powered by a twinturbocharged 4.7-liter V8 with
455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of
torque from just 1,800 rpm all
the way up to 3,500 rpm. The
sedan scoots to 60 mph from a
stop in just 4.8 seconds before
topping out at a limited 130
mph.
The S600 a powered by a twinturbocharged 6.0-liter V12
engine that generates 530
horsepower and 612 lb-ft. of
torque. 600-specific trim and
wheel designs help the 12cylinder-powered S stand out
from lesser models.
The default chassis setup
consists of a comfy and
sophisticated full air suspension
with adaptive dampers, while
MAGIC Ride CONTROL
swaps in coil springs.
POWERTRAIN
It’s hard to find fault with
Mercedes’ current engine
portfolio, so it’s hard to find
fault with the decision not to
alter it much for the new Sclass. The S550 will still be
powered by the twin-turbo 4.7liter V-8, which gains 20
horsepower for a total of 449.
Torque remains at 516 poundfeet. A seven-speed automatic is
the only transmission. As with
theE63, the S63 AMG will be
available only with all-wheel
drive; its twin-turbo 5.5-liter
now makes 577 horsepower and
664 pound-feet.
That’s 14 more horses than last
year’s optional Performance
package. When the rear-drive,
V-12–powered S600 and S65
AMG join the stable next year,
tire smokers will be able to
spark up with as much as 738
pound-feet. And while there’s
no official word yet, moreresponsible torque fiends can
bet on the diesel-six S350 Blue
Tec also making a repeat
appearance. The S400 hybrid
will return, too.
INTERIOR
The interior o the f S-class is
even more sumptuous than its
predecessor’s, with stitched
leather that you can practically
smell in photos, rich woods,
and touches like piano-key
HVAC controls, organ pulls for
the main air vents, and an
available pop-up tray table
between the rear seats. that rise
up out of the seat for easy
access, and then retract. In
total, there are more than 100
actuators and electric motors in
the S-class.
Groove Magazine Zimbabwe
Every S-Class model comes
standard with a navigation
system, a Burmester
AM/FM/CD/SiriusXM stereo
system, a panorama sunroof,
heated seats, leather upholstery, a
rearview camera, Bluetooth
connectivity, full LED exterior
and interior lighting, a power rear
window sunshade, adaptive high
beam assist and 18-inch alloy
wheels.
The Premium 1 Package adds
active ventilated, active multi contour and massaging front
seats, a proximity key, power rear
window sun blinds and
parktronic with active parking
assist.
The Driver Assistance Package
builds on the Premium 1 Package
with Distronic Plus with
PRESAFE brake, active blind
spot assist, active lane keeping
assist, PRE-SAFE PLUS, PRESAFE Brake and CMS rear (for a
detailed break-down of these
safety systems, scroll down to
"occupant safety").
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