Mercedes-Benz reduces environmental impact through the use of economically-efficient and clean engines, as well as by the use of sustainable technology – and that, not only under the bonnet. For example, aerodynamic design, rolling-resistance-optimised tyres and above all, intelligent energy management, all contribute towards reducing the consumption and emissions of the S-Class.

The range of S-Class engines gets off to a particularly powerful start with the S 300. The V6 engine, featuring four valves per cylinder and continuously variable camshaft adjustment, complies with the EU 5 exhaust gas emissions standard and displays great accelerating power for quick sprints.

(S 300: fuel consumption combined: 9.4–9.5 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 219–222 g/km; S 350: fuel consumption combined: 10.0–10.6 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 234–247 g/km)[1]

Effortless superiority and smooth running performance are the paramount strengths of the V8 engines. They fulfil EU 5 requirements and are available for models S 500 and S 63 AMG. In order to make possible the great power delivery of the S 500, our engineers employed lightweight materials such as, e.g. magnesium, and they analysed the airflow in the cylinder intake and outlet ports, to then improve the shape of the ducts. The final result of this was optimised air supply – and consequently a considerable increase in output and reduction of emissions.

The S 63 AMG possesses a 6.3-litre V8 AMG naturally aspirated engine. It is a pure-bred sports engine: with its high-speed concept and its design it is able to deliver maximum output as a naturally aspirated engine. It accelerates the S-Class from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds – that says just about everything.

(S 500: fuel consumption combined: 11.0–11.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 258–266 g/km; S 63 AMG: fuel consumption combined: 14.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 344 g/km)[1]

At Mercedes-Benz we are passionate about engine design. To this day our Development department is governed by Gottlieb Daimler's motto that only the best is good enough. The pièce de resistance, the V12 biturbo engine, has therefore been further refined. Both the S 600 and the S 65 AMG, the top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG model, feature sophisticated V12 technology.

With its 830 Nm torque, the V12 is a powerplant with power reserves to spare in every situation. The S 600's acceleration figures rival that of a sports car, the V12 reaching 100 km/h from a standstill in just 4.6 seconds. The 60 degree cylinder arrangement ensures complete equilibrium of forces.

The engine achieves this exceptional output thanks to combining two exhaust gas turbochargers and charge-air cooling. This combination of cutting-edge engine technology ensures an outstanding response from the twelve-cylinder engine, and maximum torque at a low engine speed.

The 6.0 litre AMG V12 biturbo engine accelerates the AMG top-of-the-line sports car from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds.

Both top-of-the-line 12-cylinder models are only available in the long-wheelbase versions with extended wheelbase for additional legroom in the rear compartment.

(S 600: fuel consumption combined: 14.3 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 340 g/km; S 65 AMG: fuel consumption combined: 14.5 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 346 g/km)[1]