Mercedes-Benz Debuts New S600 V12, Announces MY Updates for S-Class

Taking its place at the top-end of the regular (non-AMG) S-Class lineup is the new Mercedes-Benz S600, a V12-powered luxury sedan that has now made its grand entrance at the Detroit motor show, with the market launch to follow in March 2014.

While enjoying all the luxuries and technology features of the other S-Class models, the S600 adds a 6.0-liter bi-turbo V12 engine to the mix, which packs a stronger punch than the older 510hp (517PS) 5.5-liter V12, delivering 523hp (530PS) between 4,900 and 5,300 rpm and 830Nm (612 lb-ft) of peak torque from 1,900 to 4,000 rpm.

For the first time the S600 comes equipped with an ECO start/stop function as standard, allowing the car to meet the stricter Euro 6 emissions standard, while the combined fuel consumption of the S 600 stands at 11.3 l/10km (20.8mpg US or 25.0mpg UK), a 21 per cent improvement over its predecessor. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission.

In addition to the release of the new S600, Mercedes also announced some model-year updates for the existing S-Class range.

Beginning from March 2014, all the functions of the head unit can be controlled by fingertip gesture, as with a smartphone, from the new, optional touchpad that also allows letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting in any language that is available on the unit.

A head-up display is also available as an option for the S-Class, while Mercedes is adding a new optional electric (front) windscreen heating system.

Finally, the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system is being replaced on all S-Class models by the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS as standard. According to Benz, along with the adaptive Brake Assist system that helps protect against collisions at speeds of over 4 mph (6 km/h, the new system features an addition function in which, if the danger of collision persists and the driver fails to respond, it can carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 124 mph (200km/h). The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 31 mph (50km/h) and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at up to 25 mph (40km/h).

"The S-Class has always been the embodiment of our claim to deliver the very best in terms of both technology and design” said Ola Källenius, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz. "And our flagship model, the S 600, epitomises the focus of our development work, the 'Essence of Luxury', in a way that no other model can. Our customers in North America and Asia in particular will enjoy this new top model with its exciting V12 engine," he added.

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First Official Look at Mercedes-Benz's New V12-Powered S600

We'll soon delve into the nitty-gritties of the most luxurious version of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class to date, the V12-powered S600, but before we do, let us share these official photos of the car that just surfaced on the web ahead of its world premiere in Detroit.

For a flagship version (excluding the AMG variants of the series), the new S600 is rather discreet, leaving the V12 fender badges together with the model name on the boot lid and the quad pipes do the talking.

Pop the hood up and you'll find a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine, which according to a leaked spec sheet, is good for a maximum output of 530PS (523hp) between 4,900 and 5,300 rpm and peak torque of 830Nm (612 lb-ft) from 1,900 to 4,000 rpm.

A 7G Tronic Plus transmission handles the delivery of power to the rear wheels, with Mercedes giving out a combined fuel economy figure of 11.3 l/10km (20.8mpg US or 25.0mpg UK) on the European cycle.

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New Mercedes-Benz S600 V12 Allegedly Revealed Through Official Brochure Shots

At the advice of one of Carscoops' readers (thanks Alex!) in our previous post about Mercedes-Benz's confirmation of the new S600's debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, we looked around and found what are claimed to be brochure shots of the V12-powered model, including a specification sheet.

Besides the "S600" and "V12" badges, and the quad tailpipes, there's nothing else that stands out on this model (again, if these are indeed official photos).

The spec-sheet says that the S600's 6.0-liter bi-turbocharged V12 delivers 530PS (523hp) between 4,900 and 5,300 rpm and a massive 830Nm (612 lb-ft) of peak torque from 1,900 to 4,000 rpm. Nevertheless, the S600 isn't the most potent S-Class model, as this distinction belongs to the S65 AMG, the 6.0L V12 of which is rated at 621hp (630PS) and 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft).

In the S600, the 12-cylinder unit is linked to a 7G Tronic Plus transmission offering a combined fuel economy of 11.3 l/10km (20.8mpg US or 25.0mpg UK) on the European cycle.

Photos via GCF

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New Mercedes-Benz S 600 Confirmed for Detroit Debut

It looks like earlier reports were right and Mercedes-Benz will debut its S 600 flagship sedan at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show next week. The world premiere of the S 600 in Detroit was confirmed indirectly by one of Mercedes’ media partners through an invitation to a press conference on January 13 where the S 600 and the GLA 45 AMG will be unveiled.

There are no pictures of the V12-powered sedan, which is expected to be available exclusively as a long-wheelbase model.

Traditionally the most luxurious S-Class model, the Mercedes-Benz S 600 will benefit from a consistent standard equipment including systems like Magic Body Control and Collision Prevention Assist Plus, as well as a head-up display.

The new S 600 will likely be powered by the same 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine from the S 65 AMG, but the unit will offer a more comfort-orientated setup than the performance model. Power is expected to be around 523 hp (530PS), adding 13hp to the previous model’s 510hp.

More details and photos are expected to surface over the coming days.

*Note: Mercedes-Benz S500 pictured here

By Dan Mihalascu

Story References: WorldCarFans

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Spied: New Mercedes-Benz S-Class with XL Wheelbase to Carry the Maybach Moniker

Maybach, as a stand-alone brand, ceased to exist in 2013 after an 11-year long run during which it sold a mere 3,000 vehicles, failing to fulfill owner Daimler's dream of creating a true rival for BMW Group's Rolls-Royce and VW Group's Bentley marques.

However, the name might not be dead after all, as according to a report from Germany's AutoMotorundSport magazine, Mercedes-Benz plans to use the Maybach moniker on a more luxurious version of the new S-Class with an extra-long wheelbase.

In total, Benz will introduce six different body styles for the new S-Class, including the regular sedan, a long-wheelbase sedan, a Coupe (previewed by this concept in Frankfurt this past September), a Convertible, plus the aforementioned Maybach X-LWB and an even longer and more prestigious state limousine inheriting the Pullman nameplate.

The S600 Maybach model that was scooped here on film by Carscoops reader Toldi, is said to be 400mm or about 15 inches longer than the conventional S-Class sedan with power sourced from a 5.5-liter turbocharged V12. It will come with bespoke materials and colors along with more comfort and technology features than the regular S-Class models. The magazine report said that Mercedes will showcase the car at China's Guangzhou Auto Show this upcoming fall.

Thanks to Toldi for the video !

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