New Mercedes 4MATIC for S-Class

Press Release

Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Model range I
Page 3: Model range II
Page 4: Technology
Page 5: 4MATIC passenger cars
Page 6: Technical Specifications

Model range: Four S-Class models with 4MATIC

• Two powerful V8 models initially, two V6 variants to follow
• All-wheel-drive available with powerful V6 CDI engine for the first time
• Output ranges from 173 kW/235 hp to 285 kW/388 hp
• Comprehensive high-tech standard equipment for all models
• designo range and AMG features optionally available

• The new S 500 4MATIC accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, the same time as that taken by the S 500 with rear-wheel drive. Compared with the predecessor model, the Saloon is more than a second faster.
• In third gear, the S 500 4MATIC accelerates from 60 to 120 km/h in just 5.6 seconds.
• The top speed is 250 km/h (electronically governed).

The eight-cylinder power plant in the S 500 4MATIC is the top unit in the new generation of Mercedes-Benz V-engines which was successfully introduced in mid-2004. Equipped with four valves per cylinder, infinitely adjustable intake and exhaust camshafts, a two-stage intake module and tumble flaps in the intake ducts, the V8 is among the engines with the highest power output and torque in its displacement class. Other technical highlights of this eight-cylinder engine include special shifting camshafts. These reduce the inherent pressure fluctuations in the exhaust train and thereby considerably improve the engine's gas cycle. This makes itself felt among other things by smoother running and higher torque in the lower and medium engine speed ranges. The Mercedes V8 employs the latest lightweight construction principles, with an aluminium crankcase, low-friction cylinder liners of aluminium/silicon alloy, a forged steel crankshaft and weight-optimised connecting rods.

Fuel consumption up by just 0.4 litres compared with S 500

The fact that the combined NEDC fuel consumption of 12.1 to 12.3 litres per 100 km returned by the S 500 4MATIC represents a saving of almost one litre compared with the predecessor model – despite the new unit's higher power and torque – clearly demonstrates the efficiency of the up-to-date design and high-tech features of the new Mercedes eight-cylinder engine. Furthermore, the newly developed all-wheel-drive system also has a positive impact. Optimised for weight and friction characteristics, it results in only a slight increase in fuel consumption – just 0.4 litres – compared with the two-wheel drive version of the S 500 (11.7 to 11.9 litres per 100 km).

Key data at a glance:

*Electronically governed

S 450 4MATIC – second V8 model with 250 kW/340 hp

The second V8 model is the new S 450 4MATIC which is now also available as a rear-wheel-drive model. Its engine technology is closely related to that of the 5.5-litre eight-cylinder unit and includes four valves per cylinder, infinitely ad-justable shifting intake and exhaust camshafts, a two-stage intake module, tumble flaps in the intake ducts, an aluminium crankcase, low-friction cylinder liners, a forged steel crankshaft and weight-optimised connecting rods. With a displacement of 4663 cc, it develops a peak output of 250 kW/340 hp and its maximum torque of 460 Newton metres is available across a wide engine speed range from 2700 to 5000 rpm. The 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 5.9 seconds puts the S 450 4MATIC on a par with its rear-wheel-drive counterpart. The top speed is 250 km/h (electronically governed). At 11.6 to 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres, its fuel consumption is only 0.4 litres higher than that of the "normal" S 450. This is analogous to the difference in fuel consumption between the corresponding S 500 models.

Key data at a glance:

*Electronically governed

Premiere for S-Class with diesel engine and all-wheel drive

The third S-Class all-wheel-drive model – and also the most economical one – is the S 320 CDI 4MATIC. This is the first time that all-wheel drive has been combined with a turbodiesel engine in the top Mercedes-Benz model series. The advanced six-cylinder CDI unit develops 173 kW/235 hp and offers maximum torque of 540 Newton metres which is available between 1600 and 2800 rpm. These impressive figures put the direct-injection diesel among the engines with the highest power output and torque in its displacement class. As the figures suggest, the powerful six-cylinder engine offers extremely respectable performance: with a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 7.8 seconds, the all-wheel-drive Saloon performs to the same high standard as its two-wheel drive counterpart; the top speed is 245 km/h; Thanks to the favourable NEDC combined fuel consumption figure of between 8.7 and 8.9 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, operating ranges in excess of 1000 kilometres are possible. Compared with the rear-wheel-drive S 320 CDI, the 4MATIC model consumes only an additional 0.4 litres of diesel fuel per 100 km.

Key data at a glance: