STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz has announced four new engines, including a mighty V8 and several inline six-cylinder units, for the 2017 facelifted version of its range-topping S Class luxury limousine.
The high-tech motors - three petrol-driven and a diesel - are seen by industry insiders as proof that Daimler's luxury brand regards internal-combustion motors as essential to its future.
Germany's Autobild said details of what will be under the long bonnet of the made-over S-Class were becoming clearer. The mid-cycle makeover comes four years after the new S Class weighed in.
Several spy pictures on the Internet hint at subtle exterior changes, with black tape obscuring many of the most interesting details.
The new twin-turbocharged V8 with 470hp codenamed M176 on tap will be available in the S Class from mid 2017. It replaces a 450hp unit and has benefited from tuning by Mercedes' AMG tuning subsidiary.
The performance gain comes from mounting the turbochargers between the cylinder banks to create what engineers call a "hot V" formation.
This makes for shorter piping to the turbos with the result that less heat is lost from the exhaust gases being pumped back into the engine.
The other three engines for the new S Class are inline sixes. Mercedes-Benz says this configuration still ensures smooth power delivery and is ideal for future hybridisation in combination with an electric motor.
