The all-new Mercedes S-Class set a new benchmark in luxury motoring when it was introduced to us three years ago. The S-Class is now due for its mid-life upgrade which is slated to arrive by mid-2017. Apart from a few nips and tucks around the car, the new S-Class will also get a new set of engines to comply with the stricter emission norms to kick in by 2020.
The electrical systems will be upgraded to 48 volts. This will help the S-Class make way for the new set of engines developed by Mercedes and which employ the 48V electrical system. The increased voltage helps power ancillary functions of the powertrain like the water pump, air-conditioning and even a beefed up starter that also works as a generator.
First in line is the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine that made its debut with the Mercedes-AMG GT. Another engine that might make it to the S-Class is the new straight-six cylinder engine expected to debut before 2018. It will generate more than 400bhp of power to match the current 4.6-litre V8 while its emissions are lower than the current 3.0-litre V6 engine found in the S400.
Apart from these performance powertrains, the regular set of engines might include a new 2.0-litre inline-four turbocharged petrol, similar to the one in the CLA45 AMG, but upgraded to a 48V system and developing more than 260bhp of power. As for the diesels, it might get the brand new 2.0-litre diesel engine that has made its global debut with the new Mercedes E-Class for the entry-level trim. The current 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel might also get replaced by another new inline-six cylinder turbo-diesel that is said to develop more than 300bhp of power and polluting almost a tenth lesser.
The cosmetic upgrades will see the S-Class fascia with tweaked bumpers and tinkered lights both fore and aft. The interior, including the COMAND, will be tweaked for the latest applications and added comfort.
