The new S-Class will be taking centre stage at the Mercedes-Benz presentation for the 61st International Motor Show in Frankfurt (15 to 25 September 2005). The motor show will see the world premiere of this luxury saloon, which features a number of pioneering innovations. The saloon’s options include the anticipatory Brake Assist PLUS, the DISTRONIC PLUS proximity-controlled cruise control and the Night Vision system. There’s also the preventive occupant safety system PRE-SAFE to create a unique safety system, which goes into action before a threatening accident has a chance to happen. Via Gizmag

In the comfort area, there’s an all-new dynamic multicontour seat with massage function, the AIRMATIC air suspension, the newly developed automatic climate control system and further improvements to the Active Body Control (ABC), with which it achieves an unprecedented level of driving comfort and handling.

The new S-Class that will be hitting showrooms at Mercedes-Benz dealerships later this year will offer a range of engines, with output ranging from 173 kW/235 hp to 380 kW/517 hp. Three of the four engines are new developments, offering up to 26 per cent more performance and up to 15 per cent more torque, while at the same time cutting fuel consumption by up to nine per cent.

At its market launch in the northern hemisphere autumn 2005, the luxury saloon will initially be available with a new eight-cylinder (285 kW/388 hp) and a V6 petrol engine (200 kW/272 hp), which are among the most powerful and fuel efficient engines in their displacement classes. In the first quarter of 2006, the engine line-up will be rounded off by the new S 320 CDI and the top-of-the-range S 600. The six-cylinder diesel engine develops 173 kW/235 hp and generates a peak torque of 540 Nm starting at 1,600 rpm. This performance allows the saloon to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. The combined fuel consumption rating of the S 320 CDI ranges from 8.3 to 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres.