MERCEDES has unveiled the latest version of its flagship model, the mighty Mercedes S 600. Seen for the first time at the Detroit Motor Show, the big Benz has a six-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine good for 517PS and a whopping 830Nm of torque.
Top speed is 155mph, and the S 600 is capable of blasting from a standing start to 62mph in just 4.6 seconds. Combined fuel consumption of 25.4mpg may not sound great but represents a huge 21 per cent improvement over the out-going model. CO2 emissions are a tax-unfriendly 259 to 264g/km
The Mercedes S 600 is stuffed with new technology designed to improve safety and take the work out of driving. That includes Mercedes’ Magic Body Control, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control to name just a few of the new car’s systems.
A number of across-the-range upgrades for all S-Class models are being introduced to coincide with the arrival of the S 600 in March. These include a head-up display, a touch-pad controller for the in-car systems and Collision Prevention Assist Plus braking.
Mercedes points out that the S 600 taps into a rich history of cars to carry the 600 badge, including the W100 from 1963, a popular state limousine around the world, and the W140 600 SE from 1991.
The ghost at the feast, of course, is the now-defunct Maybach, Mercedes’ failed attempt to establish a separate brand for its top models in order to take on Rolls Royce and Bentley. From now on, the company’s top car is once again a Mercedes not a Maybach.
