the cabrio will eschew a retractable hardtop in place of a traditional clothtop

Mercedes today announced it would add a new diesel variant to is S-Class range for the coming model year. The new eight-cylinder model is powered by a state-of-the-art V8 CDI engine developing 320 hp and 538 pound-feet of peak torque.

The S 420 CDI powers from 0 - 62 mph in 6.6 seconds and goes on to reach 155 mph (electronically governed). During normal city and highway driving, it can deliver fuel consumption figures of nearly 25 mpg.

The new S 420 CDI is available in Europe to order now, with deliveries to customers due to start in December 2006. Unfortunately, emissions regulations will likely prevent this non-Bluetec diesel from coming stateside.

When rumors first broke in June that Mercedes was planning a four-door convertible concept car based on the Mercedes S-Class, enthusiasts around the globe were surprised, and perhaps somewhat confused.

Of course, the idea isn't entirely new. In the 1950s, the German automaker offered a four-door convertible called the Mercedes 300.

But more surprising than the prospect of a four-door convertible concept are reports from Automotive News Europe today that the vehicle could become a production car within a year. A source within Mercedes told the trade publication the company will produce the niche V12 rag-top for the 2009 model year. The concept will be on display at the Detroit auto show in January.

If two doors are good, can four doors be better?

Next month, Mercedes-Benz will take the wraps off a four-door convertible based on the S class, says an industry source with knowledge of the project. The mammoth, V-12-powered convertible concept is expected to debut at the Detroit auto show.

An industry source familiar with the car says production is planned.

How big is the market for such a convertible? Erich Merkle, director of forecasting for IRN Inc. in Grand Rapids, Mich., says global volume probably would be 4,000 to 5,000 units.

The convertible would carry a lofty price tag, possibly $10,000 to $15,000 above the V-12-powered S-class sedan, Merkle said. The V-12 sedan's sticker with transportation and gas-guzzler tax already tops $140,000.

"A four-door (convertible) is a bit of an oddity," Merkle said. "But then again, for a Mercedes-Benz buyer with more dollars than sense, maybe an oddity might be something they find appealing."

This would not be the first attempt to market a modern-day four-door convertible. ASC Inc. tried in 2005 with the Helios convertible concept, which was based on the Chrysler 300C sedan. The concept was unveiled at the Detroit auto show and featured a power-operated cloth top.

The Chrysler group studied that vehicle for over a year, eventually deciding not to produce it. Key factors in the decision were market appeal and structural concern, Joe Eberhardt, then Chrysler's executive vice president of global sales, marketing and service, said at the time. The four-door convertible had been expected to carry a $5,000 to $7,000 premium above the 300C sedan.

Mercedes-Benz produced a four-door convertible into the 1950s.

Mercedes-Benz design study: Concept Ocean Drive design study – the most comfortable and elegant modern-day convertible

At the North American Auto Show Detroit, Mercedes-Benz is adding to its reputation as a pioneer and design trendsetter among premium carmakers with the presentation of its Concept Ocean Drive four-door convertible. This study is a one-off creation by Mercedes-Benz which revives the tradition of large luxury convertibles. Not having to work to a design brief or production specifications left the designers free to get on with the job of developing the world's most comfortable and elegant convertible.
The Concept Ocean Drive is an aweinspiring jewel on wheels. As a four-door convertible, it belongs in a luxury genre that has almost disappeared from our roads. Like the luxury convertibles of years gone by, this showpiece from Stuttgart features the maximum in elegance, lifestyle sophistication and exclusiveness. To put it another way, it represents automobile culture at its most attractive and desirable.

The one-off special has an all-new body with an almost classic flavour and with clearly defined lines and vibrant two-tone paintwork which are exceptionally charismatic. Although on one level the Concept Ocean Drive displays the restraint of an elite and aristocratic automobile, it is also an open invitation to go on a "top-less" cruise along the world's finest ocean promenades. Luxurious, exotic materials have been crafted with consummate skill to create a showpiece of unparalleled perfection.

Mercedes-Benz design studies – a stylistic journey into the future

The Concept Ocean Drive isn't just designed to inspire dreams and fantasies; it also serves a very practical purpose. Because design studies are always a good opportunity for designers to play around with less familiar themes, to see things from new angles and to explore new ideas. Not just a pure design exercise, they are also a way of stimulating a closer dialogue with customers and of trying out new ideas on the general public. This helps the designers get a feel for future styling trends and to develop and implement new design idioms.

The unique luxury convertible design study from Stuttgart turns a "dream car" vision into reality. At the same time it is also an affirmation of the design excellence and values of the Mercedes-Benz brand, including the brand's traditional basic principles like excellent build and quality, comfort, effortless superiority, value retention and safety. These values have now been joined by three further key messages: passion, fascination and innovation. The Mercedes-Benz design philosophy both perpetuate proven styling themes associated with the brand and at the same time combines them with new and surprising ideas and forms.

Styling conveys effortless superiority and elegance

Apart from the four doors, the outward distinguishing marks of the concept car include a very large and upright radiator grille, LED headlamps and taillights, two-tone paintwork and a striking interplay between taut lines and large, restful surfaces. This lends the one-off special an air of effortless superiority, power, elegance and forward-flowing energy.

The long side-window opening which, typically of a convertible, is not interrupted by a B-pillar or window frames, ensures seamless continuity between the exterior and the interior, even when the top is up. Extensive use of high-value materials –such as finest-quality leather, 3D-effect materials and large bird's eye maple trim panels (in the interior and even on the soft-top compartment cover) – and many other thoughtfully designed interior details, highlight the luxurious, unique character of this design study.

Top-level engineering

The design study is based on the twelve-cylinder Mercedes-Benz S 600, on ac-count of this model's long wheelbase. The technical highlights include:

the innovative soft-top mechanism resulting in smooth operation and fast closing times;

the innovative AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, which is featured on all four seats, allowing occupants to enjoy top-down motoring even in the colder months of the year.

Needless to say, the on-board equipment also includes top-level Mercedes-Benz innovations, some of which are unique worldwide – including Brake Assist PLUS, the innovative PRE-SAFE® brake system (in combination with radar-based DIS-TRONIC PLUS) and the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system.

As a late addition to the 2007 lineup, the ninth-generation S-class adds 4MATIC all-wheel drive to the option list. Although past S-classes have also had this choice, the system has been completely overhauled for the latest S550 (within the S-class range 4MATIC is only available on S550s).

Perhaps the best news is that the new system, developed 100-percent in-house by Mercedes, is now teamed with the company’s excellent seven-speed automatic. For now, the new all-wheel drive is exclusive to the S550—the E-class 4MATIC models keep the old version with the five-speed tranny, and while the all-wheel-drive SUVs have the seven-speed, it’s a different setup. However, a version of this latest all-wheel drive will be available shortly on the redesigned 2008 C-class.

The new 4MATIC system is reportedly 60 pounds lighter than the old one, making an S550 4MATIC just 145 pounds heavier than a standard S550. That massive weight reduction was accomplished by using aluminum front axles instead of steel as well as eliminating the transfer case altogether by incorporating the planetary center differential into the transmission case. That second bit also saves on complexity: S-class 4MATICs no longer require a separate, wider transmission tunnel. Mercedes claims the friction within the system has been reduced as well, and reports a 60-percent reduction in the fuel-economy penalty of its all-wheel drive. But we’re a bit skeptical of that claim as the S550 4MATIC’s fuel economy drop according to EPA ratings is 1-mpg city and 2-mpg highway (15/22 versus 16/24), nearly identical to the previous S-class’ ratings.

Other changes include a switch from a 40/60 front-to-rear torque split to a fixed 45/55 split for better dynamic handling, says Mercedes. In slippery situations, the standard stability control (which also includes traction control) ensures that torque gets to the appropriate wheels. In practice, we were hard pressed to notice any seat-of-the-pants difference between rear-drive and all-wheel-drive S-class models, which was likely Mercedes’ goal. Either way, occupants are coddled in soft and supportive leather seats and are treated to a divinely supple ride. Of course, the S550 still feels big and heavy—because it is—and even though the steering and chassis aren’t quite as communicative as competitors’ such as the Audi A8 or BMW 7-series, we think the S550 is the best compromise between sportiness and luxury, which is why it prevailed in a comparison test amongst four of its peers.

The 4MATIC version of Mercedes’ largest sedan is powered by the same 382-hp 5.5-liter V-8, and Mercedes predicts the same 0-to-60-mph time as well, although we think the all-wheel-drive version should get off the line quicker and could therefore beat the class-leading 5.3 seconds to 60 mph that our quickest, rear-drive S550 managed.

But, starting at $90,825, which includes an extra $3300 for 4MATIC, fabulousness doesn’t come cheap.

Mercedes-Benz engineers are currently developing a new, prestigious luxury limousine with integrated highest protection for governments, businesses, monarchs and heads of state. The armoured Pullman Limousine is based on the long version of the S 600 with a substantially extended wheelbase length. The Mercedes-Benz State Limousine therefore provides a level of roominess worthy of its high-ranking occupants, not to mention outstanding comfort and a fully equipped mobile office. The S 600 Guard Pullman sees the world's oldest car manufacturer continuing its long tradition of building large state carriages with factory-integrated special-protection features.
Tradition and innovation are part of Mercedes-Benz' corporate culture. Nowhere is this more evident than in the construction of large, armoured, prestigious limousines. The Stuttgart-based manufacturer is the only carmaker that develops and builds impressive Pullman limousines with special protection, primarily for the official engagements of heads of state and monarchs. And it has been doing so for some eight decades without interruption.

Originally, Pullman cars were railroad sleeping cars with luxurious appointments, produced by the American Pullman Palace Car Company; however, it was not long before the name "Pullman" also came to describe Mercedes-Benz cars with an extra-long wheelbase and an extremely large passenger compartment in the rear. Separated from the front compartment by a partition, the rear compartment housed four individual face-to-face seats, allowing four passengers to sit opposite each other in truly grand style.

The very first Mercedes-Benz car to be factory-fitted with special protection, in 1928, was a long Pullman version of the W 08/460 Nrburg model. This was followed first by the 770 K, which provided protection befitting the status of the Japanese Emperor Hirohito among others, and then by further Pullman Limousines. Eventually, the legendary Mercedes-Benz 600 assumed the mantle of state carriage, holding it for almost thirty years. As well as being used by the government of the Federal Republic of Germany for official business it was the preferred vehicle of governments from numerous other countries and many prominent dynasties. Further Pullman versions of the Mercedes-Benz S-Guard featuring special protection followed in these illustrious footsteps. Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler: "The new Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman continues an impressive tradition and, as before, will offer the very highest levels of protection, comfort and prestige."

Governments, heads of state and royalty all over the world have always appreciated Mercedes-Benz' vast experience and pioneering technical achievements in the construction of prestigious limousines featuring special protection. The luxury limousine not only provides all the communications and entertainment equipment they need, it also offers them space for discreet meetings. So they have everything perfectly under control, whatever the situation, with the added bonus of highly comfortable, individually styled surroundings.

Newly developed based on the S 600

In terms of technology, the new Pullman Limousine is based on the flagship Mercedes Benz S 600 L Guard model. Power comes courtesy of a smooth twelve-cylinder biturbo engine with a displacement of 5513 cc, an output of 380kW/517 hp and an impressive peak torque of 830 Nm.

Both the chassis and the body are new developments, since simply adding on an extension would not have ensured the required overall stability, given the extra-long wheelbase. These new developments also provide the solid design basis for the installation of the heavy special-protection components. In addition, the new State Limousine features a rear entrance with increased headroom. Behind the partition, there is space for four passengers in the rear compartment with luxurious face-to-face seats in the time-honoured Pullman tradition.

Integrated special protection for highest possible security

The Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman also offers its discerning passengers the highest possible degree of protection against terrorist attacks. The Highest Protection specified for this car is equivalent to resistance level B6/B7, as tested and certified by state-approved organisations. Plus it meets further requirements that are not even stipulated by any standard, as tested by public and independent organisations. Its armour resists military-standard small-arms projectiles and provides protection against fragments from hand grenades and other explosive devices. Additional safety features include run-flat tyres, a self-sealing fuel tank and a fire-extinguishing system.

In order to achieve the highest possible degree of protection, specialists with many years of experience in security technology equip the Pullman Limousine in Sindelfingen, working on the principle of integrated special protection. In effect this means that, rather than retrofitting the protective elements in the doors, rear wall, side panels, roof lining and firewall, etc. of an already finished vehicle, they fully integrate them into the bodyshell. Hence the body structure is further reinforced. The resulting vehicles offer hallmark Mercedes-Benz build quality combined with comprehensive Highest Protection, including in those areas where retrofits would be all but impossible. The basis for this is long-standing, continuous and close cooperation with nationally and internationally recognised security authorities. Over a period of decades, this collaboration has ensured that the production and development expertise of the Mercedes specialists has continued to grow. Their vast experience in the fields of protection technology and ballistics enables them to react to changing requirements in the most effective way possible.

Thanks to seamless integration of the special-protection features, the paint quality and corrosion protection match the high standards of conventional Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Furthermore, the Pullman Limousines can be serviced at any Mercedes-Benz service outlet world-wide a key aspect of the comprehensive, uncomplicated high-level service concept.

It goes without saying that every new Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman will display its own unique brand of styling thanks to an extensive range of appointments options including a choice of paint finishes, leathers and woods. Even the most unusual of customer requests can be met.

The first editions of the new Mercedes-Benz State Limousine are due to be delivered in late 2008.

S-Class: Nice. S-Class With AMG Engine: Nicer
By Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief
Date posted: 12-20-2007


It's the head shot of the silver 1955 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing you notice first, its doors reaching for the heavens and its timelessness staring you in the face. Like Brad Pitt doing his stuff for Levi's, it's the exploitation of the classically handsome for the advancement of rudimentary commerce, a celebrity endorsement for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG.

This car is about more than a mere Monroney pricing label with a lot of zeroes at the end. It's as artistic a window sticker as you'll ever see, a document that speaks of speed, heritage and the justification for a 518-horsepower automobile that costs $135,235.

And you do want an S63. It's not the best car in the world, but it's close. Finding flaw with this super sedan is like telling Francis Ford Coppola how he screwed up The Godfather. "Well, Mr. Coppola, I think you could have made it funnier, particularly that scene when Michael shoots the police captain in the face. Felt kinda dark."

To put it in simple terms: S-Class, nice; S-Class with AMG engine, nicer.

Accelerating Lies
But there's still some controversy as to the size of this big engine, designed and built at Mercedes AMG. The car's window sticker as well as its fender badges read 6.3 liters. It's supposed to make you think of the famous Mercedes V8 of the 1960s.

Yeah, and Al Gore rides private jets for the greater good of the environment.

The car's 518-hp, double-overhead-cam, all-aluminum V8 actually displaces 6,208cc. That's 6.2 liters by anybody's measure except Mercedes. But then again, Mercedes also says the S63 AMG accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

Another fib.

At our test track, this big, black behemoth sprinted from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. If you're disappointed, you've never experienced zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. This car is fast. Blisteringly so. And it's nearly a full second quicker than your Uncle Leo's S550.

Just don't pick any fights with the supercharged BMW B7 Alpina, which hits 60 mph in 5 seconds flat, or the twin-turbocharged S65 AMG V12, which rules the class with a 4.4-second performance.

Those cars also outrun the S63 through the quarter-mile, but we wouldn't sweat it. Unless you're planning to visit the Beverly Hills Drag Strip and Plastic Surgery Center, the S63's 13.4-second run at 107.8 mph is more than quick enough to take care of most of your needs.

As the World Turns
Right now you're wondering if you can score a discount on your girlfriend's liposuction if you spend your weekend racing the S63 AMG in Trophy Stock.

First of all, there's no way anyone who can afford a $135,000 S63 AMG has a girlfriend who actually needs liposuction. Just doesn't happen. So stop being ridiculous.

On our skid pad the S63 generated 0.85g of grip, and it snaked through our slalom at 63.1 mph. That's awesome agility for a car of this size, but it's still behind the 0.90g and 66.3-mph performance of the heavier S65. And it's much slower than the 68.6-mph slalom run posted by the BMW B7 Alpina.

Yeah, we were surprised, too. The S65 uses the same active body control system, the same air suspension, and the same wheels and tires as the S63, but it obviously changes direction better.

In the real world amongst the common folk and the minivans, the S63's abilities are staggering. Tossing it around is to defy the laws of physics. Nothing this big and heavy should have this kind of athleticism or supply this level of entertainment. It does not leave you wanting more.

It also matches the S65 feature for feature. Ever smoke a kid in a 350Z while simultaneously utilizing your active ventilated seat, night-vision display and hands-free communication system with voice control? It's fun.

Fast and Thirsty
But it's not for the weak of wallet. Or conscience.

We averaged 13 mpg during our two weeks with the S63, which is rated at 11 city and 17 highway by the EPA. But don't feel too bad; you already paid your $3,000 gas-guzzler tax, so guzzle. Not to mention, you just bought your wife a Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. Life's too short for guilt.

And the S63 is pure hedonism. From its IWC clock to its buttery suede headliner, to its glossy hand-polished walnut burl trim, to its 20-inch alloy wheels, this car is about reward. Self reward. It's a treat. And it's a perfect example of getting what you pay for.

Just look at its monster front brakes. Each measures 15.4 inches in diameter and is over an inch thick. They're cross-drilled for cooling and wear massive calipers that are finished smooth, wear the AMG logo and cover more than a third of the rotor's surface area. Somebody get the Guggenheim on the phone. These brakes are mechanical works of art that haul the S63 down from 60 mph in a scant 118 feet.

Go is always more fun than stop, and the S63 goes. With a peak torque rating of 465 pound-feet at 5,200 rpm, the big V8 offers plenty of push from idle all the way up to its 7,000-rpm redline. It's one of the finest normally aspirated engines in history and it delivers its thrust with a melodic muscle-car rumble worthy of a Beach Boys song. It's also the perfect match for the seven-speed automatic, which Mercedes lets you control with aluminum shift paddles.

The Three Bears
And so you've decided you want an S-Class, have ya?

This is where you expect us to play Goldilocks. You know, the S550 is toooooooo soft. And the S65 AMG is tooooooooo hard. But the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG is just right.

Not this time. Don't be a fool; buy the best. And the Mercedes-Benz S65 is the best. Its 604-hp twin-turbo V12 makes it the quickest four-door sedan we've ever tested. It lights its tires up through two full gears and it outhandles the S63. Bottom line: If you can swing the S65 without making the kids go to public school, by all means, lay it down, Big Daddy. It's the one you want.

To put it in the simplest terms: S-Class, nice; S-Class AMG with biggest engine, nicest.

Mercedes-Benz appears to be close to launching a hybrid version of its S-Class luxury sedan. Called the S400, the gas-electric car is believed to be built around a 275-horsepower V6 with lithium batteries and regenerative braking.

The S400 is likely to deliver fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon. Last year, Mercedes previewed an S300 Bluetec Hybrid, which was based on a four-cylinder gas engine. It appears the German automaker decided customers would prefer a more powerful setup.

It's not known if Mercedes plans to introduce other S-Class models with hybrid powertrains. It's fair to assume Mercedes would eventually like to compete with the Lexus LS600h, which deliver 430 horsepower from a hybrid V8 powertrain.

Just days ago our spy photographers spotted the upcoming Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid while out testing, and today our photographers were able to snap of could of shots of the car's powerplant.

The S400 gas-electric car is believed to be built around a 275-horsepower V6 with lithium batteries and regenerative braking. The added electric motor should bump output to 295 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

The combination of the two drivetrains is said to be a 0-62 mph time of just 7.3 seconds, all while achieving a 35.8 mpg rating — a 7.8 mpg gain over the non-Hybrid powertrain — and reduced CO2 emissions.

Last year, Mercedes previewed an S300 Bluetec Hybrid, which was based on a four-cylinder gas engine. It appears the German automaker decided customers would prefer a more powerful setup.

It's not known if Mercedes plans to introduce other S-Class models with hybrid powertrains. It's fair to assume Mercedes would eventually like to compete with the Lexus LS600h, which deliver 430 horsepower from a hybrid V8 powertrain.