The announcement that it will arrive in Mercedes-Benz showrooms in early 2008 was made during a full presentation of the car at the opening of the 2007 Sydney Motor Show.

The announcement means Mercedes-Benz’s top-of-the-range luxury saloon will soon be available with a further optimised version of the popular 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, the same power unit that has impressed with it prodigious torque, remarkable fuel economy and exceptional emission levels in other Mercedes-Benz passenger car models.

It’s not only the power and torque figures (173 kW at 3,600 RPM; 540 Nm between 1,600-2,400 rpm) that make the S 320 CDI so impressive; this full-size luxury saloon’s remarkable fuel consumption rate of only 8.3 litres per 100 km (combined cycle) is a great demonstration of both the efficiency of this strong power unit and the ingenuity of its designers.

Such fuel efficiency is assisted by Mercedes-Benz’s own 7G-TRONIC seven-speed transmission, which also aids in this new model’s dynamic on-road performance. The S 320 CDI achieves 100 km/h from rest in 7.8 seconds on the way to a top speed of 210 km/h (electronically limited).

The Australian standard equipment specification of the S 320 CDI will be the same as that for the petrol V6-powered S 350.

In addition to pioneering Mercedes-Benz safety technology such as Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS), NECK-PRO front head restraints and the brilliant PRE-SAFE anticipatory occupant protection system, customers will receive a vast array of luxury-oriented items such as Linguatronic voice control, luxury front seats (with both heating and ventilation cooling), the COMAND navigation and entertainment system and AIRMATIC semi-active air suspension with adaptive damping for the ultimate in ride comfort and handling.

“The S 320 CDI partners benchmark automotive luxury with leading-edge diesel engine technology, combining performance, low exhaust emissions and impressive economy,” said Horst von Sanden, managing director for the Mercedes Car Group in Australia.

“I know this exciting announcement will be welcome news for our customers, many of whom have been eagerly anticipating this brilliant engine’s appearance in our leading saloon model,” conclude von Sanden.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class was the first car in the world to receive an environmental certificate, an award it received two years ago. It is also the consistent Australian market share leader for its prestigious VFACTS segment (VFACTS Upper Large >$100K), holding almost 40 percent share so far this year, more than twice its nearest competitor.

The new S 320 CDI will be priced from $189,874 (excluding dealer and statutory charges) and available in a standard wheelbase length.

New six-cylinder CDI engine for the Australian segment leader

The performance and technology found in this Mercedes-Benz V6 turbo-diesel engine is cutting-edge and maintains a strong tradition since the world-leading car maker developed the first diesel-powered passenger car, the 1936 Type 260D.

Like other passenger cars and SUVs powered by this 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, the engine in the S 320 CDI uses third-generation common-rail technology. Advanced features of this engine include rapid and precise piezo-injectors, as well as a maximum diesel injection pressure of up to 1,600 bar.

Material selection, mechanical design, diesel injection and engine management in this turbo-diesel power unit are state-of-the-art. Mercedes-Benz has developed an aluminium crankcase with cast-in grey iron cylinder liners for this diesel engine, a design feature which makes a major contribution to minimising mass. Consequently, the new six-cylinder engine weighs a total of approximately 208 kilogrammes (acc. to DIN) and achieves a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 0.83 kW/kg -- contributing to the outstanding performance and agility offered by this new diesel engine.

Catalytic converters and a particulate filter for emission values below the EU-4 limits

Thanks to this precise engine management system, the nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions of the V6 engine are within the strict limits of the EU4 standard.

A close-coupled oxidation catalyst is responsible for conversion of the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. To reduce particulate emissions even further, the Mercedes-Benz S 320 CDI has a maintenance-free particulate filter system.

Cleverly, the filter regenerates without the use of additives by selective adjustment of different engine functions. Depending on the operating parameters and filter condition, the adaptive third-generation common-rail technology allows up to two precisely coordinated post-injections to increase the exhaust temperature. This means that the particles trapped in the filter are burned off in a controlled manner.

The six-cylinder CDI power unit in the S 320 CDI brings the number of engines on offer in the stylish and luxurious S-Class to eight.