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Mercedes-Benz S 420 CDI: the flagship diesel
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Mercedes-Benz is extending its European S-Class range with
another diesel variant, the S 420 CDI. The new eight-cylinder model is powered
by a state-of-the-art V8 CDI engine developing 235 kW and (wait for it) 730 newton
metres of peak torque. This latest addition to the model line-up means that the
luxury saloon range from Mercedes-Benz now encompasses two diesel engines, six
petrol models and two body variants, along with the new 4MATIC all-wheel-drive
system. The new S 420 CDI is available to order now in Europe, with deliveries to
customers due to start this month. The new V8 model's strengths are effortless performance combined with moderate
fuel consumption. The S 420 CDI
powers from 0 - 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and goes on to reach 250 km/h
(electronically governed), all while returning fuel consumption figures below
the magic ten litre threshold, burning just 9.4 to 9.6 litres of diesel per 100
kilometres on the NEDC cycle. With a fuel tank capacity of 90 litres, this
equates to ranges approaching the 1,000 kilometre mark. Such impressive figures are down to the highly
advanced eight-cylinder turbodiesel engine under the bonnet: from its 3,996 cc
displacement, the CDI unit with four-valve-per-cylinder technology delivers a
maximum output of 235 kW at 3,600 rpm and a peak torque of 730 newton
metres, which is on tap from 2,000 rpm. Third-generation common-rail
high-pressure injection technology with a maximum injection pressure of 1,600 bar
and an ignition pressure of 175 bar ensures efficient combustion. Optimised flow
dynamics for the best possible gas cycle and twin turbochargers with
variable-nozzle turbines promise high power and torque delivery. As many as five
injections of diesel fuel per injection cycle, special orifice nozzles,
piezoelectric injectors and highly effective exhaust gas recirculation all help
to lower emissions significantly. The new V8 powerplant is equipped as standard
with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter to cut untreated emissions
even further and also complies with the EU4 emissions standard. The engine
development team was able to reduce noise levels by optimising the chain drive
and fitting a rigid crankcase with large engine bearings as well as extra
acoustic covers. The square bore-to-stroke ratio combines with a
counter-rotating balancer shaft for outstandingly smooth operation. Power transmission in the S 420 CDI is handled by the
standard-fitted 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with a DIRECT SELECT lever on
the steering column, plus steering-wheel gearshift buttons. Not only does this
combination guarantee that the tremendous reserves of power and torque are
harnessed to optimum effect, the seven-speed automatic transmission's wide ratio
spread is also perfect for motoring at low rev speeds – ideal for quiet,
fuel-efficient travel. The top-of-the-range S-Class diesel model comes as
standard with AIRMATIC air suspension including the Adaptive Damping System
(ADS) and an all-round self-levelling function, while the latest-generation
Active Body Control (ABC) can be specified as an option. Broader model range than any other competitor in
the world The arrival of the new S 420 CDI sees Mercedes-Benz
further expand its S-Class range to eleven models, making it the broadest
luxury-segment model selection in the world. The two diesel variants, the S 320
CDI and S 420 CDI, line up alongside a choice of six petrol-powered models,
including the S 450 whose new eight-cylinder engine extracts 250 kW and
460 newton metres of torque from its 4.6-litre displacement. The line-up is
headed by two extra dynamic and exclusive AMG high-performance models. The
redeveloped 4MATIC all-wheel drive can be ordered for three of the S-Class
variants. All models are available with either the short or the long wheelbase;
the long version is standard for the V12 models. The European Mercedes-Benz S-Class model range at a glance:
V12 High global demand for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class As the top-selling luxury model worldwide, the
S-Class comfortably outstrips the sales figures for its rivals in every region
of the world. In the first ten months of 2006, over 70,000 new luxury saloons
were delivered to customers, the highest figure ever in the history of the
company. On diesel sales too, the S-Class is again the No. 1 in the luxury
segment and Mercedes-Benz is now adding an exceptionally powerful model to the
diesel line-up in the form of the new S 420 CDI. It is the successor to the
V8-powered S 400 CDI that proved so popular in the previous S-Class range. PRE-SAFE® as standard, Brake Assist PLUS as an option The unrivalled PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system
also forms part of the standard specification for the new leading S-Class diesel
model. PRE-SAFE® is able to recognise potential accident situations as soon as
they start to develop: if the rate of braking deceleration exceeds a certain
threshold or there is a risk of skidding, the system triggers anticipatory
measures, pulling the front seat belts taut and, if necessary, raising the front
passenger seat backrest into a more upright position. On models fitted with the
optional multicontour seats, the air cushions are inflated too so that they help
to brace the front passenger and the occupants in the rear. The sliding sunroof
(optional) is closed as a further precaution. Brake Assist PLUS (BAS PLUS) can be specified as an
optional extra. It uses radar to track any vehicles ahead of the car and warns
the driver if the S-Class gets too close to the vehicle ahead or is approaching
it too quickly. If there is a risk of collision, the system instantaneously
calculates the optimal braking power required and makes this available
immediately as soon as the driver starts braking, even if the brake pedal is not
pressed hard enough. The result is a significant reduction in the number of
rear-end collisions. Combining the new Brake Assist PLUS with PRE-SAFE® allows
occupant protection to be taken to even greater heights. The introduction of
PRE-SAFE® has made Mercedes-Benz the first automotive brand in the world to fit
as standard such an extensive safety system that swings into action ahead of a
potential accident. PRE-SAFE® Brake system with the very latest radar technology For the first time ever in the S-Class, Mercedes-Benz
is offering a complement to this multi-award-winning anticipatory protection
system, in the form of the newly developed PRE SAFE® Brake system. This works in
unison with Brake Assist PLUS (BAS PLUS), which issues drivers with a visual and
an acoustic warning of an impending rear-end collision with a vehicle ahead and
automatically calculates how much braking power is needed to prevent the
collision. The braking power is boosted as required the instant the driver
presses the brake pedal. However, should the driver fail to heed the warnings
and the risk of an accident become acute, the PRE-SAFE® Brake system
automatically initiates partial braking to decelerate the S-Class with around 40
per cent of maximum braking power. This partial self-braking – in effect a
"virtual" crumple zone – is a further tangible prompt for the driver to take
action. If the brake pedal is pressed at this stage, maximum braking power will
be applied. Depending on the particular situation, this could be enough to avert
a collision at the last moment. If it is not, the severity of the impact will at
least be mitigated and the risk of injury to the occupants therefore lessened
thanks to the PRE-SAFE® Brake. Mercedes-Benz offers BAS PLUS and the PRE SAFE®
Brake as an option in conjunction with DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control. DISTRONIC PLUS: assistant for driving in stop-start traffic The radar-assisted DISTRONIC PLUS system is operative
in a speed range from zero up to 200 km/h and enables even more comfortable
motoring. In stop-start traffic, DISTRONIC PLUS keeps the new S-Class at the
programmed distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically brakes the saloon to a
halt and accelerates back up to the stored speed upon the driver's command. In
this way, the assistance system relieves the strain on the driver whilst giving
a major boost to driver-fitness safety. The Brake Assist PLUS and DISTRONIC PLUS
package also comprises a Parking Assist system, which uses the radar technology
to give advance warning of an imminent collision at the front or rear of the
vehicle when parking. Extensive, stylish standard specification The standard specification for the new S 420 CDI
includes a host of high-tech systems which are designed to enhance levels of
safety and comfort – such as the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system, seats with 12-way
electrical adjustment, COMAND with DVD player, DIRECT SELECT gearshift and
automatic climate control. An excerpt from the list of standard equipment (European specs): Supplementary standard equipment features for the extended wheelbase version of the S 420 CDI include:
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