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2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Best Dealer Selection Worldwide Delivery Fast Title Call Us Today For Pricing 800-851-9000


2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
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2013 Mertcedes-Benz SL-Class Review
Mercedes-Benz has given its luxurious hardtop convertible, the SL-Class, a complete redesign for the latest model year. Reduced weight, new technology and significantly increased power make this grand tourer a significantly more capable and coddling machine than before. 

Walkaround
SL stands for sport leicht in German, which translates to sporty lightweight in English. While the earliest SLs certainly lived up to this badging, the car became increasingly luxurious and heavy in later generations. But a new all-aluminum bodyshell, which Mercedes-Benz says is its first, significantly trims the droptops rolling mass and increases agility (although the SL still isnt a hard-core sports car). To trim weight even further, magnesium is used for some components, although the automaker did add some high-strength steel tubing into the A-pillars to enhance safety. Overall, the SLs shell itself tips the scales at about 242 lbs. lighter than the outgoing model. Despite the decreased weight, the new SL is actually larger than its predecessor by about 2 inches in overall length and 2.2 inches in width. Stretched out over the increased dimensions is controversial new sheetmetal that seeks to blend Mercedes current and historical design language; the long hood/short rear deck proportions are in keeping with SL heritage, although the extra-large front grille and headlights seem slightly out of proportion to the overall design. The tall, upright nose is a concession to European pedestrian safety standards. The new cabin features an elegant, flowing dashboard design punctuated by circular air vents that originated on the SLS AMG Gullwing. Material quality is consistently top notch, from the French-stitched leather to the generous sweep of fine wood trim extends from the center console across the dashboard into the doors. The increased exterior size results in ample space inside, with 1.5 inches more shoulder room and 1.1 inches more elbow room than before. High-Tech Naturally, the SL comes fully loaded with high technology features designed to assist drivers at every turn of the wheel of press of a button. Mercedes Magic Sky Control arrives on the options list, bringing with it a panoramic transparent folding roof that can be dimmed at the switch of a button (a normal glass roof is standard). The roof itself is lighter and faster than before, deploying or stowing in less than 20 seconds. To make the most of the open-top experience, a new FrontBass audio system utilizes otherwise wasted space in the aluminum structure ahead of the passenger footwells to serve as resonating chambers for the subwoofers. This marks the first time that an audio system has been developed with the creation of the body itself, and it opens up space in the door panels. Meanwhile, Magic Vision Control integrates windshield washer fluid jets into the wiper arms. While thats not necessarily new technology, Mercedes-Benz says it has carefully engineered the wipers so that no excess fluid gets on the windshield or heaven forbid in the cabin. In addition, the wiper blades are heated for winter use. Finally, the SL also features Hands-Free Access, which lets drivers swipe their foot under the rear bumper to pop the trunk lid when their hands are full. Emphasizing Athleticism To some drivers, a cars most important technology is under the hood. The new SL doesnt disappoint in this area thanks to Mercedes new 4.7-liter, 429-horsepower V8, which employs direct injection to add power and save fuel. But the big figure here is torque, which stands at 516 lb-ft., or a 32 percent jump over the outgoing SL. The SL sprints to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, a 0.8 second improvement. A seven-speed automatic transmission with an eco start/stop function is standard. The new SL is available with two different suspension systems - Agility Control Suspension is fitted as standard, while the ABC (Active Body Control) suspension system is available as an option. Both suspension variants are combined with a new electromechanical Direct-Steer system featuring speed-sensitive power steering and a ratio that can be varied in accordance with steering wheel angle. This provides improved directional stability and safety when traveling at highway speeds, makes for a more agile dynamic character at medium velocities and also reduces the amount of steering effort required when parking and maneuvering at single-digit speeds.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Best Dealer Selection Worldwide Delivery Fast Title Call Us Today For Pricing 800-851-9000


2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
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2013 Mertcedes-Benz SL-Class Review
Mercedes-Benz has given its luxurious hardtop convertible, the SL-Class, a complete redesign for the latest model year. Reduced weight, new technology and significantly increased power make this grand tourer a significantly more capable and coddling machine than before. 

Walkaround
SL stands for sport leicht in German, which translates to sporty lightweight in English. While the earliest SLs certainly lived up to this badging, the car became increasingly luxurious and heavy in later generations. But a new all-aluminum bodyshell, which Mercedes-Benz says is its first, significantly trims the droptops rolling mass and increases agility (although the SL still isnt a hard-core sports car). To trim weight even further, magnesium is used for some components, although the automaker did add some high-strength steel tubing into the A-pillars to enhance safety. Overall, the SLs shell itself tips the scales at about 242 lbs. lighter than the outgoing model. Despite the decreased weight, the new SL is actually larger than its predecessor by about 2 inches in overall length and 2.2 inches in width. Stretched out over the increased dimensions is controversial new sheetmetal that seeks to blend Mercedes current and historical design language; the long hood/short rear deck proportions are in keeping with SL heritage, although the extra-large front grille and headlights seem slightly out of proportion to the overall design. The tall, upright nose is a concession to European pedestrian safety standards. The new cabin features an elegant, flowing dashboard design punctuated by circular air vents that originated on the SLS AMG Gullwing. Material quality is consistently top notch, from the French-stitched leather to the generous sweep of fine wood trim extends from the center console across the dashboard into the doors. The increased exterior size results in ample space inside, with 1.5 inches more shoulder room and 1.1 inches more elbow room than before. High-Tech Naturally, the SL comes fully loaded with high technology features designed to assist drivers at every turn of the wheel of press of a button. Mercedes Magic Sky Control arrives on the options list, bringing with it a panoramic transparent folding roof that can be dimmed at the switch of a button (a normal glass roof is standard). The roof itself is lighter and faster than before, deploying or stowing in less than 20 seconds. To make the most of the open-top experience, a new FrontBass audio system utilizes otherwise wasted space in the aluminum structure ahead of the passenger footwells to serve as resonating chambers for the subwoofers. This marks the first time that an audio system has been developed with the creation of the body itself, and it opens up space in the door panels. Meanwhile, Magic Vision Control integrates windshield washer fluid jets into the wiper arms. While thats not necessarily new technology, Mercedes-Benz says it has carefully engineered the wipers so that no excess fluid gets on the windshield or heaven forbid in the cabin. In addition, the wiper blades are heated for winter use. Finally, the SL also features Hands-Free Access, which lets drivers swipe their foot under the rear bumper to pop the trunk lid when their hands are full. Emphasizing Athleticism To some drivers, a cars most important technology is under the hood. The new SL doesnt disappoint in this area thanks to Mercedes new 4.7-liter, 429-horsepower V8, which employs direct injection to add power and save fuel. But the big figure here is torque, which stands at 516 lb-ft., or a 32 percent jump over the outgoing SL. The SL sprints to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, a 0.8 second improvement. A seven-speed automatic transmission with an eco start/stop function is standard. The new SL is available with two different suspension systems - Agility Control Suspension is fitted as standard, while the ABC (Active Body Control) suspension system is available as an option. Both suspension variants are combined with a new electromechanical Direct-Steer system featuring speed-sensitive power steering and a ratio that can be varied in accordance with steering wheel angle. This provides improved directional stability and safety when traveling at highway speeds, makes for a more agile dynamic character at medium velocities and also reduces the amount of steering effort required when parking and maneuvering at single-digit speeds.

2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Best Dealer Selection Worldwide Delivery Fast Title Call Us Today For Pricing 800-851-9000


2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
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2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Review
2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ReviewThe 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter lineup expands with the addition of a Crew Van model. All models of this full-size van use a 188-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine. It pairs with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Three versions are offered: 2500, 2500 cargo extended, and 3500. 

Walkaround
The 2500 is available in Passenger Van configurations with a Standard or High Roof. Cargo 2500 and 3500 versions are available with either roof as well. They also offer 144- and 170-inch wheelbases. The High Roof adds 11 inches of interior room. The new-for-2012 Crew Van model seats 5 passengers with room for cargo behind the rear bench seat. Passenger models seat up to 12 and MiniBus models seat up to 16 on rear bench seats. Safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. 

Summary
Optional equipment includes a heated windshield with rain-sensing wipers, sunroof, front- and rear-obstacle detection, a wireless cell-phone link, and rearview camera. Note that Sprinter vans are also sold by Freightliner dealers under that brand's name.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Best Dealer Selection Worldwide Delivery Fast Title Call Us For Pricing 800-851-9000


2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
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2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG REVIEW
Designed as a replacement for the aging McLaren SLR and as a new range-topper for Mercedes-Benz, the SLS AMG is a completely new platform designed and honed by the high-performance gurus at AMG. Using the 300SL Gullwing as inspiration gave the car its characteristic shape, and perhaps its most unique and iconic feature--gull-wing doors. It features a long hood and short rear deck, much like the 300SL. Performance has been ramped up considerably, both in terms of raw power and chassis design. 

WALKAROUND
The only available engine in the SLS AMG is the same 6.2L V8 used in the SL63 and other AMG models, although here it's been tuned slightly with dry-sump oiling, a reworked valvetrain and camshaft design, special tubular headers, a free-flowing intake and an improved exhaust system. The result is 563 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, which pushes the SLS to 60 in just 3.7 seconds and gives a top speed of 197 mph.A 7-speed dual-clutch electronic transmission is the only available gearbox, featuring aluminum shift paddles mounted on either side of the steering wheel. The driver can select between several modes that offer shift quality tuned for both maximum performance and maximum efficiency--and several steps in between. Mounted in the rear and connected to the engine via a carbon-fiber driveshaft, it helps give a near-perfect weight balance of 47/53 front-to-rear.The chassis utilizes 4-wheel independent suspension with double-wishbone designs front and rear, and with the engine mounted low in the chassis (thanks to dry-sump oiling) and its rear-mounted transaxle, the SLS's center of gravity and overall balance helps provide exceptional handling characteristics. Massive disc brakes help bring the car from 60 mph to a stop in just under 100 feet.The SLS AMG started out as a coupe, but a new convertible is available in 2012. Both are built on a high-tech aluminum space frame. Standard safety equipment includes stability and traction control, antilock brakes, front, side, knee and curtain airbags for both driver and passenger and Mercedes' "mbrace" emergency telematics system. In the event of a rollover, the coupe's gull-wing doors separate from the car via pyrotechnic devices, allowing easy exit for both driver and passenger.The roadster SLS comes with a three-layer fabric top and conventional front-hinged doors instead of the coupe's gull-wings. While Mercedes did have to add additional bracing to keep the chassis rigid, they claim the roadster weighs the same as the coupe, but has a lower center of gravity, so handling will not be affected too much. 

SUMMARY
Standard equipment includes 19-inch front and 20-inch rear cast aluminum wheels, bi-xenon headlamps with washers, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, a backup camera, keyless entry and ignition, leather upholstery, heated seats with memory functions, dual-zone automatic climate control and a premium sound system with satellite radio and iPod connectivity. In addition, Mercedes COMMAND interface is also standard.Optional features many AMG performance parts, such as performance and adaptive suspension and carbon ceramic brakes. Outside, three types of unique alloy wheels and carbon fiber trim are also available. Inside, a leather and suede-wrapped steering wheel, and an 11-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system are optional add-ons.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Best Dealer Selection Worldwide Delivery Fast Title Call Us Today For Pricing 800-851-9000


2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
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2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review
The next Mercedes-Benz SL, codenamed R231, is new from bottom to top. Loosely based on the rear-wheel drive components set of the E-class, the hardtop-coupe gets a longer wheelbase to facilitate entry and egress for a graying customer base. There's also more room for passengers and luggage. Inside, we find a more user-friendly cockpit with better ergonomics, extended memory functions and new seats developed and built together with BMW.

Walkaround
To keep those aging drivers comfortable even when traversing rough pavement, the new SL will employ a new active suspension named Magic Ride Control. An evolution of the Active Body Control seen on the current SL, Magic Ride Control employs a camera that scans the road for potholes and other irregularities. The findings are relayed to a computer, which can then respond within fractions of a second and with an accuracy of one millimeter. The advanced road reader looks sixty-five feet ahead and remains fully active up to a speed of 60 mph when it gradually gives way to a tauter fixed setting.As before, the SL will feature a retractable hardtop. This time around, it can be fitted with a variable-tint glass roof named Magic Sky Control. Up front, the L-shaped headlamps give way to more conventional rectangular lights, and the wideband grille will be positioned more upright for superior pedestrian protection. The rear end is dominated by extra-large wraparound taillights inspired by those on the CLS coupe.

Summary
Under the hood, the SL sticks to a gas engine-only line-up. The range starts with a 305 hp, 3.5-liter V-6. One step up is the 435-hp SL500 equipped with a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V-8. Then there's the pair of AMG variants. Like the S63 and CL63 AMG cars, the SL63 AMG will shed its 6.2-liter V-8 in favor of an even more potent 5.5-liter bi-turbo model good for 565 hp. The mighty 6.0-liter V-12 survives in the SL65 AMG, and will see its output bumped to 630 hp, and will finally be paired with a seven-speed automatic in place of the beefy old five-speed. At the same time, the other SLs will eventually trade up from a seven-speed unit to an even more efficient nine-speeder with integrated hybrid technology. If the dual clutch transmission used on the SLS trickles down to the new SL, it will reserved for the AMG variants.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Best Dealer Selection Worldwide Delivery Fast Title Call Us Today For Pricing 800-851-9000



2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
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2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review
The next Mercedes-Benz SL, codenamed R231, is new from bottom to top. Loosely based on the rear-wheel drive components set of the E-class, the hardtop-coupe gets a longer wheelbase to facilitate entry and egress for a graying customer base. There's also more room for passengers and luggage. Inside, we find a more user-friendly cockpit with better ergonomics, extended memory functions and new seats developed and built together with BMW.

Walkaround
To keep those aging drivers comfortable even when traversing rough pavement, the new SL will employ a new active suspension named Magic Ride Control. An evolution of the Active Body Control seen on the current SL, Magic Ride Control employs a camera that scans the road for potholes and other irregularities. The findings are relayed to a computer, which can then respond within fractions of a second and with an accuracy of one millimeter. The advanced road reader looks sixty-five feet ahead and remains fully active up to a speed of 60 mph when it gradually gives way to a tauter fixed setting.As before, the SL will feature a retractable hardtop. This time around, it can be fitted with a variable-tint glass roof named Magic Sky Control. Up front, the L-shaped headlamps give way to more conventional rectangular lights, and the wideband grille will be positioned more upright for superior pedestrian protection. The rear end is dominated by extra-large wraparound taillights inspired by those on the CLS coupe.

Summary
Under the hood, the SL sticks to a gas engine-only line-up. The range starts with a 305 hp, 3.5-liter V-6. One step up is the 435-hp SL500 equipped with a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V-8. Then there's the pair of AMG variants. Like the S63 and CL63 AMG cars, the SL63 AMG will shed its 6.2-liter V-8 in favor of an even more potent 5.5-liter bi-turbo model good for 565 hp. The mighty 6.0-liter V-12 survives in the SL65 AMG, and will see its output bumped to 630 hp, and will finally be paired with a seven-speed automatic in place of the beefy old five-speed. At the same time, the other SLs will eventually trade up from a seven-speed unit to an even more efficient nine-speeder with integrated hybrid technology. If the dual clutch transmission used on the SLS trickles down to the new SL, it will reserved for the AMG variants.

2012 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Best Dealer Selection Worldwide Delivery Fast Title Call Us Today For Pricing 800-851-9000


2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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2012 MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS REVIEW
Once again, Mercedes revised their engine options on the S-Class. A new 3.0L BlueTEC V6 becomes available and the S550 receives a smaller-displacement, but more powerful twin-turbo 4.6L V8 over last year's 5.5L V8.The new kid on the block is the S350 BlueTEC turbodiesel, a 3.0L V6 that makes 240 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. The S400 hybrid continues with a mild hybrid using a 3.5L V6 with 295 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque and a mild hybrid system to assist the gasoline engine for 30 percent better fuel economy than the S550. 

WALKAROUND
The S550 gets a new 4.6L twin-turbo V8 engine, which makes 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Surprisingly, it's still capable of 25 mpg on the highway. The V12-powered S600 keeps its 5.5L V8, which makes 510 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque.At the top end, the S63 AMG gets a twin-turbo 5.5L V8 that makes 536 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. It utilizes stop-start technology and a 7-speed transmission to keep fuel use relatively reasonable. The S65 AMG continues to utilize its 6.0L V12 engine, which this year makes 624 hp and an astonishing 738 lb-ft of torque.Across the board, the S-Class carries some amazing technology. All S-Class features Airmatic active suspension with adaptive damping. Also standard are bi-xenon headlamps with adaptive corning lights and rain-sensing wipers with heated washers. High-tech options include a SPLITVIEW entertainment system allows both front seat occupants to watch different programs on the same LCD display, a night-vision system includes a pedestrian protection system and an innovative automatic 4-zone climate control uses dust and pollen filters as well as dew point and seatbelt sensors.

SUMMARY
Other safety-oriented options include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, both of which can trigger automatic brake intervention. Attention Assist detects drowsy drivers and is standard on all but the hybrid, and the standard Adaptive High Beam Assist monitors approaching headlights and dims its own to avoid blinding oncoming drivers.

2012 Mercedes-Benz S600 Best Dealer Selection Worldwide Delivery Fast Title Call Us Today For Pricing 800-851-9000


2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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2012 MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS REVIEW
Once again, Mercedes revised their engine options on the S-Class. A new 3.0L BlueTEC V6 becomes available and the S550 receives a smaller-displacement, but more powerful twin-turbo 4.6L V8 over last year's 5.5L V8.The new kid on the block is the S350 BlueTEC turbodiesel, a 3.0L V6 that makes 240 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. The S400 hybrid continues with a mild hybrid using a 3.5L V6 with 295 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque and a mild hybrid system to assist the gasoline engine for 30 percent better fuel economy than the S550. 

WALKAROUND
The S550 gets a new 4.6L twin-turbo V8 engine, which makes 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Surprisingly, it's still capable of 25 mpg on the highway. The V12-powered S600 keeps its 5.5L V8, which makes 510 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque.At the top end, the S63 AMG gets a twin-turbo 5.5L V8 that makes 536 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. It utilizes stop-start technology and a 7-speed transmission to keep fuel use relatively reasonable. The S65 AMG continues to utilize its 6.0L V12 engine, which this year makes 624 hp and an astonishing 738 lb-ft of torque.Across the board, the S-Class carries some amazing technology. All S-Class features Airmatic active suspension with adaptive damping. Also standard are bi-xenon headlamps with adaptive corning lights and rain-sensing wipers with heated washers. High-tech options include a SPLITVIEW entertainment system allows both front seat occupants to watch different programs on the same LCD display, a night-vision system includes a pedestrian protection system and an innovative automatic 4-zone climate control uses dust and pollen filters as well as dew point and seatbelt sensors.

SUMMARY
Other safety-oriented options include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, both of which can trigger automatic brake intervention. Attention Assist detects drowsy drivers and is standard on all but the hybrid, and the standard Adaptive High Beam Assist monitors approaching headlights and dims its own to avoid blinding oncoming drivers.

2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 Best Dealer Selection Worldwide Delivery Fast Title Call Us Today For Pricing 800-851-9000



2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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2012 S-Class Review
The next S-class boasts a brand-new four-link front suspension designed to further decouple the steering, braking, and damping forces. In the rear, we should find an evolution of the faithful multilink arrangement. Air springs are standard again, but the clever Active Body Control system costs extra. Active Body Control can also be had in combination with MBC, short for Magic Body Control. Employing two cameras to scan the road, MBC can -- at speeds up to 80 mph -- compensate for surface irregularities milliseconds before the car encounters them. Also new is Magic Light Control (MLC), which adds full LED headlamps complete with adaptive free-flow light patterns that vary with speed, weather, and steering angle.

Walkaround
As far as next-generation ergonomics are concerned, those in the know predict a much-easier-to-use Comand infotainment system with fewer knobs, buttons, and switches. Instead, we can allegedly look forward to a single controller, which, in combination with more elaborate steering-wheel controls, addresses all key features and functions.Instead of a screen positioned above the center stack, Mercedes is considering a large LCD display in the driver's primary field of vision. All in all, the Comand system should be easier to use, have vastly superior memory capacity (for things like music, maps, and Internet), and be easy to reprogram via software updates.

Summary
The engine lineup ranges from a 200-hp four-cylinder to a V-12 that's been dyno-tested at 544 bhp. Not enough grunt? Then you may have to wait for the spicier AMG option, good for some 650 hp, sources say. New engines include the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6, which will be available in 300-hp and 350-hp form. One rung up, we find two turbocharged V-8s promising 430 hp and 510 hp. Originally, Mercedes intended to offer hybrid options for all new S-class models, but after a marketing rethink, all that's left are two: a 3.0-liter V-6 and a 200-hp diesel version, both paired with a 110-hp electric motor. A 20-hp electric motor is still likely to be standard on all models but is not quite strong enough to justify an e-mode button. This won't change before 2014, when the new nine-speed automatic transmission should be able to accommodate a more potent 45-hp electric power pack.

2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 Best Dealer Selection Worldwide Delivery Fast Title Call Us Today For Pricing 800-851-9000


2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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2012 S-Class Review
The next S-class boasts a brand-new four-link front suspension designed to further decouple the steering, braking, and damping forces. In the rear, we should find an evolution of the faithful multilink arrangement. Air springs are standard again, but the clever Active Body Control system costs extra. Active Body Control can also be had in combination with MBC, short for Magic Body Control. Employing two cameras to scan the road, MBC can -- at speeds up to 80 mph -- compensate for surface irregularities milliseconds before the car encounters them. Also new is Magic Light Control (MLC), which adds full LED headlamps complete with adaptive free-flow light patterns that vary with speed, weather, and steering angle.

Walkaround
As far as next-generation ergonomics are concerned, those in the know predict a much-easier-to-use Comand infotainment system with fewer knobs, buttons, and switches. Instead, we can allegedly look forward to a single controller, which, in combination with more elaborate steering-wheel controls, addresses all key features and functions.Instead of a screen positioned above the center stack, Mercedes is considering a large LCD display in the driver's primary field of vision. All in all, the Comand system should be easier to use, have vastly superior memory capacity (for things like music, maps, and Internet), and be easy to reprogram via software updates.

Summary
The engine lineup ranges from a 200-hp four-cylinder to a V-12 that's been dyno-tested at 544 bhp. Not enough grunt? Then you may have to wait for the spicier AMG option, good for some 650 hp, sources say. New engines include the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6, which will be available in 300-hp and 350-hp form. One rung up, we find two turbocharged V-8s promising 430 hp and 510 hp. Originally, Mercedes intended to offer hybrid options for all new S-class models, but after a marketing rethink, all that's left are two: a 3.0-liter V-6 and a 200-hp diesel version, both paired with a 110-hp electric motor. A 20-hp electric motor is still likely to be standard on all models but is not quite strong enough to justify an e-mode button. This won't change before 2014, when the new nine-speed automatic transmission should be able to accommodate a more potent 45-hp electric power pack.