Mercedes S420 CDI launched

merve_extreme · 11:56 AM

Quote:

Stuttgart, Dec 06, 2006
Mercedes-Benz is extending its 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/320 hp and 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, with deliveries to customers due to start in December 2006. The short-wheelbase model is priced at € 84,448 (net price € 72,800) and the long-wheelbase version at € 92,104 (net price € 79,400).

The new V8 model's strengths are effortlessly superior 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 1000 kilometre mark.
Such impressive figures are down to the highly advanced eight-cylinder turbodiesel engine under the bonnet: from its 3996 cc displacement, the CDI unit with four-valve-per-cylinder technology delivers a maximum output of 235 kW/320 hp at 3600 rpm and a peak torque of 730 newton metres, which is on tap from 2000 rpm. Third-generation common-rail high-pressure injection technology with a maximum injection pressure of 1600 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.

So let us compare it with the current diesel class leader the A8 4.2TDi.

Mercedes S420 CDI-------------Audi A8 4.2TDI
Type: V8--------------------------------V8
Disp: 3996cc--------------------------4134cc
Power: 320hp@3600rpm-------326hp@3750rpm
Torque: 730Nm@2000rpm------650Nm@1600rpm
0-60mph: 6.6sec---------------------6.1sec
topspeed: 250km/hr(L)--------------250km/hr(L)
trans: 7-speed AT-------------------6-speed AT
L/100km: 9.4-9.6 ---------------------9.4

so the audi a8 is still the class leader in terms of power but the S-class has more torque.this makes them evenly matched as far as engine goes.

ree · **Re: Mercedes S420 CDI launched -** 12-06-2006, 12:24 PM

Nevertheless I would go for the S 420 CDI!!!!

merve_extreme · **Re: Mercedes S420 CDI launched -** 12-06-2006, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ree

Nevertheless I would go for the S 420 CDI!!!!

As a complete car,yes the S-class is better.But as far as engines go they are evenly matched at least in the specifications.

Now how refined they are? and the on road performance of both head to head is a matter yet to be decided.

cawimmer430 · **Re: Mercedes S420 CDI launched -** 12-06-2006, 05:21 PM

The V8 diesel A8 and S-Class are pretty evenly matched.

Still, I think a V8 diesel is a little overkill, especially when the base S320 CDI is a pretty good deal. It's not slow and it gets even better fuel economy and is also fun to drive because of the 510 Nm of torque.

Yes, the S420 CDI will be brutal, but I like to keep it real[istic].

merve_extreme · **Re: Mercedes S420 CDI launched -** 12-06-2006, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cawimmer430

The V8 diesel A8 and S-Class are pretty evenly matched.

Still, I think a V8 diesel is a little overkill, especially when the base S320 CDI is a pretty good deal. It's not slow and it gets even better fuel economy and is also fun to drive because of the 510 Nm of torque.

Yes, the S420 CDI will be brutal, but I like to keep it real[istic].

Yes the S320 CDI is perfectly good enough for most people and for most conditions,but then there are those people who want a diesel equivalent of the S600.

The Artist · **Re: Mercedes S420 CDI launched -** 12-06-2006, 06:09 PM

ive been waiting for this for long..this would be the ultimate S if the taxes wasent so high on diesel in sweden..
it has some crazy torque..they can replace the 7G with a 1 gear tranny..and it would still run like a dream..haha

BlueGTI · **Re: Mercedes S420 CDI launched -** 12-07-2006, 05:52 PM

Worldcarfans has updated their website with info on the S420CDI.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm...p-diesel-model

Yes, I would also go for the S-Class over the A8, but there is a bit of an age difference- the Audi is pretty impressive considering how long it has been around.

EnI · **Re: Mercedes S420 CDI launched -** 12-07-2006, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merve_extreme

so the audi a8 is still the class leader in terms of power but the S-class has more torque.this makes them evenly matched as far as engine goes.

Sorry to spoil the party, but the leader (regarding power & torque) in this class is still ... BMW 745d

BMW 745d
Type: V8
Disp: 4423 ccm
Power: 330hp@3600rpm
Torque: 750Nm@1900rpm
0-62mph (0-100kmh): 6.6sec
top speed: 250km/hr(L)
trans: 6-speed AT
L/100km: 9.5

cawimmer430 · **Re: Mercedes S420 CDI launched -** 12-08-2006, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merve_extreme

Yes the S320 CDI is perfectly good enough for most people and for most conditions,but then there are those people who want a diesel equivalent of the S600.

True. I'm just one of those folks who likes to keep it real.

klier · **Re: Mercedes S420 CDI launched -** 12-08-2006, 10:36 AM

Thanks for pointing that little fact out Eni

BMW was the first with a V8 diesel, too. Before Audi and MB.
The next gen V8 diesel from BMW can't be too far off...should be brilliant