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  • Twin-turbo V-8.

    Fueled by imagination. With real benefits.

    Add up the six engines of the 2012 S-Class and you'll count 54 cylinders, nine turbos and one electric motor. Choose any one, including the new S350 BlueTEC clean diesel, the S400 HYBRID and the new twin-turbo V-8 S550, and you'll enjoy torque-rich response with every rev. And since their advanced technology delivers cleaner emissions and higher efficiency, you'll revel in responsibility, too.

  • 7-speed automatic transmission.

    Seven smooth speeds. Sporty paddle shifters

    The world's first 7-speed automatic transmission is renowned for its smooth, versatile character. And on the S350 BlueTEC and S550, it's been re-engineered for even greater efficiency and response. And every S-Class features an elegant electronic selector plus paddle shifters that offer total control of gear changes without taking your hands from the steering wheel.

  • 4MATIC with 4-ETS

    Every season. Any road. All wheels engaged.

    Standard on the new S350 BlueTEC and optional on the S550, 4MATIC™ all-wheel drive integrates our 4-wheel Electronic Traction System.[*4] 4-ETS continually redistributes the engine´s torque to the wheels with the best grip, even if that´s only one wheel. With a 45:55 front/rear torque split, the lightweight and compact 4MATIC system enhances dry-road handling, too.

    Learn more about4MATIC

  • Adaptive air suspension

    High-pressure technology. Stress-free handling

    Two multi-talented suspensions are offered on the S-Class. AIRMATIC expertly balances sharp handling reflexes with a relaxing ride, while Active Body Control (ABC, standard on the S600 and an S550 option), is arguably the most advanced full-active suspension in production. Both systems offer Sport modes, 4-wheel level control, and automatic lowering at higher speeds to enhance stability.

  • Adaptive braking technology

    Greater braking confidence. And convenience.

    Large 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-piston calipers gripping perforated front rotors are backed by advanced adaptive braking technology. Features include Predictive Brake Priming, Automatic Brake Drying, Hill-Start Assist, and a HOLD feature.[*5] In addition, a torque-vectoring brake system enhances stability and control in corners by gentle selective braking of the inside rear wheel.[*4]

3.0L BlueTEC turbodiesel V-6 engine

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BlueTEC clean diesel technology is the state of the art for all 50 states. The 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 delivers 240 hp, a massive 455 lb-ft of torque, and acceleration on par with many gasoline V-8s. Mercedes-Benz, pioneer of the original diesel car, has reinvented it without the noise, odor and emissions of old. By injecting a solution called AdBlue® into the exhaust, BlueTEC reduces smog-causing NOx to harmless nitrogen and water vapor.[*4] And with better highway mpg than some 4-cylinders and hybrids, if offers a cruising range of over 700 miles.

Heated and Active Ventilated front seats

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Heated and Active Ventilated seats are a luxury you'll soon consider a necessity. Three levels of heating and cooling ventilation are offered. By gently circulating air through perforations in the seat and backrest, Active Ventilated seats help keep you cooler and your clothes dryer during warmer months. On cold or damp days, using both the ventilation and heating features together can circulate the seat heating more quickly, to help keep you warm and dry.

Hard-drive navigation with Zagat Survey

Using GPS technology and a 40GB hard drive to store maps, points of interest, and Zagat® Survey ratings for restaurants, hotels and golf courses, this virtual copilot provides detailed driving directions with remarkable speed and a friendly voice. The COMAND system's large color-LCD screen also displays gas stations, ATMs and Mercedes-Benz dealerships along your route within the contiguous U.S., Canada and Oahu, Hawaii, with periodic updates available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Adaptive brakes

Powerful 4-wheel disc brakes feature a number of advances. If you lift off the accelerator quickly, Predictive Brake Priming sets the pads closer to the discs for more immediate response when you apply the brakes. In the rain, Automatic Brake Drying periodically applies the brakes just enough to sweep water build-up from the discs. During uphill starts, Hill-Start Assist helps prevent unwanted rollback. And a HOLD feature can make long red lights or stopped traffic a little easier.

4-zone automatic climate control

Four individual temperature controls offer personalized comfort to the front and rear cabins. In addition to fully automatic or manual control of blower speed and airflow distribution, the system includes sun and humidity sensors, a dust/pollen filter, and an activated charcoal filter that automatically recirculates cabin air upon detecting a significant increase in smog. The system also detects seat-belt usage and focuses first on areas of the cabin where occupants are seated.

4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS)

For optimum traction, even in slippery conditions, 4MATIC all-wheel drive incorporates our advanced 4-wheel Electronic Traction System. 4-ETS can help get you going even if three wheels lose their grip. Sensors at each wheel monitor traction based on wheel speeds. If one or more wheels start to slip, 4-ETS individually brakes the slipping wheels to maintain the flow of torque to the wheels with grip. Even if only one wheel has grip, 4-ETS can help get you going and stay in control.

Active Body Control (ABC)

Active Body Control (ABC)
Arguably the most advanced suspension in production, ABC is a fully active suspension that ideally balances comfort and response in virtually every situation. A network of advanced sensors and electronically controlled hydraulics is designed to counteract the effects of roll, vibration, pitch, dive and squat when cornering, braking and accelerating. A driver-selectable Sport mode provides virtually flat cornering capability far beyond ordinary suspensions. Automatic 4-wheel level control gradually lowers the ride height as speeds increase, to improve aerodynamics and stability.

Active Lane Keeping Assist

Active Blind Spot Assist
With technology that monitors ordinary road markings, Active Lane Keeping Assist helps detect unintended drifting off-course,and alerts the driver by vibrating the steering wheel. If the driver continues to drift, it can apply the brake to a single rear wheel to help guide the car back into its lane.

20-inch AMG 5-spoke wheels - Sport Package Plus One

20-inch AMG 5-spoke wheels
Featuring a sparkling titanium-silver finish and a distinctive convex spoke design, these imposing 20-inch AMG wheels are outfitted with high-performance tires. Offered as part of the Sport Package Plus One.

Blind Spot Assist

When the vehicle is traveling above 18 mph this system uses radar technology to automatically alert the driver through a red hazard signal in the vehicle's side mirrors when it senses a vehicle entering the blind-spot area. What's more, if the turn signal is activated for making a lane change and the system senses a vehicle, an audible warning is triggered as well.

AIRMATIC semi-active suspension

AIRMATIC semi-active suspension
For a balanced, comfortable ride, the AIRMATIC semi-active suspension employs electronically controlled air springs that adjust to changing driving conditions. A choice of two settings, Sport and Comfort, lets drivers match the ride characteristics to their mood. The system also lowers the ride height at higher speeds for improved aerodynamics. AIRMATIC also provides automatic 4-wheel level control, to help compensate for additional cargo or passengers.

Sirius® Satellite Radio with Sirius Traffic™

Sirius® Satellite Radio with Sirius Traffic™
Sirius Satellite Radio offers 130+ channels of premium digital entertainment, from news, talk and sports to commercial-free music from every genre. Enjoy live broadcasts of the biggest NFL®, NCAA®, NHL® and NBA® teams, plus 150+ college sports teams. While you listen, Sirius Traffic™ keeps you up to date on accidents, traffic, construction and road closures, and even helps your vehicle's navigation system find the fastest route based on real-time traffic.

3.5-liter V-6 HYBRID powertrain

3.5-liter V-6 HYBRID powertrain
Combining a V-6 gasoline engine with an electric motor, the S400 HYBRID Sedan is the first production sedan to use a lithium-ion battery for its powertrain. Boasting ultra-low emissions and outstanding fuel economy, this groundbreaking feat of engineering generates a combined 295 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of net torque, meaning you get breathtaking performance. And thanks to an automatic engine stop-start system and advanced technology that recuperates energy during braking, everyone gets to breathe a little easier.

Torque vectoring brake

Torque vectoring brake
Standard torque vectoring brake technology provides additional control and precision in turns via targeted rear-wheel braking. If the vehicle´s Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) detects understeer while cornering, the system applies the brake to the inside rear wheel, temporarily shifting torque distribution in favor of the outside wheel. This causes the vehicle to gently pivot in compensation, putting it on a line of travel, or vector, better suited to the turn.

8-way power adjustable rear seats

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With 8-way power adjustability that includes the recline angle for each outboard seatback, this feature lets rear-seat passengers ride in first-class comfort. Power head restraints automatically rise into position when the outboard passengers fasten their seat belts, enhancing safety as well.

7-speed automatic transmission

7-speed automatic transmission
The industry's first 7-speed automatic has been made even smoother, more responsive and more efficient. A wide range of closely spaced gear ratios delivers the ideal response in virtually every driving situation, for relaxed cruising, quick acceleration, and thanks to two overdrive ratios, better highway fuel efficiency. Adaptive logic adjusts the shift points to match your driving style, while paddle shifters on the steering wheel let you enjoy manual-style control anytime you wish.

19-inch AMG Triple 5-Spoke - Sport Package

19-inch AMG triple-spoke wheels
With a new design for 2012, these legendary AMG wheels feature an ultrathin triple-spoke design with the central spokes finished in dramatic dark grey. They're part of the Sport Package and fitted with high-performance tires.

DISTRONIC PLUS - Driver Assistance Package

DISTRONIC PLUS (with PRE-SAFE Brake)
This advanced, radar-based cruise control monitors the vehicle ahead and adjusts your speed to help maintain a chosen following distance. On long trips, DISTRONIC PLUS reduces the need to repeatedly adjust the cruise control setting. It offers true stop-and-go functionality, as it can bring the car to a halt if it senses stopped traffic, then resume automatically.Should the car ahead suddenly slow down or stop, the PRE-SAFE Brake system automatically engages up to 40% of available braking power and primes the brakes to deliver full power the moment you step on the brake pedal. If the brakes have not been applied within 0.6 seconds of a calculated impact, PRE-SAFE Brake will automatically engage them at 100% power. As an added safety precaution, a Proximity Warning System will issue an audiovisual warning if the calculated closing speed indicates that insufficient braking power has been applied by the driver.

4.6L twin-turbo V-8 engine

A new 429-hp 4.6-liter V-8 combines numerous advances and twin turbos to deliver noticeably more low-end torque. New rapid-multispark ignition can fire up to four times per millisecond, while high-pressure Direct Injection microscopically tunes the fuel spray to reduce emissions, fuel consumption and noise. A lightweight diecast-alloy block, quicker and more widely variable valve timing, reduced friction, and clever "on-demand" ancillary components like the alternator further boost efficiency.

PRE-SAFE Brake - Driver Assistance Package

PRE-SAFE®
A Mercedes-Benz first, PRE-SAFE can detect instability during certain vehicle maneuvers that suggest a collision or rollover is imminent. It can then tighten the front seat belts, adjust the front passenger seat, and close the windows and sunroof — all in an effort to better prepare the occupants in the moments before a collision. If no accident occurs, the seat-belt tensioners reverse, and you simply readjust your seat, open the sunroof and continue on your way.

harman/kardon LOGIC7 sound system with Dolby Digital 5.1

harman/kardon LOGIC7 sound system with Dolby Digital 5.1
Specifically engineered for the S-Class, this premium digital sound system fills the cabin with 600 watts of beautifully balanced audio. No fewer than 15 strategically placed speakers deliver a wholly immersive listening experience through Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound technology. Digital Dynamic Volume Control impeccably and imperceptibly maintains the sound spectrum for consistent listening pleasure in varying driving conditions.
REFINEMENT
GALLERY

* Excludes all options, taxes, title, registration, $875 transportation charge, and dealer prep fee.

† Stated rates of acceleration are based upon manufacturer´s track results and may vary depending on model environmental and road surface conditions, driving style, elevation and vehicle load.

4. No system, regardless of how advanced, can overcome the laws of physics or correct careless driving. Please always wear your seat belt. Performance is limited by available traction, which snow, ice and other conditions can affect. Always drive carefully, consistent with conditions. Best performance in snow is obtained with winter tires.

5. Braking effectiveness also depends on proper brake maintenance, and tire and road conditions. ESP, 4-ETS, ABS and Brake Assist do not operate when the differential locks are engaged.