2013 Mercedes-Benz S600

2013 S-Class Line Offers Fuel Economy AND Performance

The company's flagship sedan, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is viewed in many circles as the finest automobile in the world. For the 2013 model year, the S-Class line ranges from the fuel-sipping S350 BlueTEC diesel (240 hp, 455 lb.-ft.) and the innovative S400 HYBRID (295 hp, 284 lb.-ft.) to powerful V8 models – the S550 (429 hp, 516 lb.-ft. of torque) and high-performance S63 AMG (536 hp, 590 lb.-ft.) as well as two magnificent V12-powered cars – the S600 (510 hp, 612 lb.-ft.) and the S65 AMG (621 hp, 738 lb.-ft.).

BlueTEC – A Blueprint For The World's Cleanest Diesels

The S350 BlueTEC model is powered by a purpose-built 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 210 horsepower, an astonishing 455 lb.-ft. of torque and 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine. Úsing several technologies to minimize diesel exhaust emissions, the S350 BlueTEC begins with a four-valve-per-cylinder diesel featuring centrally located piezo-electric injectors, CDI direct injection, a variable-nozzle turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculation.

Building on this foundation of advanced engine design, the S350 BlueTEC incorporates several modular after-treatment units in the exhaust stream – an oxidizing catalytic converter, a maintenance-free particulate filter, an SCR converter and an NOx storage converter. In the 'denox' storage converter, nitrogen oxides are absorbed temporarily, and during brief regeneration pulses of a richer fuel-air mixture, the nitrogen oxides are released, reacting with other exhaust gas to form harmless nitrogen.

20 Percent Better Fuel Economy, 30 Percent More Power

The 2013 S550 sedan is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that gets 20 percent better fuel economy than the previous model while producing 30 percent more power – an astounding feat, considering that increasing either power or fuel economy usually decreases the other. The V8 features direct fuel injection, twin turbochargers and multi-spark ignition.

Based on its highly successful 5.5-liter predecessor, the latest V8 engine has 20 percent smaller displacement but generates 429 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque – 32 percent more than the previous engine. Its smaller displacement is more than offset by the power boost of its twin turbochargers – one for each bank of cylinders. Piston crowns are four millimeters thicker to handle the higher combustion pressures, while shorter connecting rods allow existing block dimensions to be retained. The V8 has aluminum cylinder heads, pistons and cylinder block (with cast-in Silitec cylinders), as well as a crankshaft, connecting roads and valves made of special forged steel.

Fuel-Efficient Transmission

Non-AMG S-Class models feature a special transmission with an advanced torque converter lock-up clutch that provides optimal fuel mileage, responsive driving and quiet operation. The transmission is designed to work with a new low-viscosity ATF transmission fluid – colored blue instead of the usual red. Together with new planetary gears, bearings and internal seals, the 'FE-ATF' fluid provides less friction and improved fuel mileage.

518-Horsepower V8 for the S63 AMG

AMG boasts its own 5.5-liter version of the 4.6-liter Mercedes-Benz biturbo V8 that also produces more power and better fuel economy simultaneously. Replacing AMG's normally aspirated 6.3-liter V8, the smaller engine features twin turbochargers, direct fuel injection, and multi-spark ignition. Compared to the 4.6-liter biturbo, the S63 AMG powerplant makes use of more displacement (a larger cylinder bore and longer crankshaft stroke), higher turbocharger boost, and slightly lower compression.

In comparison to its predecessor, reduced displacement is more than offset by the power boost of its twin turbochargers – one for each bank of cylinders. Identified inside the company as the M157, the AMG twin-turbo V8 produces 518 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. With the optional AMG Performance Package, these figures increase to 563 hp and 664 lb.-ft.

Award-Winning MCT Sports Transmission – The Best of Both Worlds

The high-performance S63 AMG Sedan also features a cutting-edge AMG transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) With a start-up clutch instead of a torque converter, the new seven-speed MCT sports transmission provides the direct feel of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic, offering impressive versatility and even faster shift times. Thanks to its low rotational mass, the start-up clutch helps the transmission respond instantaneously and dynamically, with no slip.

Direct Fuel Injection

While most gasoline engines have used indirect port fuel injection in the past, the V8 makes use of industry-leading electronics technology first used on Mercedes-Benz diesels – electronic fuel injectors that spray gasoline directly into the combustion chambers.

Featuring a piezo-ceramic crystalline element that changes shape when electrical current is applied, blazingly fast piezo injectors make it possible to design very sensitive and precise injection systems, including the ability to program several small injections with each piston stroke.

The first injection is sprayed into the combustion chamber as the piston is descending on the intake stroke. Depending on speed, load and temperature conditions, another injection or two takes place during the compression up-stroke before ignition, forming a stratified mixture. A fourth injection can stabilize combustion if it's needed.

Multi-Spark Works with Multi-Squirt

Working together with the spray-guided direct injection, a rapid multi-spark ignition system begins combustion with the first spark, but has the capability to recharge and deliver up to three more sparks within a single millisecond, creating a gas plasma with more expansion than conventional ignition. The time lapse between sparks is adjustable, so combustion duration can actually be controlled, resulting in two percent better fuel economy, and a total of four percent improvement in combination with its companion direct fuel injection system.

Refined Cam Chain Drive

Mounted on the ends of the intake and exhaust camshafts, the hydraulic camshaft adjusters that vary valve timing are 35 percent faster than in the past, and with a wider range of 40 crankshaft degrees. Despite their improved performance, they're more than a half inch smaller in height and width.

Smaller valve timing adjusters are made possible by a revised cam chain drive system, in which the crankshaft drives an intermediate shaft above the crank. In turn, the intermediate shaft drives two short chains – one for each cylinder bank – that loop around the intake and exhaust camshaft drive sprockets.

A fourth chain drives a variable vane-type oil pump in the bottom of the engine. The latest chain drive results in less tension and lower chain dynamics, for even lower friction and less noise.

At low engine speed and load, the oil pump only generates about 28 psi (or two bar) of oil pressure, and nozzles that spray cooling oil on the pistons are inactive. As engine speed and load increases, oil pressure rises, and the oil spray nozzles are turned on. In this way, less energy is used when less cooling and lubrication is needed.

Three-Phase, Low-Load Cooling System

Even the cooling system is significantly refined in the direct-injection engine, beginning with a two-stage flow circuit through the cylinder head. This improved coolant flow results in better heat dissipation, despite lower coolant pressure, so that the water pump uses less engine power.

A three-phase cooling system helps the engine warm up very quickly. When the engine is first started, no coolant circulates. Then, as the engine warms up, coolant begins to circulate within the engine, but not through the radiator. Only when the coolant temperature reaches 221 degrees Farenheit (or 189 degrees F. under high load), coolant also circulates through the radiator. Coolant circulation through the heating system for the car's interior is controlled separately.

30 Percent Better Fuel Economy with S400 HYBRID

The S400 HYBRID comes with the world's first lithium-ion battery designed specifically for automotive use. The light-weight, high-capacity lithium-ion battery works with a 20-horsepower electric motor and a V6 gasoline engine for a total of 295 horsepower and 284 lb.-ft. of torque, to provide hybrid power with impressive fuel economy.

The Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, a magneto-electric motor and sophisticated hybrid electronics to produce 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable S550 model. Not only does the electric motor make 20 horsepower, but it also produces an impressive starting torque of 118 lb.-ft., while the gasoline engine develops 275 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.

A powerful computer controls the hybrid system, recalculating the best operating mode 160 times a second. Capable of up to 50 million calculations per second, the system works to maintain an ideal balance between fuel economy and performance.

The 120-volt lithium-ion battery weighs less than most other batteries and takes up less space, but has high energy density for its size. As a result, it can be installed in the engine compartment, so the car's ample trunk capacity and spacious interior are not affected. The lithium-ion battery has high-strength steel housing, a separate cooling circuit, and its cells sit in a special gel that dampens any jolts and vibration.

Characterized as a 'mild hybrid,' the S400 HYBRID's gasoline engine and electric motor work together for responsive performance, and its driveline includes a specially configured seven-speed automatic transmission, a transformer to power the 12-volt vehicle system and intelligent operating electronics. The disc-shaped electric motor is mounted in the torque converter housing, between the engine and transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

The hybrid system includes a convenient start-stop function that turns off the gasoline engine below nine mph when braking to a stop. When the S400 HYBRID is at a traffic light, for example, the gasoline engine is off, but the AC compressor and steering pump are operated electrically, so air conditioning and power steering are fully operational. When the brakes are released, the gasoline engine is started automatically, and works with the electric motor for seamless performance.

During braking, the electric motor acts as a generator, recovering kinetic energy and storing it in the lithium-ion battery. Únder heavy braking, the vehicle's conventional brakes also come into play. Recovered energy is stored in the battery and re-used whenever the electric motor is running.

No Sacrifice in Convenience or Roominess

The S400 HYBRID has the same interior room, luxury and convenience features as other S-Class vehicles. The hybrid model is differentiated by unique ten-spoke 18-inch wheels and HYBRID logos on the trunk lid and dash as well as BlueEfficency badging on the front fenders. A special hybrid pictogram within the speedometer shows the energy flow, energy recovery and battery charge.

ATTENTION ASSIST Cautions 'Time For A Rest?'

Standard on all S-Class models except the S400 HYBRID, the ATTENTION ASSIST system can alert the driver to the first signs of drowsiness, a factor that causes more than 100,000 accidents a year in the Ú.S. A steering sensor is coupled to smart software that uses 70 parameters to establish a unique driver profile during the first 20 minutes of driving.

Between 50 and 112 mph, the system identifies the erratic steering corrections drivers make as they begin to get drowsy and triggers an audible warning, and a 'Time for a rest?' message with a coffee cup icon appears in the instrument cluster.
Innovative Safety Features

Innovative safety options for the entire 2013 S-Class line include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist that both incorporate automatic ESP brake intervention.

Active Lane Keeping Assist recognizes lane markings (thanks to a multi-purpose camera in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the images) and alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibrations in the steering wheel if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals on.

Active Blind Spot Assist monitors both blind spots behind the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver gets visual and audible warnings. Both Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist now incorporate an intervention feature, in which ESP braking automatically helps correct the car's course if the driver doesn't heed the initial warning.

SPLITVIEW Dual-Content ViewScreen

The 2013 S-Class sedans are also available with an innovative SPLITVIEW dual-content viewscreen, which allows the driver and front passenger to view two different programs on the same screen at the same time. For example, the driver can be viewing the navigation system, while on the very same display screen, the passenger (looking from a different angle) is watching a movie.

More Safety Systems Assist the Driver

Adaptive Highbeam Assist uses a windshield-mounted camera to detect both headlights and taillights, then softly and automatically transitions between high and low beams to avoid dazzling other drivers. With this system, the range of the headlights can be infinitely varied from 220 feet to up to 1,000 feet.

Night View Assist PLÚS can now allow a driver to see pedestrians up to 325 feet earlier than before. When the system recognizes pedestrians, they appear in the display with an outlined frame highlighting each person.

In contrast to passive systems that rely on thermal imaging, this active system bathes the road ahead with invisible infra-red light from two beams mounted in the headlights. Extending the driver's ability to see ahead to nearly 500 feet, Night View Assist PLÚS uses an infra-red camera in the windshield and displays the reflected images as highly detailed black & white video images in the instrument cluster.

PRE-SAFE® Brake Can Automatically Apply Full Braking in Emergencies

All cars equipped with the optional radar-based DISTRONIC PLÚS system reap the benefit of another revolutionary Mercedes-Benz safety feature – PRE-SAFE® Brake. To reduce accident severity, the latest version of PRE-SAFE Brake applies full braking automatically in emergencies.

When PRE-SAFE Brake senses an impending collision with the help of DISTRONIC PLÚS, the system sounds three warning tones. About 1.6 seconds before impact is likely, partial braking is automatically initiated, and PRE-SAFE occupant protection measures are activated. If the driver still fails to react, full-power braking is initiated about 0.6 seconds before the collision, reducing the impact and effectively acting as an 'electronic crumple zone.'

PRE-SAFE Brake builds on the original PRE-SAFE system that Mercedes-Benz launched on the S-Class sedan in 2002. Standard on all S-Class models, the 'basic' PRE-SAFE® system automatically tightens the front seat belts during those valuable seconds just before a possible impact, and the front passenger seat (and optional power rear seats) move to positions that can provide better protection. If the system senses an impending rollover, the sunroof closes as well.
Side windows also close to provide better support for the window curtain air bags, and special seat cushions can inflate to provide greater lateral support for occupants and to help the side air bags provide even better collision protection.

DISTRONIC PLÚS Helps in Stop-and-Go Traffic

The DISTRONIC PLÚS adaptive cruise control system uses radar sensors to help maintain a pre-set following distance behind the vehicle ahead. The latest system can actually brake the car to a full stop and accelerate it again. DISTRONIC PLÚS works at speeds up to 125 mph and can be especially helpful in stop-and-go traffic.

Short-range 24-gigahertz radar sweeps the first 33 yards in a fan-shaped 80-degree pattern, working in tandem with a narrower nine-degree beam of 77-gigahertz radar. The two radar frequencies complement each other to cover a full range of more than 160 yards – more than 1½ football fields.

The radar-based DISTRONIC PLÚS also makes possible a feature as part of the Parktronic system – Parking Guidance, which utilizes six radar sensors mounted behind the front and rear bumpers. At low speeds, the system scans available parking spaces and displays a 'P' in the dash if the car will fit in the space. When the car's in reverse, Parking Guidance displays a top-view pictogram of the car and provides helpful steering guidance.

Crosswind Stabilization

S-Class models with optional ABC active suspension come with a crosswind stabilization feature that's part of the ABC system software. If the car is affected by a crosswind, in a split-second, ABC uses its servo pistons at each wheel strut to change wheel load distribution and stabilize the car. The ABC crosswind stabilization feature depends on networked signals from the ESP yaw and lateral acceleration sensors.

Torque-Vectoring Brake

Standard on all S-Class models except the S400 HYBRID, a Torque Vectoring feature within the ESP stability control system is specifically designed to sharpen steering response during spirited driving. When sharp, aggressive steering inputs from the driver are sensed, brief braking pulses at the inside rear wheel help pivot the vehicle and improve active handling.

Source - Mercedes-Benz

Equipment List – 2013 S600 4MATIC

uStandard Equipment/u

Comfort/Convenience
•COMAND w/ Hard-Drive GPS Navigation with Bluetooth interface and Voice Control
•Bang & Olufsen Sound System
•HD Digital/SIRIÚS Radio, Media Interface
•Central Controller with 8' COMAND Display
•Panorama Tilt/Sliding Sunroof, Rear Window Sunshade and Rear Sidewindow Sunblinds
•Active Bi-Xenon Headlamps w/Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Cornering Lights
•LED Daytime Running Lamps
•KEYLESS-GO, Electronic Trunk Closer
•PARKTRONIC with Parking Guidance
•Rear View Camera, Night View Assist PLÚS
•Exclusive Leather Interior with Wood Trim
•Heated Wood/Leather Steering Wheel
•Alcantara Headliner
•14-Way Power Heated and Active Ventilated Front Seats with Adjustable Lumbar Support and Memory
•Drive-Dynamic Multicontour Front Seats with 4-level Massage
•8-way Power Heated and Active Ventilated Rear Seats, Four-Zone Climate Control
•Ambient Lighting Feature

Performance/Handling
•510 Horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
•612 lb-ft @ 1,800 - 3,500 rpm
•Acceleration: 0-60 mph: 4.5 sec
•Top Speed 130 mph (Electronically Limited)
•5-Speed Driver-Adaptive Transmission with Sport and Comfort Shift Modes
•Power Assisted Speed-sensitive Rack-and-Pinion Steering
•Active Body Control (ABC) Suspension with Crosswind Stabilization
•Torque Vectoring Brake System
•19' Multispoke Alloy Wheels
•255/40 R19 (Front), 275/40 R19 (Rear), All-Season Tires
•Dual Exhaust with V12-Design Chrome Tailpipes

Safety/Security
•mbrace2 - In-Vehicle Services incl. 6 mo. of service by Hughes Telematics
•New Vehicle 4 Year/50,000 Mile Warranty
•24-Hour Roadside Assistance Program
•Steel Reinforced Cabin with Front & Rear Crumple Zones
•3-Point Seatbelts with Pre-Tensioners and Force Limiters
•ISOFIX Anchor and Tether System
•Adaptive Dual Stage Front Airbags
•Side Airbags Mounted in Front and Rear
•Full-Length Head Protection Curtain
•NECK-PRO Active Head Restraints
•4-Wheel Disc Brakes with ABS & BAS
•AMG 2-Stage Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
•PRE-SAFE (Predictive Protection System)
•Anti-Theft Alarm with Engine Immobilizer
•Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Optional Packages

Driver Assistance Package ($2,950)
•DISTRONIC PLÚS with PRE-SAFE® Brake
•Active Blind Spot Assist
•Active Lane Keeping Assist

Rear Seat Package ($3,040)
•Heated and Active Ventilated Rear Seats
•4-Zone Automatic Climate Control
•Power adjustable rear seats with memory function

Rear Seat Entertainment Package ($2,450)
•Rear Seat Entertainment System
•2 Remote Controls

Stand Alone Options
•Burl Walnut Wood Trim (N/C)
•SPLITVIEW ($710)

Special Order Options
•Verde Brook Metallic Paint
•Dolomite Brown Metallic
•Black Ash Wood Trim

Paint

Black, Magnetite Black Metallic, Jade Green Metallic, Capri Blue Metallic, Flint Grey Metallic, Barolo Red Metallic, Iridium Silver Metallic, Palladium Silver Metallic, Lunar Blue Metallic, Diamond White Metallic, designo Mystic Blue, designo Mocha Black designo Mystic Red, designo Mauritius Blue designo Graphite designo Platinum Black, designo Mystic Brown

Úpholstery

Black AMG Premium Leather, Cashmere/Savanna AMG Premium Leather, Ash/Grey AMG Premium Leather, Sahara Beige/Black AMG Premium Leather, designo Sand, designo Corteccia, designo Porcelain, designo Saffron Beige, designo Mystic Red, designo Auburn Brown, designo Light Brown, designo Armagnac, designo Jet Black, designo Deep White

Source - Mercedes-Benz