Mercedes-Benz is expanding the engine portfolio for its flagship S-Class limousine with the addition of three new engines – inline-six diesel and petrol units, and a biturbo V8 petrol. These new motors bring “ground-braking” technologies, such as an integrated starter-alternator (ISG), a 48-volt electrical system, and an electric auxiliary compressor (eZV).

Starting with the V8, it replaces the existing V8 of the S500 and is “one of the most economical V8 petrol engines in the world,” according to the manufacturer. Codenamed M176, it features a cylinder deactivation system which can turn off up to four of the cylinders and helps improving the fuel efficiency by 10 percent compared to the engine’s predecessor. In addition, the engineers have mounted the turbochargers in between the cylinder banks.

The German company says the new biturbo V8 produces 476 horsepower (350 kilowatts) and 516 pound-feet (700 Newton meters) of torque from a 4.0-liter displacement. Interestingly, the revised S500 will get a petrol particulate filter as standard from next year. Mercedes is one of the pioneering companies in this technology and uses a material called cordierite to build the filter, which the company is already using in the S500 for two years.

2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class engines
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class engines
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class engines

Next is a six-cylinder inline petrol engine codenamed M256, which uses an innovative 48-volt electric system and a turbocharger with electric auxiliary compressor, as well as an integrated starter-alternator. The automaker explains the ISG provides hybrid functions, such as boost or energy recovery, while allowing fuel savings that were previously reserved for high-voltage hybrid technology.

Mercedes is still not providing exact power figures for the unit, but says the new 3.0-liter inline-six motor delivers over 408 hp (300 kW) and more than 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. Compared to the V6 it replaces, the new engine emits around 15 percent less CO2. The creators of the engine claim it combines “the same performance as an eight-cylinder machine” with the efficiency of a four-cylinder engine and the refinement of a six-cylinder.

2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class engines
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class engines
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class engines

The latest new addition to the S-Class range is the “most powerful passenger-car diesel engine in the history of Mercedes-Benz” – an inline-six diesel with 313 hp (230 kW), up by 55 hp (41 kW) compared to its predecessor. Despite the increased power, it burns seven percent less fuel.

Some of the main characteristics of the new engine include a stepped-bowl combustion process, two-stage exhaust turbocharging and, for the first time, the use of variable valve timing. Its design features a combination of aluminum engine block and steel pistons, as well as further-improved coating of the cylinder walls. 

2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class engines
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class engines
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class engines

“More powerful, more economical and cleaner - the new modular family of engines from Mercedes-Benz offers the right powertrain for every vehicle,” Thomas Weber, member of the Daimler board of management with responsibility for group research at Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, commented. “The systematic optimisation of our high-tech engines plays a crucial role in the road map towards sustainable mobility. They also need to be designed with a view to all current and future requirements. A key success factor in this regard is the extensive electrification of the powertrain.”

The three new engines will be available for the S-Class limousine starting from next year.

Take a look at the press release section below for full information about the engines and their new technologies.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Gallery: 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class engines

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Stuttgart/Sindelfingen. The biggest strategic engine initiative in the history of Mercedes-Benz will enter its decisive phase in 2017. Following the launch of the new four-cylinder diesel engine in spring 2016, next year will see the addition of no fewer than four more members to the all-new family of engines: six-cylinder in-line engines in both diesel and petrol versions, a new four-cylinder petrol engine and a new biturbo V8. At the same time, there will be world premieres for ground-breaking technologies, such as the Integrated Starter-Alternator (ISG), the 48 V electrical system and the electric auxiliary compressor (eZV). These new technologies are tuned to the vehicles on state-of-the-art test rigs at the equally new Powertrain Integration Centre (AIZ) in Sindelfingen.

"More powerful, more economical and cleaner - the new modular family of engines from Mercedes-Benz offers the right powertrain for every vehicle," says Prof. Dr Thomas Weber, 62, Member of the Daimler Board of Management with responsibility for Group Research at Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "The systematic optimisation of our high-tech engines plays a crucial role in the road map towards sustainable mobility. They also need to be designed with a view to all current and future requirements. A key success factor in this regard is the extensive electrification of the powertrain."

Systematic electrification: new six-cylinder in-line petrol engine M 256

The new six-cylinder in-line petrol engine M 256 represents an outstanding example of electrification, including a 48 V electrical system. New, intelligent turbocharging, e.g. with an electric auxiliary compressor (eZV), as well as an Integrated Starter-Alternator (ISG) provide the guarantee of excellent drivability with no turbo lag. The ISG is responsible for hybrid functions, such as boost or energy recovery, while allowing fuel savings that were previously reserved for high-voltage hybrid technology. The bottom line is that the new six-cylinder in-line engine offers the same performance as an eight-cylinder machine while being much more fuel-efficient. The new petrol engine (internal code: M 256) launches next year in the new S-Class.

Systematic electrification dispenses with the need for a belt drive for ancillary components at the front of the engine, which reduces its overall length. The narrow construction, together with the physical separation of intake/exhaust, creates space for near-engine exhaust aftertreatment. The 48 V electrical system serves not only high power consumers, such as the water pump and air-conditioning compressor, but also the Integrated Starter-Alternator (ISG), which also supplies energy to the battery by means of highly efficient energy recovery.

An additional bonus is the unsurpassed refinement of the six-cylinder in-line engine. Output and torque are similar to the current eight-cylinder engine, i.e. over 300 kW (408 hp) and more than 500 Nm. In comparison with the previous V6, the CO2 emissions from the engine have been reduced by around 15 percent.

At 500 cc, the new machine has the same displacement per cylinder as the premium diesel engine family unveiled last year as well as the family of four-cylinder petrol engines.

Most powerful passenger-car diesel engine in the history of Mercedes-Benz: six-cylinder OM 656

The new top-of-the-line engine in the premium diesel family is likewise a six-cylinder in-line machine. The characteristics of the OM 656 include the stepped-bowl combustion process, two-stage exhaust turbocharging and, for the first time, the use of CAMTRONIC variable valve timing. Its design features a combination of aluminium engine block and steel pistons as well as further-improved NANOSLIDE® coating of the cylinder walls. Although there is a significant increase in output compared with the previous OM 642 (over 230 kW/313 hp instead of 190 kW/258 hp), the new engine consumes more than seven percent less fuel.

Like the already unveiled four-cylinder OM654, the new six-cylinder diesel engine OM 656 is likewise designed to comply with future emissions legislation (RDE – Real Driving Emissions). All the components of relevance for efficient emissions reduction are installed directly on the engine. The integrated technology approach of new stepped-bowl combustion process, dynamic multi-way exhaust gas recirculation and near-engine exhaust aftertreatment, combined for the first time with variable valve timing, opens the way for further reductions in consumption together with extremely low emissions. Thanks to the near-engine insulated configuration, exhaust aftertreatment has a low heat loss and extremely favourable operating conditions. This is reinforced by the CAMTRONIC switchable exhaust camshaft, which supports the consumption-neutral heating of the exhaust system.

Number of cylinders to suit the requirements: new V8 biturbo petrol engine M 176

Dynamic power delivery combined with high efficiency: the new biturbo (internal code: M 176) is one of the most economical V8 petrol engines in the world. Its special features include cylinder shutoff at part load as well as the positioning of the turbochargers in the V between the cylinder banks. From its 3982 cc displacement, the new V8 biturbo produces over 350 kW (476 hp) with a maximum torque of around 700 Nm from 2000 rpm. The new engine will consume over 10 percent less fuel than its predecessor, which is rated at 335 kW (455 hp). The new V8 will launch with this technology next year in the new S-Class.

For lower fuel consumption, when operated at part load the new M 176 shuts off four cylinders simultaneously by means of CAMTRONIC valve timing. This reduces the pumping losses while improving the overall efficiency of the remaining four cylinders by shifting the operating point towards higher loads.

Sporty specific output: new four-cylinder petrol engine M 264

A two-litre four-cylinder engine with a specific output of around 100 kW: the new Toptype petrol engine from Mercedes-Benz (internal code: M 264) advances into output regions previously reserved for high-displacement six-cylinder machines. At the same time, it consumes significantly less fuel than a comparable six-cylinder engine. The engine's special features include twin-scroll turbochargers, belt-driven 48 V starter-alternator (BSA) and electric 48 V water pump.

The BSA is also responsible for fuel-saving hybrid functions:

  • Easy start: virtually imperceptible starting and acceleration of the engine
  • Boost in the engine-speed range up to 2500 rpm
  • Energy recovery up to 12.5 kW
  • Shifting of the load point: allows operation in a more favourable area of the engine map
  • Coasting with engine off.

In the interests of high power output and a spontaneous engine response, Mercedes-Benz has opted for twin-scroll turbocharging. Unlike conventional systems, a twin-scroll turbocharger merges the exhaust gas ducts of cylinder pairs in the flow-optimised manifold. This turbocharging concept with systematic cylinder flow separation produces high torque in the low-rpm range together with high specific output. Further efficiency measures include intake CAMTRONIC and a friction loss reduction package.

Even cleaner: particulate filter for petrol engines as standard

Mercedes-Benz is the first manufacturer to opt for the large-scale use of particulate filters for petrol engines to further improve their environmental compatibility. After more than two years of positive experience in the field with the S 500, in 2017 further S-Class variants will be equipped with the new M 256 and M 176 petrol engines with this technology. The filter will then be gradually introduced in other new vehicle models, facelifted models and new engine generations, such as the M 264.

The particulate filter for petrol engines reduces the emissions of fine soot particles. How it works: the exhaust-gas stream is supplied to a particulate filter system. The filter has a honeycomb structure with alternately sealed inlet and outlet channels. This forces the exhaust gas to flow through a porous filter wall, which traps the soot. The filter can be continuously regenerated under corresponding driving conditions.

New Powertrain Integration Centre (AIZ): state-of-the-art test rigs

With its new Powertrain Integration Centre (AIZ), in summer 2016 Mercedes-Benz took into service one of the automotive industry's most advanced test facilities. A total of ten vehicle test rigs inside the all-new state-of-the-art building in Sindelfingen are used for such purposes as the fine tuning of engine and transmission – comfort, dynamics and agility are matched to each other. The highlights include test rigs with high-precision torque measurement directly at the wheels of the vehicle as well as a test rig with a climatic altitude chamber, which uses partial vacuum to simulate an altitude of up to 5000 metres at temperatures of down to -30°C, while the vehicle operates fully automatically on a chassis dynamometer.

The new building at the Sindelfingen Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre (MTC) houses ten vehicle test rigs for tuning vehicles and their powertrains. The new building used 16,800 m3 of concrete, equivalent to the capacity of five Olympic swimming pools. There were also 2500 tonnes of reinforcing steel. The designers of the AIZ attached great importance to energy recovery, with 98 percent of the electric braking energy produced on the test rigs being fed back into the power network. Also, the air conditioning of the test rigs is energy-neutral for two-thirds of the year, which means that no power is consumed from the joint network. With all ten test rigs in continuous operation, this would be the same as supplying around 7500 households with electricity.

Extension of the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre

The new Powertrain Integration Centre is part of extensive additions and conversions to the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre (MTC) in Sindelfingen. The new driving simulator, climatic wind tunnels and a high-tech aero-acoustic wind tunnel are already in operation. By 2018, there will also be a state-of-the-art technology centre for vehicle safety, an electronics testing centre and a computer centre. Housed on the upper floor of the AIZ, the computer centre will directly use the electricity generated downstairs on the test rigs in order to operate and cool the computers.

The MTC is home to the headquarters of the company's global Group Research and passenger car development, including design.

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