As part of the most ambitious roll out of high-tech power units in the German manufacturer's history, Mercedes-Benz will introduce four new engines for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The four new engines, which use modular components across all of them, are equipped with technology aimed at enhancing performance, improving fuel economy and reducing emissions.

Chief among the new engines is an AMG-developed, twin-turbocharged V8 engine (codenamed M176). The new engine will reduce petrol consumption by 10 percent, thanks to a smaller displacement (down from 4,663cc to 3,982cc), and a cylinder deactivation system that effectively turns it into a four-cylinder engine under partial throttle loads.

The S-Class will also receive a new six-cylinder, in-line petrol engine (codenamed M256) in 2017. It is the first engine designed for electrification from the outset, intended for mild hybridisation that will underpin the new engine family. It has a 48V electrical system, which serves not just the cars high power consumers, such as the water pump and air-conditioning compressor, but also an Integrated Starter-Alternator and electric auxiliary compressor, which combine to produce a power boost that negates turbo lag.

There will also be a six-cylinder, in-line diesel engine (codenamed OM656), which is the most powerful passenger car diesel engine ever to be built by the company, and will sit at the top of its diesel lineup. 

The fourth engine in the roll-out is a 2.0-litre in-line, four-cylinder petrol (codenamed M264). Its special features include twin-scroll turbochargers, which merge the exhaust gas ducts of cylinder pairs in the flow-optimised manifold. The engine also has a belt-driven 48V starter-alternator that is responsible for for fuel-saving hybrid functions such as energy recovery and provides an engine speed boost at low revs.