Considerably less fuel consumption despite a much higher output was the development objective for the new Mercedes-Benz V-engine generation, which will initially be used as an 8-cylinder in the CL-Class, and later in the S-Class from autumn 2010. Mercedes-Benz developed the new six and eight-cylinder units because optimised internal combustion engines continue to have specific advantages over other drive systems with respect to operating range and refuelling time and costs, while offering the greatest short-term potential to achieve significant fuel savings in day-to-day operation.

The V8 is in a new league of its own On the basis of its predecessor, the new V8 has undergone concerted further development. For example, it has a 15-percent smaller displacement (4663 cc rather than 5461 cc) but generates 320 kW (435 hp) and therefore around 12 percent more output than the preceding unit (285 kW/388 hp). Whereas the current CL 500 consumes 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres, this figure drops to 9.5 litres with the new engine – a reduction of 22 percent. CO2 emissions have likewise fallen by 22 percent, from 288 g/km to 224 g/km – an outstanding figure for this performance class. At the same time torque has been raised from 530 Nm to 700 Nm – an increase of 32 percent. As the high maximum torque is already available from 1800 rpm, the new high-tech V8 already exhibits an outstanding power delivery at low engine speeds, together with smoothness and refinement that is remarkable even for an eight-cylinder. In the new V8, Mercedes-Benz engineers primarily achieved a high output for a lower displacement by using two turbochargers — one for each bank of cylinders. The chargers were configured to provide high torque even at low engine speeds – compared to the previous engine the result is an increase of more than 40 percent at 2000 rpm. An outstanding 600 Nm is available between 1600 and 4750 rpm. The driver therefore perceives no turbo delay, but experiences the same pleasant and effortless performance from the new V8 as that delivered by a mighty, naturally aspirated 7-litre engine.

The V6 particularly impresses with its low fuel consumption The new V6 engine is naturally aspirated, and has the potential for future use of a turbocharger thanks to the modular design concept. The most striking change between the new V6 unit and its predecessor is a reduction in the V-angle between the cylinder banks from 90 degrees to 60 degrees. This enabled the balancer shaft countering primary vibrations to be omitted, and as a result the driver registers an outstanding level of comfort. A completely new intake and exhaust gas system with a variable-resonance intake manifold and optimised airflows was also developed for the new V6. This enabled the output of the 3499 cc engine to be increased to 225 kW (306 hp) (Previous engine of the same displacement in the S-Class: 200 kW/272 hp). Torque has increased from 350 Nm to 370 Nm, and is available between 3500 and 5250 rpm. The improvement in fuel consumption is particularly remarkable. The S 350 with the new V6 engine consumes just 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres (CO2 emissions: 177 g/km), which makes it 24 percent more economical than its predecessor (10.0 l/100 km). It also makes the new V6 the benchmark in its segment for a comparable output (provisional figures).