The ultra-modern 3.5-litre V6 engine of the S 350 L BlueEFFICIENCY is naturally aspirated, but also suitable for the 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 enables the primary balancer shaft to be omitted, and as a result the driver registers an outstanding level of comfort.
The design highlights of the 3.5-litre V6 include a completely new air intake and exhaust system in conjunction with a variable resonance intake manifold and optimised inflow and outflow. Result: with the same displacement, the output compared with the previous 200 kW (272 hp) model is increased by 12.5 percent to 225 kW (306 hp), while maximum torque has increased by 5.7 percent to 370 Newton metres (predecessor: 350 Nm) and now is available over a broad engine speed range from 3500 to 5250 rpm.
In parallel with this substantial increase in power, Mercedes engineers have achieved an even more impressive reduction in fuel consumption. The predecessor's NEDC consumption was already good at 10.0 litres of premium petrol per 100 kilometres, but has now been cut by almost a quarter. The new V6 petrol engine in the S 350 L BlueEFFICIENCY is content with 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres. That adds up to savings of 2.4 litres or 24 percent, and makes the S 350 L BlueEFFICIENCY the most economical petrol model in the luxury class. CO2 emissions have also fallen by 23.5 percent to 179 grams per kilometre (long wheelbase). The S 350 L BlueEFFICIENCY combines excellent consumption figures with dynamic performance, accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. Top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).