The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the flagship sedan from the German car maker, is due for its mid-life update mid-next year. Along with a few changes to the exterior and inside the car, it will get an entire new set of engines too.
The electrical systems of the S-Class will be upgraded to 48 volts. This will help the S-Class make way for the new set of engines developed by Mercedes and which employ the 48V electrical system. The increased voltage helps power ancillary functions of the powertrain like the water pump, air-conditioning and even a beefed up starter that also works as a generator.
The new set of engines might include a new 2.0-litre inline-four turbocharged petrol, similar to the one in the CLA45 AMG, but upgraded to a 48V system and developing more than 260bhp of power. As for the diesels, it might get the brand new 2.0litre diesel engine that has made its global debut with the new Mercedes E-Class for the entry-level trim. The current 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel might also get replaced by another new inline-six cylinder turbo-diesel that is said to develop more than 300bhp of power and polluting almost a tenth lesser.
For the performance mills, first in line is the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine that made its debut with the Mercedes-AMG GT. Another engine that might make it to the S-Class is the new straight-six cylinder engine expected to debut before 2018. It will generate more than 400bhp of power to match the current 4.6-litre V8 while its emissions are lower than the current 3.0-litre V6 found in the S400.
The cosmetic upgrades will see the S-Class fascia with tweaked bumpers and tinkered lights both fore and aft. The interior, including the COMAND, will be tweaked for the latest applications and added comfort.
