Images and specifications have leaked from a brochure for the new Mercedes-Benz S600 revealing the V12-powered limousine’s key performance data and rear and interior styling.
Debuting publically at next week’s Detroit auto show, the S600 will sit at the top of the regular Mercedes-Benz S-Class line-up and beneath the performance-oriented S63 and S65 AMG models.
The specification sheet – which appeared on enthusiast website German Car Forum – reveals the Mercedes-Benz S600 will produce 390kW of power between 4900-5300rpm and 830Nm of torque between 1900-4000rpm from its new twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12.
While that’s just 10kW more than the output of its predecessor’s smaller 5.5-litre twin-turbo V12 and no faster from 0-100km/h (4.6 seconds), claimed combined cycle fuel consumption falls to 11.3 litres per 100km, representing a 20 per cent improvement over the old model.
Contributing to the economy gain is the S600’s switch from a five- to a seven-speed automatic transmission and a 25kg weight reduction, with the sedan now tipping the scales at 2185kg.
Like its predecessor, the S600 will sit exclusively on the S-Class’ longer wheelbase, which measures an unchanged 3165mm.
The spec sheet lists 19-inch alloys as the standard wheels, while the leaked rear three-quarter image reveals only subtle differences compared with the next-grade-down S500, with the S600 gaining quad exhaust outlets, a thin chrome strip between the lower reflectors and ‘S600′ badging.
The cabin layout mirrors that of the S500, though the pricier S600 model will naturally boast a higher level of specification.
Mercedes-Benz Australia’s Jerry Stamoulis told CarAdvice the new S600 is expected to reach local showrooms by the fourth quarter of this year, arriving roughly 12 months after the S350 and S500 models.
Pricing will be revealed closer to its launch, though is expected to compare closely with the $411,500 price tag of the outgoing model.
The Mercedes-Benz S600 will debut in Detroit on January 13.
