What is it?
Mercedes-Benz S400 and Pullman
What's special about it?
After unveiling a highly advanced diesel eight cylinder in 1997, Mercedes-Benz is ready to install the engine in a production car: the new S400 CDI sedan. Using four valves per cylinder, twin turbos with variable nozzle turbine technology, a water-cooled intercooler and common rail injection, the 4.0-liter V8 engine provides 238 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 413 foot-pounds of torque between 1,700 and 2,600 rpm. This gets the large sedan up to 60 mph from a standing start in less than eight seconds while attaining nearly 30 mpg. The engine is all aluminum and uses spiral intake ducts to increase the swirl effect on incoming gasses for maximum efficiency. A balance shaft and precise fuel metering are used to significantly reduce the noise and vibration commonly associated with diesel engines. Also at Geneva was the new S-Class Pullman Sedan that uses an extended wheelbase for maximum interior room. Designed as the ultimate luxury sedan, the Pullman can be equipped with either an eight or 12-cylinder Mercedes engine and includes two sets of rear seats that face each other. A glass partition separates rear passengers from the driver with an intercom feature, and a refrigerated bar, DVD player, rear air conditioning system and TV, are all available for passenger comfort. The Pullman´s reinforced body shell and rear side airbags ensure that safety is on par with luxury for rear occupants.
Why should you care?
A lot of Americans still pine for a Mercedes diesel, and the company says that this latest one will pass current U.S. emission standards. Does that mean it will cross the Atlantic at some future date? We hope so, but whether or not the S400 CDI and/or S500 Pullman come to America, there's no denying Mercedes' commitment to creating unique high-end luxury sedans.
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