The revised Mercedes-Benz S-class introduces a new range of in-line six-cylinder engines – the first for the German carmaker since it adopted V6 units in 1997.

The new in-line engines, which are set to find their way into other models, share their architecture with Mercedes’ existing range of four-cylinder engines and are planned to be introduced in diesel form first in most international markets. 

The heavily related petrol unit, which comes combined with a new 48-volt electric system that allows it to run both an electric booster compressor and an integrated starter generator as part of a mild-hybrid drivetrain strategy aimed at netting greater performance and reduced fuel consumption, is then set to follow in 2018, according to Mercedes. The global line-up – yet to be confirmed for India – includes the S350d and the S400d, both of which use the 3.0-litre, turbocharged in-line six-cylinder diesel engine in two states of tune and develop 286hp and 340hp, respectively. Also included in the launch line-up for the facelifted S-class is the S560 – a model which resurrects one of the most revered model designations ever used by Mercedes-Benz. It will use the 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol from the existing S500. There will also be an S560e, which will replace the current S500e, which runs the 3.0-litre, turbocharged in-line six-cylinder petrol engine with an electric booster compressor and an electric motor in combination with a 48-volt electric system.

Further up the line-up, the updated S63 eschews the 5.5-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine of its predecessor for the most powerful iteration of AMG’s 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 powerplant. Power has increased by 26hp to 620hp, with torque remaining the same as previously at 899Nm.