Mercedes-Benz finds a way with S350 Blue Efficiency

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As fans of road race cycling will know, it is hard work being at the head of the field.

When a pairing or small group of riders breaks away from the bunch, standard operating procedure is to work together in order to maximise the lead over the rest of the field. Taking turns at the front allows the others to sit in the slipstream and recuperate until it's their turn.

Occasionally this agreement is sullied by stubbornness or team tactics, meaning it's not uncommon to spot an irate rider gesticulating at his colleagues and demanding some help at the front. If the help is not forthcoming he has two choices; give up and watch the breakaway get caught or turn up the wick and try and drop those unhelpful pursuers. This requires real commitment — sit up for a minute and the competition will be right back on your wheel.

If the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was a cyclist it would have its head down and its thighs burning. Despite having only recently been updated, the car that's widely considered the finest in an exemplary field has received a further overhaul; this time with a view to keeping the engines ahead of the game.

At the top end of the scale — and available in long-wheelbase versions for those who prefer to be driven — are new twin turbocharged 4.6-litre and 5.5-litre V8s for the S500 and S63 AMG models. On the standard chassis (although also available in long wheelbase form) the 3.0-litre V6 diesel and 3.5-litre V6 petrol have been overhauled for increased performance and leaner fuel consumption. That's positive news for the 81.5 per cent of drivers who currently opt for the diesel model in Europe, but it's arguably the petrol V6 that warrants the most attention. Despite a power increase of 12 per cent and a rise in torque from the already gutsy V6 unit by 5.7 per cent, fuel consumption for the new engine has dropped by a hugely impressive 24 per cent. Mercedes' figures suggest combined fuel economy of 37.1mpg — a little more than four mpg behind that of the revised diesel model.

The improvements to the V6 petrol engine make it the most economical inits class according to Mercedes, and may well result in an increase in the S350 CGI's7 per cent sales share.

A third generation direct injection system is responsible for much of the impressive fuel consumption gain — although the addition of a highly refined stop-start system helps. The engine's electronic guidance uses Piezo injectors to fine-tune fuel delivery and multi-spark capability to ensure ultra-efficient combustion. Meanwhile, Mercedes' 7G-Tronic automatic transmission adapts shift-points to maximise economy and the Blue Efficiency moniker indicates an optimised water pump, on demand oil pump and intelligent alternator — all of which limit the strain on the engine.

This is not intrusive technology, however. Most will go unnoticed from the driver's seat, including the adjustable gear changes thanks to the refinement of the transmission. Drivers shifting across from the diesel variant are likely to be impressed by the V6 petrol model's smoothness. The S350 Bluetec diesel could hardly be accused of lacking refinement, but the V6 petrol makes the most of its naturally balanced format to offer amazingly silky running. Mercedes has reduced the angle of the V from 90 to 60 degrees, allowing it to do away with a balancer shaft, and that natural running refinement translates into smooth power delivery. With no turbos in the equation, the V6 builds revs steadily with power and torque available in strong measure across all revs.

The power is, of course, sent to the rear wheels to maximise handling. A sport option for the suspension firms up the chassis for a more aggressive driving style and the S350 is assured and easily controlled though the corners, even when making the most of the considerable engine output. But the large luxury saloon is at its best as a long-distance cruiser.

Ride quality and noise isolation are impeccable and the highly specified interior proves extremely relaxing to be in and effortless to use. In fact, Mercedes has seen fit to add to the class-leading array of tech to ensure the chilled ambience does not get the better of drivers with an Active Blind Spot Assist system and an impressively unobtrusive lane-keeping assist system that warns the driver ofa lane departure by vibrating the steering wheel, before gently putting the car back on course with a surreptitious application of the brakes. Mercedes shows no sign of letting up on the pace of development when it comes to the showcase S-Class. There's no finish line in sight, but the latest revisions keep much of the competition playing catch-up..

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