hannaz

This phot is from Auto China 2006. In the background photo on models discription you may see for S-class its noted as S300. Does S300 exist in the S-class model range?

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The Emperor

Maybe for Chinese market...? No idea, never heard for that and even better, never heard for any 300 engine in latest MBs...

Mirage77

Yes it does, in the Singapore market at least.

The Emperor

I thought so...

Any specs of that engine...?

Mirage77

Engine: 2,996cc V6
Gearbox: 7G-Tronic automatic transmission
Max power: 231 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque: 300 Nm @ 2,500-5,000 rpm
0-100 kmh: 8.2 secs
Top speed: 240 kmh (electronically limited)
Price: SGD$289,888

Merc1

If its the same V6 we have here in the "C280" it has 228hp and 221lb-ft of torque, not nearly enough for a S-Class, but I'm guessing is likely in a SWB W221 in that market.

M

Mirage77

Yup, a petrol engine. It's powering a LWB S-Class.

Here's a Singaporean review on the S300:

S300L: Excites and more

By Samuel Ee - October 28, 2006
The Business Times


COMFORT and elegance may be the traditional hallmarks of the flagship Mercedes-Benz saloon, but in Singapore nothing says you have arrived as much as an S-Class. So it is no exaggeration to say that the introduction of the 'entry-level' S300 version would probably send more than a frisson of excitement down the spines of some wealthy Singaporeans.

The new S-Class was first launched earlier this year with relatively larger S350, S500 and S600 models. But for cost, tax and other reasons, it is the three-litre version - or occasionally 2.8 litres in the past - that is usually the volume seller.

This new car will only be available here as an S300L, with the suffix denoting its long-wheelbase status - the car has an extra 120 mm for more spacious rear seat accommodation.

But other than the new three-litre V6 engine - first seen in the E280 - the S300L has exactly the same trim level as the S350L except for three features: the 300 does not have electric rear-side window blinds, remote boot closing and a reverse camera.

To reflect that and the smaller engine, it costs $289,888, or $39,000 less than the S350L. Otherwise, buyers still get the same high specifications like the smooth 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission, Comand controller with eight-inch colour display, Pre-Safe anticipatory occupant protection system, and that superb Airmatic air suspension, among others.

As a result, sitting in the driver's seat of an S300L feels very much like in an S350L, except that the performance is only adequate. The S300L is by no means sluggish, but the 231-hp engine is pulling a body which is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor. Even in standard form, the wheelbase of the new car is already 70 mm longer than the old one.

But the excellent transmission mitigates the performance deficit (the S300L has 41 hp less than the S350L) with its seven speeds shifting seamlessly and efficiently, while the new-generation S-Class's sportier steering and suspension set-up also aid in giving that impression of nimbleness. And those in the back will continue to enjoy the traditional experience of comfort, luxury and silence that an S-Class cabin always promises and delivers. Ultimately for some buyers, however, the three-pointed star on the bonnet is as important as all those qualities listed above.

And rightly so. Over the decades, the S-Class has come to represent the definitive luxury limousine and this new generation will continue to exude status and gravitas - even with the smallest engine in the range.

Merc1

Yep that is the same engine in our "C280".

M

The Emperor

The numbers are the same for 320 engine, right?

Merc1

Those prices are staggering. Gee moe netty.

M