Mercedes-Benz S600-01

Here's the flagship of Mercedes-Benz's flagship, the Mercedes-Benz S600. Crowning the W222 range, this Detroit debutant is powered by a V12 biturbo engine with 530 hp and 830 Nm of torque, the latter available from just 1,900 rpm. The new S600 has a bigger engine (5,980 vs 5,513 cc) than its predecessor, but the Euro 6 mill is 21% more economical.

The new engine features an all-aluminium crankcase, one-piece chain drive, forged crankshaft in high-grade quenched and tempered steel, modified forged pistons, new ECU, new dedicated ignition coil with twin-spark ignition, cam follower, two intake and one outlet valves (three-valve technology), hollow-stem outlet valves (filled with sodium) and low-temperature cooling-water circulation with separate expansion reservoir.

Mercedes-Benz S600-04

The comprehensive standard spec of the S600 reinforces its role as a flagship. LED Intelligent Light System, Magic Body Control suspension with Road Surface Scan and the Driving Assistance package Plus, all come as standard. The latter comprises Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, BAS Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist, Distronic Plus with Steer Control and Stop&Go Pilot, Pre-Safe Brake and Pre-Safe Plus.

"The S-Class has always been the embodiment of our claim to deliver the very best in terms of both technology and design. And our flagship model, the S600, epitomises the focus of our development work, the 'Essence of Luxury', in a way that no other model can. Our customers in North America and Asia in particular will enjoy this new top model with its exciting V12 engine," said Ola Källenius, executive VP of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Mercedes-Benz S600-07

Mercedes also announced upgrades for the entire W222 range. From March 2014, when the S600 will roll out, all current variants will be upgraded with the addition of a head-up display, touchpad and Collision Prevention Assist Plus.

The latter features autonomous braking at speeds of up to 200 km/h, should the driver fail to respond to early warnings, reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stopping vehicles. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 50 km/h, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at up to 40 km/h.

Plenty of tech mentioned, and if you want to learn more about how they work, read our W222 S-Class launch report. The latest S should be launching here pretty soon - we've already spotted the S400 Hybrid twice in Malaysia.