Mercedes-Benz has announced details for its new S-class.

The new luxury saloon will be appearing in showrooms next spring.

A number of new technical additions will be entering series production for the first time on board the new S-class – including Brake Assist PLUS with radar sensors to seats with an extended massage function, night view assist system with infra-red technology, COMAND system, and preventive PRE-SAFE occupant protection with additional functions, as well as parking assist.

New S-class will launch in the UK with four engines – three petrol and one diesel – three of which are new developments by Mercedes-Benz. In addition to the 3.5-litre V6 engine with 272bhp (first seen in the SLK-class), a new eight-cylinder unit developing 388bhp will also be available. This new V8 will accelerate the S 500 from standstill to 62.5mph in 5.4 seconds.

A new V6 CDI engine, which has a particulate filter as standard, will be offered at launch. This direct-injection unit has an output of 231bhp.

The output of the 12-cylinder engine in the top-of-the-range S 600 has increased to 517bhp.

As standard equipment, the V6 and V8 engines for the new S-class are combined with the seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC.