Does the Mercedes-Benz S-Class have a naturally aspirated engine?

[SanGianna]

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a naturally aspirated engine. The older Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a naturally aspirated engine, while the newer models use turbocharged engines. The newer Mercedes-Benz S-Class comes with four engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, a low-power version 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine, a medium-power version 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine, and a high-power version 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine. All four engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT). The front and rear suspensions of the newer Mercedes-Benz S-Class both use double-wishbone independent suspensions, which are considered a more advanced type of suspension. The double-wishbone independent suspension helps reduce brake dive and minimizes body roll during cornering.

[MacSara]

As a Mercedes enthusiast who has driven their cars for over two decades, I'm quite familiar with the evolution of the S-Class engines. It indeed used to have naturally aspirated engines, like the S600 and S500 from the 1990s. Those V12 and V8 engines delivered smooth power without turbocharging, and the seamless acceleration they provided is something I still miss. Nowadays, the new S-Class models have largely phased out naturally aspirated engines, transitioning entirely to turbocharging or hybrid systems. Mercedes made this shift to align with environmental trends and improve fuel efficiency. I've discussed this at car club meetups, and many veteran drivers agree that while naturally aspirated engines are simpler to maintain, they guzzle more fuel. Turbo technology has taken the S-Class's performance to the next level—more efficient and eco-friendly, a definite step forward. If you're hunting for a naturally aspirated S-Class, your best bet is the used car market.

[OHayden]

As a frequent visitor to auto shows, I've noticed that the Mercedes-Benz S-Class rarely uses naturally aspirated engines these days. Recent new models like the S450 or S500 are equipped with turbocharging systems, offering quicker engine response and more exhilarating acceleration. Mercedes-Benz made this shift in their flagship model primarily to balance performance and fuel consumption, catering to the demands of modern consumers. From my research, I found that turbocharging can extract more horsepower from the same displacement while easily meeting emission standards. The gradual phasing out of naturally aspirated engines is a result of technological evolution. In short, the new experience of driving an S-Class is about efficiency and peace of mind, with naturally aspirated engines becoming a thing of the past.

[LiamFitz]

I'm the kind of person who enjoys learning about automotive technology. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class historically used naturally aspirated engines, like the early M137 V12 engine, which operated simply without a supercharger. However, now the S-Class lineup is dominated by turbocharging, as turbos utilize exhaust gases to increase air intake, boosting power without enlarging displacement. Mercedes prioritizes this in its high-end models to meet both performance and environmental demands. After switching to turbos, the driving experience has become more responsive, and maintenance isn't overly complicated. The era of naturally aspirated engines is gone for good.

[JustinMarie]

From a practical standpoint, I've driven older naturally aspirated S-Class models with smooth power delivery but higher fuel consumption. Later, switching to the turbocharged version felt more economical and cost-effective. Mercedes-Benz's decision to phase out naturally aspirated engines in the S-Class aims to save owners money and effort, as turbo technology proves more efficient in daily use with cleaner emissions. Comparing maintenance costs, turbo engines, though more complex, incur lower overall expenses. Nowadays, when purchasing an S-Class, all available options come with turbocharging—a smart and pragmatic strategy by Mercedes.