It will be the first of the brand's products to be powered from four new power units in the modular range initiated by a 2.0 diesel four during this year.
The extension of the engines 'family' in 2017 will include 4- and 6-cylinder inline petrol units as well as a V8 petrol and a 6-cylinder inline diesel.
The engines will feature a range of state-of-the-art technologies, including a 48v electrical system and cylinder shutoff, as well as particulate filters for the petrol engines.
Mercedes-Benz says the new 6-cylinder petrol engine (pictured on test above) will offer the same performance as their current V8 unit but will be much more fuel efficient. It will have a power output in excess of 400hp.
The overall investment in the company's strategic engine initiative comes to some €3bn.
The current S-Class was launched in 2014.
