Frankfurt Motor Show: Mercedes-Benz S-Class, R-Class, SLR, V

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Hybrid versions haven't been formally announced yet, but word on the floor at Frankfurt was that a hybrid S-Class "concept" would be unveiled at a Mercedes press conference on future technology and alternative fuels tomorrow (Tuesday). Today, the conventionally-engined, ready-to-roll new-generation production S-Class made its debut, complete with high-tech braking, cruise control, infra-red night vision, crash-sensing, active body control and air suspension systems, and some very pleasant-sounding massaging multi-contour seats. Longer, wider and a little taller than before, rear-seat legroom has been increased, especially in the long-wheelbase versions. First engines to be offered when sales start later this autumn will be 388bhp V8 and 272bhp V6 petrol units, with the V12 S600 (517bhp) and six-cylinder S320 CDI (235bhp) diesel following early next year. The S600, more powerful than before and now capable of 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds, is a little more economical than its predecessor, returning 19.8mpg. These things are relative...

The European-market version of the R-Class luxury crossover was also launched, 235mm shorter than the US-market long-wheelbase version. A sumptuous six-seater, it boasts MPV-style versatility with its generous headroom, folding rear seats, rear hatchback and large cargo bay, though of course, it's a Grand Sports Tourer, not a common people-carrier, says Mercedes. It comes with the new V6 diesel engine as in the S320 CDI, the 5.0-litre V8 petrol (306bhp) and new 3.5-litre petrol V6 (272bhp), all with seven-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive, traction control and ESP. Adaptive suspension damping is optional.

Mercedes was also marking ten years of its "designo" range of optional extras, showcased by two bespoke-finish new S-Classes. One had soft pastel-yellow leather upholstery with piano black trim and pale anthracite Alcantara head-lining, the other darker 'armagnac' leather - a kind of brandy-colour - with natural-grained maple wood. Both displayed seats with contrasting stitching and piping, black velour floor mats and metal 'designo' logos. The designo touch can be applied to most Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, and offers 13 different paint finishes, 25 different colours for the leather and 18 different trim variants, as well as a range of multimedia gadgets, audio upgrades and other features. "Customers can have everything they want", says M-B, "within the scope of the law", though they don't have to answer to the taste police.

Should you be in the market for an SLR McLaren supercar (626bhp, 0-60 in 3.8 seconds) M-B launched the SLR Unlimited programme, again a series of custom-build options and accessorises. Given that SLR buyers' bank accounts are probably also unlimited, they can now choose from 13 colours, including textured Crystal finishes, 18-inch, ten-spoke or 19-inch turbine-look alloys, red- or gold-painted brake callipers, and no less than 16 different leather upholstery finishes including the untreated Silver Arrow hide. There are no less than 76 possible paint/colour/trim combinations available...

On a rather more humble level, the Viano MPV is now offered with the 5.0-litre, 306bhp V8 engine. The up-spec executive taxi can thus do 0-60mph in 6.8 seconds, and its uprated brakes mean it can screech to a halt just as quickly. The Viano X-clusive show car was decked out with front and rear spoilers, chrome trim everywhere, 18-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlights and cornering lights, silver grille and roof rails plus interior LED lighting, two electric sliding doors and dark bird's eye maple wood trim. Ideal for the airport run - business class. The Viano also now comes with four-wheel drive, in combination with either the 2.0-litre (109bhp) or 2.2-litre (150bhp) diesel engines.

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First engines to be offered when sales start later this autumn will be 388bhp V8 and 272bhp V6 petrol units, with the V12 S600 (517bhp) and six-cylinder S320 CDI (235bhp) diesel following early next year. The S600, more powerful than before and now capable of 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds, is a little more economical than its predecessor, returning 19.8mpg. These things are relative...

That is all I care about! Can't wait to see Clarkson test an S600...wonder if it will be as memorable as his last

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