Pouring petrol on it

While we weren’t able to sample the S350 and S400 versions at the international launch, we did drive the 320kw S500 with a new 3.0-litre inline six petrol engine paired to a 48-volt electrical system that runs the starter, water pump, and air-con compressor, thereby eliminating power-sapping pulleys and belts. The engine also uses an electric compressor, which uses 48V juice to add boost before the conventional turbocharger spools up. The engineers claim the system delivers 10 to 15 percent efficiency gains, and enables a smoother auto stop/start system.