LUXURY liner the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is about to reach 11 different models thanks to the arrival of three new engines.

The S 300 BlueTEC Hybrid L AMG Line, S 600 L AMG Line and S 65 AMG L will be available from April, extending the range to include the first diesel hybrid engine in its area of the market.

It is the second powerplant for the S-Class Hybrid alongside the S 400 Hybrid L and is from the same engine family as the E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, with a 2.2 litre, four-cylinder diesel engine combined with a 27bhp electric motor.

With average fuel consumption of 61.4mpg and CO2 emissions from 120g/km, the S 300 BlueTEC Hybrid sets a new efficiency benchmark and costs from £72,260.

Standard kit across the entire S-Class range from next month includes a touchpad system that allows control of COMAND Online using finger gestures, while new optional features include a head-up display and heated windscreen.

And the two V12 models - S 600 L AMG Line and S 65 AMG L - get creature comforts like backrest adjustment to 43.5 degrees, rear seat entertainment, nappa leather, Burmester 3D surround sound, night view assist, a warmth comfort package, garage door opener, TV tuner and rear seat phone.

The S 600 L AMG Line, priced from £139,960, offers a 13bhp increase over the previous S 600 model to 530bhp, providing acceleration from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds.

Emissions are reduced by 21 per cent to 259g/km with a 27 per cent improvement in combined fuel consumption to 25.5mpg.

In the case of the £179,960 S 65 AMG L, a whopping 630bhp helps propel the car from 0-62 in 4.3 seconds - a 0.1 second improvement over the previous S 65 AMG L.

And emissions are down 16 per cent to 279g/km while fuel consumption is improved by 20 per cent to 23.7mpg.