After launching the S500L early this month, Mercedes-Benz India has launched two new variants of its flagship S-class, the S 350L and S 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY. The two variants along with its big brother S500L complete the new 2010 S-class’ Indian line-up.
Engine/Transmission
The S 350L sports a V6 3.5-litre petrol engine that produces around 272bhp, while churning out 35.20kgm of max torque at 4500rpm. Equipped with Merc’s 7G-TRONIC (7 Speed Automatic Transmission) box, the car can attain a limited top speed of 250kph.
The S 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY comes with a 3-litre V6 diesel engine with a power output of 210bhp, while producing 50kgm of max torque between 1600-1800rpm. The diesel variant too sports the same 7G-TRONIC gearbox and reaches a top speed of 250kph.
Luxury Features
The new S-Class offers features like Advance Parking Guidance with ultrasonic sensors, Multicolour Ambient Lighting, LED Light Package, Climatised seats, Massage function for rear seats, ATTENTION ASSIST along with the exclusive SPLITVIEW technology and Wireless Headphones( for Rear Passengers.
According to Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes India
"The all-new S-Class is the perfect embodiment of the brand's core attributes of safety, comfort, quality and innovation. Its uncompromising standards have made it the preferred choice of the world's most powerful and influential people. Continuing the legacy, the all-new S-Class not only displays outstanding driving dynamics, but is a fitting testament of our technological expertise. Globally the S-Class is the overwhelming market leader in its segment; in India as well, the S-Class is the clear leader with over 53% share of the market. The new S 350 L & S350 CDI L will carry forward the S-Class leadership in this segment."
Price
The new S-class petrol is priced at Rs 95.62lakh, dearer by Rs 2lakh over the old model, while the S-class diesel now retails at Rs 93.30 lakh, which is up by Rs 5.57lakh (prices on-road, Mumbai).
The Ex-Showroom Prices for Delhi are - Rs80 Lakhs (Petrol) & 80.50 Lakhs (Diesel)
Starting with the new CLS, Mercedes deign chief Gorden Wagener plans to elevate Mercedes design to a more artistic level and previewed some of the design features with the sculpture concept from this month’s Detroit motor show.
Despite the heavy disguise and cladding, the SL spied indicates that the car’s front end will mirror that of the design concept’s including the grille and large badge.
The proportions of the new car are expected to be similar to the current model's, although the use of aluminium in its construction makes it relatively lighter. The engine range is likely to be an evolution of the current model's.
Key components such as the suspension and electrical systems should be shared with the SLS supercar to keep development costs down.
Mercedes Benz on Saturday opened its new dealership in Jalandhar, Punjab. There are already two other Mercedes Dealerships in Punjab at Ludhiana & Chandigarh. The luxury car maker decided to expand its presence keeping in view the response for the Mercs in Punjab. This year alone, Mercedes sold 600 cars in Punjab.
At the event, Wilfried Aulbur, managing director and chief executive of Mercedes-Benz India said that they were optimistic about Mercedes’ future in India despite stiff competetion from Audi, BMW & Jaguar and that they are hopeful of gaining momentum in coming days.
Mercedes is hoping for a boost in sales of the MPV by giving it a mid-life revamp. The car will officially be launched at Geneva Motor Show in March Next Year.
[via AutoExpress.co.uk]
Mercedes Benz India has dropped the plans of launching the CNG variants of its premium cars in India because of the scarcity of filling stations and the long queues at the CNG filling stations which mostly comprised of Auto Rickshaws & Taxi Cabs.
According to Company’s MD & CEO, Wilfried Aulbur,
Do you want to be in a long list of three-wheelers to finally get to the filling station and wait till your tank is filled? That will be long waiting for our customers”
The automaker was testing a CNG variant of its popular E-Class till last year. According to estimates, the CNG version’s mileage would have been 18-20 kilometers per kilogram of CNG costing Rs 21. Petrol sells at Rs 44.63 per litre in Delhi.
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