Mercedes-Benz India has kick started 2014 with a splash with the launch of its flagship luxury sedan, the S-Class. Priced at INR 1.57 Crore ex-showroom Delhi, the top-of-the-line S 500 is the only variant being offered for now. Imported from Germany as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), the S 500 is expected to be joined by other variants later this year. As is the norm with Mercedes-Benz, the 'Launch Edition' of the S-Class is the first variant that was launched. And amazingly, all 125 units of the Launch Edition S-Class were apparently sold out before launch.
In a price sensitive market like ours, a car with such high sticker price selling out its initial allocation before launch might come as a shock to some, but we aren't surprised. Rather, this was more on expected lines, given the kind of image and legacy the S-Class nameplate carries. After all, not for nothing is the S-Class being considered as the best car in the world by the critics and the media. For five generations, the S-Class has been the pinnacle of automobiles, boasting technology and features that were nothing short of revolutionary.
The all-new S-Class, codenamed W222 and currently in its sixth generation, is not only tasked with competing with its traditional rivals, the BMW 7-Series and the Audi A8, but also expected to rival the uber-luxury marques Bentley and Rolls-Royce. That’s obvious, given the fact that Maybach has bit the dust, transferring Daimler's uber-luxury aspirations onto the broad shoulders of the mighty S-Class.
In a price sensitive market like ours, a car with such high sticker price selling out its initial allocation before launch might come as a shock to some, but we aren't surprised. Rather, this was more on expected lines, given the kind of image and legacy the S-Class nameplate carries. After all, not for nothing is the S-Class being considered as the best car in the world by the critics and the media. For five generations, the S-Class has been the pinnacle of automobiles, boasting technology and features that were nothing short of revolutionary.
The all-new S-Class, codenamed W222 and currently in its sixth generation, is not only tasked with competing with its traditional rivals, the BMW 7-Series and the Audi A8, but also expected to rival the uber-luxury marques Bentley and Rolls-Royce. That’s obvious, given the fact that Maybach has bit the dust, transferring Daimler's uber-luxury aspirations onto the broad shoulders of the mighty S-Class.
Powering the S 500 is a 4.7-liter Twin-Turbo V8 engine that boasts power output of 453 bhp and torque of 700 Nm. Mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 4.8 seconds while the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. The design and styling of the S-Class is a perfect mix of retro and modern styling cues, with the large radiator grille, arched roof line, dropping character lines and an all-LED lighting system attracting desired levels of attention.
Befitting its price and positioning, the interiors of S-Class oozes luxury, comfort and elegance. Standing out is the unique two-spoke steering wheel that has 'Mercedes-Benz' etched in a never-before-seen font. Dominated by two huge LCD screens that double up as the instrument cluster and the center console, the dashboard of the S-Class is a rich mix of leather, wood and brushed metal. From the air-conditioner vents to the switches in the door pads, every single part that's visible in the images released by Mercedes-Benz screams luxury. The rear seats, apart from offering king-size legroom, promises to pamper the occupants in the best possible way.
Boasting features like an energizing hot stone massage function in the seats, a Burmester 3D surround sound system with 24 speakers and 9 tweeters, individual folding tables and entertainment systems, 12V power sockets, USB and Aux-in points, wireless hot spot, an Android “Touch app” that controls massage function, seat heating and multimedia and a 7-colour ambient lighting with 5 dimming levels, the S-Class is fit for a king. While the AIRMATIC suspension would ensure a magic carpet ride for the passengers, safety remains a top priority as always. An army of active and passive safety features that include a 360-degree surround view camera with Night View Assist, Active Park Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with 8 airbags and PRE-Safe, Brake Assist and Adaptive Brakes with HOLD function, ASR and Hill Start Assist would ensure that the S-Class remains one of the safest things on road.
Unfortunately, the famous 'Magic Body Control' that's making waves globally isn't offered in India as the system uses radar that operates at a frequency restricted for civilian usage in our country. For those who are curious, that system reads the road ahead and tunes the suspension accordingly to make the ride as smooth as possible for the occupants.
Well, now that Mercedes-Benz has upped the ante with the S-Class, its time for the competition to play catch up as always.
Hi arvi. Its not really amazing that 3 pointed star is making milestones in their innovations, rather your extraordinary English dude. I being not a die hard fan of merc, would buy this iconic monster by being attracted by the way the words flows to ur fingertips, "if I can afford" :-) and last but not least merc always sets example...
ReplyDeleteSri, there are scores of people out there who are better. Nevertheless, keep reading the blog and keep sending your feedback, as always.
DeleteLastly, the S-Class is legendary and iconic. Experience it once and you will know what we say.
I saw the s class in Mercedes showroom. My god it is fabulous.
ReplyDeleteIs there an adjective that's better than fabulous. Because, the S-Class is that good!
DeleteThank you for another insightful article. Where else might someone obtain that kind of knowledge written in such a professional manner? I have a presentation coming up next week, and I'm looking for relevant information. hove executive cars
ReplyDeletenice
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