Mercedes-Benz officially used the ‘S-Class’ moniker for the first time in 1972. Since then, the name has stood for the very best in luxury motoring for the last fifty years. From European plutocrats to Arabian oil sheikhs, from American tech billionaires to Bollywood superstars – the rich and famous worldwide – have at least one S-Class in their garage.
The German auto giant first brought the S-Class to India in 2000, and since more than 8000 of these have been sold in the country. Two decades later, the 7th generation S-Class is here. With a choice of diesel and petrol engines, the car is priced at around Rs 2.17 crore for the 400d version and Rs 2.19 crore for S450. Not surprisingly, the car is already a hit among diehard fans. Mercedes India has received more than 75 bookings, even before the vehicle has hit the streets.
The new S-Class is slightly bigger than its predecessor, with an updated exterior styling that makes it undeniably more handsome. Other notable changes include the rear-axle steering, where the rear wheels also move in response to driver inputs at the steering wheel. As a result, it improves manoeuvrability at low speeds and offers better stability at higher speeds. Then there are the seamless door handles that sit flush with the bodywork, a bigger centrally-mounted infotainment screen at the front, a Burmester 4D surround-sound system with 30 speakers, and a new MBUX user interface with voice command features.
For the first time, there are frontal airbags for rear-seat passengers. In addition, a new driving assistance package offers more electronic driver aids, dynamic ambient lighting and advanced power-operated seats with Nappa leather upholstery. And what is increasingly becoming a standard feature in Mercedes luxury cars these days, there are as many as ten different massage programs for the physical well-being of its occupants.
The new S-Class is no slouch when it comes to performance, despite its generous proportions. The 400d, with 330bhp and 700Nm of torque from its 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, goes from zero to 100kph in 5.4 seconds and hits a top speed of 250kph. The S 450, with 367bhp and 500Nm of torque, is a bit quicker, hitting the 100kph mark in just 5.1 seconds, with a top speed of 250kph. Both variants ride on 20-inch alloy wheels, and the ‘Airmatic’ air suspension system has been designed for extreme ride comfort.
‘With each new generation, this flagship sets a new benchmark for the automotive industry. In the new S-Class, the entire focus remains on the individual, who is able to experience the luxury limousine with all their senses like never before,’ says Martin Schwenk, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India. ‘We are confident that our customers will be highly excited with the new S-Class’s intelligent use of technology, exceptional standards of safety and luxury, and the intuitive operation and handling,’ he adds.
For luxury car buyers who demand the very best that’s available anywhere in the world, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class should be just about perfect in every which way imaginable.
