Mercedes-Benz has launched the 2018 S-Class in India priced at Rs.1.33 crore at a glittering launch event in the countries capital New Delhi. This is the 1st launch for the Numero Uno Luxury car maker for the year after the Auto Expo.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (V222) will be available in Diesel as the S350d and in Petrol as the S450. The Mercedes-Benz S350 is priced at Rs. 1.33 crore and the S450 is priced at Rs. 1.37 crore ex showrooms.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class which. is the flagship model in the lineup would be produced at its plant in Chakan Pune. This is the only production facility outside Europe to produce the top of the line model the S-Class. The 2018 S-Class would be built from CKD units imported into the country.
The changes to the 2018 S-Class include a new Radiator trim with three twin louvres and vertical bars in high-gloss black, MULTIBEAM LED headlight, Crystal Look LED tail lights and the front and rear bumpers. The newly launched S-Class also comes with new set of wheels driving the car. The headlights come with the new design layout with latest generation DRL in them.
On the inside of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class the changes include two new High Definition 12.3 inches colour screens that serve as the infotainment and central command unit while the other glows as the instrument cluster. The S-Class also gets wood trim options and various leather options for the upholstery to choose from. The 2018 S-Class also gets new design seats with a new fragrance function and cooling/heating functions on them along with 4-zone climate control. The seats also come with the massage function. The cabin also includes the new 64-colour ambiente light option.
For the power plant, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class comes with a range of new BS-VI complaint inline 6-cylinder Diesel and Petrol engine options and the top of the line varient comes powered with the twin-turbo V8 engine option.
the inline 6-cylinder diesel engine makes 286hp and 600Nm of peak torque.
Safety features include sophisticated radar-based technology: Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Braking Assist, Blind Spot Assist. Other features include Air Balance Package, rear wireless mobile charging, rear 10.2 niche HD Screens, 43.5 degrees reclining rear seats with massage and heating functions, Panoramic sliding sunroof.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350d becomes,es the first BS-VI complaint. diesel Mercedes and also the third BS-VI complain model after the two Maybach’s that were launched at the Auto Expo earlier.
Notably Mercedes STAR Ease packages start at Rs. 80,000 for the S 450, the cost of ownership of the new S-Class is lower than the outgoing model.
Roland Folger, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India stated, “True to its legacy, the S-Class has emulated its global success in India and has had a phenomenal run in the country. To continue and build on this success, we have introduced the new version of our flagship saloon, which reaffirms its leadership status. This time round, it is not just intelligent, but also responsible luxury. By launching the first ever ‘Made in India, for India’ BS VI car, we have set a benchmark among all car manufacturers to support the Government in mitigating the rising pollution levels in the country. The new S-Class brings together luxury, design and technology that meet the highest standards of perfection, surpassing expectations for a vehicle of this class. The new S-Class is also a highly intelligent automobile and is available with a host of features and highlights that uses the cutting edge technology, thus enhancing its driving appeal as well as the passenger experience; while being uncompromising on safety. With the introduction of the new diesel S 350 d and the petrol S 450, we are presenting our Indian customers the finest of offerings from our formidable product line-up and reinforce our motto of ‘The Best Keeps Leading’ for 2018.”
It maybe recalled that Mercedes-Benz had launched the Maybach S650 and the S560 were launched at the 2018 Auto Expo and the 2018 S-Class launch is following up that launch.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class takes on the likes of the BMW 7-Series, Jaguar XJ and the Audi A8.
Dr Anand Narvekar