Mercedes-Benz India has launched the locally assembled S-Class today for a price of Rs 1.57 crore for the S 350d and Rs 1.62 crore for the S 450 (ex-showroom, India). Although the latest-gen S-Class has already been on sale in India since June this year, it was only available as a fully imported model and was priced at Rs 2.17 crore for the S 400d and Rs 2.19 crore for the S 450. With local assembly, prices of the S-Class diesel have dropped by a whopping Rs 60 lakh while the petrol variant is now Rs 55 lakh cheaper.
- S-Class is powered by six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines
- Gets less equipment compared to imported Launch Edition models
- SKD units costs Rs 55-60 lakh less than the fully imported model
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class price (ex-showroom, India) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKD variants | SKD Price | CBU variant | CBU price | Price difference |
| S 350d | Rs 1.57 crore | S 400d | Rs 2.17 crore | Rs 60 lakh |
| S 450 | Rs 1.62 crore | S 450 | Rs 2.19 crore | Rs 55 lakh |
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: what’s changed with local assembly?
Mercedes-Benz initially launched the latest-gen S-Class in India in an exclusive Launch Edition trim that came with several additional features and an AMG Line trim on the exterior for a sportier look.
The most notable change on the exterior of the locally assembled S-Class is that it is now available in standard guise with more sedate looking front and rear bumpers. Additionally, the 20-inch wheels have gone down a size to 19-inchers with a new design.
Inside, the S-Class continues to come with features such as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch portrait-oriented OLED touchscreen with Mercedes-Benz’ latest MBUX software that also feature facial, voice and fingerprint recognition, 64-colour ambient lighting instead of active ambient lights on the Launch Edition model, and electronically adjustable front seats with memory functions. There is also the chauffer package, that allows rear seats to recline and brings up the leg rest, while also allowing passengers to move the co-driver seat forward to create more space.The CBU's Burmester 4D surround sound system has been replaced by the Burmester 3D sound system.
Other features missing from the Launch Edition model include heated/cooled front seats, an AMG-Line steering wheel and a rear knee airbag. Additionally, the pin-striped wood trim on the Launch Edition model has been replaced by a dark open pore wood trim.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: what’s under the hood?
Mercedes has made a small change to the S-Class range, with the S 350d now replacing the S 400d seen on the Launch Edition. The new S 350d still has the familiar OM656, in-line 6-cylinder, diesel engine, though it now puts out 286hp and 600Nm instead of the 400d's 330hp and 700Nm output. The petrol engine is unchanged from the imported S 450, as the in-line 6-cylinder, turbocharged unit produces 367hp and 500Nm.
Both engines come mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox but unlike the Launch Edition which got 4Matic AWD system as standard on both variants, the S 350d is now a rear-wheel drive model, while the S450 retains the 4Matic AWD system. The locally assembled S-Class also does not get the rear-wheel steering system seen on the Launch Edition.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: rivals
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class continues to take on the other luxury limousines in our market, such as the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8.
Mercedes-Benz: upcoming launches
Following the launch of the locally assembled S-Class, Mercedes-Benz will also be bringing the Maybach S-Class to India sometime next year. The manufacturer also has plans of introducing the all-electric EQS sedan and EQE sedan in India sometime next year.
Also see:
2021 Mercedes Benz S Class review, test drive
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class video review
Mercedes Maybach GLS 600 4Matic launched at Rs 2.43 crore