The new Mercedes-Benz S-class is expected to launch in India by the end of this month. The luxury limousine from Mercedes will initially go on sale in a special Launch Edition with a choice of six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.
- Mercedes S-class Launch Edition to be a CBU import
- Will be available in S 400d and S 450 variants
- Both variants to get standard all-wheel drive
Mercedes-Benz S-class Launch Edition: What will you get?
Revealed last year, the new-gen S-class is larger than the outgoing flagship luxury sedan and packs in a lot of tech. Set to debut in India with a CBU import Launch Edition, the flagship sedan will be offered with a long list of features, some which may or may not be available as options on the locally assembled models.
Starting with the exterior features, the S-class Launch Edition will feature Mercedes’ new ‘Digital Light’ LED headlamps. The units are said to be capable of projecting symbols and guidelines onto the road surface. The Launch Edition will also come fitted with pop-out door handles and most important rear-wheel steering. The latter should make the luxury limousine a lot more agile and easier to manoeuvre. The Launch Editions will feature AMG Line trim giving the cars a sportier look with more aggressive design elements and alloy wheels.
Moving inside the cabin, you will be greeted by a digital heavy dashboard with a 12.3-inch instrument display sitting behind the steering and Mercedes’ new 12.8-inch portrait oriented touchscreen taking up a significant portion of the centre console. The new OLED touchscreen will run Mercedes' latest MBUX system (NTG7) and also feature facial, voice and fingerprint recognition. Also, as with other MBUX equipped Mercedes, the system will receive over the air updates. The system will also feature 320GB worth of storage along with 16GB of ram.
Also equipped on the Launch Edition models will be 64 colour active ambient lighting, a Burmester 4D surround sound system, and massaging seats up front.
Moving to the rear, the S-class Launch Edition will get a bench seat with the outer seats electrically adjustable with a raising leg-rest and massage function, a chauffeur package that includes letting passengers adjust the co-driver seat from the rear, rear seat entertainment screens, a central tablet controller for various in-car functions. Another unique feature to the S-class will be that the luxury limousine will come equipped with rear front airbags.
Also part of the equipment will be a host of active driver assistance systems.
Mercedes-Benz S-class Launch Edition: Exterior colours and upholstery
Buyers will have a choice of five colours to choose from – Designo Diamond White, Onyx Black, Anthracite Blue, Rubellite Red and Emerald Green. The former two will be available with either Macchiato beige or Sienna brown nappa leather upholstery while the other three will be offered with either one depending on the exterior colour.
Mercedes-Benz S-class Launch Edition: Engine details
Moving to the engine line-up the S-class Launch Editon will come in two variants – the diesel 400d 4Matic and the petrol 450 4Matic. The S 400d will use the familiar OM656 in-line six diesel engine used in other large new Mercedes in India and will develop 326hp and a notable 700Nm of torque. The S 450 petrol too will feature an in-line six turbocharged unit putting out 362hp and 500Nm of torque. All-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic gearbox will be standard on both variants.
Mercedes-Benz S-class: rivals
As with its predecessor, the all-new S-class will go up against its tradition rivals namely the BMW 7 Series and the Audi A8 in the Indian market.
Aside from being available in standard long-wheelbase form, Mercedes will also be introducing its flagship Maybach S-class luxury limousine in India as well in the months to come. These are expected to be followed up by Mercedes’ most recent all-electric vehicle, the EQS flagship sedan.
Also see:
Mercedes Maybach GLS 600 4Matic launched at Rs 2.43 crore
Mercedes-Benz extends warranty, service plans till June 30
Mercedes-Benz evaluating local assembly of EQ models in India