Mercedes S-Class facelift India launch on February 26

Mercedes-Benz recently showcased the S-class facelift in India and is now ready to introduce it in our market. The highlight of the model is its diesel engine (codename: OM 656) from its latest engine family, which has the distinction of meeting Bharat Stage VI emission standards while running on lower grade BS-IV grade fuel, making it first made-in-India BSVI-compliant vehicle on Indian roads. The formal launch of this engine is slated for February 26, 2018

The in-line, six-cylinder diesel cranks out 286hp of max output and 600Nm of peak torque. It replaces the 3.0-litre, V6, diesel mill that was under the hood of the previous S 350d which produced 258hp of max output and 620Nm of peak torque. While torque produced by the new engine is down 20Nm, the output is up by 28hp.

BS-IV fuels have a high Sulphur content, which makes it difficult for engines that use the fuel to meet the stringent BS-VI emission norms. However, the automaker has made a breakthrough, in this area. As per the government road map, BS-VI emissions come into force in April 2020, which is also when low-sulphur BS-VI fuels will go on sale, across the country. However, Delhi is expected to get the BS-VI fuel by April 2018.

Talking about the S-class facelift's exteriors, the model gets new headlamps, tail-lamps and bumpers. On the inside, things have got tad more alluring with inclusion of a new 12.3-inch touchscreen unit, new wood and leather trim option for the interior inlays and seats sides, a new fragrance and added ambient lighting options. Comfort features such as ventilated seats with body-massage functions and four-zone climate control continue, unchanged.

The S 350d will be the first BS-VI-compliant diesel Merc and the third BS-VI-compliant model in the automaker's line-up to go on sale in India. The German carmaker recently launched the S 560 and the S 650 at the 2018 Auto Expo, priced at Rs 1.94 crore and Rs 2.73 crore, respectively. (all prices ex-showroom).

Shubham Parashar