The Hindu Business Line : `S' is for Merc standard

MERCEDES-BENZ has always been known as a manufacturer of cars that epitomise quality, luxury, safety and cutting-edge technology. But not all its cars have been known to offer exciting design that are representative of the changing times.

Mercedes-Benz has seen a design renaissance during the last few years with the company infusing large doses of modernism to not just its existing portfolio of cars, but also to its new products positioned in segments where it has never had a presence before.

The new Mercedes-Benz R-Class and the B-Class are examples of the bold new direction and the design rejuvenation that the company has witnessed in the last few years. The new CLS-Class saloon is another car which Mercedes-Benz has bestowed beautiful, modern lines.

Contemporary S-Class

The S-Class, Mercedes-Benz's flagship saloon, has long been the industry benchmark for luxury, quality and reliability. But even as Mercedes' rivals such as BMW introduced competing products in the same segment with much more oomph, the S-Class' design continued to remain conventional and uninspiring.

But the relatively staid looks and lower focus on design changed last year, when DaimlerChrysler (Mercedes' parent) finally unveiled one of the most beautifully designed S-Class saloons ever made by the company.

After its launch in the European and American markets, the new S-Class is making its way to Indian shores later this year.

The Merc of Mercs

The new S-Class saloon, unveiled in Mumbai late last month, continues to reflect the Mercedes tradition of understated elegance, being universally attractive and yet managing to infuse far more excitement into its overall design theme.

The S-Class, often called the `Mercedes-Benz of Mercedes-Benzes' by motoring enthusiasts around the world, has been the choice of kings, statesmen and business tycoons. The new S-Class continues the tradition of resetting the luxury and safety benchmark for this segment.

A sportier look

The redesigned, new S-class has been given a younger and more modern silhouette all around, probably in keeping with the increasingly lower age profile of the average buyer in this segment.

The car has come later in the order of new products and redesigns that Mercedes has showcased during the last two years. It is no surprise then that the new, ninth generation S-Class saloon has a number of design cues that are clearly indicative of the fact that inspiration has been drawn from the new CLS-Class coupe and the R-Class Grand Sports Tourer.

The sweeping roof, the oversized headlamps, the steeply sloping rear boot line, strong shoulder and the prominent wheel arches are all new to the S-Class and reminds one of the new CLS and the R-Class passenger vehicles. Even with the changes, Mercedes has, as always, managed to retain the characteristic looks for the new S-Class, based on the same redesigned theme that runs across all its cars, setting them apart and giving them an unmistakable identity.

A bigger model

The striking new S-Class' front side only has one feature that appears to have been retained with minor changes — the bonnet grille. The classic Mercedes chrome radiator grille greets the onlooker with the trademark four horizontal slats and prominent surround. The three-pointed star, Mercedes logo, continues to crown the grille.

The new flagship model by Mercedes-Benz is larger than its predecessor in every respect. With a body length of 5,076 mm, the new S-Class is 33 mm longer than the previous model. The wheelbase has also increased by 70 mm to 3,035 mm. In addition, the body is now 16 mm wider and 29 mm higher. These new dimensions create the basis for an interior space that offers all the passengers much more legroom and first-class comfort.

As with its predecessor, the new S-Class has one of the world's best drag co-efficient in the luxury class. Despite having larger tyres and wheel arches the drag co-efficient is still an amazing 0.26.

The inherent advantages are fourfold — low noise, lower fuel consumption, better visibility (since lesser dirt collects on the side and rear windows) and greater stability at high speeds.

Desi and videshi versions

The new S-Class will be assembled in India at Mercedes' plant in Pune. This super luxury saloon will also be imported in completely built form and be available for prospective buyers with a slightly different spec sheet compared to the locally assembled one.

The car may also come in both short and long wheelbase versions.

Internationally, the new S-Class is offered with both petrol and diesel engine options. The Indian version is likely to get two petrol engines.

The locally assembled S350 will have a 3.5 litre V6 engine that generates a peak power of 272 bhp at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 350 Nm within the 2,400 to 5,000 rpm range. This new engine is said to be about 11 per cent more powerful, but also delivers more mileage compared to its predecessor.

The imported S500, on the other hand, will have a 5,461cc, V8 petrol engine that puts out a massive 388 bhp at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 530 Nm within a range of 2,800 to 4,800 rpm. Both the cars are offered with Mercedes' 7G TRONIC, 7-speed automatic transmission as part of standard fitment.

A further innovation in the S-Class is the DIRECT SELECT, an attractively styled steering-column selector lever that can be gently nudged to operate the 7G-TRONIC.

Priced for prestige

Potential customers of the S-Class are likely to be some of the most discerning, what with the saloon's price ranging from Rs 75 lakh to about Rs 85 lakh. They can, however, be assured that starting from the one-piece headlamp with its characteristic linear shape and the distinctive radiator grille to the flowing, arching roofline, the new S-Class continues to radiate confidence and self-assurance in every respect, a key trait that customers in the segment appreciate.

Muscular flanks, powerful, elongated body and a range of alloy wheels add to the overall impression that this is a car that transmits a definite sense of prestige and presence.

At a time when many other big luxury automobile brands are heading for the Indian market, Mercedes has clearly brought the passion back into the S-Class, called the `Best Car in the World'.

New on the Class

THE new S-Class incorporates a dozen technical innovation — Brake Assist PLUS, which actively assists braking with the help of radar sensors; dynamic multi-contour seats that have integrated, variable air chambers to change shape and adapt to the driving conditions and have an extended back-massage function; night view assist, which features the latest infra-red technology for better visibility; and a new COMAND system that keeps all the controls of the car within reach of the driver.

The new S-Class is also high on passenger safety features, which include the two-stage adaptive front airbags, window airbags, the adaptive brake and brake lights that flash to warn following vehicles during an emergency braking situation, seatbelt force limiters, an electronic stability programme and adaptive headlamps that improve visibility during cornering and turning.

The new S-Class is unlikely to be offered with Mercedes' highly acclaimed Distronic Plus and Brake Assist Plus in India due to the use of radar technology that may not be approved for road use here. However, its other safety technology, the anticipatory PRE-SAFE{lcub}logicalnot{rcub}shy occupant protection system and the Active Body Control suspension system would be available.

The PRE-SAFE system includes the automatic safety measures that the car is programmed to take in the event of on-board sensors detecting the possibility of an accident. These include automatic window and sunroof closure and automatic deployment of headrests and seatbelt pre-tensioners. The car is loaded with a number of other luxury and comfort fixtures, including class leading ride improvement features.

More Stories on : Cars | New Products & Services | Auto Focus

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page