Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The made-in-India 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been launched in India at a starting price of Rs 1.57 crore for the S 350d 4Matic while the S 450 4Matic is priced at Rs 1.62 crore ( All prices ex-showroom, India). The new-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class was Initially launched as a completely built unit (CBU) or fully imported model and almost half of the 150 units allocated for India were already sold even before its debut in our market. The locally assembled Mercedes-Benz S-Class is comparatively affordable by around Rs 60.40 lakh than the CBU units which were priced at Rs 2.17 crore and Rs 2.19 crore, respectively, and is likely to push sales even further. Having said that, timely delivery is still likely to be a constraint for the German carmaker given the global semiconductor shortage and the new S-Class is "techies dream", basically is loaded to the gills advanced tech.

The new-gen Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a huge step up and even the locally assembled India-spec flagship sedan is not skimmed-off. It now gets new headlamps with individual modules which have million pixels inside that in combination with multi-beam LED headlamps along with ultra range high beam offers a 650 metre of illumination. The S-Class has always been an elegant sedan and looks classy, no matter what generation it belongs too. The new S-Class also grows in size by 34 mm in length and 34 mm in width and sees a significant 51 mm growth in wheelbase over the previous model. The more interesting part though is the aerodynamics! The S-Class has a drag coefficient of 0.22, which makes it one of the most aerodynamic cars in the world. While the CBU model was riding on AMG Line 20-inch wheels with low profile tyres, the locally assembled S-Class gets a size smaller wheels shod in comparatively tall profiles tyres for better ride quality on Indian roads. The locally assembled S-Class now gets automatic door handles and new horizontal combination tail lamps in a crystal design. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is now 60 kg lighter than the previous model, which was achieved by employing 50 per cent of aluminium construction. The carmaker says the other 50 per cent is built with high rigidity steel.

On the inside, the made-in-India S-Class is sheer opulence. The cabin cocoons the occupants in a world of luxury. The materials used, the fit and finish and the way all of it is put together, is simply exquisite! The new S-Class gets seats that come with a massage function and 10 different massage programs to choose from. Other creature comforts include - 64 LED ambient lighting, a new 12.3-inch instrument cluster, panoramic sliding sunroof, along with Burmester high-end 3D sound system with 15 speakers, and ambient lighting with over 263 optic LED lights throughout the cabin. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class will get up to five OLED displays, four of which will be touchscreen. This includes the massive 12.8-inch infotainment system, equipped with the latest-gen MBUX system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is also much safer now with features like segment-first frontal airbag for rear passengers, which bring the total count to 10 airbags, Mercedes' Pre-Safe package and pedestrian protection with active bonnet, 360-degree camera and more. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets two engine options, a 3.0-litre petrol and a 3.0-litre diesel engine. Both models get a 9-speed automatic gearbox as standard. The petrol motor gets an integrated starter generator and therefore, qualifies as a mild hybrid engine.