It was speechless – the first drive of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, specifically that S 500. Now in addition to fill in the hunger of diesel lovers of India, German automaker launched the diesel version of the new S-class, the S 350 CDI, at Rs 1.07 crore (ex-showroom, Pune).
No lesser competitive than the petrol fuelled sibling, the diesel S-Class, S 350 CDI, is bumped by a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel in the bay for the output of 255bhp and 63.22kgm of torque. Mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox, the diesel version of Merc’s best chauffeur driven car can clock to a ton from none (we mean 0-100km/h) in 6.8 seconds. Likewise the S 500, this too will be assembled in India at the Mercedes’ Chakan plant near Pune.
Equipment level is said to remain the same as of the pricier (petrol) version S 500, but will skip out certain standard features of them. Air suspension, eight airbags, Mercedes’ ‘Pre-Safe’ system, park assist system, powered rear seats, a rear-seat entertainment system comprising of two 10-inch screens and wireless headphones, and the fantastic ‘hot stone massage’ seats are all termed as standard features for S 350 CDI (diesel) in India. And if those aren’t enough to relax its customers, then the feature of front seat moving forward by 77mm will ease up the rear passenger with regards to a more roomy legroom.
Bookings are in full-fledge at all the Mercedes-Benz showrooms across India, with deliveries slated to commence from end-June or early July.