Mercedes-Benz launches S-Class diesel

Mercedes-Benz India launched the new locally manufactured S-Class 350 CDI at the Chakan plant, Pune. For the first time body manufacturing for the S-Class will be done in India. Priced at Rs 1.07 crore (ex-showroom Pune), the S350 CDI is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged diesel engine which offers 255bhp and 620 Nm of torque. It comes with a seven-speed automatic gearbox and hits the 100 km mark in 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 250 kmph.

Apart from the engine, the S350 CDI gets the same features as the S500. The rear passengers get state-of-the-art entertainment system which comes with two 12-inch touch screens, Burmester sound system, the heavenly massage seats, AIRMATIC suspension which ensures smooth ride quality and Active Park Assist automatically steers the vehicle into parking spaces. It is also fully loaded when it comes to safety equipment -- ESP with eight airbags and PRE Safe assure driver and passenger safety, while the brake assist offers better control during emergency braking. The new S-Class also comes with Adaptive Brakes with HOLD function, ASR and Hill Start Assist.

Mercedes-Benz India also showcased its commitment to take up environmental friendly initiatives by installing a 100 kW rooftop solar power plant. This installation will spread across 12000 sq mt and will help save approximately 150,000 Kilo Watts hours annually, which is enough to power a small town with 400 households.

At the launch Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “We are delighted to manufacture the new S-Class 350 CDI at our state-of-the-art production facility in Chakan, Pune, and offer the much awaited diesel option of the new S-Class for our discerning customers. Quality has all along been the strength of Mercedes-Benz India, and the new S-350 CDI production in India is set to take this success story even further. The installation of solar power plant also reiterates our commitment to achieve excellence in manufacturing by introducing environment friendly initiatives in India.”