Mercedes just doesn’t seem to slow down! The German automaker has expanded its S-Class lineup today in India, by launching the new S400 at Rs. 1.28 crores (ex-showroom Delhi). The S400 is a member of Mercedes-Benz’s ultra-luxurious S-Class family, and is the 9th variant of the company’s flagship S-Class model.
This is a bold move to keep its customers of the flagship limo happy and spoilt for choice. Roland Folger, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Mercedes-Benz India said “Mercedes-Benz believes in introducing the latest products and variants in the market at regular intervals, to keep customer interest and curiosity intact in the brand. This strategy, we firmly believe, has contributed to our unmatched success in India.”
Under the hood, the Mercedes-Benz S400 will come equipped with a 3.0-litre, V6 petrol engine that produces 324 bhp of power and a massive 480Nm of peak torque. This car is basically for people who are looking for that perfect balance between luxury and performance with the running costs in mind. The S350d is big on luxury but lacks the performance (being a Diesel). The S500 has a screaming V8 under the hood (for people like me). Although, the new S400 is providing the best of both the worlds. And that, is a perfect recipe for creating a winner.
(The above images are of Mercedes-Benz S500, and is used for representational purposes)
There are no interior or exterior changes when compared to the S500, except for the badging and the heart under the bonnet. The S400 will bolster the sales for Mercedes, with people who want something better than the S350d, but doesn’t require a V8 under the hood. This car will be locally manufactured at Chakan in Pune, which is another attribute to Mercedes-Benz’s solidarity with the Make In India initiative. In most markets of the world, the S400 is avaialable as a plug-in hybrid. Although, in India, it will be sold only as a V6 petrol for now.
Not many would go for the full-fleged V8 muscle under the bonnet of the S-Class. But a new car that is incredibly close to the S500 is a good chance for the company to stray customers into the premium performance range. With the S400, that’s what Mercedes is doing right. With the figures, price and class in mind it would directly compete with the likes of BMW 7-Series, Audi A8 and the Jaguar XJ. We will wait for this subtle (and at the same time – a powered up) version to fall in our hands soon to give you a more detailed analysis.
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