Mercedes-Benz has launched the diesel version of its flagship saloon, the S-Class S350 CDI in India, priced at Rs. 1.07 crore (ex-showroom, Pune). The German car maker had started accepting bookings for the diesel variant a few weeks ago for a booking amount of Rs. 5 lakhs and will commence the deliveries in July across the country. Much like the petrol powered S500; the S350 is also being assembled at the company’s Chakan facility, near Pune. However, with the S350 CDI, Mercedes has for the first time started body manufacturing of the S-Class in India.
Visually, the diesel powered variant is no different from the range topping S500 but does skimp out on a few creature comforts from the cabin. The 19-inch multi-spoke alloys get replaced by 18-inch 10-spoke wheels. The rear individual seats have been replaced by a single bench type seating arrangement. Also not available are the heated/cooled cup holders and the centre armrest mounted tables for the rear passengers. The car though retains 360 degree camera with Night View Assist Plus, LEDs throughout replacing conventional bulbs, Airmatic suspension and gets Active Body control for a comfortable ride.
In terms of diesel power, the Mercedes S350 CDI gets a 3.0-litre V6 engine that produces 258 PS of power at 3600 RPM and 620 Nm of torque between 1600-2400 RPM, paired to a 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels. The car is capable of doing 0-100 km/hr in 6.8 seconds and can achieve an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/hr. On the safety front, you get 8 airbags, Adaptive Brake with HOLD function, dynamic cornering control system, ASR and a host of features.
Other key features of the Mercedes S350 CDI include Chauffeur package that allows rear passengers to move front seats by 77 mm. It gets a 590 watts surround sound Burmester audio system. The rear seats are power assisted that get energising massage function with six different programs including two hot programs.
Despite missing out on a few features, the Mercedes S350 CDI still has enough to offer to keep you comfortable, entertained and safe at all times. The S350 CDI will be competing against the BMW 7-Series 730Ld, Audi A8L 3.0 TDI and the Jaguar XJL 3.0, all of which are powered by 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder diesel engines in the segment. The range topping petrol powered S500 on the other hand gets a 4.7-litre V8 twin-turbo engine and is priced at Rs. 1.36 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Super Luxury Car Price Comparison (ex-showroom, Pune) –
* Mercedes S350 CDI – Rs. 1.07 crore
* BMW 730Ld – Rs. 1.03 crore
* Audi A8L 3.0 TDI – Rs. 1.10 crore
* Jaguar XJL 3.0 Diesel – Rs. 92.19 lakhs (Premium Luxury variant)
