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NEWS
S-Class starts from $215K
Pricing announced for new Mercedes-Benz S-Class flagship rangeMercedes-Benz Australia has announced pricing for its initial tranche of S-Class models. Five variants of the new MR222 family S-Class debuted Down Under this week, with prices ranging from $215,000 to $385,000.
With all-new styling, significant safety and amenity upgrades, limousine-levels of space, comfort and luxury, and the latest in connectivity, the S-Class is claimed to be the world’s best car by Mercedes-Benz.
The new S-Class made its international press debut in Canada in July. The family features a body-in-white that is 50 per cent aluminium but also features a safety cell constructed entirely of high and ultra-high strength steel. Air suspension is used on all models with some variants also featuring Mercedes’ latest semi-active Magic Body Control suspension system.
Significant improvements in refinement are claimed and efficiency is championed. Auto stop start is featured across the range and some models boast fuel economy that betters most small cars – and this in a car which in its long-wheelbase variants stretches almost 5.3m and weighs around 2000kg.
The all-new MR222 family will eventually comprise Mercedes-Benz Australia’s largest S-Class line-up. Turbo-diesel, petrol and hybrid models with four to 12-cylinder engines have been slated for local release, with the lion’s share of models on sale Down Under by mid-2014.
Then Mercedes-Benz Australia will add V6 and V12 bi-turbo petrol models and the diesel-electric S 300 BlueTec Hybrid to the local line-up. For the time being, however, the powertrain line-up is limited to turbo-diesel V6 and petrol bi-turbo V8 models.
The new S 350 BlueTEC turbo-diesel kicks off the MR222 line-up in Australia. Priced from $215,000 for the standard wheelbase variant, the 350 features a 190kW/620Nm EU6 compliant version of Benz’s proven 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel powerplant.
Combined fuel consumption is listed at an impressive 6.0L/100km.
As you’d expect, standard equipment levels are comprehensive and include adaptive cruise control, full COMAND online connectivity and high-spec Burmester audio systems, split-screen video functionality, DAB+ and internet radio, full LED lighting inside and out (including active headlamps) and myriad other goodies.
Full details are too long to list here, but key features include Driving Assistance Package Plus, auto parking, alerts and 360-degree monitor, two-pane panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and start, no-touch boot open and close, lashings of leather and wood, and more.
All S-Class models are delivered standard as five-seaters. Options available on the new 222 generation include AMG Line interior and exterior styling packages ($7500 and $6500 respectively), rear seat Safety and Comfort upgrades (the former with seatbelt airbags), Business Class four-seat configuration, various alloy wheel and interior finish upgrades and Burmester 3D audio.
The latest long-wheelbase S-Class models ride on a wheelbase on 3165mm – a carry-over from the 221 series S-Class. For the first time Down Under, the new S-Class range combines turbo-diesel power and long-wheelbase variants.
The resulting S 350 L BlueTEC is priced from $222,500. Over its standard wheelbase stablemate (see above), it adds THERMOTRONIC rear climate control and power operated rear and side blinds.
Mercedes-Benz Australia says in the full model lifecycle the turbo-diesels will likely be the top selling variants. In this launch phase, however, the twin-turbo 4.7-litre petrol V8 S 500, available in both standard and L long-wheelbase guises, will be the most popular.
Priced at $285,000 and $310,000 respectively, the S 500 and S 500 L’s bi-turbo V8 is rated at 335kW/700Nm. Fuel economy is listed as 9.2L/100km for both variants.
Over the V6 turbo-diesel models, the S 500s add interior finish upgrades (including wood/leather steering wheel) soft-close power doors, infrared-reflecting laminated glass (all round), anti-theft package and 20-inch alloys. Long-wheelbase 500 also features a two-screen DVD-equipped Rear Entertainment System.
The final S-Class variant offered at launch is the AMG-fettled 430kW/900Nm 5.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 S 63 AMG.
Only offered in a standard wheelbase version priced from $385,000, the interim S-Class flagship is loaded to the gunwales with AMG branded and developed equipment and is also upgraded in terms of comfort and amenity items.
Key inclusions are AMG body kit and signature 20-inch ‘five x twin-spoke’ alloys, AMG interior ‘appointments’, Nappa leather upholstery upgrade, front seat Comfort package, AMG-tuned MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension and AMG’s own Speedshift transmission.
Mercedes-Benz says the new S-Class range is figuratively built on three pillars: the marque’s Intelligent Drive concept; efficient technology; and the essence of luxury.
Although not the longest used model designation in the Mercedes line-up (SL has been used since the 1950s), the company claims the roots of the latest S-Class can be traced back to the very first car to wear the Mercedes badge, the 1903 Simplex.
In 2012, Mercedes-Benz Australia sold just 99 S-Class, in 2011 that total was 168. Year to date October 2013, only 66 new S-Class have found homes Down Under.
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Written byMike Sinclair
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