Mercedes-Benz has launched the S-Class S350 CDI variant in India. The Mercedes-Benz S350 CDI will be locally manufactured in India, making it the first time that any variant in the model line has been manufactured here. This also is a different strategy employed by the manufacturer as compared to the launch of the S500, which was initially imported via the CBU route and later locally assembled. Merrcedes Benz India had commenced bookings for the car in May 2014.
“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. Mercedes-Benz India for the first time is commencing the body manufacturing for the new S-Class and this is an important step towards local value addition for the new S-Class. We are confident that with the manufacturing of the new S-Class 350 CDI in India, we will be able to create a new benchmark and also meet the rising demand for the car in India. ” said Mr. Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & Ceo, Mercedes-Benz India
Price
The Mercedes-Benz S350 CDI is at Rs. 1.07 Crore (ex-showroom, Pune), which is Rs. 29 Lakh less than the S500 variant.
The S350 CDI is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 306 BHP and 370 Nm of torque. Other than the powertrain, the S350 CDI is identical to the S500 in most other aspects, though it will ditch some creature comforts. Unlike the two individual seats available on the S500, the S350 CDI will come with a bench at the rear. It will also miss out on the centre-armrest mounted tables for the rear passengers, chilling and heating cupholders. It will get a normal reversing camera instead of the 360-degree unit on the S 500. The Mercedes night-vision package also won’t be on offer on the S350 CDI.
The S350 CDI is a fair bit more expensive than direct rivals like the Audi A8 L 3.0 TDI (Rs 1.12 Crore), BMW 730Ld (Rs 1.02 Crore) and the recently launched, locally assembled Jaguar XJ 3.0 TDI (Rs 92.1 lakh). The premium Mercedes is asking for over rivals can be put down to the fact that the S350 is a whole generation ahead in terms of tech on offer.
Do let us know what you think of the S350 CDI in the comments section below.
