Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2012-2021 S 350 CDI

S-Class 2012-2021 S 350 CDI Review

Mercedes Benz India is in the news from quite a while as it is launching back to back models. Now it has officially introduced a new variant in the S Class model series with 3.0-litre diesel engine under the hood. It is perhaps the most powerful in its class, as it can develop a maximum 254.47Bhp in combination with a mammoth torque output of 620Nm. This motor is paired with a 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission gearbox that enables it to deliver a flawless performance. Equipped with advanced aspects like massage seats, a high definition 3D surround system, the Mercedes Benz S Class S 350 CDI is built pamper the occupants inside. The car maker introduced this trim with several advanced aspects including LED intelligent lighting system, driving assistance package plus, key-less Go package, COMAND online system and numerous other features. This luxury saloon is blessed with a stylish set of 18-inch 5-twin spoke alloy wheels, that gives a magnificent look to the vehicle. This vehicle is placed in the luxury saloon segment where it will be competing with the likes of Audi A8, Jaguar XJ and BMW 7 series.

Exteriors:

The company gave utmost importance to the exteriors of Mercedes Benz S Class S 350 CDI trim to make it look stunning. To start with its front façade, it gets a bold headlight cluster featuring an intelligent LED lighting system along with daytime running lights that dazzles the front . In the centre, the radiator grille is very large with horizontally positioned slats, which are treated with chrome. The front body colored bumper comes equipped with a pair of large air ducts and an air dam that gives a rugged appeal to the front profile. The overall look of the front is emphasized by the vertically positioned company's insignia fitted on top of the bonnet. Its side profile is looks very sleek yet magnificent, thanks to the expressive lines and chrome package. Its window sill surround gets a chrome treatment whereas its aspherically curved exterior mirrors and the door handles are in body colour. This variant's wheel arches have been fitted with 5-twin-spoke style alloy wheels that enhances the elegance. The rear profile has a curvy structure which gives a glimpse of a coupe. The best aspect about the rear is its asserting taillight cluster featuring and LED light pattern. Its boot lid looks compact and it is elegantly decorated with a thick appliqué and company's badge, which are treated in chrome.

Interiors:

The Internal cabin of this latest trim gets an ambient lighting system featuring seven different colors and five dimming levels. Its cabin comes with an extensive use of premium quality leather, which gives a premium finish to the interiors. The front seats have been blessed with electrically adjustable function along with heating and massage facility. All the seats have been integrated with active head restraints and have been covered with premium leather upholstery. The front centre armrest armrest features a storage compartment whereas the rear armrest comes with a pair of cup holders. The best part about the cabin is its sophisticated cockpit where the dashboard features several advanced equipments including an instrument panel, AC unit, infotainment system and a leather wrapped steering wheel. The space inside the cabin is huge, especially the legroom is ample as the vehicle is built on a wheelbase of 3165mm . Its front cabin comes with an impressive headroom of 1069mm whereas the rear cabin has 995mm of decent headroom.

Engine and Performance:

The car maker has equipped this latest trim with an advanced 3.0-litre diesel engine that is bestowed with latest common rail direct injection system. Its has 6-cylinders and a total of 24-valves that displaces 2987cc. This motor is also incorporated with a turbo charging unit, which allows the motor to produce a mammoth power of 254.47bhp at 3600rpm that results in generating a peak torque output of 620Nm in the range of just 1600 to 2400rpm. Its wheels draw the torque output variably through an advanced 7G-Tronic plus automatic transmission gearbox. It takes only about 6.8-seconds to reach a 100 Kmph mark from a standstill. At the same time, it can achieve a top speed of 250 Kmph, which is remarkable.

Braking and Handling:

This sophisticated saloon is bestowed with a proficient disc braking mechanism, which is further accompanied by superior brake callipers. All the four wheels have been fitted with a set of high performance ventilated disc brakes that ensures precise stopping of the vehicle. In addition to this, it is equipped with anti lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist function , which collaborates with electronic stability program and keeps the vehicle stable. As far as suspension is concerned, this saloon is blessed with airmatic air suspension system fitted to the front and rear axles. It is further assisted by the variable damping control function, which enables it to take all the jerks caused on roads.

Comfort Features

The Mercedes Benz S Class S 350 CDI trim is bestowed with several innovative comfort features that ensures a fatigue-free driving experience. It comes with a list including THERMOTRONIC automatic air conditioning system, sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, storage net in front passenger's footwell, spectacle compartment in overhead control panel, lockable glove box compartment, fabric roof lining, key-less go function, luxury front seats with heating and ventilated function, an instrument cluster with 32.5cm TFT color display and many other such aspects. This luxury saloon is also blessed with a cruise control system with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter, ambient interior lighting system , and a leather wrapped multi-functional steering wheel with 12-function keys.

Safety Features

The car maker has incorporated several crucial safety aspects that provides enhances safety to the occupants inside. It features rear view camera for parking assistance, anti lock braking system, ADAPTIVE BRAKE with hold function, adaptive flashing LED brake light, acceleration skid control, attention assist system , underbody protection, tyre pressure loss warning system and LED intelligent light system with adaptive high beaming and cornering light function. It is also equipped with active blind spot assist, eight airbags, crosswind assist function and many other advanced aspects.

Pros

1. Sophisticated safety and comfort features are a big plus.

2. Interior space and luxury is an added advantage.

Cons

1. Initial cost of ownership is very expensive.

2. Fuel economy is below par with other contenders.