Mercedes-Benz Malaysia have introduced the facelifted and improved flagship S-Class range of limousines and coupes here in Malaysia. The cars that were launched for the Malaysian market are the S450L Limousine, the S560 Cabriolet, the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe and the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.
Dr Claus Weidner, President & CEO, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (Right) and Mark Raine, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, at the launch of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Family
With this newly refreshed range, the S-Class offers class-leading luxury and exclusivity in every form and it looks like with this line-up, the S-Class range will still be The Car that provides all the luxury for those that can afford it, and more, in either the sedan / limousine, coupe or cabriolet variants. Each of these variants offer all the luxury you need with some slightly changes in exterior styling coupled with better equipment levels and a level of craftsmanship using only the finest materials inside and out.
The improved S-Class range of vehicles you see in here offers equipment and features like the Distronic Plus semi-autonomous driving, Air Body Control suspension and a Burmester Surround Sound system, Widescreen Cockpit with COMAND Online infotainment system. As with all S-Class cars, these offer cutting edge technology yet encapsulated in something grand, elegant and even opulent.
“The S-Class family is the definitive statement of luxury in it purest form. From the Modern Luxury of the S-Class Limousine to the pair that is S-Class Cabriolet and the Mercedes-AMG S-Class Coupe offering Bespoke Luxury and Performance Luxury for the discerning connoisseur or driver, and of course the embodiment of Ultimate Luxury that is the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class; the S-Class family has something to fulfill every desire. With this launch of this exclusive collection, the Pinnacle of Luxury, we proudly underline our position as a leading luxury lifestyle brand in the automotive segment,” says Mark Raine, Vice President Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
Now for a breakdown of the individual models, starting with the limousines, or luxury sedans first.
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is what Mercedes-Benz claim to be opulence in its truest form and the Icon of Luxury of the S-Class family, combining the perfection of the S-Class with the superlative exclusivity of Maybach. Those that are aware would know that with this V222 series of S-Class, Mercedes-Benz decided to use the Mercedes-Maybach brand as the flagship limousine model for the range.
The differences from a 'regular' S-Class limousine are added premium touches. More luxury and additional handiwork for the interior. The grille with its vertical slats, optional two-tone paintwork, a selection of 20-inch wheels exclusive to the Maybach as well as the Maybach badge on the C-pillar differentiate it from the regular S-Class..which on its own is already a fabulous luxury sedan.
The Mercedes-Maybach is actually more about the comfort of its interior. The magic of the Mercedes-Maybach is the interior actually. It offers unrivalled craftsmanship on the most exclusive materials inside. More handiwork as I mentioned earlier. The flagship limousine gets the Maybach Exclusive black nappa leather upholstery with a choice of copper-, gold- or platinum-coloured topstitching.
There are extra work done to the leather as it features diamond patterned stitching (quilting) which is of course added handiwork. There are optional trim inserts in beautiful design flowing lines Magnolia wood where you can see its natural grain and all. All in all, a tactile experience for those lucky enough to be seated in one.
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will be offered in two versions here in Malaysia, the V8-powered S 560 and V12-powered S 650 variants. The Mercedes-Mayback will be priced from RM1.4 million onwards with further individualisation and personalisation available upon request.
The personalisation list could be almost endless actually....
One option you see is the small refrigerator which can be accessed from the middle of the rear seats. Of course, being a real fridge it takes up some bootspace. Of course, champagne or even ribena would need to be chilled for consumption whilst travelling. Oh, and take the other car if you need to carry stuff in it. The one with the cooler is good for evenings out to the opera house or for other evening functions.
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class (S 450L AMG Line)
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is Mercedes-Benz's flagship automobile (aside from the Mercedes-Maybach of course - but that is essentially more luxury in an already super luxurious car). This newly improved version, a facelift, is still the best in its class as it has been extensively updated to maintain its position as the world’s bestselling luxury limousine. The shape is still familiar but you see some changes to the front bumper. In S450L specification you see here, it features the AMG Line variant which seems to be the variant that most customers want - a touch of sportiness.
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is offered at launch in locally-assembled format as an S 450 L AMG Line variant, priced from RM699,888 onwards. It is the only one from the four cars you see here which is locally assembled and it is the one which will replace the S400 h hybrid variant which will be discontinued after stocks run out. It is priced slightly more than before due to it not being a hybrid vehicle.
The S 450 L is powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine from an all-new Mercedes-Benz range of engines. This engine is coupled to Mercedes-Benz's 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. This setup develops a total power output of 367 hp with 500 Nm of torque for a 0-100km/h time of just 5.4 seconds. Still no slouch. It may have lost its electric motor assistance but it is also lighter than the S400 h as it lacks those heavy battery packs and extra motor inside it.
Other features include DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control, AIRMATIC suspension, the Widescreen Cockpit with COMAND Online infotainment, a Burmester Surround Sound system, and MULTIBEAM LED headlights among others.
Now for the two door 'Dream Cars'....
The Mercedes-Benz S 560 Cabriolet
The new Mercedes-Benz S 560 Cabriolet is the topless one of the bunch. It is also the one which allows the wind in your hair (not that much if you use the wind shield which would pop up behind the seats to prevent buffeting) and unlimited headroom (good for lifting the burden if one takes financing as it would feel as if the loan one took to buy this beauty had suddenly disappeared with the roof).
There are Swarovski crystals nestled within the headlight clusters and floating OLED taillights elements are used at the rear (like some smartphone OLED display in terms of brightness). These new tweaks to the styling add more sophistication to its already sexy looks.
The S-Class Cabriolet will also offer the same levels of driving, safety and convenience technologies from the S-Class limousine. These include the new Energizing Comfort control, bringing together climate adjustment, lighting, music and even the seats to deliver what Mercedes-Benz states to be a first-class sensory journey. Like any S-Class, every detail is thought out so that the drive experience is not an ordinary one. Then again, flagship cars are never ordinary from the outset.
The S560 Cabriolet which Malaysia gets is powered by a new 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine which delivers 469 hp with 700 Nm while full-support AIRMATIC air suspension fitted as standard ensures comfort follows every thrilling ride. Note that this is for those that want to waft in luxury (without a roof) from point to point. If one wishes to have more punch, the one can opt for the heavy hitting Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupe. Or, if you can't choose between wafting and a sledgehammer performance, one can always buy both.
The Mercedes-Benz S 560 Cabriolet will be on sale from RM 1,310,662.21 onwards.
The Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupe.
The Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupe is what Mercedes-Benz says to be the perfect driver’s car. It offers brutal performance, superior dynamics and an undeniably strong presence. The heavy hitter of the S-Class range basically gets improved with the signature AMG Panamericana grille with a new Jet Wing design for the front apron and air intakes. Note that the couple here and the cabiolet keeps the single wave Daytime Running Lights compared to the three lines of the limousine variants.
The S 63 Coupe is fitted with the 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engineered by AMG. It produces 612 hp and a massive 900 Nm of torque and it is rear wheel drive. The transmission is a nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT gearbox for a 0-100kmh of only 4.2 seconds.
The S 63 Coupe has been engineered to have the ride standards befitting a S-Class but it gets supercar levels of handling comes courtesy of AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension with adaptive adjustable damping. Mercedes-Benz claims that this offers the perfect setup for leisurely grand touring comfort to sharp sportiness. But of course, it still in a S-Class, so it needs to offer comfort and luxury together with sheer brawn. It is a sledgehammer wrapped in the most velvety piece of cloth one can find.
All of this greatness can be yours from RM 1,461,605.60 onwards.
So personally, I'd take the S560 Cabriolet. It still offers me a V8 for those low down woofle, ample torque and that unlimited headroom to totally feel stress free. But as I said, when in doubt of what to choose...buy both. Or all in this case.
No comments:
Post a Comment