Key highlights
- Mercedes-Benz will offer the S-Class only as the S 450e plug-in hybrid for now
- Current model is being brought to India as a fully imported CBU
- Petrol and diesel variants are expected only after local assembly begins
If you’ve been wondering where the petrol and diesel versions of the new S-Class are, Mercedes-Benz has finally provided an answer.
The company has confirmed that the new Mercedes-Benz S 450e will be the only S-Class variant on sale in India for the time being. Conventional petrol and diesel versions are expected to join the lineup only after local assembly of the facelifted S-Class begins in India.
Why only the plug-in hybrid?
Mercedes-Benz launched the facelifted S-Class in India earlier this week with the S 450e plug-in hybrid powertrain, making it the first PHEV S-Class to be sold in the country. However, unlike the previous-generation S-Class, which was eventually assembled in Pune, the new S 450e is currently being imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU).
The German luxury carmaker plans to keep the S-Class lineup limited to the plug-in hybrid until local assembly operations commence. Once that happens, more affordable petrol and diesel variants are expected to return to the range.
This strategy allows Mercedes-Benz to introduce its latest flagship quickly while evaluating demand before investing in local production.
What does the S 450e offer?
The S 450e combines a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine with an electric motor and a 22 kWh battery pack.
Mercedes-Benz S 450e Specifications
|
Specification |
S 450e |
|
Engine |
3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-six |
|
Electric Motor |
Yes |
|
Combined Power |
435 hp |
|
Combined Torque |
680 Nm |
|
Battery |
22 kWh |
|
Electric Range |
Up to 115 km |
|
Transmission |
9-speed automatic |
|
0-100 kmph |
5.7 seconds |
Mercedes claims the sedan can cover most daily urban commutes in pure electric mode, while retaining the long-distance capability expected from an S-Class.
Local assembly could significantly reduce prices
Historically, the S-Class has always benefited from local assembly in India. The previous-generation model launched as a CBU before local production at Mercedes-Benz’s Chakan facility helped bring prices down substantially.
Industry expectations are that once local assembly begins for the facelifted S-Class, Mercedes-Benz could introduce additional variants and make the flagship sedan more competitively priced.
Also read: Mercedes-Benz launches first-ever plug-in hybrid S-Class in India
