Safer new S-Class from Mercedes
Safer new S-Class from Mercedes
Novan Iman Santosa & Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
While the birthday boy is supposed to get all the presents, in
celebrating the 35th anniversary of its presence here
PT DaimlerChrsyler Indonesia (DCI) gave a gift to Indonesian
automotive society through the launch of the latest model of its
successful S-Class.
The S-Class has a history of more than five decades. First
introduced in 1951, more than three million units have been sold
worldwide.
It was first introduced in Indonesia in 1996 and more than
1,500 units have been sold here claiming a 70 percent market
share in its class.
The new S-Class, internally code-named W221, will replace the
earlier S-Class W220 first introduced in 1998 with 485,000 units
sold worldwide.
The new saloon will come with a wide range of safety and
comfort features to maintain its domination.
In the earlier S-Class, Mercedes-Benz installed Pre-Safe
preventive safety technology, which claimed to be able to
"predict" when an accident would occur through a series of
sensors.
This safety feature is now strengthened with the presence of
Passive-Safe and Post-Safe technologies.
Included in Passive-Safe -- which protects passengers in case
of a crash -- are head restraints, eight air bags, including two
window bags, and a belt tensioner.
Right after a crash, the Post-Safe feature helps reduce the
secondary effects of an accident to help with passengers' rescue.
This feature, for example, helps rescue workers by
automatically unlocking the doors after an accident.
There are also marked cutting points on the front and rear
windshields aiding rescuers if they have to cut through the A and
C pillars.
For active safety, the saloon is equipped with Disctronic
Plus, which monitors the safe distance to other traffic in the
speed range from zero to 200 kilometers per hour (kph). It will
automatically apply the brakes if the distance is too close or if
the car is approaching too fast.
Meanwhile, the Brake Assist (BA) Plus feature helps the
driver to increase braking power in relation to the proximity to
the vehicle in front.
The driver is also assisted by radar-based Parking Assist as
well as infrared-based Night View Assist for better road
judgment.
Such safety features are necessary as the new S-Class is using
the new powerful M272 engine. The V6, 3,498cc engine in S350
produces 26 percent more power and 15 percent more torque than
its predecessor.
It unleashes 272 horsepower (hp) of power and maximum flat
torque of 350 Newtonmeters (Nm) from 2,400 revolution per minute
(rpm) to 5,000 rpm.
As a standard feature, new S-Class vehicles come with seven-
speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. This transmission has
also been applied in the C and E Classes equipped with the new
M272 engine.
An interesting point is that the new S-Class has two reverse
gears, for sport and comfort modes.
You will not find the transmission lever on your right on the
central console as it has been moved to the right side of the
steering wheel.
The central console is now occupied by the cockpit management
and data system (Command) which integrates all audio and comfort
features being displayed on a color monitor.
Despite being more powerful, the new S-Class is more fuel
efficient consuming 10.1 liters per 100 kilometers compared to
its predecessor, which consumed 11.1 liters over the same
distance.
Its gas emission is even better than the stringent Euro 4
standard currently being sanctioned in Europe.
The new S-Class is also larger than its predecessor offering a
more spacious interior. However, it boasts a drag coefficient of
only 2.6, or the lowest in its class.
The seats can be adjusted electronically in 16 directions with
lumbar supports.
The airmatic suspension system is a standard feature for a
more enjoyable ride with manual, comfort and sport options. In
the sport option, with a speed exceeding 120 kph, the suspension
will lower itself by 20 millimeters for better handling and
aerodynamics as well as fuel efficiency.
For the time being, all new S-Class vehicles will be available
in completely built-up (CBU) form. The Mercedes-Benz S350 will be
offered at Rp 2.14 billion (US$219,000), S500 at Rp 2.998 billion
and S600 at 3.85 billion.
The completely knock-down (CKD) version of S350 will be
available by the end of March and in April will enter full CKD
production. The price for the CKD version will be Rp 1.89
billion.
The closest competitor for the new S-Class will still be the
BMW 7 Series of BMW 730 Li, 740 Li and 760 Li.
Also playing in the premium sedan segment are Audi A8 using a
12-cylinder, 6,000cc engine and Volvo S80, which is available
only with a 5-cylinder 2,300cc turbo engine.
Also available is the Jaguar S-Type with three engine options
of V6 2,500cc, V6 3,000cc and supercharged V8 4,200cc.