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.