The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has launched in Australia with a starting price of $215,000 for the S350 BlueTEC diesel.
The initial range includes the S350 diesel and its long-wheelbase variant (LWB) for $222,500, as well as the $285,000 S500 (LWB: $310,000) and the range-topping and super-quick$385,000 S63 AMG.
The MR222-series Mercedes-Benz S-Class’ predecessor managed just 66 local sales between January and October, down 26.7 per cent on the previous year, which saw it outsold by the BMW 7 Series (93) and Porsche Panamera (73).
Mercedes-Benz Australia expects the new model to restart a surge in S-Class sales, which are predominantly to private customers, unlike some of its German competitors.
The S350 diesel is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged engine with 190kW and 620Nm. Coupled to a seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, it claims to use just 6.0 litres of diesel per 100km on the combined cycle in both regular and long wheelbase lengths. Standard equipment across the range includes the entire driving assistance plus package, with features such as active cruise control, 360-degree camera, cross wind assist, attention assist, Distronic plus, lane departure warning, blind spot monitor, and more.
The LED lighting package, self-parking package, dual panoramic sunroof, dual 12.3-inch screens with COMAND NTG5 and 18-inch wheels are also standard.
There are three different types of leather upholstery. The base model comes with horizontally stitched leather, which can be upgraded to Nappa or Nappa exclusive with diamond stitching.
Next in line is the S500, powered by a 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8, generating 335kW and 700Nm of torque. Combined cycle fuel usage has been reduced from 10.4L/100km to a claimed 9.2L/100km. The S500 gets 20-inch alloys, infrared-reflecting laminated glass, anti-theft protection package and more over the S350.
For those that must have the best, the S63 AMG comes with the brand’s 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 now generating 430kW and an earth moving 900Nm of torque, and consumes 10.2L/100km.
The AMG model ditches the 7G-Tronic transmissions for a multi-clutch set-up. It comes with AMG interior and exterior appointments, Nappa leather, magic body control suspension and AMG wheels.
