Mercedes has launched the S-class facelift at Rs 1.33 crore for the diesel engine S 350d and Rs 1.37 crore for the petrol engine S 450 (all prices, ex-showroom, India). The S-class has always remained a top pick among luxury car buyers, with the German carmaker selling over 6,700 of them in last 18 years in India. The new diesel engine complies with Bharat Stage-VI emission norms while running on BS-IV grade fuel.

Speaking to Autocar India at the unveil, Mercedes-Benz India boss, Roland Folger, shared that the company used the learnings from the conversion of Euro-V to Euro-VI in Europe, back in 2010. It had faced a similar challenge due to limited availability of Euro-VI grade fuel across the European region.

A new 3.0-litre, in-line, six-cylinder diesel motor has replaced the previous 3.0-litre V6 diesel in the new S 350d. In a bid to meet the upcoming BS-VI norms, this new OM656 engine emits 68 percent less nitrous oxide and 82 percent less particulate matter, while running on BS-IV grade fuel. The engine is mated to a nine-speed G-Tronic automatic transmission and churns out a good 28hp more than the previous engine at 286hp. However, the torque figure, at 600Nm, is lower by 20Nm.

The S 450 is powered by a 3.0-litre, V6, petrol engine that cranks out 367hp of maximum output and 500Nm of peak torque, and is mated to the same nine-speed automatic gearbox. Both the refreshed cars are equipped with new-gen, radar-based driver assist features like active distance assist with emergency braking and active steering assist.

On the exterior front, the new S-class isn’t all that different from the previous model, with alterations limited to new triple-striped LED headlamps, new tail-lamps and subtly re-profiled bumpers. On the inside, Mercedes has included a new, horizontally elongated, 12.3-inch touchscreen unit, which adds futuristic appeal to the interiors. The new leather and wood trim option for the interior inlays and seats sides is also new. The update also adds a new fragrance and 64 ambient lighting options. Moreover, ventilated seats with a massage function and four-zone climate control continue to compliment the luxury quotient of the S-class.

As per the Supreme Court ruling, BS-VI grade fuel is expected to be retailed in the Delhi-NCR region from April this year, though it will be made available much later across the country. Being adept to meet BS-VI standards while running on BS-IV grade fuel means that the new S-class has an edge over its core rivals – the BMW 7-series and Jaguar XJ.