Mercedes-Benz S-class S 350 CDI L review, road test

    The all-important diesel variant of Mercedes’ incredible flagship.

    Published on Oct 11, 2014 01:30:00 PM

    1,20,127 Views

    On to the biggest change – the engine. It’s the same 2,987cc turbocharged diesel V6 you’ll find in the ML 350 CDI and GL 350 CDI, and it’s also paired to the same seven-speed 7G-Tronic torque-converter automatic gearbox.

    The power output of 255bhp is pretty much par for the course amongst the current crop of luxury 3.0-litre V6 diesels, although the 63.22kgm torque figure is class best, if only just. Incidentally, that’s also 45bhp and 13.3kgm more than the old S 350 CDI. How does it feel on the road? In a word – serene. Apart from a brief thrum on start-up and the slightest suggestion of a purr should you approach the somewhat modest 4,200rpm redline, the level of refinement is almost eerie. This just doesn’t sound like a diesel engine.

    Updated 3.0 V6 diesel makes 45bhp and 13.3kgm more than in the old S.

    Set off, and you don’t get any sort of maniacal shove, there’s no judder from the gearbox and there’s certainly no hint of anything as bourgeois as turbo lag. There are just two settings for the engine and gearbox – Eco and Sport; the former also gets paired with engine stop-start by default, which can then be turned off independently. We found, however, that for most cases, Sport is the better choice, even if it’s the chauffeur at the wheel. The responses are better and the gearshifts, though quicker, aren’t any more jolting or apparent in the cabin. Eco works well if you want to save fuel, sure, but when setting off from a standstill, there’s an annoying trough in the power delivery that can create a mild lurch, which is not something you want interrupting your business nap in the back seat. Overall, however, power delivery comes via a superbly linear and creamy-smooth surge that just builds and builds all the way to the redline.

    Copyright (c) Autocar India. All rights reserved.

    Comments
    ×
    img

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

    Ask Autocar Anything about Car and Bike Buying and Maintenance Advices
    Need an expert opinion on your car and bike related queries?
    Ask Now
    Search By Car Price
    Poll of the month

    The Creta will be the third Hyundai N-Line model in India. Should more mass-market brands have sporty sub-brands?

    Yes, it's something special for enthusiasts

     

    18.29%

    Yes, but only if there is increased performance

     

    44.38%

    No, it's just a gimmick to increase the price

     

    29.40%

    It doesn't always work; just look at Tata JTP

     

    7.94%

    Total Votes : 1575
    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe