Autocar India

Mercedes Benz S500L

The best car in the world just got better.
2 min read2 Feb '10
Staff WriterStaff Writer
44K+ views

The best car in the world just got better. Indian customers can now buy the new S500, which is now assembled in India along with the S350, taking luxury to the next level. The car has a new heart and a minor facelift and is widely regarded as the best car in the world.

Now powered by a 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine that produces 369bhp, the bigger and more powerful engine compliments the character of the S Class perfectly. As expected, the presence of the motor is only given away when you rev the motor really hard, the V8 spinning with a hush that is difficult to fathom. Power delivery is very linear and the motor pulls strongly right upto 6000rpm with no sense of hesitation or strain, or harshness. This allows you to cruise effortlessly in total silence or surge forward, riding an increasing wave of power.

This injects a new dynamic element into the otherwise laid back S Class and delivers a sort of best of both worlds ability. You also get a 7 speed G-tronic automatic transmission which also features a Sports mode and is well matched to the engine both for performance and economy. Cruising at 100kph for example needs the motor to spin at just 1500rpm!

Otherwise the best car in the world is just that. Incredibly silent, refined and comfortable, it cocoons you and spoils you like none of it’s rivals can. The interiors of the car reek luxury the cabin is massively spacious and you get all the bells and whistles you expect.  Advance Parking Guidance with ultrasonic sensors, Multicolour Ambient Lighting, an LED Light Package, Climatised seats, Massage function for rear seats, Attention Assist for drowsy chauffeurs and Splitview technology that allows the driver to use the navigation while the front passenger can watch a movie. What the S500 doesn’t do is corner and drive with the enthusiasm of the BMW 7 Series. Priced at Rs 1.1 crore, you still pay a lot for the privilege of driving an S, but then you do get the best version of the best car in the world.

 
To read about the S350 Road Test click here

Toyota Landcruiser Prado 3.0

Toyota has launched the latest Landcruiser Prado in India. Priced at Rs 52.40 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the new edition of the baby Landcruiser comes with a 3.0-litre diesel engine similar to the one in the Fortuner.
4 min read13 Jan '10
Staff WriterStaff Writer

Chevrolet Beat LT

The Beat is a stunning-looking hatchback inside and out and many will buy it purely on the basis of its in-your-face styling
6 min read4 Jan '10
Staff WriterStaff Writer

VW Beetle

The Beetle is so much more than a car. It’s an icon — a cute, loveable, head-turning icon.
4 min read30 Dec '09
Staff WriterStaff Writer

Grande Mark II

Tata Motors has re-launched its slow selling Sumo Grande. In its new avatar the Sumo tag is tucked aside and the new model will simply be known as the Grande Mark II. Priced at Rs 6.45 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Grande Mark II will have 3 trim levels.
3 min read27 Dec '09
Staff WriterStaff Writer

BMW Z4

The new Z4 blends sportiness and practicality brilliantly. Is this the best roadster to hit the Indian roads?
4 min read24 Dec '09
Staff WriterStaff Writer

Poll of the month

Which powertrain type makes the most sense for you right now?

Petrol
Diesel
Hybrid
EV
CNG
Flex-fuel
4235 votes20 days remaining

Upcoming Cars

Nissan Terrano
Nissan Terrano

₹ 40.00 - 45.00 Lakhs

Toyota Land Cruiser FJ
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ

₹ 30.00 - 35.00 Lakhs

Jeep SUV
Jeep SUV

₹ 15.00 - 20.00 Lakhs

JSW Motors Chery iCar V23
JSW Motors Chery iCar V23

₹ 17.00 - 20.00 Lakhs

Tata Avinya
Tata Avinya

₹ 35.00 - 40.00 Lakhs

Mercedes-Benz Cars

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric
Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric

₹ 55.00 - 59.00 Lakhs

Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Mercedes-Benz V-Class

₹ 1.40 Cr

Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe
Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe

₹ 1.32 Cr

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

₹ 3.00 - 3.55 Cr

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric
Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric

₹ 3.10 Cr

Trending Cars

Maruti Suzuki Brezza
Maruti Suzuki Brezza

₹ 8.26 - 12.86 Lakhs

Kia Seltos
Kia Seltos

₹ 11.00 - 21.82 Lakhs

Maruti Suzuki Fronx
Maruti Suzuki Fronx

₹ 6.85 - 11.84 Lakhs

Hyundai Exter
Hyundai Exter

₹ 5.81 - 9.46 Lakhs

Latest Cars

Ferrari Amalfi Spider
Ferrari Amalfi Spider

₹ 4.60 Cr

Lexus ES Hybrid

₹ 66.10 - 71.80 Lakhs

Nissan Tekton
Nissan Tekton

₹ 10.49 - 18.59 Lakhs

Skoda Kodiaq RS
Skoda Kodiaq RS

₹ 66.99 Lakhs

Tata Sierra EV
Tata Sierra EV

₹ 18.79 - 25.99 Lakhs