For those who ask more from the very best, an all-new Mercedes Benz S-Class ‘Connoisseur’s Edition’ has been launched in India. The German brand’s fourth launch in the country this year after the LWB E-Class, Mercedes seems to have diverted all its focus towards its chauffeur driven customers. An already tech laden car, this ‘Connoisseur’s Edition’ stands out by offering the following new features.
Night View Assist Plus (for the first time in S-Class in India)
The system enables drivers to detect pedestrians or larger animals sooner in the dark. They are clearly highlighted in the cockpit display. To do this, the system illuminates the road ahead with two anti-dazzle infrared lamps. With the help of an infrared camera located behind the windscreen, the entire area within high-beam headlamp range is shown as a crystal-clear greyscale image. A thermal imaging camera in the radiator grille is able to give a precise warning by distinguishing between irrelevant objects such as traffic sign combinations or bushes and relevant objects such as pedestrians or large animals. The spotlight function enables endangered pedestrians to be flashed at several times, so that the driver registers them even more quickly and the former recognizes the danger. As standard, the night view image only appears automatically when a hazardous situation is recognized.
Executive rear seat behind the front passenger, with thigh support
With the Executive seat including the extended thigh support, the rear passenger on the front passenger side is able to enjoy even long journeys in complete relaxation. The seat can be brought into a comfortable reclined position of up to 43.5 degrees at the touch of a button. This, in combination with the chauffer package provides an electrically extending footrest and creates the perfect reclined position for a comfortable refreshing sleep. A cushion bag improves occupant protection when the seat backrest is heavily reclined. In the event of a frontal collision, the cushion bag deploys under the seat cushion and prevents the occupant from sliding beneath the seat belt.
AIR-BALANCE package including ionization, improved air filtering and fragrance
The vehicle interior can be fragranced to suit personal preference with the AIR-BALANCE package. In addition, the air quality can be improved by ionization and optimized filtering of the incoming and recirculating air. There is a choice of six high-quality interior fragrances according to personal preference. The fragrance can be easily changed by exchanging the fragrance flasks used in the generator in the glove compartment. The intensity and duration of the fragrance are adjustable. Oxygen ionisation of the interior air is a further function of the AIR-BALANCE package. Enriching the air with negatively charged oxygen ions has a refreshing effect.
Other key highlights of the Mercedes Benz S-Class include, a 13-speaker Burmester Surround Sound System on the S 350 d and a 24-speaker system on the S 400. A hot stone massage system for the rear seat with six different programs, 8 airbags, Electronic Stability Program(ESP), PRE-SAFE, Dynamic cornering control system, Adaptive Brake with HOLD Function, Brake Assist, ASR Hill Start Assist, 360 Degree Surround View Camera and an Active Park Assist.
The Mercedes Benz S 350 d ‘Connoisseur’s Edition’ is priced at INR 1.21 crores and S 400 ‘Connoisseur’s Edition’ is priced at INR 1.32 crores (ex-showroom, Pune)
| Engine and performance | S 400 | S 350 d |
| Arrangement/number of cylinders | V/6 | V/6 |
| Total Displacement (cc) | 2996 | 2987 |
| Rated Output (kW (bhp) @ rpm) | 245 (333) @ 5250 – 6000 | 190 (258) @ 3600 |
| Rated Torque (Nm @ rpm) | 480 @ 1600 – 4000 | 620 @ 1600-2400 |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h, sec) | 6.1 | 6.8 |
| Top speed (km/h) | 250 | 250 |