India-spec Mercedes S 350d facelift unveiled with new BS-VI engine
19th Jan 2018 4:28 pm
New 3.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder engine is much cleaner than the 258hp, 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine; power increased by 28hp though torque is down by 20Nm.
Mercedes has showcased its new S-class facelift in India, the highlight of which is the German brand’s new in-line, six-cylinder diesel engine that meets the upcoming Bharat Stage-VI emission norms, certified by ARAI, making this the first made-in-India car to do so. Mercedes claims that the new engine produces 68 percent less nitrous oxides, 82 percent less particulate matter and betters fuel efficiency by 6 percent than the outgoing V6 motor. The Indian government is expected to roll out BS-VI fuel across the country by April 2020, however, until then Mercedes states that the car can run on the BS-IV fuel currently available in the country.
The previous S 350d was powered by a 3.0-lite V6 diesel motor that produced 258hp and 620Nm of peak torque and was mated to a seven-speed automatic. However, the facelift has been endowed with a new 3.0-litre, in-line diesel mill (codenamed OM 656) that is tuned to produce 286hp and 600Nm of peak torque. While torque is 20Nm down on the previous engine, power is up by about 28hp.
In terms of design, the S-class facelift gets new headlamps, tail-lamps and redesigned front and rear bumpers. On the inside, Mercedes’ refreshed flagship sedan gets tweaks to the cabin including a new 12.3-inch high-definition screen, wood and leather options for interior trim and seats, and a new seat-fragrance function along with ventilated seats.
An expected, launch date for the S 350d facelift is said to be sometime after the Auto Expo 2018. The German luxury carmaker has also confirmed that it will introduce a BS-VI-compliant S 560 powered by a new petrol engine, later in 2018. Mercedes is expected to introduce the refreshed Mercedes-Maybach S 650 at the Auto Expo, and showcase the E-class All-Terrain, its EQ electric SUV concept and a bevy of AMG-badged models.
Also see:
Auto Expo 2018 preview: Cars and SUVs
Auto Expo 2018 preview: Scooters and bikes
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-class facelift review, test drive
BS-VI fuels to be sold in Delhi from April 1, 2018