Mercedes-Benz India launches S-Class Connoisseur's Edition at Rs 1.21 crore

German luxury carmaker, Mercedes-Benz has introduced a limited edition version of its flagship saloon, the S-Class in the country. 

Christened the S-Class Connoisseur's Edition, the car comes in two engine options, the S350d, priced at Rs 1.21 crore and the S400, which gets a Rs 1.32 crore tag (both prices ex-showroom, Pune).

The Connoisseur's Edition elevates the premium quotient of the car with addition of a host of creature comforts, such as an executive rear left reclining seat, which now can go an extra 6 degrees than the regular car, so as to give a relaxed back angle of up to 43.5 degrees, along with extra under thigh support. 

The executive rear left seat offers extended thigh support and seat reclination up to 43.5 degrees.  

Also on offer is the air balance perfume package from the bigger cousin, Maybach, which comes along with its cabin ionisation properties. The seats on the front get a three-stage memory function, albeit only in the diesel variant. 

Safety on this limited version sees the inclusion of Mercedes' Night View Assist Plus package, which brings in anti-dazzle infrared (IR) technology into the full-LED headlamps, aiding in illuminating larger obstacles, such as pedestrians and animals during night drives.

The system also utilises a windshield-mounted IR camera and a thermal imaging camera, placed at the front grille, both of which then display such objects in greyscale in the driver's instrument cluster. The lights also boast of a spotlight function, which makes them incessantly flash on the pedestrian or the animal to warn them and to simultaneously alert the driver about their presence ahead. 

More safety technology features a cushion airbag in the executive rear seat, which is programmed to deploy in case of a frontal crash, to prevent its occupant from sliding from beneath the seatbelt, when the seat is in a greater reclined position. 

Other features are same as the standard S-Class and include gizmos like a 24-speaker Burmeister sound setup, ventilating and massage seats and a panoramic sunroof. 

The S-Class Connoisseur's Edition comes powered by the regular 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel motor in the S350d, which develops 255bhp and 620 Nm of peak torque; the S400 gets a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol motor that produces 329bhp.

Speaking at the launch in Pune, Roland Folger, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said:  “The S-Class ‘Connoisseur’s Edition’ combines luxury, design and technology with the highest standards of perfection, surpassing the high expectations for a luxury sedan. The S-Class has always set standards that have retained its accolade as ‘the best automobile in the world’ with each generation. Now, we have upped the ante of our flagship product with a host of new innovative features. The S-Class ‘Connoisseur’s Edition’ will be locally manufactured in our world-class production facility in Chakan, Pune.”