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mr funny
28-10-06, 04:53
Motoring
Published October 28, 2006

New Merc S-Class drawing a younger crowd

By SAMUEL EE

AROUND the world, the most popular model of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class introduced late last year is the S500, with more than 40 per cent of customers choosing it.

But because of Singapore's registration and road taxes, it is not surprising that the S500 - with its V8 engine - takes a back seat to the 'entry-level' S-Class with the smallest engine the range offers. This time around, it is the S300L with a three-litre V6 engine and a long-wheelbase body.

Traditionally, the smallest S-Class accounts for slightly more than half of all S-Class units sold, and the new car is not expected to be any different.

What has changed, however, is the buyer profile. While previous models of the S-Class have attracted older buyers, this new car - with its sporty styling and even sportier handling - is reeling in the younger guys.

In the past, exclusive dealer Cycle & Carriage's customer was traditionally a professional or businessman, starting from the mid-40s. The older ones, those in the 50s, would buy the more expensive models, like the S500, S600 or souped-up AMG variants.

But with the new S-Class, C&C is noticing a new and younger group of buyers, in their mid and late-30s. Their numbers are larger too, making up as much as a quarter of all buyers. 'The design of the S-Class has certainly attracted a younger crowd,' said a senior manager. 'Because of that, people are relating to it differently these days. It's even in the movies.'

The new S-Class is cast in a supporting role in the film The Devil Wears Prada, in which the editor of a top fashion magazine - played by Meryl Streep - is chauffeured around in it. Now that's a high-power editor.

mr funny
28-10-06, 04:55
Motoring
Published October 28, 2006

S300L: Excites and more

Sitting in the driver's seat of an S300L is nothing short of luxurious, says SAMUEL EE.

COMFORT and elegance may be the traditional hallmarks of the flagship Mercedes-Benz saloon, but in Singapore nothing says you have arrived as much as an S-Class. So it is no exaggeration to say that the introduction of the 'entry-level' S300 version would probably send more than a frisson of excitement down the spines of some wealthy Singaporeans.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/8169/bt502167527102006ut8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Bigger body: The S300L (above and next) is by no means sluggish, but the 231-hp engine is pulling a body which is longer, wider and taller than S350L's.
http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/1103/bt502243627102006vc4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The new S-Class was first launched earlier this year with relatively larger S350, S500 and S600 models. But for cost, tax and other reasons, it is the three-litre version - or occasionally 2.8 litres in the past - that is usually the volume seller.

This new car will only be available here as an S300L, with the suffix denoting its long-wheelbase status - the car has an extra 120 mm for more spacious rear seat accommodation.

But other than the new three-litre V6 engine - first seen in the E280 - the S300L has exactly the same trim level as the S350L except for three features: the 300 does not have electric rear-side window blinds, remote boot closing and a reverse camera.

To reflect that and the smaller engine, it costs $289,888, or $39,000 less than the S350L. Otherwise, buyers still get the same high specifications like the smooth 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission, Comand controller with eight-inch colour display, Pre-Safe anticipatory occupant protection system, and that superb Airmatic air suspension, among others.

As a result, sitting in the driver's seat of an S300L feels very much like in an S350L, except that the performance is only adequate. The S300L is by no means sluggish, but the 231-hp engine is pulling a body which is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor. Even in standard form, the wheelbase of the new car is already 70 mm longer than the old one.

But the excellent transmission mitigates the performance deficit (the S300L has 41 hp less than the S350L) with its seven speeds shifting seamlessly and efficiently, while the new-generation S-Class's sportier steering and suspension set-up also aid in giving that impression of nimbleness. And those in the back will continue to enjoy the traditional experience of comfort, luxury and silence that an S-Class cabin always promises and delivers. Ultimately for some buyers, however, the three-pointed star on the bonnet is as important as all those qualities listed above.

And rightly so. Over the decades, the S-Class has come to represent the definitive luxury limousine and this new generation will continue to exude status and gravitas - even with the smallest engine in the range.

Mercedes-Benz S300L

Engine: 2,996cc V6
Gearbox: 7G-Tronic automatic transmission
Max power: 231 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque: 300 Nm @ 2,500-5,000 rpm
0-100 kmh: 8.2 secs
Top speed: 240 kmh (electronically limited)
Price: $289,888 (with COE)
Distributor: Cycle & Carriage, tel 6866-1888