Q.Mercedes-Benz adds S400 to S-Class lineup

Mercedes-Benz has finally confirmed it has discontinued the S500 variant. However, customers who still want a V8 under the hood can opt for the Maybach S500 variant that costs an additional Rs 10-15 lakh over the current car.

There are rumours now, after the launch of the S400, that the S500 with the V8 petrol engine is likely to be discontinued soon. Considering the fact that the S400 costs Rs25-30 lakh lesser and has a lower cost of running than the S500, these rumours can’t be dismissed so easily. There has been no official confirmation from Mercedes-Benz India so far but the Merc website only displays the S350d and S400 variants.

We all know that the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the benchmark for luxury. To make things more complicated for other manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz India has added another variant to the ever-growing list of variants for the S-Class with the launch of the S400. This variant was launched in Hyderabad today at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.31 crore. [CENTER][IMG]http://www.zigcdn.com/media/content/2016/Mar/mercedes-benz-s-class-s400-hybrid-india-photo-image-zigwheels-m1_720x540.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] The S400 will sit below the flagship S500 variant. Unlike the S500 with its gargantuan 4,663cc V8 petrol motor capable of making 460PS of power and 700Nm of peak torque, the S400 has a smaller 3-litre V6 petrol that makes 329PS and 480Nm of torque. The numbers may seem too small next to the S500, but expect this motor to deliver good performance and fuel efficiency too. The S400, like its bigger sibling, will also come with a 7-speed automatic gearbox. In terms of looks, the only thing that differentiates the S400 from the S500 and S350CDI is the badge at the rear. This is the third model that Mercedes-Benz India has launched in our country this year after the after the GLE450AMG and Mercedes-Maybach S600 Guard. This onslaught of new models can be seen as a show of strength from the German manufacturer after regaining the number one spot in the luxury car market last year.