Mercedes begins making new S-class 350 CDI in Pune plant

Mercedes-Benz India has commenced local production of the new S-class 350 CDI at its Chakan plant near Pune. The S 500 petrol version is already assembled locally. 

Speaking at the car’s rollout today, Eberhard Kern, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said: “The new S-class has emulated its global success in India as well and has been a phenomenal success. We are delighted to manufacture the new S350 CDI at our state-of-the-art production facility in Chakan and offer the much-awaited diesel option. The team working on the production of the new S350 CDI comprises the most experienced colleagues at Mercedes-Benz India and they are extremely proud of their accomplishment in producing the S-class over the years. Mercedes-Benz India for the first time is commencing the body manufacturing for the new S-class and this is an important step towards local value addition for the new S-class.”

Priced at Rs 1.07 crore (ex-showroom, Mumbai), the S350 CDI is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine that develops 255bhp and 63.22kgm of torque and goes from zero to 100kph in a claimed 6.8 seconds. Deliveries for the new S350 CDI are slated for by end-June or early July.

And, in an eco-friendly initiative on World Environment Day, Mercedes-Benz India has installed a 100 kW rooftop solar power plant. This installation is spread across 12,000 square metres and will help in saving approximately 150,000 kilowatts hours annually.

Photograph: Eberhard Kern, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, along with Piyush Arora, senior VP (Operations), Mercedes-Benz India, with the new S350 CDI.