Mercedes-Benz today 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-Benz 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-Benz states that the car can run on BS-IV fuel currently available in the country.

The previous S350d was powered by a 3.0-litre V6 diesel motor that produced 258hp and 620Nm of peak torque and was equipped to a seven-speed automatic. However, the facelift now gets a new 3.0-litre, in-line diesel engine 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 touchscreen, wood and leather options for interior trim and seats, and a new seat-fragrance function along with ventilated seats.

The launch date for the S350d 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 S560 powered by a new petrol engine, later in 2018. The German carmaker 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.

Mercedes-Benz, which is a market leader in India among the luxury carmakers, also says it has the highest presence in its segment with 93 outlets across 45 cities. 

Speaking at the unveil today in Mumbai, Rashmi Urdhwareshe, director, ARAI, said: "ARAI has always been committed to the need of the industry. When the government announced its intent to leapfrog to BS VI standards, we worked on three dimensions - facilities, scaling up and establishing neew testing protocols. This has paved the path for today's success story. We believe for automobile industry being technology neutral will harness results."

Abhay Damle, joint secretary, Ministry of Road Transports and Highways (MoRTH), congratulated the luxury carmaker on rolling out the first 'Made in India' BS VI vehicle and urged the company to explore the possibility of helping other carmakers for BS VI tech.

Nitin Gadkari, minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, said: "When we were discussing the new emission norms, many OEMs objected for leapfrogging to BS VI norms and tried to convince me that it was not possible. I told them we would not back down on the decision and told them the industry will need to adhere to the new norms - 'Do or Die'. Mercedes-Benz India has set an example that it can be achieved."

Gadkari added that he would like to see vehicles running on alternative clean fuels like ethanol, methanol, bio-fuels and electric. 

He announced that in a meeting held yesterday, the GST Council has reduced taxes on vehicles running on ethanol fuel from 48 percent to 18 percent and the taxes on ethanol (bio-fuel) has come down to 12 percent from current 18 percent. He said he wished to see more of ethanol and electric bikes for which his government would give full support.

Speaking on public transport, he said, "One of the major focus areas for our ministry is to make public transport much more efficient and be powered by cleaner fuels (electric, bio-fuel)."