Mercedes-Benz, the German automaker has reached a historic figure of one lakh sales with its flagship S-class sedan. This is the first time ever that the manufacturer has managed to rack up this magical figure in less than a year’s time. The latest S-Class, the W222, which was designed during 2009 by Hun Yoon II and Robert Lesnik, carry forward the design cues first seen in CLA-Class. The newest marque made its debut on 15 May 2013 at Sindelfingen, Germany and consequently going into production from the following month.
Ola Kallenius, member of Divisional Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for Marketing and sales, stated that the sales figure of one lakh S-Class in just one year is the ultimate proof of how the combination of high-class quality, exemplary efficiency and a host of innovative assistance and safety system delights the customers and meets their highest demand. Additionally, he explained the way Mercedes have extended the range of luxury cars at the end of September by including two fascinating and promising models namely the S-Class coupe and the S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID.
Coming to the figures, the manufacturer has managed to sell 75,391 S-Class models since the year started. Astonishingly, this number is two times more than previous years number and hence contributing to 105.8 percent of growth rate that the company clocked. Eventually, there are more S-Class being delivered in nine months than in the full year of 2012 or 2013. Considering the month of September, Mercedes Benz delivered 9,501 units, with a whooping growth of 139.3 percent that have boosted to a great extent taking the last year into account.
Therefore, the newest models is the largest selling in the S-Class family ever and hence making a benchmark of its own. Technologically, Mercedes's Airmatic Active Body Control now dubbed as Magic Body Control is the centre of attraction in this luxury saloon. The system is fitted with a road sensing radar that prepares the magnetorheological (fuel) suspension for the oncoming alterations of road surface. Precisely, it scans 15 meter ahead of the vehicle and sends the data to a processor that guide the suspension at each wheel to adjust accordingly.
Furthermore, the car is assisted by a host of safety features. This car improves the PRE-SAFE collision avoidance system that the marque has been using in the past. The system uses the same radar and a stereo camera to keep a check on the coming traffic and pedestrian as well. It can employ autonomous braking if required and works up to the speed of 50kmph. Adding to this, if the car is stationary and it senses any impending collision, it automatically releases its brake to reduce whiplash effect. Moreover, the PRE-SAFE use Pyrotechnics to pull the passengers tightly in their seat when facing collision. W222 incorporates two new airbags fitted in the seat belts of rear passengers that helps lower seatbelt pressure on the ribcage in case of crash.
The lighting in the car is also state of the art with LED's incorporated both inside and outside. The headlight is composed of around 56 distinct LEDs on each side while the taillight cluster is distinctively crafted consisting of unique LED light pattern. S Class also incorporates approximately 300 LEDs lighting the interior, the best ambient lighting a car can get. The car can also steer on its own in city traffic with the steering assist.
Looking into the choices one may pick from standard, long wheelbase and coupe S-Class. And sooner one will be able to choose from extra long wheelbase receiving the 'Maybach', a six-seater S-Class christened as Pullman and also a Cabriolet.
Taking into the account the widespread acceptance of S-Class, China is leading the list as one out of every two S Class are sold in the country, followed by U.S, the next biggest buyer of this car accounting for a quarter of its sale.
