2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350L & S500L BlueEfficiency Launched In Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched two new variants of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the RM 840,888 S350L BlueEfficiency and the RM 1,056,888 S500L BlueEfficiency with the latest BlueDirect V6 and V8 engine, respectively. Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan, the S-Class was introduced to Malaysia five years ago, before receiving a facelift in February 2010. The updated variants join the locally-assembled S-Class range that also includes the base S300L which costs RM 659,888.

The 3.5-litre V6 engine in the S-Class S350L BlueEfficiency remains naturally aspirated, but gets an all-new air-intake and exhaust system and a reduction in the V-angle between the cylinder banks from 90 degrees to 60 degrees, allowing the omission of the primary balancer shaft and bringing improved refinement. Producing 306 hp at 6500 rpm and 370 Nm between 3500–5250 rpm, the 3.5-litre V6 generates 12.5 percent more power and 5.7 percent more torque than before, while consuming 24 percent less petrol at 13.2 km/litre and emitting 23.5 percent less carbon dioxide at 179 grams/km. (Previous figures: 272 hp, 350 Nm and 10.0 km/litre.)

Thanks to the use of two turbochargers, the S-Class S500L BlueEfficiency's 4.7-litre V8 biturbo engine produces 435 hp at 5250 rpm, 12 percent more power, and 700 Nm between 1800–3500 rpm, an increase of 32 percent, over the previous 5.5-litre V8's 388 hp and 530 Nm. Drawing on an impressive 600 Nm between 1600–4750 rpm, the 0-100 km/h sprint takes a mere five seconds flat. The fuel economy at 10.8 km/litre is 16 percent better than before, while the carbon emissions are rated at 219 grams/km.

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class variants come with a range of radar-based systems, along with cameras, to improve the safety of occupants. Adaptive Highbeam Assist auto-adjusts the high beam height to prevent dazzling oncoming drivers. Night View Assist Plus uses an infrared camera to detect pedestrians ahead and highlight them on the dash display. Attention Assist estimates the attention level of the driver based on more than 70 parameters, before issuing audio and visual warnings. Other safety systems include the Brake Assist Plus, Distronic Plus, Pre-Safe Brake and Blind Spot Assist.

Inside, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class' centrally positioned dash display is equipped with the SplitView technology, which allows the driver and front passenger to view different content side-by-side simultaneously. In addition to a new remote control unit, the rear occupants get to enjoy a Rear Seat Entertainment package that boasts two eight-inch displays, two wireless headphones and a CD/DVD player. The S-Class S350L BlueEfficiency is offered with a Harman Kardon surround sound system, and the S-Class S500L BlueEfficiency with a Bang & Olufsen Beosound AMG sound system.

For visual differentiation, the S-Class S500L BlueEfficiency wears as standard an AMG Sports Package that comprises an AMG body styling kit, 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs, and AMG velour floor mats. Larger front brake discs are also installed to cope with the greater performance. Enjoy the official photo gallery of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class below!