2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift Arrives In Malaysia

The facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been launched in Malaysia. Like before, three locally-assembled, long-wheelbase variants are available—the S300L sells for RM 649,888, the S350L sells for RM 835,888, and the S500L can be yours for an exact RM 1 million.

The seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission remains standard across the range, while the 231-bhp, 300-Nm 3.0-litre V6; 272-bhp, 350-Nm 3.5-litre V6; and 388-bhp, 530-Nm 5.5-litre V8 are all unchanged in output, although Mercedes-Benz claims a seven percent improved fuel economy for all three engines.

The exterior receives a more angular grille, slightly redesigned front and rear bumpers, one chrome strip on the front bumper and another at the rear below the three-pointed star badge, and LED lights—on the front bumper, in the headlights and among the taillights.

The interior now features more wood and chrome strips. The LCD screen is one inch larger at eight inches and provides better contrast ratio than before. There is also a choice of three hues—Solar, Neutral and Polar—of ambient lighting.

The lengthy list of high-tech equipments now includes the Distronic Plus proximity control, Adaptive Highbeam Assist (which auto dips the high beam on detection of oncoming car), Attention Assist (which monitors and analyses the driver's behaviour for weariness), Night View Assist Plus with pedestrian recognition, Blind Spot Assist, and Pre-Safe Brake (which automatically brakes the car in the absence of driver response). The highlight would be the Splitview, as it allows the front passenger and driver to view different content on a single dashboard-mounted LCD screen.