Designed with comfort in mind, sedans are known for their spacious cabins and class leading luxury. Despite being well-suited for long-distance journeys, this segment of the market has seen a massive decline in popularity in the budget/mass market category. Nevertheless, they are still dominant in the luxury class and the German automaker Mercedes-Benz has one of the most extensive sedan portfolios in the Indian market. Here’s a look: –
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine
The entry-level sedan in the lineup, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine, comes in a sole A 200 variant that costs Rs 45.80 lakh (ex-showroom). It received a facelift update in May 2023.
Engine Specifications: Powering this entry-level German Limousine is a 1.3-litre,
turbocharged petrol engine that makes 163PS of maximum power and 270Nm of peak torque. It is offered with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) that enables the sedan to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 8.3 seconds before attaining a top speed of 230 km/h.
Top Features: 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class comes equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, an all-LED lighting system, dual 10.25-inch screens for the MBUX infotainment and driver’s display, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, powered front seats, hands-free boot access, and panoramic sunroof.
For safety, the sedan gets seven airbags, an active brake assist, electronic stability control, a tyre pressure monitor, and a rear parking camera.
Competitors: In the Indian market, the all-new A-Class Limousine goes up against the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and the Audi A3.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Limousine
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a 5-seater mid-size luxury sedan that received its fifth-generation upgrade in India in May 2022. The 2023 C-Class is priced between Rs 60 lakh to Rs 66 lakh (ex-showroom). There is three variant and two powertrain options on offer.
Variant and Price: As mentioned above, Mercedes Benz offers the highly-popular C-Class in three variants: C 200, C 220d and C 300d, priced at Rs 60 lakh, Rs 61 lakh and Rs 66 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively.
Engine Specifications: The 2023 Mercedes C-Class Limousine offers the choice of both petrol and diesel engines.
The diesel motor is a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder unit that comes in two states of tune: 200PS/440Nm (C 220d) and 265PS/550Nm (C 300d). The latter is good enough for completing the century sprint in merely 5.7 seconds before attaining a top speed of 250 km/h. On the other hand, the C 220d takes 7.3 seconds for the 100 km/h sprint and has a top speed of 245 km/h.
The petrol mill is a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged unit with a peak output of 204PS and 300Nm. When it comes to performance, it’s on par with the C 220d diesel. It offers a top speed of 246 km/h.
All the powertrains get a 9G-TRONIC torque converter automatic transmission and a 48V mild-hybrid system.
Top Features: The new C-Class boasts high-performance digital LED headlamps with 1.3 million pixels per unit, a panoramic sunroof, electric sunblinds, a 12.3-inch free-standing MBUX touchscreen infotainment, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, connected car tech, premium Burmester 3D surround sound system with sound personalisation, 11.9-inch digital driver’s display, powered front seats with memory function, wireless charging, multiple driving modes, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control and much more.
Passenger safety is assured by multiple airbags, ESP, traction control, Active Park Assist with PARKTRONIC, Active Brake Assist, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Competitors: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Limousine locks horns with the BMW 3 Series, Volvo S60, Audi A4 and Jaguar XE.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB
Mercedes-Benz launched the facelifted E-Class 5-seater luxury mid-size sedan in India in March 2021. Its Indian-spec version is based on its long-wheelbase (LWB) iteration, which is 205mm longer than its standard model.
Variant and Price: The E-Class LWB is offered in three variants: E 200, E 200d and E 350d, with prices ranging between Rs 75 lakh and Rs 88 lakh (ex-showroom).
Engine Specifications: This German saloon is offered with three engine options: one petrol and two diesels.
To start with, the E 200 trim gets a 2-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that makes 197PS and 320Nm. On the contrary, the E 200d trim gets a 2-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel mill that belts out 194PS and 400Nm. These engine options take around 7.6 seconds to pull the vehicle from a standstill to 100 km/h speed. They have a top speed of 240 km/h.
The E 350d oil burner variant offers a 3-litre, six-in-line unit that produces 286PS of maximum grunt and 600Nm of whopping torque output, enabling the sedan to hit the 100 km/h mark in just 6.1 seconds.
All three engines drive the rear wheels of the car via a 9G-TRONIC torque converter automatic transmission.
Top Features: The E-Class comes with three-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, dual connected displays comprising a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car tech, reclining rear seats, cruise control, 64-colour ambient lighting, wireless smartphone chargers, and powered front seats. It also benefits from air suspension that can raise its height by 55m.
Safety is taken care of by seven airbags, active brake assist, radar-based driver assistance system, attention assist, electronic stability control, parking sensors with 360-degree camera, Active parking assistant with PARKTRONIC, and tyre pressure monitoring.
Competitors: The E-Class LWB faces competition from the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF and Volvo S90.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Limousine Long
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Limousine Long flagship sedan is the true epitome of luxury. Currently, it is in its 7th-generation iteration and being locally assembled to cater to Indian buyers. Recently, the carmaker unveiled its plug-in hybrid AMG powertrain in the global market.
Variant and Price: S-Class comes in two variants: S350d and S450 4MATIC, which retailed between Rs 1.71-2.17 crore (ex-showroom).
Engine Specifications: Powered by a choice of in-line 6-cylinder, turbocharged 3-litre petrol and diesel engines, the S-Class S350d makes out 286PS and 600Nm, while the S450 4MATIC yields maximum power output of 367PS and 500Nm. Both machines come mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox; however, the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is limited to the S450 variant. The S350d only comes with a rear-wheel-drivetrain. The gasoline mill also benefits from a mild-hybrid system.
Top Features: This opulent limousine elevates the level of technological features to the next level. It is kitted with the brand’s signature connected display setup comprising a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and a 12.8-inch portrait-oriented OLED infotainment system, running on Mercedes’s latest MBUX software. It also supports facial, voice and fingerprint recognition.
To enhance your travelling experience further, it also features a chauffeur package, which allows rear seats to recline and bring up the leg rest. It also allows passengers to move the co-driver seat forward to create more space to stretch their legs.
It also gets twin entertainment screens for the lounge-like twin rear seats. Rear passengers are also served with features like massaging function, neck warmer, ventilated & heated seats, and separate climate control zones. One can control these amenities via a 7-inch tablet in the centre console.
The other notable features of the S-Class include 19-inch light alloy wheels, powered front seats with memory & ventilation function, four-zone climate control, two wireless chargers, 64-colour ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof.
Safety is handled by ten airbags including a rear centre airbag, active parking assistance, parking sensors with 360-degree camera, pedestrian protection, lane-keep assist, and tyre pressure monitoring system.
Competitors: In the Indian market, the flagship Mercedes-Benz S-Class goes head-to-head against the likes of the Audi A8L and BMW 7 Series.
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Limousine
Launched in March 2022, the ultra-luxurious Mercedes Maybach S-Class Limousine is one of India’s most sought-after sedans. It is well known for its astonishing craftsmanship and extraordinary performance capabilities. At present, it is being locally assembled in India.
Variant and Price: Available in S 580 4MATIC and S 680 4Matic variants, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Limousine ranges between Rs 2.5 crore to Rs 3.2 crore (ex-showroom).
Engine Specifications: Propulsion duties on the Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4MATIC variant are handled by a 503PS/700Nm 4-litre, V8 petrol engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. It comes with a 9-speed TRONIC automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, letting the 5,469mm long saloon complete the 100 km/h sprint in just 4.8 seconds.
The range-topping S 680 variant of the Maybach S-Class gets a V12 6-litre engine (612PS/900Nm), mated to a 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drivetrain and a 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission. It has a top speed of 250 km/h and can run 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.
Top Features: The magnificent cabin of the Maybach S-Class features hi-tech materials and fine craftsmanship. It gets as many as five displays inside the cabin, including a 12.3-inch 3D digital driver cluster, a 12.8-inch infotainment, two 11.6-inch rear entertainment displays, and a 7-inch Android tablet on the rear armrest, all featuring OLED and Mercedes’s latest MBUX software.
Further enhancing comfort for the rear occupants are the automatically adjustable headrests, automatically closing doors and the optional chauffeur package that further comprises independently adjustable seat surface & backrest, electrically reclinable rear seats, and powered control sunroof & rear blinds with hand gestures.
The Maybach S-Class also features active noise compensation for a quieter cabin experience and AIRMATIC adaptive air suspension for utmost cabin comfort in every situation.
The other praiseworthy features of the Maybach S-Class Limousine comprise an augmented reality heads-up display (HUD), climatised front seats, steering wheel heating, heated armrests, Warmth Comfort package, 253-LED, 64-colour adaptive ambient lighting, 30-speakers Burmester 4D sound system, champagne goblets in the stowage compartment, memory package, wireless chargers and more.
Its safety kit comprises 13 airbags, including belt bags for rear passengers, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic alert and Urban Guard Protection. The latter is an anti-theft alarm system, along with a tow-away protection system. There’s also the Car-to-X tech, a cloud-based social network of cars, which alerts all connected Mercedes vehicles of hazards in the nearby area.
Competitors: Currently, it has no direct rival in the Indian market.
Mercedes-Benz EQS
Launched in September last year, the Mercedes-Benz EQS is the brand’s flagship electric sedan in the country.
Variant and Price: The electrified EQS flagship is offered in two variants: EQS 580
4MATIC and AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+, priced at Rs 1.59 crore and Rs 2.45 crore (ex-showroom).
Engine Specifications: Powering the Mercedes-Benz EQS is a 107.8 kWh battery pack linked with two PSM motors (one at each axle), delivering a combined output of 523PS/ 855Nm in the EQS 580 variant and up to 761PS/1020Nm in performance-oriented AMG trim. The latter has a top speed of 250 km/h and can do the 0-100 km/h run in just 3.4 seconds.
Mercedes claims an ARAI MIDC range is 857 km from the EQS 580, while the AMG EQS 53 offers a certified range between 526-580 km on a single charge.
When it comes to charging, both variants support ultra-fast DC charging of up to 200kW that can juice it up the battery pack up to 80 per cent in less than 32 minutes.
Top Features: The elecric sedan boasts a host of hi-tech equipment and premium interior bits such as Nappa leather upholstery, black DINAMICA microfibre rooflining, limewood adornment, heat & noise-insulating laminated glasses and a 56-inch MBUX Hyperscreen with a 12.3-inch driver’s display, 17.7-inch OLED infotainment, and a 12.3-inch display for the front passenger. Additionally, it also features MBUX augmented reality navigation system, climatized seatsa, 15-speaker 710W Burmester sound system, 64-colors active ambient lighting, multi-zone climate control, powered seats with massage function, two rear entertainment screens, AMG Ride Control+ system with rear-axle steering, and 5 AMG Dynamic Select driving modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual
Passenger safety is taken care of by 9 airbags, adaptive high-beam assist, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, lane keep assist, active distance assist, attention assist, parking package with 360-degree camera and much more.
Competitors: The Mercedes-Benz EQS electric sedan goes up against the Audi RS e-tron GT.
