Mercedes S-Class’ two new siblings
Upping the ante and taking on the competition in the super-luxury saloon market Mercedes-Benz India has introduced two new additional variants to the S-Class.
Joining the S 500 L, launched at last month’s Auto Expo, is the new S 350 L and the S 350 CDI L BlueEFFICIENCY.
The new 2010 S-Class long wheelbase variants already offers features designed to provide high levels of comfort and safety to its occupants. Features like Advance Parking Guidance with ultrasonic sensors, Multicolour Ambient Lighting, LED Light Package, Climatised seats, Massage function for rear seats, ATTENTION ASSIST, etc., are all part of standard fitment. As an exclusive world first for the 2010 S-Class, SPLITVIEW technology is being offered. With two views on a single screen, both the driver and the front passenger can view different functions simultaneously on the screen. A wireless headphone with remote ensures that the co-passenger does not interfere with the driver’s focus while on the road.
The new 350 L and 350 CDI L BlueEFFICIENCY variants come fitted with a 3,498cc petrol and a 2,987cc diesel engines respectively. The 350 L’s engine packs in 272 bhp of peak power at 6,300 rpm and a peak torque of 345 Nm at 4,500 rpm. Acceleration from standstill to 100 kmph takes 7.3 seconds. Weighing over two tonne the 350 CDI L BlueEFFICIENCY’s diesel engine does the same 0 to 100 kmph run in 7.8 seconds. The diesel also packs in 210 bhp of peak power and 490 Nm of peak torque available from as low as 1,600 rpm. Both the engines are paired with Mercedes’ 7G-TRONIC transmission.
The highly customisable interiors of the new S-Class also gets great attention into the rear seat comfort and entertainment package for the rear-passengers, a key focus with most Indian buyers being seated there. New introductions include redesigned rear entertainment screens with remote control and two wireless headphones as well as a standard massage function for the rear passenger.
The new S 350 L is priced at Rs. 82 lakh, while the new S 350 CDI L BlueEFFICIENCY is being offered at Rs. 80.50 lakh (both ex-showroom, Delhi).

Honda Siel recalls 2nd-gen City
In keeping with Honda’s worldwide recall, Honda Siel Cars India has announced that it would call back 8,532 units of the 2nd Generation City, manufactured in 2007, for a preventive part replacement of Power Window Switch.
A company release says that HSCI is proactively replacing the part in these vehicles related to the potential problem of smoke coming out from the Power Window Switch, if water enters the driver window when the window is left open during heavy rain or is exposed to any other liquid due to accidental spillage.
Honda has said that the replacement would be carried out free of cost and the company will communicate directly with the owners of the cars which are covered under this part replacement.
HSCI is carrying out the part replacement as part of a global exercise by Honda Motor Company to ensure stringent quality standards for its products.
Honda has clarified that the third Generation City, currently sold in India, is not affected and does not require any part replacement. HSCI has further clarified that the global recall does not impact the Honda Jazz sold in India. The recall announced by Honda applies to the 1st Generation Jazz and does not apply to the 2nd Generation Honda Jazz, which has been sold in India since June 2009.