The cost? A cool ONE MILLION ringgit.
I have to say its gorgeous in the flesh :-) ... It caught my eye as I was walking past the Mercedes "tent", but soon after I was drawn to the SLR instead!!
Mercedes.com.my
Kuala Lumpur, 18 November 2008 - Mercedes-Benz-Malaysia presents its new top-of-the-range model the first locally assembled Car with a high capacity V8 Engine: The new S 500 L.
As in the preceding series, the new S 500 L will introduce technical innovations which make the flagship Mercedes model an example for others to follow. Pioneering safety features and exemplary comfort are once again the outstanding attributes of the S 500 L. The new S 500 L also sets standards with its agile handling, while offering an even more effortless driving experience thanks to the new, more powerful V8 engine. It is replacing a model series which is the world No. 1 in the luxury class, with around 500,000 units sold.
For more than five decades, the letter "S" in the model designation of Mercedes cars has signified a special aura, intelligent technology and the highest quality. The new S 500 L not only continues this tradition, but lends a new meaning to it. A dozen technical innovations are entering series production for the first time on board the new S-Class DISTRONIC PLUS– from Brake Assist PLUS with radar sensors to dynamic multicontour seats with an extended massage function, from night view assist with the latest infra-red technology to the new COMAND system, and from anticipatory PRE-SAFE® occupant protection to the suspension system. Performance: over 26 percent more output from the new V8 engine The engines for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class are new or further developments which offer up to 26 percent more output and up to 15 percent more torque compared to the preceding series. Fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 9 percent.
The new 5.5-litre eight-cylinder generates 285 kW/388 hp and is among the most powerful engines in its displacement class. Maximum torque is also significantly improved compared with the previous V8 engine; it has increased to 530 Newton metres, and is available within a wide engine speed range between 2800 and 4800 rpm. As a result the eight-cylinder powerplant offers driving pleasure more typical of a sports car. The new S 500 L accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Despite the 26 percent increase in output, the NEDC (combined) fuel consumption of 11.8 to 12.0 litres per 100 kilometres. Suspension: AIRMATIC for even greater comfort with agile handling The running gear with its standard, improved air suspension system AIRMATIC likewise makes a major contribution to the high level of ride comfort in the new S 500 L.
Mercedes-Benz combines this with the Adaptive Damping System (ADS), which continuously regulates the shock absorber characteristics and takes the road conditions, driving style and vehicle load into account. The system adapts the damping forces for each individual wheel to the current situation within just 50 milliseconds.
Motortrader.com.my
25 years ago, Mercedes-Benz began assembly of the S-Class (the W126) for the first time in Malaysia and at RM123,282 without insurance, the 380SE was the most expensive locally-assembled (CKD in industry-speak) model in Malaysia. Besides the 380SE, the 280SE was the only other CKD model priced over RM100,000 while the next closest was the BMW 520i at RM65,500. Yes, those really were the prices in the early 1980s…
The W126 380SE was the first S-Class to be assembled in Malaysia 25 years ago. Its price then - RM123,282
From what I can recall, when the 380SE was launched by C&C Bintang and the price announced, there did not seem to be any gasp of surprise (or maybe I just don’t remember it after a quarter of a century!) but yesterday, when Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) introduced the new CKD S500L to the media and said it costs almost RM1 million – RM998,888 without insurance, to be exact – it was a bit amazing that a locally-assembled model could cost so much. For those who can afford such a model, it’s 'value for money’, according to Florian Mueller, Vice-President for Sales & Marketing (Passenger Cars) at MBM, because an equivalent unit imported completely built-up (CBU) from Germany would cost about RM400,000 more. That’s because of the 20% difference between import duties for CKD and CBU cars over 3000 cc, which is why it is advantageous for companies to assemble locally if it makes sense, ie there is sufficient volume to justify the investment.
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