Does S300 exist?
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Mercedes Benz E-class, Range Rover, Mercedes Benz 220D (W115) & Royal Enfield
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2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
S300L: Excites and more
By Samuel Ee - October 28, 2006
The Business Times
COMFORT and elegance may be the traditional hallmarks of the flagship Mercedes-Benz saloon, but in Singapore nothing says you have arrived as much as an S-Class. So it is no exaggeration to say that the introduction of the 'entry-level' S300 version would probably send more than a frisson of excitement down the spines of some wealthy Singaporeans.
The new S-Class was first launched earlier this year with relatively larger S350, S500 and S600 models. But for cost, tax and other reasons, it is the three-litre version - or occasionally 2.8 litres in the past - that is usually the volume seller.
This new car will only be available here as an S300L, with the suffix denoting its long-wheelbase status - the car has an extra 120 mm for more spacious rear seat accommodation.
But other than the new three-litre V6 engine - first seen in the E280 - the S300L has exactly the same trim level as the S350L except for three features: the 300 does not have electric rear-side window blinds, remote boot closing and a reverse camera.
To reflect that and the smaller engine, it costs $289,888, or $39,000 less than the S350L. Otherwise, buyers still get the same high specifications like the smooth 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission, Comand controller with eight-inch colour display, Pre-Safe anticipatory occupant protection system, and that superb Airmatic air suspension, among others.
As a result, sitting in the driver's seat of an S300L feels very much like in an S350L, except that the performance is only adequate. The S300L is by no means sluggish, but the 231-hp engine is pulling a body which is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor. Even in standard form, the wheelbase of the new car is already 70 mm longer than the old one.
But the excellent transmission mitigates the performance deficit (the S300L has 41 hp less than the S350L) with its seven speeds shifting seamlessly and efficiently, while the new-generation S-Class's sportier steering and suspension set-up also aid in giving that impression of nimbleness. And those in the back will continue to enjoy the traditional experience of comfort, luxury and silence that an S-Class cabin always promises and delivers. Ultimately for some buyers, however, the three-pointed star on the bonnet is as important as all those qualities listed above.
And rightly so. Over the decades, the S-Class has come to represent the definitive luxury limousine and this new generation will continue to exude status and gravitas - even with the smallest engine in the range.
M
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2001 VW Jetta GLX VR6
WHAT?! Am I missing something, or is the Chinese S class a quater million? Is that due to exhange rates and tariffs?
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1993 300SEL/S320
A S600, without any of the added options that you can get for it is about 30k more than the average house here, thats why we import so many 2nd hand cars from Japan, Singapore and HK.
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