New 2018 Mercedes-Benz S450L CKD In Malaysia, From RM699,888

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the new Mercedes-Benz S450L (V222) sedan, in a launch event that also introduced the S63 coupe, the S560 cabriolet and the Mercedes-Maybach S560 models.

The mild hybrid system found in S400h has been discontinued and its direct replacement, the S560e plug-in hybrid is not widely available yet in the global market.  

This is the second hybrid model in Mercedes-Benz Malaysia line-up that sees a discontinuation. Earlier last month, the company discontinued sales of the Mercedes-Benz E350e plug-in hybrid and replaced it with the E300. 

That being said, the price for the locally-assembled new Mercedes-Benz S450L (V222) is RM 699,888, sans insurance and subject to change upon implementation of SST. 

What’s New

Up front, the S450L gets a new radiator grille with three twin louvres. The new MultiBeam LED head lamps now feature a triple ‘torch light’ pattern daytime running light.

The AMG Line equips the S450L with more sporty looking front and rear bumpers. The side skirts are also more pronounced and the chrome strip at the bottom of the doors are removed. AMG 10-spoke wheels measuring 20-inch finished in titanium grey replace the standard design. 

The tail lamps have also been updated, with a crystal-look and play a simple light show when the vehicle is unlocked and locked. Complementing the new tail lamps is a reshaped AMG Line bumper that sports a chrome trim that connects both exhaust finishers on a gloss black surface.

At the driver’s seat, the very fortunate chauffeur now steers the S450L with a Nappa leather-wrapped three-spoke AMG steering wheel with Touch Control, as opposed to the futuristic-looking two-spoke design found in the predecessor. 

The front half of the S450L interior continues to be characterized by the widescreen cockpit that blends two 12.3-inch high-resolution displays. The border between the two screens is now closer, portraying an even higher quality finish. 

Mercedes-Benz’ latest MBUX interface is not available in the S450L, as the development for this facelift was done long before the introduction of the A-Class which premieres the MBUX. Nevertheless, the new S450L comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Occupants can also charge their compatible smartphones via the new wireless chargers located both at the front and the rear seats.

Customers can add a touch of exclusivity with the 'designo' Diamond White Bright paint option for an extra RM6,000. 

Chassis, Engine and Transmission

Reflecting the new model name is a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine (M276) paired with the company’s latest 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission. Outputs are 367 hp peaking at 5,500 rpm to 6,000 rpm and 500 Nm of torque available from a range of 1,800 rpm to 4,000 rpm, sharing horsepower figures with the AMG 43-series engine, but 20 Nm lower in torque.

In the S450L, the automatic transmission only channels power to the rear wheels.  

This combination sets a time of 5.4 seconds for the benchmark rest to 100 km/h acceleration performance, which is a whopping 1.4 seconds quicker than the old S400h.

Compared to the old S400h, this new powertrain that delivers much higher performance is also naturally thirstier, registering 8.4 litres per 100 km versus the 6.3 litres in the combined cycle.   

Interesting note, with the engine capacity of just 500 cc less, the annual road tax in the 3.0-litre S450L is RM2,120 (private registration), more than 50 per cent lower than the S400h that required owners to pay RM4,371 per year. A welcomed reduction!

Airmatic air suspension continues to provide high-quality ride comfort over the worst road conditions. 

Standard Equipment and Features

Being a flagship long wheelbase limousine, we only have sufficient space to feature the equipment and kit that are truly outstanding in the segment:

• AMG Line Exterior and Interior features
• AMG 20-inch 10-spoke wheels with staggered tyres (front 245/40R20, rear 275/35R20)
• Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control
• Power closing doors
• Heat and noise insulating laminated glass all-around
• Multi-zone premium ambient lighting (64 colours and 10 colour schemes)
• Air Balance package (ionization and fragrance)
• Multi-way adjusting rear outer seats with massage function
• Air-conditioned front and rear seats
• Burmester surround sound system with 13 speakers and a total output of 590 watts
• Rear seat entertainment (dual 10.2-inch screens with wireless headphones)

The S450L has a new powertrain but the features in the advanced driver assistance systems have been reduced compared to the outgoing S400h. We notice the omission of Active Blind Spot and Active Lane Keeping Assist features. The semi-autonomous feature of the 'Distronic Plus with Steer Assist and Stop and Go Pilot' has also been reduced to just regular Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control system.  

Learn more about our experience with the facelifted S-Class here:

• Review: New W222 Mercedes-Benz S-Class - When Defence Is Harder Than Ever Before

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is offering the new S450L with a monthly ownership package of RM 8,888 per month through the three year EasyCare Financing tenure that includes servicing, first-year comprehensive motor insurance and Agility flexible financing.

Read more about the other models in the updated range of S-Class by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. 

• The Performance Luxury: Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe, priced from RM 1.5 Million
• The Bespoke Luxury: Mercedes-Benz S560 Cabriolet - RM 1.3 Million of open-top luxury
• The Ultimate Luxury: Mercedes-Maybach S560 debuts in Malaysia, From RM 1.4 Million