Mercedes-Benz S-Class Dominates Luxury Segment

[evow123]

50,000 units in 8 months

• More than 50,000 new S-Class sedans delivered to customers worldwide since market launch in September 2005

• US and Germany top performing sales markets for the luxury sedan

• S-Class is also the world market leader among diesel-powered luxury sedans

Only eight months after the European premiere of the new S-Class, sales of the sedan have
topped 50,000 units. “The new S-Class has been met with great response worldwide, and our
flagship vehicle claimed its position as the world’s best-selling luxury sedan immediately
following its market launch in September 2005,” says Dr. Klaus Maier, member of the
Mercedes Car Group Management Board responsible for Sales and Marketing. “The car’s
innovations in particular have been groundbreaking for the automotive industry, and they are
the primary reason why the S-Class has maintained a unique status within the luxury segment
for decades.” The vehicle’s innovations include several new safety features, such as Brake
Assist PLUS with radar sensors, the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE with
an expanded range of functions, and a night-vision assistant equipped with infrared
technology.

The new S-Class got off to a particularly successful start in its home market of Germany. In the
first five months of 2006, the number of customers who opted to buy the top-of-the-line
Mercedes-Benz model exceeded the combined total of those who purchased the two
competing German cars. The new Mercedes-Benz flagship model has been available in the
US, its main sales market, since February. S-Class sales have been far stronger there than
the figures posted for its German and Asian competitors. Only one month after the market
introduction of the Diesel-variants in February, the S Class had regained its internationally
leading position in the market for diesel-powered luxury sedans.

The most popular S-Class engine variant is the S 500, which has been the choice of more
than 40 percent of all customers since the vehicle was introduced.

[Ahbengdriver]

woow impressive sales ! What made the S-class so attractive....which feature sells?

[hoks]

But in Sin context seems like hardly see one on the road? Always had the impression many S owners had changed to 7 series after the facelift.

[TheNew7]

Well, I think many Mercerces owners switched to alternatives after the last model let them down. Quality was one of the main issues of the W220, I mean, it looked nice but what good is it when it doesn't last as it should.

Anyway, I think the W221 takes many ques from the 7 (I'm sure all of you know that), for example, the 'strap-on boot', i-drive (aka kommand), gear leaver on the steering colum etc... But I have to give it to the S-Klasse, the leather they use is extremely NICE.... Sat in one when I was in Germany last year, prior to the launch of the model here.... But the inside feels somewhat smaller than the 7... comparing LWB to LWB...

[Mockngbrd]

actually i quite like the new S-Class, it has presence

[SEI]

even i bought one hasnt come yet though cant wait 5.5L V8

[colrc]

This latest model is one of the best designs so far. Coupled with the new safety features, it outclasses the 7series in all aspects of handling. If not going for the S class in lieu of 7series, then go for M5 instead.

[n0d3]

Hello.

My family has owned the 7 series (745Li before the face lift and the facelifted 730Li). When the new S350 came into the house, I could immediately tell as TheNew7 has mentioned that the new S-Class takes a lot of cues from the 7 series, just that Mercedes made it better.

What I like about the 7 better than the S is just the general feel while sitting in the car, the 7 just feels bigger/roomier and the engine just hmm sounds better and besides the S-Class costs a hell lot more. Heh. But overall both are pretty nice cars.

[SMYUEN]

s-class is a copy of the 7 - and a blatant one at that as well. Looks good only with big rims - those wheel arches look like a bullfrog!