Five Iconic Mercedes-Benz Cars That Truly Make the Cut

From cabriolets to SUVs, limousines and even MPVs, Mercedes-Benz has something to sell to every type of luxury car buyer. There are those that run on old school internal combustion engines and then there are those that run on electricity. And we haven’t even touched the German marque’s AMG line of performance vehicles or the über sophisticated Maybach range of cars. Read on to find out which ones from the regular crop of vehicles that the three-pointed star, we choose for our list.

Starting at Rs 2.90 crore for the diesel powered variant and Rs 3.10 crore for the all-electric version, the G-Class is the big daddy of German SUVs. Rivalling the likes of hardcore off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler and the Land Rover Defender or Range Rover, the G-Class has tremendous off-road abilities and offers three selectable differential locks with 100 per cent locking to ensure traction at all times under all but the most extreme off-road conditions. Although the boxy exterior of the G-Class continues to pay homage to the original shape and silhouette from 1979, the interiors are absolutely in keeping with the times and offer a totally modern and plush experience. Its 3-litre 6-cylinder diesel engine puts out 367hp with an additional 20 coming from an electric hybrid unit, while peak torque on offer is 750Nm. The all-electric G-Class has a peak output of 587hp from its electric drivetrain. Totally badass!

As its name suggests, the EQS is an all-electric offering from the three-pointed star, starting at just over Rs 1.33 crore. The interior of the EQS is dominated by an MBUX hyperscreen that is cast as if from a single mould where three displays blend without seams. For the technologically inclined, there is a head up display, wireless charging for the rear occupants, MBUX rear seat entertainment, a 7.4-inch MBUX rear tablet integrated into the central armrest, sound personalisation and even a fingerprint scanner. Silent propulsion comes from a 360hp electric powertrain that puts out 800Nm of max torque. The result is a 0-100kmph sprint in just 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 210kmph. There’s rear wheel steering too.

This is one is often described as the last word in limousines. A nameplate that is over 50 years old, in India we get the seventh generation of this venerable icon. Although the S-Class driver has some of the most advanced driving assistance package and 12.8-inch touchscreen OLED to play around with, not to mention the choice of a 3-litre diesel engine with 313hp and 650Nm or a 3-litre petrol engine with 381hp and 500Nm plus an additional 23hp from electrical powertrains in both, the most coveted place in the S-Class is the rear of the cabin. From business class like seats that extend for complete comfort to personal MBUX entertainment systems and even headphones, the S-Class truly takes the experience of luxury personal transportation to an all-new level. Prices for the S-Class start at Rs 1.81 crore.

At Rs 1.13 crore, the CLE Cabriolet is a super sophisticated convertible. The fabric roof not only keeps out the elements but also functions as an acoustic filter to ensure that the Burmester sound system with 3D Surround sound is actually able to deliver the aural delight it is supposed to. Power comes from a 2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 258hp mated to an electric powertrain that produces an additional 23hp. Peak torque is rated at 400Nm and all of this is transmitted to all four wheels using a 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox. While Indian weather, which is around six to eight months of heat and rain depending on where you stay, isn’t exactly the perfect environment for a convertible, there are few other cars that you’d choose to take out when the weather is great. 

The V-Class is the only MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) in the luxury automobile segment. Launched in India at an introductory Rs 1.4 crore ex-showroom, it is offered not only with a diesel engine but also, for the first time, with a petrol powertrain. Riding on its AIRMATIC air suspension the V-Class features a slick 6-seat layout that Merc says will be like a private suite. But ventilated seats with massage function, calf support, deployable cupholders and wireless charging? We think those are ingredients for the ultimate luxury party bus. All you need is some great ambient lighting and a super sound system. Wait, it has those too – 64-colour ambient lighting and a Burmester sound system with Dolby Atmos. Cherry on top? THERMOTRONIC climate control and heat insulating glass with sun blind.