New Mercedes-Benz S300L in Malaysia

By Dr Long

DaimlerChrysler Malaysia (DCM) is expected to launch a smaller engined S-Class (W221) very soon. Though locally-assembled in Pekan, Malaysia, it should be similar to the one launched in Singapore just last year. The new S300L will be an extended wheelbase version measuring over 5 metres in total length.

It will be powered by the same all-aluminium M272 3.0L V6 engine found in the E280, churning out a respectable 231bhp @ 6,000rpm. The 300Nm of torque available at a low 2,500 through to 5,000rpm should make the limousine quite tractable, even at low speeds. It has a claimed 0-100km/h figure of 8.2secs which is no slow-coach, considering the fact that near 2-tonne is being lugged at any one time.

The icing-on-the-cake must be its estimated sub-RM600K price tag that is considerably cheaper than its elder sibling, the S350L, which retails at RM754K. It looks like the corporate and diplomatic power brokers, company directors and towkays will soon have a good reason to rejoice and trade in their old W220s and the likes...

Technical Data: Mercedes-Benz S300L

Engine: 6 Cylinders in V, 24valves
Displacement: 2.996cc
Bore/Stroke (mm): 88 x 82.1
Compression ratio: 11.1:1
Net Power (hp/rpm): 231/6000
Max Torque: 300Nm/2500-5000rpm

Performance
0-100 km/h: 8.2 seconds
Drag Coefficient: 0.27

Brakes
Dual-circuit system, 4 discs brake, front discs ventilated, ABS with Brake Assist (BAS)

Suspension
Front: AIRMATIC (air suspension with Adaptive Damping System and all-round level control)
Rear: AIRMATIC (air suspension with Adaptive Damping System and all-round level control)

Wheels & Tyres
Wheels: 8.0J x 17
Tyres: 235/55 R 17

Weight: 1925kg
Boot capacity: 560litres
Fuel tank: 90litres

Dimensions: Exterior (mm)

Wheelbase: 3165
Length: 5209
Width: 1872
Height: 1473
Track: front 1604
Track: rear 1606
Overhang: front 871
Overhang: rear 1173


Dimensions: Interior (mm)

Headroom: front 961
Headroom: rear 977
Legroom: front 320
Legroom: rear 358
Hiproom: front 551
Hiproom: rear 510
Shoulder-room: front 1502
Shoulder-room: rear 1490