Mercedes-Benz S300 L

DaimlerChrysler Malaysia (DCM) has launched the newest variant of the luxurious and prestigious W221 Mercedes-Benz S-Class line, the S300L, just last week. Since the first S-Class was introduced more than 50 years ago, it became a synonym for elegance and safety on the road. With such great models as the W126 and the W140, Mercedes-Benz has set the standard for the segment of luxurious business saloons worldwide and you can see them still going strong with a commanding presence, even after all these years.

In unveiling the long-wheelbase luxury limousine, Florian Mueller, Vice President of Sales & Marketing of DaimlerChrysler Malaysia said: “With the S300L, we are proudly offering customers the highest possible value for their money.” “The S300 L is a premium option for the discerning customer, who considers not only the acquisition of the best luxury sedan in the market but also the economic perspective of his purchase decision.” he added.

Powering the Mercedes-Benz S300L is the all-aluminium M272 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, that is incidentally found in the new E280 as well. This new powerplant delivers 231hp and 300Nm from just 2500rpm, all the way to 5000rpm. Performance is respectable with acceleration from 0-100km/h taking only 8.2 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 245km/h. Like all Mercedes-Benz S-Class variants, speed does not negatively affect refinement as the class-leading drag coefficient of 0.27 ensures that the Mercedes-Benz S 300L cuts through the air with minimal wind noise and resistance.

In comparison with its predecessor, the W220 Mercedes-Benz S280, the all-new S300L has improved in every aspect. The wheelbase is longer by 200mm, which benefits rear legroom while boot capacity has gone up to 560-litres, an increase of 60-litres. Despite the larger dimensions and a noticeable boost in performance, fuel consumption has decreased by 17.9% to an impressive 9.9-litres/100km.

In line with other models in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class range, the Mercedes-Benz S300L is equipped with LINGUATRONIC voice control. Through LINGUATRONIC, a driver gains access to the telephone, GPS navigation system and radio settings via voice commands, which allows the driver to manipulate the COMAND APS system without the need to take his/her hands off the wheel. This helps to improve driver-safety and focuses attention on the road conditions during driving.At the heart of the system is sophisticated software with algorithms that take into account the minute nuances of human speech. LINGUATRONIC is an active system with the ability to adjust to the individual speaking style of the relevant user.

Standard on the Mercedes-Benz S300L equipment list is COMAND APS, which has been available on all W221 S-Class variants since its launch in late 2005. With the aid of GPS navigation capability, Mercedes-Benz has made it possible for S-Class owners to look for and drive to destinations that they may not be familiar with. In combination with LINGUATRONIC, all a driver needs to do is spell out where he wants to go and the software will present all the options. However, roads are not static, thus Mercedes-Benz will offer periodic updates of the software to ensure that customers are constantly kept up to date.

Pioneering innovations have helped Mercedes-Benz to set the benchmark for passenger car safety. As part of an integrated safety philosophy, the Mercedes-Benz S300L is equipped as standard with the PRO-SAFE comprehensive safety system. PRO-SAFE, which comprises PERFORM-SAFE, PRE-SAFE, PASSIVE-SAFE and POST-SAFE modules, is designed to deliver the highest levels of technology in accident avoidance as well as crash and post-crash situations.

PERFORM-SAFE helps drivers to avoid hazards before they fully develop into potentially dangerous situations. This module of PRO-SAFE consists of bi-xenon headlamps with an active light function and a tyre pressure loss warning system.

On the other hand, PRE-SAFE denotes anticipatory occupant protection. This Mercedes-Benz innovation uses sensors to take measurements from multiple points and performs pre-emptive action when it detects imminent danger. In the event of PRE-SAFE becoming active, the reversible seat-belt tensioner will be engaged, the front passenger seats will return to an upright position and all the windows will be closed automatically.

Next is PASSIVE-SAFE which encompasses the passive-safety aspects of the car; from the steering system with an integral deformation element and the front bumper with optimised stiffness and deformation paths to interior trim that is made of resilient materials and sensor pads that detect seat occupancy.

Last but not least, POST-SAFE is the final element of PRO-SAFE and is designed to minimise the risk of consequential damage in the event of an accident. POST-SAFE triggers automatic fuel cut-off, door unlocking and activation of the hazard warning lights. In addition, cutting points are also clearly marked out for rescue teams to expedite the process of rescuing passengers.

While many Mercedes-Benz S300L owners will be taking the wheel to experience the dynamic pleasures it has to offer, Mercedes-Benz acknowledges that many will also spend a lot of their time in the back seat. This comes as no surprise because the Mercedes-Benz S-Class remains as the number one choice for corporate customers and diplomats who are chauffeur-driven. For such discerning customers, comfort and refinement are paramount to making a purchase decision.

The Mercedes-Benz S300L is perfectly suited to such a role and its strengths begin with a wheelbase that measures 3165mm and an overall length of 5209mm. This translates into a spacious interior that allows occupants to stretch out in comfort and luxuriate in an interior that uses only the best materials and is built to exacting standards.

To ensure a smooth and compliant ride, there is AIRMATIC air suspension that has an adaptive damping system to ensure that comfort is maintained regardless of load. It also provides the car with a self-levelling ride, which allows corners to be taken flatter and reduces any disturbances that passengers may feel when negotiating a winding road.

The final ingredient for achieving class-leading comfort levels is the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Widely regarded as one of the best automatics in the world, the 7G-TRONIC allows the Mercedes-Benz S300L to move seamlessly by providing smooth gear changes and matching road to engine speed accuracy.

The new Mercedes-Benz S300L is priced at RM639,888.00 (on-the-road without insurance). For more information, log on to http://www.mercedes-benz.com.my/ or www.ccb.mercedes-benz.com.my

Related post:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/03/new-mercedes-benz-s300l-in-malaysia.html

Test Drive: BMW 320i SE

By Dr Long

How does one justify spending quarter of a million ringgit for a junior executive car roughly the size of a Corolla Altis or at best a Honda Civic (if wheelbase dimension is a criteria)? With this higher-spec 320i SE, is the asking price of RM249,800 pushing the envelope a little too far? Futhermore with BMW’s snazzy tagline like “Sheer Driving Pleasure”, it begs the question of whether a higher level of motoring nirvana can be attained by dishing out the extra RM17,000. After getting acquainted with this E90 variant, the answer is both a ‘Yes’…and a ‘No’.

Let’s start off with all things positive. The radial-multi-spoke Style 160 alloys -while being a pain to clean - does somehow appear more convincing than the puny-and-sissy 16-inches Style 154 of the base 320i. Its Conti SportContact 2 SSR 225/45 R17 looks the part too. Strangely, the wooden inserts (Poplar Grain Natural fine wood) inside contrasted better with the dash and door trim, somewhat easier on the eyes than the tacky-looking Titanium matt ones in the lower spec model. The electrical sunblind for the rear screen and roller sunblind for rear side windows proved a cooler option for rear passengers, especially in our blazing tropical sun. An extra set of Park Distance Control (PDC) sensors at the front is well appreciated in tight parking spaces. Similarly, the standard anti-dazzle rear view mirror contributes to a more serene night driving. Gadgets like front electric seats with armrests, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and high-fidelity loudspeakers makes up the rest of the bragging points over its lesser sibling. More often than not, extra gizmos like these do make life easier (and lazier).

Now, could more differences be palpable in the driving experience as well? To be honest, those upsized tyres did give a better feel of the road and nicely weightier steering turns (though the steering did seemed more 'wooden' than the 325i Sports). Throwing this 2.0L-powered 3 around corners is a tad more satisfying with lower profile (45 vs 55series) rubbers. Body control is taut and handling is fluid enough to induce an occasional grin or two. Braking may be slightly better in the SE due to wider section of tyres here (225 vs 205). In the city and the suburbs, the 4-pot Valvetronic+VANOS enabled motor proved adequate for daily commute. Ride comfort is surprisingly more pliant than even the standard 325i, yet not much worse than the base 320i wearing thicker donuts.

Hit the highway and that’s where the 320i’ Achilles heel starts to flare up. It desperately need forced induction (think: Mini and 335i) to keep up with the times, and possibly the Kompressors and TFSIs too. Pushing the car above highway limits puts the 4-pot into quite an uncomfortable position and encroaching Vmax takes a bloody eternity too. Exploring the higher reaches of the speedometer you can hear the whining protest and hoarseness up front, even with that distinct firewall in the engine bay. Don’t believe what people say about this modern and tech-endowed IL4 from BMW having refinement of the IL6 of yesteryears. It does NOT. Despite what the responsive and busy rev counter would have you believe. 0-100km/h runs returned an averaged figure of 11.5secs (claimed: 9.7sec). To be fair, high speed stability and quick lane change composure on motorways cannot be faulted though. Ditto for overall low NVH levels during laid-back drives.

So, is the 320i SE a good buy at quarter of a million? Go for the base 320i if you desire to be seen in a junior executive sports sedan wearing a blue-propeller roundel and likely not much else. If you can afford the SE, go for broke hire-purchasing the 325i instead. Sadly, the latest BMW Lease and BMW Credit promotion of 1.38% interest rate (allegedly valid for June 2007 only) don’t seem to include the 325i and 325i Sports. I wonder why. Hmmm…

Porsche Centre Penang, Malaysia

By Dr Long

For a luxury and premium sportscar brand like Porsche, it has been quite a pain for the northern region owners and owners-to-be to come over to Kuala Lumpur to purchase as well as to service their prized possessions. Not anymore since the launch of Porsche Centre Penang on 19th May 2007.

The event was kicked off on the 18th May with a convoy of Porsches supported by Porsche Club Malaysia driving from Porsche Centre Glenmarie to Porsche Centre Penang. Members of the media meanwhile, were transported in Naza Ria MPVs from Glenmarie to Juru-Auto City in Seberang Perai, Penang.

This is the first and only authorised dealer for Porsche out of the Klang Valley in Malaysia, owned and run by the Naza Group via Naza Premier Auto Sdn Bhd. Porsche models ranging from the Boxster, Cayman, Cayenne and the iconic 911 series, are now officially available for sale as well as after-sales service in Penang, while also serves as a hub for other northern states.

“The primary focus of this showroom is to create a true Porsche feeling for current and potential customers without having to travel the distance” said Tan Sri Dato’ Seri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin, Chairman of Naza Group of Companies.

To commemorate and continue the ‘Momentum’ campaign, Porsche Centre Penang unveiled the new Porsche Cayenne for the northern region. This was in continuation to the recent new Cayenne launch at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort, Kuala Lumpur. After introduction of the sports SUV, Dato’ Seri Rafidah Aziz (Minister of International Trade and Industry) accompanied by Tan Sri Dato Seri Utama SM Nasimudin (CEO, Naza Group of Companies), Dato Mokhzani (Chairman, Jaseri Automotive Group) and Mr. Christer Ekberg (Managing Director Porsche Asia Pacific), conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony and declared Porsche Centre Penang officially opened.

The showroom hours are from 9.00am – 8.00pm on Mondays to Saturdays and 11.00am – 4.00pm on Sundays. The service workshop operates from 8.30am – 5.00pm from Mondays to Fridays and 8.30am – 1.00pm on Saturdays.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Danny Nordin - Dealer Principal
Porsche Centre Penang
1819-A, Jalan Perusahaan,
Highway Auto-City,
North-South Highway, Juru Interchange
13600 Seberang Perai, Penang.
Tel: +604-508 2911
Fax: +604-508 3911

Related post:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/03/new-porsche-cayenne-momentum-launch.html

2007 All-New Toyota Corolla Sedan

By Dr Long

Here are some official pictures of an important bread-and butter model from the world’s largest automaker - that’s in a dilemma for the ASEAN market. Caught in a pricing and model segmentation limbo between the super-popular VIOS (except in Indonesia where the Honda City rules) and the new Camry, its succession has been delayed even in Thailand. Traditionally a first-launch place since Toyota Thailand’s Gateway plant is the manufacturing base for this regional market, it's nowhere to be seen in the royal kingdom yet.

Pictured above is the extensively facelifted (and possibly slightly larger) version of the boring-looking JDM Corolla Axio (seen below). More dynamic and youthful looking, it is slated for practically all of the exported Asian markets. Nicking external design cues from the new VIOS, new Camry as well as the premium Lexus IS250, it was actually previewed in Beijing in November 2006. On the inside, most design elements from the Toyota Auris hatchback are carried over.

This C-segment saloon from Toyota is 4,540mm long x 1,760mm wide x 1,490mm tall. Compared to the current Corolla Altis, this all-new model is 10mm longer and 55mm wider. The top-end 1.8L variant will get Dual VVT-i camshaft timings trickery, while the 1.6L sibling will likely carry over the old engine et al. It remains to be seen whether there will be a 2.0L option to challenge the Civic 2.0S iVTEC.

The 1.8L petrol motor codenamed 2ZR-FE, comes with a new CVT-i transmission in Japan. However, the ASEAN iteration will only make do with 4-speed auto or 6-speed manual 'box – if the final specs are to mirror the previewed model in China last year. As much as the Camry 2.0L is disappointing with only a 4-speed A/T vs. the Honda Accord, this new Corolla is also one cog behind the new Civic, as even the Singapore model Civic 1.6 comes equipped with a standard 5-speed torque converter.

As UMW Toyota is busy preparing for the onslaught of its all-new VIOS for the Malaysian market come Q4 2007, it is unlikely that this new Corolla model will see the light of day anytime soon before the year runs out.

All-New Peugeot 308

Peugeot will unveil an all-new replacement for its 307, the 308 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show 2007 this September. The exterior styling of this latest Pug seems more evolutionary (the 307 already has a sharp-looking visage) while the interior adopts a play-safe theme. External aesthetics takes much cue from the junior sibling, the new 207, with an even sharper nose ‘cone’, more slanty headlights and a larger-deeper grille-cum-airdam. The rear bumper now wears - a ‘modern’ must-have these days - a lower apron that appears to be an aerodynamic diffuser.

On the dashboard, the circular air vents give the 308 a classy retro feel, while the sat-nav LCD display folds-away when not in use, affording an uncluttered contour to the dash's clean design. Peugeot did not reveal any technical specs, but varied sources concur that the 308 will make good use of the 207's range of engines: 1.6L 120hp, 1.6L 150hp turbo and a 2.2L 170hp turbodiesel, mainly for the European market.

This all-new French hatchback will go on sale as a 2008 model in most markets worldwide.

BMW X5 M-Sport

BMW AG has just slapped on the M-Sport Package to the new X5 (E70). Breaking tradition, the Munich automaker now implements M tuning kit – for the first time - onto an SUV (or SAV in BMW lingo). The M-kitted X5 boast a sportier exterior and interior, with a tweaked chassis as well for better performance. Engine output figures however, remain untouched.

The front bumper wears a re-profiled airdam kit while the rear one has a redesigned diffuser, both body coloured. Larger wheel arches are seen to cover the standard 19inches M-alloys or optional 20inches. The interior receives a sprinkle of M badges, M-steering wheel, body hugging sport seats and real-aluminium inserts. Fine tuning of the AdaptiveDrive and Active Steering systems takes the X5 to an even higher level of road-holding and handling.

BMW X5 M-Sport will be on sale in Europe very soon, with other markets to follow suit likely only in 2008.

Related post:
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/05/all-new-bmw-x5-launched-in-malaysia.html

All-New BMW X5

By Dr Long

BMW Malaysia launched the new BMW X5 SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle in BMW speak) for sale starting 30th May 2007. The all-new E70 BMW X5 is the second generation of premium, high-performance SUV to come from this Munich automaker, with the predecessor having debuted in 2001. The E53 X5 set the standard for on-road sporty driving dynamics then, yet capable to tackle off-road paths should the need arises.

Continuing this tradition of benchmark handling for a tall-SUV, the new X5 is fitted with BMW’s high tech permanent all-wheel drive system (xDrive), double wishbone front/ multi-link rear suspensions plus Active Steering. Standard on the BMW X5 4.8i is BMW’s AdaptiveDrive featuring active anti-roll bars and constantly variable damper settings. The result is a more composed, stable and ‘flatter’ ride/handling; whatever the road conditions, steering, braking and/or throttle inputs.

The all-new BMW X5 now wears run-flat tyres which allows a punctured rubber to continue rolling safely, up to 150km in fact, at speeds up to 80km/h, enough for any driver to get to his/her nearest or favourite tyre shop to rectify things. Other active safety features include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC+) which is a sum of Brake Drying, Brake Pre-Tensioning, Brake Fade Compensation and Hill Start Assist (think reverse version of Hill Descent Control).

In contrast to the new Audi Q7 launched last week, the new X5 delightfully – and practically – comes standard with a third row of seats which is good for two more passengers. These seats folds away, individually into the floor board, resulting in a larger and flat cargo area.

Three engine options are offered by BMW Malaysia with the BMW X5. The local flagship BMW X5 now beats with a 4.8L V8 petrol engine under its hood. This upgraded powerplant punches out a combo of 355hp/475Nm. The other petrol engine in the BMW X5 3.0si, is a ‘classical’ in-line six cylinder capable of 272hp/315Nm. The modern turbo-diesel X5 3.0d spins out the highest torque of the three siblings i.e. 500Nm starting at 2000rpm through to 2750rpm. Horsepower generated from oil burning is a respectable 218hp.

The retail prices on-the-road without insurance (with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair) for the new X5s are:
3.0si – RM548,000
3.0d – RM558,000
4.8i - RM888,000