[Activ8]

While I like the design in general, this car has a weird chrome exhaust strip that confuses the onlooker to whether it was meant to hide the exhausts or not. The W221's rear-bumper design was supposed to hide the exhausts on the base versions and show it off on the 600, 63 & 65. I don't know what this does frankly for the W222.

Originally Posted by chevelle

This looks like AMG body package but if it comes standard, i won't be surprised.

Then don't be, because I wouldn't think this is the AMG package at all. Apart from the front air-intakes that will need to be wider/bigger for a TT V12, there will be quad-exhausts for the S63 & S65 and air-vents on the front-side fenders with a V8 or V12 moniker.

It makes sense to release the base versions first this time around (like BMW & Audi do) since the higher end Pullman & AMG versions will now be competing with the Bentley Flying Spur & Rolls Ghost and probably need to be separated from the start in terms of image. Timing their launch is key, because in this class exclusivity is more important than price tag.

There's very little segregation in the segment - which is why Rolls' CEO said they could probably make a $150k car but how would they justify the $350k price tag on their higher end models? There's really not many Ghost owners that can't afford a Phantom. And already the S65 (at $212k)& S-Guard ($300k) are pushing the price envelope for the S right now. But a base S retails for $90k and super-rich folks don't want to be confused with the simply rich.

Originally Posted by androdev

Lot of countries including India don't allow radar technology in passenger cars, so most of the real cool stuff in S is based on radar technology which will not be available for us. Too bad!

I'd like to see some proof of this before I believe it. Folks quote all sorts of laws without real knowledge of the penal code or transportation guidelines. I can see radar jammers & even radar detectors being banned, but not 'radar technology'. The only reason the S - if offered without these aids in India - would come without them, is if customers didn't want the excess beeping and automatic braking thanks to our traffic and much slower speeds.

[Technocrat]

Originally Posted by Mpower

Why is that? I'm surprised the regulators even know such a technology exists!

Apparently the frequency at which these operate is governed by the Defense Dept. So they need to give clearance.

I believe they had similar hurdle with Night vision too which they later got over with.

[androdev]

Originally Posted by Activ8

I'd like to see some proof of this before I believe it. Folks quote all sorts of laws without real knowledge of the penal code or transportation guidelines. I can see radar jammers & even radar detectors being banned, but not 'radar technology'. The only reason the S - if offered without these aids in India - would come without them, is if customers didn't want the excess beeping and automatic braking thanks to our traffic and much slower speeds.

Distronic Plus uses 24 ghz (short range radar) and 77 ghz (long range radar)

http://link.springer.com/article/10....inside/000.png

http://www.facebook.com/notes/merced...16766975052743

and both are not "free-license" category in India.

http://www.wpc.dot.gov.in/faq.asp#4

[chevelle]

Originally Posted by Activ8

Then don't be, because I wouldn't think this is the AMG package at all. Apart from the front air-intakes that will need to be wider/bigger for a TT V12, there will be quad-exhausts for the S63 & S65 and air-vents on the front-side fenders with a V8 or V12 moniker.

I am not saying this is a AMG Version as you are suggesting. Just the front air dam is very aggressive so it could be part of a Sport Package or AMG as this is being used for a photo shoot. As i said, it could standard too and that will be great.

You do know AMG body package is available separately including wheels and for that it need not have quad exhausts or s63/s65 or v8 or v12 moniker. I have seen many S500s and S550s here that have AMG on the back with just AMG Wheels on standard body.

[Activ8]

Originally Posted by androdev

Distronic Plus uses 24 ghz (short range radar) and 77 ghz (long range radar)

http://link.springer.com/article/10....inside/000.png

http://www.facebook.com/notes/merced...16766975052743

and both are not "free-license" category in India.

http://www.wpc.dot.gov.in/faq.asp#4

I appreciate the diligence in the research, but from the above links one could only conclude that (a) Mercedes would probably get a blanket license if necessary as an operator and (b) this isn't wireless broadcasting, hence may not need a license in the first place. No spectrum is being 'blocked' by on-road use nor is it a two-way V2V communication.

Apart from what you state here, I haven't seen this 'denial of technology' to any single market for the S-class, so I'm still skeptical.

[Activ8]

Originally Posted by chevelle

You do know AMG body package is available separately including wheels and for that it need not have quad exhausts or s63/s65 or v8 or v12 moniker. I have seen many S500s and S550s here that have AMG on the back with just AMG Wheels on standard body.

Sure, that's because AMG wheels can be specced when buying a Benz, but the bodykit cannot (try mbusa.com). It's not like the S-Line in Audis or M-Sport package in BMWs - aero & parts developed by the sport divisions and available on the range. Body packages for AMG aren't the same, although anyone can buy badges for the rear bumper.

[androdev]

Originally Posted by Activ8

I appreciate the diligence in the research, but from the above links one could only conclude that (a) Mercedes would probably get a blanket license if necessary as an operator and (b) this isn't wireless broadcasting, hence may not need a license in the first place. No spectrum is being 'blocked' by on-road use nor is it a two-way V2V communication.

Apart from what you state here, I haven't seen this 'denial of technology' to any single market for the S-class, so I'm still skeptical.

Unfortunately I don't have a "proper" reference to back it up, but it is true I own a W221 here in India, so I have done some research to understand why I don't have the coolest technology that S-class has to offer :-) The truth is frequency allocation is a non-trivial regulatory saga and even countries like Australia, Russia, etc. took their time to sort this out.

Indian government can always be trusted to work in mysterious ways - you are probably aware that even OEM sat nav was not available till recently. The following website has a world-map that tells you where this technology is available.
http://www.79ghz.eu/
Some more details:
http://www.79ghz.eu/index.php/events

Originally Posted by Mpower

Why is that? I'm surprised the regulators even know such a technology exists!

It is just that Indian government only "whitelists" (makes license-free) certain frequencies - the rest of the spectrum is automatically not available for anyone to use without a license.

Sorry for the off topic conversation, but is very important to understand that any automotive-feature that depends on radar is not available in India unless the manufacturer gets a license for the same.

Back to the topic.

[DerAlte]

Originally Posted by Technocrat

Apparently the frequency at which these operate is governed by the Defense Dept. So they need to give clearance ...

No it doesn't. Volvo XC60 uses same / similar technology, and it was allowed into India 2011.

The military frequency logic holds good in other countries too, so these devices don't operate in that frequency band. Even if they did, the power level is low enough not to interfere with anything outside the road.

By the way, ANY application of radio waves needs clearance of MoD. MoD also has declared 'civilian' bands, so that new applications / equipment in that band don't need individual certification.

[jaguar.runs]

Originally Posted by Activ8

Sure, that's because AMG wheels can be specced when buying a Benz, but the bodykit cannot (try mbusa.com). It's not like the S-Line in Audis or M-Sport package in BMWs - aero & parts developed by the sport divisions and available on the range. Body packages for AMG aren't the same, although anyone can buy badges for the rear bumper.

AMG body kit can be specced for S-Class including the wheels, the aero package (front & rear bumpers + side skirts) and the perforated brake disks with Mercedes-Benz logo on the calipers. There is even change for the interior trim. It is an option available which can be added to any S-Class while ordering. Check the link: http://www.gargash.mercedes-benz.com.../amg.0002.html

The AMG sports package
The S-Class equipped with the AMG sports package makes a lasting impression wherever it goes. Its AMG styling with front apron, rear apron and side sill panels, its high-sheen 19-inch 5-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, its brake system with larger brake disks (larger front brake discs on 6-cylinder engines) with perforated front brake discs and Mercedes-Benz logotype on the painted front brake callipers, all these emphasise the sporty side of the saloon.

In the interior, black ash wood trim elements, a wood/leather multifunction steering wheel and velour floormats with AMG logo set the tone. The brushed aluminium sports pedals feature rubber studs.

[TheStig]

Originally Posted by jaguar.runs

AMG body kit can be specced for S-Class including the wheels, the aero package (front & rear bumpers + side skirts) and the perforated brake disks with Mercedes-Benz logo on the calipers. There is even change for the interior trim. It is an option available which can be added to any S-Class while ordering. Check the link: http://www.gargash.mercedes-benz.com.../amg.0002.html



Attachment 1063753

Attachment 1063754

Yes this is true. If you're lucky the dealer may have stock in their inventory with the optional equipment. Otherwise they make a special order for you, and this takes about 3 to 4 months for the vehicle to be delivered.

In fact the dealer here in Dubai offers the current W221 with the AMG body kit and wheels straight from the showroom. Hence the majority of S350s and S500s delivered are ones with the AMG parts.

[vagu]

The car looks amazing, the whole flow of the design is futuristic yet elegant. The lines are subtle yet make the car look aggressive. I'm sure the Rolls and Bentley must be shitting in their pants right now!

[Technocrat]

Originally Posted by DerAlte

No it doesn't. Volvo XC60 uses same / similar technology, and it was allowed into India 2011.

The military frequency logic holds good in other countries too, so these devices don't operate in that frequency band. Even if they did, the power level is low enough not to interfere with anything outside the road.

By the way, ANY application of radio waves needs clearance of MoD. MoD also has declared 'civilian' bands, so that new applications / equipment in that band don't need individual certification.

Yes later they allowed but the first car to sport the feature was not i.e. the S class.

A Bhpian in Pune did not have the night Vision in his S because it wasnt cleared for it but when he bought a 7 series later it had the night vision capbaility.

So any such new technology, the first mover may have a disadvantage as the MoD will take its own sweet time to approve.

[DerAlte]

Originally Posted by Technocrat

... the first mover may have a disadvantage as the MoD will take its own sweet time to approve.

Only for applications using RF. Infra-red imaging (used in night-vision) in not in their purview - it has been used in medical instrumentation since long. There must have been some other reason why Daimler didn't release it in India - probably software.

[Technocrat]

Originally Posted by DerAlte

Only for applications using RF. Infra-red imaging (used in night-vision) in not in their purview - it has been used in medical instrumentation since long. There must have been some other reason why Daimler didn't release it in India - probably software.

True, may be the their night vision was coupled with a Sonar like device(to avoid accidents) which did not get clearance?

[DerAlte]

No, night vision is not coupled with anything - unsafe to do so, or may cause chaos for driver. It is just a driver vision aid - decisions are left to driver. Wouldn't prevent the Transporter from running over a villain in the darkness.

Sonar is used for maintaining distance between cars - a sort of reversing sensor mounted facing forward. The transmitter / sensor would be (likely to be) behind the center RVM. This system asks EBD to brake lightly if close, hard if too close.