Mercedes-Benz India has rolled out the first locally built S-500 from its Chakan plant a little earlier than originally planned.

The petrol car that has a V8 engine is priced at ₹1.36 crore (ex-showroom, Mumbai) against ₹1.57 crore for the completely built unit (CBU) version.

The package includes a 21-module, multi-lingual chauffeur training programme for the drivers.

The car has a three-month waiting period and bookings will now open for June 14 delivery, the company said.

“We have seen unprecedented demand for it, and the initial allocation of 125 units was sold out in 16 days,” said Eberhard Kern, MD and CEO, adding this was the reason why the local assembly has started nearly two months earlier than the initial plan.

The locally built S-500 is a five-seater, while the CBU one launched in early January was a four-seater. It has 35-40 per cent local content, including the body work, engines, axles and transmission, and this, in addition to the reduced duty announced by the Government, accounts for the lower price tag.

Pointing out that the new S-Class has several sophisticated technological features and innovations, Kern said drivers needed to be trained on aspects like driving at night or in heavy rain, on braking, and utilisation of safety equipment.

At the Chakan plant, Mercedes Benz currently builds the E, C, S, ML and GL series of cars.

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