Mercedes-Benz launches new S-Class in China

Shanghai, August 31 (Gasgoo.com) Daimler's premium brand Mercedes-Benz started the China sale of the ninth generation S-Class luxury sedans in Beijing on Friday, xinhuanet.com reported. The German carmaker expects the 2010 S-Class to keep its lead in the country's luxury car segment.

The full array of the imported new S-Class luxury sedans includes nine versions with engine sizes ranging from 3.0 liters to 6.0 liters and will sell in the Chinese market for between 930,000 yuan ($136,144) and 2.59 million yuan. The new S-Class also includes the S400 Hybrid featuring a hybrid drive with a lithium-ion battery.

"China has become the largest S-Class market in the world, and the flagship model continued to reign in the top luxury segment with 7,300 units delivered to Chinese customers in the past seven months," said Klaus Maier, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. "The new generation models will attract even more of China's top-echelon customers."

Mercedes-Benz's sales in mainland China posted a 49% year-on-year increase for the first seven months, totaling 31,711 cars. The German carmaker is planning to expand its local manufacturing capacity in a joint venture with Beijing Auto.

This year to date, Mercedes-Benz has brought to China about 10 new models, such as the B-Class, the new E-Class and the Smart. Some entry-level models expand its customer base with appeals to younger consumers.

In the coming few months, Mercedes-Benz also plans to launch more than 10 new models as it remained upbeat about China's luxury car market, Maier told reporters.