mr funny
28-10-06, 04:53
Motoring
Published October 28, 2006
New Merc S-Class drawing a younger crowd
By SAMUEL EE
AROUND the world, the most popular model of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class introduced late last year is the S500, with more than 40 per cent of customers choosing it.
But because of Singapore's registration and road taxes, it is not surprising that the S500 - with its V8 engine - takes a back seat to the 'entry-level' S-Class with the smallest engine the range offers. This time around, it is the S300L with a three-litre V6 engine and a long-wheelbase body.
Traditionally, the smallest S-Class accounts for slightly more than half of all S-Class units sold, and the new car is not expected to be any different.
What has changed, however, is the buyer profile. While previous models of the S-Class have attracted older buyers, this new car - with its sporty styling and even sportier handling - is reeling in the younger guys.
In the past, exclusive dealer Cycle & Carriage's customer was traditionally a professional or businessman, starting from the mid-40s. The older ones, those in the 50s, would buy the more expensive models, like the S500, S600 or souped-up AMG variants.
But with the new S-Class, C&C is noticing a new and younger group of buyers, in their mid and late-30s. Their numbers are larger too, making up as much as a quarter of all buyers. 'The design of the S-Class has certainly attracted a younger crowd,' said a senior manager. 'Because of that, people are relating to it differently these days. It's even in the movies.'
The new S-Class is cast in a supporting role in the film The Devil Wears Prada, in which the editor of a top fashion magazine - played by Meryl Streep - is chauffeured around in it. Now that's a high-power editor.
Published October 28, 2006
New Merc S-Class drawing a younger crowd
By SAMUEL EE
AROUND the world, the most popular model of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class introduced late last year is the S500, with more than 40 per cent of customers choosing it.
But because of Singapore's registration and road taxes, it is not surprising that the S500 - with its V8 engine - takes a back seat to the 'entry-level' S-Class with the smallest engine the range offers. This time around, it is the S300L with a three-litre V6 engine and a long-wheelbase body.
Traditionally, the smallest S-Class accounts for slightly more than half of all S-Class units sold, and the new car is not expected to be any different.
What has changed, however, is the buyer profile. While previous models of the S-Class have attracted older buyers, this new car - with its sporty styling and even sportier handling - is reeling in the younger guys.
In the past, exclusive dealer Cycle & Carriage's customer was traditionally a professional or businessman, starting from the mid-40s. The older ones, those in the 50s, would buy the more expensive models, like the S500, S600 or souped-up AMG variants.
But with the new S-Class, C&C is noticing a new and younger group of buyers, in their mid and late-30s. Their numbers are larger too, making up as much as a quarter of all buyers. 'The design of the S-Class has certainly attracted a younger crowd,' said a senior manager. 'Because of that, people are relating to it differently these days. It's even in the movies.'
The new S-Class is cast in a supporting role in the film The Devil Wears Prada, in which the editor of a top fashion magazine - played by Meryl Streep - is chauffeured around in it. Now that's a high-power editor.