The S 560 e (right) was launched on the same day the EQC and C 300 e were previewed.
PETALING JAYA: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is optimistic that its new-generation plug-in hybrid, the S-Class, S 560 e, will be well received as more discerning customers embrace high-performance, clean energy vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia president and chief executive officer Dr Claus Weidner said the newly-launched S 560 e is part of the company’s EQ Power range, which signifies a new era of mobility that does not compromise on luxury, comfort, quality, design and driving dynamics.
“This is the first time that we are launching the EQ series in Malaysia and we’re happy to have the car out at such an early stage,” he told StarBiz at the launch of the S 560 e earlier this month.
“The car was just launched in Europe and it is the first to be introduced within South-East Asia,” Weidner added.
The name EQ stands for “Electric Intelligence.” The vehicles under this brand boast comprehensive electric mobility ecosystems of products, services, technologies and innovations.
The S 560 e interior.
Weidner said there were already bookings for the newly launched S 560 e.
“As there are more launches around the world, we’re confident there will be more take-ups.
“In terms of plug in hybrids, we’re the first ones to bring in these kind of cars, starting from 2015. It’s a logical consequence of what we’ve been doing and looking at other manufacturers, they are also introducing similar vehicles,” he said.
The estimated price of the S 560 e is RM658,888. During the launch, Mercedes-Benze Malaysia also showcased its C 300 e plug-in hybrid and the all-electric vehicle, the EQC 400 4Matic.
Last year marked the fifth consecutive record year for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia with a total of 13,079 vehicles sold.
The German marque saw a 9% overall growth and a market share of 2.5%, making Mercedes-Benz the best-selling luxury car brand in Malaysia.
In 2018, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s performance was spearheaded by the locally produced sedans, which recorded 7,910 units sold followed by the Mercedes-Benz sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) with 2,613 units sold, especially by the Pekan, Pahang-built Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 and GLC 250.
The EQC.
The demand for SUVs is expected to keep growing in this segment.
Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz compact cars recorded a total of 1,875 units sold and lastly, the Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars recorded a total of 662 units sold, which saw a spectacular growth of 77%.
There were 20 vehicle launches throughout 2018 which sustained a healthy momentum of demand for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The C 300 e plug-in hybrid.
