Early this week, CATS Motors, Inc., the exclusive dealer of Mercedes Benz in the country, unveiled three new models for luxurious drives – the S-Class luxury sedan, B-Class sports tourer, and the M-Class off-roader.

Holger Lindner, Daimler Chrysler Southeast Asia Mercedes Car Group sales and marketing general manager said the Philippines is a potential market for the three new models.

"These products were the result of intensive research, development and testing — made into reality by the team of Mercedes Benz with volumes of knowledge in automotive design and engineering under their belt," Lindler said.

"We are genuinely enthralled to be unveiling not one, but three vehicles, simultaneously, all with their unique and superb features which address three different lifestyles – definitely a first in the history of Mercedes Benz in the country," said Felix Ang, CATS Motors, Inc. president.

For CATS Motors Inc. chairman Greg Yu, the S-Class is a trendsetter in terms of passenger car safety development. Considered as the flagship model of Mercedes Benz in the global market, the S-Class series holds a worldwide market share of more than 36 percent with more than 2.7 million sedans and coupes sold.

On the other hand, the new S-350 boasts of its Brake Assist Plus with radar sensors, driver and front passenger airbags, front and rear sidebags and window bags, ABS with brake assist and Electronic Stability Program.

A brief test drive around The Fort in Taguig City showed that the S-350 can retain its four tires on the road despite the quick changes in driving condition such as hard braking and fast corner attack. Such features are meant to keep the "Boss" sitting at the back seat, undisturbed.

Despite having a large body dimension (from body length that was increased by 33 millimeters and 70 meters in wheel base as compared to its predecessor), the S-350’s 272 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine can easily escape the chase of notorious carjackers.

The body of the new S-350 is 16 mm wider and 29 mm higher than the previous S-Class.

To "hide" from the staring crowd, the passenger can press a button to activate the electric roller blinds that cover the rear windows.

One of its high-tech features is the night view assist with infra-red technology on the instrument panel. Even with the lights on, the night view assist screen gives a brighter view of what’s upfront.

The Mercedes Benz B-Class, a compact sports tourer, has the characteristics of a family van but doesn’t look like one. The B-Class has a wide stance that creates an imposing image. Powered either by a 1.7-liter engine (116 horsepower) or 2.0-liter in line-4 (136 HP) for the B-170 and B200 models, respectively, the B-Class is fun and easy to drive with its multifunction steering wheel.

Its Autotronic continuous variable automatic transmission allows shifting either in automatic or clutchless manual.

If you’re a habitual violator of no parking zones, the B-200 variant has an anti-theft alarm system with tow-away protection.

Space, space, and more space: the B-Class can be converted into cargo van with split folding rear bench seat.

The third model, the Mercedes Benz M-Class off-roader, is equipped with the Intelligent Shift Management that is the M-Class’ "secret" for ultimate power and impressive fuel economy. Propelled by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, this five-door SUV can unleash 272 horses on smooth road and rugged terrain.

It has a permanent all-wheel drive system with safety braking features like ABS, Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) and Brake Assist System (BAS).

For safe off-roading, the M-Class retains its stability and road traction with the Mercedes Benz’s innovative technological safety feature such as Downhill Speed Regulator (DSR), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and Electronic Traction System (ETS).