​Hyderabad, March 29 (IANS) German luxury car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz on Tuesday launched the S400, a new variant of its flagship luxury model, the S-Class.

It also plans to launch nine more models in India during the current year.

Launching the ninth variant of what is described as the "best car in the world", the company officials said the addition of S400 would make the S-Class portfolio most comprehensive.

Mercedes Benz India managing director and CEO Roland Folger, and Mahavir Motors group chairman Yashwant Jhabakh launched the S400, priced at Rs.1.31 crore (ex-showroom in Hyderabad).

"Mercedes-Benz believes in introducing the latest products and variants in the market at regular intervals, to keep customer interest and curiosity intact in the brand. This strategy we firmly believe has contributed to our unmatched success in India," said Folger.

"The S400 symbolizes benchmark craftsmanship, affluence and grandeur. No other car stands for the Mercedes-Benz brand promise more than the S-Class," he added.

He said they were excited to introduce the 9th variant of the flagship model. The S400 will be locally manufactured in the world-class production facility in Chakan, Pune.

"This is yet another firm affirmation of our vision of 'make in India', and our unwavering commitment to the Indian customer in presenting the best of our global offerings."

Mercedes-Benz, which registered a 32 percent year-on-year growth by selling 13,502 units during 2015, expects to sustain the growth momentum in the current.

Last year it had rolled out 15 models and plans to come out with 12 models in 2016. Of this, three have been launched and nine more are expected to be introduced during the year.​