Ssangyong Chairman W "Big Minor Change"

2012 Ssangyong Chairman W

The flagship of Ssangyong known as the Chairman W is been here for only three years since its inception on February 2008 but the Mahindra-owned Korean car company seems to be ready on the "offensive" side after the launch of the Classy Utility Vehicle known as Korando C, launched since late February 2011, and the executive medium-sized Chairman H New Classic, launched since May 2011. For the 2012 model year, the Ssangyong Chairman W received its first minor change but this latest minor change seems to be somewhat familiar...

2012 Ssangyong Chairman W

As we know it, the Korean-made Ssangyong Chairman W is somewhat a Korean clone of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221) but for the latest minor change, this is somewhat puzzling because it has the headlight of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221), the grille of the Hyundai Equus VI, and the rear view of the BMW 5-Series (F10) that makes sense that combining the elements of three luxury premium sedans into one unorthodox packaging.

2012 Ssangyong Chairman W interior

The premium interior of the Ssangyong Chairman W hasn't changed but overall, the premium comfort of this Korean premium sedan looks somewhat fascinating. With the Harman Kardon audio system, you can experience perfect sound quality from listening to music and watching movies on the go. You would be surprised that this is one superior threat to the fifth generation Toyota Crown Majesta and Hyundai Equus VI as if your judgment over Asian premium sedans is just a general classification and it can be an expected feat.

The CW600 variant offers the XGi3200 (3.2L 6-cylinder DOHC) engine that produces 225PS/6,600rpm of power while the CW700 variant offers the XGi3600 (3.6L 6-cylinder DOHC) engine that produces 250PS/6,600rpm of power output. The flagship V8 5000 variant offers none other than the powerful XGi5000 (5.0L V8 Dual Spark) engine that produces a majestic 306PS/5,600rpm of power output. Most are equipped with the E-Tronic Benz 7-speed automatic transmission with Manual Mode for smoother shifting but less fun for the hardcore owner. Some variants may get the 4-TRONIC (4WD) system to tackle various roads no matter what it takes. It even comes with 10 airbags, Intelligent Electronic Control Suspension, and Active Cruise Control.

The new Ssangyong Chairman W is available in four exterior colors; Classic Black, Diamond Silver, Grand White, and Sapphire Black.

My comment:
After launching the Korando C and the Chairman H minor change, Ssangyong's offensive plan continues with the launch of the Chairman W minor change. Although it has the headlamps of the S-Class, the grille of the Equus VI, and the rear view of the 5-series, it's good to know that this car is made in Korea, not made in China because of its reputation of cloning cars, you know what I'm saying? It wasn't easy being a flagship sedan that competes with the Hyundai Equus VI and the Toyota Crown Majesta but the new Chairman W is the Korean flagship you may want to consider being the first Korean full-size premium sedan that offered the 5.0L V8 engine. We are getting anxious to get a hold of its charismatic beauty and its excessive simplicity but the new Chairman W is something to be considered refined and valiant.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Ssangyong Chairman H New Classic

Well, we have to admit it that despite over 14 years of existence since its debut on October 1997, garnered its first minor change on September 2003 as "New Chairman", and offered a flagship spin-off called Chairman W since February 2008, the Ssangyong Chairman H became an aging premium sedan that was once criticized for being a carbon copy of the Mercedes Benz W124 E-Class or even the Cadillac Deville since the Chairman gained a minor change on 2003. It was similar with the Ssangyong Chairman W, which is a clone of Mercedes-Benz W221 S-Class. For 14 years of existence, it seems most Korean car enthusiasts are getting to forget about the Chairman H. However, things have changed in 2011 after Ssangyong Motor Company was taken over by Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., one of India's first-class car manufacturers, because the aging Chairman H is ready to face its second childhood.

2012 Ssangyong Chairman H

Under the name, Ssangyong Chairman H New Classic, the aging premium sedan is now made even younger with some styling cues inspired from its flagship spin-off, the Ssangyong Chairman W. Despite its flagship look, it still won't cover its aging weakness because this is the second time the Chairman received another minor change.

2012 Ssangyong Chairman H interior

Despite the new exterior won't hide its aging weak spots, the Chairman H New Classic offers an all-new interior that offers first class comfort. Despite the interior is heavily inspired from the Chairman W spin-off, my understanding that the Chairman H New Classic's interior is definitely a clone that combines the interior from the Dodge Journey/JC minor change and the Nissan Fuga (Infiniti M37/M56) Y51. Good thing it's better to be Korean than being a Chinese clone car with a clone interior.

2012 Ssangyong Chairman H

The Chairman H New Classic is powered with the XGi3200 in-line 6 DOHC 3.2L engine that releases 222ps/6,600rpm of power while the entry level XGi2800 in-line 6 DOHC 2.8L engine that is capable at releasing 200ps/6,600rpm of power output. The Chairman H New Classic is equipped with the E-tronic Benz 5-speed automatic transmission that can be set to Manual Mode for enhanced driving feel. It is mated with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) for enhanced stability amidst different driving conditions.

The Ssangyong Chairman H New Classic is offered in three exterior colors such as Classic Black, Diamond Silver, and Grand White.

My comment:

The Ssangyong Chairman H might be an aged Korean premium sedan that mimics Benz but with the new minor change and a "New Classic" sub-name, the aging sedan from Ssangyong Motor Company is ready for its second childhood and for those who can't afford the luxurious Ssangyong Chairman W should consider the Chairman H New Classic for now. I think this may be not a good car for the Korean politicians and executives but I think this would make a good taxi for the Korean roads. Don't expect the Ssangyong Chairman H New Classic come face-to-face against the Hyundai Genesis sedan because it will hurt more than what you expected.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company