Mercedes Benz launches GL Class
Turning up the heat on Indian roads, Mercedes-Benz has launched the GL Class Launch Edition for India. The GL Class is actually the second generation luxury SUV which was first introduced in 2012. But Mercedes-Benz has smartly carried out a host of cosmetic changes plus technical upgradations to make it even more desiring. Eberhad Kern, CEO of Mercedes-Benz India and German tennis legend Boris Becker oversaw the launch of the vehicle at a special function in New Delhi. The vehicle is priced at Rs 77.50 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
The SUV will be powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine that produces 259PS and 619Nm of torque. The 4×4 SUV will owe its tremendous power to 7G Tronic gearbox and Benz’ very own 4Matic all-wheel drive system. The GL350 CDI happens to be 90kg lighter than its previous model. What’s better? It’s also 20 per cent more fuel efficient despite having higher power and torque. The engine under the hood is highly sophisticated and the standard-specification ECO start/stop function automatically ensures that the engine is temporarily switched off when the vehicle is standing at traffic lights or in a jam.
The luxury car manufacturer from Germany has packed in ample of features to attract high-end customers. To start with it, the vehicles comes with in-built surround view, which utilises four cameras mounted around the car to give a 360 degree view to the driver via the screen in the dashboard. This is seen for the first time in India. The third row of seats can be folded or pulled up electrically. Other changes to the vehicle include electrically-assisted steering, and electric parking brake. There is also an option of stereo system from Bang & Olufsen that has a total output of 1200W from 14 speakers.
Emphasizing on re-defining the driving experience, Mercedes-Benz has also packed in some cool new driver assist and safety features like Crosswind Assist, Trailer Stability Assist and Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) systems among others to bring out the best in vehicle even under harsh driving conditions.
To add the icing on the cake, Mercedes-Benz is also offering the popular AMG body kitfor GL Class Edition. The kit consists of flared wheel arches, aluminium running boards with LED lighting, modified bumpers, sports brakes and AMG specific alloy wheels. Mercedes-Benz will bring the vehicle into India as a CBU but it will begin assembling it at their Pune plant it from September this year onwards.