With BMW and Audi fast emerging as the top luxury manufacturers in India, Mercedes-Benz is back with an aggressive strategy, and will soon unleash its latest SUVs GL 500 and SL 350.
Ammar Alvi reports.
Since January 2011, Mercedes-Benz has been launching a product a month. Though still the luxury market leader, it is without the growth of rivals BMW and Audi. The marketing blitz is expected to counter their falling haute value. This month, it is the SL 350 and the GL 500 4MATIC—SUVs all. The SLClass, one of Merc’s most legendary, derives from the 300 SL Gullwing, and has always been a favourite among aficionados.
SL 350 The SL convertible sportscar has a 3.5 litre V6 engine, producing 315 hp and 360Nm torque, with Direct Steering and Variable Servo Assistance that gives a speed-sensitive power steering.
The steering has anglesensitive ratio that reduces the need to turn the wheel.
Also on offer is a ‘Sports package’ as standard with interiors in silver-coloured topstitching that contrasts the Napa leather seats, and aluminium prism trim. The instrument cluster has attractive dial graphics, 3D surrounds and hanging needles.
There is a high resolution 6.5” TV with DVD changer, and a media interface with improved navigation.
The front grille is revised to grab attention and the prominent louvre on the radiator grille gives a wide, more dominant look. At `98,50,000, the SL 350 redefines thrill of the SL class.
GL 500 4MATIC The GL 500 4MATIC is one of the most powerful SUVs in the world. With a 5.4 litre V6 engine that produces 388hp and a staggering 530Nm torque, this mammoth accelerates from 0-100 kmph in 6.5 seconds.
The GL 500 comes with the 7G TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission as standard, allowing adept engine speed and cutting down fuel consumption.
The all wheel drive provides seamless traction and enhanced driving stability even on poor roads.
Additionally, the GL-Class comes with a unique offroad pro engineering package that is a boon for those interested in having some serious off-roading. At a hefty `80,90,000, price might be the deciding factor for the GL 500 against the Audi’s Q7 and BMW’s X5 and X6.