Making it very clear recently that it wants to get back to the top spot in the luxury car segment in India, German auto giant Mercedes-Benz has started implementing its strategies. The company announced the local production of new M-Class, its SUV, and also inauguration of its new paint shop in Chakan, Pune. Ammar Alvi has more.
After the US, India will be the second home for Mercedes-Benz’s SUV, M-Class; a step the company has taken to reaffirm its importance for India. The company, to ensure that the M-Class is produced at world class standards, has set new assembly lines, synchronised conveyor systems, latest technology roller tester, dynamic shower tester in its plant. Along with that the company has also installed a paint shop further bolstering Mercedes-Benz India’s production quality, flexibility and agility. The paint-shop features fully equipped labs, intelligent conveyor systems and automated robotic painting among other highlights.
The M-Class which has not received the response that the company hoped for in India will surely get its due when this new swanky locally manufactured model hits the showroom.
However, the company did manage to rake in some numbers; till date an estimated 2,000 units of the M-Class have been sold in the Indian market as Completely Built Units (CBU) since its launch in India. The new M-Class 250CDI production involves the use of latest technology in Mercedes-Benz India’s world class production facility.
Available now in the 250 CDI variant, the new M-Class offers a good combination of looks and performance. The popular 2.2 litres W166 engine powers the new M-Class 250 CDI and boasts a maximum torque of 500 Nm at 1600-1800 rpm and a rated output of 151.5 kW at 4200 rpm. The M-Class accelerates from 0-100 km/h in mere 9.0 seconds before touching the top speed of 210 km/h. Two-stage turbocharging produces high torque even at low engine speeds and further enhances the driving dynamics.
The new M-Class sports nice exterior and interior design featuring high–quality details, following the interpretation of a contemporary SUV. The vehicle leads the field in safety, comfort, quality feel over its competitors. The new M-Class 250 CDI has Bi Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, an Intelligent Light System (ILS) including cornering lights, headlamp washer and adaptive high beam assist. The Electric Sunroof, 18” ten-spoke light alloy wheels and Aluminium Running boards gives the car a distinctly aggressive look. The plush interiors of the new M-Class 250 CDI with electric powered seats with 4-way lumbar support provides ample seating comfort for long drives.
According to Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, “The luxury SUV is the fastest growing segment in the Indian automotive industry and the new M-Class is the leader in its category. The benefits of local production have been realised in the form of aggressive pricing, easier production availability and flexible production scheduling- each of these will benefit the discerning customers and ensure greater appeal of the M-Class in the high growth luxury SUV segment.”
The M-Class 250 CDI is priced at an excellent retail price of Rs 45.64 lakh (ex-showroom Pune) making it a very good competitor and an option which the consumers can't overlook at any cost!