[Y@SH]

Source: Autocar India

The ML250 CDI is first M-Class to be assembled in India via semi-knocked-down kits. The ML250 CDI is priced at an attractive Rs 46.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi.
The Mercedes ML 250CDI comes with a 204bhp 2.2 litre, twin turbo four cylinder diesel engine. It’s the same motor that powers the E250 CDI and the C250 CDI and makes a very healthy 51kgm of torque. The 350 CDI motor churns out 63.2kgm of torque. Clever gearing has also been used to make best use of the power and torque developed by the 2.2 litre motor.

[ricky_speed]

This speaks volumes about Mercedes' volume panic.

Here's a quick comparison between UK and India prices for ML and Q5

MODEL UK (OTR) INDIA (EX) % INCREASE IN INDIA

ML250 45KGBP 46L 21%

ML350 49KGBP 56L 35%

Q52.0 34KGBP 43L 48% (Not sure about Indian price)

Q53.0 38-40KGBP 52.5L 60%



I think they increased Q5 2.0L price from about 35L for 2.0 L to about 43 L after Q3 was launched.

So I think this also speaks volumes about Audi's erratic pricing. Comments?

[ajmat]

Mercedes reap a big advantage in that the engine is assembled in Pune. None of the other Germans do so at present. This brings duties down considerably.

[agambhandari]

This will finally give Mercedes a fighting chance in the competitive SUV segment. I suppose smaller engined Q5 and X3 will be most hit by this launch.

Originally Posted by ajmat

Mercedes reap a big advantage in that the engine is assembled in Pune. None of the other Germans do so at present. This brings duties down considerably.

As the post on the top mentions SKD's , i suppose it would mean
pre-assembled engines imported into the country.

[Sahil]

Originally Posted by ricky_speed

This speaks volumes about Mercedes' volume panic.

Here's a quick comparison between UK and India prices for ML and Q5

MODEL UK (OTR) INDIA (EX) % INCREASE IN INDIA

ML250 45KGBP 46L 21%

I was doing a similar comparison this morning. Kudos to MBIL, they truly have learnt from their mistakes. This very brand got killed when BMW came in with top notch features when they were still giving manual adjust seats ! Hopefully this move compels the other Germans to reduce their mark ups.

Does anyone have the list of standard features of the M250CDI? ACI claims it has the same features as the M350CDI but I doubt that as it will kill that product that costs 10 lakhs more ! However, the image above shows it has the LED headlamps which is impressive to give on a model priced so well. Hoping the Panoramic roof is standard on this model too.

[Y@SH]

Originally Posted by Sahil

Does anyone have the list of standard features of the M250CDI? ACI claims it has the same features as the M350CDI but I doubt that as it will kill that product that costs 10 lakhs more ! However, the image above shows it has the LED headlamps which is impressive to give on a model priced so well. Hoping the Panoramic roof is standard on this model too.

I think all the features are included as ACI mentioned. Still waiting for the MB India site to get updated, hopefully they would do it soon. Here is a list I found from ICB, these features are standard according to them.

* Bi Xenon Head lamps with LED daytime running lamps
* Intelligent Light System (ILS) including cornering lights
* Headlamp washer and adaptive high beam assist
* Electric Sunroof
* 18” ten spoke light alloy wheels
* Aluminium Running boards
* Electric powered seats with 4 way lumbar support
* POPLAR wood trim
* Ambient Lighting
* Storage Package
* 7G- TRONIC PLUS transmission with 4WD
* Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
* Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
* Acceleration Skid Control
* Brake Assist.
* Seven airbags
* PRE-SAFE technology
* ATTENTION ASSIST
* Electric Parking Brake
* Active Parking Assist
* Reverse Park Assist

[ajmat]

Originally Posted by agambhandari

This will finally give Mercedes a fighting chance in the competitive SUV segment. I suppose smaller engined Q5 and X3 will be most hit by this launch.

As the post on the top mentions SKD's , i suppose it would mean
pre-assembled engines imported into the country.

The engines are assembled by Force motors. Remaining bits might be imported

[Y@SH]

Originally Posted by ajmat

The engines are assembled by Force motors. Remaining bits might be imported

Also do note that they have achieved 30% localisation of parts which brings the price tag down!

[agambhandari]

Originally Posted by Y@SH

Also do note that they have achieved 30% localisation of parts which brings the price tag down!

LOCALISATION ?I hope they can maintain the Mercedes quality after localisation.(though the m class was always built in America)


Do any of the other German car makers localize their engines or any other components.?

[cityvic]

Guys,any difference in features between the ML250 CDI and ML350 CDI?

[Akshay1234]

Apparently this doesn't have airmatic.

[ajmat]

Originally Posted by akshay1234

Apparently this doesn't have airmatic.

Which is not a bad thing for long term reliability

[Nicky]

Originally Posted by agambhandari

LOCALISATION ?I hope they can maintain the Mercedes quality after localisation.(though the m class was always built in America)
Do any of the other German car makers localize their engines or any other components.?

I am sure even if some components are localized, testing and approvals happen only in Germany headquarters with same European quality standards. so quality remains intact.

Mercedes doesn't have volume to justify the engine components localization. it's only parts assembly which is done here. all the engine parts are imported in 2 sets: engine and transmission/gearbox.

[lurker]

The engine and Geartrain assembled by Force, rest of the bits imported, surely the Bill of materials on this one should be comparable to the Aria, add a maximum of 25%, by the looks of it, if it sells well then MB are in with a very hefty profit. The margins these people make is almost criminal compared to the hatch-manufacturers of our country.

[anandpadhye]

Originally Posted by ajmat

The engines are assembled by Force motors.

Wow! Why is that? Merc plant in Pune does not have space?

Originally Posted by agambhandari

LOCALISATION ?I hope they can maintain the Mercedes quality after localisation.

What Mercedes quality are you talking about? Have you read the C class ownership thread by GTO and the M class owenership thread by another fellow member?

Originally Posted by lurker

The margins these people make is almost criminal compared to the hatch-manufacturers of our country.

Absolutely.