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Old 4th January 2010, 17:57   #1
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Mercedes Benz launches the GL350 CDI and the new S500 L in India

Mereceds today officially launched the GL350 CDI SUV and 2010 S500L in India. The "Made in India" quote in the press release puts forward the fact the S500, which was earlier imported as a CBU will now be assembled in India.

Some pictures from the launch and more info in the official press release below

Quote:
Mercedes-Benz sets new benchmark for Luxury Motoring in India: Launches S 500L and GL 350CDI

  • S500L is the most premium ‘made-in-India’ limosine
  • GL350CDI is the largest and most premium off-roader in Indian market


New Delhi – Setting off a high-octane start to 2010, Mercedes-Benz India today launched two category-leading products- the S 500L and the GL350CDI. The S 500L flaunts the new design ideology of the S-Class range and enjoys the distinction of being the most premium car to be made in India. The GL 350CDI on the other hand carries the tag of being the biggest and the most exclusive SUV on the Indian roads today.

The new S 500L

With its innovative technology, best-in-class comfort and trailblazing safety systems, the flagship model from Mercedes-Benz is seen as a pioneer in automotive development. Featuring innovations aimed at enhancing comfort, safety and environmental compatibility, it has become a role model and a showcase car for the entire automotive industry. Numerous sensors and intelligent electronic systems set milestones in terms of occupant protection, driving assistance and entertainment; the S 500L showcases innovative technologies super-efficient fuel systems, ultra modern assistance and protection systems, state-of-the-art multimedia technology coupled with an even more dynamic design. Like its forbearers the latest S-Class leaves no doubt: when it comes to mobility it is the one true icon.

The modified design of the S-Class reflects the effortless superiority and power of the S-Class Saloon. It is characterised by the more pronounced arrow-shape of the radiator grille, plus a new front bumper with a discreet light-catching contour and a chrome strip below the cooling air intakes. The headlamps have bi xenon technology as standard.

As a world first, Mercedes-Benz has equipped its flagship model with the new SPLITVIEW technology for the COMAND control and display system centrally located in the centre console. Other new features include a an SD memory card slot, Bluetooth® interface, which wirelessly connects a mobile phone to the standard onboard hands-free system, and a USB interface and media interface in the glove compartment for mobile audio devices like an iPod® and USB stick also with AUX input. An even more dynamic look is ensured by the LED Light package with its striking LED arrays while the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST continuously monitors more than 70 different parameters.

The new GL 350CDI

The GL-Class takes its position as the most premium SUV in the Indian market. Demonstrating excellent off-road capabilities and environmental compatibility the new GL is a seven-seater that offers excellent handling both on and off-road and pampers occupants with its extremely spacious accommodation and the comfort of a luxury saloon.

The GL-Class makes full use of the advantages of its unitized body, combining optimum strength with intelligent lightweight steel design. The result is excellent passive safety. The GL 350 CDI accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds, reaches a top speed of 210 km/h and consumes a mere 9.7 l per 100 km.

With PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system, a world first in this market segment, Mercedes-Benz has raised safety to an even higher level. PRE-SAFE® utilises the sensors in the dynamic handling control systems and optimises the protective function of the passive safety components in potential accident situations. 4MATIC – the permanent four-wheel drive from Mercedes-Benz – provides the GL-Class with superior handling whatever the conditions. A fixed panoramic sunroof over the third-row seats, which is equipped with a sunblind, provides additional comfort and enhances the sense of spaciousness. Crash-responsive head restraints for driver and front passenger which support the head sooner in a rear-end impact, thus reducing the risk of injury. Two individual third-row seats offer plenty of room in all directions. They can also be folded at the press of a button to create a flat loading surface.

Thus with its poised, assured presence, the GL-Class meets all the requirements of a state-of-the-art, luxury SUV and even redefines them on a higher level without compromising on its quintessential off-roader genes such as superlative robustness, ruggedness and long-term durability.

QUOTES: Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India Limited

On product focus in 2010: Our cars embody passion, perfection and cutting-edge technology- values that will be reflected through a fascinating array of products that Mercedes-Benz will unleash in 2010.

On the S-Class: Being the finest automobile in the world the S-Class has always set new benchmarks. The uncompromising standards have made it the preferred choice of the world’s most powerful and influential people. Outstanding comfort, innovative technology and comprehensive safety have been characteristic traits of this luxury salon; they all began life in the S-Class before finding their way into many other models and vehicle categories and therefore into people’s minds. The S 500L is the flagship product of this lineage.”

On the GL-Class: The new GL-Class combines freedom with luxury, power with elegance and size with a sense of responsibility. This makes the GL-Class a symbol of good style in every respect. Its low emission engine underlines its strong character. The high quality materials and the high sheen chrome trim adorn a vehicle that is difficult to beat where size and flexibility are concerned. The GL-Class is a vehicle that takes luxury to a new dimension.

Mercedes Benz launches the GL350 CDI and the new S500 L in India-pic-1.jpg

Mercedes Benz launches the GL350 CDI and the new S500 L in India-pic-2.jpg

Mercedes Benz launches the GL350 CDI and the new S500 L in India-pic-3.jpg



Last edited by Dippy : 4th January 2010 at 18:01.
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Old 4th January 2010, 18:03   #2
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The attachment links are not working . Can you please redo that for the pictures?
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Old 4th January 2010, 18:05   #3
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How is Gl Diffrent From ML ??? That Suv looks great .
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Old 4th January 2010, 18:19   #4
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Why not the Wagen, WHY!!!
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Old 4th January 2010, 18:24   #5
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Launch meaning what...CKD?

The full line of Mercs was always available.
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Old 4th January 2010, 18:30   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NOTORIOUS View Post
How is Gl Diffrent From ML ??? That Suv looks great .
GL is much much bigger as compared to the ML. Its like comparing the Hummer H3 & H2.
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Old 4th January 2010, 18:34   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mpower View Post
Launch meaning what...CKD?

The full line of Mercs was always available.
The S500 was a CBU earlier. It will be going the CKD route now while the GL will be imported as a CBU.
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Old 4th January 2010, 18:35   #8
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They must do more things like this. They not only lost to BMW in terms of numbers, but also registered a 10% decline is 2009 sales.
Quote:
The company sold 3,247 units in 2009 against 3,625 units in 2008 in India, he added. Rival BMW sold 3,619 units in 2009.
Source - ET
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Old 4th January 2010, 19:35   #9
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They had to do it, since the 750Li has been around. Conversely, I'm hoping the 535d makes it here to compete with the E350 CDI.
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Old 4th January 2010, 20:16   #10
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Any idea of the current price of the S500?? Would there be a difference now that its a CKD??
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Old 4th January 2010, 20:21   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by funkydevil View Post
Any idea of the current price of the S500?? Would there be a difference now that its a CKD??
I know some 1 who paid a cool 1.4cr for the 500 in Black Colour. The car simply looks awesome in that colour
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Old 4th January 2010, 20:40   #12
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Waiting to see the GL on our roads. Any idea about its pricing? I think it will be around 1crore if not more.
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Old 4th January 2010, 22:26   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NOTORIOUS View Post
How is Gl Diffrent From ML ??? That Suv looks great .
GL is a full blown SUV, with 3 rows of seating while ML has 2 rows.
More bigger in size compared to ML, much better interiors, comfort and added features. And if i may dare to say, GL will have better off-road capability than ML which is basically a soft roader.

its like Q5 and Q7 of Audi. hope you get the drift
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Old 4th January 2010, 22:45   #14
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The GL has great road presence and looks more or like ML 350 but bigger than 350.I am saying this since i was this SUV which was US version car driven by a consulate on 31'st.
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Old 4th January 2010, 23:13   #15
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The car that you see below will be launched tomorrow at Rs. 56-58 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi fully loaded with panoramic sunroof. Wheels will be 17", not the 18" AMG wheels that you see here.
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Mercedes Benz launches the GL350 CDI and the new S500 L in India-1.jpg  

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