Merc launches GL-Class @ Rs 72.58 lakhs, ex-showroom Pune...!

Mercedes-Benz India has now achieved the distinction of becoming the only market to start the production of the second generation GL-Class full-size luxury SUV, outside Mercedes-Benz’s SUV plant in Tuscaloosa, USA.  The roll-out of the all new second generation GL-Class from Mercedes-Benz India’s world-class plant in Chakan near Pune, reiterates Mercedes-Benz’s aggressive product portfolio for the Indian market and also underlines the company’s long-term strategy and commitment. The new GL-Class was rolled-out from the assembly line by Eberhard Kern, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India and Piyush Arora, Director- Technical, Mercedes-Benz India.

Eberhard Kern, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “The full-size luxury SUV is a fast growing segment in the Indian automotive industry and the new GL-Class that we launched in India in May 2013, has a strong presence and is already sold out. Local production of the GL-Class will provide immense value addition and benefits to our valued customers in the form of easier production availability and flexible production scheduling, ensuring an unbeatable value proposition and appeal to this luxurious SUV. The GL-Class 350 CDI which is also known as the S-Class amongst SUVs, is the first GL-Class ever to be offered from a local production outside Mercedes-Benz’s SUV plant in Tuscaloosa, USA. Daimler considers India as one of its key growth markets and the start of local production of the GL-Class SUV reiterates its long-term commitment and focus.” 

The new GL-Class 350 CDI production at Mercedes-Benz India’s world-class plant at Chakan involves the use of latest technology. The production involves using synchronized conveyor systems, use of latest generation PLC control units for all equipments which provide adaptability with different models on common production lines, thus increasing the flexibility of the production. Standard processes from across the value chain right through the finished car production are followed under stringent quality environment. The use of technology enabled processes like EMS–Transfer, production lines with latest generation controllers, X-road–Dynamic testing and programming of cars, frequency controlled measurements for accuracy, shower testing cabin–for simulation of real rain test, high pressure jets and dynamic movement of cars, etc. are a benchmark and helps deliver the highest quality products that roll out of the assembly lines of the company’s plant at Chakan.

Product Details: The level of spaciousness and comfort in the new GL-Class underlines its position as the S-Class among SUVs. The New GL-Class exudes confidence, distinctive and powerful exterior design, exceptional comfort and highest handling dynamics in on and off-road situations. The new GL-Class also comes with a full 360 degree surround camera, another first, from the Mercedes-Benz portfolio. With the most spacious interior, a benchmark in the Luxury Large SUV segment, the New GL-Class has the easiest front and rear seat access with Easy Entry system on both sides. The daytime LED running lights are integrated into the front bumper. With more enigmatic head and tail lights the GL-Class is more appealing and in line with the new design philosophy. The new sporty unique light-alloy wheels and two piece tail light with LED optic fibre cable adds to the robust appeal of this massive SUV. With a boot capacity of 680 litre expandable to 1210 litre (with 3rd row seat folded) or 2300 litre (with 2nd and 3rd row seats folded), the new GL-Class offers maximum flexibility and space. The electric foldable third row offers ample room to seat full-sized adults comfortably- yet another unique feature of this SUV. The interiors are made of finest materials and a touch of elegance in the design with open pore ash wood trim, a first time in India makes the new GL-Class even more refreshing to drive. The legendary safety capabilities of Mercedes-Benz are fully incorporated in the new GL-Class. The new GL-Class is enhanced with state of the art technologies of the likes of DSR, ESP, 4ETS, 4MATIC, AIRMATIC, etc.

The New GL-Class is truly a class apart for the 14.8% lower fuel consumption (in comparison to its predecessor). The ECO start-stop feature reduces fuel consumption and emissions by automatically switching off the engine when the car is not moving in traffic. The V6 diesel has options like the AIRMATIC package for better ride control which helps in getting over the toughest of roads and worst terrains. The Active Parking helps the driver to find a suitable parking space for parallel parking, and to enter and leave parking spaces by active steering, also when parking on bends. With integrated PARKTRONIC the vehicle can warn the driver of obstacles that are difficult to detect in front and behind the vehicle.

Besides ruling the roads the new GL-Class also gives the best view of the sky as it comes with the panoramic sunroof including a sunroof even for the third row of passengers, creating a larger transparent area and brighter interior. The vehicle also features latest multimedia with the COMAND Online featuring a 7.0 inch colour display with TFT technology. Features like the Bluetooth ® interface with hands-free function, as well as internet browsing, Mercedes-Benz apps and the GPS system can be operated with the central control interface of the COMAND Online.

Mercedes-Benz always gives prime importance to safety and the new GL-Class with the Pre-Safe ensures that vehicle reacts and prepares itself before any possible collision and with nine airbags it is one of the safest vehicles for the tumultuous off-roading, city and highway rides. The Attention Assist helps the driver as soon as it detects signs of drowsiness on longer trips by continuously monitoring over 72 different parameters of driving behavior while there is an additional “Crosswind assist” as further assistance to driver support.

The new GL is available with the optimized, upgraded V6 diesel engine. The powerful off-roader is unrivalled in its segment with its variety and innovations. The 2987cc engine produces 619 Nm of torque @ 1600-2400 and a power of 190 kW/258 hp @ 3600rpm. The robust engine coupled with 7G-TRONIC Plus automatic transmission offers high level of responsiveness wherein the car can reach 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds, with the top speed at 220 km/h making the new GL 350 CDI impressive in every aspect.

The new GL-Class is immediately recognizable as a sports utility vehicle on account of its styling, which is brimming with character. It combines expressive design and high-class appeal to create a powerful presence. It is a forward-looking interpretation of a sophisticated SUV. With the length of 5120 mm (+32 mm), width of 1934 mm (+4 mm) and height of 1850 mm (+10mm) the new GL is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, and looks even more impressive. The self-assured muscular radiator grill with the Three Pointed Star oozes confidence and road presence to the optimum level. The GL-Class will be offered in three colour and upholstery combinations: Obsidian Black with Almond Beige, Polar White with Almond Beige and Palladium Silver with Black upholstery.

The GL 350 CDI will be available at INR 72.58 lakhs, ex-showroom Pune.