Mercedes Benz launches S 500L and GL 350CDI in India

* 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 GL 350CDI. 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.