Mercedes-Benz has launched the 2013 GL-Class in India at an event graced by ace Wimbledon player, Boris Becker. Priced at Rs. 77.5 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi), the updated GL-Class gets the new design language from Mercedes-Benz which makes it look thoroughly attractive. It is currently manufactured in Alabama and India will be the only country after USA to locally produce this mammoth SUV. CKD operations will begin in September at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Chakan, near Pune.
The Mercedes GL-Class is stated as the S-Class of SUV’s by the company. The updated GL-Class gets an upgraded 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine which produces 258 BHP of power at 3600 RPM, an increase of 34 BHP over the outgoing model. The 2013 GL-Class produces 619 Nm of torque between 1600-2400 RPM, 109 Nm more than the old model. Even with the increased power and torque, the updated GL-Class is more fuel efficient by 15%.
The feature list includes 4MATIC with AIRMATIC suspension, Brake drying, Adaptive brakes, Acceleration skid control, Intelligent light system, Pre Safe, Attention Assist, ABS, ESP, active park assist, 3-zone Thermotronic Climate Control, Panoramic sunroof which extends back to the third row, electric folding third row seats, etc. For the first time in India, Mercedes-Benz is offering Cross Wind Assist which works in sync with the ESP. Also a first for Mercedes in India is the 360 degree camera, which is a combination of 5 cameras and works in forward motion too.
The Exclusive launch edition car gets an AMG body style kit, 21-inch alloy wheels, temperature controlled cup holders and Designo upholstery. This edition will be limited to 100 units only of which almost all have already been pre-booked.
