Mercedes-Benz, a subsidiary of Daimler AG, has launched the revamped variant of 2013 GL-Class Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) in Indian automotive market. The new model GL350 CDI is a diesel-run unit that is priced at Rs. 77.5 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). Currently, the car maker will import the new model through Completely Built Unit (CBU) route until September 2013. Later, it will assembled from Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits at the Chakan manufacturing plant of Mercedes-Benz. As soon as the car maker start assembling the unit locally, the model will witness a cut of around Rs. 10 lakh in its price tag.
The all new Mercedes-Benz GL350 CDI is an SUV with seven seater capacity, which is known to be the S-Class of utility vehicles, owing to its top draw comfort features. This SUV runs on a 3.0 litre V6 turbo diesel powertrain that belts out a maximum power output of 255 bhp and peak torque of 620 Nm. The facelift variant has an advantage of 34 bhp and 109 Nm over the previous variant. There is a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission system mated to the diesel powertrain. The facelifted GL-Class is capable of touching 100 kmph from standstill in under 10 seconds and has a top speed over 200 kmph. It comes with All Wheel Drive (ADW) mode as a standard feature with AIRMATIC suspension system that uses air and hydraulics.
Owing to the inclination of Indian customers towards diesel-run SUVs, the all new Mercedes-Benz SUV is powered by the diesel powertrain and transmission combination. Mercedes-Benz India is unlikely to launch a petrol-driven variant of the GL-Class in the Indian market. The new model comes with a number of cutting-edge technologies such as ECO Start/Stop function, Crosswind Assist, Trailer Stability Assist and Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) systems.
At the launch event, legendary tennis star Boris Becker removed the wraps off the 'Launch Edition', which will be the first 100 units of the 2013 Mercedes Benz GL350 CDI SUV. These Launch Edition models will feature an AMG Body Kit, designer upholstery, temperature controlled cup holders and 21 inch AMG alloy wheels. In the Indian automobile market, the GL350 CDI will be pitched against the Audi Q7 crossover and the BMW X6.
