Mercedes-Benz India launched the impressive and elegance personified GL-Class ‘Grand Edition’ on 31st January 2012, which is one of the biggest luxury SUVs in its segment. With this latest offering, the company has further strengthened its position of offering the widest product range for the luxury car market in India. Moreover, the launch of the ‘Grand Edition’ reiterates Mercedes-Benz’s dominance in the SUV segment of the domestic market.
In India, the SUVs have increasingly become the preferred choice of individuals and thus, the respective segment has witnessed steady growth in recent time. At the launch of the latest SUV, Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India said, “India has burgeoning potential in terms of demand for SUVs. The superior connectivity and improved road conditions are fuelling this growth. Mercedes-Benz is an aspirational brand and GL-Class has received very encouraging response from the customers since its launch in India. The GL ‘Grand Edition’ has been aggressively priced for the Indian market and like its success in other markets; the introduction of the vehicle will further strengthen our dominance in the luxury Large SUV segment. The GL ‘Grand Edition’ with its proven off-roading prowess and luxurious interiors is ideal to suit the taste of the growing number of off-roading aficionados in India”.
The technical specifications of the commanding GL-Class ‘Grand Edition’ are:
Engine Specifications:
- Arrangement/no. of cylinders: V6
- Displacement (cc) (cm3): 2,987
- Output (kW/hp): 165 / 224
- Max. torque (Nm): 510
- Approx. top speed (km/h): 210
Power transmission and wheels:
- Tyres/wheels: 255/50 R 20
- Drive system: 4MATIC
- Transmission: 7G-TRONIC
Capacities and weights:
- Kerb weight (kg): 2,505
- Perm. GVW (kg): 3,250
- Boot capacity (VDA) (l): 620-2,300
- Permissible towing capacity, unbraked/braked (kg): 750/3,500
- Turning circle diameter (m): 12.1
The new GL ‘Grand Edition’ boasts of distinct features, like the unique 10 spoke 20 inch light alloy wheels. It has the Himalayan grey metallic with a high-sheen finish unique light-alloy wheels, with 50.8 cm (20-inch) tyres. Other features that append to the exclusivity are new design two-tone leather seats (black/porcelain and black/maroon), leather upholstery having individual fluting pattern and contrasting topstitching as well as metallic paint finishes (new colour citrine brown). The spaciousness and comfort of the SUV, which can accommodate seven people, is similar to that of a saloon. For the driver and the front passenger, it has comfort headrests.
The front end design is exclusive to the ‘Grand Edition’, adding to the impressive look of the vehicle. It also has dark-tinted headlamps, a radiator grille with black, high-sheen louvers and a redesigned front bumper with integrated LED daytime running lamps. The other features that are visually appealing are the metallic paint finishes, heat-insulating and infrared-reflecting laminated glass all round. The special edition of the GL Class has aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs and divided exhaust tailpipe trim. The vehicle also has ambient lighting, roof liner in black designo fabric and velour floor mats with contrasting stitching, along with the ‘Grand Edition’ lettering. The centre console of the vehicle also has the ‘Grand Edition’ badge that appends to its allure.
For the convenience of the occupants, the vehicle is packed with several features such as the EASY–PACK tailgate and electronically folding third row. Taking into consideration individual comfort requirements, the vehicle has been equipped with the THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control. This helps in maintaining different temperatures for the driver and the front and rear occupants. Irrespective of its intimidating size, it is easy to park the vehicle even in tight spaces, owing to the presence of PARKTRONIC and COMAND APS system with a reversing camera.
The amazing handling and excellent ride comfort offered by the ‘Grand Edition’ is complemented with the safety features, for which Mercedes-Benz is renowned globally. The vehicle has innovative 4MATIC all-wheel drive, Direct-Steer system and AIRMATIC air suspension for great ground clearance. It also boasts of the Adaptive Damping System ADS, available as standard as well. The Off-Road ABS, Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) and Hill-Start Assist that make manoeuvring easy on difficult terrains boast its legitimate off-road credentials.
The feature packed GL ‘Grand Edition’ will be available in two variants, namely the GL ‘Grand Edition’ Executive and GL ‘Grand Edition’ Luxury. The former will carry a price tag of around Rs. 60,99,000 (ex-showroom) and the latter will cost around Rs. 65, 50,000 (ex-showroom).
