Mercedes-Benz India, the world renowned German luxury car maker, has revealed its line-up of new vehicle launches during 2013 calendar year, in the domestic auto market. As per reports, the company has recorded 'not-so' impressive sales last year and was dethroned by compatriot Audi, as the second largest seller of premium models in the country. Accordingly, Mercedes-Benz India has put-up an impressive line-up of models, which will see their launch this year and will carry the massive onus of taking back company's number two position on domestic turf.
At present, the Indian arm of Mercedes-Benz is working towards introducing its new GL-Class Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) in the country. The company is believed to be just months away from the launch of 2013 GL-Class, which will arrive through Completely Built Unit (CBU) route on domestic turf. Currently, Mercedes-Benz ML-Class is the only utility vehicle that is assembled locally by the German auto major. As per sources, the company could also undertake Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits assembly of its still-to-be launched GL-Class, if the SUV is received well by domestic car enthusiasts.
Further, a diesel powered variant of the recently launched B-Class Sports Tourer hatchback is also in the pipeline. The company has pinned great many expectations from its yet-to-be launched diesel B-Class, due to the healthy prevalent market trend towards diesel-run vehicles in the country. The much awaited diesel model of Mercedes-Benz B-Class Sports Tourer is expected to come fitted with a 1.8 litre powertrain, with maximum output power around 130 bhp.
Mercedes-Benz recently showcased its new CLA four-door luxury coupe at the 2013 Detroit auto salon, which is expected to grace Indian roads somewhere around the end of this year. In terms of pricing, the CLA sedan will sit below C-Class luxury saloon and will compete against other premium D-segment offerings. Hence, the upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA coupe seems like an interesting proposition against the yet-to-be launched Audi A3 sedan, which is expected to see Indian daylight somewhere in the first half of 2014 calendar year.
Mercedes-Benz has also announced intentions to bring its latest European hit, the A-Class hatchback will soon be introduced in the Indian passenger car market. With an introductory price around Rs. 18 to 22 lakhs, the upcoming A-Class will be the company's cheapest offering in the country. Mercedes-Benz's stiffest rival on Indian turf, BMW has also announced plans of bringing its 1-Series hatchback range, which will be pitched directly against A-Class, upon its launch.
