Locally assembled Mercedes-Benz GL-Class rolls out

Mercedes-Benz India has rolled out the locally assembled GL-Class from its Chakan plant in Maharashtra. Interestingly, the Mercedes-Benz GL 350 CDI BlueEfficiency assembled in India is the first ever second generation GL-Class to be assembled outside of Merc’s Tuscaloosa plant in USA. 

Launched in India in May 2013, the refreshed Mercedes-Benz GL 350 CDI is powered by a 3.0 litre V6 diesel motor that generates 261PS of power and 619Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox which works with the powertrain to power the SUV from 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. The launch edition was equipped with a few extra features and priced at Rs 77.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). 

Now due to it’s locally assembled nature, the 2013 Mercedes GL 350 CDI BlueEfficiency has been priced at Rs 72.58 lakh (ex-showroom Pune), which is a considerable Rs 4,92,000 lower than that of the launch edition.

100 units of the launch edition of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class were sold within 15 days of its launch in May earlier this year. And the drop in price of the locally assembled model looks all set to attract more customers. 

Eberhard Kern, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “The full-size luxury SUV is a fast growing segment in the Indian automotive industry and the new GL-Class that we launched in India in May 2013, has a strong presence and is already sold out. Local production of the GL-Class will provide immense value addition and benefits to our valued customers in the form of easier production availability and flexible production scheduling, ensuring an unbeatable value proposition and appeal to this luxurious SUV. Daimler considers India as one of its key growth markets and the start of local production of the GL-Class SUV reiterates its long-term commitment and focus.”  

The second generation Mercedes GL-Class is equipped with a host of safety, comfort and convenience features such as 9 airbags, ABS, ESP, Crosswind Assist, Trailer Stability Assist and Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) systems among others, an infotainment system with a 7 inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, electric seats, 3-zone climate control system, active park assist, intelligent light system, etc. 

In India, the Mercedes-Benz GL 350 CDI BlueEfficiency competes with seven-seater SUV rivals such as the Audi Q7, Land Rover Discovery 4 and the Toyota Prado and thanks to localisation undercuts their prices as they are priced in the Rs 76 lakh (ex-showroom) price bracket. 

Also Read: 2013 Mercedes-Benz B-Class : Special Coverage