Mercedes-Benz launches the SL350 and the GL500 in India

Mercedes-Benz has been one of the biggest contributors to the Indian Luxury car segment since starting its local assembly operations in March 2009. Seeing the growing demand for its high-end passenger and performance cars here in India, the German car maker has so far managed to bring almost its complete line-up of models across multiple categories, which now include the GL-Class, M-Class, CLS-Class, SLK-Class, SL-Class, CL-Class, the new E-Class Cabriolet and the exquisite R-Class. 

To add to this, Mercedes-Benz recently also introduced the absolute tarmac scorching SLS AMG supercar in India, which was an indication of Mercedes showing interest in bringing to its Indian automobile aficionados the absolute top of the line models ever to be manufactured by the German automobile manufacturer globally.

The SL350 sports-car and the gigantic GL500 SUV now join the extensive line-up of Mercedes-Benz cars in India, and are very clearly poised to be absolute ‘kings’ in their respective segments.

SL350

We aren’t new to the SL family of roadsters from the Merc stables, but this new SL350 is no ordinary sports car. Featuring a high-revving 3.5 litre V6 sports engine, SL350 produces a power of 315 hp and torque of 360 Nm giving it ample muscle to be an absolute outperformer on Indian roads. For more accurate and drive sensitive steering the SL350 comes with a Direct Steering (Variable Servo Assistance), which reduces the need to turn the wheel and increases agility.

An aerodynamic design that is undoubtedly reminiscent of the SL’s history, the SL350 flaunts attractive exteriors like its Gill-like trim panels, its prominent front-end V shape and functionally designed main and auxiliary headlamps. Interiors come together beautifully in the form a three-spoke steering wheel, chrome inserts, 3D dial surrounds and NAPPA leather seats. An AIRSCARF neck level heating that maintains neck level temperatures on a cold day is one of the unique luxury function of this sports coupe.

The new “sports package” included Mercedes-Benz SL350 is priced at Rs 98.50 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) and Rs. 96,68,093 lakhs (ex-showroom Mumbai)

GL500

The GL500 4Matic is not only the at the top of the Mercedes-Benz SUV hierarchy, but is also one of the most powerful SUV’s in the world. Coming with a 5.4 litre V8 engine that produces a nerve wracking power of 388 hp and a staggering 530 Nm of torque, the new GL500 4Matic will now to available to those in India take their off-roading trips very very seriously, and willing to spend a fortune is getting the best four wheeler for the job.

A 7G TRONIC 7-speed gearbox allowing shorter gear shifts, 20-inch alloy wheels and the extraordinary AIRMATIC suspensions on the GL500 make it one of the best off-roaders even to hit the sub-continent.  Interiors have also been decked up a fair bit as can be seen in the new rear entertainment system with its 8-inch colour screen, and the Harman Kardon system, which is ideal for a back seat movie viewing or a fun gaming experience.

For those intimidated by the GL500 massive outer shell, it’s PARKTRONIC and COMAND system with Linguatronics and a reversing camera will help you manoeuvre the car easily into tight parking spaces. 

For those who can afford it, the new top of the line GL500 SUV from Mercedes-Benz is priced at Rs  80.90 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) and Rs. 79, 40, 434 lakhs (ex-showroom Mumbai)