The luxury SUV segment in India got another competitor with Mercedes-Benz launching the GL 350 CDI Blue Efficiency - equipped with off road pro-engineering package, 7-GTRONIC gearbox, 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive etc.
This premium SUV is priced at Rs 63.57lakhs for the GL-Executive, while the GL-Luxury comes at Rs 68.48lakhs, ex-showroom Mumbai.
Speaking during the unveiling of this 'monster' SUV, Dr Wilfried Aulbur, managing director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, "The luxury SUV segment is hotting up in India and so introducing this vehicle comes at the right time. The size of the luxury SUV segment in India is currently around 1600units and has the potential of 9000-10,000 units. We are hopeful that the GL would do good numbers for us. The luxury SUV market is doubling at fast pace."
The seven-seater SUV comes with a 3litre V6 diesel powerplant and is expected to deliver overwhelming performance: 510Nm torque and offer an output of 165kW. The SUV comes with Pre-Safe preventive occupant protection, also crash-responsive head restraints for driver and front passenger.
Dr Aulbur said that the SUV is built for extraordinary performance both on and off the road. "Its on-road poise, muscular appeal and 19" alloys coupled with an enhanced ground clearance of 307mm. Also, the BlueEfficiency tag also shows our commitment to produce more environment friendly products," he added.
He further said that the GL will as of now be brought as a completely built unit and the company would only look into manufacturing the same in India once it sells at least 100 units.
Mercedes-Benz has been vey serious of the Indian market and "which is why you would notice we have launched 12 products since the Auto Expo this year," he said.
