Mercedes-Benz India today launched the new R-Class in Mumbai. The R-Class was launched in 2006 and now the facelifted version has been introduced for the first time in India. The R-Class will be available in the long wheelbase R350 4Matic. The all-wheel drive MPV will boast of a 3498cc V6 petrol engine and will generate 272 bhp. The car is priced at 58.79 Lakhs (ex-showroom Mumbai)
After its success in the international market, it would be interesting to see how the car is accepted in the Indian Car market. When asked about the growth of the Luxury SUV segment in India Debashis Mitra, Director – Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India said, “The market is growing at a steady pace and we estimate the growth to be 15% annually.â€
The R350 4Matic is equipped with the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission and comfortably seats 7 adults. The Luxury MPV also features an audio system with an in-dash CD/DVD changer and also gets eight-inch screens for the rear passengers which also has options for a USB port as well. The car also comes with bi-xenon headlamps, steel spring suspension in front and AIRmatic (Adaptive Intelligent Ride Control) system featuring self-levelling air suspension in the rear to improve driving dynamics.
When asked about the number of cars that Mercedes-Benz is looking to manufacture in a year Mr. Mitra said that they were looking at producing 1500-2000 cars a year. Furthermore when he was questioned about the possibility of a diesel version coming to India he only said that the R&D on the engine was in progress and as soon as there is a breakthrough the diesel version would be introduced.
