New Delhi, May 16 (IANS) German automobile major Mercedes-Benz Thursday launched an all-new luxury SUV (Sports Utility Vehicles) at Rs.77.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Unveiled by Tennis star Boris Becker, the GL class car named ‘Launch Edition’ has at present only 100 units to buyers in the form of CBUs (Completely Built Units) and boasts of features like AMG body kit, heated leather seats and temperature-controlled cup holders.
However, from September, the assembly of Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) kits will begin at Mercedes’ Chakan plant in Pune, Maharashtra, which will result in a drop in price as well as some accessories. India will be the second market after US to locally produce the car.
Currently, cars with a landed cost of over $40,000 (around Rs.22 lakh) and engine capacity of more than 3 litre for petrol and 2.5 litre for diesel have to pay 100 percent customs duty, and those below that pay 60 percent while only 30 percent duty is levied on SKD cars.
“The GL Class with its proven off-roading prowess and luxurious appointments exudes absolute supremacy statement and is ideal to suit the taste of growing number of off-roading aficionados in India,” said Eberhard Kern, managing director and chief executive of Mercedes-Benz India.
The second generation of the GL 350 CDI which was first launched in India in 2010 is powered by a 3 litre V6 diesel unit which puts out 258 bhp-34 hp more than the outgoing model.
When it comes to safety, the SUV is packed to the gills with intelligent light-assist system, night view assist plus, a 360 degree camera, active park assist, collision prevention assist, attention assist as well as nine airbags.
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