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Mercedes-Benz Launches Third Generation M-Class SUV

BW Online Bureau Nov 08, 2014

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><root available-locales="en_US," default-locale="en_US"><static-content language-id="en_US"><![CDATA[To strengthen the SUV portfolio where Mercedes-Benz has been lagging behind its rivals BMW and Audi, the company on Tuesday launched its third-generation M Class sport utility vehicle in India, priced at Rs 56.9 lakh (Ex showroom Delhi). Mercedes-Benz has been so far focused more on the Sedans — C-class, E class and S-Class. However, after losing the number two slot to Audi recently, the company is all geared up to fill the gap and launch more products in the segment where their volume is low. Mercedes sold around 139 units less than Audi in the first quarter this year while BMW sold around 100 units more than the 2,269 units sold by Audi in India. At present, Mercedes' SUV portfolio comprises the iconic off-roader, G55 AMG; luxury off-roader, GL-Class, ML-Class and also the R-Class. In January-December 2011, Mercedes-Benz sold more than 800 SUVs comprising GLs and MLs in the country. The G55 AMG on the other hand, priced at a steep Rs 1.1 crore, sold 30 units since its launch in Feb-2011. "The SUV portfolio has been steadily growing over the years and will be of prime focus as there has been a constant growth in demand for our SUVs," says Debashis Mitra, director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India. The new M Class is 15 per cent cheaper than its previous edition and 20 per cent more fuel efficient. Powered by 2.1 litre diesel engine, the new vehicle is 23-mm longer and 15-mm wider than the old car, and it sits 20-mm lower too. The vehicle will compete with the Audi Q5 and the BMW X5 in India. Deliveries of the new vehicle will start from end-June/early-July through 70 outlets in 31 cities.