Pursuing its road map of ‘2014 Year of
Excellence’, Mercedes-Benz India unveiled three fascinating new products, the
CLA 45 AMG, the M-Guard and the European production model of GLA at the 12th
Auto Expo 2014. Based on the theme of ‘Excellence’ the Mercedes-Benz India
pavilion features a total of 13 fascinating products and is the largest luxury
car pavilion spread across 1671 sq. mt. area. Present on the occasion were Ola
Källenius, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for
Marketing & Sales and Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO,
Mercedes-Benz India.
CLA 45 AMG:
Underlying
the growing significance of the increasing AMG customer base, Mercedes-Benz
India unveiled the CLA 45 AMG, which is a unique and a highly desirable car
with all the characteristic DNA of an AMG. The expressive design idiom of the
CLA has been enhanced by Mercedes-AMG with some characteristic AMG elements -
and the result is a new design icon. A high-tech package which includes the
most powerful series-production four-cylinder engine in the world as well as
performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the CLA 45 AMG embodies
Driving Performance at its best. The combination of high performance and
torque, together with the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive
system, gives the CLA 45 AMG driving characteristics almost on a par with those
of a sports car.
The
AMG 2.0-litre turbo engine, with a maximum output of 360hp and up to 450Nm of
torque, is the most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine in series
production anywhere in the world. The performance coupé accelerates from zero to
100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and its top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).
Other highlights include the gravity-die sandcast all-aluminum crankcase,
weight-optimized crank assembly with forged steel crankshaft and forged pistons
with friction-optimised piston rings, NANOSLIDE cylinder wall technology,
air-to-water intercooler, alternator management and ECO start/stop function.
Special Protection M-Guard:
In
a strategic move to expand its new special-protection variant vehicles to the
SUV segment, Mercedes-Benz India unveiled the latest addition to the extensive
Mercedes-Benz Guard family - the M-Guard. Common to all the Guard models, the
armoured version of the M-Class luxury SUV follows the brand-typical integrated
special protection design principle. The Guard Programme now currently includes
vehicles of the S-, E-, G- and M-Class. With a total of three models,
Mercedes-Benz India has one of the most comprehensive special-protection
ranges. The new M-Guard meets the requirements of protection level VR4
according to testing guidelines BRV 2009 for special-protection vehicles with
bullet resistance (according to Bullet Resistant Vehicles 2009).
In
spite of the increased weight caused by its armour, the M-Guard achieves the
impressive ride comfort, great agility and extraordinary active safety of its
series-production counterpart. The special-protection variant features as
standard, an AIRMATIC air suspension system with Adaptive Damper System (ADS)
specifically adapted to the vehicle's special protection features. Stronger
axle components compensate for the increased weight of the M-Guard superbly,
Guard-specific torsion bars at the rear axle optimize roll behavior in fast
curves and when taking evasive action. Apart from the specific ballistic tests carried
out by the Ballistics Bureau in Ulm, the M-Guard has to pass a detailed test
programme just like its series-production counterparts. These trials mimic
everyday operating conditions, exceeding these parameters by a large factor in
many cases.
The
M-Guard will be priced at Rs.2.49 Crores ex-showroom Delhi.
The
reference European model of GLA-Class
at the 12th Auto Expo is a compact luxury SUV that combines dynamic styling
with clear benefits for recreational use and marks a new approach for
Mercedes-Benz for this burgeoning segment in India. Clear evidence of the
innovative thinking on the part of the designers that has gone into the
GLA-Class is provided by a number of distinctive features. The muscular and
imposing appearance of the exterior is systematically continued into the
interior. This has a particularly high perceived quality that is achieved by
the contours, choice and combinations of high-grade materials. All trim
surfaces are galvanised in silver-shadow for material authenticity, resulting in
a metallic finish with a "cool-touch" effect. The dashboard consists
of an upper and lower section, allowing surface structures that are different
in look and feel. Matt and glossy graining creates an attractive light effect.
The three-dimensional trim section finished in aluminium lends a new, modern
touch to the interior.
With
the GLA, yet another model series becomes the leader in its segment with
respect to aerodynamic efficiency. The good air flow characteristics, which are
a major contributory factor to the vehicle's low fuel consumption in everyday
conditions, result from numerous aerodynamic optimization measures. These
include a low A-pillar step with suitable A-pillar geometry and aerodynamically
optimized exterior mirror housings. The rear end is also streamlined. The
measures here include the roof spoiler lip and the aerodynamically shaped tail
lights. Rear spoilers at the sides ensure that the airflow breaks off for
optimal aerodynamic efficiency.
Ola
Källenius, Member of the Divisional Board, Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for
Marketing & Sales: “We believe in the potential of India as one of
Daimler’s key emerging markets. With our global Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth
strategy we have clearly formulated our ambitions in the automotive luxury segment
and the Indian market will contribute to our goals. We offer the best brand
with the best products and focus more than ever on the needs of our customers.”