#AutoExpo2014 updates: Mercedes Benz announces 'Year of Excellence' for India with the new S-Class, ML500 Guard, CLA45 AMG and GLA-Class

New Delhi, 05 February 2014: It is the 'Year of Excellence' in India for Mercedes Benz India, as the company announced the four pillars around which their initiatives would revolve, namely, investment in new manufacturing technologies, launch of new products across segments, offering engaging brand experiences to customers and benchmark services through new customer initiatives. This year Mercedes also completes two decades in India. India is a key emerging market for Mercedes with the potential of becoming a top 10 market by 2020.

The first product to be unveiled was the epitome of luxury worldwide, the all new S-Class. Powered by an efficient V8 engine, it offers the best in safety, comfort and quality.

The new S-Class

Next on the line was the first rate SUV that can master just about any road conditions, be it tarmac, gravel, mud or snow. The ML500 Guard. The armored monster boasts of integrated protection and can withstand anything that is thrown at it. Powered by a V8 engine with 408 BHP and 600 Nm torque, it will be available at a price of Rs. 2.49 crore.

The armored ML500 Guard

In its strategy to launch new cars for growing markets specially targeting younger audiences, the company unveiled the luxurious and sporty CLA45 AMG which has seen huge success in the US markets. This is their smallest AMG to be offered in India till date.

The CLA45 AMG

The CLA45 AMG

The CLA45 AMG adds to the current line-up of AMGs that includes the C63, E63, G63, SLK55 and the SLS AMG. The CLA 45 AMG is based on the CLA class and has a high performance 2.0-litre 4 cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with an output of 360 bhp power and a whopping 450Nm of torque that propels the CLA45 AMG from 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.6 seconds. Making it the most powerful 4 cylinder in the world. It has a top-speed of 250 kmph and sets a new benchmark for fuel efficiency, requiring only 6.9 litres for every 100 kms.

The front fascia carries the lines of the A-class in this coupé like car. Globally, the CLA sits between the A-class/B-class and the C-class in terms of size.

The bookings are expected to open around April for a price tag over one crore rupees.

The unveiling of the European model of the sporty compact SUV - the new GLA Class, gave a first glimpse of another versatile 3-pointer that would be coming to India soon. This is the latest addition to their SUV line up and definitely the most attractive in the segment.

The new GLA Class

The new GLA Class

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