Mercedes-Benz M-Class launch in May, will it help to regain No 2 slot?

Mercedes-Benz India will launch the new M-Class SUV in the month of May. Mercedes-Benz India unveiled the all new 2012 M-Class at the Auto Expo by bollywood actor and director Farhan Aktar.  The M-Class will be assembled in India unlike the earlier version which was launched as a CBU. With the CKD operations in India the prices will be on the lower end.

The company will however will import the models initially and CKD operations will start in later half of the year. Mercedes-Benz plans to launch many new models in next 2 -3 years which could help the company to regains its top position in the Indian market.

Continuing in true M-Class tradition the third generation of this vehicle sets new benchmarks in SUV design, technology and performance. The vehicle leads the field in terms of safety, comfort, quality feel. It is the benchmark for comfort and load compartment capacity and offers ease of handling on and off-road.

The new M-Class has been envisioned with a much sleeker frame even though the vehicle is significantly larger than its predecessor it does not make it look bulkier. There is an overall increase in the length and width of the car with the height being dropped. New engine hood design and LED lights have made the front of the car look sportier; the new tail lights have given the car an elegant feel.

A true off-roader the New M-Class has been fitted with technology that would help customized settings for engine performance, automatic transmission, anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Electronic Traction System all at the touch of the off-button on the console. The ease of technology makes the New M-Class a joy to ride off the beaten road.

As is standard with all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the New M-Class is packed with safety technology. It has nine strategically located air – bags that ensures the safety of its passengers upon collision / accident. Additionally it is built with a  PRE-SAFE technology that help prevent such instances.

In a nutshell, the M-Class is the new benchmark for a Luxury SUV in driver’s delight, passenger convenience and overall safety, a testimony of which is the prestigious EURO NCAP 5 Star rating awarded to the vehicle.

M-Class – SPEC SHEET    Mercedes M-Class (M 350 CDI)

Cylinder arrangement    V6

Valves per cylinder          4

Displacement    2987 cc

Bore x stroke     83 x 92 mm

Compression ratio           15.5 : 1

Output 190 kW (258 hp) at 3600 rpm

Max. torque       620 Nm at 1600-2400 rpm

Fuel consumption NEDC combined          7.4- 6.8 l/100 km

CO2 emissions   194-179 g/km

Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h            7.4 s

Top speed           224 km/h*