2013 Mercedes-Benz GL Class Launched in India

German luxury car maker, Mercedes-Benz has today rolled out the GL Class Launch Edition in India for Rs. 77.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) in the presence of Tenis legend Boris Becker. Only 100 units of the car will be brought initially via CBD route, of which most are already pre-booked. Local assembly of the car will start in September 2013 at the company's Pune plant. Prices too will come down after the local assembly starts.

The 2013 GL class is basically the updated version of the existing GL Class, however it has received several changes, making it better than before. This time the GL Class has also been given the AMG body kit as an option, which includes flared wheel arches, revamped bumpers, sports brakes, 21" AMG alloys and a few more add-ons. The first 100 units to be sold in India will come with AMG kit as standard.

The new 2013 GL-Class sports a 3.0-litre diesel engine, which coupled to a seven-speed automatic gearbox and 4Matic all-wheel drive system, churns out 255bhp and 632Nm of torque, improvement of around 34bhp and 109Nm respectively. Despite delivering higher performance, the 2013 GL class has got 20 per cent more fuel efficient.

Mr. Eberhard Kern, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “2013 is the ‘Year of Offensive' for Mercedes-Benz India and we are excited to present the all new GL-Class to our valued customers. Exclusivity and dynamism are two of the most enigmatic features of an ultimate SUV and the GL-Class imbibes both these as it established the SUV image of Mercedes-Benz in India with its launch in 2010. We have already succeeded with the new M-Class and now the introduction of the new GL-Class will further strengthen our dominance in the Luxury Large SUV segment. The GL-Class with its proven off-roading prowess and luxurious appointments exudes the Absolute Supremacy statement during on and off-road situations and is ideal to suit the taste of the growing number of off-roading aficionados in India”.

Mr. Boris Becker, tennis legend and true Mercedes-Benz aficionado elaborated, “The GL-Class is the cornerstone of achievement for anyone across the world. It is a true blue SUV and the ultimate machine for off-roading. My association with Mercedes-Benz goes back to more than two decades. I identify with the values of the Mercedes-Benz brand – fascination, perfection and responsibility. I enjoy going for off-roading with my family I believe that the GL-Class is a perfect companion on those tracks. It is my pleasure to be a part of the launch of this majestic vehicle, here in India.”

2013 GL Class Features

Cross wind assist to protect from heavy winds

360 degree camera view via five roof mounted cameras

Panoramic sunroof,

Active park assist

Command Navigation

Three zone AC

Electrically foldable third row seats

Electrically assisted steering

Electric parking brake

Optional 1200W audio system (Bang Olufsen) with 14 speakers