Mercedes Benz to Launch A-Class and B-Class Diesel after 2013 GL Class

India's third largest luxury car maker, Mercedes-Benz is planning to roll out three new models in India within next three months, which includes GL Class SUV to be launched on May 16 in New Delhi. The other two vehicles lined-up for launch in India are B Class Diesel and the A-Class, which are likely to launch by June 2013. Speaking to Hindu Business Line about the company's plans, Eberhard H. Kern, MD and CEO- Mercedes-Benz India said, “The company will significantly expand its product portfolio during the year and thereby be able to address a much larger luxury car market.”

“We are currently functioning in India within fewer segments with the C, E and S Class and the petrol variant of the B Class. But wherever we are present we have a leadership role,” he added. Showing the confidence in the new line-up, he further said that Mercedes-Benz India sold around 7,000 cars in the year 2012 is now expecting to register double-digit growth in the current fiscal with the enhanced portfolio.

The new Mercedes-Benz GL Class is actually a makeover version of the existing model, however the looks have been improved in a way that it appears as the current M-Class. The 2013 GL350 CDI is likely to offer more power and torque, still returning 20% better fuel economy than the current version.

The company which is now at the no.3 position in the list of top-selling luxury car makers in India, plans to strengthen its position in the sub-continent by launching new models and enhancing it sales network. As of now Mercedes-Benz B Class (petrol) is the cheapest vehicle sold by the company in India at a starting price of Rs 25 lakh, the upcoming A-Class hatchback will be positioned even below the B-Class. The A-class will be launched both in the petrol and diesel versions, while the B-Class too will receive the diesel variant.