Mercedes-Benz drives in the GLS 350 d in India, the most luxurious SUVin its portfolio


Commences local production of the GLS 350 d

·         The GLS is referred to as the ‘S-Class of SUVs’
·         Mercedes-Benz simultaneously commences the local production of the GLS 350dwith its Indialaunch
·         India has globally emerged as one of the top 10 markets for the GLS
·         Superior Performance: 3-litre, V6 dieselengine producing 190 kW (258hp)and 620Nm of peak torque, motorized by the 9G-TRONIC transmission
·         First class under all conditions:The GLS 350 d features outstanding comfortcourtesy of the AIRMATIC suspension with enhanced ADS (adaptive dampening system plus)
·         The GLS 350 d offers the best on-road and off-road total package, with the innovative DYNAMIC SELECT controller comprising 5 modes: Comfort, Sport, Slippery, Individual and Off-road
·         Appealing ambience: New instrument panel design with semi-integrated media display, a modified centre console with touchpad, new appointment colours and trim options | Panoramic Sunroof
·         Cutting edge technology: The GLS 350 d features the revolutionaryApple CarPlay™as standard
·         The GLS 350 dis priced atRs.80.40 lakhsex-showroom Pune 

Mercedes-Benz drives in the GLS 350 d in India, the most luxurious SUVin its portfolio
 Mercedes-Benz GLS 350 d launched in Delhi 
Mercedes-Benz drives in the GLS 350 d in India, the most luxurious SUVin its portfolio
 Mr. Roland Folger, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India at the Mercedes-Benz GLS 350 d launch
Mercedes-Benz drives in the GLS 350 d in India, the most luxurious SUVin its portfolio

Mr. Roland Folger, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India at the Mercedes-Benz GLS 350 d  launch

Chandigarh:The country’s leading luxury car maker Mercedes-Benztoday launched the new GLS 350 d,for its distinguished customers in India. With the introduction of the GLS 350 d, Mercedes-Benz India continues its product drive in India and boasts of the most versatile range of luxury SUVs in its portfolio. The GLS creates new benchmark in performance, luxury appointment,use of technology, cabin and boot space and plush interiors which is inspired by the flagship S-Class luxury sedan. With the launch of the GLS, Mercedes-Benz yet again reiterates its ‘top ofpyramid’ product strategy by introducing the best products from its global portfolio. The GLS 350 dwas launched by Roland Folger, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India.

Roland Folger, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said: “Popularly known as the S-Class of SUVs, the introduction of the GLS underscores Mercedes-Benz’s dominance in the luxury SUV segment in India. The GLS is the epitome of exemplary engineering that cleverly combines unmatched space, with delightful driving pleasure on any terrain. With the launch of the GLS, we are glad to provide the most comprehensive luxury SUV portfolio in the country to our discerning customers. India has a growing penchant for the SUVs and at 100% growth achieved in 2015; it was the highest growing segment for us.”

Mr. Folger further added, “The GLS is a distinguished and versatile SUV, as it performs effortlessly asa dynamic sports car, a luxurious cruiser or even a fully-fledged off-roader. The GLS indulges its occupants in an opulent ambience, and promises unsurpassed luxury experience that no other seven seater SUV can offer.The GLS has contributed to the success of our SUV portfolio in a significant way. India has also emerged as one of the top 10 markets for the GLS, globally. The GLS will be locally manufactured in our world-class production facility in Punefrom its India launch. We are confident that the local production will make the GLS 350d attractive for the eminent buyers with additional value propositions and increased
  
availability. This is yet another illustration of our vision of ‘Make in India’, and gives us the opportunity to provide the newest products for our elite customers here.”

Posh and pleasant poise: Inside and out
Exteriors
The strikingexterior of the GLSwith the new radiator grille hasthe brand's Three Pointed Star transition smoothly into the two horizontal louvres and thereby emphasizing the value appeal and the lines of the entire front. This detail is a hallmark trait of all SUV models from Mercedes-Benz. The modern headlamp layout borrows from the GLE and GLE Coupé. The bonnet features two power domes and highlights the powerful appearance of the GLS.
In concert with the full-LED tail lights with a new layout and the hallmark night design of the brand, the integrated trapezoidal chrome tailpipe trim elements round off the exterior design in grand style.The new GLS reflects harmony and modern luxury expressed in a large-size SUV format. Chrome-look details such as the roof rails, underbody protection, beltline trim strip, luggage compartment handle and side sill trim add attractive highlights. The GLS sports a 50.8 cm (20-inch) 10-spoke light-alloy wheels that further enhances the sporty appeal of the SUV.

Interiors
The interior offers the S-Class standard among SUVs. Furthermore, up to seven passengers can enjoy an outstanding level of comfortable spaciousness. The powerfully dynamic and elegant interior architecture, refined materials, a great love of detail, good ergonomics and the generous space – the interior of the GLS conveys the hallmark feel-good atmosphere of the Mercedes-Benz brand. In terms of storage space, the GLS provides a volume of 680 to 2300 litres and as such clearly surpasses the amount of space offered by the vehicle's European competitors. Of particular note in the high-quality elegant interior are a new heated 3-spoke multifunction nappa leather steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift paddles, 12 function keys and an airbag cover in nappa leather, instruments with modified details as well as a redesigned instrument panel with semi-integrated

colour Media Display. The latter offers an even better experience of the vehicle functions thanks to photo-realistic displays of images and graphics.A unique and first ever feature that enhances the environment inside the GLS is the Apple CarPlay™. It provides options to make calls, listen to music, send and receive text messages and also provides access to select third-party apps that are approved by Apple CarPlay™.

Potent power and performance:
Under the hood of the new GLS 350 d is a powerful 3-litre, V6 dieselengine that produces 258 hpand a raucous 620 Nm of peak torque. The engine is motorized by the revolutionary 9G-TRONIC transmission from Mercedes-Benz. The 9G-TRONIC in the GLS 350 d has a more dynamic response and ensures reduced fuel consumption. The high efficiency is resultant of a reduced torque converter slip. The 9G-TRONIC auto transmission enhances driving pleasure due to dynamic gearshifts and response characteristics with smooth gear changes.

Technical Specifications
GLS 350 d
Arrangement/no. of cylinders
V 6
Total displacement (cc)
2,987
Power kw(hp)@rpm
190 kW [258] @ 3400 rpm
Torque (Nm) @ rpm
620 @ 1600-2400 rpm
Acceleration 0 –100 km/h (s)
7.8

Key product features:
·      9-G TRONIC: 9-Speed Automatic Transmission
·      DYNAMIC SELECT controller with 5 modes: Comfort, Sport, Slippery, Individual and Off-road
·      Panoramic sunroof
·      Full LED Headlamps with Intelligent Light System
·      Adaptive highbeam Assist Plus
 ·         4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive System
·         AIRMATIC suspension with Adaptive Dampening System Plus
·         New Generation Telematics (NTG 5*1)
·         Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay™
·         COMAND Online with 20.3 cm (8-inches) high resolution media display and Touchpad
·         Mirror package with brand logo projection
·         Memory package for driver and front passenger
·         Parking package with Active Parking Assist and 360° camera

Supreme safety for all seven occupants
A host of active and passive safety features relieve the burden on the driver and protect the occupants of the GLS. As standard on the GLS are the PRE-SAFE® system, BAS Brake Assist, the electronic all-wheel drive traction system 4ETS, ESP® with Curve Dynamic Assist and cruise control. Optimal protection potential is provided by the passive occupant protection systems together with the "electronic crumple zones" of the assistance systems and the intelligent body design. Adaptive, two-stage airbags for driver and front passenger, sidebagsfor driver, front passenger and the middle row seats (combined thorax/pelvisbags) and windowbags across all three seat rows are also part of the standard specification. In addition, the GLS is fitted with three-point safety belts on all seven seats.

Upholstery  
·         ARTICO man-made leather black
·         ARTICO man-made leather espresso brown (available with white exterior only)
·         ARTICO man-made leather ginger beige / espresso brown

Trims
·         Light aluminum trim with longitudinal grain
·         Open-pore brown ash wood trim


Exterior Paints
·         Citrine brown metallic
·         Designo diamond white bright
·         Cavansite blue metallic
·         Obsidian black metallic
·         Iridium silver metallic
·         Tenorite grey metallic

About Mercedes-Benz India:
Established in 1994, Mercedes-Benz India Pvt. Ltd. pioneered the luxury car market in India and boasts of more than 130 years of cutting edge innovation in the luxury automobile industry globally. Set up in 2009, Mercedes-Benz India’s world class production facility is spread over 100 acres in Chakan near Pune. Since June 2015, Mercedes-Benz India also commenced production from its new expanded production facility located in the same premises. The production facility now carries an investment of INR 1000+ crores and has the largest installed production capacity for any luxury car maker in India.
Mercedes-Benz India product portfolio comprises the locally produced Mercedes Maybach S 500, S-Class, E-Class, C-Class, CLA sedans and the GLA, GLE and the GLS SUVs. Completely Built imported cars portfolio includes the A-Class, B-Class, CLS, SLK, E-Class Cabriolet, S-Class Coupé, and the S 600 Guard a range of other Guard vehicles etc. The product portfolio also comprises the iconic off-roader Mercedes-AMG G 63 as well as a wide range of other Mercedes-AMG performance cars like the AMG CLA 45, AMG C 63 S, AMG E 63, AMG SLK 55, AMG S 63 Coupe, AMG GL 63, AMG ML 63, AMG S 63, AMG GLA 45, GLE 450 AMG Coupe and AMG GT S. Given Mercedes-Benz’s continuous success in India across myriad spectrum of sales, network, operations, services, finance, etc. 2016 will be the cornerstone to inculcate the spirit of winning despite emerging market challenges.
‘Winning with Mercedes-Benz’ philosophy is also derived from the unrivalled success created by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team in the highly competitive Formula 1 in the past years. In 2016, Mercedes-Benz will initiate a range of innovative customer oriented initiatives which are ‘winning’ in nature and will further underline the brand’s strong customercentric approach. In 2016, Mercedes-Benz began its ‘winning’ motto with the launch of the fascinating GLE 450 AMG Coupe, as the first product of the year. The second launch Mercedes-Maybach S600 Guard is the costliest product from Mercedes-Benz India fleet. The third launch of the year was S400 from Mercedes-Benz India. The luxurious SUV GLS 350 d is the fourth launch of the year. The company has also been ranked number one in the J.D. Power Customer Service Index 2015, among the luxury brands for the second year in a row. Mercedes-Benz India registered a historic 32% year-on-year growth by selling 13502 units in the Jan–December 2015 period and became the No. 1 luxury car brand in terms of sales volumes. Mercedes-Benz scripted historic sales for the 2015-16 Fiscal Year, selling 13,558 units between April 2015 and March 2016.The company clocked in the best quarter in January to March 2016 period by selling 3,622 units. For the third consecutive year, Mercedes-Benz India has witnessed a double digit growth and has emerged as the ‘most awarded luxury car brand’ in India. The brand has won as many as 30 prestigious automotive awards conferred by different media houses across India, the highest won by any luxury automotive brand in India this year.
For more details, please visitwww.mercedes-benz.co.in