Inclined for star treatment? Highlights from StarDrive Mumbai.

Inclined for star treatment? Highlights from StarDrive Mumbai.

The Mercedes-Benz StarDrive got petrol-heads in Mumbai all enthused over the weekend. Renowned for demonstrating the marvels of Mercedes-Benz engineering across 11 cities, the Mumbai edition was conducted at the Juhu Aerodrome on the 1^st and 2^nd of December. The venue was the perfect place to put the stars through their paces and allowed fans to experience these marvels of automotive engineering like they are meant to be. On display were the stunning SLS AMG, G-55 AMG and E-Cabriolet while enthusiasts could experience the M-Class, and C 63 AMG at the hands of experts. StarDrive Mumbai also saw Farhan Akhtar participate in the event as he put his favourite Stars through their paces.

The StarDrive Experience demonstrates Mercedes-Benz hallmark levels of safety by providing participants with a first-hand demonstration of PRE-SAFE®.  One of the several safety systems that contribute to the Mercedes-Benz Integral Safety concept, PRE-SAFE® takes anticipatory precautions when an imminent collision is detected. Seats bend forward into a favourable position, head rests adjust and seat belts tighten, in addition the windows and the sun roof close automatically for preventive action.  Participants get to experience PRE-SAFE® in a completely controlled and safe environment. Also demonstrated are the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

Participants also climbed to new heights with the SUV demonstration that included the M-Class and the GL-Class. These mighty titans made little of a 40 degree slope with the help of their PRO-ENGINEERING Package while the Hill Hold Assist helped the vehicle stand stationary for a breath taking 2.5 seconds before rolling back. Descending is a piece of cake with Downhill Speed Regulation allowing the driver to set the speed of 4 to 18 kmph for a controlled descent. Participants were treated to a drive that was as smooth as silk as the differential lock system made little of difficult terrain.

The Mumbai edition of the StarDrive was unlike any other with a guest appearance of one of our favourite stars – Farhan Akhtar. He slipped behind the wheel of an M-Class to experience the SUV test track on his own terms. This was followed by a breath-taking ride in the C63 AMG,  on the slalom course. This was followed by drives in the SLS AMG and G55 AMG. The icing on the cake was that winners of our StarDrive with Farhan Akhtar contest got to experience an exhilarating drive in the M-Class with their favourite Star.

Mercedes-Benz India launches GL ‘Grand Edition’–Ultimate in luxury off-roading

• SUV segment has witnessed steady growth in India - increasingly becoming the preferred vehicle of choice
• The GL ‘Grand Edition’: visually more impressive and elegance personified
• Unique 10 spoke 20 inch light alloy wheels, high quality two-tone leather seats, metallic paint finishes(new color citrine brown)
• Attractive Price Range: GL Grand Edition Executive : 60,99,000 and GL Grand Edition Luxury : 65,50,000

Pune: Mercedes-Benz India today launched the GL-Class ‘Grand Edition’, further re-iterating its position of offering the widest product portfolio for the Indian luxury car market. The GL Class is one of the biggest luxury SUVs in its segment and the launch of the ‘Grand Edition’ further strengthens the company’s presence in the increasingly popular SUV segment in India. 

Speaking on the launch of the vehicle Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India said, “India has burgeoning potential in terms of demand for SUVs. The superior connectivity and improved road conditions are fuelling this growth. Mercedes-Benz is an aspirational brand and GL-Class has received very encouraging response from the customers since its launch in India. The GL ‘Grand Edition’ has been aggressively priced for the Indian market and like its success in other markets; the introduction of the vehicle will further strengthen our dominance in the luxury Large SUV segment. The GL ‘Grand Edition’ with its proven off-roading prowess and luxurious interiors is ideal to suit the taste of the growing number of off-roading aficionados in India”.

The distinctive, new GL- Class Grand Edition’s level of spaciousness and comfort is at par with that of a luxury saloon. Features reserved exclusively for the ‘Grand Edition’ includes unique light-alloy wheels with 50.8 cm (20-inch) tyres, in Himalayan grey metallic with a high-sheen finish, append to the vehicle’s exclusivity. The rich quality, new design two-tone leather seats in the color combinations black / porcelain and black / maroon leather upholstery with individual fluting pattern and contrasting topstitching, is exclusive to the Grand Edition.

The exclusive front end design of the ‘Grand Edition’ is unique, the dark-tinted headlamps, a radiator grille with black, high-sheen louvres and a redesigned front bumper with integrated LED daytime running lamps define this special edition. There are other visual highlights too, such as metallic paint finishes, heat-insulating and infrared-reflecting laminated glass all round, aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs, and divided exhaust tailpipe trim. The ‘Grand Edition’ accommodates up to seven people with exceptional level of spaciousness. The comfort headrests for the driver and front passenger, ambient lighting, roof liner in black designo fabric, velour floor mats with contrasting stitching and ‘Grand Edition’ lettering, ‘Grand Edition’ badge on the centre console, adds to the allure of the vehicle.

The GL-Class Grand Edition packs convenient features like EASY –PACK tailgate and extremely practical electronically folding third row seat that ensures convenience for its occupants. Although the GL’s size is intimidating, parking it is one of the easiest tasks, as it comes equipped with PARKTRONIC and COMAND APS system with a reversing camera that help manoeuvre the car easily in tight parking spaces. The THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control helps maintain different temperatures for the driver, front and rear passengers giving each their own comfort zone.

The commanding GL-Class ‘Grand Edition’ offers remarkable handling and assures for an excellent ride comfort coupled with the most important safety features which is synonymous with Mercedes-Benz. With innovative 4MATIC all-wheel drive, AIRMATIC air suspension, Direct-Steer system and the Adaptive Damping System ADS, which also comes as standard adds to the already feature packed car. While the GL cuts an imposing figure on the asphalt, it also has legitimate off-road credentials. The modified AIRMATIC air suspension enables great ground clearance. For the challenging terrains the dynamic handling control systems such as Off-Road ABS, Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) and Hill-Start Assist also make life easier for the GL-Class driver.

The GL ‘Grand Edition’ will be available in two variants Executive and Luxury. While the Executive will be priced at INR 60, 99,000 (ex-showroom), the Luxury variant will be priced at INR 65, 50,000(ex-showroom)

Engine Specifications:

Arrangement/no. of cylinders: V6

Displacement (cc) (cm3):    2,987

Output (kW/hp):        165 / 224

Max. torque (Nm):    510

Approx. top speed (km/h):   210

Power transmission and wheels          

Tyres/wheels:           255/50 R 20

Drive system:            4MATIC

Transmission:           7G-TRONIC

Capacities and weights:  

Kerb weight (kg):      2,505

Perm. GVW (kg)       3,250

Boot capacity (VDA) (l): 620-2,300

Permissible towing capacity, unbraked/braked (kg):     750/3,500

Turning circle diameter (m):           12.1