Buckle up for pure exhilaration: StarDrive

The second phase of StarDrive Experience 2012 begins in various cities this month. Starting on the first of September in Delhi at the Buddh International Circuit, it continues in Chandigarh on 8^th-9^th September and concludes in Mumbai with a special drive with Farhan Akhtar on 22^nd-23^rd of the month. The experience features the Mercedes-Benz GL- Class, G-Wagon and the M-Class. You've heard stories about their power; durability and performance, now drive these marvellous machines from Mercedes-Benz in person.

The StarDrive is your chance to experience ground-breaking innovations from Mercedes-Benz. Witness PRE-SAFE®, Traction Control and ESP, Off-Road Pro Engineering and 4ETS live as you get behind the wheel of your favourite Mercedes-Benz.

The PRE-SAFE® feature has participants experience the car’s preventive protection -  seats bend forward into a favourable angle, seat belts tighten, windows and sunroofs close automatically and head restraints position accordingly. The simulation, at the hands of expert instructors, is as close as it gets to the real thing.

SUV genre stalwarts like the GL-Class and M-Class showcase sheer power as they overwhelm the toughest of terrains. They manoeuvre 40 degree slopes with considerable ease owing to the PRO-ENGINEERING Package. The differential lock system helps transfer weight from the unused wheels to the ones touching the ground, thus maintaining a perfect balance and grip on inclined terrain. The 4-MATIC and AIRMATIC suspension in these SUVs helps them adjust their suspension seamlessly in order to accommodate the rapidly changing terrain.

There’s no uphill task for these behemoths! While scaling new heights, participants can experience Hill Hold Assist that helps the car remain steady for 2.5seconds before rolling back, giving the driver enough time to prepare for the climb. Likewise, when driving down the slope, the Downhill Speed Regulation sets a speed between 4-18 kmph depending on the terrain. All the driver needs to do is manoeuvre; the car takes care of the rest by maintaining perfect balance and speed.

This year, we've taken the StarDrive experience a notch up by granting the winners of the Slalom contest a chance to be in the grand finale with Farhan Akhtar. Every qualifying participant will still take home a special gift voucher from us. So witness true marvels of the 21^st century with the StarDrive Experience.

Leading up the Automotive Scene

Aggressive Looks, Enhanced Dimensions, Refined Performance and Green footprint: The New M-Class from Mercedes-Benz sets a new benchmark among luxury SUVs in India

Now in its third generation, the M-Class is the most popular SUV from the Mercedes-Benz stable with over 1500 units already sold in India. The new M-Class with its aggressive looks, larger dimensions and green footprint has raised the bar for luxury SUVs in India. The best in Class SUV with Active Parking Assist, Airmatic Air Suspension, 20 inches AMG Body styling & Alloy wheels, Easy pack Tailgate, Designo Leather Interiors and Mini Spare wheel included in the standard fitments

Power packed with technology and gadgets the new M-Class introduces several concepts into the SUV segment for the first time- like Attention assist, Eco start stop, Reversing Camera etc. Legendary Mercedes technology, safety and robustness earned it the Euro 5 star rating from EURO NCAP

Mercedes-Benz India introduced the powerful, agile and luxurious new third generation M-Class, sporting the Mercedes-Benz new design language, to the market. The New M-Class stays true to the lineage of its predecessors and drives into the future with better fuel efficiency, new look and superior performance. The New M-Class exemplifies Mercedes-Benz’s philosophy of the ‘Best or Nothing’ being the engineering marvel that it is. 

Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India explains: “At the start of this year we had promised to introduce exciting new models into the market. We are proud to present today the New M Class, built to perform with the highest precision and follows the Mercedes-Benz new design language. We are confident that the quality of drive and the luxurious experience it can deliver will be a big hit with the customers and it will be warmly received.”

Aggressive design language:  The design of the M-Class is a trailblazing further development of the SUV concept. The unmistakable style makes the W166 series instantly recognizable as an M-Class. The horizontal lines at the rear emphasize the vehicle's on-road character. These lines are picked up in the cockpit, with its compelling combination of ergonomic, practical design and the use of high-grade materials.

What’s New?

This new edition of the M-Class, now in its third generation, sets new benchmarks in SUV design, technology and performance. The NEW M-Class sports powerful exterior and interior design featuring high – quality details, following the interpretation of a contemporary SUV. 

The vehicle leads the field in safety, comfort, quality feel over its competitors. The pinnacle of comfort and load compartment capacity offering ease of handling,  on and off-road.

Keeping true to the new design language, the new M-Class has been envisioned with a much sleeker frame as compared to its predecessor. Though the vehicle is significantly larger it does not make it look bulkier. There is an overall increase in the length and width of the car.

 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.

Safety is a primary mover for Mercedes-Benz; the New M-Class is packed with safety technology. It has nine strategically located airbags that ensures the safety of its passengers upon collision / accident. Additionally it is built with a PRE-SAFE technology that helps prevent such instances.

Protection of the environment is a key task of every individual; the New M-Class has been built with this thought in mind. The vehicle has been built with the ECO start-stop function, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions- by automatically switching off the engine during traffic jams or traffic signals.

Making the drive more pleasurable is the technology that has been packed into the new generation such as ATTENTION ASSIST, that alerts the driver on detection of drowsiness on longer trips; an Active Parking Assist with integrated PARKTRONIC technology, and a new rearview camera that increases comfort and provides a real safety plus.

The NEW M-Class sets the bar higher 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.

The Third Generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class Launch

Presenting the Third Generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class – For Those in Control

When your eyes see only empty road for miles ahead and your heart is fluttering like the wind rushing by, you know that the best part of the journey has begun. And you are in control.

It is by far the most advanced SUV created by Mercedes-Benz and is in the 3^rd generation. The individuality that it projects, the style statement and the adventurous spirit of an explorer is what makes this car so magnificent. The New Mercedes Benz M-Class truly is a car ‘For those in Control’.

Here are the extra-ordinary features of the all new Mercedes-Benz:

• The new M-Class comes with a standard with the ECO start/stop function which reduces fuel consumption and emissions by automatically switching off the engine (for example in traffic jams or at traffic lights)

• The AMG Exterior Sports package (20” AMG alloys & AMG body styling) as well as exclusive appointments (like Designo exclusive 2-Tone leather upholstery) further enhance the sportiness rugged looks and comfort of the M-Class.

• Extensive safety features that are unique in this segment include the PRE-SAFE® system & 9 airbags

• PRE-SAFE: includes preventive belt tensioner, positioning function for front passenger's seat with Memory package, closing function for sliding sunroof and side windows.

• Most comprehensive standard equipment in the segment in terms of restraint systems with 9 airbags- front (2), front side (2), driver kneebag (1), front/rear windowbags (2), rear sidebags (2)

• Innovative assistance systems, such as ATTENTION ASSIST, Active Parking Assist, etc

• COMAND Online system with a bigger 17.8 cm color display, 10 GB MUSIC REGISTER, SD slot for memory cards. Playback of audio CD and DVD audio/video possible, amongst others. Search for music titles with LINGUATRONIC (voice operated control)

• THERMOTRONIC 3-zone luxury automatic climate control with selectable climate modes (FOCUS, MEDIUM and DIFFUSE).

• High traction: 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with 50:50 power distribution ideal for off-road use. Downhill speed regulation via engine and transmission control.

• AIRMATIC package  incl. air suspension, all-round level control and ADS II adaptive damping system with selectable "Sport" and "Comfort" (button name: "COMF") modes at the touch of a button. Even more flexible handling on the road for enhanced comfort and dynamics.

• 7G-TRONIC PLUS fitted as standard with further decrease in torque converter slip and optimized efficiency. Improved damping of rotational eccentricities and vibrations at the same time makes for even greater comfort, faster gear changes and more durability.

• The first in new M-Class is the Easy pack tailgate which ensures excellent loading convenience with the press of a button.

• The all new reversing camera in the new M-Class increases comfort & provides a real safety plus by not only make parking easier, but also maneuvering in difficult terrain.

• Euro NCAP ratings: Five star rating for excellent occupant protection.

• The New M-Class is longer & wider than the outgoing predecessor by + 23mm & +15 mm respectively while the height is reduced by -19mm making the new M-Class more aerodynamic.

• Off-road driving program with off key: helps the driver to off-road trips with customized settings for engine performance, automatic transmission, anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Program ESP ® and Electronic Traction System 4ETS . It is activated via the off-button on the center console.