mb. Connect! with Farhan Akhtar

Mercedes Benz believes in connecting with owners, enthusiasts and fans at the core level and the ‘Star Drive’ is one such media of establishing such connection. After providing some hardcore adrenaline pumping moments all over India, the Mercedes Benz ‘Star drive’ experience hit Mumbai. This unrivalled experience showcased the unparalleled performance of Mercedes Benz products combined with the sophistication in terms of engineering, technology and pure luxury. The intensity was further raised by the presence of Mercedes Benz Customer and Bollywood superstar Farhan Akhtar.

Mercedes Benz and success are two words which often go hand in hand and Farhan Akhtar has had the best of both. On this edition of mb connect, Farhan tests the limits of the Mercedes cars at Juhu aerodrome and answers questions posted by facebook fans in a candid session with Mr. Debasis Mitra. Farhan Akhtar’s association with bollywood goes back to more than a decade. Having delivered blockbusters such as Dil Chahta Hai, Don and Zingadi Na Milege Dobara, he shares a special passion for Mercedes Benz cars and also happens to be the first owner of the ultimate SUV, the all new ML Class. 

Out of the many questions posted by fans, Farhan answered the selected questions with utmost enthusiasm. He has a special liking for SUV’s and has done a road trip all around Europe in the ML Class and said he feels absolutely relaxed and comfortable when he is behind the wheel of his favourite Mercedes. He rarely prefers to be a passenger and is eager to jump into the driver’s seat and relish the Mercedes Benz driving experience. Farhan proclaims himself to be lucky to be the first owner of the ML Class and vows to put this mighty SUV to the limit of its tremendous capability. Being completely a family man, Farhan gives due importance to his family for their opinions on buying a car. Versatility is one of his key attributes and it’s not easy to be an actor, director, producer, writer and singer at the same time and Farhan would like to leave it to his fans as to how they will like to remember him. 

That’s all from this edition of mb connect with Farhan Akhtar, stay tuned for the next mb connect with a special star.

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.

Sporty and aggressive C-Class AMG Performance Edition

Mercedes-Benz India ushers in the sporty and aggressive C-Class AMG Performance Edition

C-Class AMG Performance Edition

• Introduction of AMG Sports Package: The enhanced driving dynamics of the C-Class AMG Performance Edition gets more accentuated with an aggressive exterior and a dynamic interior

• Sporty Exteriors with AMG Body Styling: 17-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, perforated front brake discs and sports suspension

• Luxurious & Sporty Interiors with AMG Sports Package: Steering wheel gear shift paddles, 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel with 12 function keys in nappa leather, instrument cluster featuring 3 analogue dials with tapered tube-style surrounds, high-resolution of 11.4 cm (4.5-inch)  & TFT colour display

Mercedes-Benz India today launched the new C-Class AMG Performance Edition with added AMG Sports Package. The C-Class 250 CDI Avant-garde has been hailed as the most aggressive vehicles in its class in terms of handling and driving dynamics. The AMG Sports Package translates this dynamism and aggression through the overall look and feel of the vehicle now. The AMG Sports package comprises carefully coordinated features for a sportier exterior and adds to the contours of the interior ambience, lending an enhanced driving dynamics.

The New C-Class AMG Performance Edition sets newer standards in its segment by offering an aggressive road presence and integrating safety, comfort and agility. The New C-Class has been one of the most important and iconic model series from Mercedes-Benz stable, and has been an epitome of luxury and comfort making it one of the most popular vehicles in the segment.

 Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India: “The C-Class has been one of the most successful sedans from the Mercedes-Benz portfolio and has received overwhelming customer traction since its launch. We have sold close to 15,000 units of the C-Class since its launch in India in 2001. With the launch of the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition; Mercedes-Benz aims to redefine the luxury entry level sedan segment. The new C-Class AMG Performance Edition will offer our connoisseurs a more enhanced driving experience, incorporated with the added features of the AMG styling, which is revered for its sporty and dynamic attributes globally. Mercedes-Benz’s constant endeavour has been to innovate and delight its diverse customer base through exciting products and world class service standards. We are confident that the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition will continue to excite our growing customer base and fans of AMG styling.”

The New C-Class AMG Performance Edition with AMG Sports Package adds to the exemplary visual appeal of its predecessors by adding more aggressive and sporty renderings. The New C-Class AMG Performance Edition’s exterior now comes with AMG body styling with a front and rear apron, and side sill panels. The 17-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels give the car a much more aggressive look which is enhanced further by the front brake calipers with "Mercedes-Benz" lettering. The Perforated front brake discs and a new Sports suspension are some of the distinctive features which make driving the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition more engaging.

The additional renderings of the AMG Sports Package include the tailpipe trim which now comes in polished stainless steel. The sporty look of the car is now more distinguished with the daytime running lamps with chrome surrounds.

A distinctive sporty look greets the interior which now has a 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel with 12 function keys in Nappa leather. The steering wheel is further accentuated with a red contrasting topstitching with flattened lower section, and a perforation in the grip area making long drives comfortable. Adding to the ease of driving, the steering wheel now also comes with gear shift paddles.

The AMG Sports Package in the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition provides a superlative look to the interior with a new instrument cluster which features the 3 analogue dials with tapered tube-style surrounds. The high-resolution 11.4 cm (4.5-inch) TFT colour display adds a whole new level of sophistication to the interior of the car.

Other AMG Sports Package renderings, which endow the plush interiors of the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition with a sporty look, are in the form of aluminum-look gearshift/selector lever with leather gaiter, a brushed stainless steel AMG sports pedals with black rubber studs and a headlining in black fabric. The floor mats too now comes in black with AMG lettering pronounced.

With a redesigned dashboard, new instrument cluster, equipped with an integrated colour display and revamped upholstery, the New C-Class has witnessed a complete makeover in its interiors, offering the customers a deluxe travelling opportunity.

The C-Class AMG Performance Edition is priced at INR 34, 62,609 ex-showroom in Mumbai.

Contact:  

Mercedes-Benz India Pvt. Ltd.: Tel. 021 35673000

Manas Dewan: e-mail: manas.dewan@daimler.com

Shekhar Das Chowdhury: e-mail: shekhar.daschowdhury@daimler.com

Ghazal Javed: e-mail: ghazal.javed@daimler.com

Mercedes-Benz A-Class, C-Class and E-Class take four first places in customer survey in Germany

Taking four first places with the A-Class, C-Class and E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has turned up a clear winner in terms of driver satisfaction, according to JD Power in Germany, a market research company that conducts surveys of customer satisfaction research on new car quality and long-term dependability. The German car maker has also been voted as the strongest brand in the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC) AutoMarxX study, Europe’s largest automobile club with more than 18 million members as of May 2012. A little over 14,000 drivers in Germany responded to the online survey to assess the quality and reliability of the cars, which is the basis for the JD Power 2012 Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study (VOSS). All the cars had to be driven for around two years.

“We are delighted that we have once again been able to secure the top places in the JD Power Study 2012. Our aim in the future is to continue to set the highest of standards, not only in terms of quality, service and ecology, but, of course also with our exciting designs, inspirational technology and high levels of driving pleasure. As a result we hope that the Mercedes-Benz brand will continue to be extremely well received by our customers,” said Joachim Schmidt, member of the board of Mercedes-Benz cars responsible for sales and marketing.

The company emerged as the winner in the Overall VOSS ranking with the C-Class taking the podium for the third time in succession, the E-Class winning the award for the second consecutive year and the A-Class scoring top marks for satisfaction in the compact class. Also Read: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 350: First Drive

Based on the responses, market researchers drew up comprehensive lists of vehicles achieving best satisfaction, comprising 79 models from 25 manufacturers in eight categories.

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.

#DaywithMerc – Event Review

Fourteen renowned automotive journalists from some of the most sought after portals for information on vehicles in India gathered at our Chakan facility for a day of details & demonstrations. It was time to let our entire fleet out for these die-hard auto fanatics to experience & in turn extend their fascination to each one of you.


A tour of the facility where fascination is born, an insight into the technology & a snapshot of Mercedes-Benz through the years & for the years to come left everyone wanting more & that’s exactly what they got as they walked out onto the asphalt for a rendezvous with the glittering beauties on a clear spring afternoon.

To these enthusiasts, AMG sounded much like Ready-Set-Go! As they punched the accelerators to take each one of these engineering masterpieces through their paces, pushing them ever so harder in & out of corners in a bid to juice out the character that’s distinct to each one of these cars. Surely they were further trying to exert their driving abilities for bragging rights amongst themselves.

Exhaust notes tearing through the air at a distance, adrenaline pumping around the MIDC Chakan complex @ breakneck speeds & that unmistakable smell of smoldering rubber saw the mid-day turn to dusk. They returned like ‘kids in a candy store’ on a sugar high, all smiles & thrilled to say the least. The SL 63 AMG was the most sought after machine while the C 63 AMG was everyone’s favorite little beast. There’s more to come as we await the reviews from the auto journalists themselves, until then here’s the line-up & moments captured.

"iF product design award 2012": Five-fold success for Mercedes-Benz design

Stuttgart – The designers at Mercedes-Benz have picked up yet another prize for no fewer than four models in the form of the internationally renowned "iF product design award 2012". A top-class specialist jury has bestowed the award on the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the SLK, the SLS AMG Roadster, and the Concept A-CLASS show car, as well as the smart electric mobility concept, all for their outstanding designs.

First presented in 1953, the "iF product design award" ranks among the world's most important design awards and represents the seal of approval for good design. For 2012 the 24-member jury was again faced with the task of choosing its favourites, this time from more than 2000 candidates. Four models from Mercedes-Benz stood out in particular: the M-Class, the SLK, the SLS AMG Roadster and the Concept A-CLASS show car.

The M-Class won thanks to its characteristically distinctive SUV design and its variable interior with high wellness factor. The open-top SLS AMG Roadster, meanwhile, owes its victory to its exciting lines, which are reminiscent of the legendary 300 SL from the 1950s. The SLK Roadster also dominated the competition with its powerful sports car design, which portrays its outstanding qualities to brilliant visual effect - stylish comfort, light-footed sportiness and exemplary ecology.

With the Mercedes-Benz Concept A-CLASS, the jury acknowledged the birth of a new vehicle generation which provides a glimpse of the expressive design of the future A-Class.

As an overall concept, the trend-setting developments achieved by the automotive brand smart in the field of electric mobility also received the coveted "iF product design award 2012". For its innovative e-mobility concept, smart created one-off vehicles such as the open-top smart forspeed, the smart e-scooter and also the smart e-bike, which is to be incorporated into the smart product line this year.

mb, Feel it - Mercedes-Benz India kickstarts its avant-garde initiatives in 2012

• Introducing a pulse racing new design language
• The new initiative will be woven across various engagements
• mb.inspired! a showcase of the new face of Mercedes-Benz across varied creative fields with distinguished personalities like Farhan Akhtar, Chetan Bhagat, Masaba Gupta among others

Mercedes-Benz finished 2011 on successful note and starts the New Year with a range of initiatives to capture the robust growth in luxury segment. It is leveraging the Auto Expo as a platform to kickstart these initiatives and has encapsulated the entire thought in “mb. Feel it!”

“mb. Feel it!” is a call to experience Mercedes-Benz through various forms and to understand the brand even more closely. There are two fundamental pillars through which Mercedes-Benz India wants to communicate this thought- Exciting new Products and New initiatives like mb. Inspired! and the Performance Driving Academy.

Products:

Mercedes-Benz will have the largest display of cars in the luxury segment at the Auto Expo 2012. Spanning across 3600 sq metres, it will showcase 17 cars! The key highlights shall be the “Concept A” which will unleash in India, for the first time, the “New design language of Mercedes-Benz”. It will give people an insight into the future of automobiles. This is also supported by a special exhibit of F- Cell technology which demonstrates cars emitting only water vapor.

Apart from the two new launches, Mercedes-Benz for the first time will display the S 600 Pullman to the public. This car used by heads of states, Presidents and world leaders, is a 4- door armored vehicle confirming to the highest safety standards.

New initiatives: mb. Inspired! & Performance Driving Academy

mb.Inspired!

In a distinct showcase Mercedes-Benz India would be launching mb. Inspired - a unique Initiative which showcases the face of Mercedes-Benz across varied creative fields. mb.Inspired! results in a very personal perspective that reveals new ways of thinking and spreads inspiration.

About mb.Inspired!
‘Best or Nothing’ has always inspired Mercedes-Benz and has been the guiding philosophy of the brand. It has inspired Mercedes-Benz in pioneering numerous technological innovations in the automotive domain, which has resulted in benchmarking product offerings from the company’s portfolio, that has won admirations of million of customers world over and continues to aspire millions more. Mercedes-Benz would be promoting this philosophy in India through the mb. Inspired! initiative.

A new vibrant and young India is on the rise and it is driven by youth and their rising aspirations. It’s an India which is fearless in taking risks and doesn’t fear failure. Mercedes-Benz India commemorates these young youth inspirational icons through mb.Inspired! It’s an initiative which synergizes the Mercedes-Benz ethos across various creative, sporting, business and lifestyle universes. The result is a collaborative perspective that fuels new ways of thinking and inspires.

Mercedes-Benz India will be introducing distinguished personalities like Farhan Akhtar, Chetan Bhagat & Masaba Gupta as the first entrants to this elite group.

Performance Driving Academy:

Mercedes-Benz India will be starting the registrations for the “AMG Performance Driving Academy” which will be inaugurated on 4th January at the Buddh International Circuit. This will give an opportunity for visitors to know more about this unique initiative. Mercedes-Benz will also display its DTM racing car and the SLS GT3 racing car for the first time ever in India. Select participants will also have the opportunity to experience STAR DRIVE in the Auto expo venue.

Speaking on the initiative Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India said “mb. Feel it! is more than a communication tag line. It can be experienced by the customers when they interact with brand Mercedes-Benz during the Auto Expo in forms of future products and technologies showcased, young achievers & our engagement through the performance driving academy. This is in line with our strategy to grow 10 times in 10 years in the Indian market”.