#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.

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   

Mercedes-Benz & Jaypee Sports International introduce India to Performance driving

• India’s first Performance Driving Academy at Buddh International Circuit; only three other institutes globally from Mercedes-Benz
• Certificate course for the BASIC-Training in India: escalation to ADVANCED, PRO and MASTERS levels for aspirants
• Participants were trained on the high-performance AMG range from Mercedes-Benz; global trainers including Bernd Maylander, Official Formula One World Championship Safety Car Driver and Reinhold Renger, Chief Instructor at The AMG Driving Academy

Mercedes-Benz, in collaboration with Jaypee Sports International Limited, today launched its renowned AMG performance driving academy at the Buddh International Circuit, Greater Noida. The academy will be officially known as JPSI-AMG Performance Driving Academy. Present on the occasion were Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, Sameer Gaur, Managing Director & CEO, Jaypee Sports International Limited (JPSI), Bernd Maylander, Official Formula One World Championship Safety Car Driver and Reinhold Renger, Chief Instructor, AMG Driving Academy. 

Speaking at the event, Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “With Buddh International Circuit, we have laid strong foundations together for Motorsports in India. The F1 debut was just the beginning. JPSI and Mercedes-Benz take this step further by offering India’s first performance driving academy. Under the guidance of expert instructors who are themselves former race drivers and champions, our patrons will now have an opportunity to hone their driving skills. Performance driving has come of age in India and the popularity of AMG is testimony to that.”

“Buddh International Circuit has been hailed as one of the best tracks in the world and we are delighted to offer racing enthusiast an opportunity to experience AMG Performance Driving. Mercedes-Benz has decades of experience in this arena and we have found the perfect partner in them.” Said Sameer Gaur, Managing Director and CEO of Jaypee Sports International (JPSI)

Mercedes-Benz along with JPSI has crafted the Performance Driving Academy to create a platform of high-octane experience to motorsports enthusiasts in India. The new Academy will offer structured programs, cars, trainers and help groom new talents on the racing circuit.

The experience of Mercedes-Benz in training enthusiasts for performance driving spans decades. And, at the launch of the academy in India, MB brought the former Mercedes-Benz DTM Driver and now the Official F1 Safety Car Driver Bernd Maylander in India. Along with him, the chief instructor of the AMG Performance Driving Academy, Reinhold Renger was present to give the very first drive experience and personalized hands on training to the Indian Media.

BASIC-Training

Currently, the BASIC-Training course is available In India. In this course, one builds the ideal foundations for the safe and masterful use of an AMG Mercedes with its range of features- for increased safety and better enjoyment of driving. In theoretical and practical training units, professional instructors show drivers how to exploit one’s driving potential to the fullest and that of the vehicle in the future. The BASIC-Training course is offered to enthusiasts for INR 75,000 per participant. However, Mercedes-Benz customers are offered special privileges & the course is offered at a special price of INR 50,000.

Around 50 participants had an opportunity to drive the AMG range of performance cars to drive on the track; C 63 AMG, E 63 AMG, SL 63 AMG and SLS AMG. The popularity of AMG in India was a further enabler in the establishment of JPSI-AMG performance driving academy, as explained by Ola Käellenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Mr. Käellenius added, “The AMGs enjoy huge popularity and we are delighted that India will have an opportunity to experience the AMG range in its fullest glory at the globally acclaimed Buddh International Circuit. Our expert instructors will help the participants hone their skills even further at the same time ensuring that the highest standards of safety are ensured for all. We look forward to welcome our passionate fans for the advanced level courses as well.”

"We started with the F1 event and here we are, back with our commitment to bring the best to our consumers in India. Performance is the DNA of Mercedes-Benz and launching the renowned AMG driving academy only further strengthens our commitment. We are proud to offer Indian fans a unique product and brand experience with the JPSI-AMG Driving Academy", said Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India

Successful racing drivers as high profile instructors 

The AMG Driving Academy employs a total of 21 instructors globally. The permanent team around chief instructor Reinhold Renger includes high-profile racing drivers: Bernd Schneider with five DTM Championships under his belt, plus an ITC and FIA GT Championship title for good measure, ranks as one of Germany's most successful racing drivers.

Bernd Mayländer drove for Mercedes-Benz for eight years in the DTM 

and FIA GT Championships, and has been the permanent driver in the 

Official F1™ Safety Car since 2000 – in his SLS AMG he is helping to ensure 

the best possible driver safety throughout this year's Formula 1 season. At present, Schneider is heavily involved in the development and testing programmes for the new SLS AMG GT3–partnered by his instructor colleague Thomas Jäger (33), 2009 Champion of the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland and long-time DTM driver for Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz’s involvement with motorsports has a legacy spanning 117 years and the company has been a major force in Motorsports since 1894. The Silver Arrows were born on 3 June 1934 when Manfred von Brauchitsch won the Eifelrennen at the Nürburgring at the wheels of a Mercedes W25. On 4 July 1954, the Silver Arrows returned for the first time when Juan Manuel Fangio drove his W196 streamliner to victory in the French Grand Prix at Reims, which he won ahead of his team-mate Karl Kling. It was also the first Formula One race win for Mercedes-Benz. From the legendary Silver Arrow to the Mercedes AMG team of today, no other automobile manufacturer in the world shares the same relationship with racing as Mercedes-Benz. The dominance of the tri-star only grows stronger and better with 6 cars running on Mercedes-Benz engines today!

About Buddh International Circuit

F1’s newest showpiece, Buddh International circuit, has been designed as one of the fastest, most exciting motor racing circuits in the world, and is well suited to the requirements of powerful, high-spec racing of cars and motorcycles. After successfully hosting the inaugural F1 Indian Grand Prix on October 30, 2011, BIC will soon host some of the most challenging motorsport events on the planet. 

The 5.14 km track has a combination of 16 corners, high-speed straights and dramatic changes in elevation that has been designed to provide ample opportunities for overtaking, which is what makes motor racing exciting. At the same time, in terms of adherence to safety norms and regulations, run-off areas, medical facilities, facilities for the media and overall infrastructure, BIC is among the best in the world. 

BIC has been designed by world-renowned German architect and race track designer Herman Tilke, who has also designed other world-class race circuits in Malaysia, Bahrain, China, Turkey, Indonesia, the UAE, South Africa, South Korea and the US. 

Mercedes-Benz is once again Germany’s strongest brand in the ADAC AutomarxX study

• Mercedes-Benz takes first place in the Safety category and overall
• Significant improvement in the CO2-ranking: Star brand moves up 11 places 
• Mercedes-Benz the most successful brand since the introduction of AutomarxX, capturing first place a total of 13 times

Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz has once again defended the top position in the ADAC AutomarxX study, making it Germany’s strongest automotive brand. Mercedes-Benz is the most successful brand since AutomarxX was introduced in 2001, capturing first place a total of 13 times and beating its competitors in more than half of all the rankings. The ADAC AutomarxX study assesses the automotive brands sold in Germany in six categories: Brand Image, Market Strength, Customer Satisfaction, Product Strength/Vehicle Quality, Environment, and Safety. The results reflect the current capabilities of all automakers that are of relevance in Germany. A winner is ascertained for each category and out of this the overall winner is determined.

“We’re very pleased that we once again are ranked first in the ADAC AutomarxX study,” says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The result confirms our ambition to deliver our customers the very best. Our first place finish demonstrates that Mercedes-Benz continues to be the strongest brand. This also includes Mercedes-Benz being a pioneer in the development of active and passive safety systems. We also want to set benchmarks when it comes to continuous improvement of our vehicles’ efficiency. The significant improvement in the CO2-ranking shows we are successful in this as well.”

Taking the number four slot, Mercedes-Benz moved up 11 places in the CO2-ranking, far ahead of its competitors in the premium segment. The improvement was mainly due to the introduction of new, highly efficient engine variants in high-volume models such as the new-generation C-Class. The new engines, the enhanced 7G TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, and the ECO start-stop function reduce fuel consumption by up to 31 percent compared to the figure for the predecessor model.

The main factors in the Safety category are availability of active and passive safety systems and the fact that the systems are fitted as standard. The new-generation C-Class, for example, impresses not only as a result of its greater efficiency, but also because of its many new assistance systems. Thanks to features ranging from the ATTENTION ASSIST fatigue detection system to DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control, the C-Class reaches a new level of safety.

The evaluation for the Brand Image category incorporates the results of the ADAC Motorwelt image survey of 4,000 German respondents as well as an assessment of vehicle residual values. In the image survey, the participants were primarily interested in maximum quality and the highest-possible safety standards. Not only did Mercedes-Benz take first place in both of these areas; the people surveyed also ranked the brand at the top with regard to automotive research and development.