Saffronart and Mercedes-Benz India join hands in a unique partnership in support of Arts

The partnership seeks to broaden and enrich the understanding of Indian aesthetics, inspired by the country’s vibrant art, design and jewelry traditions


A key aspect of the partnership is Saffronart’s ‘Art and Aesthetics Series’, a six part series of talks held around the Country, focusing on Indian art, jewelry, design and architecture 


Mercedes-Benz unveils the new “S- Class Art Edition” at an attractive price of Rs 1.14 Cr. A limited edition of two cars created exclusively for Saffronart’s clientele 

Mumbai, September 21, 2011: In a unique initiative, Saffronart, India’s leading art auction house and Mercedes-Benz India, the global premium automobile brand have partnered for promotion of the arts in India. The result is an exclusive industry partnership inspired by the vibrant art, design and jewelry traditions of India. 

Mercedes-Benz is supporting the Saffronart Autumn Online Auction of Modern and Contemporary Indian Art being held online at www.saffronart.com on September 21-22, 2011. Celebrating the launch of this auction, today an event was held at ‘Tote on the Turf’ in Mumbai to showcase a selection of lots in the auction, including a wide variety of artworks of exceptional provenance and quality. The event featured modern works by M.F. Husain, S.H. Raza, Arpita Singh and Jehangir Sabavala alongside those of contemporary artists like Atul Dodiya, Shibu Natesan, Anju Dodiya, Subodh Gupta and Surendran Nair.

A special highlight of the partnership was the unveiling of a customized Mercedes-Benz S-Class ‘Art Edition’ at the event. This S-Class, one of the two limited edition cars have been specially designed to commemorate the alliance between Saffronart and Mercedes-Benz at a special price of Rs 1.14 Cr ( Ex Showroom Delhi) 

Designed to be different, every stroke of the S-Class Art Edition brings you the finest finish, trims and fittings from Designo by the AMG Performance Studio. 

The experience inside an S-Class is the epitome of luxury, offering a range of unparalleled options that promise exclusivity while ensuring ethereal harmony between the interior and exterior. 

The alluring colour Designo Mocha Black lends the car a visually captivating appeal, with precision finished shades and a deep lustre rich colour finished precisely by specialists at Mercedes-Benz. This Art Edition offers one of the pioneering Innovative technologies SPLIT VIEW, a unique display technology allowing both driver and front passenger to view different visuals at the same point of time. Equipped with single tone leather upholstery, Designo deep white – is the finest grain leather sourced exclusively from bulls of Southern Germany and carefully handcrafted by experienced upholsterers ensuring the seats cut a fine figure. The masterpiece has the finest wood, piano lacquer to augment the rich-feel inside and is further emphasized by the use of Harman Kardon® LOGIC 7® Surround Sound System, which provides the world’s best surround sound technology. Additional features include the rear seat entertainment system with a Champagne chiller, massage function with lumbar support.

Dinesh Vazirani, Co-Founder and CEO of Saffronart commented on the association, “Both Saffronart and Mercedes-Benz deeply value aesthetics and have constantly endeavoured to innovate to serve their customers. Through our partnership, we explore and engage with the changing face of aesthetics in India today, as influenced by both its long-standing traditions as well as contemporary trends and forces. Together, we hope to expand and enrich the understanding of the finer aspects of Indian art and aesthetics, and help people set out on new and exciting journeys as informed collectors.”

Mercedes-Benz is indistinguishable from a refined and luxurious lifestyle, and we have consistently set newer benchmarks for style, quality and luxury for our connoisseurs. We are delighted to be associated with Saffronart and support the most creative and exquisite pieces of art. It is a proud moment for us where our wealth of innovation in the creation of automobiles has merged with the unique and imaginative world of art and culture.” said Mr. Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India.

A key aspect of this partnership is Saffronart’s ‘Art & Aesthetics Series’, which features presentations by well-known experts on understanding modern and contemporary Indian art, jewelry, design and architecture. Special events are being held in Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Ludhiana. Each of these events will be followed by a private cocktail reception where guests can interact with the speakers and learn more about their fields of expertise. 

The ‘Art and Aesthetics Series’ has already hosted two successful events: the first, held in August at Saffronart’s gallery space in Mumbai, was an illustrated talk by Reema Keswani exploring the life and work of A.V. Shinde, Harry Winston’s head designer. Addressing jewelry enthusiasts and collectors, Keswani spoke on Shinde’s design sensibility, his contribution to the jewelry industry, and his highly sought after work. Dinesh Vazirani, Co-founder and CEO of Saffronart had also addressed a packed audience at the second event in the series, held at the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Pune. The topic was ‘Collecting and Investing in Modern and Contemporary Indian Art’, where Vazirani had offered a critical appraisal of the developments that have influenced the evolution of the Indian art market over the last fifteen years. The event was attended by Peter Honegg, Managing Director, and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India. 

Mercedes-Benz India ushers in new era of contemporary design and luxury: Launches the New C 200BE AVANTGARDE

• The launch of New C 200BE AVANTGARDE signifies the arrival of the contemporary profile of the hallmark and legendary C-Class with a stylish presence more than ever before with the introduction of the Panoramic sunroof


• Introduction of comprehensive safety package: The C-Class will feature - Attention Assist and Parktronic including Parking Guidance for the first time ever in its segments


• Striking interiors: With completely redesigned dashboard with integrated central display, new instrument cluster with colour display, high-grade trim and a wide choice of colours and materials for the line-specific interior appointments


• Intelligent Light system & LED day time running lights add to the attractive exterior design of the New C-Class highlighting the dynamically shaped headlamps and seamlessly integrated tail lights, with a powerful new front Bumpers

New Delhi: Mercedes-Benz India today introduced the New C 200BE characterized by its distinct sporty & aggressive look while retaining its classic luxury & appeal. Setting new standards in its segment, the spectacular new generation C-Class offers a new presence that integrates safety, comfort and agility. Mirroring one of the most important iconic model series, this C-Class is the epitome of luxury and comfort.


Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India: “The New C-Class, with its complete redesign both external and internal, will continue to set newer benchmarks in design, quality and luxury for the segment. With features that are stylish and luxurious like the first ever Panaromic Sunroof in this segment, this latest generation of the best-selling Mercedes model offers the highest level of remarkable driving experience to the Indian consumer. Setting new standard in its segment, this New C-Class will occupy an excellent position in the competitive line-up.”


The New C 200BE continues the exemplary visual appeal of its predecessors while simultaneously creating a more masculine appearance. The front and rear of the vehicle have been provided with a distinguished overhaul, with pronounced body parts. Equipped with distinctive contours in the front, the seamlessly blended LED taillights and the dynamically shaped headlamps offer an unparalleled intelligent advantage. A distinctive new bumper design allows the car to display its masculine prowess even as the alloy wheels provide a resolute impression of the car. At the rear, emphasis has been given to create a light pattern that is seamless with an emphatic pattern. Aditionally, the spectacular sunroof reflects the dynamic characteristic of its driver more expressively, providing the driver a superlative experience.


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


AGILITY CONTROL package with the selective damping system, provides a customised style of vehicle handling, showcasing the vehicle’s technological prowess. With functions such as PRE SAFE and NECK PRO, ADAPTIVE BRAKE with ABS and ASR, brake drying function and hill start assist, Thermatic Cruise control, fog lamps and rain sensors the car offers outstanding levels of safety for the passengers


This New C-Class is equipped with a 4 cylinder petrol engine with 7-Speed Automatic Transmission, which enables reduced fuel consumption while delivering high output and torque for unmatched driving pleasure. As the world's premier automobile manufacturer, Mercedes Benz takes its responsibility for environment care very seriously. Which is why, we are constantly engaged in improving every aspect of automotive technology to reduce the impact on the environment. 

Mercedes-Benz opens Newer horizons in India with the launch of the New Roadster SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY

The New SLK-Class

• SLK pioneered the Roadster segment in the world. With the SLK, Mercedes-Benz reinvents the Roadster yet again; introduces the world’s first Magic Sky Control 
• Rated as one of safest cars in its class: Awarded the Euro NCAP 5 Star Safety Ratings
• Combines fun with responsibility: Powered by 3.5L engine; yet implementing BlueEFFICIENCY measures which ensures optimal performance and environment compatibility


Delhi– Mercedes-Benz India today unveiled the exemplary and stunning New generation SLK 350, showcasing its distinctively aggressive design and an impressive sporty architecture, mirroring the sharp lineage of the SLS-AMG and the SL Class. Adding another highlight to Mercedes-Benz India’s luxury car portfolio, this engineering marvel introduces the ‘MAGIC SKY CONTROL’ panoramic vario-roof for the first time ever. Blending sporty inspiration with unrivalled safety, the New SLK embodies the luxurious performance of trend setting technology.


Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India: “The New SLK 350 is one of the most revolutionary products to come from the stable of Mercedes-Benz! Demonstrating the rich blend of sophistication with the latest in design and technology, the car is a testament to our continued endeavor to offer a thrilling experience to our customers. With its powerful innovative features and state of the art technology, the car proves not just to be an exhilarating experience to the driver but also a visual delight, consolidating its status as a benchmark product world over.”


For the first time ever - MAGIC SKY CONTROL
Proving yet again its leadership in technological advancements, this stunning roadster takes its pioneering concept of the vario-roof to a New level, with the introduction of the world’s first ‘Magic Sky Control’ panoramic vario-roof. The third generation of the SLK family offers its driver a never before advantage, as this meticulous design breakthrough transforms the roadster into a coupé at the touch of a button. Blending harmoniously into the overall design, the roof offers a brighter and more natural interior, offering a spectacular view of the skies.


Supreme design mirroring leadership in technology
Designed to be thrilling, powerful and yet royal, the SLK 350 boasts of sleek lines and shapely contours demonstrating its supremacy with a bolder look. With symmetrically arranged headlamps and bumpers, the contours of the car invoke the car’s all powerful character, as the hallmark Mercedes V-Shape adds the final finishing touch. From the side and from the front, the car is sculpted to rise and glide likes a powerful machine, exuding its lively, sporty presence. With authentic sporty trimmings, sweeping lines and stylish seating mechanisms, the interiors of the SLK have been intricately crafted to offer the pinnacle in luxury and comfort. 


Ingenious material mix and high levels of safety 
The striking New SLK 350 impresses with the New BlueEFFICIENCY technology, unleashing a slew of revolutionary features for the most tempting driving experience. Designers and engineers have integrated superior maintaining the edge in new age technology accompanied with stylish designs. Safety is an important benchmark for every Mercedes vehicle. The SLK 350 has achieved the much coveted 5 stars in the Euro NCAP Crash Rating making it the epitome in safety. The third generation of the powerful trend-setter will make use of a whole host of the latest assistance systems to support the driver. These include the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST which predicts the level of driver attentiveness to provide an early warning of overtiredness. The parking guidance system PARKTRONIC aids in representing the recommended parking manoeuver. 


SLK-Class: Engine specifications
The New SLK-Class is equipped with a V6 engine and a capacity of 3.498cc with a 306hp output and 360Nm torque making its engine a force to reckon with. The exemplary efficiency is coupled with a torque that offers a high level of responsiveness making this roadster impressive in every aspect.


Priced at Rs. 61.9 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom Delhi), the New SLK 350 will be retailed through Mercedes-Benz Dealerships across the country.