Mercedes GLC and S-Class Cabriolet India debut at Auto Expo alongside existing models, Maybach S60O Guard and W06 Hybrid F1 car
Mercedes has revealed its Auto Expo 2016 showpieces comprising of two new launches alongside concepts and regular models. The 13th edition of the biennial motor show will cater the opportunity for the German luxury car maker to break covers off the all-new GLC SUV and the recently launched S-Class Cabriolet at its pavilion.
Mercedes GLC SUV:
The largest motoring exhibition in Asia will play host to the launch of 80 new vehicles and from the Mercedes’ side a proper rival to compete against the likes of Audi Q5 and BMW X3 will be introduced. Positioned between the GLA and the GLE, the stylish GLC SUV is identical in looks with the luxury market’s best-selling C-Class sedan.
It could be brought in as CBU imports and expected to be priced around Rs. 50 lakh. More likely to be available in the Mercedes showrooms from the latter half of the year, the luxury SUV’s similarity with the C-Class doesn’t end with the exterior styling as you could spot resemblances on the Inside as well.
It has luxurious cabin with aluminium finished dials and buttons, elegant centre console, Burmeister audio system, circular air vents and COMAND Online infotainment system. As for the powertrain, Indian market could receive the 2,100cc four-pod unit with 168bhp for the 220d and the 250d with 201bhp. A more powerful GLC 350 3.0-litre petrol V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid 350e variant with electric motor are expected to be offered later. Both the engines will be mated to a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission with 4Matic all-wheel drive system.
The drag co-efficient is kept at minimum with 0.31 Cd and there are five driving modes to choose from. Alongside a host of safety and driving assistance systems, the luxurious GLC SUV comprises variable damping suspension system to tackle different road conditions and various electronic aids for better ride and handling characteristics.
Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet:
The Indian premiere of S-Class Cabriolet will see the revived soft-top model attracting huge number of crowds at the Expo. It marks the return of the open-roof four-seater luxury car after more than four decades and its electrically foldable three-layer, tensioning-arm acoustic top can be closed or extended in 20 seconds on-the-go at speeds of up to 60kmph.
Features like automatic emergency braking, touchpad infotainment system, Nappa leather, Airmatic air suspension, Air Balance Package and a Burmester sound system are offered as standard. Optional list includes semi-autonomous driving features, a head-up display, 3D sound system, seat massage program, etc.
The S550 gets power from a 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8 engine developing 449hp and 516 pound-feet of torque while the top-of-the-range AMG variant comes packed with a 5.5-litre unit generating 577 hp and 664 lb-ft. The AMG model can sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.9 seconds with a S63 AMG 4Matic expected to arrive at a later stage.
Mercedes Maybach S600 Guard:
The Mercedes Maybach S600 Guard is the only guard vehicle to be certified VR9, the highest ballistics protection class in the world. Whist providing ultra-comfort, it’s equipped with AIRMATIC suspension, adapted control functions and intelligent driver assistance systems. The big V12 petrol engine in the S600 Guard develops 530 hp and 830 Nm of peak torque coupled with a 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission.
The AIRMATIC air suspension has variable damper control, reinforced front air springs, steel springs at the rear axle. The brakes are considerably larger than the standard S-Class with chunky six-piston brake callipers and big brake discs. The Michelin PAX run-flat tyres with an additional TPMS(Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) allows to cover a distance of 30 km on damaged rubber.
Mercedes W06 F1 Hybrid:
The Mercedes W06 F1 Hybrid race car dominated the 2015 Formula One season by winning both the drivers’ and constructors’ championship with Lewis Hamilton crowned as the triple-time world champion by finishing ahead of team-mate Nico Rosberg. At the helm of the W06, the Briton won ten races on his way to winning the title whilst Nico Rosberg ended the season on a high by taking his sixth victory at Abu Dhabi season-ender. The superior chassis combined with the aerodynamics prowess and the unrivalled PU106B V6 turbo Hybrid engine made the W06 one of the most successful racing cars ever built.
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