Mercedes-Benz opens bookings for S350 CDI, GLA open

Mercedes-Benz India has started accepting bookings for two models that it will introduce in the market in the near future - the diesel-powered S 350 CDI luxury sedan and GLA compact SUV.

At present, Mercedes sells only the range-topping petrol-powered S 500 variant of the S-Class in India. Apart from the difference under the hood the S 350 CDI is expected to come with lower levels of equipment than the S 500. Features missing on diesel car include a 3D surround sound system, centre armrest-mounted tables for the rear passengers and chilling and heating cup holders. Regular leather upholstery will be used instead of Nappa leather and the two individual rear seats will be replaced by a bench. The 360 degree reversing camera will make way for a regular one and Mercedes night-vision will not be available.

The S 350 CDI will be manufactured locally and will take on the BMW 730Ld, Audi A8 3.0 TDI and Jaguar XJ 3.0 TDI. The booking amount for the car is Rs. 5 lakh and deliveries are expected by the end of June or early July. The estimated ex-showroom price of the S 350 CDI is Rs. 1.25 crore.

The GLA compact SUV was displayed at the 2014 Auto Expo, which was in February this year. At the moment dealers are accepting orders for the diesel-powered GLA 220 CDI version only. It will be powered by the same 2143 cc, 4-cylinder engine that is found in the A-Class diesel hatchback. However, for the GLA, its power output will be increased from 107 bhp to 167 bhp.

The compact SUV can be booked for a sum of Rs. 50,000 and deliveries are expected to commence in the September-October period.

Source: Autocar India