Mercedes Benz SL 350 and GL 500 India launch on May 3rd

German luxury car manufacturer Mercedes Benz, will launch the new SL 350 sports-car and GL 500 SUV on May 3rd in New Delhi. The launch will take place, 11.30 am at the Taj Palace marking the company’s 125th anniversary.

Post the launch Peter T Honegg, MD & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India will have an interactive session with the guests. Mercedes Benz already sells the SL 63 AMG, SL 600 and GL 350 (diesel) models in India and hence the SL 350 and GL 500 are actually only model launches.

SL 350

The SL Class is a 2-seater, Roadster sports car where ‘SL’ stands for ‘Sport Leicht’ or Sport Light. The first Roadster, the SL 300 was built by Mercedes-Benz in 1954. Also read: Mercedes Benz A-Class concept unveiled at Shanghai Auto Show

Exterior

The SL 350 bears the prominent AMG front grille and sharp-looking headlamps. The air scoops sculpted behind the front wheel are a trademark design. The car measures 4,562 mm in length, 1,820 in width and 1,317 mm in height. The low-stance roadster has a large wheelbase of 2,560 mm enhancing the sports car appeal.

Interiors

The interiors of the SL 350 have exclusive wood, aluminium or carbon-fibre trims along with soft grained leather seats. The Command multimedia system comes as a standard feature and has both navigation functions and entertainment features. Entertainment features include a 6-disc CD/DVD changer, optional 16.5 cm colour display and optional Media Interface for USB, iPod and Aux-in. The optional Harman Kardo Logic 7 surround system has 10 speakers with 2 surround speakers and a subwoofer for a spectacular audio experience. Also read: Benz to hike prices of models from May 1st

Engine

The Mercedes-Benz SL 350 is powered by a 3,498 cc, V6 petrol engine that produces 315 hp of maximum power at 6,500 rpm and 360 Nm of maximum torque at 4,900 rpm. The engine is mated to 7G-Tronic transmission and the drive system is rear drive. The SL 350 accelerates from 0 – 100 km/hr in 6.2 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 210 km/hr (electronically limited).

Handling

The SL 350 has optional Active Body Control (ABC) sensors that monitor the car at all times. The sensors reduce lateral movement while cornering and controls body movements when setting off or braking. When the car is being driven in sports mode, ABC makes the suspension setup tauter and reduces the tilting angles.

To give the driver an accurate feel of the road, SL 350 comes with a standard-fit speed-sensitive 3-spoke power steering that helps the user experience effortless parking. The system also ensures outstanding straight-line stability when travelling at high speeds.

The SL 350 also comes with an optional ‘Direct-Steer’ system which reduces the steering wheels movement while turning as well as lessens turn from lock to lock. This enhances the drivers comfort and safety.

The SL 350’s top can either be completely opened or completely closed into a coupe-design within 16 seconds with the touch of a button. Closing the roof increases the boot space from 235 litres to 339 litres and also prevents noise and wind from entering the cabin. There is also an optional panoramic vario-roof (like sunroof).

GL 500

The Mercedes-Benz GL 500 is a full-size, three row, seven-seater SUV and will likely be priced at around Rs. 60 lakh making the Audi Q7 and BMW X5 its key competitors.

Exterior

The GL 500 is a hulking SUV with square sides that make it look like a MPV from some angles. This could be because the GL Class was based on the R-Class (MPV) constructed on a monocoque chassis. The highlight of the GL Class is that its body can be raised or lowered to alter the ground clearance. This coupled with additional safety to the SUV’s underbody parts will give the vehicle decent off-roading ability.

Interior

The GL 500 offers a spacious cabin fit for 7 adults, thanks to the 3,075 mm wheelbase that enhances legroom. The luggage space is 360 litres and can be expanded to 1,140 litres by folding the rear seats flat. Even the second row can be folded flat thereby further extending the luggage space to a huge 2,200 litres. The seats come with standard ARTICO man-made leather and optional leather with top-stitching in contrasting colors.

Engine

The GL 500 is powered by a 5,461 cc, V8 petrol engine that produces 388 hp of maximum power at 6,000 rpm and 530 Nm of maximum torque at 2,800 – 4,800 rpm. The engine is mated to a 7G-Tronic transmission as well as an all-wheel-drive system with electronic traction control. The GL 500 accelerates from 0 – 100 km/hr in a measly 6.5 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 210 km/hr (electronically limited).

The vehicle is equipped with a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system that helps avoid wheel spin on surfaces with low degree of grip. The traction and directional stability is further improved by the electronic dynamic handling control system, 4ESP/4ETS (Electronic Stability Program & Electronic Traction System) with integrated ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ASR (Anti Slip Regulator). Also read: Mercedes-Benz India clocks its highest-ever sales in 2010

Standard features

Standard features in the GL 500 include a Direct Select lever with steering wheel mounted gearshift paddles, Pre-safe occupant protection system with a reverse camera, roof rails in chrome finish, a third row of seats with electric fold-down function, tyre pressure loss warning system and uphill start-off assistance. The GL 500 stands on 19-inch, 5-spoke light-alloy wheels.