Mercedes-Benz 2012 M-Class launched in India

The new M-Class a car we’ve discussed a lot over the past couple of months, has been finally launched in India at a staggering price of Rs. 569 lakhs ex showrooom Delhi. This price is reported to be cheaper by 15% than the last generation model. Mercedes-Benz also celebrated the M-Class launch in India with a special ‘Launch AMG Edition’ which gets AMG body kit, alloys and a high level of equipment and is limited to a 100 units and priced at Rs. 66 Lakhs ex showroom Delhi .

As we had reported earlier the 258 horsepower 3.0L V6 will power the ML 350 CDI. Fuel efficiency hovers around 14.7 kpl in the New European Driving Cycle. Top speed of 224 kph and 0-100 kph in 7.4 seconds figures have been claimed. This engine is the new generation V6 which has been completely reworked to extract more power and surprisingly, better fuel consumption.

Mercedes-Benz borrows from AMG’s use of the innovative TWAS (twin-wire-arc spraying) technology. This cylinder wall coating technology reduces internal friction in the engine significantly. At the same time, the weight has been reduced by 4.3 kg, as there is no longer any need for the grey cast iron cylinder liners that, until now, had to be pressed into the engine block. The benefits are striking: with these measures alone, fuel consumption could be reduced by around 3 percent. Twin turbocharges ( one low pressure, one high pressure) connected in series, ensure the new engines produce more power at lower fuel consumption than predecessors.

Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India explains: “At the start of this year we had promised to introduce exciting new models into the market. We are proud to present today the New M Class, built to perform with the highest precision and follows the Mercedes-Benz new design language. We are confident that the quality of drive and the luxurious experience it can deliver will be a big hit with the customers and it will be warmly received.”