India's leading luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz has revealed its line-up for the upcoming Auto Expo 2018. The expansive display will include several new models, but leading the charge will be the E-class All-Terrain, the crossover version of the E-class estate available in international markets. The model is set for market introduction next year.
Other highlights of the model line-up include the Mercedes-Maybach S 650, which will be launched at the motor show and the Concept EQ, which will act as a technology demonstrator.
E-class All-Terrain
The E-class All-Terrain sports beefier bumpers, SUV-typical body-cladding and plastic underbody protection, which will help to differentiate it from the regular model. Further accentuating its off-road capabilities will be 19-inch alloys, higher ground clearance and all-wheel-drive offered as standard.
The crossover will feature variable-height air suspension that allows the driver to adjust ride height depending on the terrain. The E-class All-Terrain will appeal to buyers looking for SUV-capability without the visual aggression of a full-size SUV.
Mercedes-Maybach S 650
Mercedes aims to build on the upbeat response to the Maybach range in India with the launch of the S 650. The Mercedes-Maybach S 650 sedan will be the carmakers’ most luxurious offering at the Auto Expo 2018.
The model is powered by the same twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine used by the Mercedes-AMG S 65. The unit puts out 630hp at 4,800rpm and 1,000Nm of torque between 2,300 and 4,300rpm. The cabin gets a generous dose of curved wood trim, which extends to the seat backrest linings, doors and air vents.
Primarily aimed at the chauffer driven, the S 650 comes with executive seats as standard with various levels of adjustment for the backrest, seat angle and height. Interestingly, the rear centre console allows the temperature and air distribution to be set individually for the left and right sides.
Mercedes EQ concept
The Mercedes-Benz EQ electric SUV concept will easily be the most attention-grabbing model on display at the carmaker's pavilion at the motor show. Unveiled at the 2016 Paris motor show, the EQ concept previews the Mercedes' first production electric model and was developed via its newly created EQ sub-brand. The vehicle will showcase the automaker's ambition in the EV space as electric mobility is fast gaining momentum in India.
The EQ concept features a contemporary design and a lot of technologically advanced elements such as cameras instead of exterior mirrors and an absence of conventional door handles. Mercedes describes the concept's styling as an 'electro-look'. The vehicle derives power from two electric motors – one mounted within the front axle and another housed within the rear. It gets a host of driver assistance features and a 24-inch widescreen that displays information such as speed, range and navigation.
Apart from the above three models, the German luxury brand's line-up at the Auto Expo will include the new E 350d and C 250d Edition C sedans. Among the SUVs, the brand will showcase the GLA 220d, GLC 220d and GLS 350d.
Interestingly, Mercedes will also showcase an F1 car as part of its AMG line-up, which also includes the recently launched AMG GT R, AMG GLC 43 Coupe and AMG SLC 43.