Mercedes has announced its line-up for Auto Expo 2016. The carmaker will showcase the all-new GLC SUV for the first time to the Indian audience. With the GLC, Mercedes-Benz will finally have a direct rival to the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. As the name suggests, the new SUV is based on the C-class and resembles it quite closely from the front. The similarity continues inside, where the cabin is luxurious and well laid-out with a flowing single-piece centre console, rotary air vents, hooded instrument binnacle, touchpad, and the latest version of the COMAND Online infotainment system. India will initially get two diesel versions, the 220d with 168bhp and 250d with 201bhp, both from Merc’s 2.1-litre four-cylinder engine. A GLC 350 3.0-litre petrol V6 version could come later. Expected to go on sale in the second half of 2016, the GLC will be priced around the Rs 50 lakh mark to take on its rivals.
The next exhibit at the Mercedes-Benz pavilion will be the S-class Cabriolet. The new car marks the return of the drop-top S-class since the previous cabriolet model was phased out in 1971. The S-class Cabriolet’s styling is similar to its coupé model, with an identical overall length of 5,027mm and width of 1,899mm, essentially making the car a soft-top convertible version of the Coupe. The soft-top, as per the company, is the longest seen on any of its cars and can be extended or folded away electrically in 20 seconds at speeds up to 60kph. The roof can also be operated through the key fob.
Also to be showcased is the S 600 Guard, the armoured version of the top-spec S-class saloon sold globally. Offering protection to occupants against bullets, explosions, grenades and mines, the new S-class Guard offers the highest level of ballistic protection available, VR9. Mercedes says the Guard is the first car to have been certified this level. Modifications to the car, including reinforced body shells, double-plated welds, and toughened and thickened glass, has resulted in a significant increase in weight over the standard S 600's 2,165kg.
Also on display will be the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team’s FIA World Championship winning W06 F1 Hybrid car. The standard range of Mercedes cars and SUVs already on sale in India will also be on display.
Also read: Mercedes GLC250d review