Mercedes launches luxury SUV, open top roadster in India

NEW DELHI, Jan 6 (AsiaPulse) - Premium car maker Mercedes-Benz on Thursday launched a luxury SUV, M-Class, which is priced at Rs 58-60 lakh, and an open top vehicle, SLS AMG Roadster, that comes for about Rs 3 crore (US$568,830). The German auto major also showcased the future design cues through Concept A-Class and fuel cell technologies. The concept car is likely to be introduced next year. Mercedes-Benz India said that continuing in true M-Class tradition, the third generation of this vehicle sets new benchmarks in SUV design, technology and performance.

With a top speed of 224 km per hour, the company said it is a "true off-roader" and comes with nine air bags to ensure safety of its passengers in case of an accident.

The M-Class (M 350 CDI) vehicle has been built with the ECO start-stop function, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions by automatically switching off the engine during traffic jams or traffic signals.

The open top SLS AMG, with an eight cylinder V8 engine, can go from 0-100 km per hour in under four seconds and has a top speed of 317 km per hour.

"The SLS AMG Roadster has all the trimmings of a formidable sports car," the company said. The car is available in the market.