Mercedes-Benz GLC
What’s it? The erstwhile ML Class. Go figure.
What’s new? The name, for one. The new nomenclature at Stuttgart is expected to tell you that it is an SUV (‘GL’) that is based on the E Class platform (‘E’). It looks similar to the outgoing SUV, but of course there are new styling elements like the integrated bull bar. The interior is a mix of the outgoing model and the MFA models like the A Class, but the overall standards of quality haven’t changed. There’s different ambient lighting, a rear seat entertainment package and an updated COMAND system.
What’s under the hood? Indian customers can choose between a 2.0-litre four-pot diesel with 203 bhp and a 3.0-litre V6 diesel with 258 bhp. Both engines will lay their power down to all four wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission and Merc’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. Expect the AMG version to debut later, with a rip-snorting 525 bhp and the voice of God emanating from the exhaust pipes.
Launch date? Early 2016 – 2017 (AMG).
Competition check : BMW X3, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60.
Expected price? Rs 60-70 lakh
Mercedes S-Cabrio
What’s it? An S-Class that can go topless.
What’s new? The roof – the cabriolet is essentially the S-Class coupe with an electrically folding soft top. This roof can be folded away in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 60 kph. You can also fold it away using the key fob – a useful party trick!
What’s under the hood? A V8 petrol engine, of course. This engine displaces 4.7 litres, and generates 455 bhp. Power is fed to the rear wheels via an automatic transmission – all these are shared with the other variants of the S-Class, especially the Coupe.
Launch date? Late 2016.
Competition check : Bentley Continental GT convertible.
Expected price? Rs 2.3-2.8 crore
Mercedes G500 4×42
What’s it? A Gelandewagen that’s crazy even without the crazy colour.
What’s new? It isn’t really a G-wagen at all, this. It’s actually the 6×6 (remember that monstrosity?) minus the rear most axle, but it retains all the other features. So you can have yourself 22-inch wheels that’ll make any rapper envious, or 18-inch beadlock ones that if fitted with off-road tyres, will allow you to wade through water that is one metre deep.
What’s under the hood? The same 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 that propels the AMG GT S. Here it makes 416 bhp and a mountain of torque. A seven-speed transmission feeds all four wheels for a 0-100 kph time of 5.7 seconds and the car tops out at 210 kph. That isn’t it: there are three locking differentials on the driveline (including the centre diff) and ground clearance is a truck-shaming 450mm.
Launch date? Late 2016
Competition check : There is none
Expected price? If you have to ask…
Mercedes S-Guard Maybach
What’s it? An exclusive limo that cossets you while you run from the baddies.
What’s new? Besides the looks? Every single thing. It needs to be new – with a VR10 ballistics rating, this car weighs so much, you need the stronger door hinges and more powerful electric window motors. You need the large engine. You also need to remain inconspicuous – therefore the sleeper look. Nobody will ever know you’re in an armoured Maybach unless they see the thickness of the window glasses. All this, and if you want better protection, you’ll have to upgrade to a military vehicle.
What’s under the hood? A 6.0-litre biturbo V12 that powers the rear wheels with 530 bhp. It sounds like a lot, but it also has a lot of work to do to shift that much weight. It puts it down via an automatic transmission – and we can assure you, this is one of the few applications where the engine needs to keep running even if people are using assault rifles to stop it.
Launch date? Late 2016.
Competition check :Private army, infantry carrier. Expected price? We can’t think of so many zeroes at the same time.
