Mercedes-Benz introduces first “Compact Performance Car” in
India – CLA 45 AMG debuts at 12th Auto Expo creating a new
segment
Showcases the safest SUV - the M-Guard Special Protection
Teases with the much awaited Compact Luxury SUV - GLA Class
• The largest luxury car display at 12th
Auto Expo.
• Pavilion showcase of 13 fascinating products on display ranging from the A-Class to the S-Class.
• Unveiling of the CLA 45 AMG: Featuring the most powerful series-production four-cylinder turbo
engine in the world.
• Introduces the M-Guard SUV, offering Special Protection to VIP exclusive customers. The M-
Guard will be priced at Rs 2.49 crores ex-showroom Delhi.
• Continues aggressive product introduction strategy: Surprises market by displaying the European
production model GLA.
• „2014 Year of Excellence‟ will see 10 new product launches from Mercedes-Benz India mainly
focusing on the top end of the Luxury segment.
• Display of the popular W04 team car of Mercedes AMG PETRONAS F1 team.
New Delhi: Pursuing its road map of „2014 Year of Excellence‟, Mercedes-Benz India today unveiled
three fascinating new products, the CLA 45 AMG, the M-Guard and the European production model
of GLA at the 12th Auto Expo 2014, that promises to redefine the luxury car market in India. Based on
the theme of „Excellence‟ the Mercedes-Benz India pavilion features a total of thirteen fascinating
products and is the largest luxury car pavilion spread across 1671 sq. mt. area. Present on the
occasion were Mr. Ola Källenius, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars
responsible for Marketing & Sales and Mr. Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO,
Mercedes-Benz India.
Ola Källenius, Member of the Divisional Board, Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for Marketing
& Sales: “We believe in the potential of India as one of Daimler‟s key emerging markets. With our
global Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy we have clearly formulated our ambitions in the
automotive luxury segment and the Indian market will contribute to our goals. We offer the best brand
with the best products and focus more than ever on the needs of our customers.”
Commenting on the CLA 45 AMG, Ola Källenius said: “With the CLA 45 AMG, Mercedes-AMG
is launching a unique new compact performance car, which has all the typical DNA of AMG. A high-
tech package that includes the most powerful series-production four-cylinder engine in the world as
well as performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive, it embodies Driving Performance at its
best.”
“Today we showcase the European production model of the GLA, the sportiest compact luxury SUV
– an extremely interesting vehicle that brings additional momentum to our ongoing offensive in the
compact luxury class”, Mr. Källenius further added.
Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented, “Auto Expo is
the flagship motor show showcasing the prowess of the burgeoning auto industry of the nation and it
becomes the perfect platform for Mercedes-Benz to showcase its „excellence‟ in terms of products
and brand experience to our discerning customers and auto enthusiasts. We kick-started 2014, our
Year of Excellence, with the launch of the S-Class luxury sedan and we promise an exciting year
ahead, packed with some stunning product launches, brand showcases and unique initiatives which
exude excellence in modern luxury and creates elements of fascination and excellence.”
“After the overwhelming success of A-Class, we believe Indian luxury customers are ready for
compact performance cars. With the introduction of the CLA 45 AMG we are confident of building
this category even further, thus strengthening our AMG portfolio”, Mr. Kern further added.
Commenting on the surprise showcase of the European production model GLA Mr. Kern
said “We are thrilled to bring the actual production model of the GLA, the most awaited compact
luxury SUV in the Indian market. All efforts are now concentrated on introducing this SUV in the
Indian market at the earliest.”
Auto Expo 2014 Product Showcase:
The Compact Performance four-door mid-size car CLA 45 AMG:
Underlying the growing significance of the increasing AMG customer base, Mercedes-Benz India
also unveiled the CLA 45 AMG, which is a unique and a highly desirable car with all the
characteristic DNA of an AMG. The expressive design idiom of the CLA has been enhanced by
Mercedes-AMG with some characteristic AMG elements - and the result is a new design icon. A
high-tech package which includes the most powerful series-production four-cylinder engine in the
world as well as performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the CLA 45 AMG embodies
Driving Performance at its best. The combination of high performance and torque, together with the
performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, gives the CLA 45 AMG driving
characteristics almost on a par with those of a sports car.
The AMG 2.0-litre turbo engine, with a maximum output of 265 kW (360 hp) and up to 450 Newton
metres of torque, is the most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine in series production
anywhere in the world. The performance coupé accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and
its top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited). Other highlights include the gravity-die sandcast all-
aluminum crankcase, weight-optimized crank assembly with forged steel crankshaft and forged
pistons with friction-optimised piston rings, NANOSLIDE cylinder wall technology, air-to-water
intercooler, alternator management and ECO start/stop function.
Special Protection M-Guard:
In a strategic move to expand its new special-protection variant vehicles to the SUV segment,
Mercedes-Benz India unveiled the latest addition to the extensive Mercedes-Benz Guard family - the
M-Guard. Common to all the Guard models, the armored version of the M-Class luxury SUV follows
the brand-typical integrated special protection design principle. The Guard Programme now currently
includes vehicles of the S-, E-, G- and M-Class. With a total of three models, Mercedes-Benz India
has one of the most comprehensive special-protection ranges. The new M-Guard meets the
requirements of protection level VR4 according to testing guidelines BRV 2009 for special-protection
vehicles with bullet resistance (according to Bullet Resistant Vehicles 2009).
In spite of the increased weight caused by its armour, the M-Guard achieves the impressive ride
comfort, great agility and extraordinary active safety of its series-production counterpart. The special-
protection variant features as standard, an AIRMATIC air suspension system with Adaptive Damper
System (ADS) specifically adapted to the vehicle's special protection features. Stronger axle
components compensate for the increased weight of the M-Guard superbly, Guard-specific torsion
bars at the rear axle optimize roll behavior in fast curves and when taking evasive action. Apart from
the specific ballistic tests carried out by the Ballistics Bureau in Ulm, the M-Guard has to pass a
detailed test programme just like its series-production counterparts. These trials mimic everyday
operating conditions, exceeding these parameters by a large factor in many cases.
The M-Guard will be priced at Rs.2.49 Crores ex-showroom Delhi.
The Sportiest Compact Luxury SUV, GLA Class:
The reference European model of GLA-Class at the 12th Auto Expo is a compact luxury SUV that
combines dynamic styling with clear benefits for recreational use and marks a new approach for
Mercedes-Benz for this burgeoning segment in India. Clear evidence of the innovative thinking on the
part of the designers that has gone into the GLA-Class is provided by a number of distinctive
features. The muscular and imposing appearance of the exterior is systematically continued into the
interior. This has a particularly high perceived quality that is achieved by the contours, choice and
combinations of high-grade materials. All trim surfaces are galvanised in silver-shadow for material
authenticity, resulting in a metallic finish with a "cool-touch" effect. The dashboard consists of an
upper and lower section, allowing surface structures that are different in look and feel. Matt and
glossy graining creates an attractive light effect. The three-dimensional trim section finished in
aluminium lends a new, modern touch to the interior.
With the GLA, yet another model series becomes the leader in its segment with respect to
aerodynamic efficiency. The good air flow characteristics, which are a major contributory factor to
the vehicle's low fuel consumption in everyday conditions, result from numerous aerodynamic
optimization measures. These include a low A-pillar step with suitable A-pillar geometry and
aerodynamically optimized exterior mirror housings. The rear end is also streamlined. The measures
here include the roof spoiler lip and the aerodynamically shaped tail lights. Rear spoilers at the sides
ensure that the airflow breaks off for optimal aerodynamic efficiency.
#mymerccam: Unique Customer Interface: Use of Google Hangouts, Google On-Demand,
RFID Enabled Access Cards
Mercedes-Benz transcends its fascinating pavilion at 12th Auto Expo beyond the boundaries of Delhi
and makes it virtual using latest technologies and interfaces. While the Auto Expo attracts thousands
of visitors on ground, Mercedes-Benz India using latest technologies like Google Hangouts and
Google On-Demand makes the Mercedes-Benz pavilion virtual and accessible to millions on the web.
In a one-of-its-kind digital experience involving Google Hangouts, live streaming of various events is
enabled through mb.Connect etc from the Mercedes-Benz Pavilion. In a unique initiative, Google On-
Demand enables on ground promoters to interact with the cars based on user requests and questions
via tweets with #mymerccam. This live demonstration will be streamed on the Mercedes-Benz
official YouTube Channel. Further, Mercedes-Benz will showcase a virtual tour of the Mercedes-
Benz India pavilion. Visitors can shoot the MB stall and upload the video on the Mercedes-Benz India
official YouTube channel to provide a virtual walk-through. Mercedes-Benz India reiterates its
passion for creating newer avenues of brand experience to customers and enthusiasts and the complete
digitalization of the Mercedes-Benz pavilion reiterates, a passion of showcasing „Best or Nothing‟.
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services:
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services offers a comprehensive range of automotive financial services.
The products range from leasing and financing and offers financial services for dealerships,
commercial fleet management, insurance solutions and banking services. The carefully created
financial programmes assist customers in making their automotive dreams come true. The Mercedes-
Benz Financial Services support the Daimler Group‟s vehicle sales and promote customer and dealer
loyalty considerably. Customers and auto enthusiasts visiting Mercedes-Benz pavilion during Auto
Expo will be able to interact with the Daimler Financial Services consultants to seek more information
about the various value-added financial programmes or to clarify doubts on flexible financing and
high-end equipment packages. Customers will also be able to close financial transactions for their
favorite Three Pointed Star at the Auto Expo itself.
Mercedes-Benz Accessories:
The Mercedes-Benz pavilion will showcase the latest collection of genuine accessories which are a
result of uncompromising approach to design and development and selection of the highest quality
materials. Some of the most attractive accessories at the Pavilion apart from the renowned Mercedes-
Benz scale models comprise a Mercedes-Benz All Mountain Bike priced at INR 3.7 lakhs, travel
accessories and gears, classic Mercedes-Benz watches, handbag for women and other premium
accessories. The Accessories showcased are specially manufactured for Mercedes-Benz in
collaboration with renowned partners. The collection will offer Mercedes-Benz‟s passion for perfect
design, which has resulted in the creation of these products that capture the current zeitgeist.
Mercedes-Benz Career Hub:
Mercedes-Benz India is more than just a luxury car manufacturer. Apart from producing the most
advanced technologies and products, the company also boasts of having the best minds in the industry
working for the brand. It is a team of passionate people, motivated and efficient, contributing to the
future success of the company. Mercedes-Benz‟s philosophy of „The Best or Nothing‟ inspires us to
fascinate our connoisseurs with a superlative brand experience and helps us remain the most
aspirational luxury automotive brand in India. The world‟s most uncompromising quality standard is
what makes Mercedes-Benz the employer of choice. At Auto Expo our brand enthusiasts can find out
more on the organization culture, best HR practices and career opportunities at Mercedes-Benz India
and our dealer partner network. Mercedes-Benz HR team will additionally serve as counselors for
aspirants who want to be associated with the Three Pointed Star, during Auto Expo 2014.
Product Showcase:
European model GLA
CLA 45 AMG
ML 500 Guard
New S-Class ; S500
G 63 AMG
SLK 55 AMG
GL 350 CDI
E 250 CDI
C-Class Edition C
B-Class 180 Sport
A-Class 180 CDI
A-Class 180 Sport
Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Car