Unrivalled new Mercedes-Benz SUV range expands horizons in
the luxury off-roader segment
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Peerless capability
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Fascinating technology
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Space and refinement
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GL, G-Class, M-Class and GLK
Dubai, UAE – Navigating rocky plateaus, wild wadis, drifting dunes and towering jebels, Mercedes-Benz Middle East has capped its ‘Year of the SUV’ strategy with an epic off-road ‘SUVenture’ across the majestic Omani landscape, demonstrating its ability to cater to the wants and needs of the modern Arab family. Attended by customers and media invited from throughout the region, the cross-country adventure showcased the unrivalled capabilities, fascinating technologies, space and refinement of the luxury German automotive manufacturer’s peerless SUV range in any terrain. The ‘SUVenture’ included the Middle East launch of the flagship new seven-seater GL, the highly dynamic all-purpose compact GLK, launch of the iconic new G 500, and first off-road driving experience for the spearhead of the Mercedes-Benz regional SUV strategy - the M-Class.
Taking centre stage was the media
launch of the flagship new Mercedes-Benz GL. The award winning large size SUV occupies
the top position amongst luxury off-road vehicles and is built around the
modern Arab family with its seven seats, best in class engines, powerful
performance, space, refinement and cutting edge technologies.
With excellent driving dynamics and
high levels of ride comfort – both on the road and on difficult terrain – the
GL pampers its occupants with the first-class comfort of a luxury saloon. Up to
seven passengers enjoy an excellent amount of space and an optional
ON&OFFROAD package for the new GL has six driving programs for optimising
driving dynamics and handling safety, as the optimum drive system control is
provided for an extremely wide range of on-road and off-road operating
conditions. With the ability to travel almost 900 kms on just a single tank of
fuel, numerous measures significantly increase the energy efficiency in the 435
hp GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY petrol model, with fuel consumption cut by
about 18 percent.
Unveiling the new GL, Frank
Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East
& Levant said: “The 2012 Year of the SUV strategy has been an overwhelming
success, with three exciting launches achieving great success amongst
customers. With the launch of the new 7-seater GL capping our unrivalled luxury
off-road range, we now offer a stable of powerful, attractive, capable and
intelligent SUVs that appeal to the tastes and sensibilities of a new
generation of regional customers: Customers who question convention and seek
only the very best for their families. All this has delivered a best ever year
for Mercedes-Benz SUVs, with projected 2012 sales expected to record a 35%
increase on 2011.”
Running for a month with each
expedition lasting three days and covering over 720 kms, participants departed Almouj
Golf Club in Muscat and crossed the Wahiba Sands to camp the first night in
luxury Bedouin desert camps. Day two saw the convoy leave the dunes – known to
be some of the highest in the Middle East – to cross the jebel and wadis and
reach the world class Sifawy Boutique Hotel on the coast in evening, where
guests enjoyed the warm, friendly hospitality characteristic of the Omani
people. The final leg of the journey took in stunning views overlooking the
capital, before concluding at the Almouj Golf Club.
All participants got a chance to
experience each model as both driver and passenger to gain a first-hand
understanding of what ‘The Best or Nothing’ really means when it comes to
Mercedes-Benz SUVs.
Mercedes-Benz has an off-road
heritage of over 100 years, and now boasts an unrivalled SUV family offering the
widest range in the market, delivering peerless performance, fascinating
technology, space and refinement across any terrain.
The
flagship seven seater GL: Built around the modern Arab family
Comfort, safety, elegance,
efficiency – the new GL from Mercedes-Benz demonstrates leadership qualities in
all the decisive SUV disciplines, boasting value that makes it an easy choice
for those wishing to invest in the very best for their families. Innovations
such as the Crosswind Assist, the STEER CONTROL steering assistance system, the
load recognition and the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA) increase the active
safety.
Other new features to become
available are assistance systems such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and Blind
Spot Assist, together with a parking package incorporating an automatic
function for entering and exiting parking spaces. In 2013 a 360° camera will
also be available.
Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales
and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East & Levant has it spot on when
he describes the new generation as follows: “The new 7-seater GL occupies the
top position amongst the luxury SUVs. With its comprehensive assistance systems
it has a pioneering role where safety and comfort are concerned, and is on a
par with an S-Class – even when off the beaten track.”
Even at first glance the 2012 GL is
recognisable as a characteristic representative of the Mercedes-Benz Sports
Utility Vehicle family. This new interpretation of the first generation
impresses with its powerful dynamism and sporty elegance. In the front area the
hallmark GL upright radiator grille with its central star and the clear,
high-quality design of the headlamps with an LED flare dominate. The daytime
running lamps featuring LED technology are integrated in a chrome insert in the
bumper, and beneath the radiator grille the generously sized chrome-look
underguard completes the self-confident appearance of the front.
With its balanced proportions (a
length of 5120 mm, width of 2141 mm and height of 1850 mm) and the large
wheelbase (measuring 3075 mm), the side view underlines the vehicle’s on-road
emphasis. At the same time the short body overhangs at the front and rear,
together with the large ground clearance, point to its off-road suitability.
The hallmark-SUV high beltline with its high-quality trim, the feature line
which rises dynamically and the chrome edging on the window surfaces highlight
the vehicle’s effortlessly superior look.
As part of its standard
specification the GL is shod with attractive 20 inch light-alloy wheels, and as
an option wheels up to 21 inches are available. The tail end with two-piece LED
tail lights featuring fibre optics, a large roof spoiler and the bumper with
integrated exhaust system, delivering a sporty and aggressive appearance for
the luxurious full-size SUV.
For GL customers who place
particular importance on a sporty, dynamic appearance, an extensive AMG
Exterior Sports package is now available for the first time. In addition to the
hallmark-AMG front and rear apron, it also offers special wheel-arch flarings,
which span over the 21-inch AMG 5 twin-spoke light-alloy wheels. Illuminated
aluminium-look running boards also form part of the scope of supply, as do
perforated brake discs and brake calliper covers with Mercedes-Benz lettering.
Emerging from the Mercedes-Benz
Affalterbach performance division as the globe’s most powerful SUV, the GL 63
AMG blasts from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, hitting a top speed of 250
km/h (electronically limited). And in
true Mercedes-AMG fashion, world leading performance is realised whilst
combining compelling technologies with pure ride comfort, and striking,
unmistakeable design with an extensive range of standard equipment. The GL 63
AMG will arrive in the region in Q1 2013.
The G-Class: An
enduring off-road icon
Every new AMG
high-performance vehicle offers an outstanding mix of “more power from less
fuel” – and the G 63 AMG is no exception. The “strong man” in the AMG model
range has been further enhanced with the state-of-the-art powertrain of the new
ML 63 AMG. The design has been comprehensively reworked, so that, for the first
time in the 33-year history of the G-Class, AMG customers can enjoy a raft of
future-oriented systems: spray-controlled petrol direct injection, the ECO
start/stop function and generator management. The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo
engine accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds, with a new top
speed of 210 km/h (electronically limited).
The
M-Class: Performance meets sophistication
Mercedes-Benz Middle East and Levant
ignited its 2012 ‘Year of the SUV’ strategy with the launch of a completely
redesigned and powerful new M-Class, setting a new benchmark in the premium
segment. With dynamic AMG sports styling as standard, three potent engine
options, unparalleled ride comfort, and cavernous, high-quality luxury
interiors - the bold new M-Class confidently conveys intent to meet performance
with sophistication, and has seen M-Class 2012 sales surge 24% year to date (January-September)
compared to the same period in 2011.
A new generation of BlueEFFICIENCY
petrol engines will be available across the region. The ML 350 comes with a V6
engine which delivers 306 hp and reaches the 100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds. The
new ML 500 is equipped with a V8 bi-turbo engine boasting 408 hp that powers to
the 100 km/h mark in just 5.7 seconds.
Permanent all-wheel drive delivers excellent driving dynamics on both sand and
tarmac, whilst innovative handling controls and a new chassis ensure excellent
safety whilst leaving competitors seeing smiles in the M-Class’ rear view
mirror.
For those craving the sonorous notes
of Affalterbach’s sinister creations, a high performance 250km/h
(electronically limited) ML 63 AMG variant is also available. Packing the
fierce AMG 5.5 litre V8 bi-turbo engine made famous by the award winning CLS 63
AMG, driven by 525 horses and 700 nm of torque the ML 63 AMG thunders from
0-100km/h in a sports car beating 4.8 seconds. An optionally available AMG
Performance package delivers a further 32 hp and 60nm, allowing the luxury
sports SUV to harness 557hp and 760nm to rocket to a century in a blistering
4.7 seconds.
The
compact new GLK: Comfortable in any situation
The new Mercedes-Benz GLK displayed
its full credentials on- and off-road. Its claim to leadership of the compact
SUV segment underscored by trailblazing assistance systems, engine matching
efficiency with agility, a new design and an extended range of equipment.
The newly designed exterior lends
the GLK added dynamism. The body combines classic elements of all-terrain
vehicles with the design idiom of the current Mercedes-Benz models. The 306 hp GLK
350 4MATIC petrol-engine model featured the trailblazing engineering of the
leading generation of V-engines deployed BlueEFFICIENCY technology to make its
mark in terms of performance and fuel consumption. In addition to the ECO
start/stop function that comes as standard, the GLK showcased its seven-speed
7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, low-friction axle drives, electric
steering and tyres with low rolling resistance. A comprehensive range of
equipment and appointments for the GLK includes details which are generally the
reserve of higher classes of vehicle.
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