English
Mercedes Benz India yesterday unveiled the all-new 2012 Mercedes Benz B-Class for the first time on Indian soil at an event held at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. The soon-to-be launched B-Class that is being positioned as a Sports Tourer in the Indian market was presented by Mr Peter Honegg, managing director and CEO, Mercedes Benz India in the presence of Mr Debashis Mishra, director of sales and marketing, Mercedes Benz India, Bollywood starlet Genelia D'Souza and popular VJ turned actor, Gaurav Kapoor.
Once the B-Class took its first public bow at the press event, nine of those baby's were soon lined up on the track to provide the first drive experience. Once the drive was flagged off, there was no slowing down of the sound, laps or the excitement at the BIC.
The B-Class Sports Tourers provided on the BIC track were the Left Hand Drive (LHD) versions that were equipped with the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The India-spec B-Class Sports Tourer is expected to launch in the Indian market by the October-November this year. Though at the track, the high-spec B200 variant of the B-Class was offered for the First Drive, Mercedes Benz India will bring only two variants of the mini-MPV – B180 and B180 CDi. The petrol powered B180 will arrive first, while the B180 CDi diesel engine variant will arrive in early 2013. When launched, the expected price tag to be stitched on the B-Class will be under Rs 25 lakh.
With the new B-Class that offers the versatility of an MUV, ride quality of a sedan and the performance of an SUV, Mercedes Benz India is aiming to give birth to a whole new segment of Sport Tourers in the country.
Mr Peter Honegg, managing director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India explains, “The B-Class opens a new segment of Sports Tourer in the Indian Motoring landscape. The introduction of the B-class continues Mercedes-Benz’s legacy as pioneers in the auto Industry. The rich array of equipment, inspiring design, coupled with the highest standards of safety and comfort, makes the New B-Class an extremely appealing product for the adventurous new generation.”
Mr Debashis Mitra, director of sales & marketing, Mercedes-Benz India commented, “Rapid globalization and consequent outbound travel of Indians have given them a taste of luxury and adventure. This has sparked a demand for a luxurious touring vehicle best suited for those who are young at heart. Mercedes-Benz India aims to tap into this demand with the introduction of the B-Class Sports Tourer. This vehicle will provide the highest levels of sporty experience and is ideal to suit the taste of the growing number of Sports Touring aficionados in India.”
He further added “The B-Class will herald a new segment in the Indian Automotive market. It offers an aviation-inspired dashboard design, sporty 7G DCT gearbox and highly sophisticated trims and equipment continuing Mercedes-Benz’s philosophy of “Best or Nothing”.
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