Mercedes Benz India launches B Class diesel at Rs 22.60 lakh - Economic Times

MUMBAI: Strengthening its compact car portfolio further, Stuttgart based luxury car maker, Mercedes Benz on Thursday introduced the diesel version on its compact hatchback B Class at Rs 22.60 lakh ex-showroom Mumbai. Having already sold 500 units of B Class petrol since its launch nine months back, Mercedes Benz expects the diesel variant to outsell petrol variants in the coming months and lead the double digit growth in 2013, for the luxury carmaker. Eberhard Kern, MD & CEO, Mercedes Benz India told ET that despite the changing fuel price equation, the customers are still demanding diesel cars. "In our portfolio where diesel variant is available, it constitutes 80% of our total sales with petrol making up for 20% with the B Class too we are expecting the same. The launch of B Class Diesel is a continuation of Mercedes Benz India's product offense for 2013. The response for the B-Class petrol has been encouraging and we are confident that the new B-Class diesel will add to the demand of the car, with its new improved efficient engine, stylish characteristics and unique touring capabilities," said Kern. The company says its new generation compact cars (A Class and B Class) have received a strong response from the market, and over the last 9-10 months it has sold over 1,000 units. "The A Class launch was the most successful launch in the history of Mercedes Benz in India. Within 10 days of the launch, we got over 400 bookings and we expect the deisel version of B Class to bring in incremental volumes going ahead," added Kern. Available only in one variant, the B 180 CDI Style is powered by 2.2 litre four cylinder engine which produces 250 Nm of torque @ 1400-2800 rpm. The vehicle reaches a top speed of 190 Km/h. Mercedes Benz claims the B-Class diesel delivers a mileage of 18.98 kilometer per litre. Mercedes Benz says the new B-Class diesel is a perfect blend of an SUV and a sedan which integrates the utility of an SUV and the ride quality of a sedan. A new generation car from Mercedes-Benz is equipped with features like the Intelligent Assistance Systems, SLS AMG INSPIRED 7G-DCT transmission with shift paddles which is inspired by SLS AMG and is unique in the luxury compact segment. There is also a new interior trim in the B 180 CDI: Brown Burr Walnut with satin finish which adds to the luxury quotient of the new B-Class. The new Audio 20 CD Infotainment System with dual tuner, MP3/WMA/AAC- compatible CD player also features an USB interface and AUX-IN socket (in the centre armrest). Copyright © 2013 Times Internet Limited. All rights reserved. via Technology - Google News http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEUBoBY2qC59FYNUB2Ilurzsqap0A&url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/auto/automobiles/mercedes-benz-india-launches-b-class-diesel-at-rs-22-60-lakh/articleshow/21016655.cms

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