Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG launched in India

Though India, as an automobile market, holds very high importance for every automobile company in the world, there is no denying the fact that, it is still seen as a market for compact cars, ones that are cheap to buy, own and drive by many. But premium brands beg to differ, what with companies like Ferrari, Aston-Martin and Lamborghini planning an entry into India and the recent years have seen the launch of brands like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Porsche and the sports cars of Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi. In spite of the existing duty structure and the road conditions which makes buying and owning sports cars a tough job, the select few who are gifted enough to buy them are ready to plonk in their money and the number is growing by the day.

Here is proof, if ever needed, that the automobile companies have realized this and are trying to capitalize on it. Such was the response that Mercedes-Benz India received for it’s SLS AMG sports car at the Auto Expo 2010 that India has now become one of the first RHD markets in the world where this beauty is getting launched. Speaking on the launch of it’s flagship super car in the Indian market, Mercedes-Benz India MD & CEO Mr. Wilfried Aulbur said “We are very excited to come with SLS in India. We have started the production a couple of weeks ago in Germany”. Sure, there are many reasons to be excited for this man heading the Indian operations of the iconic German brand, but none to be as excited as we all car-lovers are.

Speaking of facts, the SLS AMG is the first-ever car to be completely developed by AMG, the performance division of Mercedes-Benz. After making fans across the world crave for regular Mercedes models with AMG badging, it has now taken its ultimate step with the SLS. Powered by a 6.3 litre V8 engine churning out 571 bhp of peak power and 65 kgm of peak torque, the car is capable of doing a 0-100 km/h run in 3.8 seconds and reaching a maximum speed of 317 km/h, more than any road in India will ever allow it to go. And just look at it, are the other facts & specs still needed to convince a prospective customer to put a couple of crores of their money in it? The SLS AMG is by far the most beautiful Mercedes to be launched in the past few years and more than a spiritual successor to the legendary 300 SL Gullwing. Just like it’s predecessor, the SLS AMG stuns with it’s Gullwing doors, the aluminum spaceframe construction, the long hood and the droopy rear-end styling. With 10 confirmed pre-launch bookings already, the SLS AMG is sure to script a big success story for Mercedes-Benz in India.

Image Courtesy: The Hindu (www.thehindu.com)