Mercedes-Benz set to launch SLS AMG at Rs5-6 crore

After its successful launch in Europe, Mercedes-Benz will launch its premium sports coupe SLS AMG in India, possibly in the third quarter of this year. The price tag will be a hefty Rs5-Rs6 crore; much higher than Porche's 'ultimate super-speed car', 911 GT2 RS, launched earlier this week at Rs1.5 crore.

The SLS AMG is built around an aluminium space frame body, and features an AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid-engine developing 420 kw and peak torque of 650Nm, with a 7-speed double-declutch transmission, and 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 317km / h.

''The SLS will be available in India in the third quarter, though a date for the official launch has not yet been determined,'' said Piyush Arora, Mercedes-Benz India director (technical) and board member. He indicated that the price of the sports car could be around three times the European price, thanks to swingeing import duty and other taxes. Despite this, more than half a dozen cars have already been booked.

Mercedes is expected to launch the right-hand drive for the car in Germany in July, after which exports to India should begin.

Mercedes may begin shipment of the CBUs earlier than six months – the time it took to launch the E-class in India. With 30-40 per cent of Mercedes sales coming from the northern region, the company expects bulk of the sales for Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG from here as well.

The growth of luxury sports car segment in India has been experiencing an upward trend. ''The Indian luxury car market is around 10,000 cars a year. However, with the economy getting stronger and purchase power and aspirations of buyers also rising, this size will also rise eventually," said a dealer.