Mercedes The new E-Guard

The new E-Guard

Following on shortly from the market launch of the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz is also offering the E-Guard, the world’s most successful executive saloon as a special-protection model. This differs from the standard model mainly in that it has an intelligent network of protection features made from special steel and aramide, and polycarbonate windows all round. This network, supplied ex-factory and outwardly invisible, is integrated beneath the outer skin which is otherwise identical to that of the series-production vehicle. The new E-Guard Saloon offers its occupants effective protection against the increasing worldwide risk of criminal attack on the road and is classified as protection level VR4 according to BRV 2009. With this new E-Guard model, Mercedes-Benz is continuing its eight decades of expertise in the design and production of special-protection vehicles.

S 600 Pullman Guard – the new state occasions car with the highest protection

The new and prestigious S 600 Pullman Guard state limousine, with integral high-level VR6/VR7-rated protection (BRV 2009 ratings), is based on the vehicle body for the S 600. The wheelbase has been lengthened by 1150 mm and the roof raised, to make getting into and out of the vehicle even more comfortable. The Pullman format provides generous and luxurious space; and is rounded off by the ultimate in driving experiences. In addition to the comprehensive range of standard fittings and equipment for the S 600 Pullman Guard, we also offer optional extras, to allow you to modify the vehicle precisely to your requirements.

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BMW launches new version of sports utility vehicle XI at Rs 27.9 lakh

: German luxury car maker BMW today launched all new version of its entry level sports utility vehicle X1 with price starting at Rs 27.9 lakh (ex showroom Delhi).

The company, which sold a total of 9,375 units in India in 2012, said it is looking to grow its sales amid tough market conditions on the back of new model introductions and new dealerships.
"This year we are looking at a certain growth in India. This will be on the back of new models such as the new X1 and 1 series which will be launched towards the end of the year," BMW Group India President Philipp von Sahr told reporters here.
He said the 1 series would be assembled at the company's Chennai plant and will be the sixth model to be assembled in India.
The new X1 is powered by a 2-litre diesel engine and will be available in three options with the base model priced at Rs 27.9 lakh and the other two priced at Rs 32.5 lakh.
Commenting on the market conditions, von Sahr said the overall economic situation doesn't look promising but the company was looking to sell more cars than last year.
"We will be adding new dealerships and this will give us new market," he said.
BMW has so far sold 5,435 X1s units in India since its launch in January 2007.
The base model of the new X1 would be more expensive than the earlier model by Rs 40,000 and BMW India will no longer offer petrol variant of the X1.

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Mercedes ML 250 CDI

In the ML 250 CDI, Mercedes-Benz has quite a tempting car on offer. At Rs 46.50 lakh, the M-class undercuts an Audi Q5 in terms of price, and the Mercedes is a size bigger than the Audi. The four-cylinder ML 250 CDI also costs a whopping Rs 10 lakh less than the top-end ML 350 CDI. But this is not a case of Mercedes cutting corners as, apart from losing two cylinders (the full-spec ML 350 CDI has six cylinders), there isn’t much else you’re losing out on, and here’s why.

The 2.2-litre, twin-turbocharged engine under the bonnet of this SUV makes 201bhp and a very healthy 50.1kgm of torque. And while 201bhp to power the M-class’s considerable 2160kg isn’t much, it’s the torque this engine musters that makes all the difference. Flat out, it will hit 100kph in a respectable 8.8sec and will go on to a top speed of 210kph, and this is more than adequate for most of our conditions.

On the downside though, the smaller-engined ML takes more time to gather speed when attempting to overtake than the more powerful 350 CDI. Now, four-cylinder motors aren’t particularly quiet, but this one is special with its smoothness and refinement. It’s very quiet at idle and hums along gently till 3000rpm, after which there is a rather pleasing growl as you rev it to the redline. Merc’s engineers have done a stellar job at keeping this engine hushed. We just wish the seven-speed automatic gearbox was a bit quicker-acting. It shifts leisurely, with no jerks through the gears, but sometimes when you want a quick overtake, it doesn’t respond with the urgency that you demand. Even tugging at the paddle-shifters doesn’t help here – the gearbox responds a few seconds after you’ve asked for an upshift or a downshift.

Another difference is that the Ml 250 CDI makes do with conventional steel springs, as opposed to the air suspension that its bigger brother gets. This is not as bad as it sounds because the 250’s ride isn’t all that different from the air-suspension version. The low-speed ride is a bit firm, but it flattens out beautifully as you go faster. And like all Mercs, this one is absolutely, unshakeably stable at high speeds. This unflustered nature and the incredibly well-insulated cabin make for a very calm and relaxed motoring experience.

The ML 250 CDI is not as engaging to drive as some of its rivals – it’s not particularly eager at quick direction changes and you can feel the near-2.2-tonne weight moving about under sharp manoeuvres but, then again, it’s not too sloppy. With all-wheel-drive grip and a steering that’s wonderfully fluid in its action, you can extract some pleasure from driving it on a smooth, flowing road.

In all other aspects, the ML 250 CDI is as nice and capable as its bigger brother, the ML 350 CDI. You get the same spacious interiors, fantastic build quality, five comfortable seats and the special appeal that’s a part of owning a Three-pointed Star.

Price Range (in lakhs)*

Ex-showroom price

Rs 46.5 lakh

ENGINE

Fuel	Diesel
Installation	Front, longitudnal
Type	2143cc, 4 cyl in-line, common-rail, twin-turbo-diesel
Power	201bhp at 4200rpm
Torque	50.98kgm at 1600-1800rpm

Transmission

Type	All wheel drive
Gearbox	7-speed automatic

Dimensions

Length	4804mm
Width	1926mm
Wheel base	2915mm
Boot volume	690 litres

Chassis & Body

Weight	2160kg
Tyres	255/55 R18
Spare	Space saver

 

Brakes

Front	Ventilated discs
Rear	Solid discs

 

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