Mercedes Benz launches new E-Class at Rs 64.5 lakh

The new car E-Class Cabriolet -- a four seater convertible with soft top -- is the seventh offering within the E-Class range by the company in India.

"With its launch, the versatility of the E-Class range is further reinforced. The E-Class now offers the Cabriolet in addition to the already present E-Class Saloon and the E- Class Coupe," Mercedes Benz India Managing Director Wilfried Aulbur said.

He said the company is looking to leverage on the booming market in India.
"In the Jan-July period this year we have had 80 per cent growth in sales. We are well poised to continue grow in double digits and are very confident of 2010," Aulbur said.

Asked if the company can sustain the high growth momentum in the next five months of the year, he said: "We would like to continue the growth momentum but can't predict how we will grow in the next five months."

The existing E-Class range offered by the company in India is priced between Rs 42 lakh and Rs 50 lakh.

Mercedes benz rolled out the E-Class in India in 1995 and has sold over 12,700 units so far.

The latest convertible is aimed at strengthening the company's position in India aimed at niche segment of buyers.

As per the data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, Mercedes Benz has beaten compatriot BMW in the race for the top spot in the Indian luxury car segment with a massive 79.31 per cent jump in sales to a total of 2,921 units in the January-July period as against 1,629 units in the same period last year.

On the other hand, BMW which outperformed Mercedes Benz last year, sold a total of 2,718 units in the seven-month period compared to 2008 units in the same period last year.