German carmaker Mercedes Benz on launched a new version of its E-Class Cabriolet priced at Rs. 6,450,000 (US$ 137,800) (ex-showroom Delhi), in a bid to strengthen its leadership position in the Indian luxury car market.

The new car, E-Class Cabriolet, 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.

The existing E-Class range offered by the company in India is priced between Rs. 4.2 million and Rs. 5 million. The latest offering is aimed at strengthening the company's position in the Indian luxury car market.

As per the data released by 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.

Mercedes Benz has its plant at Chakan in Maharashtra, where it produces models, including C Class, E Class and the S Class, with an annual output of 5,000 units.