Mercedes Benz Company

Mercedes steers Maybach into luxury car segment

2011-03-02T06:25:00.000-08:00

The luxury car segment is all set to get a boost with the re-launch of the Maybach by German auto giant Mercedes-Benz, says The Wall Street Journal. The car maker has priced the premium sedan at Rs 5.10 crore (ex-showroom Delhi).

The Maybach, which was earlier introduced in India to cater to the super rich in 2004 at a price tag of about Rs 5 crore, failed to attract wealthy Indian customers. WSJ also reported that the Maybach would now come in two variants - 57S and 62, both of which will be gasoline-powered engines.

The newly-appointed managing director and chief executive of Mercedes Benz India Peter Honegg was quoted in the WSJ as saying, "These, along with Mercedes-Benz models, made some of the finest examples of automotive excellence, worldwide."

2011 Mercedes Benz E350 4Matic Wagon

2011-03-01T22:06:00.000-08:00

The Mercedes Benz E-Class wagon might well be the classiest station wagon on the road. The final member of the German brand’s new E-Class lineup, it’s joined existing coupe, sedan and convertible models with an eye for premium family-ready flexibility, cargo space and comfort.
On board, the E350 Wagon’s cabin backs up the tasteful sophistication implied by its body. The steering wheel and seats are heated and leather trimmed, wood and chrome accent the dash and doors in ‘just right’ amounts, and controls and switches are largely more classic than overstyled and high-tech. Everything on board feels solid, substantial and robust-- right down to the air vents.

It’s a simple and understated atmosphere with a whiff of technology and dynamism—but relaxing first and foremost. In typical Mercedes Benz fashion, it all combines for a character that’s very upscale and posh without making a big scene about it.

Mercedes Benz E-Class wagon

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS by Carlsson

2011-03-01T22:04:00.000-08:00

2011 Geneva Motor show, as German tuner Carlsson has also taken a turn performing their magic on the 2012 Mercedes CLS.

Rolf Schlepp, Chief Designer of Carlsson, worked on accentuating the four-door CLS Coupe’s already sexy styling, adding an aerodynamic kit that includes a new front spoiler, RS front spoiler lip, stainless-steel grille inserts, rear spoiler and rear apron with integrated diffuser.

Under the hood, Carlsson is offering power boosting kits for the many engine variants of the CLS-Class. For example, the CLS 350 CDI achieves a power output that is 20 percent greater than the standard engine thanks to the Carlsson C-Tronic DIESEL POWER additional control unit. Instead of 265 hp (195kW), the self-igniting engine now manages 320 hp (235 kW), while maximum torque has increased from 650 to 780 Nm. This allows the CLS 350 CDI to go from 0 to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds, up from the standard 6.2 seconds.

Another highlight of the Carlsson CLS are the model’s light alloy wheels in 1/10 design, available up to 20 inches, and the perfect compliment to the sporty and stylish contours of the new aerodynamics package. For the exhaust, Carlsson offers double-over tailpipes and stainless-steel rear silencer with the option of stainless-steel tailpipes.

Helping lower the CLS’s stance, Carlsson’s C-Tronic Suspension kit that is adaptable to standard airmatic suspensions offers the ability to lower ride height up to 30mm.

Brabus 2011 Mercedes CLS Tuning Package

2011-03-01T21:51:00.000-08:00

Like any respectable tuning package, Brabus’ CLS offering begins with a wind tunnel tested body kit, featuring a front spoiler with optional front apron caps, accented with air inlets and LED daytime running lights with either a dark or chrome surround. The stock fenders are then swapped out for sportier renditions, fully equipped with illuminated Brabus monikers. The kit is then joined from bumper to bumper with a set of side skirts featuring integrated entrance lights that can be activated through a keyless fob or door handles.

Going to the rear of the CLS, Brabus’ rear apron also features LED lights to safely access the trunk while custom-tailored cutouts give the perfect room for Brabus’ quad-tipped exhaust system. Finishing off the aesthetic body modifications is a clean and subtle trunk spoiler.

While Brabus offers several different wheel packages for various Mercedes-Benz vehicles, from 17-inch to 20-inch sizes, they chose to outfit this demo CLS with a set of 20×8.5 and 20×9.5 Brabus Monoblock F in a Liquid Titanium shade.

Brabus 2011 Mercedes CLS

Mercedes-Benz Delivers First F-CELL EV

2011-01-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

F-CELL EV

It has been one heavy week, with the Nissan LEAF and the Chevrolet Volt finding their way to the first owners. And another eco-friendly car has followed swiftly on their tracks: the B-Class F-CELL hydrogen-powered EV from Mercedes-Benz.
The automaker handed over the first F-CELL vehicles to California residents and Newport Beach resident Vance Van Petten was the one to get the keys to the first one. As he puts it, Mr. Petten, Executive Director of the Producers Guild of America, is a long-time environmental enthusiast and an advocate for sustainable production and environment-friendly transport. Taking over the first F-CELL at the recently renovated dealership of Fletcher Jones Mercedes-Benz in his hometown, Mr. Petten is part of a select group of people who have been selected to participate in a Mercedes-Benz lease program for the B-Class F-CELL.

McLaren Confirms 12C GT3 for Race Tracks

2011-01-02T00:59:00.000-08:00

McLaren confirmed plans to bring back the McLaren 12C GT3 sports car to the racetrack. The company said that from 2012, McLaren and CRS Racing will supply and support a limited number of GT3 racing cars based on the McLaren MP4-12C high-performance sports car for European-based privateers.

McLaren and CRS Racing had began developing the 12C road car into a race-winning GT3 sports car, since the McLaren F1 GTR won the world-famous 24 Heures du Mans or Le Mans on its debut 15 years ago. As part of the development program, McLaren and CRS Racing will compete at a limited number of European GT races in 2011.
The company noted that with its revolutionary lightweight one-piece moulded carbon chassis, high levels of downforce and aerodynamic performance, and focus on form and function, the 12C will prove to be a great platform to develop a racing car.

McLaren Confirms 12C GT3

2011 Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 Price

2010-08-21T21:41:00.000-07:00

2011 Mercedes SLS AMG GT3

Interested teams can now order the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3. The Gullwing model for the racetrack is being delivered on time for the coming motorsport season, starting in February 2011. The sales price is €334,000(net) / €397,460 (incl. 19% VAT). Developed in accordance with the GT3 regulations of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), the SLS AMG GT3 is designed as a customer sports car for sprint and endurance races. These races for GT cars which are similar to their roadgoing counter-parts have diversified starting fields and are always filled with excitement. They are becoming increasingly important on the world stage, not least thanks to their relatively inexpensive cost structure. The development and testing programme for the SLS AMG GT3 is proceeding as planned. Bernd Schneider, who has been a Mercedes-Benz works driver for many years and has won more DTM championship titles than any other driver, is at the wheel for the bulk of the test drives, which started in June. The first competitive action for the car, as part of the testing programme, will be in the VLN race at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife (North Loop) at the end of September.

2011 Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet First Impressions

2010-06-26T05:59:00.001-07:00

In Canada, no convertible can be considered a year-round, practical car unless it is quiet, warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Mercedes has introduced a few novel items on the 2011 E-Class cabriolets that contribute significantly to this type of motoring.

Pricing starts at $67,900 for the 268-hp E350 and rises to $77,500 for the 382-hp E550. (Photo: Charles Renny/Auto123.com)

Convertible Conversion
Starting with the rounded of tail, Mercedes provides a trick trunk. With the top down, there is a special separation panel to make sure the trunk still is useable. Put the top up and move the panel out of the way, and there is a significant increase in trunk volume. When the top is down, two roll aboard-sized cases will fit along with a couple of other smaller carry-on-type soft siders. Top up driving provides enough extra space for another backpack and computer case with room to spare.

The top, which is a conventional soft top, is both insulated and sound proofed. Normal conversations can be held inside, and the car would cool right off without having to run the A/C at full blast. Another feature that has always been on a convertible owner’s wish list is that the top be able to go up and down while moving. Mercedes engineers have done this and it can be performed at speeds up to 40 km/h in less than 20 seconds.

Interior Innovation
Interior innovations have been blended in with existing technology so that their use is seamless. AIRSCARF is what it says, a scarf of air that comes out of two vents in the headrest to keep your head and shoulder area warm in cooler top-down driving (think November). On the E550, AIRSCARF can be combined with heated and cooled front seats (part of the Premium Package) for the ultimate in top-down temperature control.

Another interior feature isn’t quite in the interior, but it has a huge effect on driving comfort. The AIRCAP is actually a laminella which is a device that looks like a spoiler when raised. Mounted on the top of the windshield frame, its job is to adjust the laminar air flow over the car so that the air goes over the rear seat and off the back of the car rather than swirling around to make rear-seat passengers uncomfortable. To complete this “management” job, Mercedes has added a small wind blocker between the headrests of the rear seat.

GWA-Tuning Mercedes E63 AMG Wagon

2010-06-24T22:51:00.001-07:00

GWA-Tuning is a new name in the business, but the first project they’re presenting is a rather interesting one. It’s a full body kit for the new Mercedes E63 AMG Station Wagon, consisting of modified bumpers, spoiler lip, side skirts, carbon side vents, roof wing, huge rear diffuser and a pair of twin mufflers. The best part of it however, is the new front grille which looks really good.

The body can be garnished with LED and fog lights, a few graphics, and carbon fiber cover for side mirrors and pillars. As for the wheels and tires, GWA is proposing a set of 19X8.5 in front and 20X10 in the rear, in combination with a suspension lowering module which drops the car by a few inches.

The full GWA kit for Mercedes E63 costs up to 22,000 Euros.

First Look: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell Prototype

2010-06-21T18:24:00.000-07:00

the all-electric Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell Prototype has slightly less horsepower than its gas-powered sibling. But it still has a very impressive 526 horsepower and 649-pound-feet of torque -- the latter available from the moment you mash the pedal to the floor. When you do stomp the E-Cell's accelerator, it will blast 60 mph in four seconds, according to the Benz AMG folks.

Despite the E-Cell's impressive numbers, why remove the SLS AMG's 6.2-liter, 563 horsepower V-8, one of the most sonically rewarding supercar mills in production? It's all part of Mercedes' AMG Performance 2015 strategy, the goal of which is to "continually reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of new models in the coming years, while at the same time enhancing the core brand value of performance," says Ola Källenius, Mercedes-AMG GmbH's new chairman.

The electric drivetrain allows AMG to place weight efficiently and required no modifications to the SLS' aluminum spaceframe. The lithium-ion polymer battery modules sit in front of the firewall, in the center tunnel, and behind the seats, aiding in both lowering the E-Cell's center of gravity and better balancing its weight. The motors, though not mounted on the wheel-hubs, are low in the chassis and close to each wheel. Each motor can achieve a maximum of 12,000 rpm.

The two motors up front did require AMG to redesign the front suspension. The present SLS has a double wishbone while the E-Cell employs an independent multilink suspension with pushrod damper struts. Still, Mercedes maintains that the E-Cell retains the handling characteristics of the gas-powered SLS. It should sure stop like one: The E-Cell wears the SLS's optional ceramic composite brakes, sized 18.5-inches front and 14.2-inches rear. The rotors are 40-percent lighter than the standard set of binders, and they also charge the battery during braking.

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

2010-05-27T03:40:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: fascination and high tech

The new 'Gullwing' from Mercedes-Benz Stuttgart/Affalterbach – The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which is about to celebrate its world premiere on 15 September 2009 at the In-ternational Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main, embodies a blend of consummate automotive fascination and high tech. The super sports car delivers a compelling mix of purist styling, consistent lightweight design and superior driving dynamics. At the same time, the SLS fully lives up to all the expectations of hallmark Mercedes everyday practicality and optimum safety. In essence, the new 'Gullwing' offers the ideal synthesis of the strengths of Mercedes-Benz and AMG.

The new super sports car from Mercedes-Benz and AMG makes for an al-luring proposition with its unrivalled technology package: aluminium space-frame body with gullwing doors, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine develop-ing 420 kW/ 571 hp peak output, 650 Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in a transaxle configuration, sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones and a kerb weight of 1620 kilograms based on the DIN standard – this superlative combination guarantees driving dynamics of the highest order. The ideal front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent and the vehicle's low centre of gravity are testimony to the uncompromising sports car concept. The 'Gullwing' accel-erates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited). The fuel con-sumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined) puts it at the front of the competitive field (all figures provisional).

"Mercedes-Benz is presenting an exhilarating super sports car in the guise of the new SLS AMG, which is bound to set the pulses of all car enthusiasts racing that extra bit faster. The brands Mercedes-Benz and AMG have joined forces to create the SLS AMG – which is set to become one of the most al-luring sports cars of all time", says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

"Our customers will experience with the SLS AMG the expertise of Mer-cedes-AMG, built up over 40 years of motor racing. The unrivalled technol-ogy package delivers outstanding driving dynamics coupled with moderate fuel consumption figures – part and parcel of the modern-day AMG," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

"The styling of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is not only very special because of the exclusive gullwing doors. Our aspiration is to utilise this in-terpretation to create the classic of tomorrow and roll out the most alluring sports car of the 21st century. Our aim is also to create a new design icon, which shapes the incomparable legend of our brand, alongside Mercedes models like the CLS or the SL. At the same time, the new SLS paves the way for the design phi-losophy of forthcoming Mercedes-Benz sports cars", says Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz Cars.
Design: purist, distinctive and passionate
The distinctive styling of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG enthrals with its passionate sportiness and reinterprets the breathtaking lines of the Mer-cedes-Benz 300 SL – one of the outstanding design icons of the Mercedes-Benz brand. With its purist design the new SLS AMG reflects the philosophy of contemporary sports car engineering: the bonnet which measures just under two metres, the low greenhouse positioned well to the rear and the short rear-end with an extendable aerofoil are just as powerful a reminder of the superlative dynamism as the long wheelbase, the wide track and the large wheels. The short overhangs feed through into the proportions, just as does the design of the super sports car with its low-slung front-mid engine set well back and dual-clutch transmission in transaxle configuration. An un-doubted styling highlight comes courtesy of the gullwing doors which lend the SLS AMG its incomparable charisma – making a unique statement in this vehicle segment.

Brabus T65 RS

2010-05-16T05:01:00.000-07:00

Brabus T65 RS Picture

Brabus is offering an assortment of performance upgrades to the already-potent Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series, many of which have been bundled in a special one-off treatment for a private customer.

The chief modification to the customer's car is the application of the Brabus T65 RS tuning kit, which fits twin turbochargers, four intercoolers, s reprogrammed ECU and a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts.

The result is a kick in output and torque, to 789 hp and 811 pound-feet, respectively. The modifications enable the SL 65 AMG Black Series to sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than 3.6 seconds and to reach 124 mph in just 9.8 seconds. Top speed is electronically governed to 200 mph.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Road Test Review

2010-05-16T04:58:00.000-07:00

It's all too easy to get caught up in the gullwing door feature of the new 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. In fact, this entire road test could focus on nothing more than the design, construction, use of and reaction to these exotic doors and be quite entertaining. But that would ignore the truly unique aspects of this Mercedes-Benz AMG model. Much better to simply state that the doors are a beautiful example of form following function, with no real issues regarding clearances or entry/exit difficulty, and move on to the good stuff.

See, the gullwing doors, though highly compelling, are far from being the most impressive part of the SLS AMG's total package. The real magic of this vehicle starts when the doors are closed, the 563-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 engine is fired up and the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is set in Sport Plus mode.

Said transmission is mounted at the back of the drivetrain, between the rear wheels, to shift weight toward the rear of the car. And all of this performance technology resides in a lightweight aluminum shell (weighing just 532 pounds before assembly) that rides on an independent double-wishbone suspension.

Of course, one would expect an exotic car with such a pedigree to deliver world-class driving performance. And it does. But the real treat we discovered while enjoying Mercedes' SLS is what it delivers when not accessing those ultimate performance capabilities.

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Australian pricing revealed

2010-05-01T05:35:00.000-07:00

Living down under and craving for a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG? Well, guess what? Mercedes-Benz recently revealed how much it would take for an Aussie to own an SLS. Starting at around $464,000, more than 40 SLS vehicles have been paid for, in Australia, and are set to be delivered this August.

Mercedes-Benz Australia Managing Director Horst von Sanden gave out the scoop on the current demand for the SLS in the country, which was far greater than expected. Even while they’re still waiting for the units to arrive and with months to go before deliveries go underway, orders are already piling up fast.

With reservations and payouts flooding in, Sanden fears they may run out of SLS units and not be able to keep up with the year’s demand.

REVIEW: Mercedes-Benz's E-Class Cabrio

2010-04-24T20:01:00.000-07:00

For 2011, the E is channeling something more intriguing; a convertible. Of course anyone can plainly see that the CLK-Class, that made an appearance for give or take 10 years, was essentially an E cabriolet. Although you would not know it because Mercedes neglected to mention anything CLK related during our press briefing. It was good for a chuckle.

Nomenclature aside, the E convertible is taking the E coupe's solid foundation and impressive driving dynamics then lopping off its top. For those who enjoy getting a tan, blasting around town with a couple of friends and a three-pointed star adorning the grille, this is one monster vehicle.

And it happens to look miles better than the E coupe. Lacking that fixed rear window and adding a delicate looking top, it accentuates the rear fender
that reminds me of a Bentley Continental GTC. The rear 3/4 is this vehicle's best angle.
If you have not been up to speed on the E coupe, let me summarize. The coupe drives like a scaled-down CL but deletes the boat-like quality and adds some liveliness. Sure its steering is numb and on the lighter side, but it remains direct and demands for you to play in the twisties.

It will not probably not sway a BMW driver from their 335i but it is not intended to do so. It is far more refined.

The E coupe makes for an excellent GT cruiser. Its suspension is stiff without punishing your derrière and its not so soft as to lull you to sleep. Body roll is kept in check for the most part during aggressive cornering and the coupe is a quiet highway roller.

Now, the convertible does all of the above but like a magician with a trick up its sleeve -- more like several.

For instance, Mercedes has continued to go forward using its AIRSCARF technology. My first encounter with it had me skeptical because when you synthesize what it is actually during, merely blowing warm air on your neck, the first reaction is that it is a gimmick. Low and behold, when you are driving top down in 35 or 40 degree weather, it makes convertible driving in winter months possible.

Mercedes Benz exquisite new estate

2010-04-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

Mercedes are entering a new era. There's a ton of stuff going on in Stuttgart at the moment, with the firm at its most creative and dynamic for decades.

Witness their new CLS Shooting Break. Radical enough for any car manufacturer - let alone the three-pointed star - it's the horniest estate for miles.

Forget any ideas of competing with the E-Class, and hauling dogs, children and dirty nappies to and from the local gymkhana.

This is a new genre altogether, a Merc tourer that's low, aggressive, irresistible, and swathed in uptown materials and technology.

Traditionalists will like the oak and hide cabin with its art deco flourishes, while there'll be new, ultra-efficient and frugal 3.5 V6 and 4.6 V8 petrol engines mated to a seven-speed box, plus possible hybrid and electric versions.

The slippery styling's likely to become current across the whole range and will form a major element of MB's aesthetic grammar. So don't think this is just another concept, spinning pointlessly on a Beijing turntable.

I'll bet my trousers the sensual CLS Shooting Break won't just make into production.

Mercedes G55 AMG

2010-04-19T04:01:00.001-07:00

Mercedes G55 AMG

Smallest Mercedes SUV is sales star

2010-03-27T11:21:00.000-07:00

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4MATIC

Mercedes-Benz has found a silver lining to the economic recession: It's helping boost sales of its smallest sport utility vehicle in the United States.

In fact, the 2010 GLK has been outselling the other Mercedes SUVs in this country in 2010.

Shorter than most major competitors, including the Lexus RX and Infiniti's EX35, the compact GLK appeals with a starting retail price that's $11,800 lower than the previous lowest-priced and smallest Mercedes SUV, the M-Class.

The five-seat GLK also is a recommended buy of Consumer Reports magazine and offers the status of a Mercedes, plentiful standard safety equipment and a comfortable ride without all the heft of the bigger Mercedes SUVs.

Just don't try to fit more than five people inside — four is best — and don't expect a low price if you insist on a GLK with all the bells and whistles. Also, don't look for big savings at the gas station.

Less than 15 feet long from bumper to bumper, the GLK has a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, with destination charge, of $34,775 for a two-wheel drive version and $36,775 for a model with four-wheel drive.

This compares with the starting MSRP, including destination charge, of $46,575 for a rear-wheel drive Mercedes M-Class SUV.

But the test GLK had a final price of more than $48,000 with a navigation system, power liftgate, garage door opener, leather seat trim, premium sound system and other goodies added in.

Meantime, GLK competitors include the 2010 Audi Q5 (with standard all-wheel drive, and 270 horsepower); its starting retail price is $38,175. The 2010 Infiniti EX35 starts at $34,665 with rear-wheel drive and 297 horsepower. An all-wheel drive EX35 starts at $36,065.

The 2010 Lexus RX 350, which has been the segment leader for years, has a starting retail price of $38,500 with front-wheel drive and $39,900 with all-wheel drive. The RX has a 275 horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6.

2011 Mercedes S63 AMG Official Detail

2010-03-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Mercedes S63 AMG showcar is a homage to the impressive history of powerful AMG V8 engines: visually this high-performance saloon resembles the spectacular 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, the racing car that won a class victory and second place in the overall ranking for AMG at the 24-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) in 1971 – and made the company world-famous overnight.

MercedesSport product range for E-Class features

2010-03-01T12:14:00.001-08:00

The MercedesSport product range for E-Class features:

-Intelligently designed front aprons, spoiler edges and side skirts ensure an elegant and sporty appearance. Unlike conventional products on the market, the sophisticated “add-on principle” makes it unnecessary to replace the original components.
-Optional rear and roof spoilers, a diffuser-look rear apron insert and fog lamp louvres round off this finely coordinated package of visual and aerodynamic features for the exterior.
-Striking eighteen-inch light-alloy wheels in a trendy bicolor version. These have sections painted in high-sheen black and bear the MercedesSport logo. They are enhanced and protected by a clear varnish coat.
-A sporty suspension, with noticeably stiffer damping, transverse stabilisers and shorter springs to lower the suspension by up to 15 millimetres. This sports suspension kit makes for more direct and sporty handling without compromising the high level of comfort.
-A sports braking system with perforated brake discs and grey brake calipers bearing the Mercedes-Benz logo, for outstanding deceleration and a sporty look.
-A grippy four-spoke sports steering wheel with perforated leather and a silver contrasting seam, optionally available with shift paddles and heating. For a sporty touch in the cockpit, right at your fingertips.
-A stainless steel pedal cluster, stainless steel door entry panels illuminated in white and bearing the MercedesSport logo and black velours floor mats with an edge border and silver contrasting seam, likewise bearing the MercedesSport logo, are further eyecatching features in the interior.It is with these retrofitted features that Mercedes-Benz meets the wishes of customers who wish to enhance and individualise their cars even further.

2010 MercedesSport E-Class Mercedes-Benz new label

2010-03-01T12:12:00.000-08:00

2010 MercedesSport E-Class

Mercedes F800 Concept Pictures

2010-02-23T23:13:00.000-08:00

Mercedes F800 Concept

2010 MercedesSport E-Class

2010-02-23T23:11:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz is presenting its new label MercedesSport, under which title the famous luxury car manufacturer will showcase a brand-new range of elegant and sporty individualization products at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland.

As the label’s name suggests, the new line of products will be aimed at underlining even further the sporty and elegant character of the stellar Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Among the MercedesSport specially designed elements will be newly styled light-alloy wheels, sports suspensions, aerodynamic and styling components. All MercedesSport labeled elements are designed and produced by Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH in cooperation with the in-house designers and engineers responsible for the standard production models.

The first class that benefits from the new MercedesSport components is the E-Class with its Saloon, Estate, Coupe and Cabriolet versions.

The MercedesSport product range for E-Class features:

-Intelligently designed front aprons, spoiler edges and side skirts ensure an elegant and sporty appearance. Unlike conventional products on the market, the sophisticated “add-on principle” makes it unnecessary to replace the original components.
-Optional rear and roof spoilers, a diffuser-look rear apron insert and fog lamp louvres round off this finely coordinated package of visual and aerodynamic features for the exterior.
-Striking eighteen-inch light-alloy wheels in a trendy bicolor version. These have sections painted in high-sheen black and bear the MercedesSport logo. They are enhanced and protected by a clear varnish coat.
-A sporty suspension, with noticeably stiffer damping, transverse stabilisers and shorter springs to lower the suspension by up to 15 millimetres. This sports suspension kit makes for more direct and sporty handling without compromising the high level of comfort.
-A sports braking system with perforated brake discs and grey brake calipers bearing the Mercedes-Benz logo, for outstanding deceleration and a sporty look.
-A grippy four-spoke sports steering wheel with perforated leather and a silver contrasting seam, optionally available with shift paddles and heating. For a sporty touch in the cockpit, right at your fingertips.
-A stainless steel pedal cluster, stainless steel door entry panels illuminated in white and bearing the MercedesSport logo and black velours floor mats with an edge border and silver contrasting seam, likewise bearing the MercedesSport logo, are further eyecatching features in the interior.It is with these retrofitted features that Mercedes-Benz meets the wishes of customers who wish to enhance and individualise their cars even further.

2010 VATH Mercedes CL65 AMG

2010-01-08T10:21:00.000-08:00

Some cars are impressive, others are fascinating. And there are also cars that sink deep into your heart – for example CL 65 AMG tuned by VÄTH Automobiltechnik.

The recent tuning success of VÄTH masters from Hösbach/Germany is represented by a combination of luxury and power. VÄTH increases the power of CL 65 AMG up to spectacular 745 hp and 1,150 Nm. Engine tuning consists in new programming of engine electronics, inlet optimization with an air collector, an enhanced engine and gear cooling system, a first-grade boosting system as well as the exhaust system with 76 mm diameter pipe equipped with the high-grade steel made cats. All this makes the luxurious car accelerate up to 100 km/h within some 4 seconds. The maximum speed reaches 340 km/h, the exhaust emission standard does not change. The price for the engine tuning incl. installation and optimization is 36,890 Euro.

Large wheel arches have enough space for alloy rim wheels in 20” (7,378 Euro) – completed by winter proof high performance Vredestein tyres of 255/35R20 or 295/30R20 allowing speeds up to 270 km/h. The sports braking system with 6 piston fixed calipers and 405 mm braking disks guarantee absolutely super brake deceleration. The braking system including steel flex tubes and racing brake fluid is available for 8,082 Euro. In order to increase road holding capacity of the vehicle VÄTH Automobiltechnik offers an airmatic lowering (1,952 Euro) of about 40 mm (1.5”).

In addition, VÄTH offers a fine aero kit. Up front end VÄTH has installed a carbon front lip (for 1,536 Euro). The rear end has carbon fins (1,012 Euro) that simply substitute the serial diffusor. Thereto a rear trunk and a roof spoiler (295 or 345 Euro) give the necessary negative lift – what else do you want!?

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350

2010-01-01T05:45:00.000-08:00

This weekend Mercedes will be unveiling the production GLK sans Kim Cattrall at the Beijing Motor Show, a.k.a. the Auto China in Bejing. We’ve also learned that the GLK will have only one engine available when it goes sale in the U.S. next January as a 2010 model. The sole motor will be a 268-horsepower 3.5L V6, which can be paired with a two-wheel-drive or 4MATIC all-wheel-drive platform, the latter being able to hit 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds while also returning 23 mpg on the highway. The design of the GLK, meanwhile, apes other CUVs that want to look tough despite their decidedly non-SUV underpinnings, hence all the angularity and sharp edges. Its standard ten-spoke wheels will be unusually large at 19 inches, and 20-inchers will be optional. The GLK 350 will be a true Mercedes with all the trappings of digital technology inside and a plethora of safety features, and MB is planning five option packages and nine standalone options. It’ll be built at the automaker’s plant in Bremen, Germany and join the R-Class, M-Class, GL-Class and G-Class as the fifth “SUV” in the Mercedes lineup. No word yet on pricing, though.

Mercedes SLS

2009-12-19T05:27:00.000-08:00

The year was 1955. It would turn out to be the best of times and the worst of times for Mercedes-Benz. In April came one of the epic motor racing drives of all time. In winning Italy’s famed Mille Miglia, Stirling Moss drove his Mercedes-Benz 300SLR two-seater along 1,000 miles of spectator-jammed public roads at an average speed of fractionally under 100mph. Beside him sat the imperturbable British journalist Denis Jenkinson, calling out the bends from a roll of paper. It was a spectacular victory, and one that Moss, who turned 80 this year, regards as one of his own and Mercedes’ best.

Two months later, Pierre Levegh was behind the wheel of another 300SLR, this time at Le Mans. A car ahead dived into the pits, causing a slower car to veer into Levegh’s path. He hit it hard, the Mercedes launched skywards, hitting a trackside bank at great speed. The car disintegrated, its engine and component parts scything into the grandstand followed by the flaming car body itself. Levegh and 83 spectators died and 100 more were injured in motor racing’s worst accident. As a mark of respect, Mercedes withdrew Juan Manuel Fangio’s 300SLR, but the race went on.

Mercedes’ racing machines were close relatives of a road version, the 300SL, a car whose “gull-wing” doors gave it the look of a giant bird of prey. These days, 300SLs fetch up to £300,000 at auction.

2011 Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

2009-12-17T05:16:00.000-08:00

The New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Four seasons, four personalities
– Comfortable: AIRCAP® automatic draft-stop plus AIRSCARF®
- Quiet: sound-dampening soft top as standard
- Safe: robust roll-over protection and new headbags

The all new E-Class Cabriolet is the latest addition to the successful Mercedes-Benz E-Class line-up. The open-top two-door model, which goes on sale in May 2010, features a classic fabric soft top, making for a stylistically pure cabriolet feeling. Viewed from the side, the new model is an intriguing proposition – with its clear proportions and a flawless cabriolet silhouette.

In keeping with the motto “four seasons, four personalities”, all-year-round suitability was right at the top of the developers’ list of priorities. With the new E-Class Cabriolet, the cabriolet season lasts the whole year because, while many cabriolets tend to disappear from the roads in the Fall, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (length/width/height: 185.0/70.3/55.2in.) provides driving pleasure and comfort whether the roof is open or closed.

New features include:
– The AIRCAP® automatic draft-stop: always on board and easily controllable at the push of a button, it reduces turbulence substantially for all four seat occupants
- The modified AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system
- The sound-dampening soft top fitted as standard

The soft top can be opened and closed fully automatically within 20 seconds – even when driving at speeds of up to 25mph. The cabriolet roof is stowed in a special compartment behind the rear panel. A retractable cover separates the soft top compartment from the trunk area; it must be closed in order to close the soft top. If the roof is to remain closed, the cover can be slid rearwards, in which case the trunk capacity is increased by 3.17 cu. ft. to 13.8 cu. ft. A through-loading feature is included as standard for the new Cabriolet, as is EASY-ENTRY – a manually operated entry and exit aid for the rear passengers.

The power plants for the new E-Class Cabriolet are equally innovative: the engines combine efficiency with effortlessly superior power delivery. The exemplary, low fuel consumption has been achieved because of a number of practical measures. These include on-demand activation of the steering and fuel pumps, the use of tires with low rolling resistance and an alternator control system which takes account of the current driving situation and the vehicle’s electrical power requirements, plus the crucial factor of outstanding aerodynamics. The Cabriolet’s cd figure of 0.28 is the best in its class, marking a continuation of the E-Class success story in the field of aerodynamics.

An overview of the engines:

E350 Cabriolet: 268 hp / 258 lb-ft.
E550 Cabriolet: 382 hp/ 391 lb-ft.
Less turbulence, easier to use: AIRCAP® is a world-first

In 1989, Mercedes-Benz introduced a world premiere in the shape of a draught-stop for the SL model series, followed in 2004 by the AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system to further enhance comfort in open-top models. Now comes another world-first: the AIRCAP® automatic draft-stop, which can be activated at the push of a button, greatly reduces turbulence in the interior of the new Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet, creating a sea of warm air. It is also much easier to implement and use than conventional draft-stops: there is no tricky installation, the two individual rear seats remain free and the Cabriolet’s flowing side lines remain uninterrupted. AIRCAP® is therefore a classic Mercedes innovation: functional, comfort-enhancing, elegant and safe.

AIRCAP® consists of two components: a wind deflector that can be extended by around 2.4 inches with a net in the windscreen frame and a draft-stop
between the rear seats.

The functions of the two components:
– Elevation of the free flow above the interior
- Net at the front increases the basic pressure in the interior
- Draft-stop at the rear reduces the backflow

As well as enhancing occupant comfort and wellbeing, the reduction in draft when AIRCAP® is activated (it can be activated at speeds of up to 100 mph and remains in use right up to the car’s top speed) reduces the interior noise level – so passengers in all seats find it far easier to communicate.

When the standard AIRCAP® is combined with the optional AIRSCARF®, the system functions like an invisible scarf warming the occupants’ head and neck areas. AIRSCARF® is integrated into the backrests of the front seats and provides warm air through outlets in the head restraints.

Mercedes engineers have modified this unique innovation specifically for the E-Class Cabriolet: in this model, an adjustment wheel pivots the outlet nozzle upwards and downwards by a total of 36 degrees over and above the head restraint height adjustment, meaning that the driver and front passenger can enjoy the unique neck-level heating regardless of how short or tall they are.

Quiet, warm and windproof: sound-dampening soft top fitted as standard

Thanks to its sound-dampening soft top, fitted as standard, even the closed E-Class Cabriolet has one of the quietest interiors in the segment for four-seater premium cabriolets with a fabric roof. The soft top’s exceptionally high-quality insulation brings about a clearly noticeable reduction in the interior noise level compared to conventional fabric soft tops. Exterior noise caused by other vehicles and wind noise are therefore absorbed more effectively.

On the road, the difference is audible from speeds of just 50 mph, for example when driving through a tunnel or overtaking a convoy of trucks. At higher speeds, the benefits of the acoustic soft top are even more tangible. For instance, it is possible to have a perfectly normal phone conversation in hands-free mode even when travelling at a speed more than 125 mph.

The soft top is of course waterproof and windproof. Plus it can be put through an automatic carwash without any hesitation. With a total thickness of .9 inches, the fabric soft top offers excellent thermal insulation, meaning that the E-Class Cabriolet is also ideal for use in winter.

Safety: robust structure, anticipatory protection and windowbags

The new Cabriolet offers the wealth of safety innovations one would expect from a Mercedes-Benz model. Highlights of the open-top two-door model include roll-over protection, the A-pillars reinforced by two additional tubes and the plug-in B-pillars. This new model is also the first Mercedes cabriolet to feature headbags.

The roll-over protection consists of two robust bars, each with a diameter of 1.4 inches, which are housed in the rear head restraints in modules behind the rear seat backrests. A tilting cone sensor detects imminent danger to the occupants based on extreme skidding movements or acceleration caused by impact. If this sensor then sends a corresponding signal, pre-tensioned pressure springs are activated by pyrotechnic means, i.e. extremely quickly.

Consequently, both roll-over bars in the rear head restraints are extended. They reach their highest point and are locked automatically within a fraction of a second. In combination with the robust A-pillars, each of which is reinforced with two high-strength steel tubes, the steel bars provide highly effective roll-over
protection.

The plug-in B-pillars are extremely robustly connected as they engage in the side skirts, thus offering highly effective protection in the event of a crash. A shoe made from ultra-high-strength steel braces the inside of the B-pillar against the rear seat crossmember.

With seven airbags fitted as standard, belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all seats, not to mention crash-responsive head restraints for the driver and front passenger, the new E-Class Cabriolet offers the most extensive safety equipment package in this vehicle category. The airbags, which can deploy in milliseconds in the event of an accident, include front airbags and sidebags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag on the driver’s side, and headbags. The latter, which appear in a Mercedes cabriolet for the first time, are housed in the door panelling in the beltline area. Covering a wide area – around 2.3 × 1.6 feet with a volume of 17 liters when deployed – the airbags provide extremely effective protection for occupants large and small in the event of a crash. The three-part side protection system – comprising headbag and thoraxbag – optimises the level of protection afforded to individual parts of the body. Rear sidebags are available as an option.

Further exemplary safety equipment available for the E-Class Cabriolet includes ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection, PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, and DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control.

Mercedes-Benz making big play in Chinese market

2009-11-27T04:05:00.000-08:00

You'd think at up to $147,450 a copy, the Mercedes-Benz S class would find most favor in the U.S. and Europe. But at least we were surprised to find out that China is now the most popular market for it.

Mercedes Benz and its small-car dreams

2009-11-27T04:02:00.000-08:00

American seems to be obsessed with small cars these days. Not American consumers, mind you, but policy makers and executives at the companies who must bend to their will. First, we had General Motors and Fiat-Chrysler rushing small cars to market as part of their argument for federal assistance earlier this year. Ford has a few of them coming in response both to high fuel prices and new fuel economy rules. Not to be outdone, Daimler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche says Mercedes may export some small cars to the U.S. Luxury buyers still want luxury, he told the Wall Street Journal, but some may want to make a less ostentatious, low-carbon dioxide statement.

This is wrong on so many levels. The article says that the Mercedes compacts will take on the Audi A3, BMW 1-series and BMW’s Mini Cooper brand. As for the A3 and 1-series, yes the Baby Benz will take them on, battling for all 12,000 cars worth of sales that the two models have sold this year. That’s right. Audi has sold about 2,900 copies of the A3, one-tenth the sales of its A4 sedan. The 1-series has done a bit better, selling almost 9,500 cars. That pales next to 3-series sales of 75,500 cars. Even if Mercedes gets a piece of that compact luxury biz, it will be small potatoes. As if Mercedes needs another model that sells fewer than 10,000 cars a year. The company has about half a dozen or so right now. By the way, Mercedes once shelved plans to bring its small B-class (pictured above) to the U.S. because of currency problems. Well, the dollar is still pretty weak. That will make the car either expensive to buy for consumers or profit-challenged.

And what about taking on Mini? The brand has sold almost 40,000 cars through October and just keeps growing. But it has everyone fooled. First of all, the brand has an incredibly unique image that blends modern technology of BMW’s vaunted engineering with the British styling and heritage of its past. And it is quirky. Mini stands alone unlike any brand in the car market as accessible exclusivity, though not traditional luxury. Will its buyers look at a Baby Benz? I doubt it. One BMW marketer once told me that in their research, they found that Mini owners view BMW owners the way most people view Ferrari owners. Loosely translated from the original profane description, Mini owners seem them as men with more money than confidence. I doubt Mini owners will see the Mercedes brand any differently.

I’ll give you one more practical reason why small cars won’t sell as fuel savers or as a green statement. Take a four-cylinder Chevrolet Malibu. It gets 26 miles per gallon combined and costs $1,526 a year to fuel up. A compact Chevy Cobalt gets 27 mpg and costs $1,482 a year at the pump. Who will sacrifice the passenger space of a Malibu to save $44 a year in gas? Answer: The buyer who can’t afford the Malibu.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate

2009-11-17T08:42:00.003-08:00

Following yesterday's photo leakage of the 2010 E-Class Estate, Mercedes has officially unveiled more images and info about the E-Class wagon, which officially joins the sedan and coupe variants.

The 2010 E-Class Estate gets a plethora of diesel and gas powered engines for Europe, while the US reportedly must make due only with the the E350 4matic variant. An E63 Estate is reportedly in the works, but who knows if it will come to the US. Especially since most car buyers in the US aren't fond of wagons...

The interior is largely carried over from the sedan, but there is a very retro-feeling rear-facing third seat that brings up not so fond memories of 70s and 80s station wagons.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

2009-11-17T08:42:00.001-08:00

The first photos of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG have begun to leak out thanks to Australian site CarPoint.

The SLS AMG is expected to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, so it's no surprise that photos are already leaking. It is powered by a 563-hp 6.3-liter V8 with 480 lb-ft. of torque that is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The SLS AMG can reach 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph.

Mercedes Drops Photos of the SLS AMG in Gran Turismo 5

2009-11-17T08:38:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week it was revealed that the new Mercedes SLS AMG would be one of the cars in the new Gran Turismo 5 and now Mercedes has released images of the car in the game.

2009 Mercedes Benz E320 Bluetec

2009-11-08T06:43:00.000-08:00

The Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTEC demonstrates quite clearly that hybrid powertrains are not the only way to reach environmental excellence. The advanced BlueTEC system is a technological marvel that brings out the best of diesel technology while virtually eliminating the shortcomings.

The Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC concept utilizes state-of-the-art diesel engine technology and exhaust technology to achieve superior fuel economy with the smallest possible environmental footprint. Fuel consumption in this luxury sedan is improved by up to 37 percent when compared to its gasoline counterpart: and torque – the key indicator of engine power – is 55 percent higher. The result is a six-cylinder engine with the power of an 8-cylinder and the fuel consumption of a 4-cylinder.

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Cabriolet

2009-11-04T10:43:00.002-08:00

The 2009 CLK-550 Cabriolet is a 2-door, 4-passenger luxury sports coupe, or luxury convertible. The CLK550 Cabriolet is equipped with a standard 5.5-liter, V8, 382-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 21-mpg on the highway. A 7-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The CLK550 features standard sport suspension and 18-inch five-twin-spoke AMG wheels. The interior of vehicles equipped with the Sport package features black ash wood trim, a black headliner, black carpets and a special instrument cluster complete with white gauges. The 2009 CLK-550 features standard Mercedes active safety innovations such as ESP stability control, ABS anti-lock brakes, straight-line ASR traction control, and Brake Assist.

2010 Mercedes Benz E Class Coupe

2009-11-04T10:43:00.001-08:00

Mercedes-Benz is unveiling the coupe version of the new E-Class at the Geneva Motor Show. The new E-Class Coupe brings together emotion and performance in a very special way. With a Cd of 0.24, the model is the world’s most aerodynamically efficient series production vehicle. The model line up the V6-powered E350 (268 hp, 258 lb-ft) and the V8-powered E550 (382 hp, 391 lb-ft).

The new coupe offers the full spectrum of technical innovations that might be expected from a sporty, luxury class coupe. These include Agility Control suspension with adaptive shock absorbers, ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection, the preventative passenger protection system PRE-SAFE. Other luxurious standard equipment includes leather interior with sport seats and integrated headrests, a Panorama Sunroof, COMAND system with console-mounted controller, 6-disc CD/DVD changer and fully automatic dual-zone digital climate control.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren stock pictures

2009-10-25T01:01:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

2009-10-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster - 703,000 Euros , or $1,000,000.

2010 Mercedes Benz E63 AMG

2009-10-23T07:46:00.001-07:00

First Look. With a new Mercedes-Benz E-class already out in Europe and destined for U.S. dealerships this July, a new 2010 E63 AMG is also due.

In its battle with the BMW M5 and the Cadillac CTS-V the new AMG sedan again arms itself with a 6.2-liter V-8, revised to produce 525 hp (up from 507 hp) while torque output remains 465 lb-ft. A factory-estimated 0-to-62-mph time of 4.5 seconds is equal to today’s model, although the top speed once again will be electronically capped at 155 mph (a higher limit available as an option). The E63 borrows the SL63 AMG’s seven-speed automatic, with a new race start function and four different programming modes. The mellowest mode is called “Controlled Efficiency,” and its early upshifts help the E63 eke out slightly better gas mileage.

2010 Mercedes E63 AMG Unleashed

2009-10-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

Official information regarding the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG sedan has been released along with the first batch of official photos. The E63 AMG now makes 518bhp (386kW) and 465lb ft (630Nm) of maximum torque compared to the current car’s 507bhp (378kW) and the same amount of torque. Mercedes-Benz is sticking AMG’s 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V8 on this one. Performance should be similar to that of the outgoing E63 with figures of 4.5 seconds for the 0 - 62mph sprint and a top speed of 155mph (249km/h).

Despite the minimal increase in power the car is said to quaff 12 percent less fuel resulting in an average consumption of 22.4mpg. One of the components credited for this is the Speedshift MCT 7-speed gearbox found in the SL63 AMG. It has four driving modes namely Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport Plus and Manual.

The standard car comes wearing 18-inch AMG alloys with size 255/40 front and 285/35 rear tyres. There is an optional 19-inch rim available. In terms of exterior cosmetics the big AMG gets LED daytime running lights, a more aggressive front spoiler, a rear diffuser and four tailpipes as per current AMG standard issue.It is expected that the new E63 AMG sedan will go on sale in the UK in September. It is also expected that the public will get first live glimpse at the 2009 New York International Auto Show next week.

[Editor’s Note] Press release first mentions 6.3-liter V8 engine and then later states 6208 cc. To comply with German law, Mercedes-Benz is required to round up the displacement figure to 6.3 when used for marketing purposes.

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

2009-10-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

After seeing the two GLK Concepts at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes will finally reveal the production version of the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class at Auto China in Beijing this Sunday.
Power for the 2010 GLK350 comes from a 3.5 liter V6 engine that produces 268-hp, giving it the ability to do 0-60 in 6.5 seconds. The compact-SUV returns a fuel-economy of 23mpg on the highway.The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK will arrive in U.S. showrooms in January 2009 as a 2010 model. Production will take place at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany.

Facelifted 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

2009-10-18T18:38:00.000-07:00

It might not be a rampant sales success, but Mercedes-Benz is updating the R-Class for 2011 nonetheless. The most obvious changes are visual, though we hear powertrain updates are in the works to meet new fuel efficiency standards. While the R-Class is already available with the automaker's 3.0-liter BlueTec diesel, the vehicle could also be a candidate for Benz's hybrid system in the coming S400 Hybrid.

Our spy photographers recently caught a mostly uncovered look at the facelift results in Europe. The 2011 R-Class dons a sharper, more angular front end, with a larger and more prominent grille. A new set of headlights look more ML-Class than the oblong ovals of the current R-Class. Also new are the hood, front bumper with LED running lights, and side mirrors. Out back, the changes are less radical, with a revised bumper, exhaust pipes, and new LED lights.

New Benz E Class hard to miss

2009-10-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

October 19, 2009


	The newest version of the E-Class by Mercedes-Benz. Provided by the company

Like a dessert cart wheeling past diners at a restaurant, the latest Mercedes-Benz turns plenty of heads when it cruises by on the road.

With its slick appearance and hard-to-miss emblem, the German automaker’s new E-Class sedan stands out even among the numerous high-end imported vehicles that crowd the streets of Seoul today.

The latest version of the long-dormant E-Class, released last month, undoubtedly continues the Mercedes-Benz tradition of sophistication and top-notch quality.

The vehicle has been given a complete facelift from its previous model, which hit the market seven years ago.


	The vehicle’s high-quality, luxurious interior

The front part of the new E-Class, including the headlights, sports an aggressive look.

While the previous model opted for a softer appearance defined by curves, the new E-Class is more direct and square-like.

The front of the new model also is lower than the back, which gives it the appearance of a sports car. Having said that, the latest E-Class mixes simplicity with sophistication - the style the automaker built its brand on.

Now on to the interior, which is spacious and luxurious.

The seats are undoubtedly comfortable. Even when taking the vehicle out in the countryside, my back wasn’t strained at all, which usually happens in other cars. The dashboard was designed to mix the latest designs with an analog appearance. Most noticeable is the round analog clock next to the speedometer.

Even though the vehicle is a high-end luxury machine, it is surprisingly practical. One of its best features is the fact that the back seats can fold flat, giving you a lot more storage space (though the trunk is already plenty large as is).

There’s also additional storage space worth noting. In addition to the standard glove compartment, there is a secondary storage area underneath the passenger seat. Easy to overlook, this secondary compartment comes in very handy.

In terms of performance, the C 220 CDI BlueEfficiency Avantgarde - the model I drove - cannot be matched. It has the right amount of heaviness and steadiness, giving it perfect balance. When speeding around corners, the vehicle never loses its equilibrium.

The E-Class surely raises the excitement of driving. Even through it is equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission, the gear is shaped like a manual stick. That can be a bit confusing when you first buckle in behind the wheel. But once you get adjusted, it heightens the pleasure of cruising around, as you feel like you’re driving a car with manual transmission.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

2009-10-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a serious super sports car,” says AMG chief of development Tobias Moers before taking a shot at the SLR, a carbon-fiber-bodied car that still managed to weigh in at 3858 pounds. “Our SLS weighs only 3572 pounds,” he says, nearly 300 pounds lighter than the McMerc. Keeping the 182.6-inch-long, two-seat SLS’s mass in check is its entirely aluminum construction (save for that driveshaft and steel A-pillars), a first for Mercedes-Benz. The aluminum structure weighs just 531 pounds, Mercedes says.

The most distinctive aspect of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG appearance is, of course, its roof-hinged gullwing doors, an homage to the iconic 300SL Gullwing. But AMG personnel took pains to point out that the doors are the only thing the SLS has in common with the 300SL. “We do not build a retro car at all!” AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg explains sharply. “In fact, we think it is the most advanced super sports car you can buy today.”

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Facelift

2009-10-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz will give the car a major styling overhaul with a new front-end planned as well as a slightly revised rear and interior. Expected to be launched in the second half of next year, the new R-Class appears to receive the same squared-off treatment as seen on the A- and B-Class models, including angular headlights and a larger more prominent grille.

At the rear there appear to be only minor changes, with a redesigned bumper, exhaust tips and LED tail-lamps.

Expect to see the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class facelift make its world debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show in January.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2009-07-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

Back in the late 1980s, before performance tuner AMG became an official branch of Mercedes-Benz, the Affalterbach-based personal trainer of three-pointed stars took an off-the-showroom 300E sedan, stuffed it full of massaged V-8 (first a 5.6 liter, later a 6.0) and a catalog's worth of track-tuned chassis bits, and dubbed the hugely fast and expensive result "The Hammer."

Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic

2009-07-01T07:53:00.001-07:00

The Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic offers Mercedes luxury and AWD for about $40,000

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of photographing a 1959 Mercedes 220SE for a magazine. Because this was a detailed assignment, I spent several hours shooting the interior, engine bay, and the exterior of the car from every possible angle. I really got to know the car. And of course, I got to ride in it to several shooting locations. What I learned is that while Mercedes has progressed as much as any automaker in the intervening decades, the distinctive Mercedes experience has retained its flavor.

That experience boils down to comfort and the confidence that comes from driving a well-built automobile. The ’59 Mercedes looked great from every angle and felt as solid and stable on the road as the 2009 C300, at least as long as you didn’t try to drive it like a sports car. The C300 has more power, great sporty handling, and of course the new ride offers you a lot more in the way of features. And it still looks great from every angle.

The C300 4Matic is the latest edition of Mercedes’ C-class. These are the least expensive cars from Mercedes, but you don’t give up a single feature that really matters. The C300 offers you the same Bluetooth hands-free cell phone support, a great 6-disc and iPod-ready stereo, leather heated seats, navigation, power everything, dashboard data system, zone climate control, HID headlights, and every other feature you can name in a modern luxury car.

You also get a 3-liter DOHC V6 engine, making 228 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The C300 comes with a 7-speed automatic transmission. 7 smooth-shifting gears make the best use of every last one of the horsepower, so it drives like a more powerful car. And of course, you also get All Wheel Drive – a huge benefit in the middle of the worst Northwest winter in 40 years!

Mercedes says that the C300 gets 17 MPG in city driving and 25 on the highway. For the last 1,000 miles, no one has reset the average fuel economy meter in the onboard data system, so I can tell you that this particular C300 has maintained a solid 21 MPG in real world combination driving. Not bad for a larger displacement V6 with an automatic and AWD.

The interior of the C-class is nice. Where a more expensive line of cars would have a leather-covered dash, the C300 uses a rubberized plastic molding, but it’s well-made and the selection of piano black or optional walnut burl won’t shame anyone. There’s no cheap bling here – everything is elegant and dignified. My only gripe is that Mercedes seems to have adopted the twirl-and-click knob of BMW’s verdammt iDrive system. The Benz interface is easier and thus better than the BMW system, but I still prefer touch screens.

The base price of the C300 4Matic is an amazing $35,400. That’s a smokin’ deal on a great AWD sedan. It compares favorably to the Audi A4 and the BMW 3-series. But that’s before you’ve added a lot of the extras I’ve described above. Looking down the option list, the test car added $2,200 for fancy paint and the leather seats, $1,050 for a sunroof, $375 for iPod integration, $310 for the walnut trim, and $650 for TeleAid, which is an in-car service for M-B owners.

Mercedes-Benz Introduces New 2010 E-Class

2009-07-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

Stephen Cannon, Vice President of Marketing, Mercedes-Benz USA, said: "In a tough market, the strength of the Mercedes-Benz brand - rooted in timeless design, craftsmanship and innovation - has enabled us to outperform both the market and the luxury segment."

"We're excited for a big launch of the ninth generation E-Class - the heart and soul of our brand," he added.

The new ninth generation E-Class would set the standard in terms of safety, comfort and advanced technology in the luxury market segment, the company said. The E-Class line-up would go on sale in the US, featuring the E350 and E550 coupes and sedans, from June 22.

Mercedes-Benz US, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the US.

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Spy Photos Emerge

2009-07-01T07:49:00.002-07:00

Although we still have a good amount of time to wait before the next generation Mercedes M-Class is unveiled, spy photos of the 2012 model have begun to surface. As you would expect from a model roughly two years away from its unveiling, the ML is heavily disguised, leaving us to speculate what exactly is in store for the next version of the SUV.

Early rumors indicate a diesel-electric hybrid M-Class is in the works, a strong possibility considering a gas-electric hybrid M-Class should be arriving later this year. Other rumors indicate the model could receive a plug-in variant – one that features an 80hp (60kW) electric motor paired with a twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 3.5L V6 while boasting the ability to travel up to 18 miles on electric power alone.

At this point it's far too early to state specifics of the 2012 Mercedes ML, but it's safe to say the number one task Mercedes engineers face in developing the next M-Class is deciding how best to implement alternative drive systems and subsequently better the SUV's fuel efficiency.

2009 Mercedes Benz GL550 4Matic

2009-07-01T07:49:00.001-07:00

I have to admit, out of all the GL550's features, I found myself playing with the push-button ride-height control the most. After I pulled into my driveway, I summoned my neighbor from his house to show him how it raises and lowers the vehicle at a push of a button. For some reason, he didn't really care. I know this technology has been around for a while and is not necessarily groundbreaking, but it's still fun.

The GL550's gas mileage, on the other hand, is not so much fun. On my 63-mile commute, at times I could swear I could see the gas gauge needle slowly moving toward empty. Thankfully, the large 26.4-gallon fuel capacity allows a range of over 450 miles, which limits your trips to the gas station. The 21" five-spoke AMG wheels, which are standard on the GL550, really look sharp below the big GL body without hurting the ride quality much.

2011 Mercedes Benz S-Class Coupe

2009-07-01T07:47:00.000-07:00

Mercedes Benz has some major changes in store for its product line over the coming years, with several key models receiving facelifts and complete name changes. We have already seen this with the upcoming E-Class Coupe, which has replaced the CLK, and soon we will see the CL name phased out with the introduction of a facelifted model next year. The updated car will come in for the 2011 model year and go by the new name of 'S-Class Coupe'.

The current C216 CL was first introduced at the end of 2006 but prototypes for the facelifted version have been spotted testing in Germany as early as August last year. Earlier this year we saw images of the high-performance AMG model but these latest shots depict the standard model. New details include a more upright grille highlighted with a single chrome bar, as well the new headlight design and LED accents.

In the rear we can clearly see full LED rear lights, a new bumper design and different shape exhaust tips. Other changes planned include new indicators in the side mirrors. This computer generated rendering gives us an accurate prediction of what the final version will most likely look like.

Mercedes is unlikely to change the CL’s powertrain lineup for the new S-Class Coupe, which means that the current assortment of V8 and V12 engines should remain. There could, however, be a number of modifications to the exhaust filtering systems to help improve emissions, as well as the introduction of engine stop-start and direct-injection technologies.

Mercedes Benz could go Electric

2009-07-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

Normally, electric and fuel cell concept vehicles do little to excite many gear-heads; but, when Mercedes Benz has something new, it is worth taking notice. Let me put it another way, if we are about to embark on greener, less conventional thinking for our transportation needs – I would rather have Mercedes Benz at the forefront.

Here’s the press release:

Mercedes-Benz presents a modular drive concept for electric vehicles: Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZERO: three-fold proof of the everyday practicality of zero-emission vehicles

Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz is showing the way ahead in environmentally responsible electromobility by presenting its near-series Concept BlueZERO at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Based on a single vehicle architecture, this intelligent, modular concept allows three models with different drive configurations, all of which are able to meet customer requirements in terms of sustainable mobility:

• the BlueZERO E-CELL with battery-electric drive and a range of up to 200 kilometers using electric drive alone
• the BlueZERO F-CELL (fuel cell) with a range of well over 400 kilometers using electric drive
• the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS with electric drive and additional internal combustion engine as power generator (range extender). This version has an overall range of up to 600 kilometers and can cover a distance of up to 100 kilometers using electric drive alone.

The three BlueZERO variants are based on the unique sandwich-floor architecture which Mercedes-Benz introduced some ten years ago, initially for the A-Class and then for the B-Class, one of the aims being to integrate alternative drive systems. Advantages of the modified construction include the positive effect of the major drive components on the centre of gravity, their space-saving design, and the fact that they are extremely well protected within the vehicle underbody. The five-seater BlueZERO concept cars also set standards in terms of lightweight design, interior layout, and body form.

"The flexible BlueZERO concept allows electromobility for every requirement and highlights the fact that Mercedes-Benz is the world's only car manufacturer to already have in place all the key technologies for electric cars offering full everyday practicality", says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Brabus Mercedes SLR McLaren Roadster

2009-06-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 Sport Sedan Dashboard

2009-01-19T00:37:00.000-08:00

Below are pictures of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 Sport Sedan Dashboard.

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 Sport Sedan Exteriors Pictures

2009-01-19T00:24:00.001-08:00

Below are pictures of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 Sport Sedan.
exterior sideview mercedes benz c-class sport sedan
exterior rearview mercedes benz c-class sport sedan
exterior headlight mercedes benz c-class sport sedan
exterior grille mercedes benz c-class sport sedan
exterior front view mercedes benz c-class sport sedan

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 Sport Sedan

2009-01-19T00:20:00.000-08:00

I am believer in this brand and their product. I test drove a 328i and a G35. The Infiniti to me was just cheaper feeling, good power but not par as the Germans. The BMW had a nice ride and power as well, but it wasn't the best choice for me. My C300 is equipped with the AMG 18" Wheels and Tires which make the vehicle look so much better then the standard wheels. Also, it has the Premium 1 package and the Multi Media and Navigation package. The Harmon Kardon sound system is amazing.

One draw back is the back seat comfort. It can be a little snug at times, but not unbearable. Also, I wish i had waited for the 2009 to get the power seat controls and memory on the door. Every Mercedes I had in the past had this and I miss this feature. Also too, the black interior shows EVERYTHING!!! Small complaints, but still issues I have had with it.

Overal, I love this car - I love the stance, the look, the handling, everything!!

op model Julia Stegner appear for mercedez benz at mercedes benz fashion week

2009-01-15T22:14:00.000-08:00

The international top model Julia Stegner will make her first appearance for Mercedes-Benz at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin Autumn/Winter 2009.

At a recent photo shoot for the new key visual, Julia Stegner posed together with the Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 CGI Grand Edition in outfits by Anne Valerie Hash. The new key visual will appear on advertisements, posters and vehicles at the only German fashion show that ranks among the top international events.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

2009-01-08T04:12:00.000-08:00

There was a fair amount of prestidigitation on our part that transported us to Ma du Clos, a private track in the south of France on a sun-dappled early autumn day to drive the mighty 2009 SL65 AMG Black Series. We had seen the car privately last spring and noticed its presence at the Quail during August's Monterey weekend. Persistence paid off when we were invited to join Volker Mornhinweg, AMG's chairman, and Tobias Moers, director of vehicle development, for the final executive sign-off drive for the Euro-spec version of this 2-seat beast.

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

2009-01-07T01:04:00.000-08:00

Stylish four-door "coupe" continues relatively unchanged, but CLS550 and CLS63 models add new 18-inch seven-spoke wheels and satellite radio to a long list of standard amenities. Look for new engines in the near future, including perhaps a six-cylinder and a more powerful AMG-built V-8.

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Exterior Photos

2009-01-07T01:03:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

2009 Mercedes-benz Clk-class

2009-01-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

Engines: 3.5L V6;5.5L V8
Pricing: $48,100.00-$64,800.00
Drivetrains: Rear Wheel Drive
Power: 268 HP;382 HP

The Black Series is (sob) gone, but the new lineup includes a Grand Edition CLK350 coupe and convertible of 500 units each, distinctively styled with AMG bodywork and 18-in. wheels and clad in special Palladium Silver (coupe) or Diamond White (conv.) outfitted with brown leather/

Mercedes-Benz Concept Vehicle

2009-01-07T00:57:00.000-08:00

-Benz Ocean Drive, Audi A7 four-door convertibles coming in 2011