Mercedes Benz India

2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2011-02-28T23:47:00.000-08:00

The compact 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is offered in a bewildering array of possibilities overseas, but here in the U.S. it comes only in a few combinations--all four-door sedans, with gasoline V-6 or V-8 engines, taking on entry luxury and sport models like the Audi A4, the BMW 3-Series, the Lexus IS, the Infiniti G37, and the Cadillac CTS.

While there's only a single sedan body style available in the C-Class, it's anything but a one-trick pony. C300 and C350 models are both offered in both Sport and Luxury guise, and there's quite the aesthetic difference between them. The Luxury models carry the familiar Mercedes-Benz grille and a three-pointed star as a hood ornament, along with trim and wheels that give you that austere classic Benz look, if that's what you're in to. Sport models forgo the ornamentation for a flat badge on the grille, as well as a different, less glitzy front-end look--and, for 2011, get new LED running lamps (in bi-xenon-equipped models) instead of fog lamps. The differences between Sport and Luxury models carries through to the interior as well, though it's mainly a matter of trims; in the Luxury, you'll find burled walnut, chrome, and a four-spoke wheel that lives up to the austere Benz image of yore. If you want something more in line with BMW, the Sport is the pick.

2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes Benz Maybach In India

2011-02-28T23:45:00.000-08:00

German car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz is contemplating on relaunch of its Maybach for the Indian market. The move comes in the wake of rising demand for the super rich cars in the market. Mercedes Benz Maybach is capable of running at 275km/hr speed and Mercedes may fix the price of this car as Rs51 million in India. The company’s Chief Executive said the Indian luxury car has such a dearth for supercars as the cost may be on par private jets.

The company said that few functionalities of the Maybah 62 include dual tone exteriors, finest leather in elegant shades, electrically operated curtains, tinted glass, a high definition entertainment screen (both front and rear), an electro transparent partition and an adjustable third rear seat.

Mercedes-Benz India managing director and CEO Peter Honegg was quoted by zigwheels.com saying that the Maybach 62 and Maybach 57 S are writing the next chapter in the history.
"These, along with Mercedes-Benz models made some of the finest examples of automotive excellence, worldwide," Honegg said.
"We are happy to offer this epitome of automotive excellence for the discerning Indian customer."

2011 Mercedes-Benz R350

2011-02-01T22:27:00.000-08:00

2011 Mercedes-Benz R350

The R350 caters to families with its roomy cabin, compliant ride and available convenience features, but it sacrifices some utility in the name of style.
I tested the diesel-powered R350 Bluetec, and a gas V-6 engine is also offered. The diesel version starts at $51,740, but options made the as-tested price balloon to around $67,000. The R-Class' price range overlaps two of Mercedes' SUVs: the five-seat M-Class and the seven-seat GL-Class. The R-Class is available with seating for six or seven.
Styling
Riding lower than a crossover but looking sleeker than a minivan, the R-Class might best be described as a large wagon. It's nearly as long as Mercedes' flagship S-Class full-size sedan, but wider and taller.
The front of the R-Class has been significantly updated for 2011. It features a new grille, new headlights and new bumper styling. Taken as a whole, the changes give the R-Class a stronger, more substantial look. It's a big improvement, and it works well with the rest of the exterior design, which carries over mostly unchanged.
Ride and handling
One of the best aspects of the R350 Bluetec is its comfortable ride. It can feel floaty on undulating roads and exhibits noticeable body roll when cornering, but the suspension tuning's emphasis on comfort is the right choice for a people-mover like this.
On the highway, the R350 settles down nicely. It feels planted and would be an easy-driving steed on a family road trip.
Classic Mercedes steering tuning yields limited feedback, which isn't out of the ordinary for a luxury-oriented family-hauler. The wheel itself spins smoothly, and the moderate amount of effort required to turn it feels appropriate.
Diesel power
As if the R-Class' styling didn't make it unique enough, it's also one of the few models in the U.S. with an available clean-diesel engine. The diesel V-6 is rated 25 percent better in EPA-estimated combined fuel economy than the gas V-6 engine, but as diesels are prone to do, it also makes more noise. All versions of the R-Class have all-wheel drive.

2011 Mercedes E350 BlueTec Diesel Review

2011-02-01T22:25:00.000-08:00

2011 Mercedes E350

At first glance, the 2011 E350 BlueTec looks like just another mid-sized diesel car from Mercedes-Benz. Nothing special, right?
At the heart of the E350 BlueTec is a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that – true to form – produces adequate horsepower and monster torque: 210-hp and 400 lb-ft respectively. Combined with the short gearing in the seven-speed automatic transmission, this Benz just flat-out scoots, hitting 60 mph from a stop in 6.7 seconds.
The electronic assists work hard to keep the rear wheels from peeling out, especially since the torque peaks at only 1,600 rpm. Floor it, feel the gearbox drop a couple – or three! – ratios, and it’s just a quiet, refined shot of power. The gears slur from one to the next with no real sense of change, unless you choose Sport mode where things are programmed to deliver slightly more feedback.

2011 Mercedes E350

For those wondering if the BlueTec is a smelly, noisy mess, the answer is no. The engine is 50-state certified for emissions, and in the E350 provides fuel economy ratings of 22-mpg in the city and 33-mpg on the highway. That’s a massive leap forward from the gas-powered model, which only gets 17/24-mpg. With the 21 gallon fuel tank, the BlueTec has a potential range of over 600 miles between fill-ups.

BUT THERE’S A CATCH

The only complication is Mercedes-Benz’ reliance on urea injection into the exhaust – known as AdBlue – which does require topping up with almost every oil change to keep the NOx emissions low. While not horrendously expensive, it is another regular cost to consider above and beyond the maintenance costs compared to a gasoline-powered equivalent.

2011 Mercedes E350

Regardless, the E350’s extra costs might be swept away after experiencing one yourself. The E-Class sedan is the segment leader in style and poise. The modern, sculpted shape is designed to cut through the air more efficiently, hiding a well-engineered platform with an independent suspension all around that’s adjustable for firmness. The brakes are well sized to bring the 4,059-lb. sedan to heel quickly, while standard 17-inch wheels with 45-series all-season tires do an adequate job of translating the driver’s demands to the pavement.
Visually, every E-Class can be ordered in either traditional Luxury trim with a four-slat grille and a monochrome interior highlighted by Burl Walnut, or with a no-charge Sport package that adds cross-drilled front brake discs hiding behind different 17-inch wheels, a three-bar grille, LED running lights, and a two-tone interior with aluminum accents. Regardless of which you choose, all BlueTec models come with LED taillights, heated power mirrors with integrated turn signals and dual exhaust.

2011 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe

2011-02-01T22:23:00.000-08:00

2011 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe

New spy shots depicting a camouflaged C 63 AMG Coupe prototype have recently surfaced on the internet. Hidden under the black tape, the future model sports a very aggressive and dynamic exterior design, in true Mercedes-AMG style. The list of visual appointments comprises an astonishing single-louvre radiator grille, an impressive front bumper with improved air intakes, LED for the headlights and tail lamps, slightly modified side skirts, quad exhausts, a discreet spoiler and a great rear diffuser to keep the car sitting safely on the road at high speed. Under the hood, the new C 63 AMG Coupe will premiere a naturally-aspirated version of the 5.5 liters V8 unit, which will be capable of delivering a peak output of 422 BHP. Power will be sent to the rear wheels thanks to the new AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT gearbox; also, expect a consistent array of electronic devices and systems to enhance the driving performance. The Affalterbach-based tuner is also secretly developing a Black Series variant for the future C 63 AMG Coupe, which will boast in excess of 500 BHP. Look for this mighty 2-door Merc model to debut around the spring of this year. Check out more spy pics after the jump!

Wheelsandmore 2010 Mercedes SLS AMG gets new tuning

2011-01-03T08:05:00.000-08:00

Wheelsandmore 2010 Mercedes SLS AMG

Wheels and More is well known for turning a car into a fortune for car owners who are willing to go one step ahead with their set of wheels. This tuner is quite different from the ones you would find in the automobile market. Rarely do they change the interiors or the exterior nature of the car. They add a new set of wheels to optimize the car’s performance. They do not hand pick cars that need a makeover in terms of the exterior looks. Recently, couple of months back they have fine tuned the Mercedes SLS AMG, magnifying its performance with a boost and a brand new set of wheels. Now Wheels And More is ready with their package for the Mercedes SLS AMG. The kit for the sports vehicle includes the common modifications in the car engine along with a new set of wheels and some other additions.

Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 will feature in the 24-hour race in Dubai

2011-01-03T08:04:00.000-08:00

Mercedes SLS AMG GT3

The Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 has been the talk of the town and the auto world for quite a while now. January 14, 2011 would however be its litmus test day as it gets to participate in its first racing event of the year. There would be three other cars that would be racing alongside at the 24-hour race in Dubai (UAE). One being the Black Flacon from a private team and the other the Mercedes Genre car from Heico Motorsport.
The event is held at the 5.39 km Grand Prix Circuit of the Dubai Autodrome. There would be ninety cars that would be participating in this event which includes the three Mercedes models. The race should be the clearance point of the Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 to compete in the FIA GT3 Championship.
For features the SLS AMG GT3 has been fitted with a new front apron with a splitter, a bonnet with central cooling air vent, wider front and rear wings, sideskirts with cooling ducts for the rear brakes, a rear diffuser, and an adjustable rear aerofoil. For engine the car would have the same 6.3-liter V8 engine. The engine however has been tuned to give 600 hp and more.

Mercedez-Benz A-Class and B-Class models to Equip Renault Engines

2011-01-01T22:18:00.001-08:00

The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL uses an electric motor doling out 134 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque. A fuel-cell stack is used for generating electricity which gets stored in a lithium-ion battery. While maintaining a terrific fuel economy, the F-CELL does not compromise on the quality of a ride. The only by-product in the process is water and the car takes just three minutes to refuel.

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG

2010-10-12T19:59:00.000-07:00

Daimler has released the first images, of one of its most stunning AMG models, the new generation 2011 Mercedes CL65. Differences between the new CL65 AMG and the yet introduced CL63 AMG are going into details. The only things we could notice so far is the chromed front air splitter which is black on the CL63, and the equally chromed rear diffuser.

The 2011 CL65 AMG will be powered by the 6.0 liter V12 engine developing 630bhp together with a stunning 1,000Nm of torque. Top speed will again be limited to 250km/h (155mph), of course no doubt that owners can do something about that. Sprint time from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) is officially at 4.4 seconds.

Wheelsandmore Mercedes SL65 AMG

2010-10-12T19:58:00.000-07:00

Mercedes SL65 AMG

Wheelsandmore have given the same treatment as for the Audi R8 V10 we saw earlier to the Mercedes SL65 AMG. Basically, the German firm have created another low profile tuned Mercedes.

Power has been increased from 612hp and 1000Nm of torque up to 697hp and 1150Nm thanks to a handmade exhaust system and an ECU tune. The exhaust system features a remote valve flap and can be finished with the serial AMG exhaust tips at the customers request.

Three-piece Wheelsandmore forged alloys have been added to this car too. ‘6Sporz’ are available in sizes 10,0×20 inch at the front and 12,0×20 inch at the rear axle. The rims are equipped with high performance tyres by Dunlop, sized at 255/30/20 front and 305/25/20 rear

Mercedes E-Klasse W211 PD65 by Prior Design

2010-07-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

Prior Design tuned the exterior for the new Mercedes E-Klasse, bringing it a new impressive and cool aspect.

The car has now new front and rear bumper, side skirts, rear trunk spoiler and roof spoiler, all made by Prior Design.

Mercedes SLS Supersport Black Edition by Kicherer

2010-07-14T19:21:00.000-07:00

Kicherer is a great German tuner that focused its attention on the latest model from Mercedes, the SLS AMG.

This tuner changed the aspect of the car, and also the performance of it. The new model has matte black paint, new front spoiler made of carbon fiber, side grilles and a new exhaust system, which comes with four, generously-sized, round tips.

If we speak about its performance, the car has improved engine that develops 620 hp (571 hp the standard version) and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.
Source: autoevolution

2010 Mercedes C63 AMG DR520 Special Edition

2010-07-04T19:33:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz UK has launched an exclusive new model, the C-Class DR 520 with more power and performance than any other C-Class. Only 20 units of this car will be available, and it is sold exclusively through the company’s Specialist Products division at Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands, Surrey.

Based on the high-performance C 63 AMG, the DR 520 has a performance upgrade and boasts 520 hp and 650 Nm of torque, a 60 hp and 50 Nm advantage over than the standard C 63 AMG. The DR 520 Saloon can reach 0-62 mph in just 4.1 seconds with the Estate achieving the same in 4.2 seconds, and both are electronically limited to a top speed of 187 mph.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class E200 K Classic (Petrol)

2010-06-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

Drive to your office in style in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class - India's most preferred car manufacturer. A Mercedes-Benz car in India is an ideal family as well as personal choice any time. Spend a few minutes to read the New Mercedes-Benz E-Class E200 K Classic (Petrol) Review here.

Not content to rest on its laurels, Mercedes-Benz has launched a Mercedes-Benz E-Class model to give a tough fight to its counterparts. The model will reportedly strike a perfect balance between elegance and capability and has already cornered a central space for itself in the Mercedes-Benz passenger car-line. Updated look, upgraded engineering, new equipment and as an option, a new five-cylinder intercooled turbocharged diesel engine are some of the added featured of the E-class model. It is supposedly the E-Class cars, i.e. the mid-size sedans with its rough and tough attributes that gives Mercedes-Benz a cutting edge over the others. Mercedes-Benz E-Class is available in three variants.

The body type is sedan. The gear transmission is automatic The fuel type is petrol. Mileage-city is 7.1 kmpl. The maximum Power recorded is 157.7@5,500 (PS@rpm) and the maximum torque power recorded is 22.5@3,500-4,500 (kgm@rpm)

Mercedes-Benz R-Class to come to India remains unconfirmed

2010-06-22T00:47:00.000-07:00

Due tothe successful launch of Mercedes Benz R-Class at the New York International Auto Show last March, the new-generation R-Class might as well come to India. But when contacted by wheelsunplugged.com to confirm the report, Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, managing director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said that they have ‘lots of surprises for the (Indian) market’ but refused to give comments about the release of Benz R-class in the country.

The latest addition to the MB fleet retains the high-class appeal and prestige of classic Mercedes-Benz luxury-class saloons, and the interior versatility of its predecessor. The appeal of the R-Class is also enhanced by a range of optimized diesel engines.

Daimler AG Board of Management member Dr. Thomas Weber said: “We have reworked the R-Class completely, thereby adding to its appeal and enhancing its premium qualities, but without losing any of the advantages of this unique vehicle concept. On top of this, our BlueEFFICIENCY strategy makes the R-Class the most economical and environmentally friendly MPV in the premium segment.”a

Mercedes-Benz SLS Gullwing AMG E-Cell Prototype

2010-06-22T00:46:00.000-07:00

Although the name may be quite long-winded, preview shots of the E-Cell Gullwing have been released, and, well, it’s certainly wants attention. Electric cars of the late have been mostly boring, dreary creations designed by those who are just as bland. This just rewrites the rulebook though.

The electric-only power is supplied by four motors, located close to each wheel. They combine to give a total output of 392kW so the aluminium-framed chassis will power off to 100km/h in just four seconds.

AMG says the energy for all this comes from a lithium polymer battery pack that can offer up to 480kW.

The SLS AMG E-Cell comes in its own ion-savvy colour too, coded Lumilectric Mango, which means… umm. Check out the huge LCD screen in the centre fascia! The screen displays everything you need and could need to know about the electricity states, and it does all the other driver comfort stuff too.

Mercedes-Benz CLC Will Not Enter Production Post 2010

2010-06-18T01:59:00.000-07:00

New models of the Mercedes-Benz CLC will not celebrate the new year with us as the company plans to end production of the vehicle by the end of the year. The move comes after the small hatchback based on the last-generation (W203) C-Class platform failed to attract enough customers across the world.

The current-generation CLC was introduced in several markets in 2008 but was never bought to North America. That was because company’s C Class Sports Coupe had failed to impress the Americans and had recorded low sales numbers.

The CLC currently is being produced at Benz’s Juiz de Fora facility in Brazil, which will be undergoing changes in its production line. Mercedes plans to repurpose the plant to build trucks and high-end Accelo Actros.

Lorinser Previews Their Own 2011 Mercedes CLS

2010-06-07T19:29:00.000-07:00

Mercedes tuner Lorinser has already come up with an imaginary kit for an imaginary new-look Mercedes CLS! Well, it’s not that imaginary to be honest, Mercedes has already shown us a shooting brake concept which kinda previewed the looks of the new CLS, and there has been a couple of revealing spyshots showing that the actual car is very close to what you see here.

So yes, Lorinser is the first to announce a package for the new CLS, but what they got?! Based on what we see, it’s a traditional Lorinser body kit with modified bumpers, a new bonnet, Lorinser famous side gills, Lorinser wheels and of course a bootlid spoiler and a diffuser. This kit actually looks pretty nice on the yet-to-be-revealed CLS!

The German tuner also will also provide different upgrade programs for the car’s interior as well as engine and suspension.

Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS caught

2010-05-26T20:23:00.000-07:00

Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS

The new Mercedes-Benz CLS was caught hanging out for a photo shoot prior to its debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in October. As you can see from the pictures, the next-generation CLS is heavily inspired by the Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept.

The model in the pictures is the CLS 350CGI, which is powered by Mercedes-Benz’s V-Generation 3.5L engine making 302-hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.

Mercedes-Benz SL 65 Black Series-based Brabus Stealth 65

2010-05-26T20:21:00.000-07:00

When you’re as good at making one-off high performance beasts as German tuning house Brabus, you can be excused for making quite a few one-offs.

Its latest creation is the Brabus Stealth 65: a white Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series-based road rocket.

Brabus has applied its T65 RS tuning kit to the 6.0-litre AMG biturbo V12 which includes four intercoolers and reworked turbines, as well as a remapped ECU and a new stainless steel exhaust.

The result is a car that puts out 603kW of power and an epic 1420Nm of torque. Comparatively speaking, that’s 15kW more than Brabus’ previous one-off SL 65 creation, the Vanish, and 110kW/420Nm more than the standard Black Series from AMG.

Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series T65 RS

2010-05-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

Is it possible to make the most powerful production Mercedes of all time, the SL 65 AMG Black Series, even more powerful, faster, more spectacular and exclusive? BRABUS can! Equipped with T65 RS tuning the high-performance model delivers even more power and becomes even more elite. T65 RS tuning bumps power output to 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW. With it the two-seater accelerates from rest to 200 km/h (124 mph) in just 9.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of more than 330 km/h (206 mph). In the upholstery shop at BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com) the interior can be clad in a sporty yet elegant combination of the finest leather and Alcantara, giving it an even more striking ambiance. Further BRABUS options are special paintjobs such as the matte black shown here or the customization to customers‘individual specifications that’ll make it a true BRABUS one-off with customdesigned personalized logos on the illuminated scuff plates and the speedometer.

BRABUS T65 RS tuning unleashes the inherent power reserves of the Black Series engine. It includes the BRABUS high-tech twin turbo system that includes two special exhaust manifolds with integrated turbine housings and high-performance turbochargers. Four generously dimensioned intercoolers are placed beneath the space created by the BRABUS carbon-fiber hood scoop. The special BRABUS stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts was specifically designed for the Black Series power upgrade.

Newly programmed engine electronics with special mapping for injection and ignition coordinate the perfect interaction of all high-performance components and at the same time ensure that the engine meets strict EURO IV emission limits. The high-tech lubricants for the entire powertrain are supplied by technology partner ARAL.

The T65 RS engine delivers 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm and an even moreimpressive peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), available already at a low 2,100 rpm. Peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

Powered by this engine, the Black Series coupe delivers truly superlative performance: From rest the sports car, weighing in at a mere 1,795 kilograms (3,957 lbs.) sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.6 seconds, and reaches 200 km/h (124 mph) after just 9.8 seconds. The car could reach a top speed of more than 330 km/h (206 mph) but for tire safety reasons top speed is limited electronically to 320 km/h (200 mph).

The BRABUS upholstery shop creates a special sporty and luxurious interior to customers’ exact specifications, down to the last detail. The power comfort seats offer excellent lateral support without constricting the occupants. In this true BRABUS one-off car, made to the specifications of a longtime customer, they are upholstered in an exclusive combination of especially soft and breathable black leather and Alcantara. The same materials are found on door panels, headliner and dashboard. Precision-sewn red seams add striking highlights to all interior elements.

Stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated logo and the speedometer that sports the car’s name were also custom-made for this car’s owner.

All components are available for any Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK out in the wild

2010-05-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

A few eagle-eyed spies have laid their peepers on what appears to be the next iteration of the Mercedes-Benz SLK. The shooters managed to nab the car with significantly less camouflage than we're used to seeing, allowing the interwebs a quick look at what the car's new nose job should look like. From what we can tell, the Silver Arrow's designers have decided to pull from the same gene pool as the SLS AMG when it comes to the car's new fenders, fascia and hood.

Usually that would be a good thing, though we're having a hard time swallowing that new upright grille. Yes, the language looks right at home on the new Gullwing, but on the baby SLK we're getting whiffs of Dodge Caliber from the look. We're hoping that's something we stepped in.

Gullwing Mercedes flying off the shelf

2010-05-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the first vehicle developed entirely in-house in the 40-year history of the German carmaker and its performance arm, will cost $450,000 when it lands in New Zealand in a few months.

Eight cars will be built in 2010 for this market - and all have buyers' names on them. The first SLS will arrive in August/September.

"We expect four or five out of the eight to go into the hands of owners this year," says Mercedes-Benz national sales manager Shae Wright. "The remainder will be built later in the year and arrive here early in 2011."

Wright says only eight cars were allocated to New Zealand for 2010. "We weren't going to get any more because of the size of our market," he says.

Most of the eight SLS buyers are existing Mercedes-Benz owners - "not surprisingly from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch" - but Wright hopes to lure owners of rival supercars into the SLS next year.

"I expect production numbers from the factory to be a bit more flexible in 2011 and I'd like to think we could get conquest sales from Ferrari, for example."

Mercedes SLS AMG Arrived In Romania

2010-04-21T08:43:00.001-07:00

This new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a supercar that can also be bought in Romania at a price starting from 149.000 euro, without TVA. I know, this price might seem big but the standard equipment is very satisfying, providing a large range of features, the main objective being the driver comfort.

The driver comfort is ensured by the following: THERMOTRONIC air conditioning, Alcantara Anthracite roof, designo black leather upholstery, cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC, AMG sport seats, AMG DRIVE unit with E-SELECT lever and race start function, COMAND APS multimedia system with navigation on HDD, it has 4 GB of memory for MP3, DVD and LINGUATRONIC vocal command system. From the exterior point of view, this car is highlighted by several elements.

Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break Concept

2010-04-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

You may remember the first info leaked by Mercedes on the CLS Estate a few weeks ago.

Mercedes Benz Shooting Break Concept

Well now this car sees actual form as a concept and it’s called the Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes shows off new 2011 R-Class crossover

2010-04-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz is giving its big R-Class luxury crossover a new look.

But while some others are reducing their size, the Mercedes will stay true to its roots with the R-Class. It will come in either six- or seven-passenger versions.

It will come with two engines. The 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine in the R350 4MATIC produces 268 horsepower. The 3-liter turbo-diesel in the R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC develops 210 horsepower -- and 18 miles a gallon in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. All will have all-wheel-drive.

Mercedes-Benz confirms 2011 C-Class Coupe

2010-04-02T21:56:00.000-07:00

2011 C-Class Coupe
Mercedes Benz has made it official: the 2011 C-Class Coupe is on its way. The German luxury automaker has announced it will build the two-door C-Class at its massive Bremen plant, with production scheduled to begin in 2011. The addition of the Coupe gives Mercedes Benz three different variants of the C-Class, with a convertible almost certainly to follow. The impressively flexible Bremen plant, which employs 12,600 workers, also makes the C-Class sedan, wagon, GLK, two E-Class variants, the SL and SLK.

With the C-Class Coupe officially on its way to production, we're more than a bit curious as to how Mercedes will differentiate the smaller Benz two-door from the larger, more expensive E-Class Coupe. See, the bi-door E-Class already utilizes the C-Class platform, and the more expensive E Coupe is almost identical in every dimension to the C-Class Saloon. But the E-Class coupe commands a price premium of $9,000 compared to a C-Class sedan with the same 3.5-liter V6 engine.

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class tries harder to be an SUV

2010-04-01T06:14:00.000-07:00

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Here its is, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class made its world debut today here at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Still classified as an SUV/Crossover, the 2011 R-Class does its best to stop looking like a minivan. Even though it seems like it’s doing a good job, there is still ways to go – at least in our opinion.

“Thanks to our successful model offensive, we are able to offer a uniquely wide range of tailor-made products designed to meet the needs of a demanding customer base,” said Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Head of Marketing and Sales for Mercedes-Benz Cars. “A significant proportion of this success is down to the innovative vehicle concepts with which Mercedes-Benz has repeatedly established and opened up new market segments,” he continued. “These include the R-Class, the original SUV tourer, which we have now extensively redesigned and upgraded.”

Mercedes R-Class refreshed at NY Auto Show 2010

2010-04-01T06:12:00.000-07:00

With a refreshed face lifted front end Mercedes has shown that it wants to make a go of it with its seemingly unloved R-Class. And it has to be said that the heavy restyling has done wonders for the once not very attractive “Sports Tourer”.

In keeping with the German companies new corporate face a large three-pointed star sits in its upright rectangular shaped grille making the car look far more masculine. A reshaped rear bumper holding integrated reflectors, a new lower diffuser and updated lenses along with a selection of wheel choices complete the look.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 coup

2010-03-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 coupe

2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 coupe Base Price: $55,525

2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 coupe As-Tested Price: $63,345

2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 coupe : 5.5-liter V8; RWD, seven-speed automatic

2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 coupe Output: 382 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 391 lb-ft @ 2,800-4,800 rpm

2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 coupe Curb Weight: 3,783 lb

2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 coupe Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 18/17.8 mpg

2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 coupe Options: P02 Premium Package including COMAND with 40GB hard-drive GPS navigation, real-time traffic data, voice control, 6GB music register, Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 surround-sound system with Dolby Digital 5.1, HD radio, Sirius satellite radio, iPod/MP3 media interface, iPod/MP3 media interface cable, power rear-window sunshade, rearview camera, heated and active ventilated front seats, bixenon headlamps with active curve illumination, adaptive high-beam assist, LED daytime running lamps, LED front turn indicators, headlamp washers, Keyless-Go ($6,350); 318 wood/leather steering-wheel package including wood/leather steering wheel and shift knob ($750); steel grey paint ($720)

Maybach May Never Be Back : Mercedes

2010-03-16T10:52:00.000-07:00

The super luxury brand from the Mercedes stable, Maybach, may finally be nearing the end of its life-cycle. This is not the first time that news of the brand’s demise has been discussed in the media. The Maybach brand has had serious problems ever since it was brought back eight years ago.
The reasons behind the brand’s demise are many. There have been no new models in the pipeline recently. The sales figure for the brand has been abysmal, with nearly a third of what its closest rival Rolls-Royce has. Lastly, the demand for hyper-expensive, ultra-luxurious cars around the globe has fallen down considerably. All these reasons have considerably added to the slow death of the brand. Now, with theMaybach gone, Mercedes shall focus more on the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class model, refurnishing it with better design and radical styling. Mercedes is reported to be pushing the upcoming S-Class as a substitute to the Maybach models.

2010 Bahrain Grand Prix: A decent finish for Mercedes GP

2010-03-16T10:51:00.000-07:00

MERCEDES GP PETRONAS’ Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher take fifth and sixth place respectively in the opening race of the Formula One 2010 season in Bahrain. Both drivers had to struggle with soft option tires before changing to prime tires during their one and only pit stop.

The seven-time world champion Schumacher says he had fun in his comeback race and thanks the team for their tremendous support. Head honcho Ross Brawn believes they were out of pace, but is confident the cars will be more than ready to challenge for podium on the next grand prix in Australia.

Meanwhile, it was two-time world champion Fernando Alonso’s time to shine as he plucks the first ever top podium spot for the 2010 season in his debut for Scuderia Ferrari. Teammate Felipe Massa takes second while McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton took third.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Spy Shots

2010-03-13T00:33:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz C-Class
next Mercedes-Benz C-Class undergoing winter testing, and these latest shots give us the clearest look yet at the entry-level luxury sedan's updated front and rear. The baby Benz should make its official debut later this year, and these photos clearly show that we can expect some mild yet substantive alterations to their appearance.

Mercedes Rumored to Bring its B-Class to the US

2010-03-13T00:32:00.001-08:00

For the past couple years, Mercedes-Benz B-Class has been itching to break into the US small-car market. With the unnecessary SUV craze gasping its last few breaths and a renewed emphasis on automotive efficiency, now is the perfect time.

Most speculate that Mercedes is prepping their European B-Class platform for the US in SUV, hatchback and small car forms. The next generation B-Class is scheduled to go on sale in Europe next year and was displayed at the Geneva Show this past week.

Given the surge of economy cars and the noticeable lack of any upmarket small-car offerings in the States, the market for a pint-size Mercedes surely exists. After all, the elite can't be expected to maintain an eco-minded facade and roll around in guzzling luxo-barges, nor plebeian econo-boxes and homely hybrids.

An important draw to an American B-Class would be some sort of alternative drive-train. These days, if it doesn't have some original, cutting-edge energy saving feature, it probably isn't worth discussing. Marketability could benefit greatly from some hybrid variation or one of Mercedes' legendary diesels. Adding BlueTec technology to one of the diesels offered in the European B-Class could fair very well here.

Mercedes has also been toying with fuel cell technology for years and the B-Class is one of its prototype platforms dubbed the F-Cell. I got a chance to drive the Mercedes F-Cell at the Detroit Auto Show this year. The silent electric retained surprising amounts of interior space given its smaller exterior dimensions. The full-featured car was able to seat a rather lanky Mercedes representative in the back seat comfortably. Fuel Cells are a very promising technology, but held back by inadequate infrastructure and various other industry setbacks.

Mercedes Builds A Car To Protect Us

2010-03-13T00:31:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz has been on a relentless quest to achieve hyper-safe accident-free driving since 1959, when it introduced the first car to feature energy-absorbing crumple zones. At long last, it’s getting pretty close to reaching its goal.

The Experimental Safety Vehicle concept car essentially turns the entire vehicle into an airbag using novel metal panels that inflate moments before impact. The company’s first all-out attempt at building a perfectly safe car since the original ESF in 1974 is packed with technology designed to save us from ourselves. Mercedes recently opened the doors to its North American headquarters to tell us more about the car.

Mercedes isn’t alone on its quest. Volvo, to name one example, wants to offer an almost injury-proof car by 2020, and Sweden’s head of traffic safety says it will be the biggest revolution in the auto industry since the seatbelt. Automakers are pouring colossal amounts of money into the campaign to increase safety, something Mercedes says is imperative.

Read More http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/03/mercedes-esf-2009-safety-concept/#ixzz0i2lSeQgR

Mercedes May Help Owners Get Inexpensive Auto Insurance

2010-03-13T00:27:00.000-08:00

Mercedes has long been known as one of the safest vehicles on the road, but that hasn’t stopped the car manufacturer from attempting accident free driving. Its newest protocol, the Experimental Safety Vehicle, demonstrates some impressive new features that could reduce injury and death, and possibly even accidents. If brought to market, you can bet you will see inexpensive auto insurance rates for drivers of Mercedes.

The car essentially turns itself into a giant airbag just before impact to protect the driver and passengers inside. Here’s how it works.

There are video cameras and infrared sensors around the vehicle that can “see” an accident before it happens and react accordingly. This foresight is what Mercedes calls “pre-safety.”

If the car detects danger, the seats move inward up to 50 millimeters, which is supposed to reduce the force of impact on those in the car by one third. Airbags are activated before impact, and get this: there is a giant airbag located on the undercarriage of the vehicle that further absorbs impact. We wouldn’t be surprised if insurers offer inexpensive auto insurance rates for this feature alone.

This braking bag is mounted at the front of the Mercedes, and can raise the car up to 8 centimeters to help the car slow and reduce brake dive caused by slamming on the brake. When the car lifts thanks to the airbag, the passengers are pushed back in their seats, which keeps them safer.

Mercedes to offer B-class and CUV to North America?

2010-03-10T05:10:00.000-08:00

In the United States, the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio starts off with the C-Class sedan. There are no A-class or B-class players here, which makes the alphabet a bit messed up as well as displeases buyers as they have no cheaper option at hand than the rather pricey C-Class.

It seems the people over at Mercedes-Benz finally realised (part of) this aspect, and decided to offer American and Canadians the possibility of purchasing a B-Class personal car. That’s what we hear in this report from Automotive News at least

We also heard that the we hear that the F-800’s controversial snout is in fact a near match for the next-gen E, and that America could receive a sedan version of the rumored B-Class lineup as well.

So when will the U.S. get cheaper, more fuel efficient Mercedeses, be it B-Class A-Class or some-class?. No one can say for sure at this point. Joachim Schmidt, sales and marketing chief at MB:

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Test Drive

2010-03-10T05:08:00.000-08:00

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet The real tragedy of the new E-Class Cabriolet lies in the fact that Mercedes-Benz has zero plans to bring any of its clean-diesel models to our ports. European buyers will have the choice between a total of six powerful and efficient diesel mills, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet the most impressive of which is a turbocharged 2.2-liter four-cylinder with 170 hp that manages 44 mpg on the U.S. cycle.

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet But that gripe aside, American buyers will have the option of a honking V8, which pounds out some 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. When combined with the seven-speed automatic transmission, the acceleration is positively explosive – but more on that later. If you're not into having your torso smashed into the seat every time you press the long pedal, you can have your Cabriolet in E350 trim, which uses a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The six-cylinder enlists the same seven-speed automatic transmission.

While most manufacturers are at least flirting with retractable hardtops these days, Mercedes-Benz has decided to stick with a traditional soft-top for its convertibles. We're not talking about the noisy, cold cloth contraptions of days gone by, however. The top is a multilayered unit that keeps sound and the elements at bay while not tacking on any unnecessary pounds. While hardtops come closer to replicating fixed-roof cars, they typically intrude on passenger space, a downside the E-Class does not suffer. The top does, however, dramatically reduce trunk space, when lowered, from 13.8 cubic feet to just 3.2.

Mercedes-Benz unveils C 250 CGI variant

2010-03-05T20:49:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd is targeting to sell between 200 and 300 units of its latest Mercedes-Benz C 250 CGI (charged gasoline injection) Avantgarde variant this year.

Its vice-president of sales and marketing for passenger cars Florian Mueller said the company had already secured some 80 bookings for the new car.

“The interest in the C 250 CGI is high as it comes with a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine that delivers the performance of a 2.5-litre car but has a comparatively lower fuel consumption,” he said at the variant’s launch at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday.
Priced at RM287,888, the C 250 CGI which is locally assembled, will be sold alongside with the older C 200 Kompressor variant which is sold at RM248,888.

At the event, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also launched its fully imported C 300 Avantgarde Estate variant which is priced at RM396,888.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is aiming to sell over 4,200 cars this year, of which some 40% of the sales would be taken up by the C-Class model.

Mercedes-Benz ESF 2009 Tests Future Safety

2010-03-05T20:48:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz’s ESF 2009 experimental safety vehicle made one last pitstop before a gaggle of American reporters in northern New Jersey. It offered a tantalizing glimpse of more than a dozen different systems designed to make driving (and crashing) safer.

Closest on the horizon is a new type of child seat, according to the ESF’s project manager, Michael Fehring. The Child Protect System is essentially a child seat with steel reinforced padded bolsters and a cut-out backrest to accommodate children from three to 12 years old. The steel supports and side pads are intended to protect tots from car parts penetrating the interior, and it makes current plastic booster seats look like Tinker Toys. Unfortunately, the seat, which will fit in any vehicle, probably won’t hit the market for three years, said Mr. Fehring.

Further into the future is the possibility of active door supports that pop out on the sides of the car 20 to 30 milliseconds before a crash to protect from side impacts. Complementary to this are “interseat protection” systems, including a firm air bag that deploys near the side the driver’s headrest in the event of a rollover. It’s intended to prevent driver and passenger from injuring each other.

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid Review

2010-02-18T04:16:00.001-08:00

Now that the hybrid vehicle market is maturing, some previously unreadable trends are coming slowly into focus. Barring the Toyota Prius – the vehicle credited with starting the current hybrid fever – no other offering has been a commercial success. The line of hybrids that now litter history's garage or linger for months on dealer lots – the Saturn Aura/Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Durango/Chrysler Aspen, Honda Accord, Honda Insight, Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon, Nissan Altima – gets longer each year. Even Toyota's other hybrid offerings – like the Camry and Highlander, and Lexus HS, RX, GS and LS – strain to match even one tenth of the sales of the gasoline-powered models.

Now that the large German manufacturers' investments in hybrid technology are hitting the market, there's a real sense of lost opportunities. The ActiveHybrid X6 is simply BMW's public write-off of that expensive partnership with GM and Chrysler, while Audi, Volkswagen and Porsche all claim to have some sort of battery equipped model arriving in the next year or two. The money spent – and potentially wasted – on the general public's environmental whims is staggering.

Mercedes CLS Grand Edition Gets Matte-Platinum Paint

2010-02-18T04:15:00.000-08:00

Mercedes didn’t hold a press conference at the Chicago Auto Show, so it obviously had nothing of interest, right? Wrong. Besides the fact that there’s a new SLS exotic to drool over, Mercedes was showing off a limited CLS Grand Edition model.

Painted in matte-gray, or what Mercedes calls Desigo matte-platinum, this CLS550 is just the latest matte-finished car from Mercedes, which has also offered the IWC SL in matte white and the Night Edition in (what else) matte-black.

Other than the paint, there’s not much else different about this CLS. It gets the same AMG styling accessories and AMG wheels as all CLS550 models and this particular version had a particularly nice sunset red leather. Under the hood is a familiar powerplant too, the 5.5-liter V8 with 382-hp.

The special edition CLS550 Grand Edition is likely to be a collectors item, debuting during the last model year of the original CLS model – a revolutionary product from the typically conservative German automaker. Mercedes is set to show the second-generation CLS later this year.

2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2010-02-18T04:12:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class features a new monitoring system showing individual tire pressures, more aerodynamic outside mirrors and a steering wheel covered in premium leather. A new option is a Dynamic Handling Package for Sport models that includes active suspension, faster speed-sensitive steering and 18-inch split-spoke AMG alloy wheels plus paddle shifters with the automatic transmission. The C300 Sport is equipped with new standard 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels.

SPY - 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Klasse

2010-02-15T09:21:00.000-08:00

2010 Mercedes-Benz C300 sedan lease, C300 4Matic sedan lease, and C350 sedan lease offer for February 2010

2010-02-15T09:19:00.000-08:00

For February 2010, Mercedes-Benz has a special lease offer on the 2010 C300 sedan, 2010 C300 4Matic sedan, and 2010 C350 sedan model. This lease offer is with approved credit from Mercedes-Benz Financial and not everyone will qualify. Leases with more/less miles per year and more/less months (term) are also available, and the monthly payment will vary accordingly. For more details please call 303-504-5999.

C- Class
Model & Year	2010 C300 Sedan (C300W)	2010 C300 4Matic Sedan (C300W4)	2010 C350 Sedan (C350W)
Engine Horsepower	3.0L V6 228 HP	3.0L V6 228 HP	3.5L V6 268 HP
Lease Term	36 months	36 months	36 months
Base MSRP Premium Package / P1 Automatic Transmission Multimedia Package Transportation Charge _________________ Total MSRP	$33,600 + $2,300 $1,490 N/A + $875 _______ = $38,265	$37,100 + $2,300 Incl. N/A + $875 _______ = $40,275	$39,750 Incl. Incl. + $2,650 + $875 _______ = $43,275
Sug. Dealer Contribution MBF Lease Cash	- $1,645 $0	- $1,734 $0	- $1,484 $0
Gross Capitalized Cost Customer Down Payment _________________ Net Capitalized Cost	= $36,620 - $3,750 _______ = $32,870	= $38,541 - $3,750 _______ = $34,791	= $41,791 - $3,750 _______ = $38,041
Monthly Lease Payment	$379	$399	$479
Customer Down Payment Lease Acquisition Fee First Month’s Payment _________________ Amount Due at Signing*	$3,750 + $795 + $379 _______ = $4,924	$3,750 + $795 + $399 _______ = $4,944	$3,750 + $795 + $479 _______ = $5,024
Mileage per Year Total Miles Residual Value – Lease End	10,000 30,000 $22,959	10,000 30,000 $24,165	10,000 30,000 $25,532

Mercedes-Benz GL 63

2010-02-07T22:25:00.000-08:00

Brabus will present their kit for Mercedes-Benz GL at the Geneva Motor Show. The result is a V8 bi-turbo capable to develop 650 hp and has a price of 368,000 euros. Tuners from Brabus have developed a performance version ofMercedes GL. The model was equipped with a V8 bi-turbo 6208 cc, which develops 650 hp and maximum torque of 850 Nm.

The engine is taken directly from the ML 63 Biturbo, which debuted last year at the Geneva Motor Show and was able to reach a top speed of 310 km/h. Unlike the ML 63 Biturbo, Biturbo 63 new GL has a top speed of 300 km h and have an acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h of 4.7 seconds.

Mercedes SL600 C25 by Carlsson

2010-02-07T22:23:00.000-08:00

On the basis of Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series, those of Carlsson will show us a supercar called C25 and when we say a supercar, just think of one. Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series is an exclusive model, fast and fun on the track. But those of Carlsson think that on the model mentioned above, to make a faster model, more exclusive and designed for more funon the track.

Currently we are presented only sketches, but as we see, the future prototype has a figure more closely worked with curved edges better defined and more radical, plus huge plugs and LEDs. At first glance it seems a rival made at the order for Aston Martin One-77. We must recognize that this project, if it will embody in the form of drawings, will attract many people in Geneva, where it will be presented.

Mercedes S-Class gives moving comfort

2010-02-06T22:26:00.000-08:00

During my first drive in the big, powerful, serene and stately Mercedes-Benz S550, I noticed a small symbol of a steaming coffee cup illuminated on the instrument panel, low beside the model's circular speedometer. I thought that maybe the posh luxury sedan was getting ready to brew me a cup.

My first question to Donna, my wife, seated beside me, was, "what's the sticker price on this car?" Often, a manufacturer leaves a copy of the window sticker in the glove box of models sent for my assessment.

"It's $108,000," Donna replied.

OK, I thought, it probably does serve coffee.

But it turned out that the neat little cup symbolized on the dash — shown on a saucer, of course — signified that an S550 feature named Attention Assist was busily monitoring my driving. If, say, my steering became erratic, if I clawed at controls awkwardly, if I failed to signal lane changes, the Attention Assist stood ready to sound a startling beep and flash a bright warning in the speedometer's center. I'd have to stop for coffee on my own.

My next question to Donna was, "how can I shut it down?"

Yes, drivers can de-activate Attention Assist. You simply use what Mercedes calls the "instrument cluster control system." Explained in a 16-page section of the 530-page S-Class Operator's Manual, the instrument cluster control system employs multifunction buttons on the steering wheel to configure the instrument panel. It can, say, reset the trip odometer, monitor fuel usage, operate a cell phone, control the radio and other audio and even video devices. The system can show you where to turn when you're using the route guidance feature of the vehicle's navigation system. It can show you which lane to drive in before turning. It can set up the "Pre-safe" brake that helps models with automatic cruise control prevent a rear-end collision. It does more, but this paragraph is running long.

Deeper inside the Operator's Manual, in a mere two-page entry within the 36-page "Driving systems" section — part of the 127-page "Controls in detail" chapter of the 530-page manual — Donna learned that Attention Assist operates only between the speeds of 50 and 112 miles per hour. I didn't ponder too long over the apparent assumption: at speeds of 113 mph and higher, the streaked landscape blurring so rapidly outside the car will keep you awake no matter how little sleep you managed the night before. I felt a bit blurred myself. I kept Attention Assist switched on.

2011 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe

2010-02-02T04:10:00.001-08:00

2011 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
The new coupe will continue to be available in a variety of variants, but our spy shooters weathering the wintery climes have caught what they believe to be the 604-horsepower twin-turbocharged V12 version wearing a slightly modified fascia adorned with a single chrome slat, enlarged logo, LED daytime driving lamps and a new front bumper and splitter mildly reminiscent of the SLS AMG.

When the refreshed model debuts either next month at the Geneva Motor Show or later this year in Paris don't expect any seriously substantive tweaks to be made to the powertrain. That'll likely come in the next few years when Mercedes begins downsizing and turbocharging, and we expect the S-Class coupe to be one of the first models to benefit from the new mill.

Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 Kompressor 2LOOK

2010-02-02T04:09:00.000-08:00

Aggressively styled like a low-slung racing car, it features an unusually large Mercedes three pointed star on the front grille — for badge snobs.

The exterior is 'mystic white', complemented by an AMG Anthracite leather interior, with two-tone nappa leather sports seats and contrasting top stitching. It feels rather racy for a girl about town — and the country.

Aggressively styled: The Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 Kompressor 2LOOK features an unusually large three pointed star on the front grille

It's also safe and comes with dual stage and side airbags for driver and front-seat passenger. It handles well on the road and grips the corners.
The height-adjustable steering wheel features user-friendly ergonomic controls to change CD tracks or radio stations.
Decent visibility, even with the roof in place.
It's cosy. A clever system called 'Airscarf' blows warm air around your neck, perfect for those, like me, who forget their Hermes scarf.
When the sun comes out, you can transform your metal roofed coupe into a roadster in 22 seconds.
Nice sound as a result of the high-revving engine, but it hums politely at speed.
Performance is pleasing from the supercharged 1.8 litre engine, with six-speed manual gearbox and speedtronic cruise control.

2010 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 car

2010-01-29T04:00:00.000-08:00

THE new Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 car has been launched in Newbury.
The MP4-25, which will be used by current world champion Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton in the forthcoming season, has been launched at the Vodafone headquarters this morning (Friday).
The two drivers unveiled the car moments ago and three members of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes management team are currently taking questions from the world’s media.
Jenson and Lewis will then take questions from the media and to see what they said, log back on to newburytoday later today.

McLaren launches radical new MP4-25

2010-01-29T03:59:00.000-08:00

The McLaren Mercedes team launched its new car for the 2010 season on Friday morning, with the target of clinching both titles after a mixed campaign in 2009.

The Mercedes-powered MP4-25 was unveiled at Vodafone UK's headquarters in Newbury.

McLaren's new car retains the silver colour of recent years, despite engine partner Mercedes-Benz's switch of focus to its own 'Silver Arrows' outfit.

The car features a high shark-fin engine cover running up to the rear wing, not used by the team in 2009.

The MP4-25 will be driven by Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button this year, the reigning world champion having joined the British squad from Brawn GP, with which he won the title last year.

"It was Alexander Graham Bell who said preparation is key to success and we have prepared for this season more comprehensively than ever before," said team boss Martin Whitmarsh.

"As team principal I am honoured to represent this great team, but I am one small part of a group of dedicated and fantastic people.

McLaren Ready to Reveal 2010 Chassis and Livery

2010-01-29T03:57:00.000-08:00

Friday marks the third F1 team launch of the year, and like Ferrari and Mercedes before them, McLaren are planning to stream this one online. Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton will be on hand to unveil the new car at the Vodafone Headquarters in Newbury, UK.

A side view of McLaren's 2010 challenger, the MP4-25.

Mercedes announces team launch

2010-01-16T06:41:00.000-08:00

Mercedes will officially launch its new team and livery on January 25 at its museum in Stuttgart. Its car, however, will not be unveiled until the first day of testing on February 1.

At the team launch it will present its two new drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg alongside a Mercedes liveried 2009 Brawn. When the new car does roll out it will be named the RB1, 'RB' being the initials of team principal and former owner Ross Brawn.

The success of Schumacher's Formula One comeback will rest on it, as the seven-time champion returns to the sport after three years in retirement. He has been testing a GP2 machine this week to prepare for his first F1 run and is confident he is in good shape. Team-mate Rosberg is also hoping to score some good results after spending four seasons at Williams without winning a race.

Mercedes is just one of a number of teams to announce its launch recently with Ferrari, McLaren, Renault, Lotus and Sauber all confirming their dates in the past two weeks.

Mercedes-Benz's new $200,000 supercar, the SLS AMG

2010-01-16T06:39:00.000-08:00

I'm soaring up a steep hill in Mercedes-Benz's new $200,000 supercar, the SLS AMG. Nearing the top, I squeeze on the carbon-ceramic brakes, sweep right to left on the pebbly asphalt, then tuck the supersized beak down a coiling hill—the infamous blind corkscrew at California's Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

I spiral down, stomach dropping, grin spreading. Birds on the wing indeed.

Like fashion designers, car companies love to dip into their pasts for inspiration (or outright appropriation). Few models make such an obvious target as the startlingly beautiful 1950s 300 SL Gullwings. Lithe autos with rounded corners and signature doors hinged at the roof, good examples will go at auction for around $500,000.

No one was surprised to see a modern interpretation from Benz, though I wish they'd simply called it a Gullwing and been done with it.

Mercedes E-Class Coupe

2010-01-16T06:38:00.000-08:00

Mercedes E-Class Coupe
Mercedes-Benz recently set out to simplify its range of models to help consumers understand their offering. It seems that many people have had a hard time distinguishing between all their classes of models. With this in mind, the manufacturer introduced the E Coupe, a two-door variant of their E-Class sedan, part of their recently released new generation. In a sense, this vehicle replaces the CLK, which has disappeared from the catalogue. It’s a step back, because it actually used to be called the E-Class Coupe.

Why a coupe?
The AMG version aside, the E-Class sedan simply is not as sporty as the C-Class, though it offers much more space and supreme comfort – and that’s exactly what E-Class buyers are looking for. That said, I must point out that the coupe is radically different from the sedan in terms of style and overall vibe. This is particularly true when the body is all decked out in an extroverted colour, like the "fire opal red" of our test model. This car definitely turns heads, and losing the two back doors has done it a world of good! Sure, in doing so you give up some space and practicality, but it certainly adds appeal for people who value style, passion and emotion.

The Mercedes-Benz E Coupe shares many of its mechanical components with the sedan, but it’s shorter, narrower and its wheelbase is smaller. It’s also lighter, an advantage for sporty performance. Some terrific engines can be found under the hood. The E350 offers a 268-hp 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine coupled with an automatic seven-speed gearbox. (Incidentally, that’s the only transmission available for this line of products.) People who value great performances will be well served by the 5.5-litre V8, which produces 382 horsepower and 391 lbs.-ft. of torque. Given its weight advantage, the E-Class Coupe equipped with the V8 is something of a beast, and according the manufacturer it can do 0-100 km/hr in about 5.6 seconds. Finally, since no AMG version is presently offered, the 518-hp 6.2-litre V8 is reserved for sedan. At least, that’s how it is for now, though I’m willing to bet that Mercedes will rectify this situation soon enough!

2011 AMG pays homage to ‘Gullwing’

2010-01-16T06:37:00.000-08:00

2011 AMG

Coming this spring is the first car developed completely by AMG, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

The SLS takes the place of the Mercedes-McLaren SLR as Mercedes’ modern, high-tech super sports car, but it also reaches back into the past. With “gull wing” doors that open upward instead of outward and a throwback design, the SLS is an homage to the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, the legendary Gullwing. Cues from the 300 SL include the long hood, short rear deck and elements of the face and grille.

An all-out two-seat sports car conceived as a Ferrari fighter, the SLS is designed around an aluminum space frame with a central tunnel that helps provide rigidity. To optimize balance, it uses a front-mid-engine layout and a rear transaxle. The engine sits completely behind the front axle, while the transmission rests in front of the rear axle. The result is a near-perfect 47/53 front/ rear weight balance. Thanks to a dry sump oiling system, the engine sits low and helps lower the center of gravity.

The engine is AMG’s hand-built 6.3-liter V-8. It produces 571 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. That’s 46 horses more than in other AMG products thanks to a reworked valvetrain, different camshafts, flow-optimized tubular headers, a better-breathing intake system and a lessrestrictive exhaust system.

Driven: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

2010-01-16T06:35:00.000-08:00

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a direct follow-up to the SLR, the supercar that was the offspring of a seven-year fling between Mercedes and McLaren. In reality, however, the SLS is the Mercedes that's supposed to make you forget about the SLR and hark back five decades to the magical 300SL Gullwing. One look - from any angle - at an SLS with the doors ajar is akin to being slipped a dose of Rohypnol. Memories of the SLR simply fade away.

Given that the Gullwing is such a prominent icon in the annals of automotive history, Mercedes wasn't going to trust just anyone - including, or perhaps especially, McLaren - with the development of its new flagship. So AMG, formerly an independent aftermarket tuner and more recently Mercedes-Benz's in-house skunk works, was tapped to do the job.

Let a performance division develop a front-engine car, and the handling-obsessed engineers will shove the engine as far back as possible. The resulting SLS has its V-8 mounted so far rearward under the pornographically long hood that it looks as though you could fit another V-8 ahead of it. A carbon-fiber driveshaft weighing only 10.3 pounds connects the engine to a rear-mounted transaxle. And that's the only carbon fiber you'll find - whereas the SLR McLaren unibody was made of the stuff, AMG chose to construct the SLS out of aluminum, a first for a modern Mercedes. Not only is the SLS some 200 pounds lighter than the SLR, the material choice no doubt helped keep expenses down: the SLS costs half what the SLR did. And, of course, the SLS does the one parlor trick that no SLR could ever do: open its doors straight up. (That thud you just heard was the SLR's resale value hitting the ground.)

Mercedes-Benz Creates SL Night Edition, SLK Grand Edition

2010-01-15T04:25:00.001-08:00

new SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition are "masterpieces to dream of."

Regardless of whether you opt for the Night or the Grand, both packages largely serve as dress-up kits for the Benz roadsters. Appropriately, the SL Night Edition sports matte-finish black paint, along with smoked headlamp and taillight assemblies. The dark paint is contrasted by 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, along with silver-painted brake calipers.

Inside, the SL Night Edition receives black premium nappa leather wrapped around almost every surface. The steering wheel, shift knob, seats, and even the roof lining are trimmed in the material. The seats themselves are a new design, and feature contrasting silver stitching, which compliments the chrome trim.

The SLK Grand Edition wears an exclusive graphite paint color, and also receives tinted lights like those found on the SL night Edition. Unlike the SL, however, the Grand Edition receives bespoke 18-inch wheels, which sport a "triple-five" spoke pattern. A two-tone pearl-on-grey theme dominates the cabin, and can be found on the seats, seatbelts, and door panels.

Mercedes-Benz launches SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition

2010-01-15T04:24:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz occupies a special place in the luxury convertible market, but the German automaker is showing no signs of letting that slip by to competitors. To that end, Mercedes has launched a pair of special-edition roadsters with unique designer touches.

The SL Night Edition, commanding a 3700-5200 euro premium over stock (depending on specification), comes in a special black paint job with black nappa leather interior. The monochromatic color combination is offset by such unique touches as arrow-shaped, silver-tone stitching with special steering wheel, shift lever and roof lining to match, along with two-tone 19" AMG five-spoke alloy wheels.

The SLK Grand Edition comes in graphite grey with basalt grey pearl nappa leather interior, complimented by special trim and 18" alloys, commanding a 2300-3500 euro premium in the European market.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG models for Gran Turismo 5 cover

2010-01-06T23:55:00.000-08:00

Sony announced at the 2009 Tokyo Game Show that Gran Turismo 5 would be released in Japan in March 2010, while North American and European release dates would be announced in the near future. While we eagerly await the arrival for our gaming pleasures, Gran Turismo 5 has revealed the official cover for the game with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG gracing the front.

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gets Cover Of Gran Turismo 5

2010-01-06T23:52:00.000-08:00

Sony's much-anticipated and even-more-delayed Gran Turismo 5 is (for now) due out sometime this summer, but today we get to see the cover art for the game and a new video about Sony's collaboration with Mercedes-Benz to include the 2010 SLS AMG.

When it comes to vaporware, there's vaporware and then there's vaporware. In the realm of cars, the Tesla Model S is shaping up to be just such, Jason Calacanis's giveaway notwithstanding. But it's nothing on the scale of the computer world's capacity for vaporware, i.e. Duke Nukem Forever, a game that was in development for over 12 years before finally being canceled. Somewhere in between those two lies Gran Turismo 5.

Though it gives every indication that it will, eventually, come to fruition, the GT5's persistent and repeated delays have become something of a sore spot for fans of the series. Today's release of the cover art featuring the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG serves to whet that ravenous appetite, no doubt only making the hunger that much sharper.

According to Sony, the car's high-speed prowess and unique look were the deciding factors in selecting the SLS AMG out of the 950 cars included in the game.

Mercedes-Benz Abu Dhabi

2009-12-27T22:09:00.001-08:00

Abu Dhabi is Mercedes-Benz's "second home," according to Dieter Zetsche, chairman of Daimler and head of Mercedes Cars.

The super-rich oil state on the Persian Gulf is now the second-largest shareholder in the company Zetsche leads.

Abu Dhabi sits on about 8 per cent of the world's oil. It pumps nearly three million barrels a day while collecting an estimated $65-billion (U.S.) in revenue a year. As a result, Abu Dhabi has the world's largest state-owned investment fund with assets estimated as high as $875-billion.

Aabar Investments, the Abu Dhabi state-controlled fund, paid $2.7-billion for a 9.1-per-cent stake in Daimler in March, 2009, and aims to increase the holding to 15 per cent.

As the biggest shareholder in Daimler, it will take a seat on the company's supervisory board in 2010. The second-largest Daimler shareholder, by the way, is the Kuwait Investment Authority, which holds a 6.9-per-cent stake.

Abu Dhabi is investing its oil money in interesting and controversial ways. In 2007, it paid $5-billon (Canadian) to take over Calgary-based PrimeWest Energy Trust. This month, it put up $280-million (U.S.) for 32 per cent of Richard Branson's commercial space project Virgin Galactic. Aabar Investments says this will eventually enable flying from Abu Dhabi to Los Angeles in two hours.

Back on the ground, Daimler went back to profitability in the third quarter and Zetsche says each quarter in the coming year will be better than the one before.

That gives him a little breathing room, which he will use as he manages major new shareholders and tries to find new partners to reduce expenses. He spoke about the twin challenges in a year-end, one-on-one interview.

2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe

2009-12-27T22:07:00.000-08:00

2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe

2010 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 had been spotted testing in Germany as early as August last year. Using information from the spy shots, this computer-generated rendering gives us a preview of what the final version will likely look like.

New details include a more upright grille highlighted with a single chrome bar, as well the new headlight design and LED accents.

Mercedes-Benz engineers are expected to make a major change to the CL’s powertrain lineup for the new S-Class Coupe, with a new family of ‘MoVe’ modular V-6 and V-8 engines with direct-injection and turbocharging technology set to replace the current V-8 and V-12 units.

There could also 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.

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible

2009-12-26T06:47:00.000-08:00

This is not a drive feature exclusive, no, but we were going 87 miles per hour while at the wheel of the new “A207” Mercedes E-Class convertible that lands in North America in June 2010 after a January 11 European launch. Driving “no hands”, too. Beside us, riding shotgun, was a beautifully stoic and bald woman named Tanja. We exchanged no words, enjoying the ride of the open-top Merc at the dawn of a new winter.

We were actually in the old and venerated Großer Windkanal in the Untertürkheim section of Stuttgart where most Mercedes-Benz cars are still built. Thick cloth roof open, the wind tunnel experience was a unique ride as we experienced the E-Class convertible with and without the new AirCap technology, deployed at both 65 and 87 mph. In short, this is remarkable technology that builders of open-tops have been striving for for a very long time.

It’s simple enough to work it, too. Flip open the leather-covered flap that rests in the driver’s right hand and press the AirCap button which raises the mechanism on the header and also lifts the discreet draught guard and rear headrests into place. The 211-piece, 4-hinge moving cross-member assembly for AirCap adds only 3.3 pounds of weight over a standard member.

Whether at 65 or 87 mph, the new system is a revelation, especially for the rear seat folks, and especially especially for anyone back there with hair on their head. A normal draught guard up until now on this full four-seat body meant losing the two rear seats to the clumsy folding guard that detached when not in use, and hogged too much luggage room in back anyway. It also didn’t work so well for all its size, we must add.

We could sit there and not wince through tiny eye openings and screaming whatever it is we had to say. The wind goes right over the heads of all four passengers and the noise from the AirCap front show piece is impressively low. The coefficient of drag for this body style, compared to the industry-best 0.24 of the coupe, is still just 0.29, growing naturally to 0.33 with the roof open.

Best news of all? AirCap is included as standard in North America on the E-Class convertible, while it’s an option in Europe. So much for the home field advantage.

Pricing for the convertible fourth member of the E-Class family should be $4,000 to $5,000 more than the corresponding coupe model, meaning starting MSRPs of around $42K.

Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe

2009-12-26T06:44:00.000-08:00

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Interior

Surprisingly, the coupe has more head- and legroom in its front seat than the E-Class sedan. However, the coupe's rear seat will only accommodate two passengers (vs. three in the sedan) and legroom is very tight. The dash in both models is angular and traditional-looking. Upscale leather and wood trim abound.

A major reason for the E's success is obvious: It's reasonably priced, at least by German standards. The new E-Class sedan is actually cheaper than the outgoing model, and the coupe is cheaper than the CLK coupe it's replacing. The E350 coupe starts at $48,925 and the E350 sedan at $49,475. The higher-end E550 coupe starts at $55,525, the E550 sedan at $57,175. Add an extra $2,500 for all-wheel drive in either sedan. (AWD isn't offered in the coupe.)

In redesigning the E-Class, Daimler (DAI) did what it does best. The V6-powered E350 and V8 powered E550 sedans are classic luxury cars that fall in the middle of the product range in terms of price and size but have traditional styling, solidity, and high-tech options reminiscent of the top-of-the-line Mercedes S Class. The sedan gives Mercedes a clearer alternative to the BMW (BMWG:IX) 5 Series and Volkswagen's (VOWG:IX) Audi A6, one that's more comfort-oriented without making big compromises on performance.

The new E-Class coupe (the version of the car I test drove) is smaller and sportier than the sedan—nearly seven inches shorter, six inches narrower, three inches lower, and 200 lbs. lighter. About the size of the Mercedes C-Class, the E coupe competes more directly with the BMW 3 Series than with the 5 Series. It's a marvelous vehicle if you can get past the fact that it isn't available with a stick shift. A seven-speed automatic with manual shifting function is the only transmission in both the E sedan and coupe.

As with other German cars, one appeal of the E-Class is the wide variety of niche models it comes in. For speed-lovers, there's the E63 AMG (powered by a 518-hp V8) that competes with BMW's M5, VW's Audi S6, and General Motors' Cadillac CTS-V. A four-seater E350 Cabriolet with a new sound-dampening soft top is due out next May. The following month, a diesel-powered E350 Bluetec is due out. A new E-Class station wagon, designed to compete with models such as the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, will also hit showrooms next June.

The available engines provide plenty of power. The E350 coupe has a 3.5-liter, 268-horsepower V6 under its hood while the E550 is powered by a 5.5-liter, 382-horsepower V8. The E350 Bluetec sedan comes with a 3.0-liter, 210-horsepower diesel V6 that generates an incredible 400 lb.-ft of torque.

As with other sport luxury models, fuel economy isn't great. The E350 coupe is rated to get 17 miles-per-gallon in the city and 26 on the highway for an average of 20; the E350 sedan does slightly better, at 18 mpg city and 26 highway, for an average of 21. The E550 Coupe and Sedan are both rated at 16 city and 24 highway, for an average of 18. (The Bluetec isn't yet rated.)

2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Released In Australia

2009-12-21T09:28:00.000-08:00

MERCEDES-BENZ has launched the new E63 AMG performance sedan into its Australian showrooms this week, priced $4056 less than the model it replaces and boasting more power, improved efficiency and an increased level of standard equipment.

Sitting at the top of the E-Class range and the fifth generation of AMG-enhanced E-Class, the W212 E63 AMG combines the fresh new bodywork of the new E-Class sedan with the sophisticated powertrain and drivetrain of the SL 63 AMG.

The suspension has also been heavily revised, and the E63 puts out more power and more torque than that other German super-sedan, the BMW M5.

The result is a performance sedan that sprints like a supercar, yet still provides enough room for five people to travel in luxury. Mercedes-Benz describes it as the ultimate “day-to-day dynamic sports saloon”.

Mercedes-Benz to Introduce E-Class Cabriolet in Detroit

2009-12-18T23:20:00.001-08:00

Mercedes-Benz E Class Cabriolet.

What sort of convertible would you drive in January, in Detroit?

Mercedes-Benz is unveiling its 2011 E-Class Cabriolet there, at the Detroit auto show to show the four-season capability of top-down motoring.

The Cabriolet, previewed online this week by Mercedes-Benz, is equipped with technologies designed to keep its occupants comfortable, dry and wind-protected regardless of what Mother Nature may throw down upon them.

AirCap, an E-Class exclusive, is a windshield-mounted diffuser that can be raised up to six inches, to rechannel the flow of air out of the cockpit. Together with a wind deflector between the rear seats, the system can keep even back seat passengers draft-free. The diffuser can be deployed at any speed up to 100 miles per hour and will stay in place up to the vehicle’s top speed (over 140 m.p.h.).

Mercedes-Benz E Class Cabriolet.

Airscarf, already available on SL and SLK roadsters, allows the car’s ventilation system to direct its output toward occupants’ necks and shoulders.

The styling is closely based on the previously revealed Coupe. Though Mercedes-Benz pioneered styling of retracting hardtops, this model features a more traditional folding soft top. Mercedes claims the top is nearly an inch thick and keeps the cabin tightly insulated and quiet.

Like the Coupe, the Cabriolet will be available in E350 and E550 models. Engines include a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 or a 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V-8.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Released In Australia

2009-12-18T23:17:00.000-08:00

The suspension has also been heavily revised, and the E63 puts out more power and more torque than that other German super-sedan, the BMW M5.

Styling

Like its predecessor, the 2010 E63 AMG takes the basic sedan bodyshell and adds a heap of muscle and testosterone.

Aside from the 17mm wider front quarter panels, sheetmetal is shared with garden-variety E-Class sedans. However, aggressive bumpers, sideskirts and a bootlip spoiler transform the E-Class from mild to menacing.

The LED running lamps have been straightened out, and the front bumper’s cooling apertures are now larger. Like the old E63, shark-like ‘gills’ evacuate air from behind each cheek vent and “6.3 AMG” badges sit within their own recesses just behind the front wheels.

The headlamp clusters feature tinted lenses, however the grille is the same as that used by the E500 sedan.

The side skirts are deeper and feature different contouring to the more prosaic E-Class models, and a set of attractive 19-inch AMG alloys fill out each wheelwell.

The rear bumper is lower than the E500 and houses four rhomboid chrome exhaust tips, while a black insert fills the gap between them.

The chrome rubbing strips that wrap around the regular E-Class’s flanks and rump are deleted, and the E63 presents a cleaner, smoother look.

It’s still businesslike, but there’s no mistaking the E63’s more athletic intent. Want yours to look even more purposeful? An optional carbon fibre trim package is available, as are red-painted brake calipers.

Interior

While the E63’s cabin shares its basic layout with other E-Class sedans, there’s one major difference: instead of the column-mounted shift lever used by the E500 sedan, the E63 features a floor-mounted shifter similar in function to that used by the SLS AMG.

Short and stubby, the E63’s gearlever is surrounded by controls for the adjustable dampers, stability control and seven-speed transmission. Because of the addition of a centre console-mounted shifter, the cupholders and COMAND controller have been relocated further rearward.

The rest of the cabin is familiar E-Class fare, except with a few E63-specific flourishes. Mercedes-Benz Australia offers the E63 at a higher standard specification level, and one of the extra goodies applied to the E-Class flagship is the luxurious Exclusive Package interior.

The Exclusive Package brings an Alcantara headliner, AMG floormats and Nappa leather trim on the upper dashboard, door cards and centre console, and the E63 also enjoys stainless steel pedals, AMG sill plates and an AMG instrument cluster as standard.

The front seats are all-electric and offer more lateral support than the standard E-Class pews. Trimmed in Nappa leather, the seat upholstery is available in three different colours. Those wanting a sportier look for their cabin can also opt for an interior carbonfibre trim package.

Equipment and Features

As befits a Mercedes flagship, the E63 is packed with technology.

Aside from the COMAND APS navigation and entertainment system, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, auto-on headlamps, reversing camera and parking sensors, the E63 also ships with heated and ventilated front seats, keyless entry and ignition, retractable sunblinds for the rear occupants, Lane Keep Assist and Blind Spot Assist.

A premium surround-sound system features a CD stacker and iPod connectivity, and a built-in TV tuner receives analogue and digital broadcasts and displays them on the dash-mounted LCD display. Compared to the outgoing E63, the new model packs an extra $28,100 worth of equipment for $4056 less.

Optional equipment includes radar-guided cruise control, a pedestrian-detecting night vision system, a rear seat DVD player and tyre pressure sensors.

Passive safety hardware comprises a comprehensive suite of 11 airbags (front airbags, side airbags for front and rear occupants, hip airbags for the front seats, curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag), along with pretensioning three-point seatbelts.

Active safety is handled by multi-stage stability control, traction control, ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Mercedes-Benz’s Pre-Safe crash mitigation system is standard on the E63, as is its Attention Assist fatigue-detection system.

Opting for the Distronic radar-guided cruise control also brings Benz’s collision-detecting Pre-Safe Brake and Brake Assist Plus packages, which use the cruise control’s radar hardware to determine when the car is approach an object too quickly and a crash is imminent. If the driver doesn’t heed the warnings issued by the system, Pre-Safe Brake can slow the car autonomously - not enough to stop the crash, but with enough force to reduce the severity of it.

Mechanical Package

AMG’s venerable 6.2 litre naturally-aspirated V8 has been tuned to deliver 386kW and 630Nm - the same amount of torque, but 8kW more than the outgoing W211 E63’s engine. It’s essentially the same motor used by the SL63 AMG roadster, and it provides more than enough grunt to get the big E-Class moving smartly.

The race-derived quad-cam V8 utlises a super-strong aluminium bed plate block design and is also the first AMG engine to utilise an economy-improving alternator management system - which reduces drag on the engine by only engaging the alternator during over-run and braking.

Backing up the big V8 is the SL63’s 7-speed AMG Speedshift MCT automatic gearbox, which differs from conventional autos in that it uses a wet clutch to control power delivery instead of a power-sapping torque converter.

The result is a more direct transfer of power from the engine’s crankshaft to the gearbox, and a sharper, more responsive transmission. The wet clutch also allows the gearbox to be more versatile; capable of delivering smooth, slurred shifts as well as brutally direct gearchanges.

Controlling the Speedshift MCT’s behaviour is a small rotary knob located to the right of the gear selector. Through it, the driver can dial up the economy-oriented Comfort mode, a slightly shaper Sport mode, an even sportier Sport Plus mode and a fully manual shift mode. Manual mode holds each gear until the driver taps one of the steering wheel-mounted paddles or nudges the tiptronic shifter, and perfect rev-matched downchanges are executed when in Sport or Manual mode.

In Sport Plus and Manual mode, the Speedshift MCT can swap ratios in just 100 milliseconds.

Launch control is a standard feature of the E63, and enables it to launch from zero to 100km/h in a catlike 4.5 seconds. Not quite as fast as the BMW M5’s 4.4 seconds, but then again the E63 has 1840kg to lug around - significantly more than the M5’s 1755kg kerb weight.

The E63 AMG features an entirely unique front suspension, with a 56mm wider track width, new control arms, unique hub knuckles, tubular stabiliser bar, stronger wheel bearings and stiffer dampers, springs and bushings. The E63’s front suspension still utilises MacPherson struts, but nearly every other aspect has been changed.

The multi-link rear suspension has also come in for some reinforcement and geometry revisions, while airbags are employed rather than conventional steel coils. Damper firmness is adjustable from within the cabin, allowing the driver to tailor the E63’s ride to their liking.

The steering rack ratio has been quickened to 14:1 (thus making it 22 percent more direct than the standard rack), and speed-sensitive power steering adds more weight to the wheel at speed.

The standard brake package consists of sizable 360mm ventilated and cross-drilled steel rotors, the front pair gripped by six-piston calipers and the rear by four-piston calipers.

An optional carbon-composite brake package will be offered in the future, although an availability date for the Australian market has yet to be finalised. The package replaces the steel rotors with carbon ceramic discs measuring an enormous 402mm at the front, while the rear carbon discs remain 360mm in diameter but are 6mm thicker.

Mounted on aluminium hats, each carbon ceramic rotor is around 40 percent lighter than the standard steel items, and help improve handling, acceleration, ride comfort and, of course, braking performance.

Pricing

The all-new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG sedan is a significant improvement over the outgoing model, however its price point is lower and it offers a much higher level of standard equipment.

Priced from $234,900 before on-road costs, the new E63 AMG is not only $4056 cheaper than the just-superseded E63, but it’s nearly $7000 cheaper than the BMW M5. The 2010 E63 AMG is available now from Mercedes-Benz dealers nationwide.

Mercedes-Benz unveils E-class Cabriolet convertible

2009-12-17T01:06:00.001-08:00

Mercedes-Benz released photos of the new drop top version of its best-selling E-class. It will come to showrooms next May.

The E-class Cabriolet features a fabric soft top, but Mercedes touts its "four seasons, four personalities," all-year capability.

It says having a convertible that people will want to drive in the dead of winter was a top priority in its design.

Daimler sells Mercedes buses to SA for World Cup

2009-12-17T01:00:00.000-08:00

German auto giant Daimler said Tuesday it has won a contract to deliver 460 long-distance Mercedes-Benz buses to South Africa starting in April for use in the 2010 football World Cup.

Daimler signed a contract with Autopax, a subsidiary of the South African national railway PRASA, a statement said without providing financial details.

Parts of the buses are to be manufactured in Brazil, with final assembly in a South African factory located in East London, where Daimler has invested one million euros (1.46 million dollars) to boost capacity.

In August, Daimler won a contract for 125 Mercedes-Benz shuttle busses to be used in providing access to a high-speed train line being built for the World Cup.

The world's most watched sporting even takes place in South Africa in June and July.

Mercedes E-class Cabriolet revealed

2009-12-15T22:01:00.000-08:00

Boasting two separate systems for keeping its occupants warm on even the coldest roof-down days, details of Mercedes' new E-Class Cabriolet have been released.

The four-seater, which goes on sale in March and which will be unveiled at the Detroit motor show next month, has a traditional-look fabric roof that opens or closes in 20 seconds and that can be operated on the move at speeds of up to 25mph.

Expected to cost from about £32,000, the new E-class includes both Airscarf and Aircap systems to make topless motoring more pleasurable – provided you specify the Cabriolet Comfort package.

Nicely mixing its metaphors, Mercedes claims that Aircap creates a "sea of warm air", by means of a wind deflector, a draught-stop between the rear seats and a net in the windscreen frame. The system pushes airflow above the occupants' heads and increases air pressure inside the car. The result? Less noise, making it easier to hear the stereo, or to talk.

Airscarf comprises neck-level heating vents built into the underside of the headrests to maintain a pre-set temperature in the cabin, in particular around the driver and passengers' necks and heads, enabling Mercedes to proclaim the car's "four seasons, four personalities" cachet.

Engines for the new Cabriolet include 220 (170bhp), 250 (204bhp) and 350 (231bhp) CDI BlueEFFICIENCY diesel units, 200 (184bhp), 250 (204bhp) and 350 (292bhp) CGI BlueEFFICIENCY petrol units, as well as a range-topping 388bhp petrol engine in the E500.

Mercedes claims its acoustic soft-top creates one of the "quietest interiors in the segment for four-seater premium cabriolets with a fabric roof". The car can also be put through an automatic car wash "without any hesitation".

"With a total thickness of 23.5mm, the fabric soft top offers excellent thermal insulation, meaning that the E-class Cabriolet is ideal for use in winter," says Mercedes.

Mercedes lure Schumacher back

2009-12-15T21:59:00.000-08:00

Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher is certain to make his Formula One comeback with Mercedes' new team in 2010 his fellow countryman Timo Glock said at yesterday's launch of the new Virgin Racing team. And as Ferrari made it clear that they will not hold Schumacher to the consultancy contract he has held since his retirement from racing at the end of 2006, the whispers about his return were turning to shouts within the Formula One world.

"The flame is still there, it's still burning," said Glock, the former Toyota driver who will be partnered at Virgin by the Brazilian rookie Lucas di Grassi, "and it will be great if Michael returns. For me, it is quite obvious he is coming back. There's still a lot of speculation, but in the end he is a crazy race driver and he wants to come back to racing. It's not enough for him to just do kart races, or to go to the Race of Champions at the end of each year."

Ferrari's president, Luca di Montezemolo, scotched suggestions that the Italian manufacturer would not release Schumacher from his contract yesterday: "It is not binding. It is clear that if he decides to take another road our agreement will no longer be valid, that is logical. You can't work with a competitor and with us at the same time. But I still haven't spoken to Michael about it. He is only a dear friend, not a team member."

Schumacher tried to return in July as stand-in for Ferrari's injured Felipe Massa, but his neck, injured in a motorcycle race in February, proved unable to withstand the high G-forces imposed by an F1 car. It is now believed that these problems are behind him, and he recently won one of the kart races organised by Massa in Brazil. Though the cornering forces are lower in a kart, it is clear that his competitive spirit is undiminished.

It is also thought that events in his personal life have made him consider a return to his "comfort zone" of wheel-to-wheel competition.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

2009-12-09T02:02:00.000-08:00

The next couple of years will see an onslaught of new Mercedes-Benz models launched, with the recently revealed SLS AMG, brand new versions of the A- and B-Class, SLK, CLS and ML, as well as a possible new C-Class Coupe all in the pipeline.

One of the most exciting prospects, however, is the launch of a brand new SL-Class, which has been spied here for the first time in prototype form. Though its proportions seem similar to the current model, a closer inspection reveals that this is in fact the next-generation SL due in 2012.

Set to go on sale as a 2013 model, the new car will adopt styling influences seen on previous SLK prototypes as well as the SLS AMG and even the next-generation CLS, which will share a similar tail-light design.

A side-by-side comparison of the current SL and this latest prototype also reveal several clear differences. The new SL will sit lower and feature a wider stance than the current model. A glimpse of the interior also shows a boxier design, though it’s still much too early to speculate on such fine details--anything can change between now and the 2012 launch date.

As for what's lurking beneath the heavily clad sheet metal, expect to see a brand new aluminum spaceframe chassis. The adoption of lightweight aluminum will improve the handling, ride, performance and fuel economy of the new Mercedes-Benz SL, which in current form weighs between 3,860 and 4,500 pounds depending on which model and options are chosen.

Much of the new SL’s components will also be shared with the SLS AMG, including drivetrains, suspension and electrical systems. This means that the SLS AMG’s 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is almost a certainty for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell is Ready for 2010

2009-12-09T02:01:00.001-08:00

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-cell car is debuting in car shows worldwide as part of Mercedes-Benz's "Think Green" initiative.

Customers will not have to sacrifice any driving pleasure with the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell car, because the electric motor has a peak performance of 100 kW/136 hp and a maximum torque of 290 Nm—and yes, that’s available from the first rotation. The zero-emission fuel cell drive consumes the equivalent of only 3.3 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (NEDC). Mercedes-Benz says that there are currently 20 Mercedes-Benz F-Cell test vehicles undergoing real world testing in the United States.

How does fuel cell technology work? Fuel cell technology produces electricity and heat through controlled electrochemical reactions between hydrogen and oxygen, with water being released as a by-product. This energy is used to drive the vehicle’s electric motor by stacking multiple cells upon each other and eventually make this Mercedes-Benz perform at 100 kW/136 hp. Mercedes-Benz says its goal for these vehicles is for zero harmful emissions and sustained mobility— and since water is the only by-product, we think they’re on the right track.

The first series-produced F-cell Mercedes are currently being manufactured and will be available in 2010. Mass production on this vehicle is expected to begin in 2013.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell is Ready for 2010

2009-12-09T02:01:00.000-08:00

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-cell car is debuting in car shows worldwide as part of Mercedes-Benz's "Think Green" initiative.

The first series-produced F-cell Mercedes are currently being manufactured and will be available in 2010. Mass production on this vehicle is expected to begin in 2013.

Mercedes SLS tuning begins

2009-11-30T09:41:00.001-08:00

It’s not even on sale yet, but that hasn’t stopped the tuning fraternity. Say hello to the first batch of tweaked Mercedes SLS AMG supercars.

First up (and in the main pic) is MEC Design’s go at modifying the modern-day Gullwing. These ideas are just renderings for now (perhaps a good thing), but give an idea of what to expect when the company finally gets its hands on the SLS.

MEC’s front styling is certainly striking, with an F1-style nose – particularly fitting with the launch of the Mercedes Motorsport team – and an all new bumper with a brace of revised air intakes. Of most questionable taste, though, are those wheels. There’s a couple of designs available but both are deeply dished, 22in items that rather change the proportions of the usually sleek SLS. The rear gets a new, smoothed-off appearance and gains a dramatic new diffuser.

There’s also the Kicherer SLS 63 CP (car in silver, last three pics on right). Like the MEC SLS, it too is going for a bold and slightly garish front end. It boasts a particularly striking grille – which forgoes any Mercedes-Benz badging – although there’s still a three-pointed star on the rear and unlike it’s rival tuner, Kircherer has kept the SLS AMG’s styling pretty much intact.

Short of that grille, the addition of a roof scoop and some black dished 20in alloys, it’s a subtle makeover, which is likely to major more on performance tweaks. There is no word on how the 6.2-litre V8 engine will benefit yet, though. It’s equally unclear whether the MEC SLS will boost the standard supercar’s 563bhp and 197mph maximums to take on Kircherer’s effort.

Avoid early Mercedes A-class cars

2009-11-30T09:25:00.000-08:00

Avoid the first-generation A-class – they are deeper money pits than any other small car and were built when Mercedes quality was at an all-time low.

They are needlessly complicated and ridiculously expensive to fix.

For example, a replacement automatic transmission can be £5,000 in the UK, which is three times what a nine-year-old A-class is worth.

The current model, introduced in 2005, is absolutely fine – just as a small Mercedes should be.

Mercedes-Benz sets 4,000-unit target

2009-11-28T09:54:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd expects the improving market landscape and launch of new car models to drive sales of its passenger cars to over 4,000 units next year.

President and chief executive officer Peter Honegg said next year’s passenger car market was projected by the Malaysian Automotive Association to be better than this year.

“We were very fearful at the beginning of the year and would have been happy to do what we did in 2007, which was selling 3,600 passenger cars,” he said during the media launch of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class yesterday.

Florian Mueller (left) and Peter Honegg with a Mercedes-Benz EClass.

He said the company sold 4,200 passenger cars last year and planned to sell between 200 and 300 units more than its initial target of 3,600 units this year.

Honegg said Mercedes-Benz currently held about 43% in the luxury car segment and it aimed to improve its position “a little” next year.

“There are more competitors coming in but we try to maintain the leading position in this segment,” he said.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class to officially launched today would be available in three variants, with the starting retail price of RM455,888 (on-the-road without insurance).

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia vice-president of sales and marketing for passenger cars Florian Mueller said the company aimed to sell more than 1,500 units of the newly-launched E-Class sedan cars next year.

The company has received over 600 bookings for the new cars.

Mercedes-Benz India achieves 132 per cent growth in sales in October'09 Read more: Mercedes-Benz India achieves 132 per cent growth in sales in Octob

2009-11-28T09:53:00.002-08:00

Mercedes-Benz India announced a sale of 325 units of passenger vehicles in October 2009. This is an increase of 132 per cent as compared to their October 2008 performance (140 units in Oct 2008) and takes their cumulative numbers to 2,640 units of passenger cars for the period January – October 2009.

“In tune with the rest of the market, 2009 was a slow start for us. However we have witnessed increased demand since the second half of this year and October 2009 is the continuation of this growth story.The new E-Class which made its debut end of September 2009 and has won hearts of customers with its bold looks and aggressive stance and has sold 127 units in October 2009,” commented Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, managing director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India.

The S-Class, the leading luxury vehicle from the Mercedes-Benz stable also registered very strong sales performance with 30 units sold in October 2009 (as compared to 6 units in October 2008). The C-Class has also added to the volumes netting 153 units in October 2009 (100 units in Oct 2008).

Debashis Mitra, director- Sales and Marketing, “Mercedes-Benz India offers the widest and deepest portfolio for customers; our network penetration is the deepest across the Indian luxury car segment. We have worked very closely with our customers to ensure that our products, service and the value proposition match their needs. October sales numbers are encouraging for us.”

Read more: Mercedes-Benz India achieves 132 per cent growth in sales in October'09 - WheelsUnplugged Automobile Industry News
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2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe First Drive

2009-11-28T09:53:00.001-08:00

The Mercedes E350

Normally inured to the flowery marketing bumph that comes with the presentation of any new vehicle, I was nonetheless intrigued by Mercedes-Benz's description of its E-Class Coupe as "a very special combination of emotion and performance."

Strangely, only a few minutes after taking the keys and hopping behind the wheel of an extremely clean and shiny E350 Coupe, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of serenity the likes of which I haven't experienced in any new vehicle in a long time. Anticipation and desire, yes, or even the occasional antipathy. Serenity, no. Even more uncharacteristically, said serenity didn't disappear as I became more familiar with the car. After a while, I just sat back and enjoyed the ride, chalking up the Coupe as one of those extremely rare cars that can trigger such positive vibes.

There's nothing inherently magical about the E350. It is composed of metal, plastic, glass and rubber, the same as every other passenger vehicle on the face of the planet. But the sum of its parts somehow adds up to a greater whole.

The coupe's exterior design is quite striking whether head on or in profile. There's a hint of aggression in its sharp-edged creases, notably the sweeping lines that flow from the front bumper over the radiator grille to the hood. Plunking down an extra $800 for the AMG Sport Package further hones the look with 18-inch rubber surrounding chic twin-spoke alloy rims, plus a styling package consisting of a front apron, side skirts and rear apron. (Interior elements include multi-contour front seats, sport steering wheel and appearance upgrades.)

Yet, if from the distinctive styling one anticipates some sort of super-coupe able to terrorize Porsches and Corvettes in the downtown Stoplight Grand Prix, the result will be deflating. The E350 is quick rather than fast, composed as it accelerates unless you switch the seven-speed manumatic to manual mode (Touch Shift in Mercedesspeak) and get busy with the paddle shifters. Then, the 3.5-litre V6's 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque make their presence known. When put to the test, the E350 takes 6.4 seconds to pick off 100 kilometres an hour -- respectable but not world-class. Those hungering for more can always pop for the E550 and its 382-hp 5.5L V8.

But the V6 proved perfectly acceptable for my needs, with enough urge to get the job done. Besides, it is creamy smooth in operation, and the 7G-Tronic autobox knocks off the shifts with flawless precision. Also up for praise is the steering, which has a muscular heft to it without being artificially heavy. One can thank Mercedes engineers for creating the standard Dynamic Handling package. This allows the coupe's dynamic characteristics to be altered between comfort and sporty settings at the touch of button. Vehicle damping, speed-sensitive power steering with variable centering, traction control, accelerator response and speed of gear changes can all be modified.

Mercedes-Benz isn't known for taking a back seat in the safety department, and the new E Coupe reflects the company's attention. Along with an alphabet soup of the usual safety nannies is something particularly intriguing called Attention Assist. When driving, Attention Assist supposedly monitors and evaluates more than 70 different parameters in order to recognize driver drowsiness and "provide warning in advance of critical moments of micro-sleep." Apparently, research by Mercedes shows that drowsy drivers make tiny steering errors that they frequently correct very quickly and in a characteristic manner. This steering behaviour is recognized by a special steering wheel angle sensor that will send an audible and visual display (a pictogram of a hot cup of coffee) to the driver.

While the first-rate vehicle dynamics put a smile on my face and the plethora of safety backups reassured me, it was the E350's interior environment that sealed the deal. First, the interior colours and materials are beyond pleasing. I'm generally less than enthused about the traditional overabundance of black interiors that seem to be the norm with upscale German cars. Thus, the Flamenco Red -- a brownish-red hue -- that brightened the seats and door panels was a breath of fresh air, offsetting the dark panel pieces. Second, the multi-contour seat seemed to be moulded to my body shape, providing unparalleled support and comfort. Third, the cabin's sound deadening was effective in keeping the outside out and the inside in, allowing just enough of the world to intrude so as not to seal the occupants in tomb-like silence. Fourth, the instruments are sharp and well lit, and the controls are large, properly marke

Kicherer SLS 63 CP Unveiled

2009-11-28T09:52:00.001-08:00

Kicherer have become the second tuner to release their plans for the plans for a special Pan-Am version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Gullwing America was the first company to show their kit.

The ‘more sporty version’ got a new front lip spoiler, larger front intake, a roof-mounted air intake and rear diffuser. Of course, each piece is made from carbon fiber.

In the gallery you will spot a stainless steel grille – also available in gold – and a stainless steel quad-pipe exhaust. The Benz was outfitted with lightweight, three-part 20-inch wheels.

Performance upgrades for the 6.3-liter V8-engined will be available in the future. No details are available at this stage.

History behind Mercedes' new supercar

2009-11-28T09:51:00.001-08:00

The 2011 SLS AMG

When legend and romance are commingled with the latest in automotive technology, the result can be sensational, and that pretty much describes the latest addition to the short but spectacular roster of Mercedes-Benz models that have merited “ubercar” status in the past six decades.

In fact, the just-launched SLS AMG is one of only three modern, post-Second World War, supercars that could be called series production cars.

The 2011 SLS AMG may have a retro look that pays homage to the fabulous 300SL “Gullwing” of the fifties and drives onto the scene through the fading cloud of tire smoke left by that cars spiritual successor the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, but is, as they were, a ground breaker and ground shaker in its own right.

It's the first complete model created by M-B's AMG performance division, which for the past four decades has been basically turning staid M-B production machinery into the Germanic equivalent of the North American hot-rod – but with more emphasis on overall performance than flame-painted style, of course.

AMG was founded in the late 1960s by a pair of racing enthusiasts who in 1971 created a racer out of the big 300SEL sedan, which won its class and went on to finish second in the 24-hour race at Spa-Franchorchamps in Belgium. It marked the beginning of a series of competition successes that saw AMG become the pre-eminent tuner of M-B products. After a lengthy association, M-B officially made it part of the company in 1999 and it now sells 20,000 AMG-badged units in a good year.

That number will augmented by the much higher volume (no official estimates available) of SLS sales M-B anticipates compared to the Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR. The 617 hp, half-million-dollar SLR was introduced in 2003 and production ended last year with less than 2,000 built.

A fourth, but little known, modern-era M-B supercar was the $1.5-million CLK GTR of 1998, of which only 25 were built by specialty firm HWA in Germany to homologate the M-B GT1 racing car.

The comparatively more affordable SLS will arrive here next year and while Canadian pricing has yet to be announced, M-B is taking European orders for about €150,000, the equivalent of $238,000 Canadian.

The SLS coupe (a convertible and possibly an electric version will follow) may not be quite as exotic as the SLR - the body and structure are aluminum rather than a carbon-fibre – but it's a potent piece, powered by AMG's 6.3 litre V-8 engine, tuned to produced 563 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, delivered to the wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

Brabus tweaks the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

2009-11-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

2010 Brabus B63 S -

Don't have enough money for Brabus to swap out the V8 in your E63 AMG for a V12? Not to worry. Today at the Essen Motor Show, the German tuner officially launched its B63 S performance package for 6.2-liter V8 in the four-door Benz. The upgrade consists of dual "sport" air filters, high-flow catalytic converters, and revised program for the engine and results in a 30 horsepower increase.

Brabus is also offering other modifications for the E63 AMG as well, including a carbon fiber aero kit, wheels in 18 to 20-inch sizes, and various interior trim pieces like stainless-steel scuff plates, a new 225 mph speedometer, and wood or carbon fiber inlays. For the most part ,we'd skip the visual bits and stick with the engine upgrades. Hit the jump for full details in press release, or check out the high-res gallery below courtesy of Brabus.

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid

2009-11-23T19:10:00.000-08:00

The one absolutely unassailable benefit about the hybrid revolution is that it has upset the homogeneity that has been pervading the automotive industry as of late. Take the ber-luxury sedan segment. In recent years, almost every manufacturer - BMW, Audi, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz - followed the same strict formula: A mid-displacement V8 powered the entry-level model - if an $85, 000-plus sedan can ever be called entry-level - upstaged by a seriously expensive 12-cylinder land yacht. It was a protocol that the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Jaguar XJ and Audi A8 followed without variation.

That's until the green revolution and the Lexus LS 600hL threw a monkey wrench into the entire regimen.

Suddenly, the strict eight- and 12-cylinder protocol was no longer universal since the LS hybrid stood atop the Lexus lineup where a V12 normally stood.

It's been a couple of years since the LS 600 made its debut and we finally have Europe's answer with both Mercedes and BMW offering hybrid versions of their iconic S-Class and 7 Series luxo-barges.

But this is where that divergence I mentioned comes in. Where the LS 600hL stresses fuel economy with adequate performance and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 - in keeping with corporate philosophy - is all about performance with its hybrid electric motor hooked up to a twin-turbo V8, Mercedes takes the opposite tack, marrying its small 3.5-litre V6 with a ``mild'' hybrid powertrain to emphasize economy, both in sticker price and fuel consumption.

The S400 is really the economy-minded - again, if anything that retails for $105,900 can be called economical - luxury hybrid, the technology a far cry from the complicated arrangement the LS 600 and even Toyota's much lower-cost Prius boast. Instead, the Mercedes uses a very Honda Insight-like arrangement with its 20-horsepower electric motor sandwiched between the V6 engine and the transmission. Besides, though the Mercedes is the first production automobile to use the much-touted lithium ion battery for hybrid use, it's a tiny affair, not much bigger than a standard automotive battery and much smaller than those powering full hybrids.

All this means that the electric motor cannot power the big Merc all by itself. It does allow the engine to shut off at stoplights, however, and acts in concert with the V6 when serious acceleration is called for. It is, in these two ways, that the hybrid conserves gas compared with the V8s and V12s otherwise employed in Mercedes' top-of-the-line vehicles. Rated at 11 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.7 L/100 km on the highway by Transport Canada, the S400 is, on paper at least, more frugal than Mercedes' smallest V8, the S450.

And it delivers on that promise of superior fuel economy, though it depends on the type and style of driving you do. Driven Prius-like frugally on the highway, for instance, can see the S400 sip as little as 8.7L per 100 klicks, superior mileage for a monster as large as the S-Class. Driven in a more Boothian manner around town, the average was in the 12.5-L/100-km range, still better than what I usually achieve in most large luxury sedans but certainly not otherworldly.

But even if the S400 doesn't always deliver astounding economy, neither does it sacrifice significant performance for the frugality it does deliver.

Rated together, the 3.5L/electric motor combination boasts 295 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of peak torque (118 lb-ft alone from the electric motor at truly low rpm). Pushed hard, of course, you'll notice a difference between the S400's thrust and the S550, but on no occasion did the hybrid Mercedes feel anything less than stellar.

My only powertrain complaint is that when goosed hard, the gasoline engine is not the most sophisticated-sounding engine on the planet. It's an unusual 90- degree V6 and, though Mercedes has quelled all the vibration endemic to this odd layout, the engine's exhaust note is not as melodious as one expects from a top-of-the-line Mercedes. The good news is that, with all the low-end torque afforded by the supplementary electric motor, you don't call on maximum warp all that often.

Mercedes' big S-Class has been moderately updated this year with minor exterior and interior upgrades. Nonetheless, it still remains the luxury segment's stalwart, possessed of great luxury along with a plethora of class- leading creature comforts and electronic features. The optional (as part of the Premium package) multi-contour seats are a prime example.

Adjusted through the Comand onboard computer, there's a truly dizzying array of padding alterations available not to mention the multi-faceted massage machine (I preferred the fast and vigorous setting; most, however, chose the slow and gentle position. And, yes, slow and vigorous and fast and gentle are options).

Another useful part of the S400's $6,100 Premium package was the rear-view camera, which, combined with Mercedes tilt-down-when-in-reverse side mirrors, is the best combination for easy parking. Lexus may boast automatic parking, but give me the pairing of easily accessible information as to how far my bumper is from creaming the Toyota behind me and exactly how far those expensive alloy wheels are from the curb and I'm a happy camper.

In the end, Mercedes' choice of emphasizing economy over performance in its top-of-the-range sedan is fitting. Unlike those shopping BMW's 7 Series who may be looking for ultimate performance in a large luxury sedan, few buy an S-Class to tear up the road. Besides, there's all manner of options for that kind of behaviour - the S550, S63 and S65. With the S400, driving like a banker doesn't necessarily mean consuming like one.

National Post

dbooth@nationalpost.com

SPECS

Type of vehicle: Rear-wheel-drive, luxury sedan

Engine: Electric motor/3.5L DOHC V6

Power: 295 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 284 lb-ft of torque @ 2,400 rpm

Transmission Seven-speed manumatic

Brakes: Four-wheel disc with ABS

Tires: P235/60R17

Price: base/as tested: $105,900/$114,500

Destination charge: $1,995

Transport Canada fuel economy L/100 km: 11 city, 7.7 hwy.

Standard features: Power door locks, windows and mirrors, front and rear air conditioning with micron air filter, harman/kardon AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, Sirius satellite radio, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, navigation system, cruise control, power glass sunroof, information display, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, leather seats, 12-way power adjustable front seats, heated front seats, auto headlights, power rear sunshade, dual front air bags, side curtain air bags, Attention Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, TeleAid emergency calling system, Advanced Parking Guidance.

China to be No. 3 market of Mercedes-Benz in 2010

2009-11-23T19:07:00.000-08:00

Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz expects China to surpass the UK as its third-biggest market next year with its sales growth in China outpacing the overall auto market, Bloomberg reported today.

China's auto sales will likely rise by as much as 15% next year, Mercedes-Benz China head Klaus Maier said today at the opening Guangzhou auto show. The automaker's China sales this year will probably rise 65% to 65,000 cars, he said.

Mercedes expects its sales in China to only lag behind those Germany and the U.S. next year, surpassing the UK sales. China is the world's biggest market for Mercedes-Benz's S-Class model.

Sales of Mercedes cars rose 55% in China in the first 10 months to 50,700 units, with October sales up 83% to 6,400 units, making it the fastest-growing luxury-car brand in the Chinese market. Mercedes may overtake BMW in China "soon."

Mercedes-Benz expects its cars sold in China to be evenly split between imports and locally made models by the end of next year. Currently, 70% are imported. Daimler has a Chinese venture with Beijing Auto for making Mercedes cars.

"We are always confident that this market will continue to grow, especially in the luxury-car segment, as we believe the Chinese economy will continue to grow," said a sales and marketing executive at Mercedes-Benz China.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Elegance

2009-11-15T07:11:00.001-08:00

2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Elegance Sedan Road Test Review

Earlier this year Mercedes-Benz launched the latest additions to its passenger car range: the W212 E-Class sedan and the C207 E-Class Coupe.

Both bodystyles arrived on our shores with the choice of a 3.5 litre V6 or 5.5 litre V8 petrol engine, while a range of thrifty diesels and a direct-injected petrol four have since been added to the mix.

We decided to test the model that sits in the middle of the petrol engined offerings: the E350 sedan.

The 2010 E-Class sedan is all-new, and the ninth generation model in the E-Class’s 60-year history.

The bodywork is fresh, the interior is completely different and the underpinnings promise a better ride and improved performance. It’s easy to quantify the changes on a spec sheet, but what we wanted to know was, “does it still feel like an E-Class”?

Styling

According to Mercedes, the 2010 E350 wears its heritage on its sleeve.

Trainspotters will notice the pontoon-like shaping of the rear fenders (a homage to 1940s-era Benzes) and the 2010 E-Class is the third generation to wear the quad-headlamped face.

The shape of the bonnet is also designed to evoke memories of early Mercedes sedans, but to the average observer the new E-Class is simply “Classic Benz”.

The rounded corners and soft edges of the W211 are gone, replaced by sharp creases and ruler-straight cutlines. The front end sees the round lenses of the last E-Class being dropped in favour of more rectangular units and the front bumper sporting a much squarer, more athletic jaw.

Two L-shaped LED daytime running lamps occupy each corner of the lower bumper, and are perhaps the most noticeable aspect of the new E’s design.

The flanks appear bigger and bulkier, the beltline has been moved up and a prominent longitudinal crease now ties the front fenders to the rear.

The LED taillights, like the headlights, are more rectangular in shape and are joined by a chrome strip that spans the bootlid. The V6 has a pair of chrome oval exhaust tips protruding from underneath its bumper, while the V8 gets rectangular-shaped outlets.

Being an Elegance-spec E350, our tester sported a set of 17-inch alloys, while the Avantgarde E350s wear 18-inch alloys.

The Elegance trim also adds more chrome on the bumpers and rubbing strips, along with a four-slat (rather than three-slat) chrome grille.

The new E-Class is longer, wider, lower and has a longer wheelbase than the W211. The bold n’ bulky design adds to the effect, endowing the 2010 E-class sedan with a lot more visual presence than the outgoing model.

In fact, it’s vaguely reminiscent of the W124 E-Class of the late 1980s/early 1990s. The styling is undeniably modern and fresh, but there’s more than a hint of the W124’s Mafia-style appeal in the new E-Class’s form.

So it certainly looks like an E-Class should.

Interior

The cabin of the new E-Class is entirely new, and improved.

Mercedes-Benz now offers all new E-Class models (aside from the base E220 CDI) in Avantgarde trim by default, with the comfort-oriented Elegance specification a no-cost option.

The difference? The Elegance is designed to appeal to a more mature audience, a group that Mercedes calls its “traditional buyers”.

It’s easy to see why. While the Avantgarde gets black-on-black cabin plastics, dark wood trim, darker leather and a black headliner, the Elegance is a tribute to polished walnut trim, beige and grey.

An optional Exclusive package adds more wood, an Alcantara headliner and a leather-trimmed dash.

Ergonomically, the new E-Class is fantastic. Both front seats move electrically in virtually every conceivable direction, and the side bolsters, lumbar cushion and seat squab are pneumatically adjustable to improve support.

All of the controls fall readily to hand, and functions that can’t be activated by the steering wheel buttons can be accessed via the console-mounted controller for the COMAND system.

The multi-function LCD display has been moved to its own binnacle next to the instrument cluster, where it is more easily seen by the driver. The gear shift now resides on the steering column (like the S-Class), freeing up valuable real estate on the centre console.

The steering column is electrically powered, and both rake and reach can be tailored to each driver. A memory function also allows three different seat/wheel positions to be saved.

The shortcut buttons for the stereo, sat-nav and telephone are a little distant from the driver, but a few clicks of the COMAND controller will bring those up on the screen in a second or two.

The instrument cluster houses a large, central speedometer that rings an LCD multifunction display. A tachometer and clock flank the speedo, while a fuel and temperature gauge sit further outboard.

The multifunction display can show trip computer read-outs, vehicle status messages and navigation instructions, and is clear and legible under all lighting conditions.

For rear seat passengers, both space and comfort are plentiful. The seat cushions are supportive, there are three height-adjustable headrests and legroom for the two outer passengers is more than adequate. The tall centre tunnel does limit the middle passenger’s legroom, however.

Should you request it, the Rear Comfort Package deletes the rear bench and replaces it with two individual heated seats separated by a raised centre console.

Diesel Version of E-Class Introduced by Mercedes to the Indian Market

2009-11-15T07:08:00.000-08:00

Mercedes Mercedes Benz, world's top ranked luxury cars manufacturer, has introduced the diesel version of its popular E-Class sedan in all major Indian markets. The new model is powered by a 2,987 cc 6-cylinder engine and equipped the BlueEFFICIENCY technology which is aimed at reducing fuel consumption, as has been confirmed by the company.

Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said “With BlueEFFICIENCY, the brand offers a complete package of fuel efficient qualities combined with the characteristic brand features - safety, comfort and refined driving pleasure. The result is the New E-Class with all round safety, outstanding comfort and fuel savings of up-to 13 per cent".

Earlier this year, the Germany based maker of high-end cars had said that it is expecting lower sales figures for 2009 as compared to 2008. But with the new introduction, the company has been quick to roll that back and say that it is now optimistic about recording good sales starting next year.

With an ex-showroom price tag of Rs. 48.08 Lakh, the luxury sedan is expected to perform even better than the units which were launched earlier. Last year, Mercedes recorded sale of 3,625 of its models across India.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class awarded “best power-to-economy ratio” by Diners Club Magazine

2009-11-15T07:06:00.000-08:00

The readers of the Diners Club Magazine have elected the Mercedes E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY as the “Car of the year with the best power-to-economy ratio”. Thanks to its state-of-the-art diesel technology, the 150-kW/204-hp engine burns just 5.3 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers on the combined NEDC cycle. This equates to 139 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400

2009-11-08T10:25:00.000-08:00

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG gullwing supercar review

2009-11-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

The corkscrew at Laguna Seca raceway in California is a short but terrifying section of the circuit that drops sharply away from sight and tumbles to the left then right. It will be familiar to MotoGP fans: watching bikes dive and tip into it before catapulting their riders upright and down the other way takes spectators' breath away.

A great way, then, to test the handling of the new supercar from Mercedes AMG: the gullwing SLS AMG.

Three laps spent trying to keep up with former DTM touring car champion Bernd Schneider were hardly a necessary part of the car's launch, however: the first supercar to be designed and built from scratch by master German tuner AMG was never going to be a donkey on the track.

Plus, you can probably count on one hand the number of SLS customers who are going to spread their gullwings on a circuit. Serious racers will wait for the mooted Black Series track version (to be confirmed), or at least pay extra for a different suspension set-up and ceramic composite brakes.

No, SLS AMG buyers are the same people who buy every other supercar these days: collectors, boulevard cruisers, Merrill Lynch bankers and fun seekers, and for them, hundreds of test miles on the pitching, twisting, redwood-lined Pacific roads of Big Sur provided an ample litmus test.

Mercedes AMG is marketing the SLS as a "super sports car", ie with emphasis on sports, not the super part, although a price of £150,000 spells supercar territory to most mortals. The SLS is, the company claims, with characteristic Teutonic understatement, "nothing short of a masterpiece by Mercedes-AMG Gmbh". Not quite, but it's a charming car. It tugs on the nostalgia heartstrings with its cleverly modern interpretation of the classic 300SL gullwing of the 1950s. Grace Kelly, here we all come.

That memorable profile, with the two doors arched up above the roofline, doesn't stop surprising and delighting passers-by. The wide radiator grille, with its huge Mercedes star and the fins on the bonnet, are strongly reminiscent of the original. The overall design is slightly Marmite-ish, though: I tried to love the combination of long bonnet, small headlights, high cabin and fat rear, and just couldn't.

The interior design also left me cold, with its very simple leather-clad dash and familiar black plastic Mercedes switchgear; I longed for a bit of Aston elegance or Maserati finesse but although the leather is beautifully turned and stitched, it's, well, dull.

Silly as it sounds, however, the doors provide nearly all the drama you need. The handle is situated low down – pull it and the door rises easily and lightly above your head, although you still have to duck under it. Step into the car, however, and unless you're taller than 5ft 10in, you'll have to pull the door down with you as you sit in, because the handle sits too high to reach once inside.

Mercedes swears that with the doors open, the car fits inside most normal garages, and they only add 39cm to the width when open. Detractors are always quick to point out the downside of gullwings or scissor doors: how do you get out if the car flips onto its roof in an accident? Well, in the SLS AMG, after 10 seconds of being upside down pyrotechnics automatically explode the hinges so you can push the doors away... cue Michael Caine jokes about blowing the bloody doors off.

This being an AMG baby, the real explosion happens when you press the starter button. What an awesome sound that front-mounted V8 engine makes; distinct from anything Italian by virtue of a deep, metallic rumble that drums up into a thousand jackhammers thumping the ground as the revs rise. It sounds very mechanical, very precise and very expensive, and there are a thousand variations on the sound when you get going and play around with the throttle and gears.

This is a serious car, however, with serious performance: 563bhp, 479lb ft of torque, 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds and a limited top speed of 197mph. The acceleration is effortless: in any of the seven gears, at any speed, you get bucketloads of oomph. It's almost too seamless – you reach illegal speeds with no sense of occasion: you just arrive there.

In "controlled efficiency" mode, it's an easy cruise everywhere, with even some lag between gearchanges from the dual-clutch transmission to make drivers feel they're in a "normal car".

Switch to the "sport" or "sport plus" setting, however, and the gearchange times shorten, the engine growls and it's no longer a pretty gullwing but a serious sports car with its DTM-inspired carbon-fibre driveshaft, and lightweight all-aluminium chassis and body; with AMG keen to show off its serious pedigree, the SLS has been confirmed as the safety car for Formula One next season.

There's a convertible version coming in 2011 (obviously not with gullwing doors...) or, if you want to have serious fun and save the environment, Mercedes AMG has set itself the ambitious date of 2013 for a fully electric version with, they assure me, no loss of performance. In fact, you'll get a staggering 649lb ft of torque from standstill. Expect to see electric SLS AMGs disappearing through the ground with wheelspin.

It might not be a masterpiece, but the SLS AMG offers a staggering number of incarnations to choose from: boulevard cruiser, Fifties recreation, sports car or supercar, with soft-top poser and environmental saviour on the way. The choice is yours.

THE FACTS

Price/availability: from £150,000/next June

Tested: SLS AMG with 7-spd dual-clutch auto

Power/torque: 563bhp@6,800rpm, 479lb ft@4,750rpm

Acceleration: 0-62mph in 3.8sec

Top speed: 197mph (limited)

Fuel economy (Combined): 18.8mpg

CO2 emissions: 308g/km

VED Band: M (£405)

On the stereo: Hotel California, by The Eagles

Alternatives: an original Mercedes 300 SL, from £350,000

Verdict: a supercar for all seasons

Telegraph rating: four out of five

First Drive: Mercedes SLS AMG

2009-11-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

With the new SLS AMG, Mercedes has built exactly the sort of sports cars you might expect from BMW. Never has a Mercedes felt better to drive; never has it been sportier. Rejoicing in Stuttgart means tears in Munich.

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The yellow sun shines from the southwest, lighting up the shallow rock formations of the Santa Lucia mountain range in California. The curving road seems to have no end, as we sit behind the wheel of the glorious silver SLS. The car feels light as we fly along the coastal road, past the Henry Miller Library where a wooden sign proclaims that the writer spent time here in the 1950s. It can’t be much further to Big Sur. It would easy to switch the multi-function screen into navigation mode but we prefer to simply absorb the car and landscape, travelling the legendary coastal road from Los Angeles to San Francisco.

At one of the viewing points, an old Mercedes W126 is parked next to four hippie types sitting on a wall with bottles in their hands. When the eight-cylinder engine of our SLS AMG roars through the exit of the corner, they turn their heads and give us the thumbs-up. On the approach to Big Sur we come across a small gas station and a waiting hitchhiker... but he is out of luck. Mercedes claims fuel economy of 13.2 litres per 100km for its sportscar and, on these long coastal roads, we can indeed achieve something like that figure.

There hasn’t been a Mercedes like this supersports car for a long time. It has some minor faults – such as the overly short seat squabs, some blemishes in the interior detailing and the disappointing fact that the doors have to be pushed up manually, rather than being electrically powered – but the handling is simply magnificent. The radiator grille marks it as a natural descendant of the Gullwings of old. While Bavarian engineers dream about such offspring for the BMW M1, the Mercedes SLS AMG is a reality. In April, it will be available from dealers for around 180,000 euros. No elitist small series, this, but a vehicle of which some 15,000 per year will be made. By 2012 we will see a Roadster version and it can only be a matter of time before a Black Series edition is born.

After years of abstention, the house of Mercedes has created a genuine supersports car once more. Gullwing doors, aluminium spaceframe body, front-mid-mounted engine and mindblowing performance on the road. Not since the 1950s has Mercedes produced such a spectacular child. At that time, the 300SL Gullwings were a sensation, and this new one is hardly less so.

The powerful V8 engine weighs 204kg, the body 241kg and each door 18kg – and the SLS comes to a total weight of more than 1.7 tons. The torquey 6.3 litres of the eight-cylinder unit offers 650Nm – and a magnificent sound. Frequent downshifting is an aural pleasure. The 563bhp power figure is a threatening gesture towards Audi and BMW, as is the 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 317km/h. Why that speed, exactly? Because the car’s main rival, the Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10, posts a top speed of 316km/h. Simple.

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG wins the ‘Golden Steering Wheel 2009' award

2009-11-05T11:02:00.001-08:00

According to more than a quarter of a million readers, “Bild am Sonntag”, “Auto Bild” and 25 associated European publications awarded the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz SMS AMG Gullwing is the world’s best super sports and received the “Golden Steering Wheel” – one of the most important automotive awards in Europe.

Eleven sports cars competed for this award, but it appears that almost one third of all votes were cast in favour of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The new German sports car evokes memories of the the legendary 300 SL “Gullwing” sports car of the 1950s but excels when it comes to lightweight construction, superior driving dynamics and exemplary safety.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing In-Depth: Chassis And Braking System

2009-11-05T11:01:00.000-08:00

The motor sports derived technology to be found everywhere in the powertrain of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is also evident in the suspension and braking system. The aluminium suspension with double-wishbone axles is designed for uncompromising lightweight construction and outstanding handling dynamics. On request the AMG high-performance braking system is also available in a newly developed, highly stress-resistant ceramic version, with composite brake discs all-round.

The commitment of Mercedes-Benz and AMGto building a highly desirable super sports car that combines consummate racetrack performance with hallmark Mercedes long-distance comfort has given rise to an ingenious suspension layout. All four wheels are located on double wishbones with a track rod, a technology that has proven itself in motor racing right through to Formula 1. With a double-wishbone axle, the wheel location and suspension functions remain separate; the spring/damper struts are supported on the lower wishbone. The double-wishbone concept with its high camber and track rigidity positively locates the wheel with minimal elastic movements, providing the driver with an optimum sense of road contact when driving at the limits.

The suspension setup of the SLS AMG ensures optimum, low body roll and a stiff basic configuration with good suspension comfort. A Performance suspension is also available on request: compared to the standard suspension, the spring rate and damping are respectively around 10 percent and 30 percent stiffer. The Performance suspension is conducive to even more agility and lateral dynamics, as well as a further reduction in body roll when driving at high speeds – for example on the racetrack.

Long wheelbase and wide track

The long wheelbase of 2680 millimetres not only results in outstanding straight-line stability but also low wheel load shifts, significantly reducing the vehicle's tendency to dive and squat when braking and accelerating. The broad track width – front 1682, rear 1653 millimetres – ensures lower shifts in the wheel loads from the inner to the outer wheel when cornering, enabling the tyres to retain more grip. The large caster angle of 11.6 degrees significantly increases negative wheel camber on the outer wheel when cornering, and also improves tyre grip – this also ensures outstanding stability when braking heavily while cornering.

Weight-optimised "Flow Forming" AMG light-alloy wheels

The weight-optimised axle design is complemented with AMG light-alloy wheels produced by the new "flow forming" process. During this production process, hot forming in the area of the rim base makes for a denser material structure, thereby improving long-term durability. This also means that lower wall thicknesses can be used. The weight saving of around 1.1 kilograms per wheel compared to conventional light-alloy wheels reduces the unsprung masses, further improving the handling dynamics and suspension comfort.

The AMG light-alloy wheels in size 9.5 x 19 inches at the front and 11.0 x 20 inches at the rear are shod with 265/35 R 19 size tyres at the front and 295/30 R 20 at the rear. Three variants are available: AMGlight-alloy wheels in a 7-spoke design or a 5-twin-spoke design, or alternatively low-weight forged wheels in a 10-spoke design. With an approx. 14-percent lower weight than the "Flow Forming" wheels, these reduce the unsprung masses even further. The weight saving per wheel is 1.8 kilograms. Tyres developed exclusively for the SLS AMG ensure top performance and excellent grip.

A tyre pressure control system which continuously monitors the pressure in all four tyres is standard equipment, with the data for each wheel shown in the display. During a journey, four wheel sensors on the insides of the light-alloy wheels send out continuous radio signals with information about the air pressure, tyre temperature and direction of rotation. A control unit evaluates the data and informs the driver in the event of a deviation from the nominal values. In this case the display shows the message "Check tyres!", or in case of a sudden pressure loss "Attention. Tyredefect!". A yellow warning lamp also lights up in the instrument cluster.

Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering for direct feedback

With a constant mechanical steering ratio of 13.6:1, the rack-and-pinion steering of the SLS AMGprovides direct feedback and meets the high expectations for a super sports car. The servo assistance is speed-sensitive, improving the feedback to the driver as the speed increases – an indispensable factor when driving straight ahead at high speed. Perfect linear transfer of the steering angles is made possible by the constant velocity joint integrated into the steering system. The chosen geometry also provides plenty of scope for the performance-enhancing headers in the sports exhaust system.

Installing the steering gear on the subframe in front of the engine allows a particularly low engine position. The subframe is of high-strength steel, and is rigidly bolted to the side members. It not only optimises steering precision, but is also a key component in the front-end crash structure.

Mercedes Benz S class

2009-11-01T00:22:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is in town.

There's a new Mercedes-Benz S-Class in town and the German company hopes more potential customers will see the light. Well, more specifically, the LED light.

The 2010 model-year update introduces a range of exterior styling tweaks, mainly to the front and rear of the cars, that includes the liberal use of LED light technology and a new "BlueEfficiency" model that blends a diesel engine with improved aerodynamics and smarter fuel-saving technology.

Unfortunately, prices for the new model have gone up. The company says the new range of S-Class cars have risen in price by about 7 per cent but claims the value of all the bits added as standard has increased by more than double that.

For the extra money, Benz argues you get a much safer range of cars. For starters, the clever adaptive cruise control is off the options list and now standard across the range, as is a Bluetooth phone connection.

A night vision camera is now standard on all but the base S350 CDI and even includes the ability to recognise pedestrians and warn the driver.

Externally, there's a distinctly restyled nose now featuring a row of daytime running lights underneath the headlamps to either side of a different-looking grille. A wider-looking stance is helped by wheels that grow to a standard 18 inches, stepping to 20-inch wheels for the high-powered AMG models.

Mercedes-Benz Announces C-Class Executive Special Edition

2009-11-01T00:20:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz is a company which puts out stylish, luxurious and stunning vehicles. Earlier we reported that the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG gullwing had been revealed. Now the company has announced the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Executive SE, a special edition car which gives the customer added value with an exterior styling pack and interior upgrades.

The Executive SE is powered by the manual C180 Kompressor BlueEfficiency engine, and is based on the SE model line. It is offered in the Saloon and Estate body style. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Executive SE will come with a Sport Grille with the integrated Mercedes-Benz star, a feature usually exclusive to the Sport model. It will also have 16 inch ‘Pristix’ alloy wheels, and chrome trim finishes on the boot lid and exhaust.

The interiors of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class have the COMAND fitted as standard. The multimedia system comes with hard disc drive navigation, a 6 GB music register, a PCMCIA slot and Linguatronic voice control, and all can be fully controlled via the Executive SE’s multi-function steering wheel.

The 156 hp engine gives 44.8 miles per gallon on the combined cycle and carbon dioxide emissions of just 154 g/km put the Executive SE in the 18 percent tax bracket. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Executive SE comes with Hill Start Assist which eliminates the need to use the parking brake.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Executive SE comes with a host of safety features and a three year unlimited mileage warranty. The Executive SE will be available from November 2009 for 23,190 GBP (approx. Rs. 17,88,790). The Estate model will cost 24,390 GBP (approx. Rs. 18,81,355).

Mercedes introduces special edition C-Class

2009-11-01T00:17:00.000-07:00

A new special edition model has just been added to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class range. Available as a saloon and an estate with all the C-Class engines, the Special Edition models feature unique exterior and interior styling elements while Merc has also upped the car's standard equipment list. On the outside, key traits include the darkened headlights, shoulderline trim strips in polished aluminium and front grille finished in silver matt with chrome highlights.

The Special Edition C-Class models also get front fog lamps with a chrome ring and chromed twin louvres, chrome highlights in the bumper, rub strip and boot lid plus the B-pillar trim painted glossy black. The car's exterior looks are rounded off by a set of 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels with mixed-size tires (235/60 R 17 at the front, 255/55 R 17 at the rear), though customers can opt for 16-inch 7-spoke alloys and 205/55 R17-size tires all round.

Color options for the Special Edition C-Class range are limited to a new indium grey paintwork along with 'obsidian black', 'palladium silver', 'iridium silver' and 'calcite white'.

Based on the AVANTGARDE design and equipment line, the interior of the Special Edition gets unique tow-tone seats made from black ARTICO leather and fabric in como beige, trim parts in brushed aluminium and specific floor mats. There's also contrasting stitching embellishing the seats, center armrest and door center panel.

Among other things, the Special Edition's standard equipment includes a multifunction leather steering wheel, Intelligent Light System featuring bi-xenon headlamps with variable light distribution and a Parktronic system.

Prices depend on which engine is ordered, but Mercedes said that the additional charge on the respective Avantgarde models is between €2,689.40 and €3,879.40 with the leather/fabric seats and €4,629.10 and €5819.10 with a full leather upholstery.

Motorsport Mercedes ML63 Wide body

2009-10-26T18:20:00.000-07:00

Expression Motorsport wide aero kit fits the 2009 ML (w164) model. It has been designed to enhance both estethics and performances. Larger openings in the bumper and hood vents help to get better engine cooling while the "widebody" fender flares a low to mount larger wheels. The front bumper set features LED indicators and directionnal foglights bringing your car to a new high-tech level, while the rear carbon fiber diffuser combined with the double twin-tip exhaust achieve the overall agressive look of the vehicle.

300 164 201 Widebody front bumper
300 164 211 Carbon fiber front lip
200 000 028 LED indicators
200 000 029 Micro DE foglights
300 164 134 Side-shorts set L+R 4 pieces
300 164 302 Widebody rear bumper with carbon diffuser and F1 break lamp
207 164 001 Dual exhaust pipe set L+R
300 164 789 Fender flares set 10 pcs
300 164 116 Hood air intakes set L+R with carbon inserts

Brabus E V12 Black Baron

2009-10-23T01:25:00.001-07:00

Look, before we get caught up in all the adulation we’re just going to come right out and say it: for $875,000 large, your rear wheel arches should not look like they were pulled off a first-gen Honda Insight and covered with a can of Krylon #1602. Just saying.

At any rate, the Brabus E V12 Black Barron is actually a 2010 Mercedes E-Class W212 with a ~~shitton~~ rather large amount of black paint and a serious upgrade package. The twin-turbo 6.0L V12 under the hood churns out a staggering 800-horsepower and 1046 lb-ft of torque, which is just enough to kill you and – judging by what usually happens when a reckless kid with a trust fund buys a supercar – probably will. Speed is electronically limited to 217 mph but if you can figure out how to disable the governor, Brabus claims you can push it as far as 230 mph. 0-62 mph is reached in 3.7 seconds, 0-124 mph in 9.9, 0-186mph in 23.9, and to generate the allusion of control over all that power, Brabus outfitted the Black Baron with an adaptable sports suspension, new stabilizers, and a high performance braking system.

Given that 0-124mph in under 10 seconds is a bowel-loosening experience (124-0mph in roughly the same time, even more so) and that black hides stains well, the interior of Brabus’ Baron comes covered stem to stern in black leather and black Alcantara upholstery. Carbon fiber trim

adorns the instrument cluster and center stack, and a badge authenticating the Baron’s exclusive heritage is prominently displayed above the big silver knob that we assume is designated for easily summoning the emergency response crews.

GT5 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

2009-10-23T01:24:00.000-07:00

For those of you old enough to remember Ms. Pac-Man, the realism with which today’s video games are delivered may almost seem surreal. Such is the case with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG pictured above (and below, after the jump), which is set to take center stage in the new Gran Turismo 5 when it hits stores in a few months. Rendered by the pros at Polyphony Digital, the GT5 SLS AMG is a dead ringer for the production version scheduled to debut in mid-2010 and can be had for thousands of dollars less than the original. Of course, the babes you’ll attract will be limited to whatever can be found skulking around the chat rooms but hey,you know what they say, you can’t have your cake and eat it too…