Based on the Mc Laren Mercedes SLR722, Wheelsandmore installing a handcrafted exhaustsystem with sports catalysts and remote-able flaps, adapted to remapped ecu software and a new pulley is resulting in totally 727 hp and 950 nm. Handling these brute power strictly required a suspension revision. So Wheelsandmore decided to contact coilover specialists KW to develop a compression and rebound adjustable, full race approved system for this Mc Laren Mercedes SLR722.

Due to their weight-optimized properties the handcrafted, multi-piece forged wheels of the type 6Sporz² are significant and additionally effecting the improved acceleration. Those high-end rims are filling out the carbon fiber body perfectly sizing 9.0 x20″ at the front and 11.5 x 20 inches at the rear axle. Highest quality standards are also elected with the 255/30/20 and 305/25/20 Sportmaxx tires from Dunlop.

In the end Wheelsandmore didn’t even stop to do an exclusive job to the interior. With nappaleather, carbonparts, a new steering wheel and stepped alcantara and detailed red stitchings the Mercedes Mc Laren SLR 722 has become a more unique individual supercar.

The new BRABUS 800 Coupe is based on the latest Mercedes-Benz CL 600 BRABUS. The 12-cylinder engine of the CL 600 is reengineered thoroughly in the BRABUS engine-building shop that is equipped with state-of-the-art machine tools. Displacement is increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cu. in.) with the help of a special BRABUS crankshaft with longer stroke, larger cylinder bore and correspondingly larger forged pistons. Further performance-enhancing modifications to the engine itself are the fine-machining of the two cylinder heads for optimized mixture flow and the installation of four special camshafts.

As a result of the extensive modifications the BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo engine delivers unparalleled performance figures: the engine produces its maximum rated power output of 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at a low 5,500 rpm. Even more colossal is the peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 ft-lb) available from 2,100 rpm. In the car peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 ft-lb).

From rest the exclusive two-door car sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.9 seconds and reaches 200 km/h (124 mph) after a mere 10.3 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h (217 mph).

Exciting design, top-notch quality and further improved driving dynamics are the outstanding characteristics of the BRABUS Monoblock wheels, which are available for the Mercedes CL-Class with diameters ranging from 18 to 22 inches. To make safe use of the car’s impressive performance requires BRABUS Monoblock 21-inch wheels, available as Monoblock VI, E or F designs. BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA supply tried and tested high-performance tires in size 265/30 ZR 21 in front and size 295/25 ZR 21 on the rear axle.

Lorinser combines dynamic design with efficient aerodynamics. The result is sensational stylishness with optimised air flow across the vehicle outline. The shapes of the sporty and striking front spoiler bumper blend impeccably with the wider wings. Together with the rear skirt, rear lip and roof spoiler, the Lorinser body components ensure reduced lift while providing a new, attractive overall appearance. The Lorinser side skirts form an optical link between the front and rear. The tailor-made body kit is mounted on the serial attachment points, and is available from 8,230.00 Euro (incl. VAT).

The range of performance enhancements offered by Lorinser is just as extensive as the selection of Mercedes engines. For example, Sportservice offers optimised control electronics for the CLS 350 CGI, which results in an engine output of 322 HP / 237 kW at 6200 RPM. At the same time the maximum torque increases to 400 Nm between 2900 and 5000 RPM. In this connection, Lorinser has also lifted the limit of 250 km/h, allowing the car to reach an impressive 265 km/h.

The Lorinser rim range has been created entirely according to the requirements of Mercedes-Benz CLS 218 customers. Be it sporty and striking, or elegant and sophisticated – Lorinser offers various wheel designs and sizes. The RS8 is a 19-inch wheel with turbine look. The recommended wheel/tyre combination comprises 8.5Jx19-inch rims with 255/35ZR19 tyres for the front and 9.5Jx19-inch rims with 285/30ZR19 tyres for the rear.

The RS8 tyre is also available in a 20-inch design. In this instance, Lorinser recommends using 9.0Jx20-inch rims with 255/30ZR20 tyres for the front axle and 10.0Jx20-inch rims with 295/25ZR20 tyres for the rear axle. More information on www.lorinser.com

All models in the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class range offer excellent comfort and dynamic handling as standard. Besides the steel suspension with selective damping, there are also some new chassis developments and innovative dynamic handling control systems available, which are designed to make driving the new premium SUV an even more effortlessly superior experience. These include the AIRMATIC air suspension with Adaptive Damping System (ADS), the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM for active roll stabilisation and the ON&OFFROAD package with six driving modes. A comprehensive package of measures has also been included to ensure that the M-Class is at the forefront of its segment for acoustic and vibration comfort too.

The third-generation M-Class sets a new benchmark in the SUV segment.In the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, the 3.0-litre V6 of the previous model is replaced by the thrifty four-cylinder EU6-standard unit already familiar from, for instance, the S-Class. The ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC features an extensively revamped 3.0-litre V6, which also betters the EU6 standard and offers far better performance coupled with a substantial reduction in fuel consumption.

The 2.2-litre CDI engine turns the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC into the most economical SUV in its class. With NEDC fuel consumption of 6.0 l/100 km, the model even outperforms any hybrid model currently offered by the competition. Despite the low fuel consumption figures, this Mercedes-Benz M-Class model boasts maximum torque of 500 Nm at 1600 rpm and rated output of 150 kW (204 hp) with outstanding performance: the M-Class accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds before going on to a top speed of 210 km/h.

The V6 diesel engine in the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC guarantees effortlessly superior traction. It develops 190 kW (258 hp) and impressive torque of 620 Nm. Despite its extraordinary performance this version boasts combined NEDC fuel consumption of 6.8 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. The highly efficient V6 diesel unit delivers effortlessly superior performance: the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds before moving on to a top speed of 224 km/h. While delivering performance on a par with the predecessor model, the ML 450 CDI 4MATIC with V8 diesel engine, the new unit, however, boasts 36 percent lower fuel consumption.

The ultra-modern 3.5-litre V6 unit has been designed as a naturally aspirated engine. As a major distinction from the preceding engine in the ML 350 4MATIC, the V-angle between the cylinder banks has been reduced from 90 degrees to 60 degrees. This has enabled the balancer shaft compensating primary vibrations to be omitted. As a result the driver notices an outstanding level of comfort. The design highlights of the 3.5-litre V6 include a completely new air intake and exhaust system in conjunction with a variable resonance intake manifold and optimised inflow and outflow. Result: with the same displacement, the output compared with the previous 200 kW (272 hp) model is increased by 12.5 percent to 225 kW (306 hp), while maximum torque has increased by 5.7 percent to 370 Nm (predecessor: 350 Nm) and now is available over a broader engine speed range from 3500 to 5250 rpm. In parallel with this substantial increase in power, Mercedes engineers have achieved an equally impressive reduction in fuel consumption. The predecessor’s NEDC fuel consumption has been reduced by 25 percent. The new V6 petrol engine in the ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY consumes 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres, making it the most economical petrol model in its class. The model combines excellent consumption figures with dynamic performance, accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, and with a top speed of 240 km/h.

PIECHA Design has unveiled a new tuning programme for the new Mercedes-Benz SLK R172. And thus, they present the “Accurian RS”, a sporty, elegant interpretation of the Stuttgart-based roadster. Piecha gives the new, more defined front of the SLK an Accurian RS front spoiler lip with lateral grids. The lip can be combined with a cover, which turns the grid into a three-part piece and further emphasises the LED daytime running lights on the right and left side. For a quieter airflow around the lateral body of the new SLK, PIECHA Design installed a set of Accurian RS side skirt covers. The covers are bonded easily and positively on the original side skirts. Furthermore, the opposed installed grids provide for a more prominent design. For all R172 models, no matter whether with the side skirts, the AMG or also the Accurian RS sills, PIECHA Design offers per side four LED recessed spotlights each.

The rear end has a considerable sportier appearance thanks to the Accurian RS rear diffuser, which is available in a small and large version. The diffusor, which runs up to the subfloor, not only provides for additional output at the rear axle, but also frames the QUADRO 4-tube mufflers in perfection. In both versions, the serial rear apron has to be slightly reworked. Moreover, a diffusor application is available for the AMG styling rear apron. The Accurian RS aerodynamic programme is completed by a classical rear spoiler lip, which has a simple adhesive fixation. Another world premiere are the PIECHA MP1 monobloc high-tech rims, which perfectly match the modern and sporty, elegant design language of the Accurian RS with its newly interpreted turbine design. In the front in 8.5×19 ET25 with 225/35 R19 and in the back in optional 9.5 or 10.5×19 with 255 or 275/30 R19, the MP1 monobloc wheel provides in connection with 25 mm lowering springs for a perfect wedge shape.

The introduction of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with the “Controlled Efficiency” mode as standard along with a new power steering pump helps to reduce the combined NEDC fuel consumption by about ten percent to 12.0 l/100 km (Estate: 12.3 l/100 km). The output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine is unchanged at 336 kW (457 hp) and can be increased to a maximum of 358 kW (487 hp) with the optional AMG Performance package. Agility, grip and ride comfort have been enhanced as a result of numerous measures to optimise the AMG sports suspension.

The new bonnet with its modified powerdomes is now made of aluminium. New clear-lens headlamps emphasise the car’s distinctive, self-confident presence, especially when the optional Intelligent Light System (ILS) is also specified. The wide front wings with the “6.3 AMG” legend and the new 5 twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels which are painted in titanium grey and have a high-sheen finish dominate the side view. Good contact with the road is provided by the wide 235/40 R 18 and 255/35 R 18 tyres at front and rear respectively.

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG features eleven new driving assistance systems which are already established in the S-Class flagship range and the trend-setting CLS. These assistance systems use the latest radar, camera and sensor technology and are designed to combat common causes of accidents, such as insufficient distance to the vehicle ahead, drowsiness and darkness. They raise the safety standard of the C-Class to a new level by warning the driver of a hazard, or, if necessary, taking active corrective measures.

The new C63 AMG is available as a Saloon and as an Estate; the market launch starts in July 2011. All prices at a glance (incl. 19 % VAT): Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Saloon:€ 71,340.50, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate:€ 73,899.00, AMG Performance package:€ 7166.20 / € 6471.70 Euro (Saloon / Estate)

The Mercedes-Benz B55 Concept comes with a B200 CDI and then fitted it with a 5.5 liter E500 engine (the M273) that produces 383 PS (378 bhp / 282 kW) and 530 Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque. They coupled the power plant to Mercedes-Benz’s 7-speed G-Tronic transmission. The B55 does the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 5.2 seconds.

For the brakes the Mercedes-Benz B55 Concept also comes with perforated and internally ventilated disc brakes in size 345 x 34 mm were implanted at the front, with perforated and internally ventilated disc brakes in size 300 x 30 mm at the rear. The system was combined with striking 8.5 x 18 AMG sports wheels in a five-spoke design shod with 235/40 ZR 18 Y tyres at the front and 9 x 18 wheels with 255/35 ZR 18 Y tyres at the rear. The maximum steering angle at the front axle was limited to suit. The team had recourse to a typical item from the tuner’s toolbox for the suspension, installing a coil-over suspension by K&W.

Exclusive to Canada, and limited to just 30 units, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Affalterbach Edition was designed in the AMG Performance Centre in Affalterbach, Germany. The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Affalterbach Edition is finished in highly distinctive designo MAGNO Allanite Grey paintwork, and its unique appearance is further distinguished by high-performance AMG brakes with red calipers, 19″ AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels in black, carbon-fibre mirror housings and a rear lip spoiler.

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Affalterbach Edition is powered by the hand-built, 6.2 L V8 engine that offers 481 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, which propels it from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Affalterbach Edition boasts an extensive list of standard equipment and also features each element from the C63 AMG Premium Package, which includes a rear view camera, PARKTRONIC, COMAND APS with HDD Navigation and DVD Changer, multi-media interface, rear window sunshade, harman/kardon LOGIC7® surround sound system and KEYLESS-GO. In addition, the Affalterbach Edition is equipped with the AMG Performance Package, which adds 30 additional horsepower, removes the speed limiter and adds a limited-slip differential.

Available in spring 2011, the Mercedes-Benz C63 Affalterbach Edition will be priced from $81,500.

For the first time Mercedes-Benz is offering a choice of three variants of the lightweight-construction vario-roof for the new SLK: in just a few seconds this feature transforms the roadster into a coupe with a “fixed” roof at the touch of a button – and vice versa: The standard version is a roof painted in the vehicle color. Optionally available is a panorama vario-roof with dark-tinted glass. The third option is a world premiere – the panorama vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. This glass roof switches to light or dark at the press of a button. In light mode it is virtually transparent, offering an open-air experience even in cold weather. In its dark state the roof provides welcome shade and prevents the interior from heating up from the sun’s rays. In other words: a comfortable atmosphere at the touch of a button.

There will be two models of the 2012 SLK available in its first year, both powered by direct-injection engines. The completely redesigned V6 engine in the SLK350 develops 302 hp from its 3498 cubic-centimeter displacement, using this power to accelerate in 5.4 (est.) seconds from 0 to 60 mph (top speed 155 mph). Its fuel Later on in the model year, the SLK250 goes on-sale with a four-cylinder engine developing 201 hp from a displacement of 1796 cubic centimeters.

The SLK250 is equipped as standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and consumes an estimated 27 mpg (combined). From a standstill it reaches 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and it has a top speed of 155 mph.

The new SLK can be ordered from 17 January 2011. The prices including VAT are as follows: SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY: 38,675 euros, SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY: 44,256.10 euros, and SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY: 52,300.50 euros.

The 2012 SLK-Class makes its U.S. showroom debut in summer 2011.

An improvement of up to 31 per cent has been achieved in fuel consumption and all Mercedes-Benz C-Class launch models will feature the ECO start/stop function as standard. All the engine variants are now classed as BlueEFFICIENCY units, showing that they are particularly efficient and environmentally compatible in their use of fuel. In future all automatic versions will feature the further-developed 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission. In addition, the overall ratio of all new powertrain variants has been optimised for better fuel economy.

All the petrol engines in the model series have direct injection. One of the highlights is the introduction of the new V6 petrol engine with its innovative and highly efficient BlueDIRECT process in the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY. The quantum leap in efficiency is particularly well illustrated by the six-cylinder unit: Power has increased considerably, the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY delivering 306 hp and 370 Nm (previously 292 hp and 365 Nm).

The most economical model in the Mercedes C-Class range has also become even more frugal: the C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with the manual six-speed transmission and the standard ECO start/stop function. This corresponds to 117 grams of CO2 per kilometre. In conjunction with the improved 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission and the ECO start/stop function included as standard, the C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY both deliver top-class figures with a combined diesel consumption of 58.8 mpg. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 125 grams per kilometre.

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class also sees the debut of a new telematics generation which will also be gradually introduced in other model series. Major new features include greater operating convenience, larger displays, telephone directory transfer, display of SMS messages, wireless music reproduction via Bluetooth and a USB interface now accommodated in the centre armrest.

Both the Saloon and Estate versions can be ordered from 10 January 2011. The European market launch will take place from March 2011.

The Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG engine performance has been improved using software optimisation, sports air filters, a sports exhaust system (plasma coated) including racing catalysors and larger pulleys and now boasts a startling 670 HP.

ANDERSON GERMANY also offers exclusive light metal rims. For the wheels, the elite tuner has selected 22 inch rims in black/gloss with carbon edging in jet black. These measure 9×22 inches and 10.5×22 inches and are equipped with high performance tyres by Michelin in size 275/25-22 and 295/25-22. Directly behind them are the large break shoes, also lacquered in jet black.

The Anderson Germany Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG Black Edition interior has also undergone positive change. The leather finishing has been elaborately decorated with double cord edging combined with a diamond pattern. Numerous extras in the interior like the mirror, central console, steering wheel, entrance ledges, door framing and light framing have a carbon finish. The interior also includes a complete HiFi system and an interior finish in carbon leather/dark brown leather/dark brown Alcantara. Despite all this, customer-specific tailoring is still possible upon request.

The new-generation Mercedes-Benz Vito is optionally available with a combination of Bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime driving lights, cornering lights, Add-Light system and a headlamp washer system. The cornering light is controlled via the indicator lever and is effective up to a speed of 70 km/h. The Add-Light system is active at speeds of between 40 and 70 km/h, depending on the steering angle.

The Mercedes-Benz Vito CREW is a new crewbus model variant aimed at applications in which robustness is more important than an extensive scope of equipment, e.g. in the building trade. It is also designed to appeal to particularly price-conscious buyers. The Vito CREW replaces the previous Vito Basic crewbus. Mercedes-Benz has upgraded the appointments in comparison to the predecessor model by way of exclusive interior panelling and a front passenger airbag. The Mercedes-Benz Vito CREW comes exclusively with CDI diesel engines rated at 70 kW (95 hp) and 100 kW (136 hp). The options are limited to rear bench seats, air conditioning, additional heat exchanger, trailer coupling, radio and all-season tyres.

Another new model variant is the Vito SHUTTLE. This up-market crewbus is aimed at discerning customers. Key features include the Tempmatik controlled air conditioning system, comfort driver seat, a cockpit with Softouch surfacing, comfort bench seats, carpeting in the passenger compartment, bumpers in the vehicle’s exterior colour and light-alloy wheels.

The new six-speed ECO Gear manual transmission comes as standard for all Mercedes Vito models equipped with a four-cylinder diesel engine. This transmission is a substantial contributory factor to the reduced fuel consumption and further enhanced dynamic performance of the Vito CDI. Its defining feature is a particularly broad gear ratio spread, with a short first gear (i=5.076) and a long sixth gear (i=0.675) designed to keep the engine speed low.

Back in November we brought you the German tuner MEC Design’s first take on the all new Mercedes SLS AMG. The tuned SLS was a bit much for some enthusiasts to handle, perhaps because MEC sprinkled a bit too much rice onto the new super car and made it into a JDM inspired big mouth front bumper design filled with a front mount intercooler. Having seen the flaws in their original creation, MEC has just come up with a new rendering that is more Classic Gullwing meets 21st century tuner car.

Although the rims have remained the same, MEC Design has changed their color choice to white and done away with the squared off edges in favor of a much rounder front bumper filled with LEDs, driving lights, air ducts and a blacked out grill opening. MEC has also incorporated a pair of much more flowing side skirts and what looks like a wide body kit in the back to house the wider rubber. This new design is definitely worlds apart form the first drawing, but the question that remains to be asked is if it really is better than the original?

Mercedes-Benzis a German manufacturer of automobiles, buses, coaches, and trucks. It is currently a division of the parent company, Daimler AG (formerly DaimlerChrysler AG), after previously being owned by Daimler-Benz. Mercedes-Benz has its origins in Karl Benz’s creation of the first gasoline-powered automobile in January 1886, and by Gottlieb Daimler and engineer Wilhelm Maybach’s conversion of a carriage by the addition of a petrol engine the same year. The Mercedes automobile was first marketed in 1901 by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft. The first Mercedes-Benz brand name vehicles were produced in 1926, following the merger of Karl Benz’s and Gottlieb Daimler’s companies into the Daimler-Benz company. Mercedes-Benz has introduced many technological and safety innovations that have become common in other vehicles several years later.

Quality

Since its inception, Mercedes-Benz had a reputation for its quality and durability. Objective measures looking at passenger vehicles such as J.D. Power surveys demonstrated a downturn in reputation in this area in the late 1990s and early 2000s. By mid-2005, Mercedes temporarily returned to the industry average for initial quality, a measure of problems after the first 90 days of ownership, according to J.D. Power. In J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study for the first quarter of 2007, Mercedes showed dramatic improvement by climbing from 25th to 5th place, surpassing quality leader Toyota and earning several awards for its models. For 2008, Mercedes-Benz’s initial quality rating improved by yet another mark, now in fourth place. On top of this accolade, it also received the Platinum Plant Quality Award for its Mercedes’ Sindelfingen, Germany assembly plant. As of 2009, Consumer Reports of the United States has changed their reliability ratings for several Mercedes-Benz vehicles to “average,” and recommending the E-Class and the S-Class.

Motorsport

Since its inception, Mercedes-Benz had a reputation for its quality and durability. Objective measures looking at passenger vehicles such as J.D. Power surveys demonstrated a downturn in reputation in this area in the late 1990s and early 2000s. By mid-2005, Mercedes temporarily returned to the industry average for initial quality, a measure of problems after the first 90 days of ownership, according to J.D. Power. In J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study for the first quarter of 2007, Mercedes showed dramatic improvement by climbing from 25th to 5th place, surpassing quality leader Toyota and earning several awards for its models. For 2008, Mercedes-Benz’s initial quality rating improved by yet another mark, now in fourth place. On top of this accolade, it also received the Platinum Plant Quality Award for its Mercedes’ Sindelfingen, Germany assembly plant. As of 2009, Consumer Reports of the United States has changed their reliability ratings for several Mercedes-Benz vehicles to “average,” and recommending the E-Class and the S-Class.

Motorsport

The two companies which were merged to form the Mercedes-Benz brand in 1926 had both already enjoyed success in the new sport of motor racing throughout their separate histories- both had entries in the very first automobile race Paris to Rouen 1894. This has continued, and throughout its long history, the company has been involved in a range of motorsport activities, including sports car racing and rallying. On several occasions Mercedes-Benz has withdrawn completely from motorsport for a significant period, notably in the late 1930s and after the 1955 Le Mans disaster, where a Mercedes-Benz 300SLR collided with another car and killed more than eighty spectators. Although there was some activity in the intervening years, it was not until 1987 that Mercedes-Benz returned to front line competition, returning to Le Mans, DTM, and F-1 sports car racing with Sauber.

The 1990s saw Mercedes-Benz purchase engine builder Ilmor (now Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines), and campaign IndyCars under the USAC/CART rules, eventually winning the 1994 Indianapolis 500 and 1994 CART IndyCar World Series Championship with Al Unser, Jr. at the wheel. The 90s also saw the return of Mercedes-Benz to GT racing, and the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, both of which took the company to new heights by dominating the FIA’s GT1 class.

Mercedes-Benz is currently active in three forms of motorsport, Formula Three, DTM and Formula One. In Formula One, the company part owns Team McLaren and has supplied the team with engines engineered by Ilmor since 1995. This partnership has brought success, including Drivers Championships for Mika Häkkinen in 1998 and 1999 and for Lewis Hamilton in 2008, as well as a Constructors Championship in 1998. The collaboration with McLaren has been extended into the production of roadgoing cars such as the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.

Business alliances (Studebaker-Packard Corporation)

In 1958 Mercedes-Benz entered into a distribution agreement with the Studebaker-Packard Corporation of South Bend, Indiana (USA), makers of Studebaker and Packard brand automobiles. Under the deal, Studebaker would allow Mercedes-Benz access to their U.S. dealer network, handle shipments of vehicles to those dealers, and in return receive compensation for each car sold. Studebaker also was permitted to use the German automaker’s name in its advertisements, which stressed Studebaker’s quality over quantity.
When Studebaker entered into informal discussions with Franco-American automaker Facel Vega about offering their Facel Vega Excellence model in the United States, Mercedes-Benz objected to the proposal. Studebaker, which needed Mercedes-Benz distribution payments to help stem heavy losses, dropped further action on the plan.

Mercedes-Benz maintained an office within the Studebaker works in South Bend from 1958 to 1963 when Studebaker’s U.S. operations ceased. Many U.S Studebaker dealers converted to Mercedes-Benz dealerships at that time. When Studebaker closed its Canadian operation and left the automobile business in 1966, remaining Studebaker dealers had the option to convert their dealerships to Mercedes-Benz dealership agreements.

Models

Mercedes-Benz range today

Mercedes-Benz has a full range of passenger, light commercial and heavy commercial equipment. Production is on a global basis. The Smart brand of city cars has also been part of the Mercedes-Benz Group since 1994.

Passenger cars

Pope Benedict XVI in a Mercedes-Benz Popemobile in São Paulo, Brazil

The following passenger vehicles were in production in 2009:

• A-Class Hatchback
• B-Class Sports Tourer/Hatchback
• C-Class Sedan, Sports Coupe & Wagon
• CL-Class Coupe
• CLK-Class Coupe & Cabriolet
• CLS-Class “4-door Coupe”
• CLC-Class luxury compact car
• E-Class Sedan, Coupe & Wagon
• G-Class Cross-country vehicle
• GL-Class SUV
• GLK-Class SUV
• M-Class SUV
• R-Class Minivan
• S-Class Sedan
• SL-Class Roadster
• SLK-Class Roadster
• SLR-McLaren High Performance Coupe & Roadster

Significant car models produced

• 1928: SSK legendary racing car
• 1930: 770 “Grosser Mercedes” state and ceremonial car
• 1934: 500 K
• 1936: 260 D World’s first diesel production car
• 1936: 170
• 1938: W195 Speed Record-breaker
• 1951: Mercedes-Benz 300, knownly as “Adenauer Mercedes”
• 1953: “Ponton” Models
• 1954: 300SL “Gullwing”
• 1959: “Fintail” Models
• 1960: 220SE Cabriolet
• 1963: 600 “Grand Mercedes”
• 1963: 230SL “Pagoda”
• 1965: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
• 1966: 300SEL 6.3
• 1968: W114 “New generation” compact cars
• 1969: C111 experimental vehicle
• 1972: Mercedes-Benz W107 350SL
• 1974: 450SEL 6.9
• 1974: 240D
• 1976: 300D
• 1979: 500SEL and G-Class
• 1983: 190E 2.3-16
• 1986: First ‘E-Class’
• 1991: 600SEL
• 1993: First ‘C-Class’
• 1995: First ‘Joint Mercedes-Benz & AMG’ (C43 AMG)
• 1995: Mercedes-Benz SL73 AMG, 7.3L V12 (biggest engine ever put in a Mercedes-Benz)
• 1996: Mercedes-Benz Renntech E7.4RS
• 1997: Mercedes-Benz M-Class
• 1998: Mercedes-Benz CLK
• 2004: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
• 2004: Mercedes-Benz CLS
• 2007: E320, GL320 Bluetec, ML320 Bluetec, R320 Bluetec

McLaren cars

A silver SLR McLaren on display at the 2006 European Motor Show in Brussels.

Mercedes-Benz has also produced a sports car with McLaren Cars, an extension of the collaboration by which Mercedes engines are used by the Team McLaren-MercedesFormula One racing team, which is part owned by Mercedes. The 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has a carbon fiber body with a 5.4l V8 supercharged engine. This is the same block as featured in SL55 AMG and the CLS55 AMG, though modified to give 460 kW (630 PS; 620 hp) and 780 N·m (575 ft·lb) of torque. The SLR has a maximum speed of 337 kilometres per hour (209 mph) and costs approximately US$500,000. Due to European pedestrian-protection regulations, McLaren has decided to cease production of the SLR in 2009.

The most recent new joint-venture model, expected to reach production, is the mid-engine P8 sports car. Based around a unique carbon fibermonocoque, manufactured by McLaren, the P8 was originally predicted to receive the new naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 from Mercedes-AMG, but insiders[citation needed] now say that the engine will be modified for the car and will probably be twin-turbocharged to produce in excess of 600 bhp (450 kW). The car is still in development, but likely to reach production to go on sale in early 2008, and have a price tag less than that of the SLR.

Car nomenclature

In 1994 (starting with the 1994 models), the traditional nomenclature of Mercedes-Benz vehicles changed. Since the early days of the company the name would be in the form of 500E where the engine displacement made up the first three numbers and the last letter(s) represented the type of engine and/or chassis; for example: “E” for fuel injection (“Einspritzung” in German), “D” for Diesel, “L” for long wheelbase etc.

In 1994, this was altered so that the prefix reflected the model (“class”, German “Klasse”, in Mercedes-Benz terminology) and a number the displacement. The suffix was retained in some cases, for example “L” for long wheelbase, and “CDI” for Diesel (CDI = Common-rail Direct Injection). Thus, the 500E in the example above became the E500 (“E-Klasse”, 5 liters displacement). It should also be noted that while in the past the model number generally accurately reflected the actual engine displacement, this is currently not always the case—for example the E200 CDI and E220 CDI actually both have a 2.2 liter/litre displacement, and the C240 actually has a 2.6 liter/litre engine.

Electric vehicles

At the 2007 Frankfurt motor show, Mercedes-Benz showed seven hybrid models, including the F700 concept car which combined hybrid drive with the innovative DiesOtto engine. In 2009, the S400 hybrid sedan is scheduled to go on sale.

On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz says it will have a demonstration fleet of practical, if small, electric vehicles on the road in two to three years, from 2008.

Pole position for the new E 63 AMG Estate: the high-performance estate develops 386 kW/525 hp, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, offers a maximum luggage compartment capacity of 1950 litres – all with a relatively low fuel consumption of 12.8 litres per 100 km (combined, provisional figures). With these dream figures, the new E 63 AMG Estate adds up to an extraordinary combination of driving dynamics, high utility value and superb efficiency.

The top-of-the-line E-Class not only features its distinctive styling but also the all-new AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension including electronically controlled damping system and a new front axle. A composite ceramic braking system is available for the first time for the E 63 AMG Estate. The unrivalled combination of groundbreaking driver assistance systems raises the bar in terms of active and passive safety in this vehicle class.

Largest luggage compartment and lowest fuel consumption – the E 63 AMGEstate sets new standards. With a luggage compartment capacity of 695 to 1950 litres and fuel consumption of 12.8 litres Super Plus per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined), the new high-performance estate from AMGstands on pole position. None of its rivals can match this extraordinary combination of performance, utility value and efficiency. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with its 386 kW/525 hp develops 8 kW/11 hp more than the previous model, yet betters its fuel consumption figures by almost twelve percent.

This improvement was achieved thanks to a whole raft of efficiency-enhancing measures. The on-demand delivery of fuel and generator management with recuperation of braking energy on the overrun has helped reduce fuel consumption, just like the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission: a wet start-up clutch that runs in an oil bath replaces the conventional torque converter, while the even more fuel-efficient driving mode “Controlled Efficiency” utilises early upshifts to keep engine speeds as low as possible.

The new E 63 AMGEstate delivers a compelling proposition with its two fundamentally opposed traits: it masters the sedate driving of an executive estate suitable for long journeys just as consummately as the enormously dynamic manoeuvres on the racetrack. The AMG high-revving, naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 6208 cc and 630 Nm of torque impresses with its agile responsiveness, muscular power delivery and great flexibility. The E 63 AMG Estate reaches 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). The newly composed V8 sound is a thrilling accompaniment for mile after mile, while the smooth-running engine guarantees typical Mercedes ride comfort. A newly designed water cooling system ensures maximum endurance even under enormous stresses.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission meets the driver’s most disparate requirements: the transmission is equipped with four drive modes: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual), which can be selected using a rotary electronic switch in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. In the even more fuel-efficient drive mode Controlled Efficiency, the transmission shifts the gears decidedly smoothly, and the transmission control unit is programmed to perform early upshifts to keep engine speeds as low as possible.

In Sport plus and Manual modes, the 7-speed sports transmission allows gearshifts to be performed in 100 milliseconds. Partial suppression of individual cylinders by interrupting ignition and injection briefly during gearshifts under full load leads to considerably faster shift times. Fast, spontaneous multiple downshifts ensure first-class agility in conjunction with the double-declutching and RACE START function: this enables the E 63 AMG driver to call on the maximum acceleration potential automatically.

Driving dynamics and ride comfort – the E 63 AMG Estate delivers on both counts

Like the engine and power transfer, the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension offers the ultimate in individuality. Outstanding driving dynamics and typical Mercedes long-distance comfort go together as an optimum synthesis in the E 63 AMG Estate. While new steel spring struts are used on the front axle, the rear suspension features AMG-specific air springs. The advantage of this solution is that the front steel springs ensure more sensitive responses while the rear air struts with their automatic level control system keep the vehicle at a constant height irrespective of the load.

A new, electronically controlled damping system automatically varies the damping characteristics according to the driving situation, reducing the roll angle of the body. The result is instant modification to provide the best possible ride comfort together with the greatest possible agility. In addition the driver is able to choose between the three suspension modes of Comfort, Sport and Sport plus at the touch of a button. The E 63 AMGEstate is also equipped with a newly developed, dedicated front axle with a 56-millimetre wider track, a tubular stabiliser, new control arms, new elastokinematics and new hub carriers for more negative camber – thereby providing more grip when taking bends at speed. This is a highly sophisticated axle design whose principle has already proved its worth in the C 63 AMG Estate. The rear axle likewise has more negative camber, optimised elastokine-matics and a new subframe mounting for greater stability at the physical limits.

Newly developed power steering and individual 3-stage ESP

A more direct steering feel comes courtesy of the all-new speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering. The steering ratio of 14 : 1 is 22 percent more direct than in the standard production models, while a more rigid steering column plus the reconfigured characteristic mapping of the speed-sensitive servo assistance ensure better steering precision and improved road contact.

The 3-stage ESP® familiar from the SL 63 AMG and C 63 AMG enables individual settings to be selected – with clear benefits in terms of driving pleasure. The ESP® button in the AMG DRIVE UNIT allows the driver to choose between “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF” – with the currently active mode shown in the central display of the instrument cluster. Perfect deceleration even when driving extremely briskly is ensured by the AMGhigh-performance braking system with 360-millimetre, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round. Particularly resistant, motorsports-tested composite technology is used at the front axle. The newly developed, optional ceramic composite brakes with larger brake discs guarantee even better brake performance and a longer service life. The ceramic brake discs will perform reliably at even higher operating temperatures thanks to their greater hardness, all combined with an impressive weight reduction of around 40 percent. The reduced unsprung masses translate into even more agile handling, particularly on fast motorway bends.

Optimum grip is ensured by the 18-inch, titanium grey, high-sheen AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels with a width of nine and 9.5 inches and mixed tyre sizes of 255/40 R 18 at the front and 285/35 R 18 at the rear. Lightweight, forged 19‑inch AMG light-alloy wheels with size 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear are also available as an option.

AMG bodystyling and wider front wings

The newly developed front axle with its wider track calls for wings that are 17 mm wider. The stylish integrated “6.3 AMG” lettering leaves the connoisseur in no doubt about the unique credentials of the high-performance estate. The AMG bodystyling also includes a front apron with large cooling air intakes, air outlets at the side and the AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights. In conjunction with the optional Intelligent Light System (ILS), the E 63 AMG Estate is equipped with tinted main headlamps. The side skirts and the rear apron with its black insert also guarantee the car’s striking looks. Both styling features combine effortlessly with the graceful line that follows the rear wheel arches and lends a clear shape to the imposing, muscular contours of the rear wings. The standard specification includes ultra-fast LED tail lights and direction indicators. To create a lasting impression – on the eye and the ear – the sports exhaust system has two newly designed, chrome-plated twin tailpipes.

Luggage compartment with the largest capacity and great practicality

Thanks to the wheelbase that has been enlarged by 20 millimetres, the E 63 AMGEstate not only offers better ride comfort but also more space and luggage compartment capacity than the previous model. With its capacity of 695 to 1950 litres, the luggage compartment is not only larger than before but also leaves the competition standing when it comes to the essential luggage compartment dimensions and capacity. This highly practical concept paves the way for numerous options for transporting sports equipment, holiday luggage or high-quality designer furniture.
Standard equipment for the E 63 AMG Estate includes the main components of the EASY-PACK system such as the folding load compartment floor with two loading levels and collapsible crate, the load compartment cover, quickfold to fold down the 1/3:2/3-split rear backrest easily and the EASY-PACK tailgate, which can be opened and closed electrically.

Interior with sporty feel-good atmosphere

The newly designed interior of the high-performance estate is an exciting blend of high-grade materials and functional sportiness. Exclusive features include the dedicated, electrically adjustable sports seats with improved lateral support and the sports steering wheel in a four-spoke design with aluminium shift paddles. The AMG DRIVE UNIT provides adjustments for the MCT sports transmission, the 3-stage ESP®, the suspension set-up and the AMG drive modes. The E-SELECT selector lever in the centre console is a completely new feature for the DRIVE UNIT. The driver can shift directly between R, N and D simply by nudging the lever, all thanks to drive-by-wire; the parking lock P can be selected conveniently by pressing a button. Standard equipment also includes high-grade leather upholstery in three different colours, the AMG instrument cluster with an AMG main menu as well as the door entry sills with AMG lettering and a sports pedal cluster – both in brushed stainless steel.
Optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio are also available ex factory:

• Lightweight, forged 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with size 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear
• AMG composite ceramic braking system
• Brake callipers, painted red
• Rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
• AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design with Alcantara® inserts in the grip areas
• AMG carbon-fibre trim elements
• Illuminated AMG door entry sills
• AMG Driver’s Package (top speed increased to 280 km/h, attendance at driver training at the AMGDrivingAcademy)
• AMG floor mats

Other optional extras include:

• AMG Exclusive package: nappa leather for seat upholstery, top section of the dashboard, beltline, armrests on the doors as well as the centre console and door centre panels. Roof liner with sun visors and A, B and C-pillars in Alcantara®, AMG floor mats
• COMAND APS
• designo range: ten colours and nine leather upholstery options
• EASY-PACK load securing rails to secure the cargo incl. EASY-PACKload sill guard
• Driving Assistance package
• KEYLESS-GO package
• Media interface
• Reversing camera for PARKTRONIC
• Surround sound system

Active and passive safety at a new level

Just like the E 63 AMG Saloon the new AMG Estate meets the very highest expectations with respect to active and passive safety. Standard features include the new drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the unique anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, seven airbags and crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints. On request the safety features can be brought to a level unprecedented in this vehicle class with the Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist systems, the PRE-SAFE® Brake with an automatic emergency braking function, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Night View Assist and Speed Limit Assist.

The market launch of the new E 63 AMG Estate is scheduled for February 2010.

“The Vision 500 Plug-in HYBRID is a new milestone on our path toward zero-emission mobility,” says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “It is a luxurious and safe S‑Class that offers superior driving performance while at the same time consuming less fuel than current compacts. All of this shows that our top models will also be able to combine automotive fascination with responsibility for the environment.”

“Although it will take some time before this model can go into series production, our engineers will be working full steam to carry out the necessary integration measures and ensure that all components can meet the tough everyday demands required of a luxury long-distance saloon,” says Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG with responsibility for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. “We’ve already got all the key technology we need for such a dream car, which is why I see it being included in the next generation of the S‑Class. The important thing now is that our development work be accompanied by the establishment of a full-coverage infrastructure that will allow the potential of this innovative drive system to be fully exploited.”

The electrical drive components of the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID demonstrate the versatility of Mercedes-Benz’ intelligently organised set of hybrid systems, which has a widely scalable range of performance. The hybrid module’s design does not differ much from the compact, disc-shaped 15-kW electric motor of the S 400 HYBRID, even though it is three times as powerful. As a result, the hybrid module can be elegantly incorporated into the housing of the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, allowing this model variant as well as the S 400 HYBRID to retain the S‑Class’ spacious interior. Future model generations will orient themselves on this system architecture.

Whereas the extremely compact lithium-ion battery in the S 400 HYBRID (0.9 kWh) can be housed in the vehicle’s engine compartment, the significantly higher-performing lithium-ion unit in the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID (over 10 kWh) requires more installation space. The battery is located behind the rear seats in the boot. The lithium-ion battery’s location above the rear axle provides crucial benefits, since it ensures that the vehicle has a balanced weight distribution and that the petrol tank remains adequate for long-distance cruising. In addition, the protected position of the tank ensures it is as safe as possible during crashes.

Additional clutch decouples the hybrid module and combustion engine

In accordance with the modular concept, the powertrain design for the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID is basically the same as that for the S 400 HYBRID. One system-specific attribute is the presence of an additional clutch integrated between the combustion engine and the electric motor. This device decouples the two components in the pure electric drive mode, thereby ensuring the highest level of efficiency in the latter. Moreover, because it is fully integrated into the vehicle’s converter housing, the clutch does not take up any additional space.

Electrical outlet as a filling station: Powerful plug-in battery

Another key difference between the S 500 Plug-in HYBRID and conventional hybrids involves the plug-in battery, which can be charged at charging stations, thereby enabling the S 500 Plug-in HYBRID to travel up to 30 kilometres on electric power. The rapid charge cycle takes less than 60 minutes with a charging capactiy of 20 kW. A standard charge cycle at a conventional household socket with 3,3 kW takes about four-and-a-half hours to recharge a completely discharged battery.

The model is also equipped with a compact onboard charger: Housed behind the side boot wall, this unit controls the recharging process and is protected against short circuits, voltage reversal, and voltage surges. The charging system also protects the battery by monitoring voltage, the charging level and charging time. The total weight of the electrical components in the current experimental vehicle is 215 kilograms, whereby the lithium-ion battery weighs approximately 130 kg. That’s much less than a conventional NiMH battery with the same capacity, as the weight of such batteries ranges from 180 – 200 kg.

The vehicle’s hybrid module also provides additional energy when the car is in motion through regenerative braking – the recovery of energy when braking. Here, the clutch enhances efficiency as well, as it enables complete energy regeneration without engine drag losses.

Range of up to 30 kilometres with all-electric driving

The high-performance battery and the 44 kW/60 hp hybrid module enable the vehicle to drive up to 30 kilometres purely on electricity. That is completely sufficient for many trips within cities, where the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID is quick and very comfortable without producing any local emissions. The petrol engine automatically adds its power to that of the electric motor when travelling at high speeds or driving up steep inclines. Before closing the clutch in such cases, the vehicle electronics synchronises the engine speed with the hybrid module’s rotational speed so that the engine is activated extremely smoothly without the driver noticing.

What’s more, the hybrid module’s sophisticated interplay with the combustion engine enables numerous additional functions that positively impact fuel consumption, emissions and vehicle agility. Like the system employed in the S 400 HYBRID, the hybrid module in the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID also comes with the ECO start/stop function. This feature also enhances safety and driving pleasure because of its boost effect, which has the electric motor providing powerful support to the combustion engine during the high-consumption acceleration phase. This system has already proved its practical viability in a slightly different configuration in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

Extensive electronic safety and control components

The lithium-ion battery not only serves as an energy storage device for the electric motor in the S 500 Plug-in HYBRID; it is also linked via a DC-DC converter to the 12-volt on-board network, which provides power to standard consumers such as the headlamps and various comfort devices. To ensure a consistently high level of electrical efficiency, the voltage transformers are water-cooled via an additional low-temperature circuit.
Special power electronics are required for operating the three-phase AC electric motor in the high-voltage direct current grid, and the inverter for this task is housed in the engine compartment. Because the power electronics system itself is heated by the electric current thus created, it too is integrated into the low-temperature cooling circuit. Mercedes-Benz employs standardised components for the power electronics system as well, enabling them to be efficiently combined with different electric motors and battery types across all model series.

On the road to plug-in hybrids: Diesel-hybrid concepts

An important milestone on the road to plug-in hybrids is the recently unveiled Vision E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID diesel hybrid. Like the S 400 HYBRID and the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID, it is based on the Mercedes-Benz modular hybrid concept. This near-series vehicle study combines a new 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine with the 15 kW/20 hp hybrid module that is also used in the S 400 HYBRID, but which here also enables pure electric driving. This drive system configuration enables the Vision E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID to travel 100 km on only 4.5 litres of fuel (preliminary value). This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 119 grams per kilometre with an output of 165 kW/224 hp and superior torque of
580 – 600 newtonmetres (combined in both cases), more or less the same performance as today’s six-cylinder diesel engines. Exhaust gas treatment is handled by the combination of an oxidizing catalytic converter, a diesel particulate filter and BlueTEC mit AdBlue® injection. The Vision E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID thus also has the potential to meet the world’s most stringent emission standards.

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

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

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

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

“The styling of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is not only very special because of the exclusive gullwing doors. Our aspiration is to utilise this interpretation to create the classic of tomorrow and roll out the most alluring sports car of the 21st century. Our aim is also to create a new design icon, which shapes the incomparable legend of our brand, alongside Mercedes models like the CLS or the SL. At the same time, the new SLSpaves the way for the design philosophy of forthcoming Mercedes-Benz sports cars”, says Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Design: purist, distinctive and passionate

The distinctive styling of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG enthrals with its passionate sportiness and reinterprets the breathtaking lines of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL – one of the outstanding design icons of the Mercedes-Benz brand. With its purist design the new SLS AMG reflects the philosophy of contemporary sports car engineering: the bonnet which measures just under two metres, the low greenhouse positioned well to the rear and the short rear-end with an extendable aerofoil are just as powerful a reminder of the superlative dynamism as the long wheelbase, the wide track and the large wheels. The short overhangs feed through into the proportions, just as does the design of the super sports car with its low-slung front-mid engine set well back and dual-clutch transmission in transaxle configuration. An undoubted styling highlight comes courtesy of the gullwing doors which lend the SLS AMG its incomparable charisma – making a unique statement in this vehicle segment.

The gullwing doors are not alone in rekindling memories of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL; the hallmark wide radiator grille with the large Mercedes star and the wing-shaped cross fins are a throwback to the front-end of the sports car legend. The three-dimensional, sculptured front-end with its low-set, swept-back front apron set well into the sides lends the ’Gullwing’ its powerful stance on the road. Six large cooling air intakes and the vertically arranged headlamps set well to the outside with their alluring inner ambience provide a dominant aura: the central bi-xenon low-beam headlamp with its metallic wing section is framed at the top by two LED indicators and the LED daytime driving lights at the bottom.

Influences from aircraft construction

Allusions to aircraft construction come courtesy of the prominent Mercedes star, whose tubular section is reminiscent of the air intake on a jet engine when viewed from the side, as well as the long bonnet: as the eye is drawn forward, so the observer becomes more aware of the curve. The design of the four fins with their Silver Shadow finish that adorn the two air outlet grilles on the end of the bonnet create the same visual impression. These aircraft-style lines also visually accelerate the air that flows past – and make the SLS AMG appear extremely dynamic even while stationary.

The fins on the bonnet are taken up on the vehicle flanks: the connoisseur also discovers here a hallmark styling feature of the 300 SL. The “6.3″ lettering placed between the fins provides a clear reference to the high-displacement naturally aspirated V8 engine. The side air outlet feeds through into a stylistically prominent feature line, which together with the convex flanks and the exhilarating surface treatment, combines aesthetics with power. The compact passenger compartment proves as alluring as it is unmistakable. With its high beltline, low side windows and steeply angled windscreen it comes across as a kind of visor. The forward angled B-pillar with its stylish flowing sweep to the rear window exudes pure dynamism.

Side view dominated by muscle and shoulder

Seen from the side, the eye is drawn to the prominent vehicle shoulder of the SLS, which stretches like a taut muscle from the front to the rear. Distinctive 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) light-alloy wheels fill the wheel arches, which stand out prominently from the sidewall. Three different wheel variants all provide a glimpse of the large high-performance composite brakes. Seen from above, a prominent, uninterrupted line runs from the muscle to the rear. This styling feature is also picked up on the bonnet where the eye follows a distinctive contour which flows over the roof between the gullwing doors, right through to the third brake light.

Rear view that emphasises width

The rear view of the SLS also exudes dynamism and power: the gently sloping boot lid emphasises a sense of width, an impression reinforced by the prominent vehicle shoulder and the sleek tail lights: fitted with LED technology, the horizontally structured lighting units provide a scintillating view. Wing-shaped LED lighting elements ensure a distinctive, enthralling night design. The Formula-1-style LED fog lamp/reversing light is set down low in the centre. Similarly inspired by motor racing are the black diffuser insert and the two chromed tailpipes of the sports exhaust system. The strikingly tapered rear apron provides an unimpeded view of the wide rear wheels, lending the ’Gullwing’ its self-assured stance on the road. The spoiler integrated in the boot lid is automatically deployed from a speed of 120 km/h to ensure optimum stability at high speeds.

New colours: “AMG ALU-BEAM silver” and two matt finishes

The colour charts for the SLS include nine exclusive paint finishes. The highlight comes in the shape of the unique “AMG ALU-BEAM silver” paintwork: the new, unique process makes the paint shine like liquid metal. The paint covers the body panels like a metallic skin, emphasises the scintillating design lines of the ’Gullwing’ more strongly than any previous paint job and makes them even livelier by means of targeted light reflections. This effect is made possible thanks to tiny pigments measuring between 30 and 50 nanometres.

The two matt finishes “designo magno allanite grey” and “AMG magno sylvanite grey” are just as eye-catching: with their matt silk surface they reinforce the sporty character of the two-seater through specific contouring of the crease lines.

Interior with allusions to aircraft construction and motor sports practicality

You only need to open the gullwing doors on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and ease into the sports seats to experience a whole new level of interior. The Mercedes-Benz designers took their inspiration from aircraft construction when styling the interior – immediately bringing an aircraft cockpit to mind. The characteristic styling feature is the dashboard, whose powerful and dramatic wing shape makes for an impression of width. Strikingly integrated into the dashboard are the galvanised air vents with their adjustable, cruciform nozzles and Silver Shadow finish – their shape reminiscent of a jet’s engines. The instrument cluster with its LED upshift indicator and two white backlit dial instruments add another decidedly sporty touch with their metallic Silver Shadow finish. The silver dials have red needles and a 360 km/h speedometer scale. As a central feature of the cockpit, the COMAND APSmultimedia system with its 7-inch screen is integrated between the two centre air vents.

The elongated centre console in matt metal similarly picks up on the design theme of the aircraft cockpit. It is home to the AMGDRIVE UNIT, which is inclined towards the SLSdriver and allows them to choose their very own vehicle setup. The E-SELECT shift lever, whose styling recalls the thrust control of a jet, controls the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission. All the controls are made out of solid metal, with a high-sheen Silver Shadow surface.

The concave inner panels of the gullwing doors, the high beltline and the powerful side sill panels round off the cockpit-like impression, while imparting a feeling of sports car-like ergonomics. Fine materials such as nappa leather, solid metal and (optional) genuine carbon-fibre facings underline the pronounced “custom-built” nature of the SLS interior, and show enormous attention to detail. Five different designo leather colours are available to meet individual preferences: black, classic red, sand, porcelain and light brown.

Wide-opening gullwing doors for easy entry

Despite the low sitting position of just 369 millimetres in typical sports car fashion, the wide-opening gullwing doors make it easy to get in and out of the vehicle. At the design stage great attention was paid to the widest possible opening angle – it is a full 70 degrees. Equally importantly, the distance between the open doors and the road surface is a generous 1.50 metres, while the entry aperture between the open doors and the upper edge of the door sills measures no less than 1.08 metres. The entrance height, i.e. the distance between the road surface and the upper edge of the door sills is a very low 45 centimetres. As another important criterion for dignified access and egress, two gas-pressure struts positioned next to the door hinges require only very little pressure when opening and closing the doors – even at very low ambient temperatures.

The gullwing doors require less opening space than conventional coupé doors, and can be fully opened in a normal garage. The door is opened from inside by a handle finished in Silver Shadow. The grip section of the armrest moulded into the interior door panel ensures problem-free door closing. The operating buttons for the power windows, central locking system and exterior mirror adjustment are also located in the interior door panels for easy access. The feeling of comfortable spaciousness is in large measure due to the generous shoulder-room of 1483 millimetres and elbow room of no less than 1606 millimetres. In conjunction with the generous maximum headroom of 990 millimetres and effective legroom for the driver of 1058 millimetres, the result is a low but extremely relaxed seating position. At the same time the intentionally steep angle of the windscreen ensures good all-round visibility for the passengers.

Sports seats with magnesium backrests

The sports seat backrests are made from magnesium, a high-tech material that combines light weight with high strength. This leads to significant advantages where weight distribution and a low centre of gravity are concerned. The sports seats feature so-called two-zone seat cushions. Prominent side bolsters with a harder foam filling provide optimal lateral support, while the inner areas of the seat cushion and backrest are softer for a high level of comfort on long journeys. In conjunction with the Memory package (optional), the fore-and-aft position, seat height, backrest angle, squab angle and steering column are electrically adjustable; three individual settings can also be stored.

Four-way lumbar supports reliably protect the lower spine, while adjustable side bolsters in the backrests effectively improve lateral support on fast bends. Three-stage seat heating and seat occupancy/child seat recognition in the passenger seat are also standard equipment.

The sports seats with integrated head restraints and sporty transverse fluting are upholstered in designo leather – and two-tone seats are also available in classic red, sand and porcelain. If light brown is chosen as an interior colour, the sports seats are upholstered in natural leather with particularly high-quality woven leather on the centre seat panels. Depending on the colour combination, fluorescent or black piping provides another sporty touch.

The Performance leather steering wheel in a three-spoke design has a 365-millimetre rim with a flattened lower section, shift paddles and a metal insert, underlining the authentic custom-built look and ensuring the best possible vehicle control.

A host of stowage space for hallmark Mercedes day-to-day suitability

The interior of the SLS AMG also impresses with the practical stowage space that makes for the day-to-day suitability typical of a Mercedes. The 3.7-litre glove compartment with a spectacles section is integrated into the dashboard on the passenger side. To the right of the E-SELECT shift lever there is a small stowage tray with a 12 V socket, or an ashtray with cigar lighter. The armrest behind the centre console not only serves to operate the COMAND Controller: at the touch of a button, the armrest can be moved in two stages to reveal a stowage compartment underneath. This has two cupholders and the telephone cradle (optional), and a holder for the ignition key in the rear section. Other items can be stowed on the rear wall between the seats and in the parcel net in the passenger footwell. Two fixed clothes hooks are attached to the seat backrests, while those in the roof liner fold down and are silicon-insulated.

The button to unlock the boot lid is located underneath the light switch. Alternatively the boot can be opened using the ignition key. The luggage compartment can hold up to 176 litres. A made-to-measure luggage set is available as an option, which enables the boot space to be used to full advantage.
Overview of the comprehensive standard equipment for the SLS (selection):

• COMAND APS
• Cord floor mats with AMG logo
• Interior appointments in designo leather
• Anti-theft warning system
• Electric parking brake
• Headlamp Assist
• KEYLESS-GO start function
• PARKTRONIC
• Rain sensor
• Reversing camera
• Heated sports seats
• Sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs
• Cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC
• THERMOTRONIC

Optional extras include the following:

• 6-disc DVD changer
• Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system
• Anti-theft alarm system with tow-away protection and interior monitoring
• Interior appointments in designo single-tone Exclusive leather
• Interior appointments in designo two-tone Exclusive leather
• Interior appointments in designo Exclusive light brown natural leather/woven leather
• Paintwork “AMG ALU-BEAM silver”
• Paintwork “AMG magno sylvanite grey”
• Paintwork “designo magno allanite grey”
• Media interface
• Memory package with electric seat and steering wheel adjustment
• Performance sports steering wheel in Alcantara®/leather

The AMG Performance Studio also enables even the most discerning individual customer requirements for the SLS AMG to be met:

• Carbon-fibre exterior mirrors
• Carbon-fibre engine compartment cover
• Carbon-fibre trim (front stowage tray and rear stowage compartment incl. lid, AMG DRIVE UNIT surround, surrounds for the centre console, shiftgate and rear, trim strips for centre console and door armrests
• Interior Carbon Package (carbon-fibre trim, trim on seat backrest and side, door sill panels)
• Performance suspension with a stiffer setup for optimised lateral dynamics
• 10-spoke forged wheels
• Sports bucket seats

Aluminium spaceframe for lightweight design and outstanding strength

The SLS is also breaking the mould when it comes to the body concept: for the first time, Mercedes-Benz and AMG are presenting a car with an aluminium chassis and body. Compared with the traditional steel design, this results in a significant weight saving, clearly illustrated in the DIN kerb weight of 1620 kilograms.

The newly developed bodyshell comprises an aluminium spaceframe. This exclusive design combines intelligent lightweight design with outstanding strength – thus delivering superlative driving dynamics. Lightweight aluminium sections connect the force nodes to a sturdy structure. The large, low-set cross-sections of these aluminium sections ensure high resistance torque, thus providing the required direct transfer of drive, braking and suspension forces. The structure prevents unwanted flexibility; the vehicle responds rigidly, almost without twisting and directly.

45 percent of the intelligent, weight-optimised aluminium spaceframe is made out of aluminium sections, 31 percent out of aluminium sheet, 20 percent out of aluminium cast and 4 percent out of steel. Maximum occupant safety requires the use of ultra-high-strength, heat-formed steel in the A-pillars. The bodyshell weighs 241 kilograms – an absolute benchmark in the super sports car segment when compared with the peak output of 420 kW/571 hp.

Low centre of gravity and transverse reinforcing struts for superb dynamism

The entire vehicle concept has been designed to achieve a centre of gravity that is as low as possible. This applies both to the low connection of the powertrain and axles as well as to the arrangement of the stiffness-relevant bodyshell structure, which has been kept as low as possible. Examples include the rigid flexural and torque connections between the front and rear section and the safety passenger cell, which have been realised consistently using force paths that are as low as possible. This results not only in a low centre of gravity but also a harmonious and, thus, efficient force path in the vehicle structure.

Another prominent feature of the lightweight construction design is the transverse reinforcing struts at the front and rear axle that are integrated into the bodyshell structure. The sections connect the side members precisely where the highest forces act upon the bodyshell under dynamic cornering. The advantages of this sophisticated solution include unrivalled transverse rigidity and the absence of heavy secondary stiffening or supports.

Passive safety of the very highest calibre

Naturally, the aluminium spaceframe meets all the requirements in terms of passive safety and the hallmark Mercedes-Benz body quality that applies to any car sporting the Mercedes star. The best possible passive safety for the occupants is ensured by the standard-fit three-point seat belts, belt tensioners, belt force limiters and eight airbags: two adaptive airbags and a kneebag each are available for the driver and passenger. Two sidebags integrated into the seats and two separate windowbags that deploy from the door waistline are also available.

Fine-tuned AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 420 kW/571 hp

A powerful eight-cylinder engine manufactured by Mercedes-AMG forms the heart of the new SLS. The fine-tuned 6.3-litre V8 engine develops 420 kW/571 hp at 6800 rpm, turning the SLS AMGinto one of the most powerful sports cars in its segment. A power-to-weight ratio of 2.84 kg/hp comes courtesy of the low vehicle weight. The naturally aspirated engine delivers maximum torque of 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. The ’Gullwing’ accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed electronically limited to 317 km/h (all figures are provisional). Bearing the internal designation M 159, the V8 high-revving engine with its displacement of 6208 cubic centimetres has been thoroughly reengineered compared with the M 156 entry-level engine and boasts all the hallmarks of powerful racing engines.

The principal measures in increasing output include the all-new intake system, the reworked valve train and camshafts, the use of flow-optimised tubular steel headers and the de-throttling of the exhaust system. This results in much better cylinder charging, which feeds through into an increase in output of almost nine percent. The eight-cylinder engine responds swiftly to movements of the accelerator pedal, demonstrating much more pronounced high-revving flexibility across the entire rev range. The switch to dry sump lubrication also translates into a much lower position of the engine in the vehicle. And lowering the vehicle’s centre of gravity has also paved the way for high lateral acceleration and exhilarating driving dynamics.

Perfect synthesis of lightweight design and strength

The use of high-strength components compensates for the increased engine load associated with the higher output. Forged pistons, a reinforced crankshaft bearing, optimised crankcase structure, along with improved lubrication thanks to an on‑demand high-performance oil pump ensure optimum durability. Despite these higher loads, the engine weight for the M 159 has been further reduced. The forged pistons as oscillating masses play a particularly valuable role in this respect, resulting in a kerb weight of 205 kilograms and, in turn, a power-to-weight ratio of 0.36 kg/hp – an unrivalled figure compared with the competition. Sophisticated catalytic converter technology enables current and future exhaust emission standards such as EU 5, LEV 2 and ULEV to be met.

A match for demanding fuel consumption targets

Despite its uncompromisingly sporty character, the demanding fuel consumption targets have been met. The SLS AMGconsumes 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined, provisional figure), earning it a place at the top of the competitor rankings. Efficiency-enhancing measures include the familiar AMG-exclusive, friction-optimised twin-wire-arc-sprayed coating on the cylinder walls as well as the on-demand, map-optimised oil supply and intelligent generator management: during the engine’s overrun phases and braking, kinetic energy is used to charge the battery, rather than being wasted by simply generating heat. This recuperation assists the driver not only during braking action but also helps convert the braking energy into electrical energy. Conversely, the generator is switched to no-load operation during acceleration, thus reducing the load on the engine.

Dual-clutch transmission with transaxle configuration and torque tube

The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine delivers its abundant power via an ultra-light carbon-fibre driveshaft at the rear axle – similar to the set-up used on the DTM C-Class racing touring car. The dual-clutch transmission is mounted at the rear (transaxle principle) and is connected to the engine housing via a torque tube. A carbon-fibre shaft rotates at engine speed in the torque tube. The advantages of this sophisticated solution are associated with the rigid link between the engine and trans-mission and, in turn, the optimum support for the forces and torque generated.

A new AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission takes care of power transfer. The dual-clutch transmission boasts fast gear changes with no loss of tractive force – in as little as 100 milliseconds. The driver has a choice of four different driving modes: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) or “M” (Manual) along with a RACESTART function. In the Sport, Sport plus and Manual modes the automatic double-declutching function is active; all the modes can be selected conveniently via the rotary control in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Optimum traction comes courtesy of the mechanical differential lock, which is integrated in the compact transmission casing.

Sophisticated suspension layout with double-wishbone axles

The chosen solution with a front-mid engine plus transaxle configuration ensures an ideal front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent. Mounting the engine behind the front axle has created the ideal conditions for consummate driving dynamics with precise steering, first-class agility, low inertia with spontaneous directional changes and outstanding traction. The commitment of Mercedes-Benz and AMG to building an alluring 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 function 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.

Wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers at the front and rear are made entirely from forged aluminium – substantially reducing the unsprung masses; this configuration also notably improves the suspension response. 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. 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 11.5 degrees significantly increases negative wheel camber when cornering and also improves tyre grip – this also ensures outstanding stability when braking heavily while cornering.

Direct steering, differential lock and 3-stage ESP®

The rack-and-pinion steering gear provides a consistently direct steering feel with a constant mechanical ratio of 13.6:1, in tune with the high expectations placed on a super sports car. The power steering provides speed-sensitive assistance and improves the feedback for the driver as the road speed increases: an indispensable factor for high-speed straight-line driving. Mounting the steering gear in front of the engine on the integral subframe enables the engine to be set down very low. The ’Gullwing’ comes with 3-stage ESP® as standard, providing the driver with access to the three “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF” modes at the push of a button. The result is even more driving pleasure without compromising active safety at all. In “ESP OFF” mode too, operating the brake pedal restores all the normal ESP® functions.

The system’s traction logic of the acceleration skid control system (ASR) is active in all three ESP®modes. If one of the drive wheels starts to spin, specific brake pressure is applied to improve traction notably – especially in conjunction with the standard-fit mechanical multi-disc limited-slip differential. This means that the engine power is transferred to the road even more effectively when driving in a particularly dynamic style.

Ceramic composite brakes, innovative flow-forming wheels

The AMGhigh-performance braking system with composite brake discs at the front ensures extremely short stopping distances even under enormous loads. The newly developed, optional ceramic composite brakes with larger brake discs guarantee even better brake performance. The ceramic brake discs will perform reliably at even higher operating temperatures thanks to their greater hardness, all combined with an impressive weight reduction of around 40 percent. Reducing the unsprung masses has further optimised the handling of the ’Gullwing’ – which pays dividends particularly when tackling fast bends on motorways.

Lightweight construction was also key when it came to the wheels: weight-optimised AMG light-alloy wheels – 9.5 x 19 inch (front) and 11.0 x 20 inch (rear) – based on the innovative flow-forming principle reduce the unsprung masses while increasing driving dynamics and suspension comfort. In addition to the standard-fit AMG 7-spoke light-alloy wheels, 5-twin-spoke wheels and 10-spoke forged wheels are available as an option. 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tyres developed exclusively for the SLS AMG ensure optimum performance. A tyre pressure monitoring system is fitted as standard to permanently monitor tyre pressure in all four wheels; individual tyres are shown on the display.

The reinterpretation of the legendary ’Gullwing’ is scheduled to be launched in spring 2010. The sales price is EUR 177,310 (incl. 19% VAT).

The near-series Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS electric car combines environment-friendly electric mobility in the city with unrestricted suitability for long-distance driving. This is made possible by the combination of the battery-electric drive with a combustion engine. The range extender gives the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS a total range of up to 600 kilometres, with 100 kilometres thereof solely under electric power and thus free of local emissions.

The BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS is part of a family of modularly constructed electric cars, which will enable Mercedes-Benz to meet all customer requirements for sustainable mobility in the future. In this variant of the concept vehicle, the electric motor of the purely battery-powered BlueZERO E-CELL is combined with an additional three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine. Putting out 50 kW, the compact combustion engine is installed in the area of the rear axle and can charge the battery while the car is being driven. The CO2 bonus for the battery-electric driving mode reduces the vehicle’s emissions to only 32 grams of CO2 per kilometre. The range extender enables the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS to drive for up to 600 km, of which up to 100 km can be driven in electric mode with zero local emissions. The long combined range makes the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS fully suitable for everyday use and assures that the customer will reach his or her destination even with a depleted battery. After all, the car can be refuelled quickly and easily at any normal filling station.

Battery with superior lithium-ion technology

During rapid charging with a charging capacity of 20 kW, the high-performance, 18 kWh lithium-ion battery of the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS can store enough power within around 30 minutes for a 50 kilometre cruising range. The complete electric range of 100 kilometres requires a charging time of somewhat more than an hour. Charging time with a standard charge cycle at a conventional household outlet with 3,3 kW is approximately 6 hours. Special on-board electronics support the intelligent charging stations and billing systems used by electric fuelling stations. Advantages of lithium-ion batteries compared to other battery technologies include their compact dimensions, high output and energy density, high charge efficiency and long service life.

Concept BlueZERO – the triad of electric mobility

Mercedes-Benz is showing the way to environmentally compatible electric mobility with the near-series Concept BlueZERO. The vehicle’s intelligent modular concept enables a single vehicle architecture to be used to create three models with different drive system configurations.

• The BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS is equipped with an electric drive and a supplemental combustion engine with an electrical generator (range extender). The car has a total range of up to 600 kilometres, of which up to 100 kilometres can be covered solely on electricity.
• Originally presented in Detroit at the beginning of the year, the BlueZERO E‑CELL is propelled exclusively by a battery-powered electric drive that allows the car to travel up to 200 kilometres on a single battery charge and completely free of local emissions.
• The third drive version is the fuel cell powered BlueZERO F-CELL, with a range of about 400 km on electric power and therefore also without any local emissions.

All three BlueZERO models feature front-wheel drive, which is typical for this class of car. The drive components have been modularly organised by the Mercedes engineers and can be combined as needed. These include state-of-the-art liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries with up to 35 kWh capacity, and a compact electric motor with a maximum output of 100 kW (sustained output: 70 kW). The maximum torque of 320 Nm is available from the electric motor’s first revolution, and it surpasses the value attained by today’s V6 petrol engines at 2,500 rpm. Like its two sister models, the BlueZERO E-CELL and the BlueZERO F-CELL, the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than eleven seconds. To ensure optimum range and energy efficiency, the top speed is electronically limited to 150 km/h.

“The Concept BlueZERO offers a triple demonstration of the technical maturity of alternative drive systems from Mercedes-Benz. Electric vehicles with battery electric or fuel cell drive systems will not truly be on an equal footing with today’s combustion engine drive systems until the customers are confident that there is a sufficient infrastructure of electricity and hydrogen refuelling stations,” says Prof. Herbert Kohler, Head of E-Drive and Future Mobility and also Chief Environmental Officer at Daimler.

Concept BlueZERO: Modular architecture for flexibility and efficiency

The three BlueZERO variants were developed on the basis of the unique sandwich-floor architecture known from the A-Class and B-Class. The advantage of the enhanced design is that the key drive components are installed in the vehicle’s underbody in such a way that they take up little space, ensure a good centre of gravity, and are maximally protected. The BlueZERO models therefore differ considerably from conventionally designed electric cars, which have heavy and voluminous storage batteries installed in the boot, for example, or in the area of the backseat. All three BlueZERO variants share key technological components and have identical designs and vehicle dimensions. Even though they have compact exterior dimensions, the 4.22-meter-long BlueZERO models have a spacious and versatile interior and cargo space. The vehicles’ five full-size seats, approximately 450 kilograms of payload, and more than 500 litres of cargo capacity make them suitable family cars.

“Our modular system permits different drive configurations for each customer requirement,” says Dr. Thomas Weber, the Daimler Board of Management Member responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. “The improved sandwich floor platform serves as the perfect basis for a diverse range of vehicles with electric drives. We are currently developing an additional platform for future compact models that have drive systems using optimized internal combustion engines. The smart linking of both architectures will allow us to expand our product range in an extremely flexible and efficient manner. Beginning in 2009, we will manufacture the first small batch of Mercedes fuel cell cars. In 2010, they will be followed by a small batch of Mercedes-Benz vehicles that run solely on electric power supplied by a battery. Thanks to these measures, we are excellently positioned for the future.”

Electric powered vehicles are fun to drive

Mercedes-Benz vehicles will continue to combine environmental awareness and driving fun in future. One way in which the Mercedes-Benz designers have emphasised this aspiration is by introducing paint finishes in three new ALU-BEAM colours. Each of the three variants makes its individual mark: Confident ALU-BEAM Copper was chosen for the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS. The BlueZERO E-CELL is painted a fresh ALU-BEAM yellow; the BlueZERO F-CELL appears in ALU-BEAM green.

Mercedes-Benz feels it won’t be just one technology that paves the way to sustainable mobility in the future, however. Instead the company is responding with solutions that are every bit as varied as the demands. The individual technologies are being used in specific applications where they can provide the greatest advantage with respect to optimal consumption and emission values. Mercedes-Benz views the development of electric cars with battery and fuel cell drives for local zero-emission driving as a means of supplementing the extremely clean and economical BlueEFFICIENCY and hybrid vehicles already available today. However, the unrestricted and convenient operation of electric cars still faces a series of challenges, including high system costs, insufficient infrastructure and short cruising ranges. Advanced diesel and petrol engines will remain the driving force for automobiles for a long time to come – not only for individual mobility in passenger cars (especially over long distances), but, more importantly, for freight transport in trucks.

Despite all the progress that Mercedes-Benz has once again so emphatically documented with the Concept BlueZERO, electric cars will not be replacing vehicles with combustion engines any time soon. The electrification of modern, high-tech engines will, however, play an increasingly important role in the drive system mix of the future.

While one car boasts outstanding driving performance and high fuel efficiency, the other offers high fuel efficiency and good handling. What is the difference between the two? The sporty handling dynamics set the tone in the all-wheel drive GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: The modern, four-cylinder diesel with 150 kW (204 hp) and an impressive 500 Nm of torque guarantees top acceleration and flexibility. In fact, this model has the most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine in the SUV world. The rear-wheel drive GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with the familiar 125 kW (170 hp) diesel engine, on the other hand, impresses with even better fuel economy (consumption as low as 6.0 l/100 km) while at the
same time delivering great performance.

The new models underscore the leading position of the distinctive yet compact GLK. Whereas the GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC featuring permanently engaged all-wheel drive, 7G-TRONIC transmission and the segment’s most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine augments the world of top-of-the-range compact SUVs, the GLK 220 CDI with rear-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission offers maximum fuel economy. It consumes only between 6.0 and 6.4 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres and combines these low consumption values with good performance. The rear-wheel drive vehicle accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 205 km/h. The GLK 250 CDI4MATIC completes the sprint to the 100 km/h mark in 7.9 seconds and doesn’t stop accelerating until reaching 213 km/h. This sports car-like performance does not come at the typical cost of higher consumption. The diesel consumes only 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres on average.

GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC: The fun yet frugal power SUV

The GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY brings the world’s most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine for an SUV to the Mercedes-Benz range. The new 2143 cc diesel engine with direct fuel injection produces 150 kW/204 hp and 500 Nm of torque in the GLK for outstanding performance. Just as impressive as the sprint times and the top speed is the GLK’s top-gear acceleration. Thanks to its high torque, which is already present at 1600 rpm, the GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC accelerates powerfully when overtaking, requiring only 7.0 seconds for the sprint from 80 to 120 km/h. In spite of its great performance, this GLK model is very economical to drive, consuming only 6.7 litres of diesel fuel on average per 100 kilometres (combined NEDC consumption, preliminary value). This makes the GLK significantly more fuel efficient than comparable models in this performance class. The vehicle produces CO2 emissions of 176 grams per kilometre.Furthermore, it not only meets the EU5 emissions standard but also has the potential to fulfil the EU6 limits as well as the BIN 5 requirements in the USA.

Diesel engine with advanced common-rail technology

One of the hallmarks of the new diesel engine in the GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY is the increased maximum rail pressure of 2000 bar. This increase in pressure potential is a prerequisite for increasing engine output and torque while at the same time significantly reducing untreated emissions. Newly developed piezo injectors take advantage of the fact that piezoceramics change their crystal structure – and therefore their thickness – in a matter of nanoseconds (one nanosecond = one billionth of a second) when electrical voltage is applied. The new injectors are equipped with a stack of thin piezoceramic layers (called the “piezo stack”) to enable them to achieve a sufficient overall stroke from the very small stroke per layer. The injector needle is actuated directly, so that the fuel injection can be adjusted even more precisely in line with the current load and engine speed situation. Another key factor behind the low emissions, low fuel consumption at full load and peak output is the ignition pressure of 200 bars, which puts the four-cylinder diesel at the head of the field when it comes to diesel engines for passenger vehicles.

A two-stage supercharging system comprising a small high-pressure (HP) turbocharger and a large low-pressure (LP) turbocharger ensures that the optimum charging pressure is always available. The two turbochargers are connected in series, and each has a turbine and a compressor driven by this turbine for the combustion air. The HP turbine is located directly at the exhaust manifold and initially allows exhaust gas to flow through it, causing it to rotate at up to 215,000 revolutions per minute. The HP turbine housing features an integral bypass duct, which can be opened or closed by means of a wastegate triggered by a vacuum unit. If the flap is closed, the entire exhaust stream flows through the HP turbine so that the exhaust gas energy is initially available to drive the HP turbine. This allows the optimal boost pressure to be developed even at low engine speeds. As the engine speed increases, the wastegate opens, distributing the exhaust gas energy to the turbines with optimum efficiency. Downstream of the HP turbine, the two exhaust gas streams reconverge, and the remaining exhaust gas energy drives the LP turbine at a maximum speed of up to 185,000 revolutions per minute. At intermediate engine speeds, the wastegate of the HP turbine is opened so wide that the HP turbine ceases to perform any appreciable work. This allows the full exhaust gas energy to be directed with low losses into the LP turbine, which then does all of the turbine work.

The two compressors are likewise connected in series and are in addition connected to a bypass duct. The combustion air from the air filter first flows through the low-pressure compressor, where it is compressed as a function of the LP turbine’s driving power. The compressed air then flows into the high-pressure compressor, which is coupled to the HP turbine, where it undergoes further compression for a genuine two-stage supercharging process.

The key benefit of this intelligent, on-demand control is the improved cylinder charging and, consequently, high torque even at low engine speeds. What’s more, fuel consumption is reduced. During normal operation, the advantages of this concept can be seen in the harmonious driving characteristics with no turbo lag, a good torque curve across the entire engine speed range, spontaneous throttle response and noticeably improved performance. As a logical supplement to the turbocharger system, Mercedes-Benz installs a larger intercooler that reduces the temperature of the compressed and heated air by as much as 140 degrees Celsius so that a larger volume of air can enter the combustion chambers.
The newly developed exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR valve) works like a rotary disc valve and precisely controls the quantity of fresh air and recirculated exhaust air to effectively reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides.

Sacrifice without detriment: The GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with rear-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission

The powerful, yet economical four-cylinder diesel engine in the GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is another unit from this same generation of engines. It produces 125 kw/170 hp and, depending on the equipment level, consumes only between 6.0 and 6.4 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (combined NEDC consumption, preliminary value). CO2 emissions are from 158 to 168 grams per kilometre. Not only does it meet the current EU5 emissions standard, this version also has the potential to fulfil the EU6 limits as well as the BIN 5 requirements in the USA.
In combination with a tried and tested six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, the engine of the GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY exudes a lot of power and responds to the driver’s commands with a great deal of agility. It boasts good pulling power and, like the more powerful variant, is extremely smooth running for a four-cylinder diesel engine. In addition to good performance, the engine generates an impressive torque at low engine speeds: Peak torque of 400 Nm is available over a wide rev range from 1400 to 2800 rpm, making it possible to drive very fuel efficiently at low engine speeds in everyday driving situations. The rear-wheel drive vehicle sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 205 km/h.

The GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is also available with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission as an option.

BlueEFFICIENCY: Efficient measures for reducing fuel consumption

Like all BlueEFFICIENCY models from Mercedes-Benz, the two new GLK models also feature an extensive package of measures that help to reduce fuel consumption. Measures besides the diesel engine with direct injection and the low-friction powertrain include weight savings achieved through the use of high strength and ultra high strength steels in the bodyshell and weight-optimised alloy wheels. Aerodynamic side mirrors and underbody panels lower the air resistance, and newly developed 235/60 R 17 V tyres reduce rolling resistance. A regulated fuel pump and the energy-saving electric power steering system further reduce the GLK’s fuel consumption. Thanks to a fuel-consumption computer and a display showing current fuel consumption, GLK drivers can check their fuel consumption at any time and adjust their driving behaviour accordingly.

New equipment details for the new model year

New equipment options are available for the distinctive compact SUV. These include convenience features such as KEYLESS GO or – in combination with the COMAND APS multimedia system – a reversing camera with static help lines that make it easier to manoeuvre in tight quarters. Effective immediately, all COMAND infotainment systems are able to receive digital radio (DAB). Passive safety was further improved by the standard pelvisbag*, which provide additional protection to the pelvis in the event of a collision. The crash-responsive exit assistant is a new function of the Memory equipment package that makes it easier to exit the vehicle after an accident by automatically moving the power-adjustable steering wheel to its highest position. The optional Intelligent Light System (ILS) now includes LED* daytime running lights, and 19 inch winter wheels have been added to the portfolio for the coming cold season.

Customers can choose ARTICO, a particularly robust, yet breathable synthetic leather for the interior of the GLKs.Also available is the luxurious designo line of two-colour leather appointments in black/light brown and black/corteccia. A steering wheel covered in easy-to-grip nappa leather* is standard in all models.

Drivers with sporting ambitions can select EXTERIEUR*, a new AMG sports package based on the existing sports package. The scope of supply includes, in addition to the standard sports package, AMG-specific front and rear aprons with optical underbody protection in chrome, body-colour side skirts, a radiator grille with two smooth chrome louvers, a chrome rub strip and 20 inch, twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels asymmetrically shod with 235/45 R20 tyres up front and 255/40 R20 tyres in the rear.

The Australian market has just received a special edition of the Mercedes Benz C63 AMG. Although it may look like the standard offering from the outside, officials claim that it is far from ordinary. Now the C63 is an incredible vehicle in showroom trim, with its boxed fenders and hand built power plant in between the redesigned strut towers, however this limited run of only 63 units adds a little bit more mechanicals into the mix as well as a dash of high end styling.

The Mercedes C63 AMG Edition 63 is powered by the same 6.2 liter V8 engine developing a maximum output of 450 HP and 442 lb-ft of torque which allows the baby Benz to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in just 4.5 seconds, an impressive feat for any four door sedan. However that is where the similarities end.

The Edition 63 C63 is easily recognized by a pair of matching black stripes left by the soft rubber wrapped around the new 19 inch AMG multi-spoke light weight alloy wheels whenever the gas pedal is put all the way to the floor. Thanks to the new AMG rear locking differential one tire fires and peg legged burn outs will be a thing of the past. The special edition comes with a choice of two designo metallic paint colors that are exclusive to this model as well as the option of designo magno matte paint in allanite grey, illuminated door sills and some high class comfort features.

From November 2009, Mercedes-Benz is launching the Estate version as another highly distinctive member of the E-Class family. Like the Saloon and Coupé, the Estate, which is available now, combines unique design with leadership in safety, comfort, quality and practicality. The new E-Class marks the debut of a number of technical innovations which no other car in the world in this category is able to offer – from drowsiness detection to automatic emergency braking when an accident is recognised as imminent, and from Adaptive Highbeam Assist to the Active Bonnet. Naturally the Estate also features all these innovations. Plus air suspension with self-levelling at the rear as standard and unique new load compartment management features.

The E-Class Estate is seen as the progenitor of the premium lifestyle estate segment more than 30 years ago. Since the launch of the first Estate in 1977, more than one million customers have discovered their enthusiasm for this most practical way of driving a Mercedes luxury car. This success story is set to be continued by the fifth generation of the E-Class Estate – following up on the successful launch of the Saloon. Only introduced in Europein spring 2009, the E‑Class Saloon had already achieved world-wide market leadership in its segment by May 2009. Some 40,000 new E-Class models have now been delivered to customers.

The performance of the Saloon and Coupé in the 2009 AutoBild Design Awards shows how well the striking lines of the E-Class have been received: more than 100,000 readers of this German motoring publication recently voted the four-door model the most beautiful car in the world, and gave the two-door model first place in the Coupé/Cabriolet category.

Design: new Mercedes hallmarks combined with E-Class styling features

The new Estate immediately makes an athletic and practical, but also effortlessly superior and safe impression. Its distinctive design character is based on the new Mercedes style, which had its debut in the S-Class and is now also represented in the C-Class. One of its main features is the interplay between concave and taut surfaces, which are delimited by dynamic edges and structured contours.

The side view reveals many new elements, leaving no doubt about the identity of the new Estate. The B- and C-pillars appear to merge into the background thanks to glossy, black trim panels, making the entire side window area look like a single entity. This leads to a taut arch leading from the filigree A-pillar to the dramatic roof line and the downward-tapering D-pillar, all resting on the athletic shoulder line of the Estate. The intriguing design of the door sill panels, which are visually understated in the centre but feature a prominent light-catching contour towards the wheel arches, accentuates the dramatic overall effect of the side aspect. This is additionally emphasised by the muscular, sweeping line on the rear side panel in front of the rear wheel.

When shaping the rear end, the Mercedes designers took care to give expression to the high practicality of the new model. They did this by emphasising horizontal lines, for example the band formed by the tail lights and the chromed tailgate handle. The new LED tail lights are based on a two-piece design, and create a visual continuation of the side wall into the tailgate. Both by day and night, their distinctive design is a major recognition factor for the E-Class Estate. This is the largest estate car in the premium segment, and it makes no secret of the fact.

Practicality: top marks for load capacity and ease of operation

One particularly special feature of the load compartment management system is the option of opening the standard-fit EASY-PACK tailgate automatically by using the ignition key or pressing the handle if the car needs to be loaded from behind. The innovative “quickfold” system enables the rear seat backrests to be folded down from the load compartment. Neither the head restraints nor the rear-seat cushions need to be adjusted beforehand in order to be able to do this. The two backrest sections are unlocked and folded down by a cable pull, creating a level loading surface. As another useful feature, either the left or right backrest sections, or both together, can be folded down. This enables the rear seat unit to be used by passengers even when long and bulky items are being carried. The backrest sections can also be unlocked and folded down from the side.

It is now also much easier to use the combined luggage compartment cover and retaining net, which is attached at beltline level for the first time, making it far simpler to install and remove in various positions.

With a load capacity of up to 1950 litres, the new E-Class Estate (length/width/ height: 4895/1854/1471 millimetres) sets the standard in its class. Apart from the load compartment capacity itself, other dimensions of great practical importance – such as the rear aperture, load compartment sill and maximum load compartment length – demonstrate the expertise of Mercedes-Benz when it comes to estate car engineering.

It is not only in the load compartment that the generous dimensions of the preceding model have been improved even further in many respects. Two examples in the interior illustrate this: the elbow width in the rear has been increased by 50 millimetres to 1505 millimetres. Rear headroom with the large tilting/sliding sunroof installed has also improved by 50 millimetres to 1010 millimetres, and is almost as generous as in versions with no sunroof (1012 mm).

An exemplary load management system is specified as standard. For example, the automatically opening and closing EASY-PACK tailgate with automatic raising of the load compartment cover, or the EASY-PACK folding load compartment floor. The latter considerably increases the usable height of the load compartment. It can be folded up and secured in various positions. Standard equipment also includes the EASY-PACK load compartment cover with a load securing net. When extended, the load compartment cover can be hooked into electrically powered carriers on the D-pillars. When the tailgate is opened, the load compartment cover is automatically raised to allow unobstructed loading and unloading. The optional folding bench seat for the load compartment is also unique in this vehicle segment.

Safety: nine airbags as standard, plus innovative driver assistance systems

Mercedes-Benz has consolidated its leadership in safety even further with the new E-Class. Around one dozen new or modified driver assistance systems help to prevent road accidents or at least reduce the severity of the impact. These include the standard ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, the optional DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control and the optional PRE-SAFE® Brake, which is able to initiate partial and full emergency braking autonomously. For the first time, PRE-SAFE® is also able to use only the information received from the short-range sensors in the front bumper to tension the front seat belts at the last moment before an accident recognised as unavoidable, thereby reducing the loads exerted on the driver and front passenger during the crash.

With nine airbags fitted as standard, four belt tensioners and belt force limiters, and NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints for the driver and front passenger, the new E-Class offers an even more extensive package of safety equipment than its predecessor. The airbags, which can deploy in a matter of milliseconds in the event of an accident, include two adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag for the driver, two sidebags in the front-seat backrests and two large windowbags which extend from the A-pillar to the C‑pillar during a side impact. Pelvisbags for the front occupants are also included for the first time. These reduce the loads acting on the torso and pelvic area during a lateral collision.

Sidebags for the rear seat passengers can also be installed as optional extras. As a further safety innovation, Mercedes-Benz also offers optional, self-adaptive belt force limiters for the rear. These adjust to the size and weight of the passengers, and also become available for the Saloon with the introduction of the Estate.

Suspension: automatic self-levelling at the rear as standard

Outstanding comfort on long journeys in the Estate is ensured by the newly developed DIRECT CONTROL suspension, which features the adaptive damping system as standard. The likewise standard self-levelling rear suspension sees to it that the Estate always remains at the same level, even when fully laden. The Estate’s suspension setup has also been adapted to suit the modified body geometry, with slightly stiffer shock absorber settings and torsion bar stabilisers, making the Estate just as agile as the Saloon without having to make compromises in terms of road roar and tyre vibration characteristics.

Engines: considerable reduction in fuel consumption and emissions

The fuel consumption and emissions of the new Estate have been considerably reduced by new engines and numerous optimisation measures (aerodynamics, weight, energy management, reduced resistances). One prime example is the E 250 CDI with an output of 150 kW and a peak torque of 500 Nm, whose fuel consumption is only 5.7 litres per 100 km, with CO2 emissions of 150 g per km.

The engine line-up available for the new Estate at launch comprises five units developing between 125 kW/170 hp and 285 kW/388 hp. Though with a lower displacement, the new and modified engines generate more output than their predecessors, while impressing with fuel consumption figures that were previously only found in the compact class. This was made possible by numerous innovations, for example spray-guided direct injection for the E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY petrol model. The four-cylinder CDI engines partly owe their exceptional status to newly developed piezo injectors and two-stage turbocharging. All the powerplants meet the requirements of the EU5 emission standard. The E-Class Estate can be ordered now. All of the engines available at launch, the accompanying transmissions installed as standard and the basic prices at a glance:

Diesel

• E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 2143 cc, 125 kW/170 hp, 5.7-5.8 l per 100 km, CO2 150-153 g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from € 44,803.50
• E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 2143 cc, 150 kW/204 hp, 5.7-5.8 l/100 km, CO2 150-153 g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from € 47,719
• E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: V6, 2987 cc, 170 kW/231 hp, 7.0-7.3 l/100 km, CO2 185-192 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from € 54,204.50

Petrol

• E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: V6, 3498 cc, 215 kW/292 hp, 8.6–8.9 l/100 km, CO2 200-208 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from € 55,156.50
• E 500: V8, 5461 cc, 285 kW/388 hp, 11.1–11.2 l/100 km, CO2 258-260 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from € 70,150.50

The following additional models are available from the first quarter of 2010 onwards:

Diesel

• E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 2143 cc, 100 kW/136 hp, 5.7* l/100 km, CO2 150* g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from € 41,947.50
• E 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: V6, 2987 cc, 170 kW/231 hp, 7.6–7.7 l/100 km, CO2 200-203 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from € 56,941.50

Petrol

• E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 1796 cc, 135 kW/183 hp, 7.7* l/100 km, CO2 179* g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from € 42,721
• E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 1796 cc, 150 kW/204 hp, 8.0-8.2 l/100 km, CO2 185-191 g/km, 5-speed automatic transmission, from € 47,719
• E 350 4MATIC: V6, 3498 cc, 200 kW/272 hp, 10.2-10.3 l/100 km, CO2 238-241 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from € 56,941.50

AMG is kicking off the new 2009 motoring season with a new dynamism: shortly after the launch of the new E-Class, the high-performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars is presenting the new E 63 AMG. This dynamic sports saloon with day-to-day suitability impresses with outstanding performance, thrilling handling characteristics and a technology transfer from the SL 63 AMG high-performance Roadster.

The new E 63 AMG distinguishes itself from the regular Mercedes-Benz E-Class models with a completely newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping and a new front axle, and with its autonomous exterior and interior design. At the same time Mercedes-AMG has achieved a reduction in fuel consumption by almost twelve percent for the new E 63 AMG, thanks to the concerted use of fuel efficiency measures. With its unique combination of pioneering driver assistance systems, the E 63 AMG further consolidates the brand’s leading position in the field of automotive safety.

The AMG 6.3-litre V8-engine in the new E 63 AMGdevelops an output of 386 kW/525 hp and a torque of 630 Newton metres, matching the outstanding fugures for the SL 63 AMG. The high-performance Roadster has also donated its AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission to the new model. This transmission dispenses with a conventional torque converter and uses a compact, wet start-up clutch. In conjunction with the four individual driving modes, the throttle-blipping and RACESTART functions, the resulting, direct connection to the powertrain allows an extremely emotional and highly dynamic driving experience.

The drive unit is unique in this segment, and ensures decidedly sporty per-formance figures: the E 63 AMGaccelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). The fast-revving, naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 6208 cc impresses with its agile responsiveness, muscular power delivery and great flexibility. The newly composed AMGV8 sound is a thrilling accompaniment for mile after mile, while the smooth-running engine guarantees typical Mercedes long-distance comfort. A newly designed water cooling system ensures maximum endurance even under the enormous dynamic stresses of the racetrack.

Fuel consumption cut by almost twelve per cent

Despite 8 kW/11 hp of additional output versus the preceding model, the fuel consumption of the new E 63 AMG has been significantly reduced: at 12.6 litres of super-premium grade petrol per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined consumption, provisional figure), the fuel consumption of the E 63 AMGis almost twelve percent lower than before, and leads the field among sports saloons developing more than 377 kW/500 hp. This progress has been made possible by a package of efficiency-enhancing measures. These include on-demand delivery of fuel and generator management with recuperation of braking energy on the overrun, both of which are standard in the new E 63 AMG. In-engine friction is also reduced by the AMG-exclusive twin-wire arc spray coating process used on the cylinder walls.

The AMGSPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission also makes a decisive contribution to fuel economy: a wet start-up clutch running in an oil bath replaces the previous torque converter. This unit responds extremely rapidly, dynamically and without the losses typical of a torque converter transmission thanks to its low rotational inertia. The transmission is equipped with four driving modes: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual), which can be selected using a rotary electronic switch in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Partial suppression of individual cylinders by interrupting ignition and injection during gearshifts under full load leads to considerably faster shift times. In M mode the AMGSPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission allows gearshifts to be performed in 100 milliseconds.

In the even more fuel-efficient driving mode Controlled Efficiency, the transmission shifts the gears decidedly smoothly, and the transmission control unit is programmed to perform early upshifts to keep engine speeds as low as possible. At the same time the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission met the most demanding requirements where driving dynamics are concerned: fast and precise multiple downshifts ensure first-class agility in conjunction with the automatic throttle-blipping and RACE START function: this enables the E 63 AMG driver to call on the maximum acceleration potential automatically.

Electronically controlled damping system and a new front axle Sporty or more comfort-oriented? The driver of the new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG is not obliged to accept any compromises in this respect. The AMGRIDE CONTROL sports suspension copes equally well with the agile manoeuvres of the racetrack and more comfortable, sedate driving. High performance and typical Mercedes long-distance comfort go together as an extraordinary synthesis in the E 63 AMG. This is made possible by the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension. While new steel spring struts are used on the front axle, the rear suspension features AMG-specific air springs. The advantage of this solution, which is exclusive to AMG, is that the front spring struts ensure more sensitive responses while the rear air struts with their automatic level control system keep the vehicle at a constant height irrespective of the load.

A new, electronically controlled damping system automatically varies the damping characteristics according to the driving situation, reducing the roll angle of the body. The result is instant adjustment to provide the best possible ride comfort together with the greatest possible agility. In addition the driver is able to choose between the three suspension modes of Comfort, Sport and Sport plus at the touch of a button. The E 63 AMG is also equipped with a newly developed, dedicated front axle with a 56-millimetre wider track, a tubular stabiliser, new control arms, new wheel bearings, new elastokinematics and new wheel location for more negative camber – thereby providing more grip when taking bends at speed. The AMG-specific kinematics also ensures significantly more precision. This is a highly sophisticated axle design whose principle has already proved its worth in the C 63 AMG. The rear axle likewise has more negative camber, optimised elastokinematics and a new subframe mounting for greater stability at the physical limits.

Newly developed power steering and individual 3-stage ESP®

For more direct responsiveness, the speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering is also a new development. The steering ratio of 14 : 1 is 22 percent more direct than in the standard production models, while a more rigid steering column plus the reconfigured characteristic mapping of the speed-sensitive servo assistance ensure better steering precision and improved road contact.

The 3-stage ESP® familiar from the SL 63 AMG and C 63 AMG enables individual settings to be selected – with clear benefits in terms of driving pleasure combined with the same, high level of handling safety. The ESP® key in the AMG DRIVE UNIT allows the driver to choose between “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF” – with the currently active mode shown in the central display of the AMGinstrument cluster. Perfect deceleration even when driving extremely briskly is ensured by the AMGhigh-performance braking system with 360-millimetre, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round. Particularly resistant, motorsports-tested composite technology is used at the front axle. Outstanding grip is ensured by the 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with a width of nine and 9.5 inches and mixed tyre sizes of 255/40 R 18 at the front and 285/35 R 18 at the rear.

Decidedly dynamic interior and exterior

The decidedly dynamic design of the E 63 AMGis fully in keeping with the uncompromisingly sporty technology. The front aspect is characterised by 17‑millimetre wider wings bearing “6.3 AMG” lettering, the new AMG front apron with large intake air apertures and the AMG-specific daytime driving lights in LED technology. In conjunction with the optional Intelligent Light System, the E 63 AMG is equipped with tinted main headlamps. The striking visual presence is further enhanced by the AMG side skirts and AMGrear apron with a black diffuser insert. As a hallmark of the brand, the AMG sports exhaust system has two newly designed, chrome-plated twin tailpipes.

The newly designed interior of the E 63 AMGis an exciting blend of high-grade materials and functional sportiness. Exclusive features include the dedicated, electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with improved lateral support and the AMG sports steering wheel in a four-spoke design with AMG shift paddles. As a completely new feature exclusive to the E 63 AMG, the AMG selector lever has one-touch logic. Directly adjacent to it in the centre console is the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which provides adjustments for the MCT sports transmission, the ESP functions, the suspension setup and the AMG driving modes. Standard equipment also includes high-grade leather upholstery in three different colours, the AMG instrument cluster with an AMG main menu, door entry sills with AMG lettering and a sports pedal cluster – both in brushed stainless steel.

Even more individuality with tailor-made AMG extras Customer requiring even more sporty individuality are catered for by the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO: the E 63 AMG can e.g. be dynamically enhanced even further ex factory, with the Performance Package. This includes the following:

• ightweight, forged 19-inch AMGlight-alloy wheels with size 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear
• AMGPerformance suspension with a stiffer setup
• AMGrear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
• AMGspoiler lip on the boot lid
• AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design

Optional extras from the AMGPERFORMANCE STUDIO are also individually available ex factory:

• Lightweight, forged 19-inch AMGlight-alloy wheels with size 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear
• AMGrear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
• AMGExterior Carbon package
• AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design
• AMGcarbon-fibre trim in the interior
• Illuminated AMGdoor entry sills
• AMGfloor mats

Active and passive safety at a new level

The top AMGmodel in the E-Class traditionally meets the very highest expectations with respect to active and passive safety. Naturally this also applies to the new E 63 AMG: standard features include the new drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the unique preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, Brake Assist PLUS, seven airbags and crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints. On request the safety features can be brought to a level unprecedented in this vehicle class with the Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist systems, the PRE-SAFE® Brake with an automatic braking function wich can bring the vehicle to a complete stop, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Night View Assist and Speed Limit Assist.

The market launch of the new E 63 AMG will commence in August 2009.

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Engine

Powerful power delivery, impressive pulling power, exhilarating agility – coupled with frugal fuel consumption. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in the new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG combines these apparently contradictory qualities. All thanks to an entire package of efficiency-enhancing measures.

With peak output of 386 kW/525 hp from a displacement of 6208 cc the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine ranks among the world’s most powerful standard-fit eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engines. The rated speed of 6800 rpm and the maximum engine speed of 7200 rpm are the hallmarks of this high-revving engine. But it also boasts enormous pulling power: developing 630 newton metres at 5200 rpm, the AMG V8 offers more torque than any other naturally aspirated engine in this displacement and performance class. High pulling power at low engine speeds, instant responsiveness and exhilarating high-revving flexibility are the strengths of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine unveiled in 2005.

With fuel consumption of 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres the new E 63 AMGbetters its predecessor by 1.7 l/100 km or 12 percent, despite the extra output of 8 kW/11 hp. As such, the new high-performance saloon leaves the competition standing. This significant reduction in fuel consumption comes courtesy of a wealth of innovative measures: the E 63 AMG is the first AMG model to feature alternator management with braking energy recovery as standard. The controlled fuel supply, friction-optimised twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating on the cylinder walls and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with the Controlled Efficiency consumption-optimised transmission mode and wet start-up clutch, which replaces the torque converter, (see page 15) are crucial elements in improving efficiency.

Recuperation: generating energy during braking

Alternator management on the new E 63 AMG takes advantage of the engine’s overrun phases and braking to recover kinetic energy. This energy is then used to charge the battery, rather than being wasted by simply generating heat. This recuperation assists the driver not only during braking action but also helps convert the braking energy into electrical energy. Conversely, the alternator is switched to no-load operation during acceleration, thus reducing the load on the engine. All of which saves fuel: some 0.15 litres per 100 kilometres as per NEDC ratings and up to 0.2 l/100 km on urban roads with frequent overrun and braking phases.

The twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating on the cylinder walls – used exclusively by AMG – produces outstanding low friction while reducing fuel consumption at the same time. The electronically controlled fuel supply works in the same way: depending on the power requirements and outside temperature, the system operates at a demand-actuated fuel pressure of between 3.6 and 4.5 bar and is regulated at lightning speed. The engine management system translates the command from the accelerator within milliseconds into the corresponding fuel pressure setting. Such control ensures rapid vehicle response and a sporty thrust across all load ranges and at all engine speeds.

Know-how from motor racing went into the design

In typical AMG fashion, the design of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine has been based closely on its motorsports counterparts. As customary with the thoroughbred racing engines, the AMG engineers opted for a closed-deck design with the crankcase made entirely out of aluminium for the eight-cylinder unit. To produce a crankcase with superb torsional stiffness, the bottom section of the crankcase has been designed as a bedplate. This produces a very stiff tunnel for the crankshaft which can easily withstand the high combustion pressures and reduces flow losses within the crankcase. The resulting improvement in mechanical efficiency helps reduce fuel consumption. An oil scavenger integrated into the bedplate reduces engine oil foaming.

The finely balanced crankshaft is designed for the highest stresses, consists of the high-quality forged steel alloy 42CRMo4V, rotates in five crankshaft bearings and features six counterweights for perfectly balanced masses. Torsional rigidity, long-term structural strength and inertia characteristics are also to the very highest standards. Two lightweight connecting rods forged by the cracking process are connected to each of the four crank pins. During this process, the utmost production precision is made possible by a predetermined breaking point created by a laser beam. Extremely close weight tolerances between the eight connecting rods are also ensured by precision machining. The same principle is also used for the cast, lightweight pistons. They are made from a durable high-temperature alloy. Pressure-controlled oil spray nozzles in the crankcase ensure optimal cooling of the highly stressed piston crowns.

Variable intake manifold with two internal throttle flaps

The aerodynamically designed intake system with large cross-sections and the variable intake manifold made of magnesium with two integrated throttle flaps ensure superlative cylinder charging. Its task is to ensure a strong torque curve by lengthening the airflow distance at low engine speeds. At higher engine speeds the intake manifold switches to short airflow distances to achieve a high peak performance. The two throttle flaps can be opened to their maximum in just 100 milliseconds at full throttle, and the driver perceives this as extraordinary responsiveness.

The Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG, the powerful top-of-the-line S-Class models, are now even more appealing: thanks to a series of subtle yet extremely effective fine-tuning measures, the two performance saloons are even more striking and priceless than ever before. The updated technology is aimed at ensuring a more dynamic driving experience as well as optimum active and passive safety.

Exclusivity and dynamism combined with effortless superiority and state-of-the-art technology – both of the top S-Class models from Mercedes-AMG embody all of these characteristics and more: the S 63 AMG, with its 386 kW/525 hp AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 630 Newton metres of torque, is capable of accelerating to a speed of 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The S 65 AMG, meanwhile, demonstrates even greater superiority: its AMG6.0-litre biturbo V12 engine delivers maximum power of 450 kW/612 hp and maximum torque of 1000 Newton metres, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. Both saloons are electronically limited to 250 km/h. Despite no changes having been made to the engine data and performance values, it has still been possible to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 3 percent.

Contributing to the even more exceptional status of the models is the new, more pronounced arrow-shaped radiator grille, featuring twin chrome-plated louvres in the case of the S 65 AMG. The new front apron incorporates striking, AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights and two transverse air outlets on each side. Further striking features include the “6.3 AMG” or “V12 Biturbo” lettering on the front wings and redesigned exterior mirrors.

Side sill panels emphasize the elegant line of the front apron through to the rear of the vehicle, where the new rear apron features yet another highlight: the centre section of the diffuser insert is now painted in the same colour as the vehicle body. New rear lamps with 52 LED’s in the form of a double “C” also give the S‑Class an unmistakable appearance from behind. A distinctive element of both models comes in the guise of the sports exhaust with two chromed twin tailpipes, featuring a V12 design in the case of the S 65 AMG. Visual aspects which distinguish the V8 from the V12 model also include the attractive AMG light alloy wheels: the S 63 AMGhas 19-inch multi-spoke wheels painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and fitted with 255/40 (front) and 275/40 (rear) tyres. The S 65 AMG, on the other hand, comes with 20-inch forged wheels painted in titanium grey with a mirror finish and fitted with 255/35 (front) and 275/35 (rear) tyres.

Crosswind stabilisation, Torque Vectoring Brake and Direct-Steer system

The AMGsports suspension based on Active Body Control (ABC) provides crosswind stabilisation as standard equipment for the first time: thanks to this function, influences caused by crosswinds are compensated for, or – in the case of strong gusts – reduced to a minimum. ABC compensates against the effect of crosswinds by adjusting the wheel load distribution within milliseconds, using the yaw-rate and lateral acceleration sensors of the ESP®Electronic Stability Program.

Also making up the standard equipment is the new Torque Vectoring Brake: when cornering, brief direct application of the brakes has an effect on the vehicle’s inner rear wheel so that the saloon corners precisely and under control at all times. The Torque Vectoring Brake is an additional feature of the ESP® Electronic Stability Program and not only improves responsiveness but also active handling safety, which is particularly noticeable in critical conditions. The driving experience is further heightened thanks to the Direct-Steer system: with its variable ratio depending on steering angle, it helps to ensure a more direct response when cornering, and therefore more responsive handling – in brief: enhanced driving pleasure at the wheel of the Mercedes-AMG S-Class.

Based on the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system, the high-performance braking system continues to provide optimum creep strength, deceleration and sensitivity. The front axle features a double floating brake calliper. This exclusive technology combines the advantages of a sliding-calliper disc brake – reduced heat transfer to the brake fluid and clear advantages in terms of comfort thanks to the brake lining guide mechanism – with the efficiency of an extra large fixed calliper brake.

Extensive range of standard equipment with exclusive flair

The interior appointments are every bit as exclusive as the high-tech package:

as soon as its door is opened, the S 65 AMG welcomes the driver with large, animated “AMGV12 BITURBO” lettering in the instrument cluster’s central display. The main menu provides the driver with information about engine oil temperature, current gear range, battery voltage, and the RACETIMER, which displays lap times when on the race track. In the case of the S 63 AMG, the extensive range of standard equipment includes not only PASSION leather appointments, with natural leather in the seat side bolsters, but also front sports seats with climate control, massage, multicontour and driving dynamics control functions. The Exclusive PASSION leather upholstery in the S 65 AMG, meanwhile, with its AMG V12 diamond pattern design, exudes an air of even greater refinement. Ample use of burr walnut trim elements and the AMG-specific analogue clock, featuring an IWC design, are a given in both models. Both the SPEEDSHIFT 7G‑TRONIC of the S 63 AMG, as well as the five-speed automatic SPEEDSHIFT transmission of the S 65 AMG, are fitted with DIRECT SELECT gearshift. Gear changes are carried out by means of aluminium shift paddles on the new AMG sports steering wheel.

New standards in active and passive safety

In addition, both of the top-of-the-line models set new standards when it comes to active and passive safety through a combination of innovative camera and radar-based driver assistance systems. These include the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and the PRE-SAFE®Brakes, which are linked to the proximity regulating radar and intervene independently in the event of an impending accident to act like an invisible crumple zone. The Night View Assist with infrared camera also features a novel pedestrian detection system. The pictures from the windscreen camera are also used by the new Speed Limit Assist, available as an option. The Brake Assist PLUS and DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control support the driver in the event of emergency braking. The PRE-SAFE® positioning function and NECK-PRO luxury head restraints are now also included as standard.

New infotainment systems, including COMAND APSwith new SPLITVIEW display, which shows different images for driver and front passenger simultaneously, enhance occupant comfort even further.

Exclusive optional extras are also available from the AMGPERFORMANCE STUDIO:

• AMG20-inch double-spoke forged wheels, painted in titanium grey with a mirror finish and fitted with 255/35 R 20 front and 275/30 R 20 rear tyres
• AMGtrim elements in carbon/piano lacquer
• AMGfloor mats

While the S 63 AMG is available in short or long-wheelbase versions, the S 65 AMG is only available as a long-wheelbase version. Both top-of-the-line AMG models will have their market launches from June 2009.

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Design and equipment

Dynamic, exclusive, self-confident and effortlessly superior – the new S-Class AMG models embody these attributes even more after the precise fine-tuning. Exterior and interior styling as well as the extensive standard-equipment package meet even the most discerning requirements. The first-class workmanship makes for a consummate feel-good atmosphere, while ensuring outstanding comfort on long journeys.

On the outside, the S 63 AMGinstantly makes a statement with its discreet yet consciously more distinctive styling. New-look headlamps with standard-fit bi-xenon technology fit in perfectly with the striking, AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights. The LEDs are housed in the large new-look AMG front apron with its large cooling air intakes; the front apron also provides an extra sporty touch with its transverse air intakes.

The AMG bodystyling also includes the decidedly sportily shaped side sill panels which continue the line of the front apron through to the rear apron. At the rear, the eye is drawn to the AMGsports exhaust system with its two sets of chromed twin tailpipes, as well as to the diffuser-look rear apron painted in the vehicle colour. New tail lights with 52 LEDs in the form of a double “C” also form an unmistakable light signature. From the side, the high-sheen 19-inch AMGfour-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey add another veritable highlight. They not only fit snugly inside the flared wings but also direct the eye to the large brake callipers of the AMG high-performance braking system. The “6.3 AMG” lettering on the front wing is unmistakable testimony to the dynamic character-istics of the performance saloon.

S 65 AMG with subtle yet effective distinguishing features

The S 65 AMGdiffers from the S 63 AMGwith its exclusive, more expressive radiator grille with three twin chromed louvres, the LED Light package including Intelligent Light System, the “V12 Biturbo” lettering on the front wings and with its 20-inch AMGtwin-spoke forged wheels painted titanium grey with a mirror finish. At the rear the connoisseur will recognise the S 65 AMGwith its two sets of chromed twin tailpipes featuring V12 styling of the AMGsports exhaust system and, of course, the model designation on the boot lid.

S 65 AMG impressively greets the driver

As soon as the driver’s door is opened, the driver is welcomed with the “AMG V12 BITURBO” start screen in the AMGinstrument cluster – a clear invitation to start the 450-kW/612-hp twelve-cylinder engine straightaway. But first why not savour the luxurious interior of the high-performance saloon with its first-class workmanship. Exquisite leather and select fine wood combine to provide the perfect feel-good atmosphere to guarantee consummate passenger comfort on long journeys.

The S 65 AMG features exquisite Exclusive PASSION leather as standard: leather appointments cover not only the lower and upper sections of the dashboard, the entire door trim, the seat side and seatback coverings but also the ruffled pockets and the parcel shelf. In addition, Alcantara adorns the roof liner and the A, B and C-pillars. The 12-way electrically adjustable AMGsports seats come with the Memory package, distinctive seat fluting and leather upholstery in the AMG V12 diamond pattern design, which also extends over the rear seats and all four door centre panels. The S 65 AMG comes as standard with the Seat Comfort package, which includes front active multicontour seats with massage and dynamic handling function and NECK-PRO luxury head restraints and rear multicontour seats with massage function. All seats feature active ventilation and heating as well as the PRE-SAFE® positioning function.

Standard equipment on the S 63 AMG includes 12-way electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with Memory package, Seat Comfort package with front active multicontour seats including massage and dynamic handling function, with seatheating and ventilation, PRE-SAFE® positioning function and NECK-PRO luxury head restraints. The PASSION leather upholstery boasts sporty, AMG-specific seat fluting and natural leather in the seat side bolsters.

The exclusive interior appointments on the S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG are available in three colour combinations: black/black, alpaca grey/basalt grey and cashmere beige/savanna beige. A selection of four wood trim finishes: dark eucalyptus wood (only S 63 AMG), dark burr walnut with a high-sheen finish, pale burr walnut with a high-sheen finish, and brown poplar (only S 65 AMG) provides ample opportunities for tailoring the vehicle to your own personal tastes.

The world’s first four-door Coupe, the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, is now even more distinguished and powerful with the introduction of the new Mercedes CLS Grand Edition. Only 560 units will be coming to the UK, with deliveries starting in July.

There is a choice of five colors, including, for the first time on the CLS, Palladium Silver.

For those customers who want an even more exclusive look there is also the option of the unique designo Palladium Silver Matt Paint, which is not only eye catching, but also highly scratch and dirt-resistant.

Since the CLS launched in 2005 over 14,500 units have been sold and the success story will gain a boost with the introduction of the Mercedes CLS Grand Edition. Features include stunning 18” AMG 5 spoke alloy wheels with a Titanium Grey finish, front grille louvers and headlamp housings in a Palladium silver matt finish and floor mats with Grand Edition Badging.

Diesel power accounts for over seventy per cent of CLS-Class sales in the UK and is the focus for this special edition as well. The Mercedes CLS Grand Edition boasts a power upgrade of 48 hp which takes the overall power of the CLS 350 CDI V6 to 272 hp. This twinned with a 50 Nm increase in torque has resulted in 0-62 mph being achieved in 6.5 seconds, an improvement of half a second, without any compromise to the combined fuel consumption of 37.2 mpg or CO2 emissions of 215 g/km.

Style and performance are important, but so is safety. In the Mercedes CLS Grand Edition the driver benefits from the Bi-Xenon Light Package as standard including the Cornering Light Function and the Active Light System. Cornering Light Function improves safety when driving slowly and on tight bends using the low beam headlamps and fog lights to illuminate the area to the side of the vehicle. The Active Light System improves road illumination in corners by up to 90% enabling the driver to see 25 meters further along an extended bend with a radius of 190 meters.

The Mercedes CLS Grand Edition offers more visual and design enhancements, even better performance and increased safety features from £48,445 on the road. This represents a price premium of just £2,495.00 over the standard CLS 350 CDI for £4636.60 worth of extra equipment, resulting in £2,141.60 of added value for the customer.

The special edition C Class also features Mercedes’ future technologies like AGILITY CONTROL, ADAPTIVE BRAKE, BlueEFFICIENCY and the Intelligent Light System. All of these features add up to a more refined driving experience giving the vehicle its own distinctively refine character. The BlueEFFICIENCY option adds an environmentally friendly power plant to the spec sheet, MB’s alternatively fueled turbo diesel engines have proven themselves time and time again to be both fuel efficient and extremely reliable. The Intelligent Light System adds bi-xenon headlamps with variable light distribution to the mix. PARKTRONIC provides Mercedes Benz drivers the safety and security of having an acoustic as well as optical warning when getting to close to immovable objects. Leave it to a company like Mercedes Benz to combine so much well thought out engineering with an elegant package filled with a myriad of lavish features as standard equipment.

Press release

For lovers of exclusive cars Mercedes-Benz is proud to announce the arrival of an eye-catching new version of the C-Class on the scene. The new Special Edition is set to draw admiring glances with its sporty, elegant design features, reserved for this model only, a high-quality interior plus some exciting technical highlights as part of the standard specification, including AGILITY CONTROL, ADAPTIVE BRAKE, BlueEFFICIENCY and the Intelligent Light System, ensuring that even the most discerning requirements are met for those looking for refinement, motoring pleasure and a car with a distinctive character.

The Special Edition is available as a saloon and an estate and with all the C-Class engines.

Sporty passion, exciting dynamism and effortlessly superior style – these are the distinguishing characteristics of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Special Edition. The striking C-Class design that has won a number of awards has now been given an even finer, and yet at the same time more sporty, air by Mercedes-Benz through the addition of some charismatic details. Playing a major role in the vehicle’s image are its darkened front headlamps with a dark cover frame, the new indium grey paintwork (obsidian black, palladium silver, iridium silver or calcite white are also available) and 17-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels with mixed-size tyres (235/60 R 17 at the front, 255/55 R 17 at the rear). As an alternative there are also 16-inch 7-spoke light-alloy wheels and 205/55 R17-size tyres all round.

The optical finesse of the exterior comes courtesy of touches such as shoulderline trim strips in polished aluminium, the finned radiator in brilliant silver matt with chrome highlights and an integrated star, 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.

Like the exterior, the interior is based on the AVANTGARDE design and equipment line. Its aesthetics have been streamlined and its sportiness sharpened through the inclusion of further high-quality materials and carefully coordinated details. An example of these stylish elements are the seats – exclusively manufactured for the Special Edition – made from black ARTICO man-made leather with Liverpool fabric in como beige. There is contrasting topstitching in comobeige embellishing the seats, centre armrest, door centre panel and floor mats, serving to underline the dynamic theme. The floor mats also bear the “Special Edition” lettering. Leather seats are available as an optional extra – also in two-tone variants featuring black/sahara beige or black/cognac brown.

Trim parts in brushed aluminium which have been designed exclusively for this C-Class Special Edition contrast with the interior in black and beige, creating an ambience full of soul. The standard specification includes armrests with a double cup holder and a stowage compartment at the front and rear, 1/3 : 2/3 folding rear seats with a through-loading feature, a luxury multifunction leather steering wheel with a 4.5 inch display in the instrument cluster that boasts three analogue round dials with tapered tube-style surrounds, not to mention a shift/selector lever in leather, plus seat heating.

The range of equipment includes some superb technical innovations such as AGILITY CONTROL, ADAPTIVE BRAKE and BlueEFFICIENCY, helping the C-Class to set standards in the compact premium-car segment. Also part of the standard specification on board the Special Edition is the Intelligent Light System featuring bi-xenon headlamps with variable light distribution, an active light function, dynamic headlamp range control plus a cornering light function that ensures optimum adaptation to the current visibility. Yet more comfort is afforded by PARKTRONIC with its acoustic and optical distance warning.

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Special Edition is available now in both saloon and estate guise with the entire engine line-up, including the redeveloped, especially powerful four-cylinder diesel engines which come complete with the assurance of their exemplary thriftiness and environmental compatibility. Indeed, it is thanks to them that Mercedes-Benz has achieved model status in this class where efficiency is concerned

Depending on which engine is ordered, the additional charge on the respective AVANTGARDE model in conjunction with the fabric/ARTICO man-made leather upholstery is between 2,689.40 and 3,879.40 euros (between 4,629.10 and 5819.10 euros in conjunction with leather upholstery) including German VAT.

The Mercedes Benz GLK looks like a miniature version of the German automaker’s mighty Geländewagen. The smaller crossover commands a similar presence as the Autrian Army’s favorite fast attack vehicle, except that where the G-Wagen is at home storming through a forest, the tinier GLK is sized just right for the tight narrow cobblestone covered streets of Europe. Everything on the new CUV looks cute; the flared fenders bulge out, but not too much, the front end is bold with its squared off edges but the ridiculously oversized emblem takes away whatever ruggedness the Mercedes Benz design team intended. The GLK has the presence of a much larger vehicle, but fits into a footprint not much bigger than a Ford Focus hatchback.

The nicest design cues of our GLK is the impression that begins at the trailing edge of the front fenders, continues through the doors and creates a narrow channel that frames the top of the rear arch. The GLK is one of those vehicles that looks good from above thanks to the oversized sunroof. The large tinted panes of glass break up what would otherwise be a large white piece of sheet metal, just like on the S-Class, the German automaker went the extra step to make their vehicle visually interesting.

Our GLK’s optional 20 inch rims are well worth the upgrade, and as part of the Sport Appearance Package, you also get the brushed aluminum roof rails that make the top of the GLK look even better. One option that looked nice, but didn’t work so well with our long legs were the running boards, also finished in the brushed metal, they add a lot visually to the GLK’s exterior, but their practicality is definitely questionable.

Interior impression:

The interior of our MB GLK 350 was everything that you have come to expect from the German luxury car builder. They way you sit in the firm leather driver’s seat and hold onto the multifunction steering wheel, makes you vertebrae align perfectly, almost as if it were a cure for slouching. The materials used are nothing less than you would expect from Mercedes, there was even more use of brushed aluminum trim on the dash and doors. The Design team from Germany did an excellent job of making the driver feel comfortable inside the GLK, surrounding them with straightforward controls and an exquisite combination of hard and soft materials.

Atop the center stack, a unit that can can control items like the telephone, Command system hard drive based navigation, Harman/Kardon Logic 7 surround sound radio system with iPod, MP3 and Sirius Satellite radio capabilities, is a perfectly sized 7 inch LCD screen that works as a display for everything.

The shifter was comfortable in our hands and moved through all seven forward gears smoothly. The placement was perfect, right where your digits would be resting. That also made the little knob just behind the shifter our best friend when behind the wheel, allowing the pilot to fully control the multi function display as well as tune in to whatever frequency you desire. However the knob wouldn’t do everything, it was a bit inconvenient having to reach back over to the controls on the radio to adjust the volume.

It’s nice that the rear seat passengers will enjoy more leg room than in a full size G-Wagen, that is not saying much, they get to enjoy their own DVD entertainment system, and it is nice that the screens are huge, despite being in your face, Our question is why can’t the engineers who can make a headrest that will wrap a scarf around your neck, make one that can fit a TV in it?

Driving impression:

The GLK once again drives like you would expect from Mercedes Benz. The car is luxurious, comfortable and fun to drive. The GLK feels heavy, in a way that lets you know you are behind the wheel of a solid machine. The small size of the GLK helps it to get in and out of traffic efficiently and in a way that will leave a smile on your face. That compact size is also one of the drawbacks when driving the GLK. It appears to us that the Mercedes Benz engineers didn’t intend to sell this vehicle to persons over 5 ½ feet tall, at just under 6 feet tall, we fit in just fine, but there was not much room to spare, our knees were capable of coming into contact with both the door panel and center armrest, at the same time. As you can expect for a vehicle that made its debut in a movie about four women in Manhattan, it is apparent that Mercedes Benz had a target audience in mind, can you say “best sweet sixteen present ever.”

Our GLK 350 4Matic came equipped with, a 3.5 Liter 24 valve V6 that made 268 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque. We had the opportunity to test out the 4Matic permanent all wheel drive system during a South Florida summer shower. The compact crossover’s four wheel drive system, which sends 55% of the engine’s available torque to the rear wheels, did a perfect job of making baby G-Wagen as fun to drive as the real thing, even in the wet. One of the drawbacks to owning such a heavy CUV with a potent power plant is paying the gas bill, our six cylinder GLK was a bit thirsty, consuming and EPA estimated 16 MPG in the city and average 21 MPG at highway speeds.

Why to buy?

The GLK is definitely the car for you if you ever dreamed of being Samantha from “Sex and the City,” the compact crossover is also perfect for any woman looking for a bit more luxury in their day to day driving, or if you are one of the girls on a sweet sixteen reality show.

However; Mercedes Benz has another market in mind, aside from screaming women of all ages, Europe. The GLK offers all of the amenities of a full size luxury limousine; features like Bluetooth telephone, hard drive navigation, CD/MP3 and DVD players, and multiple large LCD screens all in a footprint not much bigger than a Ford Focus hatchback. European buyers are looking for their money to go in terms of ICE, in car entertainment, and are less worried about performance; so long as the CO2 emissions aren’t too high, and the car is small enough to fit into tight parking spaces, they are happy. Sounds like a good fit for the GLK.

Why not to buy?

Women with full sized figures and plus sized models need not apply; getting in and out of the GLK might be an embarrassing act to pull off in front of the valet at your local country club, so stay away, you want something like a GL550 or even a mighty G-Wagen to show off to your friends.

Our 2010 GLK350 was a bit pricey, retailing for $49,445. Considering the CUV starts at $35,900 and was then optioned with a few goodies like option number “864,” a rear seat entertainment system for $1,880. The “PO1” premium package that included everything from a power lift gate to the panoramic sunroof and even satellite radio for $3,150 was a steal, considering that separately everything included would add up to $4,380. The “319” lighting package that gets you bi-xenon headlamps and LED taillights is an extra $970. The number “320” multimedia package sold for $3,350 and the “322” sports appearance package added the upgrade rollers and brushed aluminum roof rails for $970 more. If you want the same style and can live without the luxuries, see how close to the actual M.S.R.P. you can get a GLK for.

If you just can’t go the way of the silver arrow, then consider the BMW X1 when it finally comes out, the size is similar and the feel should be as well, after all there aren’t many premium compact crossover utility vehicles on the market. If cost is one of your major concerns, but still want to ride above the road in a stylish CUV, then consider the VW Tiguan. Volkswagen always does an excellent job finishing the interiors of their vehicles, and the Tiguan’s style is equally as unique as the new GLK, but at a much less luxurious price.

Top Speed final verdict:

The GLK was a great car and although at times it felt a little small, it was definitely fun to drive. The CUV’s exterior screamed attitude, from the bold squared off edges to the oversized 20 inch rims the GLK is stylish. The interior was comfortable and well finished, despite being a little cramped. The baby Benz drove amazingly, there was enough grunt from the engine to power the GLK to wherever you desire and a drive train that can make it happen. Mercedes Benz should be able to sell as many of this G-Wagen inspired city sized trucks as they can possibly produce.

Here at Top Speed we are always pulling our minds out the tuning gutter, so we can’t help but think about how nice it would be to see Brabus get a hold of a GLK and shoehorn in one of their red and black turbocharged V12 specials. Or see the Renntech Pikes Peak Rally concept actually compete in the race to the clouds. These compact crossovers could spawn a whole new form of racing. Imagine DTM crossed with Hartmut Feyhl’s creation to create a miniature version of MAN truck racing for German CUVs.

2009 is a year in which Mercedes-Benz celebrates several anniversaries in the safety field: in August 1939 the safety pioneer Béla Barényi started his work in Sindelfingen. He invented for example the principle of the crumple zone, a trailblazing innovation which entered series production at Mercedes-Benz in 1959. With the help of its in-house accident research function, which was founded in 1969, Mer-cedes engineers in the following years have developed several groundbreaking innovations in passenger car safety. Now it is time for a look behind the scenes, and in this anniversary year, Mercedes-Benz is using the ESF 2009 research vehicle to reveal what its safety spe-cialists are currently working on – with a time horizon that
often extends well into the future.

The ESF 2009 is the first Experimental Safety Vehicle to be built by Mercedes-Benz since 1974. Like its historic predecessors, it illustrates trail-blazing innovations in the field of safety and makes the progress achieved clearly visible. These amazing but by no means crazy ideas include inflatable me-tallic sections which give more stability to structural components within frac-tions of
a second, as well as the so-called “Braking Bag”. This airbag housed within the vehicle floor is deployed when a crash is deemed to be unavoidable, and uses a friction coating to support the vehicle against the road surface. The ESF 2009 will be premiered on 15 June 2009, at the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV) Conference in Stuttgart.

“Safety is a central element of the Mercedes-Benz brand. In this respect we have been setting the pace in the market for almost 70 years. For the benefit of our customers and for road users in general. The ESF 2009 shows that we still have plenty of ideas and the absolute will, to lead the automobile in-dustry in this field even in future”, says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The ESF 2009 was developed and built completely in the test vehicle work-shops in Sindelfingen. This safety research vehicle based on the Mercedes S 400 HYBRID features more than a dozen safety innovations, most of which are fully functioning in demonstration mode. “With the ESF 2009, we have chosen this particular time to clearly demonstrate the innovative strength of Daimler. Anybody examining the ESF 2009 in detail will recog-nise that more safety and improved energy efficiency are not necessarily a contradiction in terms. We want to make progress in both fields with new, trailblazing ideas “, says Dr. Tho-mas Weber, the member of the Daimler Executive Board responsible for corpo-rate research and development at Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The following five innovations on the basis of the S 400 Hybrid are among the highlights of the ESF 2009:

• RE-SAFE Structure: The inflatable metal structures save weight or increase the stability of structural components. When at rest, the metal section is in a folded state to save space. If its protective effect is re-quired, a gas generator builds up an internal pressure of 10 to 20 bar within fractions of a second, causing the section to unfold for signifi-cantly more stability.
• Braking Bag: This auxiliary brake accommodated in the vehicle floor is a new type of PRE-SAFE® component. If the sensor system con-cludes that an impact is unavoidable, the Braking Bag is deployed shortly before the crash and stabilises the car on the road surface by means of a friction coating. The vehicle’s vertical acceleration in-creases the friction, and helps to decelerate the vehicle before the im-pact occurs.
• Interactive Vehicle Communication: The ESF 2009 is able to com-municate directly with other vehicles, or via relay stations. Using “ad hoc” networks and WLAN radio technology, it is e.g. able to receive and transmit warnings of bad weather or obstacles in the road.
• PRE-SAFE Pulse: This further development of PRE-SAFE® is able to reduce the forces acting on the torsos of the occupants during a lateral collision by around one third. It does this by moving them towards the centre of the
• vehicle by up to 50 millimetres as a precautionary measure. As an ac-tive restraint system, it uses the air chambers in the side bolsters of the seat backrests.
• Spotlight lighting function: This partial LED main beam specifically illuminates potential hazards. If the infrared camera of Night View As-sist PLUS e.g. detects deer at the roadside or pedestrians on the road, these can be briefly illuminated beyond the normal area covered by the main beams, as if by a spotlight.

Mercedes-Benz is also presenting an innovative PRE-SAFE Demonstrator at the 21st ESV Conference. For the first time this simulator uses a linear motor for this purpose, in order to accelerate the vehicle cabin to up to 16 km/h within a distance of four metres before the impact occurs. The linear drive system, which is similar to that used by the Transrapid train, is freely programmable and also works in the opposite direction. This enables various acceleration profiles and also a rear-end collision to be demonstrated. The special feature of this sys-tem is that the ’vehicle occupants’ experience the effect of the PRE-SAFE® functions live, e.g. belt pretensioning, NECK-PRO and the inflatable side bolsters of the seats.

Mercedes-Benz is continuing a longstanding tradition with the ESF 2009: for the ESV Safety Conferences held in 1971 to 1975, the safety experts in Stuttgart built more than 30 experimental vehicles and subjected them to crash tests to satisfy the visionary safety requirements of that time. Four of these ESFs (Experimental Safety Vehicles) were presented to the public, and many of the revolutionary ideas such as ABS or the airbag first entered series production at Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz released official pictures and information today of the all-new GLK-Class sport utility vehicle. The versatile SUV will debut at Auto China in Beijing on Sunday, April 20, and make its U.S. dealer showroom debut in January 2009 as a 2010 model.

Powered by a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine the 2010MY GLK350 will form the basis of the U.S. lineup, and will be offered in both 4MATIC and two-wheel-drive versions, riding on standard 19-inch 10-spoke wheels with 235/50 tires. The GLK features a 108.5-inch wheelbase and boasts unique design language which sets it apart from the rest of the highly successful Mercedes-Benz family of SUVs that includes the M-Class (which spurred the trend toward more car-like SUVs), the larger GL-Class, the crossover R-Class and the iconic G-Class.

Showcasing bold exterior design, generous cargo capacity and available 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, the GLK350 combines the perfect balance of styling, versatility and performance. The 2010 GLK-Class will be produced exclusively at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany.

Aggressive Styling and a Unique Personality

With its poised, confident presence, the GLK-Class leaves no doubt about its intent to conquer the compact premium SUV segment. In sharp contrast to the relatively soft forms of other similar-sized vehicles, the striking, angular profile of the GLK sets it apart from the competition. From its steeply-raked windshield to the integrated rear spoiler on its tightly styled roof section, the bullish shape of the new GLK suggests power and agility, and echoes the G-Class — the iconic pioneer of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family.

Mercedes-Benz Design Chief Prof. Peter Pfeiffer adds: “With the G-Class we created a style icon that has been a benchmark in SUV design for the past 30 years. Combining this bold concept with the latest Mercedes-Benz design idiom makes the GLK a vehicle of genuine character.”

Beautiful proportions (length 178.3 inches, width 72.4 inches, height 66.9 inches) and styling combine classic angular shapes together with the distinctive design features found in contemporary Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Taut lines and large, expansive surfaces mix with the traditional characteristics of a proper off-road vehicle, such as short overhangs, an upright front end, slim roof pillars, and a steeply raked windshield. Generous angles of approach and departure combined with impressive ground clearance allow the GLK to handle light off-roading with ease. On-road, the clear layout of the exterior and good all-around visibility, combined with a commanding seating position, enhance everyday practicality and relaxed driving, even in dense city traffic.

A Luxurious, Feature-Rich Interior

The GLK boasts a long list of standard equipment, including details not typically found in this vehicle class. Inside, a two-zone automatic climate control system, adjustable steering column, front seats with electrically adjustable height and backrest angle (including seat inclination adjustment) and manual lumbar support with two-way adjustment for the driver’s seat are all standard on the GLK. Standard integrated Bluetooth interface for mobile phones, a microphone for the hands-free system and a central 5-inch color display round out the list of interior appointments.

The 2010 GLK features all the impressive design and safety technology found in other Mercedes-Benz models, including standard front and side air bags as well as window air bags. Among its many comfort and convenience features is an available rear-seat entertainment system featuring two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones and an integrated dual-source DVD player.

The distinctive looks of the GLK exterior are seamlessly continued inside, with luxurious materials and precise detailing. The taught, sculpted lines of the dashboard dominate the interior, visually extending into the door panels to lend additional width to the generously dimensioned cockpit. Luxurious Sienna Pine wood with chrome trim highlights the dashboard and door panels at the front and rear, while the upper section of the encompasses the instrument cluster and the standard 5-inch color display. The driver’s armrest features integrated cupholders and the standard controller for the audio functions and the optional COMAND multimedia system are located in ergonomically ideal positions between the front seats. Control of the individual menus is intuitive, following the familiar and well-proven layout used in the current C-Class and S-Class models. Additional shortcut buttons provide direct access to the most important main functions. Front and rear headroom figures are 39.8 inches and 39.7 inches respectively, while the cargo area boasts 23.3 cubic feet of storage. Cargo capacity balloons to 54.7 cubic feet when the 1/3:2/3-split rear seats are folded forwards.

A Wealth of Optional Equipment for the GLK buyer

Contributing to the versatility of the new SUV, five option packages as well as nine stand-alone options are planned for the 2010 GLK350. The popular Premium 1 package offers GLK buyers a spacious Panorama Sunroof, SIRIUS satellite radio and a power liftgate. Customers seeking even more luxury can opt for the Premium 2 package, which adds Bi-Xenon headlamps with adaptive lighting and headlamp washing system, rain sensing windshield wipers, memory settings for the driver’s seat, and much more. The Multimedia Package (which debuted on the new C-Class) adds COMAND with hard-drive Navigation as well as a rear-view back-up camera. Exterior options include an Appearance Package offering larger 20-inch 7-spoke wheels and Aluminum roof rails and, for the interior, an Upholstery Package adds interior lighting, a full leather interior and burl walnut trim.

Available 4MATIC All-Wheel-Drive System

The optional all-wheel-drive powertrain at the heart of the GLK350 4MATIC is one of the most capable systems on the market. The dynamic ESP®, ASR and 4ETS driving systems work in concert to ensure top-notch longitudinal and lateral control and superb handling stability both on and off-road. Thanks to a compact, longitudinally designed engine, transmission and transfer case arrangement, the system offers various advantages over its counterparts equipped with a transversely installed drive unit. Estimated 23 mpg highway fuel consumption is on a par with comparable rear-wheel vehicles, while vibration and noise levels rival those of luxury models.

The 45:55 torque distribution between the front and rear axle – along with the ESP®, ASR and 4ETS dynamic handling control systems – guarantees effortless and exceptional performance. Loss of traction on snow or ice is compensated for by the newly developed multi-disc clutch in the center differential, which provides a basic partial locking torque between the front and rear axle. This arrangement produces a significant increase in traction while maintaining directional stability.

Agility Control Suspension

The sophisticated Agility Control suspension on the new GLK-Class helps resolve a common paradox facing the SUV segment – how to create a vehicle that combines agile on-road comfort with off-road capability. For sporty, responsive handling, the suspension and, above all, the shock absorbers need to provide a certain firmness however, this may compromise comfort and limits off-road performance. If the vehicle is setup with softer dampers, dynamic handling naturally suffers. Thanks to “amplitude-dependent damping” the suspension can adjust to perform in either driving conditions. During normal driving on moderately contoured roads or slow off-road manoeuvres, the system responds softly, enhancing both the occupants’ comfort and the vehicle’s off-road capability. During more spirited driving or when performing abrupt evasive maneuvers, the dampers adjust to a harder setting ensuring optimum handling stability. Additionally, speed-sensitive power steering supports the driver with a precise balance of high-speed road feel and low speed maneuverability. Maximum power assistance is available during parking and off-road driving, while at higher speeds, the assistance is reduced in favor of greater handling stability.

In addition to a tire pressure warning system, the tried-and-tested Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) for the GLK incorporates a vehicle/trailer stabilization function, which helps maintain control while towing a trailer by applying the individual wheel brakes as required. The GLK offers a maximum tow rating of 3,500 lbs.

Complete Safety Package for Maximum Occupant Protection

In combination with the front and rear deformation zones, the GLK’s high-strength passenger cell provides a highly efficient foundation for the occupant protection systems, which include:

• Adaptive, two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger
• Front side-impact airbags
• Windowbags across both seat rows from the A-pillar to the C-pillar
• Active head restraints for the driver and front passenger
• Crash-optimized pedal system
• 3-point seat belts for all five seats
• Belt tensioner and adaptive belt-force limiter for the driver and front passenger, belt tensioner and single-stage belt-force limiter for the outer rear seats
• ISOFIX child seat attachments
• Belt height adjuster for the driver and front passenger
• Belt status indicator for the rear passengers in the instrument cluster

Mercedes remains true to the philosophy that the best accidents are the ones that are avoided entirely. With this in mind, standard equipment for all GLK models includes Brake Assist (BAS), which shortens the braking distance significantly — especially during panic braking — to help prevent accidents or at the very least mitigate their consequences. The front section incorporates precisely defined crumple space between the body and the major assemblies beneath, allowing the hood to yield considerably if hit by a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist. Together with the specially designed front bumpers and the softer foam of the integrated bumper impact absorbers, these measures afford pedestrians a high degree of protection.

Proven V6 Powerplant

The new sport utility is destined to be one of the most fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz vehicles ever. Smaller and lighter than its well-known SUV siblings, the GLK features a fuel-sipping 3.5-liter V6 engine, a sophisticated seven-speed automatic transmission and available 4MATIC full-time four-wheel-drive. All of these components combine to give the GLK350 an impressive 0-60 time of just 6.5 seconds (estimated) while achieving an 23 mpg (estimated) on the highway.

Both the GLK350 and GLK350 4MATIC are matched with a seven-speed automatic transmission as standard. Low overall weight (estimated 4,036 lb. curb weight) and the exceptional aerodynamics for a vehicle of this design (cd figure 0.35) further contribute to the exceptional performance and low fuel consumption.

Much as the latest C-Class sedan has brought a new level of sporty driving and ride comfort to the sedan world, the new GLK brings a new combination of agility and comfort to the SUV market. The GLK also broadens and extends the Mercedes-Benz sport utility line with cutting-edge engine and four-wheel-drive technology packaged in a stylish vehicle that’s the perfect size for today’s busy family.

The Widest Range of SUVs

Mercedes-Benz offers the widest range of SUVs in the premium segment, the GLK being the brand’s fifth model in the series. In response to customers’ wishes, the company’s Family of SUV’s has grown to include the R-Class, M-Class, GL-Class and G‑Class. The new GLK is the latest addition to this successful line-up.

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Design

With its poised, confident presence, the mere look of the GLK-Class leaves one in no doubt about its intent to conquer the premium compact-SUV segment. All while displaying unmistakable echoes of the G-Class, the forefather of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. As Head of Design, Gordon Wagener, remarks: “Combining the puristic design of our style icon, the G-Class, with the latest Mercedes-Benz design idiom makes the GLK a model with genuine character.”

Distinctive personality radiating power and dynamism

No other model in the world of compact SUVs, past or present, comes close to matching the GLK’s distinctively expressive appearance. The body is beautifully proportioned (length 4528 mm, width 1840 mm, height 1689 mm), while there is a special allure in the interplay between the classic angular shape and the typical design features found in all contemporary Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Here the unmistakable design idiom, consisting of taut lines and large, expansive surfaces, is combined with the typical body features of a practical off-road vehicle, such as short overhangs, an upright front end, slender roof pillars, a steeply angle windscreen and flat roof lines. Rather than being a stylistic end in itself, however, the body design allows the typical advantages of an off-road vehicle to be introduced to the more road-oriented compact-SUV category. Large angles of approach and departure coupled with generous ground clearance make excursions off the beaten track a highly pleasurable experience. The fact that the driver enjoys both an excellent overview of the body and a good all-round view courtesy of the raised seating position boosts everyday practicality and guarantees relaxed motoring, even when driving in dense city traffic.

Powerful and expressive: the front end of the GLK

The most eye-catching feature at the front of the GLK is the powerful radiator grille with its succinctly styled frame, which leaves no doubt that this model series belongs to the family of Mercedes-Benz off-roaders and SUVs. Featuring two fins on the “exterior sports package” model variant and three on the “off‑road styling package” variant, both radiator designs are painted in a “matt brilliant silver” finish. Additional chrome trim provides a contrast to the radiator grille mesh, which – just like the air intake grille and front fog lamp covers below it – is coloured in matt black, lending further emphasis to the car’s sportiness. The standard clear-lens projection-beam headlamps create a visual link between the upright front end of the vehicle and its beefy flanks. The “off-road styling package” equipment variant hints at the off-road prowess of the GLK-Class by including matt black rub strips in the bumper on each side along with a simulated underguard.

Beefy profile with classic off-roader proportions

The side view of GLK is reminiscent both of the iconic G‑Class and its contemporary interpretation in the form of the GL-Class. The model’s family ties are plain to see from the short overhangs, upright front end, steeply angled windscreen and the taut roof lines terminating in a distinctive rear spoiler. The body designers also turned the roof rails into a styling element. In conjunction with the “off-road styling package”, this standard equipment detail has a matt black finish, and combines with the matt black off-road pads und side skirts to underline the off-roading character. On models with the “exterior sports package”, the roof rails have a matt-lustre aluminium look. The visual interplay between the roof rails, the body-coloured side skirts and the chrome trim strips along their upper edge is a sign that this equipment variant is more destined for the road. Stainless-steel running boards with raised black studs are available as an option for both variants.

The side window panels in high-gloss black make the glass surface appear to be self-contained. This detail lends tranquillity to the profile view and elongates the greenhouse, as it is known, to dynamic effect. Running along the beltline below the side windows is a chrome-plated trim strip which merges into the contours of the front wing and rear sidewall. This produces a coherent link between the vehicle’s front, side and rear sections.

Underneath the beltline, the side view is dominated by a powerful shoulderline which emerges from the front wheel arch and converges to a point at the rear. This striking feature line, which is repeated across all model series, clearly identifies the GLK as a member of the current generation of Mercedes vehicles. The expressive surface styling is continued into the muscular wheel arches where, regardless of the wheel size fitted, the standard-specification light-alloy wheels are almost flush with the outer edge of the wheel arch lip. The “off-road styling package” variant of the GLK rides on flat-styled 5-spoke wheels in a 17-inch format, with the option of more angular-looking 20-inch 7-spoke wheels. In “exterior sports package” guise, the GLK is shod with 19-inch wheels in a 10-spoke design. Here again, customers may also opt for 20-inch wheels, this time with a 5-twin-spoke design.

A fitting finale: the tail end of the GLK

The tail rounds off the coherent body design, with the individual styling elements coming together to form a perfectly shaped whole: the rear spoiler prolongs the taut lines of the roof, before bringing the vehicle to a neat conclusion with a continuous spoiler lip. The tail light units form a further connecting element between the flanks and the rear. Not only are they a key identifying feature of the current Mercedes design idiom common to all model series, their horizontal structure adds further emphasis to the rear’s broad, imposing appearance. In conjunction with the optional lighting package, LED indicators are fitted whose brilliant, crystalline finish further enhances the high-class looks. The stainless-steel load sill guard, which effectively protects the painted bumper from damage when loading the vehicle, is flush-fitted and adds a further touch of visual appeal to the rear.

As at the front of the vehicle, there is a noticeable difference in focus between the “exterior sports package” and “off-road styling package” variants at the rear end too. Whereas the former pursues the sporty theme with chrome strip inserts, the tail of the latter is dominated by robust off-road elements, including matt black rub strips and a simulated underguard. The two-pipe exhaust system with rectangular tailpipes that is standard with all engine variants lends further impact to the striking looks of the GLK-Class.

Interior complements the exterior styling perfectly

The distinctive looks of the exterior are seamlessly continued inside the GLK-Class. On the one hand, the sophisticated finish of the surfaces brings the latest in Mercedes design to the interior. And on the other, the GLK offers an upmarket, luxurious interior, boasting materials of exquisite appeal plus precise detailing. There is a profound sense of wellbeing – a hallmark of all Mercedes vehicles – while the interior’s overall quality feel is on a par with that in the GL-Class.
The orchestrating element here, due to its dominant styling, is the dashboard, visually extending into the door panels to lend additional width to the generously dimensioned interior. A large trim strip divides the basic structure into three vertically arranged sections. With its large, taut surfaces, precision-finished edges and perfectly positioned seam of chrome, this element sets the styling tone for the rest of the interior. In its basic version, this component has a coarser, yet nevertheless sophisticated textile covering, which matches the seat upholstery fabric. There are two different fine wood trims and an aluminium trim to choose from.

The upper section of the dashboard spans the instrument cluster and the fixed central display in a single sweep, and has a matt black finish regardless of the colour chosen for the interior appointments to prevent irritating reflections in the windscreen. Like the centre tunnel, the lower section of the dashboard is coloured black, grey or beige, depending on the colour chosen for the appointments. At the front end of the centre tunnel can be found two trim elements in piano lacquer look, in the form of the ashtray fascia and the shift console cover. Depending on the additional equipment features that are specified, these covers together with the trim strip in the dashboard may be finished in pine brown or burr walnut wood. There is also the alternative of aluminium trim in conjunction with the “interior sports package”.

The door panels take their cue from the dashboard’s styling. The beltline is always matt black, generating a “wrap-around” effect and making the vehicle’s occupants feel safe and secure. And this has the added benefit of also eliminating reflections, of course. The characteristic Mercedes adjustment controls for the driver’s seat and front passenger seat are located in trim panels whose appearance and material selection harmonise with the dashboard’s trim strip. The same is true of the chrome door openers in the front and rear. The armrests below them rest on long, galvanised metal door pulls and match the selected appointments colour on all models. Many different materials are available to choose from: fabric, ARTICO man-made leather/fabric, ARTICO man-made leather and leather. GLK customers can specify either an all-black interior or an interior in black with contrasting alpaca grey or almond beige. In the latter case, the seats, armrests, door pockets with built-in speakers and the lower section of the dashboard are finished in the lighter colour, as is the carpet if almond beige is specified. An even more striking contrast is provided by the sahara beige colour that is available for the optional leather appointments: here, just the seats and armrests stand out with their light-coloured finish in the otherwise black interior.

But it does not stop there, as the Mercedes designo range presents customers with a yet wider choice of appointments options. The designo seats fitted as standard in the “EDITION 1″ special model, which are upholstered in contrasting black and a very pale porcelain beige, are just one example of the possibilities on offer.

The fact that the G-Class was designed for operations in the most difficult terrain right from the start is made particularly clear by the special EDITION.PUR model based on the G 280 CDI from the 461 model series. This long-wheelbase station wagon pays homage to the first-generation G-Class, has been optimised specifically for the toughest assignments off the beaten track and is therefore the future dream car for world travellers, expedition leaders, confirmed fans of the G-Class and customers who are in search of an automotive rarity with uncompromising reliability and the ability to go anywhere.

With numerous optional extras, the G EDITION.PUR can be equipped for any eventuality, for example with all-terrain tyres in size 265/75 R 16 on aluminium rims, flexible wheel arch flaring, protective grilles for the headlamps and lights, a walk-on bonnet for easier access to the roof rack which is available as an accessory, a towing lug at the front and a two-section rear door. In the interior there are four individual seats upholstered in hard-wearing fabric or man-made leather, rubber floor coverings in the passenger compartment, spray-protected controls and drainage apertures in the footwells. A load compartment with a wood floor, load-securing rings and rails can also be ordered, as can an auxiliary heater or a manually operated air conditioning system.

With the special LIMITED.30 model based on the G 463 model series, Mercedes-Benz is once again demonstrating the manifold possibilities displayed by the G-Class with respect to comfort and prestige. Externally, this long-wheelbase G 500 Station Wagon is distinguished by the designo platinum black paintwork, specially designed light-alloy wheels and LIMITED.30 lettering on the wings. The interior of this G 500 impresses with designo leather in the colour “chablis” and designo wood trim in anthracite poplar.

After the latest two publications from AVUS PERFORMANCE they are now showing that they are modifying not only cars from Ingolstadt. Their latest project car is a complete conversion based on the current Mercedes C63 AMG.

Understatement was something the tuner has focussed on again. Besides the original 19“ AMG multi-spoke wheels (20“ optionally) first thing that stands out is the lower suspension setting which has been achieved by changing the standard springs – coilovers are avaiable as an option. Further visual improvements can be seen only at a second sight. The mirror covers, the front grille, the roof, the mercedes star and the bar below have been painted in black which look as if it is a factory option by mercedes. Additionally the exhaust system has been changed to a stainless steel system which lets the car to sound the attack.

Of course visual improvements are not bad at all but what about power figures? For the C63 AMG AVUS PERFORMANCE offers three power stages. The current project car has stage 3 with 585bhp (457bhp) and 740Nm (600Nm). Top speed increases to 320km/h depending on tire approval. To properly decelerate the car 8 piston brake calipers with 380mm diameter are offered.

Four years after the market launch of the W 221 model series, Mercedes-Benz is presenting the 2009 S-Class. Trailblazing innovations in the areas of comfort and drive engineering combined with state-of-the-art technology for enhanced safety consolidate the Mercedes-Benz flagship’s position as the brand’s innovation driver and underscore its pioneering role in the automotive industry as a whole. The technology highlights include the world’s first standard production hybrid drive with a lithium-ion battery in the S 400 HYBRID, which makes the top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz model the most economical petrol-engine luxury saloon. The fuel consumption of 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres corresponds to carbon dioxide emissions of just 186 grams per kilometre.

The engine range further includes eight modern petrol and diesel engines that require up to seven per cent less fuel. With an average fuel consumption of 7.6 litres of diesel, the S 350 BlueEFFICIENCY is one of the most efficient models in the luxury segment. The S-Class’s traditionally exemplary standard of safety is further enhanced by a unique combination of innovative camera- and radar-based driver assistance systems which turn the luxury saloon into an “intelligent” partner on the road. These systems include Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist and the advanced Night View Assist PLUS facility. Other innovations are the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection function and automatic crosswind stabilisation.

With 270,000 units sold since its market launch in autumn 2005, the W 221-series S-Class is the world’s most successful luxury saloon, and seamlessly continues the success story of the flagship model in the Mercedes line-up. Since 1951, when the model 220 began the lineage of the S-Class, Mercedes-Benz has delivered around 3.3 million passenger cars from this model series to customers.

S 400 HYBRID: the world’s most economical petrol-engined luxury saloon

The 2009 S-Class once again represents the cutting edge of automotive development. Mercedes-Benz’s technology leadership is demonstrated by the new S 400 HYBRID, which is the first production vehicle in the world to feature a hybrid drive with a lithium-ion battery. “The S 400 HYBRID is an important milestone on the way to emission-free mobility,” notes Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “Our first series production hybrid car exemplifies Mercedes-Benz’s long-standing development strategy geared towards sustainability, with its clearly defined aim of producing economical and environment-friendly premium cars without compromising on safety, comfort and superior performance.”

The first hybrid drive in a series production car from Mercedes-Benz makes this S-Class model the most economical petrol-engined luxury saloon. The fuel consumption of 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres corresponds to carbon dioxide emissions of just 186 grams per kilometre. This is the lowest level worldwide in this vehicle segment, confirming the new S 400 HYBRID as the “CO2 champion of the luxury class”.
The new S 400 HYBRID is the first car to be designed on the basis of the highly intelligent modular concept developed by Mercedes-Benz to give its customers the best hybrid solution for their requirements. The S 400 HYBRID, which assumes the role of technological trendsetter within this concept, offers all the essential features from the word go:

• a compact yet powerful electric motor
• the appurtenant power electronics
• a modern high-capacity lithium-ion storage battery.

The compact hybrid module combines the hybrid functions of an automatic start-stop system and energy recuperation. In all, this means that the S 400 HYBRID sets a new standard in its class, making it the world’s most economical luxury saloon with a petrol engine.

The excellent fuel consumption and the low CO2 emissions of the S 400 HYBRID are accompanied by truly superior performance potential: the modified 3.5 litre petrol engine generates 205 kW/279 hp, while the electric motor produces 15 kW/20 hp and starting torque of 160 Nm.

The Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID is based on the S 350, and features an extensively modified drive train. This encompasses a further development of the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, an additional magneto-electric motor, the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission specially configured for the hybrid module, the necessary power and control electronics, the voltage converter and the high-voltage lithium-ion battery.

During braking the electric motor acts as a generator, and is able to recover kinetic energy by a process known as recuperation. During this process the electric motor works together sensitively with the engine brake of the internal combustion engine and the conventional wheel brakes. The recuperated energy is stored by a compact but efficient lithium-ion battery in the engine compartment, and retrieved when required. Major advantages over conventional nickel/metal hydride batteries include a higher energy density and greater electrical efficiency combined with more compact dimensions and a low battery weight. Thanks to space-saving installation in the engine compartment, the boot capacity and generous interior dimensions remain unchanged. The hybrid module also has a convenient start-stop function.

Efficient diesel and petrol engines

Apart from the trailblazing hybrid of the S 400 HYBRID, the range of engines for the 2009 S-Class comprises eight other powerful units: two diesel variants and six petrol engines with six, eight and twelve cylinders. Detailed fine-tuning of these engines has been supplemented with addition fuel economy measures as part of the BlueEFFICIENCY package. These include aerodynamic optimisation, demand-controlled fuel pumps and the fuel-efficient gearshift programme for the standard 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. These measures have enabled Mercedes-Benz developers to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to seven percent compared to the preceding models. By means of additional well-aimed aerodynamic measures, the Mercedes-Benz engineers have also managed to reduce wind noise, thus further enhancing the standard of ride comfort.

With diesel fuel consumption of 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 199-201 grams per kilometre, the S 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (173 kW/ 235 hp) likewise boasts outstanding figures for the luxury class. Mercedes-Benz achieves this exemplary efficiency with a tailor-made BlueEFFICIENCY package, which also includes closed underbody panelling and decoupling of the 7G‑TRONIC automatic transmission at standstill.

The 3.0 litre diesel engine is also used in the S 350 CDI 4MATIC. The second diesel variant is the eight-cylinder S 450 CDI(235 kW/320 hp) with a displacement of 4.0 litres. The range of petrol engines comprises the six-cylinder S 350/ S 350 4MATIC (200 kW/272 hp) with a displacement of 3.5 litres and the two eight-cylinder units in the S 450/S 450 4MATIC (250 kW/340 hp; displacement 4.7 litres) and S 500/S 500 4MATIC (285 kW/388 hp; displacement 5.5 litres). The flagship model is still the S 600 with the 380 kW/517 hp twelve-cylinder biturbo unit (displacement 5.5 litres), which accelerates the luxury saloon to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The Mercedes-AMG high-performance contributions to the range are the S 63 AMG with its 386 kW/525 hp V8 engine (displacement 6.2 litres) and the S 65 AMGwith a 450 kW/612 hp twelve-cylinder engine (displacement 6.0 litres).

Unique combination of driver assistance systems

A world-first combination of state-of-the-art assistance and protection systems is available for the 2009 S-Class. Many of these systems are also available in the new E-Class, which has been on the market since the end of March. The new assistance systems turn the models of the E- and S-Class into “intelligent” partners for their drivers. The car is able to “see”, “feel”, to respond “instinctively” to detected dangers and to act “on its own initiative” in order to avoid accidents or to reduce the severity of accidents.

“Similarly to the established Mercedes inventions ABS, ESP®, Brake Assist and PRE-SAFE®, the new assistance systems are also geared to the realities of how accidents occur and what consequences they entail,” observes Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the board of management at Daimler AG and responsible for corporate research and the development of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The aim in developing these systems was to prevent particularly common and serious collisions. With this concept, the S-Class not only protects its own occupants but also plays a key role in enhancing safety for other motorists,” Dr. Weber adds.

To this end, Mercedes-Benz also deploys cameras which scan the road far ahead of the vehicle, monitor the surrounding area and interpret typical critical situations. Such cameras are employed in the optionally available Adaptive Highbeam Assist system, for example. This system detects vehicles with their lights on which are travelling towards or ahead of the car in which the system is fitted and controls the headlamps such as to ensure the largest possible range without dazzling other drivers.

The Sindelfingen-based engineers have also enhanced Night View Assist, which is now equipped with a special pedestrian detection function: as soon as the system detects pedestrians ahead of the car, they are highlighted on the display to make them more readily noticeable.

Lane Keeping Assist is another system that “looks ahead” for even safer driving. The system’s computer is able to recognise lane markings by evaluating the contrasting images of the road surface and the markings. If the vehicle leaves the lane identified by the Assist function unintentionally, the driver is warned by short vibrations of the steering wheel. Unlike conventional systems of this kind, the Mercedes system is able to evaluate the driver’s activities as well, and can reliably ascertain whether the car is leaving its lane intentionally or not. There is therefore no warning if the driver accelerates before overtaking or joining a motorway, brakes heavily or enters a bend, for example.

The images supplied by the windscreen camera are also used by the new, optional Speed Limit Assist system, which identifies speed limit signs in passing and shows the relevant speed limit in the central display (standard for S 600).

Drowsiness detection on the basis of more than 70 parameters

With the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the 2009 S-Class has a very sensitive feel for the attention level of its driver, and warns him in good time when he becomes drowsy. This innovative technology continuously monitors more than 70 different parameters. Once the high-resolution steering angle sensor recognises the steering behaviour that typically indicates the onset of drowsiness, a warning signal is sounded and “ATTENTION ASSIST. Break!” appears in the instrument cluster.

Mercedes-Benz has also improved the long and medium-range radar used by Brake Assist PLUS and DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control. Both systems assist the driver during emergency braking. If the driver is distracted and fails to recognise the immediate danger of a rear-end collision, the PRE-SAFE®Brake is able to intervene and brake the vehicle independently. The new generation of the system offers even greater safety: if the driver fails to react even after receiving a visual and acoustic warning, the PRE – SAFE ® Brake is able to activate the maximum braking pressure around 0.6 seconds before an accident which is identified by the system as being unavoidable — an emergency braking action that significantly mitigates the severity of the impact. The system therefore acts as an “electronic crumple zone”, as it were.

Detailed fine-tuning has also given the 2009 S-Class better driving dynamics and agility. This is in large measure due to the new Direct-Steer system, where the ratio varies with the steering angle.

New: Active Body Control (ABC) compensates crosswinds

Mercedes-Benz developers have also added a crosswind stabilisation function (standard for S 600) to Active Body Control (ABC). For this purpose ABC uses the yaw rates and lateral acceleration sensors of the Electronic Stability Program ESP®to vary the wheel load distribution via the ABC spring struts, depending on the direction and intensity of the crosswind. This enables the effects of crosswinds to be compensated, or reduced to a minimum in the case of strong gusts.
The Torque Vectoring Brake provides the 2009 S-Class with added safety in critical conditions and even greater agility by specifically braking the inner rear wheel in bends so as to enable precise cornering by the saloon without compromising on driving dynamics.

State-of-the-art multimedia technology

In line with its self-assured character and its claim to be a technological trendsetter, the 2009 S-Class also sets standards where onboard infotainment is concerned. As a world first, on request Mercedes-Benz will equip its flagship model with the new SPLITVIEW technology for the COMAND control and display system centrally located in the centre console. This innovative display concept allows the driver and front passenger to view different content simultaneously on one and the same screen. While the driver uses the map-based navigation system, for example, the front passenger can be watching the latest film on DVD.

Mercedes-Benz has also extended the standard control and display system COMAND with additional functions, for example an SD memory card slot. Other new features include a modified Bluetooth® interface, which provides for a wireless link between a mobile phone and the standard onboard hands-free system, and a USB interface. These enable customers to export saved data and import them into any other S-Class. It is also possible to transfer navigation data. As an optional extra Mercedes-Benz also offers a Media Interface – a universal interface in the glove compartment for mobile audio devices such as an iPod® and USB stick (standard for S 400 HYBRID and S 600).

The optionally available COMAND APS (standard for S 400 HYBRID and S 600) is additionally equipped with a Europe-wide navigation system whose data are stored on a 40 GB hard disc. This allows particularly fast route calculation. The high level of navigating convenience is also aided by the detailed three-dimensional city map mode.

Musical entertainment is provided by a radio, a CD/DVD player with MP3 function, an equalizer with speed-dependent volume control and the Music Register with a 7.2 GB hard disc which stores around 2500 digital music files in MP3, AAC or WMA format. The system recognises music files played on CD, DVD or from the Music Register using its stored Gracenote® database, and shows the title, album and performer in the colour display. The new Music Search function enables S-Class drivers and passengers to search SD memory cards, USB sticks, CDs and DVDs for specific music titles and performers. COMAND APS also includes the latest-generation LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system, which operates the navigation, telephone and audio devices by whole-word commands. This has the advantage that the driver no longer has to spell out his commands.

Mercedes-Benz has also increased the range of rear-seat entertainment functions in the 2009 S-Class. Passengers in the rear now have a remote control unit which enables all the audio and telematics functions of COMAND to be operated, plus access to external devices via the Media Interface. Mercedes-Benz also offers a rear-seat entertainment package with two eight-inch displays on the rear surfaces of the front seat head restraints, two wireless headphones and a separate CD/DVD player with connections for external audio and video devices.

The “Logic7″ surround sound system developed by Mercedes-Benz together with the audio specialists harman/kardon® delivers outstanding performance with three-dimensional sound as a natural 360-degree musical experience for all passengers.

The more powerful V8 variant, the E550 starts at only $57,175. If you want a 4MATIC version, the German automaker’s four wheel drive system, you will have to pony up an extra $2,500, no matter which power plant is under the hood.

The E-Class coupe will start at $48,925 with a V6 and goes up to $55,525 for the E550.

The new E-Class line-up will also include a factory tuned E63 AMG version set to arrive later on in November followed by an alternatively fueled E350 BlueTEC turbo diesel available next March. ]]> http://www.240km.com/the-next-mercedes-benz-e-class-will-cost-less-than-you-think.html/feed 0 http://www.240km.com/2009-mercedes-r-class-grand-edition.html http://www.240km.com/2009-mercedes-r-class-grand-edition.html#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:31:00 +0000 simonie http://www.240km.com/?p=1578

All engine and wheelbase versions of the R-Class (including the BlueTEC version) are also available in the especially extravagant “Grand Edition” equipment variant. This model, which also will become available in autumn 2009, will feature, among other things, exclusive 20-inch AMG bicolour light-alloy wheels as well as thermally insulated blue windows all-round.

The vehicle’s special outfit is supplemented by bi-xenon headlamps with dynamic active light and cornering light functions, chrome-framed LED daytime driving lamps integrated into the front bumper and taillights in a dark sporty design. The interior features decorative wood trim made of anthracite-coloured poplar with chrome applications as well as the “Grand Edition” nameplate, the AMG ergonomic steering wheel with gearshift paddles, and sports pedals made of brushed stainless steel with rubber nobs. This equipment package can be ordered immediately for €3,300 plus VAT.

Mercedes-Benz is launching an exclusive new model designed to perform equally well on public roads and on the race track. Based on a highly modified and lightened version of the company’s revered SL roadster, the new SL65 AMG Black Series coupe features a carbon-fiber fixed roof, front fenders, hood, trunk lid and front and rear aprons. With all these super-strong, lightweight parts, plus the absence of retractable roof hardware, the car is more than 550 pounds lighter than the standard SL.

A Dramatically Bolder Look
With its flatter roof, broader front fenders (nearly six inches wider), large air intakes in the front apron and hood, a rear apron with air diffuser fins and retractable rear spoiler, the new SL65 AMG looks dramatically bolder from all angles.

Weight-optimized AMG forged alloy wheels feature an unusual staggered diameter and width: 9.5 x 19 inches up front and 11.5 x 20 in the rear, with 265 / 35 19 tires in front and 325 / 30 20 tires at the rear. Vented and perforated composite ceramic brake discs are clearly visible through the filigree of the AMG double-spoke wheels – front discs are more than 15 inches in diameter, with six-piston fixed calipers to slow them down, and the rear are 14 inches, with four-piston fixed calipers.

An all-black interior exudes the no-nonsense functionality of a race car. Carbon-fiber bucket seats upholstered in Nappa leather with AMG embossed in the head restraints provide impressive lateral support in fast turns, and a smaller (by 15 millimeters) AMG Performance steering wheel is fitted with aluminum shift paddles for manual shifting. A white tachometer with four integral LEDs alerts the driver about optimal shift points, and a contrasting black speedometer reads to 225 mph.

Even More Twin-Turbo Power

The already formidable 6.0-liter AMG V12 engine has been modified to produce more than 650 horsepower and a staggering 738 pound-feet of torque. Its twin turbochargers are 12 percent larger, passages for intake air and the turbo wastegates have been modified, and the intake air intercooler is 30 percent more efficient. The result is zero-to-60 mph acceleration of only 3.8 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 198 mph.

Integrated within the trunk lid, a rear spoiler automatically raises nearly five inches whenever the car reaches about 74 mph, creating downforce on the tail of the car at high speeds. From the rear, the most eye-catching feature is its new carbon-fiber apron with air diffuser ribs. Hidden within it is an active cooling system for the final drive and 40-percent locking differential.

AMG SpeedShift Plus Transmission

The SL656 AMG Black series uses a beefed-up five-speed automatic transmission with AMG’s SpeedShift Plus shift control that provides four shift modes: “C,” “S,” “M1” and “M2,” which has 25 percent quicker shift times than “M1.” The torque converter’s lockup clutch assures direct shifting in all shifting scenarios, right from first gear, while an AMG automatic “throttle-blipping” feature makes downshifting smooth yet exciting, even in power-on turns.

Fully Adjustable Suspension
AMG has developed a fully adjustable sport suspension for the new SL65 AMG Black Series. Adjustable coil-spring struts provide a proven motorsports solution that allows fine tuning of shock absorber jounce and rebound, ride height and wheel alignment.

Spring links camber struts, push-pull rods and wheel carriers have been specially developed for this vehicle. Track width is nearly four inches wider on the new Black Series car. A three-stage ESP feature provides outstanding driving dynamics. With ESP on, the system senses understeer or oversteer and applies the brakes on one wheel to counteract the slide. In the “ESP Sport” mode, the driver can purposely slide the car to its limit of control before the system reacts, while in “ESP off,” the system is fully turned off.

Mercedes-Benz is ushering in the spring with a new special model of the A-Class. With design features reserved only for this edition, plus extensive, high-grade appointments, the Special Edition 2009 is not only eye-catching. It also combines the well-proven basic virtues of this compact Mercedes-Benz model with more than a touch of passion. This exclusive new model variant in the A-Class is available now.

To date the A-Class with its distinctive and versatile concept has captured the hearts of around 1.8 million customers. The strengths of this true trendsetter above all include a generous, variable interior despite compact external dimensions, a high level of reliability, impressive safety and environmentally friendly engines. The new special model in the A-Class has an emotionally appealing, enhanced appearance for a combination of the excitingly sensible with the sporty and attractive.

The unmistakable, striking appearance of the special model is characterised by exclusive features such as the black radiator louvres, 16-inch titanium silver light-alloy wheels in a new 9-spoke design (tyre size 195/55 R16) and a “Special Edition” badge on the mirror triangle. Standard exterior features also include fog lamps and a free choice of metallic paint finish.

In the interior, the special status of the Special Edition 2009 is emphasised by a two-tone colour scheme in black and grey, carefully finished, high-grade materials and stylish features. These include dedicated, shiny black trim with a pattern and black velour floor mats with grey edging and an embroidered Edition label. The multifunction steering wheel, shift/selector lever and parking brake handle are lined in leather. The appointments also include an Audio 20 radio with CD player and Bluetooth hands-free system and the Light and Sight package with a rain sensor, automatically dimming rear-view mirror, an illuminated vanity mirror in the sun visor, separately adjustable reading lights in the rear, a reading light for the driver and illuminated front footwells. A Seating Comfort package is also standard equipment, with a height-adjustable front passenger seat, seat cushion angle adjustment and lumbar supports for the driver and front passenger.

The extensive standard appointments of the new special model amount to a price advantage of 36 percent.

The advantages of the Special Edition 2009 are available for all model variants of the A-Class. Including the versions equipped as standard with the BlueEFFICIENCY package, which e.g. further improves engine efficiency, aerodynamics, rolling resistance, energy management and weight in the A 160 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY saloon. With an output of 60 kW/82 hp, it consumes only 4.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, with CO2 emissions of 119 grams per kilometre. The A-Class is also the first compact car to have been awarded an environmental certificate according to the stringent, international ISO standard 14062.

The new Special Edition 2009 of the A-Class is a limited edition of 5 500 units.

This year Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the one hundredth birthday of the Mercedes three-pointed star and the Benz emblem with a particularly exclusive edition of the CL Coupé. This anniversary model shines with an extensive package of appointments and exquisite details. These include an elegant paint finish from the designo collection, a new AMG Sports package, top-class leather, black piano lacquer trim and beautifully executed emblems of the original trademarks inset into the centre console. These are accurate reproductions of the emblems that Daimler Motorengesellschaft and Benz & Cie registered as trademarks one hundred years ago, forming the basis for the Mercedes star. With this special edition, Mercedes-Benz is adding even more individuality to the luxury coupé, and showing that even the best can still be perfected.

The histories of the Mercedes star and the Benz laurel wreath began independently of each other: on 24 June 1909Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft officially registered the design of the Mercedes star, and on 6 August Benz & Cie. registered the letters “Benz”, enclosed by a laurel wreath, as a trademark with the Imperial Patent Office. The fact that both vehicle makers registered their new trademarks in the summer of 1909 appears in retrospect as a parallel to the year 1886. That was the year when, again independently of each other, Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz invented the automobile. Twenty-three years later the two companies, competitors at the time, created new brand symbols which promptly appeared as a badge and device on their respective vehicles.

On 18 February 1925 – more than a year prior to the merger of Daimler and Benz on 28 June 1926 – the two brands registered the new joint logo: Daimler’s Mercedes star set within Benz’s laurel wreath. From this the trademark of Mercedes-Benz, valid to this day, developed.

The CL-Class has been acknowledged as a masterpiece of automobile engineering since its inception. It combines the comfort of a prestigious luxury saloon with the dynamism of a sports car, with a captivating design and trailblazing high-tech features. With its exclusive appointments, the special “100 years of the trademark” model underlines the special status of the CL.

The crowning highlights of the anniversary edition are the historic trademarks dating from 1909 in gilded plate brass, which are inset into the centre console. Together with the designo metallic graphite paint finish these accentuate the model’s exquisitely luxurious character. Sporty visual touches are provided by the new AMGSports package with muscular front and rear aprons, side skirts and sports pedals of brushed stainless steel with black rubber studs, plus painted brake callipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering. The anniversary edition also includes high-sheen 20-inch 5 twin-spoke AMGlight-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey, which are only available for this special CL-Class model. They are shod with 255/35 R 20 tyres at the front and 275/35 R 20 at the rear.

The interior is fitted with exquisite, partly hand-stitched designo aniline leather with contrasting seams in a light sand colour. The high-quality wood/leather steering wheel harmonises with the interior trim in shining black piano lacquer and the anthracite Alcantara roof lining. The black floor mats with AMGlettering feature sand-coloured edging.
The 285 kW/388 hp special CL 500 model “100 years of the trademark” is equipped with all the new features of model year 2009.

These include new exterior mirrors with larger lenses, an eye-catching indicator design in LED technology and improved aerodynamics, a new, upgraded telematics generation with a further development of COMAND APS, an SD card slot in the centre console and a USBinterface in the glove compartment. The Front Seat Entertainment package is also available as an option, with a 6-disc DVDchanger, surround-sound system and SPLITVIEW. This innovative display technology enables the driver and front passenger to view different content on the same display at the same time. On request a universal Media Interface is available for connecting mobile audio devices.

The special “100 years of the trademark” model can be ordered with immediate effect, and will be available from 26 June as the CL 500 and CL 500 4MATIC. The extra price for the extensive and highly desirable additional appointments is 17,850 Euro incl. 19% German VAT.

The Geneva Motor Show will see the comeback of an intriguing product idea when Mercedes-Benz presents the Coupé range in the new E‑Class. Just three months after the presentation of the Saloon, the brand is therefore launching a new highlight in the new model series while continuing a tradition that has repeatedly met with great enthusiasm throughout the history of the E-Class.

The new E-Class Coupé offers a very special combination of two attributes for which the Mercedes brand is known: fascination and efficiency. With its classic coupé side aspect – no B-pillars and fully retractable side windows – the new two-door car is a particularly sporty interpretation of the E-Class’s dynamic design. At the same time the most aerodynamic variant of the Coupés achieves a new world best in terms of drag coefficient: with a Cd-figure of just 0.24, this model is the world’s most aerodynamically efficient series-production car. The model programme includes two new 4-cylinder engines, which consume up to 17% less fuel whilst offering a significant increase in performance and torque. The new E-Class Coupé’s standard-fit AGILITY CONTROL suspension adjusts automatically to the current driving situation. It combines driving enjoyment and excellent handling with the maximum comfort. The new E-Class Coupé will be in the showrooms of the European Mercedes-Benz dealerships and company-owned sales outlets at the beginning of May 2009.

The new Coupé offers all the technical innovations of the new E-Class series, features which customers expect to find in a sports-oriented luxury coupé. These include selective damper control, drowsiness detection, preventive occupant protection and an Active Bonnet.

As a feature specific to the Coupé, the Dynamic Driving package allows different suspension setups at the touch of a button.

Adaptive Main Beam Assist, road sign recognition and an automatic emergency braking system are other features with which the new series sets standards in this vehicle category.

The E-Class also takes on a pioneering role in the drive sector.

The new diesels and direct-injection petrol engines combine efficiency with an effortless power delivery.

The engine line-up includes two new four-cylinder models which deliver significantly more power and torque while consuming up to 17 percent less fuel.

The best example is the twin-turbo diesel E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Coupé, which consumes 5.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres and emits 139 grams of CO2 per kilometre, making it one of the most economical vehicles in its class.

This exemplary low fuel consumption rate has been achieved not only been because of the new engines, but also due to a number of practical measures.

These include on-demand activation of the steering and fuel pumps, the use of tyres with low rolling resistance and an alternator control system which takes account of the current driving situation and the vehicle’s electrical power requirements, plus the very important contribution made by outstanding aerodynamics.

Design which expresses passion and effortless superiority

The design of the new two-door model includes traditional styling elements which give Mercedes-Benz Coupés their unmistakable identity: for example the side windows, which are not interrupted by a B-pillar and are fully retractable.

Another hallmark of Mercedes Coupé design is the sports radiator grille with the large central star. At the same time, however, the new model points the way to the future with an exciting, contemporary design idiom.

At the same time the Coupé shows its close family resemblance to the E-Class Saloon. This is shown by the ’twin-headlamp face’, with rhomboid contours but somewhat sportier, sharper treatment for a more dynamic look.

Another design feature which the Coupé shares with the Saloon is the powerful contour of the rear wing — a styling cue which also gave the S 220 “Ponton” Coupé of 1955 its athletic appearance.

Although it shares family traits with the Saloon, the Coupé has its own, distinct identity characterised by effortless superiority and a greater sense of passion. The arrow shape of the entire front section from front bumper to radiator to bonnet, the more extreme interpretation of the twin headlamp face and its more sinewy build give it a racier and more dynamic presence.

Newly developed seats with a sporty design

The seats of the E-Class Coupé are new developments whose design and techno-logy reflect the sporty nature of this two-door Mercedes.

They are electrically adjustable for seat height and backrest angle as standard. The high, sports car-like seat backrests have a practical Easy-Entry function to make access and egress easier for rear-seat passengers.

In conjunction with electric seat adjustment with memory (an optional extra), the front seats are equipped with electro-pneumatically adjustable four-way lumbar supports; these are able to provide anatomically favourable support for the lower spine, which further improves seating comfort.

Luxury seats with leather upholstery and active ventilation are available as optional extras, as are newly developed multicontour seats with inflatable air chambers in the front seat cushions as well as in the centre and side bolsters of the backrests.

Two comfortable individual seats are available for the rear passengers. These feature backrests which can be folded down individually or together to increase the capacity of the luggage compartment.

In pictures the GL-Class looks like a bigger version of the M-Class. In reality the proportions are much larger and much more impressive. While exterior dimensions have GL about a foot longer than the M-Class, without friends or kids aboard, the GL finds room for ten more cubic feet of cargo room.

From the outside, it’s apparent that the overall appearance of the GL 550 is meant for people with a family, who also want luxury. Mercedes has never been accused of making anything look inexpensive, and the GL was not n exception. Everything on the outside of our tester was either a deep Arctic white or chrome. In fact, this may be the most chrome we’ve even seen on a Mercedes. The whole front end, the 12-inch AMG wheels, the side rails, the rear accent pieces, and the tailpipe, all have an extra shimmer to them. But this is all done with typically tasteful Mercedes way, so Pimp My Ride need not apply here.

Interior

Inside, Mercedes wants to do all the work for you. Of course there are power seats (eight-way adjustable), but the is also an electronically closing tailgate, power folding third row seats, and even power rear vent windows.

The interior will be familiar to any Mercedes fan. Not all the parts are recognizable from other Mercedes vehicles, but the layout has a feeling that is shared throughout the company’s entire line up. For example, the height of the dashboard and the instrument lay out feel ergonomically similar (but not identical) to the E-Class.

Our benchmark for the GL 550 is the S550 sedan we had in our fleet. While it might not seem fair to put a seven passenger SUV against a five passenger sedan, from the driver’s seat view there were a lot of similarities. The GL 550 did not have COMMAND center running the whole operations of the car like the S-Class, but it did offer the same ergonomically friendly layout for the radio/GPS/rearview camera from our S550.

The overall impression from the inside was that there was plenty more S-Class to the GL than we expected from the price point. The Mercedes starts the GL 550 at $81,300 with extra interior options like the premium leather and the dual headrest screens our tester came in a little over $85K (about $15K less than our S-Class).

Test Drive

The GL 550 does not act according to its size. The handling could be compared to the much smaller RAV4 we just had in out fleet. While comparing a Mercedes to a Toyota usually isn’t a complement, it is in this case. We liked the tight turning of the small SUV, and though it had a sporty feel. It was an accomplishment for the RAV4, but it’s an engineering miracle for the much larger and heavier GL 550.

The road handling is partially attributed to the low-profile street tires. This means our GL was nowhere near ready for off roading. Instead the all wheel drive system was there to make sure we could keep control on slick ground.

The engine is the same exact unit we had in our S550. It’s a 5.5-liter V8 engine that makes 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque (allowing it to tow up to 7,500 lbs). Without a boat attached, the 0 to 60 mph time is 6.4, which is as quick as Audi’s Q7 and quicker than a BMW 528i – not bad for a SUV that weighs in at 5,300 lbs.

Conclusion

It would be easy to dismiss our GL 550 as just a big SUV for people who like to be seen in a big SUV. By appearance it could be a lot of style over substance. After all, it’s got a lot of chrome, pretty white paint, and tires for the street; so it looks like it’s not ready for off-road duty. In some ways this is true. For those who want to be in luxury while traversing up a mountain, then that’s why Mercedes has the G-Class. But for those who need to carry a lot of people, tow a boat, or travel roads aren’t always paved, the GL 550 is a luxurious fit.

In the search for the optimum hybrid system for the premium motor car, the engineers were already sure of one thing right from the concept phase: a Mercedes-Benz SUV with a hybrid drive would have to share the same typical brand attributes as any other Mercedes vehicle. Essential elements such as the greatest possible active and passive safety, optimum ride comfort and ease of operation, uncompromising reliability over a long period and high-quality workmanship with select materials would have to be on a par with a comparable, conventionally powered standard-production vehicle. And all combined with the greatest possible efficiency. At the same time, the drive system should be testimony to the company’s innovative strength and cutting-edge technology. These objectives demanded a complete development cycle – the kind of process any new model family developed from scratch would undergo.

Until the Mercedes-Benz ML 450 HYBRID reached series-production maturity, the engineers and technicians clocked up a total of four million kilometres, taking in some of the world’s most extreme climatic conditions to prove the system’s reliability, be it in the sub-zero Arctic circle, the searing heat of arid desert regions or in the sweltering, humid temperatures of the tropics. The work was supplemented by an extensive test-rig programme and detailed simulations as part of the “Digital Prototype”. An important aim during development was to optimally match the various subsystems within the powertrain. System matching enables the various drive modes to be easily used while the customer is driving.

The two-mode hybrid technology in the ML 450 HYBRID, whose drive architecture supports purely electric operation and purely combustion engine operation or any combination of the two, takes its lead from the fundamental work undertaken by the “Global Hybrid Cooperation”. This group brought together research and development work undertaken by the companies Daimler AG, BMW Group, General Motors and Chrysler.

Superior technology: two-mode hybrid for the most efficient drive system

Thanks to two-mode hybrid technology the ML 450 HYBRID boasts tangible benefits: its performance figures are on a par with a conventional eight-cylinder SUV with permanent all-wheel drive while fuel consumption and emissions have been reduced by up to 60%. The vehicle designed specifically for the US market delivers ’city’ fuel consumption of 21 mpg and ’highway’ consumption of 24 mpg, making it the most efficient vehicle in its segment. With its SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) classification, the SUV meets the most stringent emissions standard for vehicles with a combustion engine currently applicable in the US. At the same time, the ML 450 HYBRID with a system output of 250 kW (340 hp) and a combined torque of 517 newton metres guarantees a superlative driving experience combined with an enhanced level of ride comfort. The driver can concentrate fully on the traffic and enjoy the ML 450 HYBRID driving experience without having to select additional functions as the drive management system is fully automatic. The functionality of the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system is also fully retained.

At the heart of the two-mode hybrid drive is the transmission unit with two compact electric motors, three planetary gear sets and four clutches. This configuration enables the power to be split into an electrical and a mechanical path. Conventional one-mode hybrid systems tend not to have mechanical ratios. As such, this kind of system transfers the bulk of the power via the electrical path with high electrical output and hence lower efficiency. It works efficiently principally at lower loads and speeds. If power also needs to be transferred at higher loads and speeds, an accordingly larger electric motor would be required. Having to power and find space for this engine would only be possible at the expense of efficiency. In response to increasing engine loads and higher speeds, two-mode technology, by contrast, variably shifts the power transfer from the electrical path to the mechanical drive path.

As a result, the system is much more efficient in all situations, both in inner-city stop-and-go traffic as well as on fast motorway journeys, while also enabling smaller electric motors to be used. The efficiency boost – both in urban traffic as well as on motorway journeys – is therefore where “two-mode” technology gets its name from.
The four clutches are used to distribute the driving force generated by the electric motor and combustion engine via four fixed ratios and two electric variable ratios to all four wheels on the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system, depending on the driving situation. Various strategies ensure the best possible fuel consumption and performance, depending on the traffic situation or the driver’s requirements:

• When moving off or at low speed up to the second fixed gear, the ML 450 HYBRID operates in ECVT 1 mode (Electric Continuously Variable Transmission), delivering a very comfortable, smooth ride.
• At higher speed from the second fixed ratio, ECVT 2 mode is used. Depending on the optimum operation point, a combined or continuously variable mode is selected.
• In the first and third fixed gear both electric motors work synchronously, providing either additional energy for acceleration (boost) or storing the braking and coasting energy (recuperation).
• In the second and fourth fixed gear, one electric motor is switched off to improve efficiency. The second electric motor is used for the booster function and recuperation.

The two compact electric motors boast a high power density and are fully integrated into the transmission housing. The limited installation space means the two electric motors have to be configured differently. The first electric motor – positioned nearer to the combustion engine – develops 62 kW (85 hp) and 235 newton metres of torque and has been designed with power output and minimal losses firmly in mind. The electric motor placed at the end of the transmission develops 60 kW (82 hp) and 260 newton metres and is thus the ideal solution for moving off solely under electric power and providing the booster function.

A battery management function monitors and controls the various charge flows during electric motoring, boost or recuperation to ensure a stable charge state. The entire high-voltage onboard network complies with the most stringent safety standards.

Sophisticated management system computes the most fuel-efficient operating mode in real time Operation of the two external rotor magneto motors and the management of the entire high-voltage onboard network requires complex control electronics housed in the engine compartment of the ML 450 HYBRID. Waste heat from the electronics is dissipated via a separate cooling circuit to increase efficiency. An integrated Auxiliary Power Module enables power to be exchanged between the 288-volt battery and the 12-volt onboard network.

A powerful computer controls the hybrid system with up to 50 million computing operations a second. The electronic control unit calculates the most efficient operating mode 160 times a second, thus ensuring the lowest possible fuel consumption. The management system also supports new functions and comfort/convenience features:

• The transmission’s coordinated shift strategies ensure judder-free manoeuvring
• “Chill down” mode enables the battery to recover during overload or high temperatures*
• An adaptive drive mode learns the driving style of the driver or the particular route profile to optimise the agility of the drive mode
• The “Power Launch Control” supports optimum acceleration in boost mode*
• The “Traffic Jam” feature enables the vehicle to be driven entirely under electric power in stop-and-go traffic even with a low battery charge status*

Consumption-optimised Atkinson V6 engine

The modified 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine has been optimised in accordance with the Atkinson process, delivering substantially better fuel consumption and emissions figures with an output of 205 kW (279 hp) and a maximum torque of 350 newton metres. The development engineers utilised some of the benefits of the Atkinson principle whereby the expansion phase is longer than the compression phase. The intake valve is kept open slightly longer between the intake and compression phases, which improves the engine’s thermal efficiency while reducing the specific fuel consumption and untreated emissions. This process is not used with conventionally powered vehicles because Atkinson engines – apart from the lower fuel consumption and emissions – tend to deliver lower torque at lower revs and thus inferior response particularly at low engine speeds. On the ML 450 HYBRID this drawback is more than offset through the use of the electric motors when moving off normally, accelerating or using the booster function. The M-Class thus offers superb responsiveness and agility.

Compared with the conventional 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, the Atkinson version features a modified cylinder head, pistons and camshaft. The camshaft timing has also been modified. The newly developed regulated oil pump adjusts the flow rate to the engine’s actual requirements, thus minimising the necessary delivery rate and helping reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Since the alternator and starter functions are integrated in the two electric motors, these two components, which are now surplus to requirements, no longer need to be connected up to the belt drive on the combustion engine. The air conditioning compressor and the steering servo pump are another two components that do not need to be powered via the belt drive. These are driven electrically on the ML 450 HYBRID and can be run independently of the combustion engine.

Operating strategies of the two-mode hybrid drive

The ML 450 HYBRID offers the full range of extra functions offered by a hybrid drive. These include variable hybrid mode for city and motorway driving, silent, purely electric moving off and motoring, the “booster function” for fast acceleration, recuperation and the start/stop function. These functions are activated depending on the operating state and traffic situation:

• While at a standstill, the combustion engine is switched off. The air conditioning and power steering functions are fully retained thanks to the electric drive of the air conditioning compressor and the steering servo pump.
• Manoeuvring, for instance when parking, only uses the electric drive.
• If the driver presses the accelerator from a standstill, the ML 450 HYBRID moves off solely using electric power. If the accelerator is pressed rapidly, the management system recognises the need for increased acceleration, activates the combustion engine which it backs up with additional torque from the electric motor (booster effect). This noticeably increases the vehicle’s agility without having to use the kickdown feature.
• When cruising, the operation point is shifted toward lower specific fuel consumption figures to increase the efficiency of the V6 engine while in turn also increasing efficiency particularly under partial loads.
• Recuperation, the conversion of braking energy into electric power and subsequent storage starts immediately the vehicle is in overrun mode or during normal braking manoeuvres. The service brake is also activated during heavy braking. The ML 450 HYBRID can match where necessary the kind of good maximum deceleration you will find on a conventionally powered M-Class with the same superb handling.
• The start/stop function deactivates the V6 engine as soon as it is not needed, say when rolling up to a red traffic light. As soon as the driver presses the accelerator, the ML moves off using electric power and then starts the combustion engine.
• The Silent Start enables the vehicle to be started without creating any noise.

In a hitherto unique project bridging various fields of profession, the trainees of Daimler AG at the Sindelfingen Mercedes-Benz plant have built a Roadster with fuel cell drive. For about a year, more than 150 trainees and dual education system students worked on the overall concept, development, assembly, and completion of the F-CELL Roadster.

This project involved junior employees from the fields of automotive mechatronics, model-building, electronics, coating technology, manufacturing mechanics, product design, and interior appointments. The prime objective of the project was to integrate the topic of alternative drive systems into training with hands-on experience.

“This project impressively demonstrates that the topic of sustainable mobility has become an integral part of our vocational training,” said Human Resources Board member and Labor Relations Manager Günther Fleig. “I am delighted to see how much initiative and creativity the young people have put into this project.”

Tradition meets the future

The F-CELL Roadster uniquely combines state-of-the-art technologies with the history of vehicle construction. As an allusion to the Benz Patent Motor Car from 1886, the vehicle is fitted with large spoked wheels. Moreover, the F-CELL Roadster incorporates stylistic elements from diverse eras of automotive history, such as the carbon-fiber bucket seats with hand-stitched leather covers and the distinctively styled fiberglass front section, based on the component from the Formula One racing bolides.

The F-CELL Roadster is controlled with drive-by-wire technology, and a joystick takes the place of a conventional steering wheel. The vehicle is powered by the emission-free fuel cell system located at the rear. With a power rating of 1.2 kW the F-CELL Roadster reaches a top speed of 25 km/h and has an operating range of up to 350 km.