2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid

• Competes with: Lexus LS 600h L
• Looks like: A run-of-the-mill S-Class
• Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V-6 with electric motor and seven-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: Fall 2009

The Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid is a gasoline-electric hybrid version of the automaker's flagship S-Class sedan that's expected to arrive in the U.S. in fall 2009. Average fuel economy is about 30 mpg, according to Mercedes, which is nearly double the 16 mpg combined rating of the V-8-powered S550. Though a gasoline-electric version of the S-Class is significant in its own right, the S400 BlueHybrid's hybrid system also incorporates a lithium-ion battery pack. Mercedes says the operating temperature of the battery pack is regulated by the car's air conditioning system, thereby enhancing battery life and performance. Total system output of the 3.5-liter V-6 and electric motor is 299 horsepower and 277 pounds-feet of torque. Mercedes-Benz spokesman Rob Moran says the electric motor supplements the gas engine during acceleration. The automaker cites a zero-to-62-mph time of 7.3 seconds for the car and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Buyers of expensive luxury sedans haven't had many eco-friendly alternatives to traditional V-8-powered models, and even the new Lexus LS 600h L is no fuel-saver with its 20/22 mpg city/highway rating. That's about to change with the S400 BlueHybrid, which gives big spenders all the luxury they'd expect from an S-Class with significantly improved gas mileage.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

After the less-than-satisfying reveal of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan, debuting at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show will be the 2010 E-Class Coupe, replacing and effectively killing off the CLK model line.

The four-seater E-Class Coupe is surprisingly the most aerodynamic production car ever, with a Cd of only 0.24, much lower than even supercars. Noteworthy features include frameless doors and fully-retractable windows, although these don’t help the flow of the design as much as they are supposed to.

Three petrol-engined models will be initially available, namely a 204 hp I4-powered E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Coupé, a 292 hp V6-powered E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Coupé and a 388 hp V8-powered E 500 Coupé. The E 250 gets a 5-speed automatic, while the others get a 7-speed auto.

The electronic safety are excessive and too many to list. They include an ATTENTION ASSIST system to literally wake up sleeping drivers, PRE-SAFE to prepare a car’s seat-belts and airbags to deploy in an imminent crash, Adaptive Main Beam Assist that keeps re-adjusting the headlights based on lighting and oncoming traffic, DISTRONIC PLUS to brake for you if it thinks you are a retard and are headed for a crash, pedestrian-friendly self-deploying bonnet, and upto nine airbags that includes a knee-bag.

Other features include adaptive suspension settings, screen-based infotainment system, AMG sports kit with 18-inch wheels, various cabin trim choices and more. With an exterior and interior like that, the E-Class Coupe needs all the fancy options it can get to appear appealing.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Pictures

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Black Edition

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sport

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wallpaper

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Interior

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Picture

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Car Show

2009 Mercedes-Benz S550

2009 Mercedes-Benz S550 Picture

2009 Mercedes-Benz S550 Interior

2009 Mercedes-Benz S550 Wallpaper

2009 Mercedes-Benz S550 Photo

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Picture

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Black

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Picture

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Interior

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Wallpaper


2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Photo

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Wallpaper

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Wallpaper

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Interior

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Picture

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Photo

2010 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

Presenting a few figures to unclog your arteries: 661 horsepower, 738 pound-feet of torque, a $300,000 price tag, claimed 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, a top speed electronically limited to . . . 200 mph. Ahhh. You may now skip tonight’s dose of Lipitor.

The new top model in the AMG lineup, the twin-turbocharged, V-12 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series will slip into American traffic this January as inconspicuously as a librarian redecorating her desk with a chain saw. From the front or back, the Black Series resembles a mad, robotic bulldog, its leviathan fender flares stretching overall width to nearly six and a half feet. Every body panel except the rear fenders and the doors is made of lightweight carbon fiber — including the new fixed roof, which hides an integrated roll bar. The rear apron incorporates an underbody diffuser for improved downforce; also assisting is a rear wing that automatically rises above 75 mph.

AMG employs 60 engine-builders, 40 of whom are trained to produce V-12s. Each Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series powerplant is assembled by one of those men from start to finish, a process that takes about seven hours (including testing). Compared with the “normal” SL65, the Black Series gets redesigned, better-breathing turbos; a modified intake tract; and a reengineered exhaust with reduced backpressure. The resulting 6.0-liter monster produces so much torque, AMG uses an electronic limiter to keep the madness in check. Without it, the blown V-12 would produce more like 885 pound-feet. Incredibly, despite the power boost, the Black Series delivers five percent better fuel efficiency than the standard SL65.

The superb Mercedes seven-speed automatic simply can’t handle even the “limited” 738 pound-feet, so the Black Series gets the stouter five-speed auto with paddle shifters. The transmission offers four program modes, including two full-manual programs (M2 shifting 20 percent quicker than M1). Like an expert driver, the automatic also performs double-clutch downshifts, helping to prevent sudden load changes that could diminish stability when entering fast corners or driving on slick surfaces.

An all-new coil-over suspension lies under the carbon-fiber extravaganza. Wheels are 19-inch light alloys up front and 20-inchers in the rear, with high-performance Dunlop Sport Maxx GT rubber all around. Each corner wears a vented, perforated disc brake, with six-piston calipers forward and 4-piston to the rear. Stability modes include ESP On, ESP Sport, and, if you’re feeling a flash of insanity, ESP Off.

European buyers get full carbon-fiber door trim, but air bag requirements in the U.S. mean we have to settle for sumptuous leather. The sport seats offer a deep embrace, and the flat-bottom steering wheel stays out of the way of your legs while looking racy. The standard navigation system is simply lousy. Driving through San Francisco, I often had to guess when “she” wanted me to turn. Her vocabulary is more limited than a kindergartner’s, too.

Not that you’ll care. Step on the throttle, and your own vocabulary will momentarily lapse into mere grunts and screams. So much torque floods the 325/30R20 rear Dunlops, the Black Series nearly stands on end. You’d never move an inch forward without traction control.

Running high-speed laps around Laguna Seca, I left the stability system in ESP Sport, which allowed the tail to wag just a little and kept the revs from bogging down, as happens with full ESP on. This is an explosive automobile, not a finesse machine. Lots of handling grip, with surprisingly little understeer, but it’s no match for the nimbler, V-8 SL63 AMG.

The power is fantastic, real head-banging stuff. Imagine the egos you could crush on the autobahn with this two-seat sledgehammer. The five-speed auto proved a little clunky at times, though. Hit the rev limiter, and before you can upshift the transmission pauses. The engine almost seems to reboot. Rather than simply bouncing back to life as revs drop, it stops, takes a breath, then reawakens as you get your upshift. I’m talking blink-of-an-eye timing here, but on a racetrack even mere ticks are confounding. And, obviously, you can avoid the whole issue by simply staying clear of the redline.

The brakes are sensational, stopping hard and never fading. Body motions are well-controlled, but the Black Series feels more at home on the track than on the road. It rides hard, too hard if you’re cruising over anything but billiard-table blacktop. Of course, the suspension has a lot of mass to keep in control: Even though all that carbon fiber drops the weight by 210 pounds over a standard SL65, the Black Series still tops 4100 pounds.

Will anyone who can afford the SL65 Black Series care? Not likely. This is a statement car, an “I’ve-got-more-power-than-you” megabruiser that simply screams, “just try me.” It wears its speed on its carbon-fiber sleeve, daring other sports cars to trespass, gloating over mortal automobiles in the valet lane, elevating its driver to the status of Hercules. Anyone still in its vicinity need only hear the estimated base price — roughly $300,000 — before fleeing in terror from the overwhelming audacity of this monumental machine.

Mercedes-Benz Offers Sharia-Friendly Financing In Middle East

Mercedes-McLaren SLR 722 Edition

Mercedes-Benz is hoping to increase its presence in the lucrative Middle-Eastern market by establishing a pair of financial firms that are fully compliant with the specific regulations of Islamic law, or Sharia.

Islamic law prohibits its followers from charging or collecting interest fees when money is lent or accepted, or investing in businesses, goods or services that are contrary to its religious principles.

To get around this, Mercedes-Benz has launched Mercedes-Benz Finance Middle East and Mercedes-Benz Leasing Middle East. The new companies are headquartered in Dubai and offer loans and leasing to private and business customers for new and pre-owned passenger cars and commercial vehicles, including the all-important Sharia-compliant Islamic finance product.

There are several methods of investing that comply with Islamic law. For example, instead of offering a loan with interest to buy a car, the financial firm could purchase the car outright at an inflated price that includes the interest portion and then sell it to a customer who can then make fixed payments on a regular basis.

Mercedes-Benz picked Dubai for its new offices as the United Arab Emirates, which Dubai is the most popular state in, represents the most important passenger car market in the Middle East for Mercedes-Benz. In 2008, Mercedes-Benz sold 7,800 passenger cars and 3,100 commercial vehicles in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.

2010 Mercedes GLK CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCy

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.
* available from December 2009

Attractive model range: A choice of six GLK models

The GLKis a powerful and distinctive compact SUV.The striking, multi-talented vehicle sets itself apart from its competitors through its functional and appealing body shape while also combining attributes that previously were completely contradictory: Thanks to its AGILITY CONTROL chassis with variable damping, the vehicle brings together impressive handling with great driving safety and outstanding ride comfort.
The ultramodern engine line-up in all GLK models provides superlative drive comfort and compelling performance coupled with superior fuel efficiency and low emissions. Besides the two new models GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, the vehicle is also available in four other versions: The new diesel models are supplemented by the 4MATIC version of the GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and the tried and tested GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC V6 diesel model. The GLK model range is rounded off by the two V6 petrol models GLK 300 4MATIC and GLK 350 4MATIC. They and the three four-cylinder diesel models meet the strict EU5 emissions standard.

All GLK models with all-wheel drive come standard with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.

Technical data of the GLK model range at a glance

Model Emission standard Cyl. cc kW/hp at rpm Nm at rpm Trans.* Drive** 0-100 (s) km/h l/100 km NEDC comb.**** CO2 g/km
GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY EU 5 4-cyl. inline 2143 125/170 3200-4800 400 1400-2800 MT6 RWD 8.8 205 6.0-6.4 158-168
AT7 RWD 8.7 205 6.3-6.7 158-168
GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY EU 5 4-cyl. inline 2143 125/170 3200-4800 400 1400-2800 AT7 4MATIC 8.8 205 6.7-6.9 176-182
GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY EU 5 4-cyl. inline 2143 150/204 4200 500 1600-1800 AT7 4MATIC 7.9*** 213*** 6.7***
176-183***
GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC EU 4 V6 2987 165/224 3800 540 1600-2400 AT7 4MATIC 7.5 220 7.9-8.4 208-220
GLK 300 4MATIC EU5 V6 2996 170/231 6000 300 2500-5000 AT7 4MATIC 7.6 210 10.2-10.5 239-246
GLK 350 4MATIC EU5 V6 3498 200/272 6000 350 2400-5000 AT7 4MATIC 6.7 230 10.5-10.8 245-251