Mercedes Benz Pictures

Mercedes-Benz CLS Barbus

2011-03-01T07:33:00.000-08:00

Brabus would be displaying their tuning kit for the second generation Mercedes Benz CLS model at the Geneva Motor Show scheduled to be held next week. There are aero-enhancements, interior goods and performance upgrades that the German tuning house has prepared for the new 2012 CLS from Mercedes.

A new front bumper is the first add-on from the tuning firm that appeals to the eye as it adds to the Aesthetic looks of the Mercedes-Benz. They have also included LED daytime running lights with the option of going either for a dark or chrome surrounds. There are also the fender gills; side skirts, a discreet boot lid spoiler and rear apron that are included in the tuning kit. The exhaust system that is existent on the 2012 CLS is a sport model one and this has four tail pipes. The tuning kit from Brabus gives custom cut outs for these tail pipes.

Mercedes-Benz CLS

MercedesBenz SLP Mclaren

2011-01-02T00:26:00.003-08:00

MercedesBenz SLP Mclaren

Mercedes Brabus Concept

2011-01-02T00:26:00.001-08:00

Mercedes Benz Photos

Mercedes Brabus

2010 VATH Mercedes C250 CGI Pictures

2010-08-21T21:37:00.000-07:00

Mercedes C250 CGI

Mercedes C250 CGI
Mercedes C250 CGI

2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is leather-clad luxury

2010-06-26T05:54:00.001-07:00

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Really, it's not even a ton of money needed to wrap yourself in a leather-clad class. It's the least expensive Mercedes available -- but by no means is it cheap; it's refined through and through.
Cruising along in the C300 4Matic all-wheel drive Benz is like talking with a well-dressed old friend. Every part of the car seems familiar and comfortable, but there's something kind of formal about the occasion.

One day, during my testing, I was going to run to the store and realized I was wearing shorts and a T-shirt. I felt underdressed to drive the car, as well as get out of it and walk through a Meijer parking lot.

There are just some cars that demand a little bit more out of their owners: A Mercedes does that, even the C300.

Nothing is over the top with this car. The way the optional 7-inch color navigation screen moves out of the dash when you start it up seems almost magical. It whirs quietly and efficiently. It's simplicity and artistic.

The leather seats (and leather-wrapped steering wheel) feel comfortable enough for long road trips or daily commuting.

There's a German sensibility to this car that caters to your slightly frugal side -- it starts at $34,000 -- as well as the air of luxury that comes with the Mercedes badge.

The loneliest Mercedes

2010-06-26T05:51:00.000-07:00

In car-loving Los Angeles, red, mid-engined sports cars barely raise an eyebrow. But the one I’m driving is causing a stir.

Burly men in huge pickup trucks goggle through smoked glass windows and make thumbs up signs. At every stop, people cluster round the tiny car. “That’s cute,” says one bystander. Another reckons she’s never seen anything like it.

And she would be right, because the car, a 1935 Mercedes 150H Sport Roadster, is unique. It’s not known how many were built, but it’s between two and 20, and this is the only survivor.

After Mercedes bought the car back from a private owner in the 1950s with just 44km on the clock, it sat in a German museum. Suggestions about bringing it back to life were greeted with stern head shaking by Mercedes management. The car was precious, and taking it to pieces to restore it could damage parts that would be impossible to replace. Apparently, the powers that be were worried that they’d end up with an expensive pile of bits.

Their change of heart represents a startling turnaround. Not only is the car now very much alive, but it’s also being driven on public roads, mixing it with towering yellow school buses and gawking commuters. And, as a huge act of faith, Mercedes invited journalists to get behind the 150’s slim, spoked steering wheel and take it for a spin on Los Angeles’ sun drenched streets.

Valuing the 150H is tough because there isn’t another one to compare it with. But a Mercedes chaperone described it as, quite literally, a million-dollar car. Anyone wrapping it round a mailbox wouldn’t be popular.

Kicherer Mercedes SLS AMG With 620 hp

2010-06-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

German tuner Kicherer released a new tuning package for the great Mercedes SLS AMG, which unlike their first attempt is actually very nice. They call it the supersport black, and while, mercifully, they have not done much to the body, its matte black finish is just awesome. It makes the SLS to look even more mean and nasty!

Kicherer provides the car with a front spoiler lip, and a new rear diffuer, probably to improve the car’s aerodynamic’s efficiency. And that’s kinda necessary because they’ve tweaked the engine as well and gave it a whole lot more power.

The car’s 6.3 liter AMG V8, which recently won the award as 2010 best performance engine, is upgraded from 571 hp to a massive 620 hp. The standard unit sounds really dirty, you can imagine how cool the roar of this beefed up version would be!

The tuner also hooks you up with a set of three-piece RS1 20-inch wheels with performance tires which provide extra grip. These wheels are painted in black with silver outer lip to cope with the swell style of the Black.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell Prototype breaks cover

2010-06-21T18:18:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell Prototype

So you think Porsche has the hottest plug-in hybrid electric supercar (the 918 Spyder). Well you may have forgotten, but shortly after the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar made its debut, the Stuttgart automaker confirmed that it will do an electric-version, scheduled to debut in 2015. Well, here is the prototype of the electric Gullwing.

Known as the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell Prototype, the electric SLS AMG is powered by four electric motors that pump out a total of 526-hp with a maximum torque of 649 lb-ft. The four motors are positioned near each wheel with a transmission on each end to transfer power to the road. That gets the SLS AMG E-Cell to be as fast as its V8 sibling going form 0-60 mph in just 4 seconds. While not confirmed, previous reports suggest a total driving range of 110 miles.

“With the SLS AMG with electric drive, we wanted to redefine the super sports car,” said Volker Mornhinweg, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-AMG. “For us, it is not just about responsibility. We attach just as much importance to excitement and classic AMG performance.”

We’ll grab you more details when Mercedes-Benz officially drops the press release (oh, and yes, we’ll grab you high-res photos for your desktop needs).

Mercedes equips dealers with iPads

2010-05-27T03:26:00.000-07:00

Those are the words most car buyers dread. They come just before figures are pulled out of some accountant's bottom (drawer) in a room adorned with pictures of large people playing golf.

I can offer you a smidgen of joy, should you be wishing to waft into a Mercedes dealership this Memorial Day weekend.

It seems certain of these exalted places are being equipped with iPads, so your friendly dealer can inspire you to closure without the smell of leather ever leaving your nostrils.

"So my iPad tells me that you can drive this baby away right now for just 45 grand a month!"

According to the Wall Street Journal, 40 Mercedes dealerships will enjoy iPads, whose cool they can adopt in order to produce the most radically inviting digits, while you continue to stroke the steering wheel and dream of a love life you can actually tell your friends about.

"It just gives us more of a sense of credibility," Bernie Moreno, an Ohio Mercedes dealer told the Journal.

It is surely an indication of just how much technology is taking over as society's barometer when it takes an iPad to give a car dealer credibility. And you thought it was only honesty that could do that.

MERCEDES-BENZ - RARE SL NIGHT EDITION

2010-05-27T03:25:00.000-07:00

Each SL350 Night Edition has an MLP of $246,000 regardless of paint finish. The Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Mr Horst von Sanden said “With the SL being the longest running continous nameplate in the automotive industry, there have been many special SL’s produced over its 57 year run. We have during the last 57 years debuted some very special features on SL-Class and the Night Edition continues that tradition to start off the next 57 years of SL” With the SL 350 Night Edition we have used the opportunity to provide a unique encompassing of the SL core values of luxury, safety, dynamics, performance and exclusivity.

We have been able to secure twenty five of this truly limited run SL for our local customers, half of which will be painted in the stunning designo magno Night black.”

The SL 350 Night Edition is truly an exclusive and bespoke vehicle”

The additional equipment features have been drawn from across the SL range.

Exterior Appointments

- Choice of exclusive designo magno Night black special paint or Obsidian Black metallic paint

- Sporty 19-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted titanium grey with a highsheen finish

- Silver-painted brake callipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering at the front with perforated front and rear brake discs

Mercedes-Benz E-Class earns this year’s Top Safety Award

2010-05-16T04:52:00.000-07:00

Both large luxury cars Hyundai Genesis and the Mercedes E Class were awarded the 2010 top safety pick awards by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This award distinguishes top vehicles that gets the best rating of good for front, side, rollover and rear crash protection. It also needs to have an electronic stability control which is one of the many features of both cars. Hyundai officials are very happy as they were recently awarded with the top safety pick for their luxury sedan. What made the occasion more thrilling is that they shared the award with their much expensive rival, the Mercedes E Class.

While the Genesis cost a lot less than the Mercedes E Class, this is the first time the E Class model earned the top safety award. Earlier this year, minor modifications were done to the padding in the front door to increase their protection when a side impact crash occurs. According to the Insurance Institute Highway Safety, the Genesis, who underwent some structural changes this year has also enhanced its roof for more protection in rollover crashes. The recent top safety pick award applies to Genesis models that were made since January 2010, and also the award that pertains to the E Class model are the cars that were built since March 2010.

Mercedes Cabriolet E-Class convertible overcomes windblown hair

2010-05-16T04:51:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-class Cabriolet. No more cold drafts or windblown hair when the top's down, our reviewer says.
For many prospective customers, convertibles conjure images of cold drafts and windblown hair, a stereotype Mercedes hopes to overcome with the introduction of its new E-Class Cabriolet.

The mechanical wizards in Stuttgart have concocted technical cures for these age-old problems, making top-down driving pleasant and fun in temperatures that would normally cause us to reach for the button to raise the roof.

Mercedes-Benz GLK350 is mysteriously irresistible

2010-05-16T04:48:00.000-07:00

Meet the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350.

For twice the price of a Honda CR-V, the GLK gives you less space for passengers and cargo and worse fuel economy.

GLK continues M-B's abominable cruise control lever that's easy for your fingers to confuse with the turn signal — leading, worst case, to unintended acceleration.

GLK employs the M-B "Comand" control system that tries hard to be as absurd as BMW's iDrive.

The seven-speed automatic transmission resets to its less-responsive mode each time you shut off the vehicle, forcing you to punch up "S" for Sport at each restart — just to get the thing to start out in first gear instead of second and to hold each gear a little longer for better performance.

Not only was the rear legroom scarce, the back door opening made it tricky to get in and out. And the sunken safety-belt buckles complicated securing and releasing a child.

Driving with windows partway down set up a drumming noise until you found just-so openings of all the windows and perhaps the sunroof.

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

2010-04-30T00:40:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Long after most luxury buyers stopped considering Mercedes-Benz's R-Class, the German automaker has refreshed the people-mover for the 2011 model year.

The 2011 R350 possesses styling the original car should have had when it debuted. Sales for the vehicle this year are about half what they were at this time in 2009, leading us to believe the design redo should help move some sheetmetal off dealer lots.

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Mercedes-Benz' Maybach gets perfume spritzer

2010-04-30T00:35:00.000-07:00

Want to be stinking rich? Just earn a pile of money and buy one of Mercedes-Benz' Maybachs in China. You can order a perfume spritzer -- so your car will smell like a bed of roses -- or just about anything you want --every time you step in.

Maybach sure needs something different to revive the brand, which is all-but-dead in the U.S. The superluxury brand sold seven cars in the U.S. last month, down from 15 the same month a year ago, Autodata reports.

But at last week's auto show in Beijing, you'd think that Maybach was the youngest and most vibrant brand around. Officials held a splashy debut for facelifted versions of the Maybach 57 and 62. The new looks, which included revisions to the chrome radiators, were well overdue. There are also revisions to the headlights, which get a daytime running light feature with LEDs, and new taillights.

The feature that really caught our attention, however, was the built-in perfume spritzer. Not your average Chanel or even Paris Hilton scents, mind you. But rather "an extremely high-quality flacon perfume atomizer available on request." For owners' more practical side, there's also an on-board wireless router, 19-inch video screen and an overview camera for the rear passenger.

Mercedes Runs Straight Through Seventh Floor Parking Lot Wall

2010-04-30T00:33:00.000-07:00

Mercedes accident

Well, it appears that hard news is hiding in favor of novelty stories today. That’s fine by me; this story is way more fun to write about then GM’s financial quarter results.

The one-of-a-kind picture above occurred when the driver’s foot got stuck on the gas with the transmission in reverse and the car plowed through the wall of a Bank of America parking lot in Tulsa, OK. Details are still slim, but the car rammed through the wall yesterday afternoon. Not only did the accident damage the car itself and the building, debris from the crash damaged some cars below. There were no injuries reported, but what a mess.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Class

2010-04-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

The all new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Class is underway and as of now they are testing it on the oval racetrack. This prototype 2013 SL-Class was recently spied lapping the Nurburgring and hanging out with the current-generation SL. Although the vehicles appearance is a lot different. They look like a camouflage vehicle or Batman’s bat mobile.

This new Mercedes Benz has a different look compared to the older models. The new SL is expected to draw styling cues from the the model line’s range-topping SLS AMG, including the nearly 90-degree grille and vertically-opposed headlights.

Mercedes-Benz at Auto China 2010 Show Overview

2010-04-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

The new E-Class with 14 centimetres more rear leg room

With a wheelbase of 3,014 millimetres (overall length 5,008 millimetres), the new E-Class L is even better suited to the requirements of the Chinese market in this class of vehicle. In China, many business saloon customers prefer to be chauffeured rather than driving themselves. In the rear of this five-seat limousine, passengers have no less than 14 centimetres more leg room than in the already very comfortable E-Class with the regular wheelbase. One particularly convenient feature is that the position of the front passenger seat can be adjusted electrically from the rear of the long wheelbase E-Class. Drive comes courtesy of a range of initially two modern and efficient petrol engines (E 260 CGI, E 300).

Market premiere for E-Class Cabriolet and SLS AMG

With the new Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz is completing the successful E-Class family with a particularly appealing version. The open two-door offers a pure convertible feeling thanks to its classic fabric top. The new model boasts a stunning side profile with clear proportions and an elegant silhouette. With the innovative automatic AIRCAP® wind deflector, redesigned AIRSCARF® neck-level heating and the standard-fit sound-dampening soft top, the new E-Class Cabriolet offers a level of year-round comfort for four people that is unique in the convertible segment.

The distinctive design of the SLS AMG captivates with its passionately sporty character and reinterprets the breathtaking form of the legendary 300 SL – an outstanding design icon of the Mercedes-Benz brand. The long bonnet, the low greenhouse set well back and the short rear end with the deployable spoiler are just as indicative of its dynamic prowess as the wide track and large wheels. Short overhangs define the proportions, as does the super sports car layout with a V8 front-mid engine mounted low down towards the rear and coupled with a dual-clutch transaxle transmission. Styling highlights include the gullwing doors, which lend the SLS AMG its unparalleled charisma.

The fourth new model for the Chinese market making its debut in Beijing is the C-Class Estate. This makes Mercedes-Benz the first manufacturer to offer a lifestyle estate car in China – combining functionality and sporting elegance.

Also at “Auto China”, Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the Asian premiere of its latest research vehicle, the F 800 Style. The five-seat luxury-luxury class saloon combines highly efficient driveline technology with innovative comfort and safety functions, as well as an emotional design language. Unique among large saloons worldwide is the all-new variable driveline architecture. It is suited to fuel cell electric drive with a range of around 600 km, as well as for use as a plug-in hybrid, whereby the overall range of around 700 km includes up to 30 kilometres of electric-only drive. Thus, Mercedes-Benz is offering clear proof that the lowest fuel consumption and CO2 emissions can also be achieved with large automobiles.

Presentation with stars from the international sport and show business

With four new models, as well as the world premiere of the Concept Shooting Break, Mercedes-Benz delivered a much-publicised presentation in Beijing. The company underscored its high regard for the Chinese market and for “Auto China” with the involvement of international stars in its press conference event. Former Formula 1 champion Mika Häkkinen presented the new SLS AMG, while Chinese star tenor Dai Yuqiang provided a stunning musical accompaniment to the world premiere of the new long wheelbase E-Class.

The star guest for the introduction of the E-Class Cabriolet was world-famous

English pop and R&B singer Leona Lewis, who had already delighted the audience on the eve of the show with a private concert at the “Mercedes-Benz Cars Premiere Night”.

Mercedes-Benz Cars Premiere Night with Maybach world premiere

To set the tone for Asia’s largest and most important motor show, the Stuttgart premium manufacturer staged a unique show in equally unusual surroundings. The venue for the exclusive “Mercedes-Benz Cars Premiere Night” was the former American Embassy Chi’en Men 23 in the former diplomatic quarter of Beijing. Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG respon-sible for Group Research and Development Mercedes-Benz Cars and Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Cars presented the Mercedes-Benz and Maybach brands to invited guests and stressed the leading position held by Mercedes-Benz in the luxury car market.

One highlight of the evening was the world premiere of the further refined 2010 generation of the high-end luxury limousines from Maybach, making their debut under the heading “Excellence Refined”. The further refined models 57 and 62 are now even more exclusive with targeted modifications in design, technology and equipment, once more setting the benchmark in their segment. Guests were also treated to an equally exclusive, fifteen-minute private concert by world-famous English star Leona Lewis, who added her own very special touch to the luxury brand evening with Mercedes-Benz and Maybach.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe

2010-04-19T03:56:00.001-07:00

Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe
The E-Class reached a significant milestone recently - over the past 60 years, Mercedes-Benz has sold some 10 million of them worldwide. A big reason for its popularity is the broad array of models that fall under the E-Class banner. Along with the coupe tested here, there's a convertible with its novel AirCap system, a full-bodied sedan and a spacious station wagon. There's a model for just about every driver. Of course, the fact that the E-Class is an accomplished ride certainly bolsters its reputation.

Mercedes to display 38 car models at Beijing show

2010-04-19T03:54:00.000-07:00

Reportedly, Mercedes-Benz will bring its Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, Smart and AMG brand models, totaling 38, to the Beijing Auto Show later this month, including three models of the new long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz E-Class that will make their world debut, and three models of the F800 Style Concept, the SLS AMG supercar and the new E-Class Cabriolet that will make their Asia debut this time. The C-Class wagon, as China's initial model, will also be unveiled at the Beijing show.

The new long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz E-Class model

The new long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz E-Class, to be produced in China, is one of the Chinese consumers' favorite models; some adjustments have been made to its body length and width as well as the wheelbase. In motive power, the Chinese-made new E-Class will be equipped with two engines which are the 1.8 liter turbocharged engine and the 3.0-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine. The corresponding models are the E200L, E260L and E300L, of which the first two use the same 1.8-liter turbocharged engines and are equipped with Mercedes-Benz's BLUE EFFICIENCY technology.

Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept car

The avant-garde design of the F800 Style Concept car includes snake-eye headlights with air intake all around, trans-rear tail lights, fine radiator fins at the ventilation openings, side-by-side doors, edgy instrument and seats. In power systems, Mercedes-Benz has equipped the F800 with the plug-in hybrid and fuel cell. The former consists of the 3.5L V6 petrol engine and the 81kw motor, whose total power is expected to be over 400 hp and if driving in pure electric mode, could reach about 30 km. Benz has stated clearly that the system will be applied to the next generation Mercedes-Benz S-CLASS.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar is powered by the 6.3-liter V8 engine with a maximum power of 571 hp and peak torque of 650 Nm and has an acceleration time from 0-100 km/h of only 3.8 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

The drag of the new Mercedes-Benz E-class convertible has reached 0.28, and will increase again when the Aircap is raised, and the fuel consumption will increase as well.

2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class rendering

2010-03-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
We are definitely years away from the release of the 2014 C-Class. However, we present you these pictures for your viewing pleasure. The next generation C-Class sedan is very reminiscent of the current CLS, infused with the style of the F800 concept car. The wagon looks very sporty and not just for “Soccer Moms”.
Mercedes stated that the style of the upcoming models would be influenced by the F800 concept car. The said design has more beautiful flowing lines and by the looks of it, very aerodynamic.

We still have limited knowledge about the new C, but we are sure that there will be a diesel-electric hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. A high performance AMG model is also expected to be released.

Speaking of hybrids, the plug-in hybrid model has a 300 horsepower gasoline V6 mated to an electric motor that churns 109 horsepower and runs on lithium-ion batteries. It is expected to be as high as 81 mpg. The C could also be powered by a 3 cylinder power plant. This would also be a first for the C. The C-Class’ arch rival, the BMW 3 series, may also release a 3 cylinder powered variant for their next generation. According to Mercedes-Benz, the new C-Class will be at the production line of their Bremen and Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama.

Mercedes SLK AMG Modified

2010-03-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

Mercedes SLK AMG

Mercedes SLK AMG

2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG

2010-03-01T11:53:00.001-08:00

Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance division unveiled its new twin-turbo, direct-injection V-8 engine today in the S63 AMG Showcar, at its headquarters in rural Affalterbach, in the hills outside Stuttgart.

The new V-8, code-named M157, is based on the existing 5.5-liter V-8 (M273) that’s widely available throughout the Mercedes lineup. It will make its debut this fall in the S63 AMG and in the all-new, next-generation CL coupe, presumably as the CL63 AMG. Yes, that’s right: the badging will remain S63 even though the displacement will be 5.5 liters. But, really, what does that matter? Even the current AMG V-8, the M156, is actually a 6.2-liter, not a 6.3-liter, so Mercedes is just continuing its illogical badging because it wants to evoke the glories of the historic 6.3 badge.

Friedrich Eichler, head of powertrain development for AMG, explains that the new twin-turbo engine is actually rather conventional in design. “We use one turbo per cylinder bank and [rely on] very, very good volumetric efficiency [to prevent turbo lag] We also made the turbo diameter as small as possible.”

Eichler elaborates on the many changes made to the base V-8 for this new AMG application: “We changed the crankcase and a lot of geometric parts. Structural stiffness is improved, especially in the area where the crankshaft is rotating, where we made the ventilation holes smaller, for more rigidity. We have also made huge efforts toward mechanical efficiency, to reduce friction. We have roller finger followers and we have changed the pistons, the connecting rods, the diameter of the crankshaft, and the bearings. We also have a better cooling system.”

Mercedes ditches AMG 6.2L V8 for new 5.5L turbo

2010-03-01T11:51:00.000-08:00

AMG will usher in a new era of high-power, high-torque and fuel-efficient turbo-charged V8s tomorrow when it debuts is new Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG at the Geneva Motor Show. The motor is 25 percent more efficient than the company’s naturally aspirated 6.2-liter unit, all while delivering more power.

The regular version of the motor will deliver 544 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful variant will increase those figures to 571 hp and 660 lb-ft. Mercedes says the motor has been designed to fill in the low-rev hole the 6.2-liter, with peak torque available from 2000 to 4500 rpm in the “base” version and 2500 to 3750 rpm in more powerful guise.

Going Green Is Seriously Seductive In the Mercedes F 800

2010-02-23T22:46:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz, like everyone else on the planet, is experimenting with plug-in hybrids. But it’s still betting heavily on hydrogen. Now it’s combined the two in a head-turning high-end “multi-drive” concept car that can run on batteries or a fuel cell.

The F 800 Style builds upon the technology underpinning the S 400 Hybrid and the B-Class F-Cell and wraps it in seriously seductive bodywork. This baby has some go to back up the show, too, provided you stick with the 409-horsepower plug-in hybrid version. Choose the hydrogen fuel cell model and you’re limited to 136 horsepower, which is criminally low in a luxury sedan. At least you can admire its stunning good looks as it creeps by.

Mercedes hybrid is fast and frugal

2010-02-23T22:45:00.001-08:00

Sharing its basic underpinnings with the current S400 Hybrid, this plug-in hybrid is again thwarting critics by meshing eye-melting design with all the goodness of green technology. Showing off the firm's latest drivetrain developments, the F800 is powered by both an 81kW electric motor and a 223kW 3-litre V6. Running in conjunction, Mercedes claims this set-up will give the F800 a combined fuel economy figure of 2.42l/100km with CO2 emissions at a miserly 68g/km.

Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept

2010-02-23T22:42:00.000-08:00

F800 Style Concept will be the model that takes the CLS-Class to a futuristic and a new modern era, by being significantly different than it’s predecessors and with lots and lots of innovations especially in the interior.

The first thing we observe is the exterior which looks compact and sporty but with great sense of style, which is something that Mercedes always treated with respect.The lateral and frontal sides have a nervous look, the headlights with LED tech adopted a totally different look than the previousMercedes versions, also the rear doors are sliding so that it seems like a car from another world because it unveils an almost unbelievable interior with the central pillar missing. Another aspect that will make you tingle are the rims, with a severe design but with some sneaky details giving the impression that even when the car is stopped looks like it’s running.

So, now we just have to wait for the Geneva Auto Show to come and clear our eyes this beautiful exhibit, until then see the gallery below.

2010 ART Mercedes G55 AMG G streetline

2010-01-08T10:10:00.000-08:00

2010 ART Mercedes G55 AMG G streetline

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2010-01-01T05:38:00.000-08:00

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes Green Car

2009-12-19T04:29:00.000-08:00

Mercedes drives to the future

THE streets of Monaco are no strangers to momentous motoring events - but the latest has been something of a silent revolution.

On the roads around the marina leading up to the famous Rascasse corner Mercedes has been revealing production ready versions of its electric cars.

At a glance they look like everyday versions of the smart city car and the B-Class hatchback.

In reality they are packed with technology set to make them the cars of the future.

Within months the smart Electric Drive will be on the road in British cities as the race towards alternative power moves up a gear.

The B-Class - which is fuelled by hydrogen - will make its UK debut later once suitable filling stations have been opened.

As far as Mercedes is concerned the two new cars represent the way forward to slashing emissions and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels - a programme Mercedes calls Project BlueZero.

Mercedes reckons battery cars such as the smart are the answer for everyday use around town.

The B-Class uses a fuel cell for power which offers greater range while for longer distances hybrid vehicles which use a conventional engine and an electric motor will be the norm.

Mercedes Benz SLS 63 CP Concept By Kicherer

2009-12-17T05:11:00.000-08:00

Gullwing America may have been the first to announce their own version of the Pan-American Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. But that doesn’t mean that theirs is the best.

German tuners Kicherer has planned out some exquisite touches of their own to make the SLS AMG spectacular in their own way. An immediate eye-catcher on the front of the wingdoored SLS AMG is the large handcrafted frontgrill made of stainless steel, and which can also come in a discreet gold tone. Other elements integrated by Kicherer such as the new front lip spoiler, larger front intakes, the roof-mounted air intake, and a rear diffuser are all made of carbon fiber.

The stainless steel exhaust with four oval endpipes with an integrated valve control lets out the exhaust gas in either a discreet or booming tone. Another highlight of the Kicherer SLS is the 3-part 20 inch RS-1 lightweight wheels with the classic double spoke design.

Mercedes GL-Class Facelifted by Brabus

2009-12-17T05:09:00.000-08:00

The Brabus GL-Class Widestar kit is now available for the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GL. The kit will give a boost both to the petrol and diesel-powered models.

The Brabus is expected to give the GL-Class a touch of class with integrated LED daytime running lights, auxiliary high beams, fog lamps, large air dams and a front apron. Also fitted is a roof spoiler, a new rear apron and custom-tailored wide fenders. Performance and sounds are enhanced by the rear diffuser and a BRABUS stainless-steel quad sport exhaust system with matching tailpipes.

BRABUS kits are usually accompanied by performance boosts and this GL-Class is no exception. The petrol V8-powered models see an engine displacement increase of up to 6.1-litres while power is hiked to 340kW (462hp). Peak torque goes up to 615Nm (453 lb-ft). The vehicles are now capable of a 0 - 100km/h sprint time of 6 seconds and a top speed of 255km/h (158 mph). Diesel models meanwhile get the Brabus ECO PowerXtra tuning kits.

The interior of is made superior with the addition of materials such as carbon fiber, Mastik leather and Alcantara, a 7-inch LCD scrren at the back of each front seat, a DVD player and an on-board personal computer with fast Internet connection.

2010 VATH Mercedes CL65 AMG

2009-12-17T05:03:00.000-08:00

2010 VATH Mercedes CL65 AMG

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 63

2009-11-27T03:31:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, after the new version of the Mercedes-Benz SL AMG 6.3 came out, we sat down for lunch with one of the directors of the Mercedes-Benz High Performance Division. He said he was satisfied with the new 6.8-litre V8 engines that AMG had just developed as well as the new super-fast shifting transmission that the company had fine-tuned. And, with a little smile, he revealed that their engineers were working on a vehicle that would be exclusively an AMG creation. This new model would be more technologically advanced, lighter and offer better performances than any Mercedes-Benz. And since the two companies are merged, this project would not threaten the other half. The vehicle in question? It seems to be the SLS.

A flash from the past
There’s no doubt that one of the most legendary vehicles of all time is the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, developed in the 50s for races such as the Targa Floria and the Mille Miglia. These races were negotiated on roads used by passenger vehicles and required cars that were resilient, agile and powerful. Like any car bearing the Silver Star, the 300 SL went on to have a prestigious racing career, claiming more than its share of victories. In addition, its looks were totally unsurpassed at the time. Its engineers had given it a high, wide rocker panel for maximum rigidity. Since this mechanical configuration meant that traditional doors were impossible, the 300 SL received gull wings doors that opened vertically and gave the vehicle a truly unique look. A legend was born.

Over the years, several tuners have shown up with the same kind of doors, but none was really a classic. And despite the challenge, this is precisely what the engineers at AMG went after. You don’t need to be an expert on classic cars to know that this newbie bears a striking resemblance to its legendary senior. Now, I’m sure that many people would have preferred something a little more original. I have to admit that I was initially a little disappointed by the exterior of the car, as I was expecting something more spectacular and modern. But the more I look at it, the more I realize that this was a viable approach – and it was very well executed. I’d also like to point out that the side air vents look a lot like those used on the SLR built in collaboration with McLaren.

A little like the body design, the interior features modern components inspired by the past. Buyers can choose from two different presentations: carbon fibre s or brushed aluminium. And even though we’re talking about a very high performance vehicle, comfort has not been forgotten. The side support on the seats is markedly better than what you get on even the finest sports cars, and yet they’re comfortable, with excellent support for the lower back and thighs. The dashboard is relatively uncluttered, with only round air vents on the front portion. The indicator dials, which are separated by the Digital Information Centre, are a good size and found within a little module that shelters them from glare. The main control centre is located in a sizeable console between the two front seats. It includes, among others, buttons to control shifting modes, the start button, and the rear deflector button. There’s also a big, central button that controls most of the radio and navigation system functions. The heat and air con controls are located on the lower portion of the dash. While this console is tremendously practical, it is massive and infringes on the driver and passenger space (the passenger enjoying less leg room than the driver).

Let there be no question, the quality of the materials is outstanding, as is the fit and trim. But you need more than that to make an exceptional vehicle. Superb mechanics are the name of the game, and AMG is no slouch in that regard!

Exclusive platform
It would have been easy for the engineers at the two companies to simply take the same platform as the current SL, make it more rigid and lighten it up a bit. But when your goal is to create the ultimate sports car, you have to take it a step further. So, the engineers developed an all-new aluminium space frame chassis (different types of aluminium are used in order to obtain optimal lightness and rigidity). In addition to the chassis, several other parts of the body are also made with this material. When asked about the absence of carbon fibre on the vehicle, Dr. Frank Emhardt, the chief engineer on the project, stated that the difference in weight between these two materials was not as great as we are led to believe and that aluminium had more advantages.

All together, this makes for a type of capsule enclosing the passengers. The suspension is also made of aluminium. The use of forged aluminium gives it the rigidity that a car in this class requires. With the engine positioned front and centre, weight is well distributed: 47% in front and 53% in back. The engine, of course, is the 6.3-litre V8. The engineers used a dry sump to lower the centre of gravity as much as possible and optimize road handling.

Developed by AMG, this V8 has been the most powerful atmospheric engine around since its inception – and once again it’s been improved; now developing 571 hp. And given how light the vehicle is, the power to weight ratio is 2.84 kg/hp, meaning it can do 0-100 km/hr in 3.8 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 317 km/hr (according to the manufacturer). And despite the added power, this engine is lighter than ever at some 205 kg, which is quite impressive for this kind of machine. Since the engine is in the front, the transmission has been placed in the rear. It’s a double-clutch transmission linked to the engine via a torque tube with a carbon fibre shaft rotating inside. Again, the link is both rigid and very light. The new seven-speed double-clutch transmission stands out with very fast gear shifts (less than 100 milliseconds in Sport mode). The driver can choose from four different modes for the transmission. There’s “C” for Controlled Efficiency, “S” for Sport, “S+” for Sport Plus and “M” for Manual.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

F1: Rosberg joins Mercedes GP

2009-11-27T03:30:00.000-08:00

Mercedes GP has finally confirmed at least one of its drivers for the 2010 season of F1. There were rumours flying around that German driver Nico Rosberg was on their radar, and he is exactly who they have signed.
Rosberg had already declared in October that he would not continue to race for Williams for a fifth-straight season and had indicated that he wanted to switch to a more promising team - one that could provide him with a car that could win races. And the Mercedes switch does just that.

Meanwhile Mercedes GP team principal, Ross Brawn, has said that he believes Rosberg is the perfect choice to aid Mercedes in their 2010 assault. Brawn had also worked with Nico's father, 1982 World Champion Keke Rosberg, earlier in his career.

Rosberg is Mercedes GP’s first driver

2009-11-27T03:25:00.000-08:00

German driver Nico Rosberg will drive for the new Mercedes team in the Formula 1 World Championship, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport announced early this week.

Nico is the son of former Formula One World Champion Keke Rosberg.

At the age of eight, Nico Rosberg began racing karts. From 1997 until 2000, he raced for Mercedes-Benz McLaren’s talent support program MBM team together with Lewis Hamilton.

In 2000, Nico was runner-up in the Formula A European Championship. Two years later, he entered his first car races in Formula BMW ADAC and clinched the title in his debut year with nine victories out of 18 races. As a reward, Nico got a Williams Formula 1 test drive. At 17 years old, he was the youngest driver ever to get such an opportunity.

In 2003 and 2004, Nico Rosberg participated in the then new Formula 3 Euro Series. In his first year he came home second in the rookie rankings and in 2004 he finished fourth overall. One year later in 2005, he moved up to the GP2 series which is staged alongside Formula 1 events and won the title.

Nico entered Formula One in 2006. During his first ever F1 race in Bahrain, he finished seventh and posted the fastest lap. To date, he has taken part in 70 Grands Prix, all for the Williams team.

He has scored a total of 75.5 points and achieved a second place at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix as his best Formula 1 result. The 2009 season was Nico’s best in Formula 1 so far; finishing seventh overall with 34.5 points.

“I am really happy to be a part of the Silver Arrows re-launch in 2010 as a driver for Mercedes. No other brand in Formula 1 can look back on such a long and successful tradition in motor racing,” Nico said.

He added: “I am very proud that I will now drive for the new Mercedes team and work with Ross Brawn. I am more motivated than ever and can hardly wait to start testing with the new Silver Arrow and for the first race of the new season at Bahrain on March 14, 2010.”

Team Principal Ross Brawn for his part said, “We are delighted to welcome Nico Rosberg to our Mercedes team and are very much looking forward to working with him.”

“Nico is a great talent, and with four years of experience in Formula 1, is a driver who will be able to make a valuable contribution to our team right from the outset. I had the pleasure of working with his father Keke during his Formula One career and it is great to see Nico following in his footsteps. 2009 was Nico’s best season in Formula 1 to date and we look forward to seeing his development continue with us at Mercedes next year.”

Mercedes-Benz Urban Whip

2009-11-17T05:55:00.001-08:00

The massive 26 inch wheels and a mighty on-board entertainment system that, according to the figures, is likely to have an impact at full blast of seismological proportions.

THE NEW MERCEDES BENZ CLC

2009-11-17T05:54:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the 2008 CLC-Class, the Euro-market successor to the now-defunct C-Class Sports Coupe. As per Mercedes the car features 1,100 "newly-developed or enhanced" components, including the direct steering system introduced on the freshened SLK. The changes are intended to give the car a different feel than its predecessor.

The coupe profile is carried over, but the sharp-looking face of the new C-Class finds its way onto the CLC's front end. Out back, fresh taillamps also keep up the family resemblance to the new C. The interior is updated which greets occupants, with available features like DVD or hard drive-based nav, iPod integration, and an in-dash SD card slot. The entertainment, communications and nav systems can all be operated by voice command, too.

2010 Mercedes Benz New S-Class S 400 Hybrid

2009-11-08T04:54:00.000-08:00

For 2010, the Mercedes-Benz S-class gains its first-ever hybrid powertrain, a clear indication that its maker is shifting from a strict diesel approach to efficiency and finally acknowledging the worth of hybrids as an essential step on the path to electric propulsion.

The S 400 Hybrid, the first hybrid to use a compact lithium-ion batteries (they have a higher electric power density than conventional nickel metal hydride batteries), and it works brilliantly: Mated to a 3.5-litre V6 with 279bhp and 260lb ft, the hybrid system adds 20bhp and an instant 118lb ft for just 75kgs in mass. The S 400 emits 186g of CO2/km and Mercedes claim it'll return 35.7mpg on the combined cycle. Incredible for a petrol saloon car weighing 1955kg. It also has a top speed of approximately 250 km/h, and goes from 0 to 100 km/h in a just over 7 seconds.

2009 Mercedes Benz SL63 AMG F1 Safety Car

2009-11-04T10:31:00.000-08:00

The SL 63 AMG, as the Official F1™ Safety Car, is to continue to help ensure maximum safety, this time for the 2009 Formula 1 season. AMG, the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz, will be on duty with the specially prepared high-performance vehicle at all 17 of the new season's Formula 1 races, starting with a first appearance at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne (27 to 29 March 2009). The specialists from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO are responsible for the development, production and servicing of the vehicle.

The 2009 Safety Car is equipped with a 525-horsepower AMG 6.3-liter V8 that rockets it from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.4 seconds. The engine is mated to a seven-speed sport transmission with column shift "which makes is possible to change gear in just 100 milliseconds."

THE NEW MERCEDES BENZ CLC

2009-11-04T10:30:00.000-08:00

Drivers who opt for automatics get a 5-speed unit for 4-cylinder engines or MB's 7-speed auto for the 6-cylinders. An available sports package dresses things up with enhancements like 18" wheels and also adds paddle shifters to the steering wheel for cars with automatic transmissions.

[Source: Mercedes]

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid

2009-10-24T22:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-24T22:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-23T06:22:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-23T06:21:00.002-07:00

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

2009-10-23T06:21:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-23T06:20:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-23T06:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-15T23:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-10T18:19:00.000-07:00

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

Spied: Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe

2009-01-15T00:02:00.000-08:00

Some fairly unobstructed shots of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe due for 2010.

Mercedes looks to be going with the E-badging--instead of continuing to call it the CLK. This sexy two-door takes some styling cues from the sedan version Mercedes briefly revealed at an event before the Detroit auto show, though it wasn’t displayed on the floor.

2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class Coupe Caught in LA

2009-01-15T00:00:00.001-08:00

Our friends at Autospies.com have got a hold of some new shots of Mercs new E-Class Coupe.

This new shot of the E-Class Coupe was spied by a reader of the popular automotive web site and shows the new coupe almost completely undisguised. Parts disguised on the vehicles include the black outs in the front headlights and the tailights but its easy to see that this is going to be one good looking Merc just like the new sedan.

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

2009-01-07T01:13:00.000-08:00

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Pictures