Mercedes moves into its new design studio
By Yoann Besnard on 3 June 2008 | 
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Mercedes has strong ambition on the American market and its recent acquisition of the Chrysler Pacifica Advanced Product Design Center proves that carmaker isn’t ready to leave the market to Lexus, Audi or even Hyundai.
See also : Industry News | Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz sells 300,000th new C-Class
By Yoann Besnard on 3 June 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The 300,000th C-Class has rolled off the production line since it has been launched on the market.
See also : Industry News | Mercedes
Spyshots: next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLK
By Yoann Besnard on 30 May 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLK has been spotted during testing showing the latest visual details.
Mercedes updates the G-Class
By Yoann Besnard on 28 May 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Mercedes has unveiled an upgraded G-Class. On the menu, there are a more powerful engine and updated equipments.
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Mercedes unveils interactive micro-site for the GLK
By Yoann Besnard on 19 May 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Mercedes has launched an innovative micro-site dedicated to the new Mercedes GLK which enables the user to design scenery and music, and ask questions to the engineers.
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spyshots: facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class
By Yoann Besnard on 14 May 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here are some spyshots of the facelifted S-Class due to be launched next year.
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Daimler to increase component sharing
By Yoann Besnard on 13 May 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Mercedes-Benz wants to increase the component sharing between its models.
See also : Industry News | Mercedes
More details about the mercedes-Benz SLC
By Yoann Besnard on 12 May 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
After the McLaren P11 and P12, here are more information about the upcoming Mercedes SLC due to be launched in 2010.
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Spyshots: next-generation E63 AMG
By Yoann Besnard on 9 May 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here are some spyshots of the next-generation high-performance E63 AMG due to be unveiled next year.
550bhp for the future McLaren
By Yoann Besnard on 9 May 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Autocar has revealed a bit more details about the upcoming McLaren supercar that will take on the established rivals such as Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari F430.
Mercedes introduces the SL 63 AMG Edition IWC
By Yoann Besnard on 8 May 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The German carmaker has unveiled a limited edition of the facelifted SL63 AMG dubbed IWC and limited to a mere 200 units.
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Mercedes introduces the SL 63 AMG Edition IWC
By Yoann Besnard on 8 May 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The German carmaker has unveiled a limited edition of the facelifted SL63 AMG dubbed IWC and limited to a mere 200 units.
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5.0-litre engine to replace current AMG V8 and V12
By Yoann Besnard on 29 April 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Like Audi which decided to drop the V8 engine on the S4, AMG has to redesign its engine range to comply with the future regulations. The carmaker plans to replace its 6.2-litre V8 and
5.5-litre V12 by an all-new turbocharged 5.0-litre V8.
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Beijing 2008: Mercedes GLK
By Yoann Besnard on 21 April 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
After two concept cars in Detroit and Geneva, Mercedes has finally unveiled the official GLK at the Beijing Motor Show.
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More details on the future SL65 AMG Black Series
By Yoann Besnard on 21 April 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The closer we get to the official launch, the more details are being released about the future most powerful Mercedes model, the SL65 AMG Black Series.
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Spyshots : Mercedes Classe E W 212
By Yoann Besnard on 9 April 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here are some spyshots of the next-geenration E-Class, codenamed W212, which will be unveiled at the next Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009.
Maybach Landaulet is yours for £675,000
By Yoann Besnard on 8 April 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Mercedes has announced the price of the Maybach Landaulet for the American market: £675,000/$1.35 million.
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Mercedes-Benz to buy Aston Martin?
By Yoann Besnard on 7 April 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
According to company sources, Mercedes is interested in buying a stake in the British carmaker Aston Martin.
See also : Aston Martin | Mercedes
Mercedes to offer four-cylinder C-Class again?
By Yoann Besnard on 5 April 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Mercedes-Benz is seriously considering launching a four-cylinder-powered C-Class on the American market.
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Mercedes SLR production to end in 2009
By Yoann Besnard on 3 April 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Mercedes-Benz will stop producing the SLR supercar next year five years after its launch.
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Mercedes-Benz names Gorden Wagener as new head of design
By Yoann Besnard on 28 March 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Mercedes-Benz has named Gorden Wagener as its new head of design to replace Peter Pfeiffer who will retire in the middle of the year.
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Mercedes unveils the facelifted A-Class
By Yoann Besnard on 28 March 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Mercedes has unveiled the first pictures of the facelifted A-Class due to be launched at next week’s Leipzig motor show.
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Rendering: Mercedes E-Class
By Yoann Besnard on 27 March 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here is a rendering of the next-generation E-Class that Mercedes will launch next year.
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Daimler considers ending Maybach
By Yoann Besnard on 18 March 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Daimler is seriously considering ending the Maybach adventure as the luxury brand doesn’t meet success. The company executives will decide within two years.
See also : Mercedes
Mercedes unveils facelifted ML
By Yoann Besnard on 17 March 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Media attention has been focused on the V12-diesel-powered Q7 for the last two weeks. Mercedes has counter attacked by unveiling a revamped ML less than three years after its launch.
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Geneva: Mercedes SL
By Yoann Besnard on 10 March 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Mercedes has unveiled the facelifted SL seven years after its launch on the market.
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Unique SLR-powered G-wagon
By Yoann Besnard on 3 March 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
A G55 owner found its off-road too common in Abu Dhabi and had the idea to get the SLR engine fitted in its G-Wagon. Here is the only McLaren SLR powered G-Wagon in the world.
See also : Mercedes
Mercedes to unveil a hybrid-diesel GLK at Geneva
By Yoann Besnard on 3 March 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
After the petrol hybrids, diesel hybrids seems to be the next hype and this time, European carmakers plan to lead the way. After Peugeot and its hybrid-diesel-powered 308, Mercedes will unveil the Vision GLK Bluetec Hybrid at Geneva.
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Daimler to increase spending in R&D
By Yoann Besnard on 29 February 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Daimler plans to boost spending in R&D though the end of the decade to expand its lineup: more niche vehicles on the horizon.
See also : Mercedes
Mercedes to unveil the 4 MATIC CL-class coupé at Geneva
By Yoann Besnard on 26 February 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Mercedes will unveil a CL-class coupé with the in-house 4MATIC transmission at the Geneva Motor Show next week.
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Maybach to build the Landaulet concept car
By Yoann Besnard on 24 February 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Maybach has announced it will build the Landaulet version unveiled at the last Dubai Motor Show since it has found enough customers to cover the cost of the project.
See also : Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG tuned by Väth
By Yoann Besnard on 14 February 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here is the Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG spice up by the German tuner Väth. More power, upgraded braking system and lowered suspension.
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A Daimler plant in Romania
By Yoann Besnard on 14 February 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Daimler is seriously considering opening its new factory in Romania instead of Poland as it was initially planned. The future factory will aim at building the next-generation A-Class and B-Class models.
See also : Mercedes
McLaren SLR Roadster reviewed by Fifth Gear
By Yoann Besnard on 12 February 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here is a video of the review made by the Fifth Gear's team of the Mercedes SLR roadster.
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Daimler sales grow by 16 percent in January
By Yoann Besnard on 11 February 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The German group has recorded a successful start for the month of this year as its sales jumped by 16%.
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Spyshots: Mercedes SL 65 Black Series
By Yoann Besnard on 1 February 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
If AMG has recently announced that the power war is over, the future SL 65 Black Series looks like a last-ditch stand. Indeed, the super-SL will likely be the most powerful Mercedes ever with an output of 670bhp.
See also : Mercedes
Spyshots: next-generation E-Class interior
By Yoann Besnard on 7 January 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Auto Motor und Sport magazine had unveiled some renderings of the next-generation E-Class in last July, but interior styling still remained unknown until now. With the future E-Class, Mercedes-Benz confirms the direction taken by the company's designers with the GLK. Mercedes models' dashboards will go square.
See also : Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz to show the GLK at Detroit
By Yoann Besnard on 6 January 2008 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the first pictures of the concept car it will display next week at Detroit. Called GLK Freeside Concept, the compact SUV is nothing else than the future GLK set to compete with the BMW X3, Land Rover Freelander and the future Audi Q5.
More details about the next McLaren Supercar
By Yoann Besnard on 19 December 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Developed with Mercedes, the SLR can be considered as a failure for McLaren. Actually, the company fought fiercely to keep the weight down but Mercedes pressure made the SLR to be a whale. But many people consider that the SLR damaged the British company's brand image. With the future P11, it wants to at the top again like the F1 model was.
See also : Mercedes
Next-generation A-Class to get its own platform
By Yoann Besnard on 19 December 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Mercedes have been in talks with a few carmakers for its future A-Class but all ended in. Daimler CEO has revealed in an article that Mercedes will build its own platform but will use engines built by BMW and PSA.
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Undisguised GLK caught on the Sex and the City set
By Yoann Besnard on 18 December 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here is the first undisguised picture of the Mercedes GLK spotted during on the filming of the next “Sex and the City” movie. Its official launch date remains unsure as Mercedes might unveil it at Detroit or a the next Geneva Motor Show.
Mercedes C-Class Estate tuned by Lorinser
By Yoann Besnard on 14 December 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Lorinser launched a new tuning package for the C-Class Estate yesterday which will be similar to the C-Class's saloon.
See also : Mercedes
Wald's CL Class: All Blacks will love it!
By Yoann Besnard on 14 December 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The Japanese tuner has unveiled a body kit for the exclusive Mercedes CL-Class and black appeared to be its muse.
See also : Mercedes
Mercedes to offer tiredness detection system in 2009
By Yoann Besnard on 12 December 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Mercedes might become the first car maker to produce a device that detects driver's tiredness as it is undergoing its final test phase.
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SL-Class' renderings from Autobild
By Yoann Besnard on 10 December 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
In its latest issue, Autobild released a few renderings of the face-lifted Mercedes SL-Class. As reported in a previous post, the grille grows in size and the headlights are inspired from the CLS fascia. The revamped SL-Class becomes more aggressive but lacks a bit of elegance in this rendering, Let's hope the real car will keep the elegance that characterises the iconic roadster.
See also : Mercedes
Mercedes C-Class estate by Carlsson
By Yoann Besnard on 4 December 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The German specialist has unveiled its tuning program for the new C-Class estate. Carlsson engineers focused on the diesel engines. The engine range is available with a choice of two oil burners, the 220CDI and the 320CDI. The C220 CDI unit has its power raised by 33bhp from 168bhp to 201bhp and the torque raised by 58 lb ft from 295 ft lb to 453 lb ft. The C320 CDi power jumps from 221bhp to 262bhp and the torque from 376 lb ft to 451 lb ft. There is also a petrol engine with the C350 which gets an extra 23 bhp to 291bhp and an extra torque of 25 lb ft to 284 lb ft. The C350, dubbed CK35, runs the 0-60mph in less than 6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 168mph.
See also : Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz to produce its own turbochargers
By Yoann Besnard on 4 December 2007 | (1) Comments | Permalink
With 600,000 turbocharged engines to be built this year, an increase by 20% over the same period last year, Mercedes-Benz dependency on turbocharger becomes a strategic problem, especially when 50% of them are provided by one company, IHI. The German car maker has decided to stop outsourcing the turbocharger production in order to save cost but also control the manufacturing process.
See also : Industry News | Mercedes
Spyshot: Mercedes-Benz CLC
By Yoann Besnard on 23 November 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here is the spyshot of the next generation C-class Sport Coupe, which will be on sale next year. The little C-class will adopt a new name, CLC, for the occasion. This time, it will face serious contender, the BMW 1-Series Coupe, and the latter might already be the winner.
See also : Mercedes
Spyshots: Mercedes-Benz CLK
By Yoann Besnard on 22 November 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The car you see on the spyshot is the next CLK due to be launched in 2009. The German coupé will go a bit more upmarket intending to increase the C-class sales figures from 395,000 vehicles in 2006 to 535,000 annually by 2010.
The CLK shares its inner structure, powertrains, and suspension layout with the C-class saloon, but has unique interior and this time interior styling. The exterior design includes new-look rear wings with large wheelarch, inspired by the F700 concept car.
See also : Mercedes
No GLK for right-hand drive countries
By Yoann Besnard on 8 November 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Due to go on sale in 2008, the next hottest SUV might not be available with a right-hand version because of high engineering costs generated by the conversion. The small Mercedes SUV is based on the current C-Class estate platform. While available in 2wd for the entry levels, the GLK will rely on the 4Matic architecture at the top of the range in order to provide 4wd. Unfortunately, the 4Matic system has not been designed for right-hand drive countries. For the management, the main stumbling block for the conversion is the cost but some voices argue that the investment is worthwhile on a long term.
See also : Mercedes
Mercedes may absorb Maybach
By Yoann Besnard on 6 September 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
When management keeps quiet about future plans, rumours spread quickly. After the super GL Class, the über CLS and the convertible, the lattest one suggests that Mercedes may absorb its luxury brand.
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C63 AMG Estate to be unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show
By Yoann Besnard on 4 September 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Thanks to a reader, Carscoop has revealed the first pictures of the Mercedes C63 AMG estate due to be unveiled in ten days at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Just like the saloon, the new AMG estate makes its mark by adopting some aggressive lines and an impressive front face. Nevertheless, the back end seems a bit shy when compared to the saloon.
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Spyshots: Mercedes SL
By Yoann Besnard on 3 August 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The redesigned Mercedes SL unveils a little bit more of itself every week. Up until now, there has been much speculation surrounding the biggest change: the front face. Thanks to this close shot we can guess what the facelift will look like.
See also : Mercedes
Mercedes will sell the B-Class in the U.S.
By Yoann Besnard on 26 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
It is official. After much equivocation, Mercedes has decided to sell the B-Class on the American market. The car will go on sale in 2011 or 2012.
See also : Mercedes
Bugatti Veyron vs Mercedes SLR
By Yoann Besnard on 24 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
A run contest between a Bugatti Veyron and a Mercedes SLR? Let's be honest, the dice are loaded. How can the SLR with 626bhp for 3,858lbs fairly compete with the Veyron, which produces 1001bhp for 4162lbs? No chance, but this video still demonstrates the incredible power of the Bugatti Veyron.
Mercedes G55 on three wheels!
By Yoann Besnard on 23 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Imagine a 5,500lbs object powered by a 500 bhp V8 making a drift on a roundabout. Not the brightest of ideas, obviously, but still impressive. Enjoy the video!
See also : Mercedes
More information on the Mercedes SLC
By Yoann Besnard on 20 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Mercedes is planning a big move into aluminium technology, using aluminium bodywork for the new SLC due to be launched in 2010.
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Spyshots: redesigned Mercedes SL
By Yoann Besnard on 16 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here are some spyshots of the redesigned SL-Class, which provide some further insights into the Mercedes roadster. Thanks to these spyshots, we now know more about the back end of the car. Do not expect any major changes other than modified headlights at the back, however. The main changes have been made to the front end. The SL-Class will be given a new grille, new headlights that look like the CLS model's headlights, and new fenders. Unfortunately, these new features are hidden on the current pictures.
See also : Mercedes
Mercedes ML Edition 10
By Yoann Besnard on 13 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
For Mercedes, 1997 was the year when it entered the SUV market by launching the M Class. To mark the 10th anniversary, the German carmaker recently unveiled a limited edition version dubbed Edition 10, with the label 'Edition 10' mounted on the car's fenders. The package includes a mix of a white paint, black grille, darkened headlamps and black tinted windows. It also comes with 20-inch wheels and bi-xenon headlights. On the inside, it features a two-tone interior with cream leather seats.
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Mercedes launches its own WebTV channel
By Yoann Besnard on 13 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
At at time when more or less anybody can have his own TV Channel or at least put a video on YouTube, carmakers are starting to launch their own TV channels. Following in Audi's footsteps, Mercedes-Benz is today launching today the website Mercedes-Benz.tv.
See also : Mercedes
Maybach may build a convertible
By Yoann Besnard on 12 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Some considerable time ago Maybach developed a open top Maybach 57/62 for a rich Swiss customer. The customer ended up not paying the bill and the car was left at Maybach. The story could have ended there, but it is rumoured that Dieter Zetsche would like to produce a batch of the cars, probably between 25 and 50 units in total. It is likely to be built based on customer order only.
See also : Mercedes
Let's start the week with a video
By Yoann Besnard on 9 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Let us start the last day of the working week by watching a video featuring Captain Slow and the first supercar, the Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing.
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C63 AMG: it is official.
By Yoann Besnard on 5 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Here are the first official picture of the C63 AMG and the least you can say is that it is a naughty car! With the C Class, Mercedes makes its revolution, more so than with any past models. The C63 AMG is aggressive and straight to the point, making use of the V8 6.2 litre already used in the bigger AMGs.
See also : Mercedes
2009 Mercedes E Class
By Yoann Besnard on 5 July 2007 | (1) Comments | Permalink
Here are some renderings of the next Mercedes E-Class due to be launched in 2009, made by Auto Motor und Sport magazine. Known internally as the W212, the saloon will be revealed at the 2009 Geneva motor show while the estate will be launched at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show.
See also : Mercedes
Spyshots: Mercedes SLC
By Yoann Besnard on 22 June 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
These are the first pictures of the future Mercedes coupe based on the platform of the next-generation SL roadster. Dubbed “SLC”, the car would be powered by the 6.2 litre V8 engine that equips all top of the range AMGs. With an ouput of more than 500 bhp in current models, the SLC would be able to compete with BMW and Audi. The latter is planning to release a high-power V10 R8 coupe later in the year.
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18 green Mercedes for Frankfurt motorshow
By Yoann Besnard on 21 June 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The German carmaker would reveal up to 18 new green models at the next Frankfurt motorshow according to Auto, Motor und Sport.
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Mercedes consider launch of small roadster
By Yoann Besnard on 7 May 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Mercedes might launch a small roadster in 2011. The new toy would compete with the Mazda MX5 and potentially also the BMW Z2 and Lancia Fulvia. It is not the first time that such a project has been mentioned, but the technical choices made for the next A-Class are more favorable to a convertible body than in the past.
See also : Mercedes
Spyshots: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate
By Yoann Besnard on 1 May 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The website worldcarfans.com revealed a video of the next C-Class estate earlier today. It should appear officially at the Frankfurt motor show, six months after the sedan, as is the common practice for Mercedes.
See also : Mercedes
Maybach: future plans
By Yoann Besnard on 1 May 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Maybach has lost the first round, but not the match. Though the 57/62 did not live up to its expections, the brand image exists and is well known around the world thanks to the Exelero and Jay-Z. The German super-luxury manufacturer is currently working on three projects according to an insider: an SUV based on the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, a 4-door coupe like the CLS but for the very wealthy and a 4-seat coupe like the impressive Exelero.
See also : Mercedes
GL-Class: die Cayenne die!
By Yoann Besnard on 13 December 2005 | (0) Comments | Permalink
The success of the Porsche Cayenne didn’t exactly please Mercedez-Benz. So the supervisory board decided to mix the R-Class and the M-Class and give birth to the new GL. Like the R-Class whose platform it uses, the GL is a bit closer to an Audi Q7 or Chevrolet Tahoe than a Porsche Cayenne: 200 inches long, 75.5 inches wide and 71.2 inches high. These dimensions can accomodate up to seven passengers at a level of comfort similar to the R-Class. Inside there is enough room for six Schwarzeneggers -a measure of roominess on the American market- but if you want more space for the luggage compartment, the individual rear seats can be stowed -of course- at the push of a button, either individually or in tandem to provide a capacity of 1240 litres. If you need more capacity, you can still the second row of seats to reach 2300 litres.
See also : Mercedes
Mercedes unveils new S-Class
By Stéphane Schlesinger on 21 June 2005 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Launched in 1998, the previous S-Class has sold 480,000 copies up to now, which makes it the best selling luxury saloon in the world. Mercedes intends its new S-Class to meet the same success and to do so, has laden it with technology. In terms of active safety and comfort, we find a few innovative systems:
- Brake assist plus: fitted with a radar, this system registers the cars ahead and gives a warning if the gap is too small. Moreover, if a collision threatens, the system calculates the ideal braking assistance: the car will brake as strong as it can even if you don’t apply enough pressure on the pedal. In the mean time, the adaptive brake lights will flash.
- Pre-safe plus: if the car detects an emergency situation, it’ll tension the seat belts, inflate the air-cushions in the seats to give the driver more support and close the side windows.
- Distronic Plus: using the same components as the Brake Assist Plus, this systems keeps the car at the right distance from the vehicle ahead, and, in stop-and-go traffic, will go as far as stopping the S-Class and make it re-accelerate automatically. Not a good reason to read and drive though.
- Night view assist: two infrared lights detect non-visible objects at night, which are then displayed in the instrument cluster.
Mercedes’s new flagship is even larger than its predecessor and like it, is available in two lengths: either 507 or 520cms. It’s also 16mm wider and 29mm higher. Its huge wheel arches recall that of the new Fiat Croma while the boot lid makes one think of the BMW 7-Series. On the whole, the new S-Series shows a slender silhouette conveying a sense of dynamism, which is quite amazing for such a big car.
Under the bonnet, the engine range has narrowed to 4, with 3 new units. We find the 3.2 V6 CDI delivering 231bhp, the usual 272bhp 3.5 V6, a new 5.0 litre V8 block delivering 388bhp and the 6.0 litre V12 boosted to 517bhp, available in 2006. All these units are coupled with the 7 speed G-Tronic automatic gearbox. The Airmatic suspension is standard while the Active Body Control is optional, except on the V12. I don't expect Mercedes to avoid competition with the Audi A8 4.2 TDI or the BMW 740d, especially as they have an excellent V8 CDI in store...
See also : Mercedes
Last spies of the new Mercedes S-Class
By Stéphane Schlesinger on 15 June 2005 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Yes, the last ones for the official presentation to the press will take place next Monday. On these photos, we notice moulded wheel arches recalling those of the Mazda RX8. A good reference! The tailgate may look quite similar to that of the BMW 7-series, which is more disputable. Even more disputable, in my view, is the iDrive-like system in the cockpit of the new Merck. Indeed, just like in the BMW, there’s a rotary button between the front seats and an additional screen on the centre of the facia. Did Mercedes’s designers lack inspiration?
The new W221 will have the tough task of re-editing the success of its predecessor, which has sold 480,000 copies hitherto. New four-valve-per-cylinder V6 and V8 engines should replace the actual ones, with 3 valves per cylinder only. There are even talks of an impressive V12 CDI. Besides, AMG is said to be developing a 6.5 biturbo V12 delivering 630bhp! They could be coupled with a 7-speed automatic gearbox whose lever will be mounted behind the wheel.
Apparently, Mercedes has paid a great attention to meet the US market requirements, a market where the BMW 7-Series meets considerable success.
See also : Mercedes
A thrifty beauty called Mercedes CLS 320 CDI
By Stéphane Schlesinger on 8 June 2005 | (0) Comments | Permalink
What about a diesel Mercedes sedan that doesn’t look like a taxi? Now it’s possible for Mercedes has just released the CLS 320 CDI. Yes, Mercedes’s coupe-looking sedan CLS uses a diesel engine. Not any engine though, for this one is a totally new block, fitted with piezoelectric injectors, due to be mounted in most of Mercedes's models. Contrary to what its 320 badge might have indicated, this is not a 3.2 but a 3.0, developing 224bhp.
This new block grants the CLS with very decent accelerations (0 to 60mph in 7.0secs), a low overall consumption, for it runs 30mpg, and a top speed of 152mph. On the CLS, it'll necessarily be coupled with a 7-speed automatic gearbox.
The new CLS 320 CDI meets the EU4 stringent limits without resorting to a particulate filter. Besides, with a torque of 510Nm, available as low as 1,600rpm, its accelerations in top should be impressive.
Waiting for the hypothetical BMW 640d, this Mercedes has no direct rival, so don’t expect the German carmaker to discount this fleet beauty.
See also : Mercedes
