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The new B-Class is a typical Mercedes sports tourer, offering plenty of space combined with impressive dynamic performance as a hatchback saloon. The characteristic lines of the exterior design indicate both of these attributes: front and rear sport a width-emphasizing design. The front features a wide, prominent grille. The air intake under the grille widens trapezoidally towards the outside, featuring round LED daytime driving lights, while the darkened halogen headlamps with reflector technology extend from the radiator grille to the sides.
The appearance at the rear is shaped by the wide rear window, the two-piece tail lights with horizontally offset meander and the wide tailgate extending far down for a low loading sill, with chromed handle strip and LED licence plate illumination (optional extra). The two-piece tail lights extending from the tailgate to the sides break down into three horizontal bars – red-clear-red. The light package results in a distinctive, sporty lighting scenario with tail lights featuring LED fibre optic technology. A powerful rear bumper in body colour with black grained lower part in diffuser look adorns the bottom of the rear end.
The Bi-xenon option with Intelligent Light System includes a particularly striking feature of the front view in the form of the so-called spotlight over the headlamps. The LED element provides a distinctive feature at night-time while also serving as a turn signal indicator. A horizontal LED daytime driving light is positioned in the bumper. Additional sealing is provided between the headlamps and the body, for improved aerodynamics.
The new sportiness and the outstanding aerodynamics are particularly evident in the side line: the bonnet flows seamlessly into the A-pillar and the roof line descends sleekly to the striking roof spoiler. The roof features a swage line which lends the vehicle a longer appearance. The side windows have no visible door frames, underscoring the stylish, sporty character of the new B-Class. The pronounced wheel arches offset by dynamic feature lines under the beltline are a sporty interpretation of the current design line from Mercedes-Benz.
The bottom edge of the body features dynamic side skirts which add a light touch to the vehicle's appearance. Refined details such as the exquisitely designed headlamps with the new spotlight element confirm the brand's unmistakable premium credentials which shine through in the compact segment, too.
The interior: emotional design with sporty attributes
High-quality materials and finely structured surfaces, stylish details, precision workmanship and a new spaciousness – the interior of the B-Class defines a whole new benchmark in the compact segment. In the interior, the large, three-dimensional trim covering the entire dashboard first strikes the eye. The three large round vents in the middle and their uniquely designed cruciform nozzles add a sporty attribute to the interior's emotional design idiom.
The display, which is available in two sizes with a diagonal or 147 or 178 millimetres, appears to hover over the vents. With its stylish design – the trim frame with galvanised finish contrasting with the piano black of the front panel – and slender lines, the colour display (TFT) is a highly attractive showpiece in the cockpit. The menus on the display are operated by means of rotary pushbuttons in the centre console. The "hovering" screen concept also serves two additional effects: the screen blends more harmoniously into its surroundings while at the same time conjuring up an impression of greater space in the centre of the instrument panel.
The 3-spoke steering wheel, which always features a matt chrome insert in the middle spoke, the instrument cluster with four analogue round dials and suspended pointers in 6 o'clock position and the seats with contrasting stitching underscore the sporty character.
The instrument panel features a matt, soiling-resistant surface with a pleasant, quality feel. The large trim situated centrally in the driver's and front passenger's field of vision is available in four variants covering a broad spectrum from modern through sporty to classic. Common to all versions is a high-class appeal combining an attractive look and feel with easy care and durability.
Instead of a high-gloss black finish, the trim on the basic model features the fine "Matrix" pattern on a piano lacquer-like background, for example. The trim is produced by means of the IMD technology (In-Mould Decoration), which involves spraying thermoplastic onto the backs of printed films in the mould. This results in mouldings with an excellent surface finish and quality appeal.
The trim in the Sports package is also produced by means of IMD. Here, the film is printed on both sides, creating an impression of even greater depth. On closer examination, the fascinating trim surfaces thus reveal further interesting details.
In the Exclusive package the trim is available in real matt walnut veneer. The trim is optionally available in high-gloss black ash.
All the metallic surfaces in the interior are also genuine, thanks to electroplating. Various items, such as the outer ring on the round vents, the frame of the colour display and the upper shell of the shift lever, are finished in shimmering silk matt silver shadow. All silver surfaces possess the same lustre and the same surface quality, lending the interior a seamless appearance.
The high-quality impression is reinforced at night by the ambient lighting which is available in the Light and Sight package. A fibre-optic cable in the bottom edge of the trim diffuses gentle amber light. The scope of the ambient lighting also includes the front footwell lighting and the illuminated handle recesses on all doors.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Perfect proportions and purist lines for an exciting presence: the design of the SLS AMG Roadster stirs the emotions. Whether with the soft top open or closed, the Roadster exudes passionate sportiness and sheer exclusivity. The new super-sports car reinterprets the breathtaking lines of the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster from the 1950s, and continues the legend of exciting sports cars bearing the Mercedes star.
Memories of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL are also rekindled by the hallmark wide radiator grille with the large Mercedes star and the wing-shaped cross-fin. The three-dimensional, sculptured front-end with its low-set, arrow-shaped front apron set well into the sides lends the SLS its powerful stance on the road. Six large cooling air intakes and the vertically arranged headlamps set well to the outside with their alluring inner ambience provide a dominant aura, and are also stylistically reminiscent of the 300 SL Roadster. The central bi-xenon low-beam headlamp with its metallic wing section is framed by two LED indicator strips at the top and by the LED daytime running lamps at the bottom.
Sheer dynamism is not only suggested by the almost two-metre long bonnet, the low greenhouse set well to the rear and the short rear end with the extending rear aerofoil, but also by the long wheelbase, wide track and large wheels. The short overhangs characterise the athletic proportions as strongly as the overall engineering concept for this super-sports car, with its low-mounted front-mid engine and dual clutch transmission in a transaxle configuration.
Design influences from aircraft construction
Allusions to aircraft construction come courtesy of the prominent Mercedes star, whose tubular section is reminiscent of the air intake on a jet engine when viewed from the side, as well as the long bonnet: as the eye is drawn forward, so the observer becomes more aware of the curved bonnet contour. The design of the four fins with their Silver Shadow finish adorning the two air outlet grilles on the end of the bonnet creates the same visual impression. These aircraft-style lines also visually accelerate the air that flows past – and make the SLS AMG appear extremely dynamic even while stationary.
The fins on the bonnet are also to be found on the vehicle flanks, and here too the afficionado will rediscover a typical design feature of the 300 SL Roadster. The "6.3" lettering integrated between the fins is a clear reference to the large, naturally aspirated V8 engine. A stylish character line emerges from the side air outlet, combining visual appeal with power in combination with the dramatic effect of the flank surface. Extraordinarily appealing and unmistakable, the only 1261-millimetre high passenger compartment with its high beltlines, flat side windows and steep windscreen is in the nature of an observation post. When closed, the low fabric soft top accentuates the purist overall impression and embodies classic roadster design. When opened, the soft top is deposited behind the seats in a Z-configuration to preserve the harmonious lines. The three soft top colours of black, red and beige are available to suit the choice of nine exterior and six interior colours.
Side view dominated by muscle and shoulder
Viewing the SLS from the side, the eye is drawn to the prominent vehicle shoulder, which stretches from the front to the rear like a taut muscle. Dynamism is also enhanced by exterior mirrors mounted on the beltline. Distinctive 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) light-alloy wheels fill the flared wheel arches, which stand out prominently from the flank. Three different wheel variants all provide a good view of the large, high-performance composite brakes. Seen from above, a prominent, uninterrupted line runs from the muscle to the rear. This styling feature is also picked up on the bonnet, where the eye follows a distinctive contour. On the right, a sporty filler cap of solid metal provides another visual highlight.
Rear view that emphasises width
Dynamism and power are also suggested by the rear view of the SLS AMG Roadster. The gently sloping boot lid creates an impression of width, as do the pronounced shoulder, the closed soft top with its wide glass rear window and the flat rear light clusters. Featuring LED technology and two slim chrome inserts, the horizontally divided light clusters provide interesting perspectives. Wing-shaped LED lighting elements make for a distinctive and striking night design. Unlike in the SLS AMG Coupé, the third brake light is integrated into the boot lid.
Similarly inspired by motor racing are the black diffuser insert, the low, centrally located Formula 1-style LED foglight/reversing light and the two chromed tailpipes of the sports exhaust system. The strikingly tapered rear apron provides an unimpeded view of the wide rear wheels, lending the SLS its self-assured stance on the road. The spoiler integrated in the boot lid is automatically deployed from a speed of 120 km/h to ensure optimum stability at high speeds. As the aerials for radio, navigation and telephone reception are invisibly integrated into the boot lid, they do not disrupt the car's silhouette.
Interior reminiscent of an aircraft cockpit and motor racing functionality
Authentic materials and outstanding precision with respect to material quality and standard of finish: the interior of the SLS AMG Roadster already thrills at first sight. As in the gullwing model, the Roadster cockpit creates associations with an aircraft cockpit. The characteristic styling feature is the dashboard, whose powerful and dramatic wing shape makes for an impression of width. Strikingly integrated into the dashboard are the galvanised air vents with their adjustable, cruciform nozzles and Silver Shadow finish – their shape reminiscent of a jet's engines. The instrument cluster with its LED upshift indicator and two white backlit dial instruments adds another decidedly sporty touch with its metallic Silver Shadow finish. The silver dials have red-lit needles and a 360‑ km/h scale. As a central feature of the cockpit, the COMAND APS multimedia system is integrated between the two centre air vents.
The elongated centre console in matt metal similarly picks up on the design theme of an aircraft cockpit. It is home to the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which is inclined towards the SLS driver and allows him to choose his personal vehicle setup. The E-SELECT shift lever, whose styling recalls the thrust control of a jet, controls the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission. The solid metal selector lever is lined with high-grade leather bearing an embossed AMG emblem. The attractively integrated control unit for the electric soft top is located in the rear section of the centre console.
Numerous controls are precision-made from solid metal, with a high-sheen Silver Shadow surface. On request the centre console and other interior features such as the door sill panels, interior door trim and seat backrest trim are available in carbon-fibre. Alternatively AMG trim in high-gloss black is available for the centre console.
Authentic cockpit atmosphere in the interior
The concave shape of the interior door panels and the high beltline make for an authentic cockpit atmosphere. Together with the wide centre tunnel extending well to the rear, they reinforce the impression of safety and security. Topstitching and contrasting seams, as well as fine designo leather on the sports seats, create a luxurious impression and accentuate the hand-finished look. All surfaces such as the interior door panels and armrests are softly padded for a very pleasant feel.
Dynamic steering wheel design and six different leather colours
An authentic racing car touch is provided by the AMG Performance steering wheel with a diameter of 365 millimetres. The rim has a flattened lower section and an oval cross-section, plus perforated leather in the ergonomically formed grip area, for outstanding vehicle control. The shift paddles and lower insert are of metal. The unmistakable attention to detail for which Mercedes designers are known is very evident in the tasteful colour combinations in the interior. Six different single-tone designo leather colours are available to meet individual preferences: black, espresso brown, sand, classic red, light brown and porcelain. The sports seats with integrated head restraints and sporty transverse fluting are upholstered in designo leather, with a metal AMG badge in the backrests. Two-tone designo Exclusive leather seats are also available in espresso brown/black, classic red/black, sand/black and porcelain/black. If light brown is chosen as an interior colour, the sports seats are upholstered in natural leather with particularly high-quality woven leather on the centre seat panels.
The A-pillars are lined in anthracite Alcantara, heightening the functional, purist motor sports atmosphere. These surfaces are complemented with the sporty carpeting and floor mats bearing the AMG logo.
* Official photos and details courtesy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH *
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The interior likewise impresses with its futuristic, high-quality atmosphere. The design lines are innovative, and follow the examples of nature. Wood, Alcantara and silk are alternately entwined. The lines and contours vary from taut and sinewy to wave-like and dynamic and are constantly in flux. Light-coloured wood plays a central role in the decor, and extends throughout the interior. The minimised, formally integrated controls are everywhere incorporated into this natural material.
The centre console formally emerges from the dashboard and curves around the driver. The large star in the steering wheel forms the central core from which three wide, wooden spokes extend. The generous interior dimensions are similar to those of a current long-wheelbase S-Class, though the exterior dimensions are more akin to the E-Class.
Moreover, the interior of the F 125! combines two contrasting and highly emotional characteristics: while the cockpit has a very sporty and driver-oriented design, the rear opens up as an extremely relaxing lounge area. These contrasts are visually underlined by a varied colour scheme: dark in the front left and light in the right rear.
New dimension of comfort in the rear
The interior concept of the F 125! makes central brand values such as driving pleasure and ride comfort directly tangible. The intentionally chosen, pronounced asymmetry – the interior is not divided between front and rear in the usual way, but between the left and right halves – reflects the different form of use. Using switches in the centre console and rear door area, the rear seat backrest can be moved from upright to a chaise-longue position: the seat cushion extends forwards and a footrest folds out to provide a very comfortable resting position.
At the same time the front passenger seat is pushed forwards, which provides even more generous spaciousness in the rear and allows a clear view of the 17-inch display in the front passenger area. This is fully controlled by hand-gestures.
The shape of the F 125! was created in close collaboration between the technical research and development departments, as well as the Advanced Design Studios in Sindelfingen and Carlsbad/USA. The trailblazing interior was developed at the Mercedes-Benz Design Centre in Como, Italy.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The F125! represents a radical reinterpretation of a sports saloon. Its sensuous sportiness and dramatic, organic use of body surfaces, including a dropping line, are a pioneering further development of the current Mercedes-Benz design strategy. The two gull-wing doors allow convenient access and egress, also in parking spaces, and their opening mechanism is invisibly integrated into the rear triangular door panel on each side. Dispensing with exterior mirrors and door handles, plus the uninterrupted, single-piece bonnet with integral front wings, reduces the contours to the essential and lowers the drag coefficient. An electrically extending rear luggage module improves access to the boot.
Thanks to an emphatic change in the proportions, with the passenger compartment positioned well forward, the body appears to be cast from a single mould. The front and rear overhangs are reduced to a minimum. This layout allows an extremely long wheelbase which creates room for large gull-wing doors and maximum use of interior space. The gull-wing doors become the characteristic feature of the exterior, as they give access to the passenger compartment along the entire vehicle flank. As a result the exterior and interior appear to blend into an unmistakable and striking overall composition. The lack of a B-pillar also makes for easier access to the rear seats.
Striking front end with distinctive LED headlamps
The front end has sporty proportions and appears harmoniously integrated. It is characterised by an innovative grille set into the front architecture, suggesting the classic Mercedes-Benz radiator grille and ensuring an unmistakable brand signature. This is a meaningful aspect, for thanks to its fuel cell drive system the F 125! requires considerably less intake and cooling air. The completely joint-free bonnet underlines the sporty overall appearance of the vehicle silhouette, and has a dipped centre area. The floating, aerodynamic front wings add visual width to the front section.
The LED headlamps flanking the radiator grille are slim and dynamic in shape, lend a resolute look to the front end and, like numerous other features, convey a high-quality, high-tech impression. The interplay between design, function and energy consumption was optimised during the development process. Low-beam power consumption is 100 watts less than with conventional headlamps.
The bonnet has a stretched look, and dips at the centre. The so-called dropping line extends from the radiator grille and over the front wheels, then descends dramatically towards the rear where it forms a precise edge. Thanks to the alternating concave and convex surface contours, the side wall below the dropping line has an organic, arched effect. This muscular arching increases towards the front, where it envelops the front wheel. The rear axle is spanned by a powerful shoulder, which emerges from the beltline and is aerodynamically and abruptly delineated by the tail lights.
The wheels feature copper-coloured spoke elements, creating associations with the copper wire coils used in electric motors and making a visual reference to the car's drive technology.
Inward-curving, C-shaped tail light clusters add a finishing touch to the rear end which accentuates the width and powerful stance of the car. The centre section of the rear end extends out electrically to give access to the luggage compartment. The lower area at the rear is rounded off by two aerodynamic fins which delineate the visually floating diffuser.
Serene yet dynamic: the F 125! reconciles apparent contradictions
The roof structure emerges organically, the A-pillars growing from the front end like sinews to blend into the roof. The C-pillar supports the roof at the sporty rear end, tapering as it descends in the manner of Mercedes-Benz coupés. The dramatic entry line (E-line), which becomes visible when the doors are opened, forms an elegant curve. The E-line, beltline, dropping line and rising "counter line" of the sill panels are reminiscent of tensed sinews in a muscular body, producing a harmonious overall picture.
The special night design with contour lights running just above the side sills optimises visibility from the side. In the dark the "counter line" becomes a continuous, illuminated blue band for better side visibility. Below the lower door edge, a carbon-fibre faced cover can be seen which surrounds the structure integrated hydrogen composite storage unit positioned behind it.
The design of the F 125! suggests dramatic harmony. Coming together at the front end, the lines accentuate the forward-thrusting, dynamic appearance. "In this way we have created contrasts in the visual perception: calm and quiet, yet dynamic," says Mercedes-Benz Head of Design Gorden Wagener. "The real power lies in the elegant, muscular winds and the wheels: the wheels symbolise electric motors with terminals and coils, and make the drive concept visually tangible as well."
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
