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One year ago, we were reporting on Mercedes-Benz's plans to offer a new variant in the E-Class portfolio beginning with the next generation (W 213) due in 2016: a versatile van. According to the article, that particular model would also serve as a replacement for the slow-selling R-Class. Now, it appears Mercedes-Benz is working on a new sports van version for the future generation C-Class as well, which is prone to arrive in 3-4 years.
This is not the first time we hear this kind of 'gossip': in March 2010 we were revealing the carmaker's intention to produce a C-Class W 205 based van possibly dubbed CLR. Given the portfolio expansion in the premium segment of the last years and the anticipated growth based on niche models, it does not sound too fictional that Mercedes-Benz wants to reposition the lineup of models to customer demands. And the new C-Class van, a family-oriented car with dynamic potential and a versatile interior, could be the first to enter a new class in 2015. Together with the rumored E-Class Van that follows one year after, it will build up a serious competition for BMW's 5er GT and 3er GT. It remains much of a mystery whether Mercedes-Benz will discontinue the R-Class, as last week's press release expressed clearly the introduction of a fifth model to be assembled at Tuscaloosa alongside the M-, R-, GL- and C-Class. Which could spell a better fortune for the Grand Sports Tourer in the new sports vans family from Mercedes-Benz.
Illustration: Autozeitung
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
More than four years after the market launch of the current generation the smart fortwo remains on the road to success. Until today over half a million models of the innovative two-seater have been sold. And sales continue to rise: since the beginning of the year 69,073 smart fortwo have been delivered to customers around the world, 6.6 percent more than in the same period last year.
"Our smart has long since evolved into an icon, which is indispensable in the cities of the world," says Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart.
With the third generation of the smart fortwo electric drive smart is once again setting standards. It will be available for ordering from spring 2012. Those who would like to be among the first owners will have the opportunity to make a reservation online as of the fourth quarter 2011. For the further development of the car the company was able to integrate extensive experience of about 15,000 test runs and customer feedback from various electric mobility projects. For example, this is reflected in clearly improved range and engine performance. Dr. Annette Winkler continues, "Driving with the new smart electric drive makes a lot of fun. It causes neither noise nor emissions, and yet with it you are agile and flexible on the roads in the city." The new sales model will make the introduction to electric mobility particularly attractive for customers. With the ‘sale&care’ model customers can buy, lease or finance the vehicle at an attractive price for less than EUR 16,000 before tax and rent the battery for less than EUR 60 per month before tax. As a result, production at the smart factory in Hambach, France has already been ramped up to a five-figure volume starting 2012. In Germany customers will be able to drive the new electric completely CO2-free as the company will provide additional ‘green’ electricity.
As an ideal addition to the portfolio, the smart ebike will be launched in the second quarter of 2012. As a true smart on two wheels it is exceptionally well-positioned thanks to its unconventional design in line with the style of the brand, functions appropriate for city use and high technology standards. The smart ebike, which has been developed and built in collaboration with the e-bike manufacture GRACE, will initially be distributed by smart dealers in Europe and North America. Through clever solutions such as the integrated USB port for smartphones or energy recuperation during braking the smart ebike has become a truly high-tech product, and it is being sold in Germany for a very attractive price of less than EUR 2,900.
Since January the facelifted smart fortwo continued to develop positively with growth of 6.6 percent compared to the same period last year - 69,073 vehicles were sold (64,819). Germany remains the most successful market for the smart, where 20,286 vehicles have been sold since the beginning of the year (plus 13 percent). As a result, the smart is the best-selling vehicle in its segment during the year to date. However, the smart fortwo is also developing well in many other markets – above all in China. Until May this year sales have already surpassed last year’s total sales figure; since January almost four times as many smarts have been sold than in the period from January to August 2010. In August, sales jumped another 141.5 percent.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Famous American actor John Travolta must be passing through a troublesome period now, after one of the cars he proudly owns, a beautiful Mercedes-Benz 280 SL of the W 113 generation model, simply vanished away (with the help of experienced bandits, of course) while it was parked on a street of Santa Monica, California. Travolta left his car outside and unattended for only ten minutes, but when he returned, the Pagoda had already dissapeared. Police was immediately informed about the theft, but no witnesses to the incident or the criminals themselves have been successfully traced so far.
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Outstanding efficiency, lots of driving fun and an uncon-ventional design are the common features of the new products presented by smart at the International Motor Show. smart's presentation in Frankfurt will focus on the world premiere of the third generation smart fortwo electric drive and the smart forvision concept vehicle. What's more, the smart ebike extends electric mobility from smart to two wheels.
Zero-emission motoring with even more driving fun – the third generation smart fortwo electric drive will be available from the spring of 2012. For the further development of the smart fortwo electric drive the company was able to integrate extensive experience and customer feedback from various electric mobility projects. For example, this is reflected in clearly improved performance data: maximum power output of 55 kW, a top speed of over 120 km/h and a range of considerably more than 140 km.
Together with BASF smart is presenting the smart forvision concept vehicle which combines a futuristic design with technologies relating to energy efficiency, lightweight construction and temperature management.
A near-series version of the smart ebike, which will enter series production in 2012, will also be on display at the International Motor Show. With an unconventional design in line with the style of the brand, functions appropriate for city use and high technology standards that are demonstrated by the extremely efficient and high-performance drive package among other features, it has an exceptional position.
smart is continuing its series of exciting special models with the limited special model smart fortwo pearlgrey. The exclusive graphite metallic paintwork in combination with a silver tridion safety cell and silver alloy wheels lend it a classic and elegant appearance.
With the "smart BRABUS tailor made by WeSC" and the "headphones for the smart by WeSC" smart is presenting the first results of the cooperation with the street fashion brand WeSC. Common features of the special model and the headphones are the gleaming gold tones and the launch in the spring of 2012.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The new M-Class: Champion of refined efficiency
The third generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class scores particularly highly on outstanding energy efficiency, and on average the new model range consumes 25 percent less fuel than the previous models. One true champion in terms of fuel consumption is the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, which boasts an NEDC consumption of just 6.0 l/100 km (158 g CO2/km) and has a range of up to 1500 kilometres on a full tank. Further strengths of the premium SUV with permanent all-wheel drive include exceptional safety and well-balanced ride comfort as well as excellent driving dynamics both on and off the road. What's more, the ML features an array of new chassis developments and innovative dynamic handling control systems which further enhance both driving enjoyment and handling safety. A characteristic body design and a variable interior with a high wellness factor add to the richness of the driving experience in the new M-Class.
Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG with responsibility for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, puts it in a nutshell: "With the M-Class, it's always been a case of combining the comfort and luxury of a saloon car with the off-road characteristics and the emotiveness of an SUV." The fact that the new M-Class is as fuel-efficient as the economical saloon cars displaying the Mercedes star makes the all-wheel-drive model even more desirable. A range of state-of-the-art engines, a class-leading cd figure (drag coefficient) of 0.32 and extensive BlueEFFICIENCY measures lay the foundations for outstanding energy efficiency.
Complete and attractively priced model range
Despite the substantially upgraded equipment and appointments, prices for the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC remain practically the same as for its predecessor (an increase of just 50 euros).
The prices at a glance:
According to Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Board Member of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales & Marketing: "The M-Class is a story of success. With more than 1.2 million vehicles sold, it is the best-selling SUV in its segment and also enjoys the loyalest customer base. We will be continuing this success with the new M-Class, which will make an important contribution to our sales growth over the coming years."
To mark the launch of the new M-Class, there will be a limited special-edition model available in the shape of the Edition 1. This exclusive model includes an AMG Exterior Sports package and features an impressive and particularly exclusive interior. Prices start at €55,700 (€66,283 incl. 19% VAT) for the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC Edition 1. Delivery of the M-Class to customers
will commence in November this year.
A model of success: the M-Class sets new standards in the world of the SUV
BlueTEC diesel units and the new generation of BlueDIRECT petrol engines ensure excellent economy and an outstanding life cycle assessment of the new M-Class. As Dr. Schmidt explains further : "The new M-Class has the potential to set standards in the SUV world once again: one average it consumes one quarter less fuel than its predecessor and as such will be the most economical vehicle in its segment – whether fitted with or without a hybrid drive."
As far as the diesel engines are concerned, now available solely as BlueTEC units with SCR emissions technology, the focus is firmly on downsizing and on the new version of the V6 CDI engine:
- In the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, the 3.0-litre V6 of the previous ML 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC model is replaced by the thrifty four-cylinder unit already familiar from, for instance, the S-Class. The NEDC consumption of 6.0 l/100 km is 28 percent lower than that of the previous model.
- The ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC features an extensively revamped 3.0-‑litre V6 which offers far better performance coupled with a substantial reduction in fuel consumption. This version boasts an NEDC figure of just 6.8 l/100 km, a 24-percent improvement compared to the previous ML 350 CDI 4MATIC model.
Thanks to AdBlue® emission control technology both diesel models comfortably meet the EU6 standard slated for introduction in 2014.
The ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY petrol-engine model, on the other hand, delivers a convincing performance thanks to the technical details of the new BlueDIRECT engine generation. The key here is the third-generation direct petrol injection system with spray-guided combustion and new piezo injectors that have an injection pressure of 200 bar, together with multi-spark ignition (MSI) and a new stratified combustion process. In this case, the NEDC consumption of 8.5 l/100 km is 25 percent lower than that of the previous ML 350 4MATIC model. The ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY meets the requirements of the EU5 standard, currently the strictest standard in force for petrol models.
Long-distance champion: a high level of efficiency ensures a long range
The range calculated for a full tank of fuel is particularly impressive. With an NEDC consumption of 6.0 l/100 km, the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC with the standard 70-litre tank can cover around 1170 kilometres before needing to stop for fuel. If the vehicle is fitted with the optional 93-litre tank, the car can even cover up to 1500 kilometres between refuelling stops.
The excellent fuel economy is underpinned by a comprehensive package of BlueEFFICIENCY measures as well as by this state-of-the-art engineering. In addition to the ECO start/stop function that comes as standard, these measures include the new seven-speed 7G/TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with a new fuel-economy converter, friction-optimised bearings and a transmission oil thermal management system. Low-friction axle drives, electric steering, the optimised belt drive with decoupler, the on-demand control of all ancillary components and pumps, and tyres with low rolling resistance also play their part in reducing fuel consumption. What's more, intelligent lightweight design has stopped the weight from spiralling upwards.
With a drag coefficient, or cd figure, of 0.32, the new M-Class (ML 250 BlueTEC) also sets a new best figure for this vehicle class. Intensive simulations undertaken with the digital prototype, along with final touches added in the wind tunnel, ensure a perfect flow of air around the vehicle. The key factor determining the low wind resistance is the aerodynamic efficiency of the basic body shell, including the optimised design of the front bumper, of the A-pillars and of the roof spoiler, plus numerous other detailed improvements.
The result: a high level of comfort and outstanding driving dynamics on and off the road
Even the standard version of the new M-Class offers a high level of comfort, dynamic on-road handling and outstanding off-road capabilities. For the first time, the M-Class chassis with steel suspension features selective damping. The driver is assisted by electric steering, which ensures the optimum level of steering assistance for the current driving situation. In addition to this, the SUV impresses with the smallest turning circle in its market segment.
For driving off the beaten track, the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY models are equipped with extensive off-road features as standard, including 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, 4ETS electronic traction control and an off-road button which activates a special off‑road driving mode. Furthermore, the start-off assist system makes hill starts easier, while the Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) automatically keeps the M‑Class at the speed set using the cruise control stalk.
The optional ON&OFFROAD package for the new M-Class has six driving modes for optimising driving dynamics and handling safety, as the optimum drive system control is provided for an extremely wide range of on-road and off-road operating conditions. The driver can select from one automatic mode, two special off-road modes and three on-road modes using a rotary control in the centre console. In terms of "hardware", the ON&OFFROAD package comprises an underguard, a two-stage transfer case with reduction gear, an inter-axle differential lock and enhanced AIRMATIC functionality that allows a maximum ground clearance of 285 millimetres as well as a fording depth of 600 millimetres.
Active roll stabilisation in the form of the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM can be optionally combined with both the AIRMATIC air suspension with Adaptive Damping System (ADS) and the ON&OFFROAD package. This system uses active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles and compensates for the roll angle of the body through bends, increasing agility and driving pleasure in the process. The system has the additional effect of increasing handing stability and therefore safety, particularly at higher speeds. Further benefits of the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM include superb ride comfort both when cornering and driving in a straight line, together with enhanced off-road abilities.
Gently does it: attention to detail ensures comfort
The new M-Class promises relaxed and, therefore, safe driving in all possible conditions. By paying close attention to detail every step of the way, the development engineers in the Mercedes Technology Center have significantly improved what they call the NVH comfort level (Noise, Vibration, Harshness). This is an important factor contributing to the general sense of wellbeing on board, whilst also playing its part in driver-fitness safety, especially on long journeys. The basis for the high level of NVH comfort is provided by the very rigid bodyshell of the M-Class. Further improvements have also been made to the drive system and chassis. This is all topped off by aero-acoustic refinements and the intelligent use of new-style insulation.
Well thought-out: safety at its best
In line with the Mercedes-Benz brand philosophy, the new M-Class represents the embodiment of the Mercedes-Benz holistic safety concept of Real Life Safety, which is derived primarily from what happens in a real accident situation. The extremely robust occupant compartment of the M-Class, together with the front and rear deformation zones, forms an effective basis for the occupant protection system. Up to nine airbags, activated on demand in accordance with the accident type and accident severity, can reduce the loads exerted on the occupants. In addition to active safety systems such as the standard-fit Brake Assist (BAS) or the optional BAS PLUS, which can help to prevent an accident or reduce the severity of an accident, the new M-Class features further enhanced passive-safety measures to help protect pedestrians, including an Active Bonnet as standard.
Both active safety and driver-fitness safety in the new M-Class are further improved by assistance systems that will already be familiar, primarily from the S- and E-Class. The standard equipment package includes the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the anticipatory safety system PRE‑SAFE® and a tyre pressure loss warning system, as well as adaptive brake lights and Brake Assist (BAS). Active assistance systems such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist are available as additional equipment options.
Impressive credentials: the design
The new generation is instantly recognisable as an M-Class by its characteristic body design with the hallmark C-pillar shape. It combines high levels of design, appeal and ease of use to create a powerful presence. The front of the vehicle is dominated by the powerfully self-confident design of the radiator grille with its centrally positioned Mercedes star, giving it that typical M-Class look. Seen from the side, the elongated lines give formal emphasis to the on-road credentials of this vehicle, whose compact proportions are defined by a large wheelbase and short overhangs. The C-pillar that is so characteristic of this model series takes its cue from earlier generations of the M-Class and differentiates it very clearly in stylistic terms from its competitors. At the same time, the way the roof line slopes down to the rear underlines the sporty appeal of the new M-Class. No pillar is visible in the transition from the rear side window through to the rear windscreen. This, together with the similarly wrap-around effect of the two-part rear light unit with LED fibre-optic technology, and the lowered roof with its large roof spoiler, add up to an overall harmonious design. The rear bumper, which features an integrated chrome-effect load sill guard in a new "wing design", defines the characteristic
appearance of the SUV's rear end. The available wheels range from light and aerodynamically optimised 43.2 cm (17-inch) wheels through to 50.8 cm (20‑inch) wheels with an elegant, high-quality appeal. As an option, 53.3 cm (21‑inch) AMG wheels can be fitted to emphasise the sporty look of the new M‑Class.
Upgrade as standard: interior with a first-class ambience
The interior design concept clearly combines an authentic SUV experience with a sense of wellbeing that is usually the reserve of top-class Mercedes-Benz saloons. While an expressive dome shape embodies the power of an SUV, the gently sloping contours of the dashboard in the front passenger area afford an outstanding sense of space, thereby highlighting the vehicle's suitability for long journeys. The spacious, bright interior offers substantially more elbow room than its predecessor (an extra 34 millimetres in the front and an extra 25 millimetres in the rear), thus enhancing spaciousness. Eye-catching features on the dashboard include a large trim element that matches the trim used for the doors and therefore creates a harmonious wrap-around effect. The seats in the new M-Class have been designed to offer high long-distance comfort and optimum lateral support. All of the key settings can be adjusted electrically. New features include rear seat backrests adjustable for angle and the through-loading feature via the armrest for transporting skis. Folding both backrests as well as the seat cushions forward creates a level load compartment with a capacity of 2010 litres up to the roof lining – a record in this segment.
The new M-Class comes as standard with the Audio 20 CD system, which comprises a radio with twin-tuner, a colour display with a 14.7 cm screen diagonal, an MP3/WMA/AAC-compatible CD player, a USB interface with CD Cover Art display (if saved on the storage medium), an AUX-IN socket in the centre armrest and a telephone keypad. The Bluetooth interface also allows hands-free telephony and Audio Streaming for the transfer of music. One of the particularly interesting features on offer is the Becker® MAP PILOT, a fully integrated navigation module with a 2-D/3-D map display for Europe. The device is housed in a cradle in the glove compartment and is operated using the central controller for the Audio 20 CD system. The COMAND Online multimedia system with a high-resolution 17.8 cm colour display provides internet access in the M-Class for the first time. Customers can either browse freely when the vehicle is at a standstill or use a Mercedes-Benz App with pages that load extremely quickly and are also easy to use when the vehicle is on the move. As an option, COMAND Online is available with a 6-disc DVD‑changer. This system's standard features include Speed Limit Assist, which recognises traffic signs and displays them in the instrument cluster.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
