Automobile

While the design of the new B-Class continues to offer space in abundance, the line's new dynamic character is directly apparent in its exterior dimensions. The most striking aspect is the reduced height: at 1557 millimetres, the new model crouches almost five centimetres lower on the road than its predecessor. The seat height in relation to the road has also been reduced (minus 86 mm). At the same time, this seat height also makes rolling movements substantially less noticeable.

In response to requests from many customers, the sitting position is more upright, however. At the same time, the headroom has been further improved. With maximum headroom of 1047 mm at the front (without sliding roof), the B-Class is among the most spacious cars in its segment in this discipline, too. The ergonomically expedient more upright sitting position in combination with a lowering of the vehicle's floor at the rear leads to a segment-leading degree of legroom (976 mm).

The B-Class offers plenty of space for luggage, too. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 488 litres on the basic model. Even more important than this abstract volumetric measurement is the actual usable volume. The B-Class comes up trumps here with a luggage compartment width between the wheel arches of 1050 millimetres (40 mm more than its predecessor). Six crates of mineral water, each containing 12 0.7-litre bottles, or three medium-sized packing cases (measuring 440 x 345 x 470 mm) can be transported without encroaching on the space available in the second row of seats. As a particularly convenient feature, the loading sill has been lowered by five millimetres in comparison to the predecessor and is now at a height of 616 millimetres.

The rear seat backrest comes as standard in a folding variant with a 60:40 split. As an option, the B-Class is alternatively available with the so-called EASY-VARIO-PLUS system. This enables flexible reorganisation of the interior in next to no time. Features of the EASY-VARIO-PLUS system include separate fore/aft adjustment of the rear seats by up to 140 millimetres. The luggage capacity then increases from 488 to 666 litres.

The inclination of the rear seat backrest is also adjustable. In so-called cargo position, a washing machine can be transported with the tailgate closed without folding the backrest down, for example. Equally, nine crates of mineral water or six medium-sized packing cases fit under the tailgate in this position. With the EASY-VARIO-PLUS system, the backrest of the front passenger seat can additionally be folded down onto the seat cushion to enable the transportation of long objects.

The height-adjustable luggage compartment floor also offers added variability according to individual needs. It can be moved into two different positions with one hand and locked firmly into place. In the upper position the luggage compartment floor forms a continuous surface with the load sill, facilitating loading and unloading. The rear seat backrests can be folded forward to produce a level load surface. An additional 72 litres of stowage space is then available under the loading floor. On the basic version the floor is limited to the lower position, but is removable.

The deployment of the electric parking space and the resultant omission of the handbrake lever gives rise to key advantages regarding the design of the tunnel trim and the area of the centre armrest. A stowage compartment has been integrated in the resultant space under the hinged armrest, which is optionally available as a sliding version. The interfaces to the mobile communication devices are located here: AUX (option: UCI) and USB connection and the entire comfort telephony.

In conjunction with the DCT transmission, whereby the shift lever is relocated from the tunnel trim to the steering wheel as the DIRECT SELECT lever, additional stowage space becomes available, Other stowage facilities include the door pockets, which now securely accommodate 1.5-litre bottles on the driver's and front passenger's side. A special compartment for the reflective safety jacket which is required in many countries is also to be found here. There is an umbrella holder next to the driver's and front passenger's seat, and stowage compartments are incorporated on the left and right of the luggage compartment. Optional extras include fold-out stowage compartments under the driver's and front passenger's seat, folding tables on the front seat backrests and an insert for a double cup holder for the stowage compartment in the tunnel trim between the front seats.

Source: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Interior and appointments: Functional, exclusive and extensive

A super-sports car and cruiser in one: whether with the soft top open or closed, the SLS AMG Roadster offers its occupants an unrivalled driving experience. This is in large part due to the functional interior and extensive, exclusive standard appointments.

The driver of the SLS AMG Roadster has a low seating position typical of a sports car just 368 millimetres above the road surface. In combination with the generous effective headroom of max. 982 millimetres and the effective legroom of 1058 (driver) and 1078 (passenger) millimetres, this results in a very relaxed seating position. Good all-round visibility is made possible by the relatively upright angle of the windscreen. Decisive factors for the impression of spaciousness include the generous shoulder-room of 1483 millimetres and an elbow width of no less than 1606 millimetres.

The sports seats with integrated head restraints feature so-called two-zone seat cushions. Prominent side bolsters with a harder foam filling provide optimal lateral support, while the inner areas of the seat cushion and backrest are softer for a high level of comfort on long journeys. A black designo leather interior is standard equipment. The seat backrests are made from magnesium, a high-tech material that combines light weight with high strength. This leads to significant advantages where weight distribution and a low centre of gravity are concerned.

The fore-and-aft position, height, backrest angle, seat cushion angle and steering column are adjusted mechanically. If the optional Memory package is specified, these adjustments including the seat cushion angle are electric; three individual seat settings can also be stored in this way. The Memory package also includes four-way lumbar supports and adjustable seat side bolsters for more lateral support when cornering at speed. Pivoting air vents are integrated into the head restraints if the optional AIRSCARF® system is specified. The airflow can be adjusted to different body sizes using movable louvres, and the heating level can be set in three stages by pressing a button. The head and neck areas of the occupants are then bathed in a warm airflow – extending the roadster season. AIRSCARF® is operated using two keys in the centre console.

Glass draught-stop as standard

Irritating turbulences are prevented by the standard glass draught-stop: this is slotted onto the bulkhead between the seats and fixed in place with two levers. When not in use, the draught-stop is securely stowed in a textile bag in the boot. In combination with the optional single or two-tone designo Exclusive leather or designo Exclusive natural/textured leather in light brown, the SLS AMG Roadster features leather-lined roll-over bars with integrated grilles which improve occupant comfort even further.

AMG Performance steering wheel with high-quality, solid metal insert

The adjustment range of the Performance steering wheel is 60 millimetres axially and 2.3 degrees either up or down – this applies to both manual and electric adjustment. The steering wheel is lined in perforated leather in the specially formed grip area, and has a high-quality, solid metal insert and a rim with a diameter of 370 millimetres, with a flattened profile in the lower section. The best possible vehicle control is not least ensured by the specially formed steering wheel cross-section. A Performance steering wheel with leather/Alcantara inserts is available as an option.

The seven gears of the dual clutch transmission are shifted using solid metal shift paddles. A brief pull on the left (–) or right (+) shift paddle is enough to engage the required gear. Multifunction keys in the left and right steering wheel spokes provide rapid access to the audio, telephone and navigation functions, and to the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system. The main menu in the instrument cluster can also be accessed using the ergonomically shaped steering wheel keys.

Numerous instruments and AMG main menu

Two dial instruments provide information about the vehicle speed and engine speed, and have two small, integrated displays showing the fuel level and the engine oil temperature. When the ignition is switched on, the needles of the rev counter and speedometer simultaneously spin around to their maximum position, then instantly return to zero. Between the dial instruments there is a central display for information such as the odometer reading, range, fuel consumption, trip mileage, driving time and average speed.

The AMG main menu not only shows the individual tyre pressures at each wheel, but also has three modes for comprehensive driver information: "Warm Up", "Set Up" and "RACE". “Warm Up” shows the engine oil, coolant and transmission oil temperatures, while “Set Up” shows the current ESP® mode. “RACE” makes the RACETIMER available, with which the driver is able to measure lap times on a closed race circuit. Customers opting for AMG Performance Media (optional) will not find the above functions in the AMG main menu, but rather in the display of the standard COMAND APS multimedia system.

Permanently displayed information includes the currently selected gear and the activated driving mode of the dual clutch transmission – plus the time of day, ambient temperature and digital speed. Information on the navigation system, audio functions and telephone, individual vehicle settings and the ASSYST PLUS service interval display can be accessed in the central display. The gearshift indicator is located above the display, and therefore ideally in the driver's field of vision: seven LEDs coloured white, yellow and red indicate the necessary gearshift if the driver of the SLS AMG has selected the manual (M) transmission mode. The faster the engine speed approaches the maximum of 7200 rpm, the more LEDs light up.

COMAND APS with DVD player as standard equipment

The centre console is also designed with the best possible ergonomics in mind. The upper section has an array of keys for the COMAND APS multimedia system. All the functions of the radio, DVD player, telephone and navigation system can be controlled from here. When switched on, the TFT colour display in the dashboard shows the unmistakable AMG logo for ten seconds – and depending on the function, a high-resolution map or other information such as the radio station, music track or telephone keypad. The Europe-wide navigation system has a 40-gigabyte hard disc on which the navigation data are stored, which means that route calculation is extremely rapid.

The car radio with integrated CD/DVD player features an FM/MW/SW and LW twin tuner with automatic station search, RDS, a 4 x 25 watt amplifier and a total of 6 loudspeakers. In addition, COMAND APS includes a music server with a memory capacity of 6 gigabytes, which enables the driver to store up to 1500 music files. A DVD player for video and audio is also on board, and an integrated 6-disc DVD changer is available on request. Below the DVD aperture the unit has an adapter that enables various PC memory cards for the reproduction of music files to be used. External audio devices such as an "iPod" can be connected to COMAND APS via the optional Media Interface. As a standard feature, Mercedes-Benz combines COMAND APS with the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system and the Bluetooth interface, which provides a wireless connection between the mobile phone and the hands-free system.

AMG DRIVE UNIT with E-SELECT lever

One of the visual and functional highlights in the interior of the SLS AMG is the solid centre console, which immediately calls an aircraft cockpit to mind. All the central control functions including the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which is inclined towards the driver, are grouped on this striking, solid-metal feature also optionally available in genuine carbon-fibre. The AMG E-SELECT shift lever with embossed AMG emblem for the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission also has a jet aircraft look: the one-touch drive-by-wire system enables the driver to shift between R, N and D extremely rapidly. When the car is stationary, simply pressing the P-key activates the parking position – this also happens automatically when the engine is switched off. To the left are the rotary controls for the transmission's driving modes, including RACE START, as well as the keys for the ESP® functions, the extendable rear aerofoil, the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension and the AMG memory function.

The engine start button is also integrated into the AMG DRIVE UNIT: this lights up in red when the vehicle is unlocked. When the button is pressed, the "Engine Start Stop" flashes during the starting process.

The Controller directly integrated into the centre console operates the mutimedia system COMAND APS. This rotary/push control can be moved in seven directions: turning the controller selects the main menu and submenus on the display, while pushing it activates or confirms the displayed function or setting. The buttons next to the Controller marked with "R" and "C" symbols are used to quit submenus quickly or delete entries.

Optional Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system

The new sound system realised by Mercedes-Benz and AMG together with the famous Danish audio specialist Bang & Olufsen was developed specifically for the SLS AMG Roadster. The Bang & Olufsen BeoSound surround-sound system with Dolby Digital 5.1 provides an exclusive listening experience at the highest level. This is not only thanks to the amplifier with a total output of 1000 watts and 11 loudspeakers, but also to the sound processor's precise distribution of the music signals to selectable driver, passenger or central positions. The digital sound processor (DSP) also makes it possible to choose between a high-end studio sound ("Reference") and surround-sound. All the functions are controlled via a special Bang & Olufsen menu in COMAND APS. Particular highlights are provided by two illuminated 50-watt lens tweeters on the dashboard. As a Roadster-specific feature, a 250-watt subwoofer is integrated into the aluminium cross-member behind the seats. High-quality loudspeaker covers bearing the Bang & Olufsen logo indicate the exceptional status of this high-end system.

THERMOTRONIC comfort automatic climate control as standard

The sophisticated THERMOTRONIC two-zone luxury automatic climate control system is included as standard for outstanding climatic comfort. A powerful air conditioning compressor ensures rapid cooling of the interior; the cooled air flows from the four multi-adjustable vents in the dashboard, two apertures in the A-pillars, three at the windscreen and one in each footwell. Sensors constantly monitor the interior temperature, the temperature of the air flowing from the air vents, the air moisture content and the intensity and angle of the sun. A pollutant sensor recognises excessive carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide concentrations in the outside air, and automatically closes the air recirculation flap if levels of these pollutants increase rapidly. A key with an Off symbol switches THERMOTRONIC off if required - for example if it is not needed because the soft top is open.

The modern, short-travel control keys in the SLS AMG require an operating force of only four newtons. All keys and switches are treated with Softtouch paint, which creates a silky sheen and a soft surface. The homogeneous, amber-coloured illumination of the control symbols ensures easy recognition, and also underlines the high-quality appearance of the interior when driving at night.

A wealth of stowage spaces for typical Mercedes day-to-day suitability

The interior also impresses with practically designed stowage facilities for typical Mercedes day-to-day suitability. The glove compartment with a capacity of 3.7 litres and a spectacles compartment is in the dashboard on the passenger side. To the right of the E-SELECT lever there is a small compartment with a 12 V socket or on request an ashtray with cigar-lighter. The armrest behind the centre console not only facilitates operation of the COMAND Controller, as it also has the conveniently integrated control switch for the electrically operated fabric soft top.

The armrest can be moved in two stages at the touch of a button, revealing a stowage compartment in which there are two cupholders and a telephone cradle (optional). Other items can be stowed in compartments in the doors, the stowage system on the rear bulkhead between the seats and the map pocket in the passenger footwell. Two clothes hooks are attached to the seat backrests. The unlocking switch for the boot lid is located below the light switch in the dashboard. Alternatively the boot can also be opened using the button in the vehicle key. The boot has a capacity of 173 litres (acc. to VDA measuring method).

Overview of the comprehensive standard equipment (selection):

- AMG sports seats with three-stage seat heating
- COMAND APS
- Floor mats with AMG logo
- Interior in black designo leather
- Anti-theft alarm system with tow-away protection and interior monitoring
- Electric parking brake
- Headlamp Assist
- KEYLESS-GO start function
- PARKTRONIC
- Rain sensor
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Child seat recognition in the passenger seat
- Sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs
- Cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC
- THERMOTRONIC

Optional extras include the following (extract):

- AMG alubeam silver
- AMG Le Mans red
- AMG Monza grey Magno
- AMG Sepang brown
- designo magno alanite grey
- designo mystic white 2
- 6-disc DVD changer
- AIRSCARF®
- Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system
- Interior appointments in designo single-tone Exclusive leather
- Interior appointments in designo two-tone Exclusive leather
- Interior appointments in designo Exclusive light brown natural leather/embossed leather
- Automatically dimming interior mirror and exterior mirror on driver's side, as well as electrically folding exterior mirrors left and right with ambient lighting
- Media interface
- Memory package with electric seat and steering column adjustment, as well as a four-way lumbar support
- Blind Spot Assist

Even more individuality is possible with optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio:

- AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirrors
- AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover
- AMG Interior Carbon Fibre package (carbon-fibre trim, trim on seat backrest and side, door sill panels)
- AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system
- AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design, painted in titanium grey with high-sheen finish, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), tyre sizes 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear)
- AMG Performance steering wheel in leather/Alcantara®
- AMG Performance Media
- AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with adaptive damper adjustment
- AMG forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, painted in titanium grey and polished, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), with tyre sizes 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear)
- AMG forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, painted in matt black with high-sheen finish, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), with tyre sizes 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear)
- AMG carbon-fibre trim
- AMG high-gloss black trim
- Red-painted brake calipers