Of Benzes and Bags: Mercedes Rolls Out Pelvic Airbags

At last week’s Detroit auto show, we reported that Mercedes-Benz’s 2010 E-Class would have 11 standard airbags. Among them will be what Mercedes calls “pelvic airbags,” not to be confused with the car’s seat-mounted side airbags or side curtain airbags. That’s three separate devices protecting your noggin, chest and hips should the cell-phone addict at 9 o’clock miss his red light.

Both the pelvic airbags and the conventional seat-mounted side airbags are mounted inside the front seats — one deploys at chest level, the other at hip level. Mercedes spokesman Rob Moran said the new device is designed to protect the pelvis and reduce impact forces on the abdomen. They’re in the 2010 E-Class and 2009 C-Class, but will likely migrate to other Benz models, Moran said.

We can’t think of any other car — even among the high-roller crowd — with such devices, and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety spokesman Russ Rader said he couldn’t think of any, either. But Rader said pelvic airbags may not be necessary if conventional side airbags can provide enough coverage. The Ford F-150, for example, has key inflation points from a larger airbag that extends all the way down the seat to offer similar protection.

Through Ian's Lens: 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63

Picture this: Smoke floats effortlessly across the screen, a soft voice tells you about horsepower, and then, out of nowhere, comes the rear end of a car drifting sideways into the frame with tires blazing. You realize that the effortlessly floating smoke is being created by one of the biggest burnouts you’ve ever seen. This is not a NASCAR dream; this is a commercial for the new 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63. Ah ... the imagery.

Ever since I saw this commercial six months ago, I knew I would love this car. Visually, I have enjoyed the redesigned Mercedes-Benz C-Class. With a different hood and some serious fender work, the C63 takes that elegant design and turns it on its head. The front end of the C63 looks like it might bite you with its wide grille, big air intakes in front of the tires, and furrowed hood. Harsh lines from the front fender travel all the way back through the spoiler, infusing this car with style and performance. And who knew that Mercedes would release a car in candy-apple red? I could gush about the C63 for weeks, but I’ll let the photos do the talking for me. Please leave your remarks in the comments section; a full set of photos is below. Feel free to use the “Full Screen” mode on the photo browser. This car is meant to be seen up close.

Sales of Redesigned Cars Soar

It sounds like a no-brainer, but guess what? New and redesigned models sell, especially if they get good reviews. Sales figures for September — widely projected to be a slow month for automakers — are in, and redesigned models like the Honda Accord, Cadillac CTS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are selling well. Really well.

Unfortunately, the automakers don’t break out how many of the cars sold are 2007s versus 2008s, but we were able to glean a few tidbits from the numbers. The Cadillac CTS did the best of the three in terms of percentage increase, showing a 73.5% sales increase over September 2007. If you look at the CTS’ sales in August, they were down 9.1%.

2007 Frankfurt Auto Show: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Wagon

• Competes with: BMW 3 Series wagon, Audi A4 Avant
• Looks like: The old C-Class got anti-Botoxed, meaning more sharp lines and creases were added everywhere
• Drivetrain: 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with seven-speed automatic; 228-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 with six-speed manual or automatic; rear- or all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Sometime in 2008

We were impressed with Mercedes-Benz’s new C-Class in sedan form, and now we’re assured a wagon is on the way as well. The wagon as a class unto itself is dwindling fast in the U.S., but European automakers are still developing them. The C-Class Estate, as it’s known on the other side of the pond, has two distinctly different front grilles, just like the sedan. The Sport model maintains a large emblem front and center, and the Luxury model features thin lines more akin to the larger S-Class.

The new C-Class wagon has almost 10% more cargo volume than the outgoing model. There’s also a standard collapsible shopping grate, which sounds useful even though we’re not sure what it is. There’s also an optional power tailgate and additional storage dividers. 

With this radically different new look, perhaps the C-Class will rekindle the motoring public’s love for wagons. More photos below.

Mercedes Lets You Send Directions to Car

Have you ever used Google Maps to figure out your trip, then left the directions sitting on your kitchen counter? It happens to me all the time. Now, Mercedes is working with Google and Yahoo to get those directions sent to your car’s navigation system. The "Search and Send" feature will be available Sept. 5 in the 2008 C-Class, the S-Class sedan and the CL-Class coupe (similar features have been in use in European BMWs before now). The feature requires the Multimedia Package and a TeleAid subscription (which comes free for the first year).

To use Search and Send, just go to Google or Yahoo, find your location, then use a new "Send to Car" icon on either site to send that location to your car. When you get to your car, push the "i" button and the navigation system will download the destination to your navigation system for use immediately or later on. Pretty nifty.

Related

Google Maps and BMW Team Up, in Germany, (KickingTires)

Friday Fleet Notes: 7.27.07

This week we had a lot of different cars come in and out of the fleet, but we decided to let Mike wax poetic about the Civic Hybrid’s mileage in his own post. That left everyone clamoring for seat time in the new Mercedes C-Class and a few of us revisiting an old Faceoff winner.

2008 Mercedes-Benz C300

Considering the C300 is the less-powerful trim level, I thought it accelerated pretty well. It’s no rocket, but it certainly benefits from the seven-speed transmission. It takes off smoothly and quietly, seeming to start out in second gear when in Drive, an old Mercedes practice. Even in the Sport version, it didn’t live up to the BMW 3 Series or the Infiniti G35, but it was pretty satisfying to drive — and not every luxury automaker can chase the same goal.

The Urban DINK: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300

This is what this column is all about. The new Mercedes-Benz C300 came into the fleet, and guess who got the first night alone with this bad boy? That’s right, the DINK. Mike Hanley actually got more time with it and wrote the full review on the C300, and I think overall his points on the driving feel are dead-on. What I found fault with in the review was the fact that there was no mention that this is the perfect car for an Urban DINK.

Now, to be sure, our full-length car reviews are supposed to address the broadest audience, which is why Suburban Dad, Weekend Athlete and Urban Dink exist on this blog. The C300 has a lot going for it, Dink or no. It has a low starting price — less than the Lexus ES 350, Acura TL, BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G35. Plus it has a decent list of standard features.

The test car had a lot of options, though, like a slick navigations system, a superb surround-sound stereo system, a double-paned sunroof and an iPod adapter in the glove box. I thought the interior was very well done, with Mercedes continuing to stun with its gauge design. The leather on the seats was nice to the touch, but they sure were firm. My only major beef with the inside of the C300 was the plastic shift knob.

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

One of the most anticipated new models of the year is Mercedes’ bread-and-butter entry-level C-Class. Cars.com’s Mike Hanley tested both the Luxury and Sport models and returns with his verdict. Most importantly, he answers the burning question: Does the C-Class stand toe-to-toe with its arch nemesis, the BMW 3 Series?

2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Expert Review

2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG: A Really Fast C-Class

Just as Mercedes dealers are preparing for the arrival of the new C-Class in early August, we hear word of the car’s more powerful sibling, the C63 AMG. AMG is the designation the company gives to its most powerful models, just like BMW’s M and Audi’s S and RS designations. The C63 is so named because a 6.3-liter V-8 producing 457 hp is housed under its hood. 

That gets the new C63 to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds, though buyers will have to accept the fact that the C63 comes with a seven-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel, not the standard — and often preferred — stick shift. There are three modes for adjustable shifting between Sport, Comfort and Manual. The Sport mode will shift gears 30% faster than Comfort mode and 50% faster than the default Manual mode.   

Enthusiast drivers will also appreciate an adjustable electronic stability system that can be turned off completely or set to Sport mode, which allows for safely pushing the car closer to its limits.

Of course, the C63 also has a beefed-up look to match its enhanced performance. The hood is larger, with two “power domes,” and both the front and rear bumpers are more aggressive than the standard C-Class. There are also available 19-inch wheels and standard 18-inchers. Inside, the seats are of the sport variety, and there’s even a different steering wheel aimed at enthusiast drivers. All this work should make the C63 formidable competition for the Audi RS4 and upcoming BMW M3. We won’t know for sure until early 2008, when the C63 will go on sale. For now, check out the photo gallery.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Photo Gallery

New Mercedes-Benz C-Class Priced under $32,000

Mercedes-Benz has radically redesigned its entry-level sedan for 2008. The new C-Class is upgraded in almost every way, besides its initial engine choices. The better news is that the 2008 C-Class’ pricing starts below last year’s equivalent models — to the tune of $2,200 less — but you’ll only enjoy those great savings if you want a manual transmission. The previously standard automatic will run $1,440 in the base model; it’s standard in the higher trim levels. Factoring that in, you’re still around $700 less for the ’08 model. With either transmission, the new C-Class is now priced below the BMW 3 Series, Lexus ES350 and Acura TL.

The C-Class has two models: the 228-hp C300 starts at $31,200, and the 268-hp C350 starts at $36,500. There is an additional $775 destination charge.

Standard equipment in the C300 includes a power sunroof, eight-way power front seats with lumbar support, two-zone automatic climate control, 17-inch wheels, Bluetooth and an LCD display screen.

The new C-Class goes on sale August 7, with all-wheel-drive models following in September. For full pricing and option package information, keep reading.