Through Ian's Lens: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550

With so many models, trims, engines, SUVs, coupes, roadsters, convertibles, crossovers, sedans — sometimes I wonder how anyone holds it together on the showroom floor at a Mercedes-Benz dealership without exploding with confusion. As Mercedes continues the daunting task of updating the designs of its many models, I want them to leave one class intact and as-is.

Lincoln MKZ, Mercedes-Benz R-Class Are Top Safety Picks

Two models recently earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick rating for 2009. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class and 2010 Lincoln MKZ both earned Good ratings in frontal offset, side-impact and rear crash tests.

For the R-Class, the designation applies to models manufactured after September 2008 with the standard side airbags. The MKZ rated is the new 2010 model that recently went on sale.

IIHS.org

2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 Coupe Video

Not much has changed for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 since the previous model year, except for a bump in price and a system to help you parallel park. Cars.com reviewer Joe Wiesenfelder decides to try out the car’s parallel-parking abilities, but wonders if the system can possibly help justify the car’s enormous price tag.

2009|Mercedes-Benz|CL550

Reader Review of the Week: 2009 Mercedes-Benz C350

“Dawud” from Georgia recently bought a 2009 C-Class from Mercedes-Benz. While he finds the car to be impressive, there is a reason he’s not taking it on any long-distance trips. Find out why in his full review, and then post your own car review here.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe: Up Close

Earlier yesterday, I had a chance to check out Mercedes’ latest creation, the E-Class coupe. Its proportions are more akin to the six-figure CL-Class than the smaller, tubbier CLK, and if you dig the CL you’ll probably like its latest sibling. I feel the same way about it as I did about the sedan: Apart from those quad headlights, the face looks sharp. The tail, on the other hand, is derivative of half a dozen others.

2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid at 2009 New York Auto Show

• Competes with: BMW X5 diesel, Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
• Looks like: Mercedes has a shot at selling a hybrid
• Drivetrain: 335-hp, two-mode gas-electric hybrid system
• Hits dealerships: December 2009

If you make a hybrid, it better get good gas mileage. The 2010 ML450 Hybrid gets 21/24 mpg city/highway, which will make it the most efficient luxury SUV on the market that runs on gasoline and isn’t named Lexus. Only the BMW X5 diesel gets better mileage, at 19/26. The most fuel-efficient ML with a standard V-6 engine gets 16/21 mpg. This all-wheel-drive hybrid also packs 335 hp and 380 pounds-feet of torque, which closes in on V-8 offerings from the competition.

In 2009, Mercedes upgraded the ML’s interior and added a sophisticated infotainment system and a revised instrument panel and controls. It also brought a new diesel version of the SUV to market that gets 18/24 mpg. The hybrid system in the Mercedes is based on a joint program with BMW, GM and Chrysler, yet the ML450 Hybrid is the most efficient hybrid of this type to be produced by any member of that group.

While mileage may not matter to shoppers in this price bracket — we guess the ML450 Hybrid will be in the high-$50,000 to low-$60,000 range — the green halo may be worth the investment, especially if it can perform as well as other M-Class models.

More photos below.

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Video

Cars.com Reviewer Mike Hanley recently reviewed the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350, and he dutifully filmed a video to help our users learn even more about the new German SUV. A winter drive in Chicago put the heater to the test, but there’s plenty more to go over in the GLK. Check out the video for Hanley’s take, including what he thinks you’d realistically end up spending on the Benz SUV.

Cars.com Reviews the Mercedes-Benz GLK350

The compact luxury crossover segment has several new entries this year, including the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60. Also entering the fray is the newest entry from Mercedes-Benz: the GLK350.

Does the GLK have what it takes to run with — or maybe even beat — its competitors? Cars.com reviewer Mike Hanley test-drove the GLK to find out just that. Find out more about what Mike thinks in his latest review.

Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Review

Reader Review of the Week: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

AlexMD from Maine just purchased a new 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, and he’s already finding it useful in the inhospitable New England winters. As for qualms, he has only a minor one. Read his full review after the jump, then be sure to let us know how you feel about your car by posting your own review here.

First Look: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

• Competes with: BMW 6 Series, Audi S5
• Looks like: Mercedes is expanding its lineup at BMW pace
• Drivetrain: 268-hp V-6 or 382-hp V-8
• Hits dealerships: June 2009

The next-generation E-Class sedan was revealed on the eve of the 2009 Detroit auto show, and now, a few weeks before the Geneva Motor Show, the company has revealed plans for its first-ever E-Class coupe, which will go on sale stateside in June.

The new model will slot below the $107,900 CL coupe and above the $48,100 CLK coupe, which might not be built much longer now that the E-Class two-door is on the scene.

While Mercedes announced a number of trim levels for the European market, the U.S. will get the same two power plants found in the current E-Class sedan. The E350 will feature a 262-hp V-6 engine, and the more powerful E550 will feature a 382-hp V-8. The new, more powerful, more efficient direct-injection gasoline engines that will be offered in Europe will likely take another year or two to make it to the U.S.

Features will most likely mirror the new E-Class sedan, which you can read about here. We’ll have more information on pricing closer to the on-sale date. For now, check out the photos below.