The Mercedes-Benz S550 is already a Cars.com Best Bet, and it took the prize as Best Car for the Boss in the 2008 installment of our annual Lifestyle Awards. Clearly, the biggest Benz deserved a full review for the 2008 model year, and reviewer Mike Hanley was just the man to do it. In terms of power and refinement, the S550 is at the pinnacle in its class. Plus, the interior is as elegant as it gets.
Audi dropped the veil on the new Q5 compact SUV earlier this week. Now, Mercedes-Benz has revealed details about the U.S.-bound version of its all-new BMW X3 competitor, the GLK 350.
Mercedes is giving us solid numbers: 268 hp, 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, 23 mpg on the highway (exactly what the X3 and LR2 get) and 54.7 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded, which is just a bit less than the LR2.
What sets the GLK apart from the X3, LR2 and upcoming Audi Q5 is that it will be available in both two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive models. The others come standard with all-wheel drive. For the buyer just interested in the luxury and utility of the GLK, the two-wheel drive should cost less than the competition.
19-inch wheels, Bluetooth, power seats and dual-zone climate control come standard but almost everything else is optional. There are five — count ‘em, five — option packages and nine stand-alone options covering everything from a panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, navigation, leather seats, etc. We’ll have to weigh in on the value of the GLK when pricing is announced, but with so many options and two-wheel drive, the starting MSRP could be significantly lower than its competition. More photos below.
Mercedes-Benz knows how to wrap a driver in luxury. With the new GL-Class, the company is trying to wrap the driver, the driver’s significant other, their two kids and a few friends in luxury. In the top GL550 trim, all that luxury comes attached to a powerful 5.5-liter V-8 engine. Cars.com’s Kelsey Mays delves into where the GL550 ranks in the luxury SUV strata, and lets potential buyers know why they should do their research.
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 Expert Review
The ML320 Bluetec clean diesel displayed here is no different inside than a normal ML, except for the necessary lower-rpm tachometer and blue-illuminated sill plates (which Mercedes says aren't a definite for the final product). This model is one of three 2009 Mercedes SUVs billed as the cleanest diesels in the world — clean enough for sale in all 50 states. The other two are the R- and GL-Class, and all three debuted here in New York today.
Roughly 20% of Mercedes SUVs sold in the U.S. — including the M-, GL- and R-Classes — are diesels; these CDI versions have been sold in 45 states, excluding Mercedes' biggest markets of California and New York. With the addition of these markets – and given the emphasis on conservation in these parts of the country — Mercedes’ diesel sales are likely to make a healthy jump. No production limits are expected for the Bluetecs.
The new ML will come out this summer, with Bluetec versions to follow in fall. Prices haven't been announced, but Mercedes says the regular ML will have more standard features, and the Bluetec will cost roughly $1,000 more than the ML350, which currently costs $44,000. (Credit to Mercedes for making the V-6 diesel version more affordable than the V-8 gas-powered ML550, which starts close to $53,000.) EPA fuel-economy estimates aren't available yet, but the typical diesel advantage should hold true for these models. The current ML350's rating is 15/20 mpg city/highway, and the CDI diesel version is rated at 18/24 mpg.
Bluetec achieves its clean operation through the addition of urea injection in the form of a fluid called AdBlue. Mercedes says it's refilled at the regular 10,000-mile service interval, which is when oil changes are due.
The M-Class' restyling is likely to be lost on anyone not aware of the details, but I have to admit that the changes give the SUV a different presence. Almost all the exterior changes make it look lower and broader. The grille sits lower and the fog lights are farther apart, for example. The stainless-steel skid plates — front and rear — draw the eye downward. Two exceptions are the new side mirrors, whose signal lights have grown and spread, threatening to overtake the entire mirror enclosure.
Though Mercedes says the interior has been upgraded, the changes aren't dramatic to my eye, apart from the new steering wheel. That new wheel consolidates the controls to two groupings, patterned after the Comand system buttons alongside the center LCD screen. I'm not sure this is an improvement, but I'll need some time to experiment. Comand itself has been upgraded to the type in the new C-Class, the menus of which we found to be a big improvement. Unfortunately, this one doesn't have the central-knob controller. As much as we hate the one in BMWs, the one on the C-Class is pretty good.
The SL-Class roadster has been restyled, and in this day of bizarro headlight shapes, its new touches look pretty good. The front fender vents have a new, louvered look. Both the standard SL and the SL63 AMG have more exterior detailing than the current generation, including busier hoods. The SL's front apron is wider — any wider and it would look like a hovercraft.
The SL63 has a new version of its seven-speed automatic transmission with Multi-Clutch Technology that replaces a conventional fluidic torque converter. According to Mercedes, though the transmission itself isn't much different, the MCT gives shift speeds closer to that of an automated manual like those offered by Audi and BMW. Available only in the SL63, MCT has four shift modes and fully automatic as well as paddle-shifted manual operation. The modes trade shift smoothness for speed in the Sport and Sport Plus modes, and make a bigger, three-gear jump when kicking down — from 7th to 4th gear, for example.
The highlight of the restyled interior is the Airscarf option built into the front head restraints. Two fans blow hot air through a vent in the front of the headrest at the occupant's neck, which Mercedes says extends the top-down driving season.
Related:
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster
When we recently tested the 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550, we were surprised by how good an SUV the M-Class still is in a very competitive segment. In New York next week, Mercedes-Benz will unveil an updated version of the M-Class that promises to improve upon this sleeper of an SUV.
The 2009 model will come in the same trim levels — ML350, ML550 and ML63 AMG — as well as the diesel ML320 Bluetec we told you about earlier. All three gasoline engines, however, will get boosts in power and fuel-efficiency, though Mercedes hasn’t provided exact figures at this time. As for the mileage claims, our ML550 tester was already surprisingly economical considering the power in its V-8 engine.
Outside, the design gets a little curvier, especially around the front grille. The look is more menacing and more organic. Inside there are slight changes to the design, including a new steering wheel. Most importantly, Mercedes says it has changed the old version’s abysmal infotainment unit to a new array of three different choices. We’re hoping the new systems are more akin to the ones in the new C-Class.
There are more photos below of the European models, including comparisons to the 2008 M-Class. We’ll be checking out all of Mercedes’ upgraded models at the New York auto show next week, so stay tuned.
Mercedes-Benz is jumping full-tilt into the clean diesel game. Its three newest diesel models — the R320, ML320 and GL320 Bluetecs — will be sold exclusively in the United States starting this fall and will meet the toughest emissions rules in the country.
Powering the models is a diesel V-6 putting out 210 hp and a very healthy 400 pounds-feet of torque. Mileage estimates for the GL320 (which we’d assume would be the thirstiest of the three) is a combined 25 mpg.
The only bad news about these diesels is that they require an additive called AdBlue to keep emissions clean. And yes, the AdBlue needs to be refilled. However, Mercedes says the small tank only needs to be refilled at regular service intervals. If you already service your car at a dealership, that won’t be any added headache. If you somehow miss a regular service, an alert will sound when your AdBlue level is low.
The 320 Bluetecs will all come standard with features like surround-sound audio and rear entertainment systems. All three will also feature a choice of three new infotainment systems with Bluetooth, HD radio and voice activation. More photos are below. Let us know if you think Mercedes is making the right move with these luxury, diesel family-haulers.
The GLK, Mercedes’ all-new compact crossover, got its formal European debut at this week’s Geneva auto show. Though it’s technically a concept, it’s very close to the real SUV that will hit U.S. dealerships this fall. What won’t come is the European concept’s diesel-hybrid version, which delivers some 40 mpg in combined city and highway driving, Mercedes says.
The drivetrain sounds similar to the workings in Mercedes’ 40-mpg S400 Bluetec Hybrid concept at last November’s L.A. auto show. At its heart is an electric motor wedged between the engine and transmission that generates some 118 pounds-feet of torque. Though it provides a healthy boost in acceleration, it can’t power the GLK on electric power alone. Its energy source is a lithium-ion battery, which is more technologically advanced than the bulkier nickel-metal hydride batteries used in hybrids today. As you might expect, the running gear also includes regenerative brakes and an engine that shuts off at idle.
The Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid is a gasoline-electric hybrid version of the automaker's flagship S-Class sedan that's expected to arrive in the U.S. in fall 2009. Average fuel economy is about 30 mpg, according to Mercedes, which is nearly double the 16 mpg combined rating of the V-8-powered S550.
Though a gasoline-electric version of the S-Class is significant in its own right, the S400 BlueHybrid's hybrid system also incorporates a lithium-ion battery pack. Mercedes says the operating temperature of the battery pack is regulated by the car's air conditioning system, thereby enhancing battery life and performance.
Mercedes continues to update its entire lineup with new bodywork that incorporates a larger logo and revised grille. There’s a little more updating with the SL than with others we’ve seen recently, like the CLS-Class. The hood is new with “power domes,” new headlights and revised fenders. There are new trapezoid tailpipes and a new bumper around back. Inside, there’s a new steering wheel and instrument cluster.
The lineup will remain the SL550 with the 382-hp V-8, the SL600 with the 510-hp V-12 and the SL65 with the 604-hp V-12 engine. Prices will probably remain similar to the current $95,300, $133,200 and $187,200, respectively. That’s without destination and gas-guzzler charges. More photos below.
One of the best-looking Mercedes-Benz sedans — even if they call it a four-door coupe — gets a slight face-lift and upgrades for 2009. Engine and trim levels remain the same as before, with a CLS550 and a CLS63 AMG.
What’s new? A revised two-bar grille, larger side-view mirrors — presumably to help with sightlines — a new wheel design, a new bumper and new taillights take care of the exterior. Inside, buyers get a new steering wheel, new gauges and Bluetooth.
The CLS550 features a 382-hp V-8, while the AMG comes with a 507-hp V-8, both with a seven-speed automatic transmission. In Europe, buyers can opt for a V-6 engine, but not those in the U.S. At prices of $67,950 and $93,550 respectively for the 2008 models, the car’s relatively light sales could have been boosted by a 350 offering. In 2007, Mercedes sold just 10,000 of the CLS, down 26.5% from 2006. That’s about a third of the number of the more expensive S-Class sedans that were sold, and a sixth as many as the less expensive E-Class. Mercedes officials say U.S. buyers want big engines in more premium vehicles, but a $55,000 CLS350 might do more to sell the CLS than a face-lift will. More photos below.
Kelsey Mays not only got to interview the head of Mercedes-Benz, he also took a close-up look at the GLK concept. Not only do you get moving pictures, you also get some insight into what type of engines this diesel prototype might have when it goes on sale in the U.S.
On the eve of the Detroit auto show Cars.com’s Kelsey Mays tracked down the head of Mercedes-Benz, Dieter Zetsche, and asked him about the future of diesel in the U.S. along with the company’s product plans for the future. Check it out.
Amid modish artwork and 1920s brass - yeah, try that for a combo - Mercedes had a Vision GLK concept on display for journalists in Detroit last night. We've had official details on the near-production SUV for more than week (see the original post here) but this was the first one we've seen in the flesh.
At first glance, the GLK seems promising. Its boxy styling stands out amid the welter of teardrop-shaped SUVs out there, with a high roofline and much chunkier face than, say, an Acura RDX or an Infiniti EX35. The whole thing recalls a shrunken GL-Class, which isn't a bad thing, and the tall windows make for excellent sightlines from the driver's seat.
The interior is pretty close to production-ready, though the striped cebrano wood and bright-white leather seats probably won't make the cut. The dashboard's twin cowls remind us of the S-Class, and here they're covered in leather stitching. It's an upscale touch that we hope makes it to production.
We spoke with Mercedes engineer Uwe Skrzypek, who said the concept's Bluetec four-cylinder diesel won't be included when the production GLK arrives here in early 2009. It seems the only diesels fitted for U.S. buyers have been V-6s so far, he said, and so the GLK will likely draw power from either the C300 or C350's gas V-6.
Speaking of the C-Class: Mercedes confirmed the introduction of a C-Class coupe, marketed to the same first-time Mercedes buyers as the previous C230 hatch, at the Geneva auto show in March. Naturally, Skrzypek remained mum on details. We'll let you know if we hear more.
Mercedes-Benz is taking the Detroit Auto Show seriously this year, using the major media spotlight to introduce its upcoming small SUV, the GLK. We call this a concept, but in reality the GLK is very close to production and will be on the roads in 2008.
Its smaller size — 178 inches — is nearly identical to that of the Land Rover LR2 and BMW X3. The concept features a four-cylinder diesel engine and seven-speed transmission. We’d expect standard gasoline engines to make it to the U.S. and, yes, probably a version of the diesel as well. (There is one impressive example currently available for the larger M Class SUV.)
The big question mark follows the look of the GLK. It’s supposed to resemble the boxy G wagon but we’re not so sure that translates perfectly here. Check out all the photos below and let us know what you think. Will the GLK stand a chance against the competition?
Perhaps Mercedes’ greatest sleeper, the retractable-hardtop SLK roadster, gets some significant upgrades for 2008. The current model is the company’s third-to-last seller, with 6,742 cars sold so far this year, down some 30% for the year through November. Only the much more expensive CL- and G-Class sell less. So change is very good for this model.
The new 2008 will get a revised front bumper that is still one of the company’s sleekest, but otherwise looks remarkably the same as the outgoing model. Inside gets more tweaks with a redesigned cabin, steering wheel and new selection of trim materials, including an optional “Gullwing Red” leather.
Most importantly, the 2009 SLK gets new, more-fuel-efficient engines. Because when you’re running around in a $50,000 roadster, you’re really worried about the pump. The SLK350 gets a new six-cylinder that puts out an additional 32 hp, up to 300 hp overall, and supposedly better mileage than the outgoing six. It can only be equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The SLK280 becomes the SLK300 with a 228 hp six-cylinder and choice of standard six-speed manual or seven speed automatic. EPA numbers have not yet been released.
The powerful SLK55 AMG keeps its 5.5-liter V-8 engine, good for 355 hp. Since so many other AMGs have moved up to 6.3-liter power plants, though, we wonder if keeping this power plant is a wise move, especially with the SLK350 sounding like a solid performer.
We don’t have prices or on-sale dates yet, but expect the MSRP to stay close to the current $43,900, $49,200 and $62,950 for the 280, 350 and 55 AMG, respectively. More photos below.
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%.
One thing is certain in this job — we get to review a lot of cars. I’m usually in a new car every week, and for seven days am able to test about every situation a regular car owner will experience.
When the 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class came into the Cars.com fleet, we were blessed with a holiday weekend and, thus, extended loan. Seven days stretched to 10, and I don’t remember ever putting as many miles on a review vehicle – without taking a road trip — as I did on the M-Class. Hopefully, all that seat time translated to a more-informed review. Check out my final thoughts — with a video — below.
Mercedes’ F700 Concept is an interesting look at how fuel efficiency will impact this auto show season. Sure, lots of companies are bringing out small little hybrids, plug-ins and other gas-sipping concepts, but Mercedes thinks there’s also a market for affluent greenies. The F700 isn’t a hybrid, though — it uses a super-efficient four-cylinder engine with a prototype powertrain that moves like a V-6 but gets a dreamy 44.3 mpg.
Remember this is a concept, so those numbers aren’t even close to being real yet. The F700 also features an active suspension that predicts road conditions to mute bumps as much as possible. That’s one of those concept ideas we like. What we don’t understand is a seating configuration that allows passengers to face backward. Perhaps that would facilitate a face-to-face business meeting in the backseat — or high-speed nausea, depending on your travel habits. More photos below.
Mercedes has taken its redesigned ML-Class SUV and put a two-mode hybrid system inside, to pretty impressive results. The hybrid system is shared with GM and BMW, and we recently tested a Chevy Tahoe Hybrid that uses a similar setup. However, this ML450 not only gets a combined rating of 340 hp, but if our metric calculations are correct, Mercedes is saying it will get 30 mpg (7.7 liters per 100 km). We’ll believe it when we see it at the pump; expect that to happen sometime in 2009. More information will become available next week when the Frankfurt show opens to the media.
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.
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.
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.
When I first tested a car with parking sensors, I thought they were a great way to allow someone to inch into a perfect parking space. You could rely on the sensors to warn you before you scratched another car or an object out of view. Obviously, the driver of this previous-generation Mercedes-Benz CLK could’ve used a sensor to tell them they were in Drive rather than Reverse.
Cars.com’s Matt Raskin passed this scene off Lake Shore Drive in Chicago over the weekend and captured it on his iPhone. The second we saw it, we knew we just had to share. Click on the image for a larger view.
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?
Mercedes is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the M-Class luxury SUV with a special edition called the “Edition 10.” It will be available for both the ML350 and ML500 in the U.S. this fall and features a number of limited-edition touches. Besides the “Edition 10” lettering, you’ll also get:
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
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.
The exotic segment is a niche market in the greater scheme of the automotive industry, and we don’t give a lot of ink to small coachbuilders or tuning shops that outfit radical vehicles at astronomical prices when only dozens will be built. However, when Mercedes-Benz decides to offer a convertible version of its uber sports car, the SLR McLaren, we take notice. Not only is the 626-hp SLR roadster beautiful and aggressive, it can still reach 206 mph, and you can hold a conversation with the top down at 124 mph. Not that you should really be gabbing when hurtling down the Autobahn at 124 mph, but it’s good to know you can.
The current SLR has an MSRP of $480,000, so expect the roadster to top the half-million mark when it goes on sale this fall. If you’re like us, you can at least enjoy the photos below.
We were impressed with the base version of Mercedes’ all-new CL coupe when we got our hands on it, but have absolutely no problem with Mercedes adding a 612-hp V-12 biturbo engine. Simply stated, we’ll take the just-announced CL65 AMG any day. Surely the fact that it can hit 62 mph in a beyond-rapid 4.4 seconds has nothing to do with it.
All the power is routed through a five-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted shift paddles. There’s also an adaptive driving program that allows the driver to select Sport, Comfort or Manual modes. Each one alters the accelerator response and suspensions settings.
There will also be a 40th Anniversary edition of the CL65 AMG, consisting of just 40 models for the global market. A custom paint scheme and interior will differentiate it from all those other, more pedestrian CL65s.
We’re still waiting on pricing — the outgoing model came in at $179,600 – and availability, but if you don’t have your Mercedes dealer already on speed dial, we’re guessing you’ll just be happy to enjoy the photos below.
Well, everything is supposed to be a mystery at auto shows, but as we know news breaks early almost every time. WorldCarFans obviously has an AMG owner on staff, because the company got access to the virtual private lounge for AMG owners and snagged the image here of a shrouded vehicle. WCF is guessing it’s a C-Class AMG, which we’d love to see, too. Perhaps a C55 or C63. We’d take either.
[Mystery Mercedes AMG to Debut at New York, WorldCarFans]
DaimlerChrysler AG — the company that owns both Mercedes-Benz and the Chrysler Group, composed of Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler — will take a vote on changing its name back to DaimlerBenz at a shareholder meeting in April.
If you follow financial news, you know there’s been considerable talk of DaimlerChrysler selling the Chrysler Group, and they aren’t hiding the fact any longer. “The Board of Management is authorized to defer notification of the change of name for entry in the Commercial Register until the Chrysler Group is separated from the Group or sold, but not later than March 31, 2008.” Note the word “until.”
In a document published by the company for shareholders, we learn that there’s a definite reason for the name change, too. We just can’t believe what we’re reading:
In a move to cut research costs, German automakers BMW and DaimlerChrysler announced an expansion of their partnership on hybrid technology. The two announced they are working on a new hybrid system for rear-wheel-drive premium cars. For Daimler Chrysler, that means the Mercedes-Benz nameplate. For BMW, well, BMW.
Why would two longtime rivals join forces on such a project? Cost. Hybrid technology has proved extremely expensive not only to implement — the higher cost going to the consumer — but also in R&D. The two sides promise that each product will maintain its brand identity and driving feel.
We’re just giddy there’s a plan for rear-wheel-drive hybrids. Imagine a BMW 3 Series hybrid, or a green Mercedes S-Class. At that economy of scale, the price will also be easier for buyers to swallow. There’s no word on when such vehicles will hit the road, but the companies began their hybrid collaboration in 2005, and this is the first time a concrete plan to bring vehicles to market has been announced.
Source: BMW
The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class that was unveiled online last month will get a diesel powerplant that meets the highest European environmental standards, standards that don’t go into effect until 2015. The C220 Bluetec has a four-cylinder engine that produces just 170 hp but 294 pounds-feet of torque. The Bluetec system uses a series of filters and catalytic converters to clean the exhaust so the amount of pollution is slashed and mileage is rated at just under 43 mpg.
There’s no reason the C220 Bluetec couldn’t be sold in the U.S., but we’ve yet to see the latest clean diesel vehicles from Europe go on sale here. The introduction of a new diesel Volkswagen Jetta and cars from other manufacturers will show if buyers are interested in the improved mileage as gas prices continue to fluctuate, seemingly week to week. A couple of larger images are below.
You’re looking at the future of transportation for politicians, royalty and high-powered executives everywhere. The armored S600 Guard Pullman is the latest Mercedes-Benz limousine to hit the driveways of posh estates worldwide, and it comes with a bevy of security and luxury features.
The main selling point, though, is security; the press release touts its ability to protect against terrorist attacks. We think that’s the first time we’ve ever read the word “terrorist” in a car press release. The armor has passed rigorous testing and can withstand small-arms fire and small explosive devices, like hand grenades. The tires are run-flat, the fuel tank is self-sealing and there is a fire extinguishing system.
It also has a 517 horsepower twin-turbo V-12 engine to move all that heavy armored sheet metal from place to place, and its color and interior treatments can be completely customized, for those discerning dignitaries.
It’s been awhile since we posted a wrap-up of our recent expert car reviews from the Cars.com Research section. It must have been something to do with all those darn auto shows. Anyway, our staff wasn’t sitting on its laurels. Check out reviews of some of the newest vehicles on the market:
The initial media frenzy is over and it appears Mercedes-Benz’s media site is back up and running. We now get to learn about what will power the all-new C-Class when it arrives late this summer…the exact same engines that power the current C-Class. The V-6 engines will be matched to a six-speed manual or new optional seven-speed automatic transmission and will get better mileage with a slight bump in power.
The C230 will see an increase of 3 horsepower up to 204 hp, the C 280 moves up to 231 hp and the top-of-the-line C350 will produce 272 hp up from 268 hp. More significantly, the new C Class has an entirely new suspension system and various standard safety features. The paint even sports nano-technology to make the new C-Class more scratch resistant.
We also have a lot more photos below including the Sport sedan and its different grille and multiple shots of the interior.
Mercedes didn’t wait for a car show to introduce its all-new C-Class to the world. Nope, it used this new technology called the Internet to allow journalists all over the world to get the first glimpse of the company’s bread and butter model.
Besides an entirely new body and interior we just have to point out that the C-Class now has two different grilles to represent two all-new models. Yep, you can go with the new “Big Honking Mercedes Emblem” grille of the Sports sedan, or the “Rolls-Royce Wannabe” grille of the Luxury sedan shown here. We prefer the less-subtle but cooler “Big-Honking” edition and will post photos of it as soon as they become available.
Oh, you wanted to hear about engines and transmissions and all that stuff? OK. The new C-Class comes in varieties for the world, but the U.S. will most likely retain the C230, C280 and C350 models. There’s no word on what engines they’ll have…yet. Again, we’ll keep you posted.
Overall, the new C-Class looks a lot more stylish than before and uses pronounced fender flares up front, like the new S- and CL-Class, but it certainly isn’t over-the-top and probably won’t garner head-turning of any kind, like the CLS.
The interior looks extremely refined and adds more legroom, hip room and shoulder room compared to its predecessor.
Updated: More on the New Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Pricing and availability information will come later. For now, keep reading for more photos.