Since its debut in 1996, the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class has been a model that looks better than it drives, according to Cars.com Industry Analyst Kelsey Mays. The third-generation 2012 SLK-Class is certainly sportier than its predecessor, but it still can’t keep up with the BMW Z4 or the Porsche Boxster, Mays says.
Mercedes-Benz’s ultra-luxury Maybach brand will be no more starting in 2013, according to the Detroit News.
While having a century’s worth of history, the Maybach marquee was revived in the U.S. market in 2003 to compete against Rolls-Royce and Bentley. During that time, the brand essentially sold only one model in two lengths: the Type 57 and Type 62. Amenities included a fully reclining rear seat, electrotransparent sunroof, rear refrigerator and standard champagne flutes.
A range-topping $1.38 million convertible variant, the Maybach Landaulet, was recently added to the lineup.
Our podcasts are often a mixed bag in terms of discussing various cars for very different buyers. That holds true with this podcast where editors Joe Wiesenfelder, Kelsey Mays and Mike Hanley talk about a high-power compact coupe, mainstream family sedan and luxury hardtop roadster.
An AMG variant of the redesigned 2012 M-Class, announced this summer, was inevitable. The new ML63 AMG makes 518 or 550 horsepower thanks to a twin-turbocharged V-8 replacing the old naturally aspirated engine.
More 2011 L.A. Auto Show Coverage
The new engine helps the ML63 gain 4 mpg in combined ratings, a big improvement for a performance SUV that’s capable of zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.
When Mercedes-Benz unveiled an all-new M-Class this summer — in V-6 and diesel formats — we were sure that many more trims would come soon, including a high-performance AMG trim. Staying true to form, the automaker will introduce the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show — the glitzy metropolis is surely one of the most important markets for the model.
More 2011 L.A. Auto Show Coverage
Mercedes emphasized safety, fuel economy and feature content on the redesigned M-Class model, most of which is to the benefit of the 2012 ML63 AMG.
It's rare that I get handed the keys to a $200,000 supercar, let alone one with gull-wing doors. So when a 2012 LeMans Red Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG arrived on a Wednesday afternoon, I knew I had to make the most of it.
Whereas most cars stay with our fleet for a few weeks, this is a special car, and it was going back the following Friday. That gave me about 48 hours of possible driving time in it. Here's how I spent those 48 hours. All photos were shot with my iPhone since the tight schedule and poor weather didn't allow for a photo shoot. But you can check out a gallery of the 2011 here.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 6,872 sedans, SUVs and crossovers because of the possibility of a fuel leak, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The recall affects 2011 R-Class, 2011 E-Class, 2011 ML-Class, 2011 GL-Class and 2012 S-Class vehicles equipped with a diesel engine. On these vehicles, the O-rings that seal components within the fuel filter may not be effective, allowing fuel to leak onto the road. This could lead to a crash or cause a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Owners will be notified of the recall next month, and Mercedes will inspect and replace the fuel filter if necessary. The repairs will be free. Owners can call Mercedes-Benz at 800-367-6372 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236 for more info.
The second-generation 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class fixes many of the problems of the last generation, according to Cars.com Managing Editor David Thomas. The interior is surprisingly livable, and the trunk is nearly identical to the one found on the E-Class, which the CLS-Class is derived from. Besides the sexy styling, there are a lot of similarities to the E-Class sedan, with the noticeable exception of the CLS' higher asking price.
Now in its second generation, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class looks terrific in its new skin, according to Cars.com Managing Editor David Thomas. It doesn’t feel as cramped as the previous version, and its ride is surprisingly livable this time around. Unfortunately, those improvements come at a substantial cost.
Mercedes-Benz is known for its wacky concept designs. Even so, the F125! concept is out there.
This large, hydrogen-powered sedan sports technology that Mercedes hopes to implement on its cars by 2025.
Thinking that far into the future, the luxury carmaker also has taken the liberty to envision a bold design. The F125!’s smooth lines along the hood and grille make it seem as if the car’s body was stamped from just one giant piece of aluminum. The integrated grille is a nice touch that we wouldn’t mind seeing on today’s Mercedes models.
The hydrogen system is a combination of a power-dense lithium-sulfur battery pack and a hydrogen tank that is fully integrated into the car’s body structure. Overall, the plug-in will be able to operate solely on electric power for 31 miles; stored hydrogen brings the total range up to 621 miles. The four independently housed electric motors provide all-wheel-drive capabilities and acceleration figures of zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds.
The cabin is accessed through gigantic gullwing doors. On the inside, a mood-based computer system will figure out and automatically play music or display information, when needed.
Hydrogen propulsion seems to have lost the public’s interest in favor of the more immediately available benefits of battery-electric technology. Maybe Mercedes will have it figured out in 14 years, but making it affordable might be a problem — even for Mercedes' shoppers.
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