The long-rumoured CLS Shooting Brake has been officially announced! It is not scheduled to come the the US…but we can still enjoy the images! Have you been looking for a coupe with more storage or an SUV with less headroom? How about the most stylish sation wagon since the 1950′s? Here it is! Visit the International Site for more information.
The long-rumoured CLS Shooting Brake has been officially announced! It is not scheduled to come the the US…but we can still enjoy the images! Have you been looking for a coupe with more storage or an SUV with less headroom? How about the most stylish sation wagon since the 1950′s? Here it is! Visit the International Site for more information.
The long-rumoured CLS Shooting Brake has been officially announced! It is not scheduled to come the the US…but we can still enjoy the images! Have you been looking for a coupe with more storage or an SUV with less headroom? How about the most stylish sation wagon since the 1950′s? Here it is! Visit the International Site for more information.
When the temperature rises or falls dramatically I get calls about the Tire Pressure Monitor. I thought this video from the Owners Support Section of MBUSA.com might help!
The UK’s Office of Fair Trading is probing Mercedes-Benz as well as five dealers in England, Wales, and Scotland that sell the Daimler marque’s trucks for alleged violations of competition law, occuring between 2007 and 2010. The allegations involve the sharing of sensitive commercial information as well as pricing coordination between and among the dealerships.
"We have reason to believe that these dealers cooperated to limit competition in their areas," said OFT senior director Ali Nikpay. The officer added that those involved will get "full opportunity to respond to our statement before we decide whether competition law has in fact been infringed."
Here’s more from the OFT statement: "The precise content of the arrangements differs among the five alleged infringements, but all contain, to varying degrees, at least some element of market sharing, price co-ordination and/or exchange of commercially sensitive information… The evidence also suggests that, in respect of two of the alleged infringements, Mercedes-Benz helped to facilitate or consolidate the arrangements amongst the dealers."
The only comments from Mercedes-Benz UK is that it will cooperate with the authorities but cannot comment any more regarding the allegations and the investigation.
Last May, there were reports coming out that German automaker Mercedes-Benz had contacted premium electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla Motors about possibly working on an all-electric Mercedes-Benz vehicle. Initial reports said it was an A-Class, but now it turns out that the vehicle in question is actually a B-Class.
According to new reports, the all-electric B-Class should make its world debut sometime in 2014. The first idea was to use range extenders, but ultimately the engineers went with an all-electric drivetrain, of which Tesla should be in charge.
There’s barely any specific information right now, but don’t worry because we’ll make sure that you’ll be updated once new details surface. Could this be the realization of the B-Class E-CELL Plus concept that made its way to the Frankfurt Motor Show last year? One thing’s for sure, though―this Mercedes-Benz and Tesla collaboration is bound to be awesome.
If you’re not impressed with Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance subsidiary, AMG, you might want to take a look at this video and then think again.
This is the AMG Virtual Tour, a short film featuring the AMG headquarters in Affalterbach that encapsulates just what AMG does and how it translates into an experience for a prospective buyer.
The video showcases everything in the HQ, from the topnotch showroom, where the current crop of Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles are in full display for the adoring public, to the private lounge where members of the "growing AMG community" can bask in the ambiance of a world-class lounge while possibly contemplating which model to buy next, to the Design Center where these precious automotive marvels are developed and designed, and to the various production and testing facilities.
You will also be treated to a compressed step-by-step walkthrough of the development process for AMG vehicles, from the design stage to testing and then to final production. Special attention is given to the hand-assembled engines.
All in all, watching the Virtual Tour will give you that much more appreciation for everything that goes into the creation of high-performance AMG vehicles. We’re warning you, though: you might find yourself suddenly drooling at the awesomeness of the facility and the cars you’ll see in the video.
Visit the MBUSA Facebook Page and Like It for a chance to win tickets to the AMG Driving Academy!
I have attended a few times here in Atlanta and it is the only place you can really appreciate our AMG models!
With the unique experience Mercedes-Benz’s Manhattan flagship store has provided residents of New York over the past one year, it’s no surprise that its first anniversary would also lead to a one-of-a-kind celebration.
Through the automaker’s support of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA, Mercedes-Benz will be providing after-school sports programs with a total of 120 coaches as the brand’s own way of giving back to this very welcoming city.
"Our mission at Mercedes-Benz Manhattan is to provide an environment that not only meets customer’s needs―because that’s a given―but which conveys to people how much we value their business and their time," said Mercedes-Benz Manhattan General Manager Blair Creed. "With a year under our belt, we wanted to mark our anniversary by doing something special for the environment in which we live and do business."
The 330,000-square-foot store, located on 11th avenue, provides a wide array of services for Mercedes-Benz owners and prospective buyers. Within a year, the dealership has already been involved in different events and local organizations. It hosted the Toys for Tots event and also raised $25,000 for Operation Homefront’s Tri-State chapter. Kicking off the anniversary will be the joint effort with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
All things finally fell into place for Michael Schumacher, at least for one race. The German, who has struggled since his comeback, finally took a podium finish by nabbing third place at the 2012 European Grand Prix, boosting Mercedes AMG Petronas’s bid in the constructors standings and lifting Schumacher’s own dismal personal record so far this season.
Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso took the victory in a race filled with incidents, not the least of which was the one that took out Lewis Hamilton and Pastor Maldonado, who were then contesting P2. This opened things up for the rest of the pack, particularly Schumacher. Alonso, who started at 11th, now breaks the string of 7 straight races with 7 different winners and also adds to his lead in the drivers standings. Lotus’s Kimi Raikkonen finished second.
Schumacher started from 12th on the grid after a lackluster qualifying session. But with all the incidents knocking out key players like erstwhile leader Sebastian Vettel and forcing some key safety car appearances, Schumacher took advantage and finally got a podium finish since returning to Formula One in 2010.
"I didn’t think about a podium, not even at the end of the race," Schumacher said. "At the end I asked the guys where we finished and the boys told me that’s third. I can’t believe that, I didn’t expect it."
Rounding out the points finishers are Red Bull’s Mark Webber (4), Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg (5), Mercedes’s Nico Rosberg (6), Force India’s Paul di Resta (7), McLaren’s Jenson button (8), Sauber’s Sergio Perez (9), and Williams’ Pastor Maldonado (10).
At the end of such a closely fought qualifying session for the European Grand Prix, the dust settled and found Nico Rosberg at sixth. There was, however, a tighter contest for the pole position, which Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel finally claimed from McLaren Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton.
"We had a lot of potential going into qualifying, but unfortunately I can’t be happy with the outcome today," said Rosberg. "We were quick throughout but when I was just about to start my final lap, Lewis was slowing down in the last corner. I had to start my quick lap behind him which made it impossible to improve my time."
In a rather disappointing start to his European Grand Prix quest, Michael Schumacher wound up a mere 12th after qualifying. "On my first run, I was too aggressive in turn 12 on my first timed lap, then had to abort the second lap and pit because the tyres were no longer in good enough condition to improve," Schumi said. "After that, I was a bit too conservative on the second run and that cost us, because the times were so close today."
No one could encapsulate the closeness of the qualifying for all teams than Ross Brawn. “We had better potential than we showed this afternoon, and I am sure a lot of teams will feel they are in a similar position," said the Mercedes team principal.
Stay with us for a rundown of what transpires at the race!
Today, Mercedes showed the public the ML500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY. If you like fast cars and you do not think that fast and family car does not go together, then you should take a look at this. If you cannot get the AMG version for some reasons, then this vehicle should bring you happiness nevertheless.
Powered by a 4.7L V8 engine that’s twin turbo, it creates 408PS and 600Nm of torque. Transmission is 7G-Tronic Plus which allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds. Top speed is at 250 km/h. Fuel consumption is low with 24.6-25.7 mpg UK, emissions is only in between 258 to 269 of carbon dioxide per kilometer.
For now, the price is only set for Germany. It will be at ?63,050 not including taxes.
“But what I didn’t know was just how freakishly quick. Ready? 0-60 happens in 4.2 seconds. 4.2! That’s nearly supercar-quick, and this thing’s a folding hardtop with cylinder deactivation and start/stop. The quarter mile takes just 12.6 seconds, and you’ll be moving at 113.3 mph through the traps — a very respectable clip.”
“For one thing, if you’re just going to let numbers totally influence your car-buying, you should know that the SLK55 AMG is just as quick as the V-12-powered Aston Martin Virage, such as the Madagascar Orange British beauty we just tested. It had an asking price of $225,820, making the little white Mercedes (with the big, bad V-8) an absolute bargain by comparison.”
“The air scarf — Mercedes-speak for a vent below the headrest that blows hot air on the back of one’s neck — is my wife’s favorite automotive innovation since electric starters. I really do think Mercedes should make this a feature on every car sold, simply because women love it.”
“The SLK55 hungrily rushes towards corners; the brakes easily chomp into your momentum; and the chassis and steering make quick, fun, controlled work of corners.”
Read the full article at MotorTrend online.
In an effort to go around the limitation of Chinese government procurement strictly to Chinese brands, Mercedes-Benz is considering selling E-Class sedans under BAIC’s Beijing marque. Since BAIC is Mercedes-Benz’s partner in China, both parties will benefit if the vehicles are chosen for the government’s fleet.
There’s already some moves in the works that would see the E-Class platform transferred over to BAIC, with details in terms of profit sharing still being ironed out. BAIC already has some facilities producing C-Class as well as E-Class vehicles and the GLK as well. At the moment, Mercedes-Benz only asks for 15 percent of the profit from each E-Class that would be sold under the Beijing marque.
Government procurement is a big thing for brands aiming to make it big in China; Audi has had good success in the past thanks to this avenue, and Mercedes-Benz is looking to do the same. Not only does being the government’s fleet provider add to the revenues, it also acts as some form of endorsement for the other consumers in the country.
Of course, given the limitations to local brands, the task at hand is quite difficult. The preliminary list of potential fleet cars was released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the 400-strong list was bereft of any foreign brands, regardless of whether the vehicles were being produced domestically or not.
Hot on the heels of the Sharpred Special Edition that's hitting the US right this summer, smart USA will be offering the 2013 smart ForTwo Iceshine model in the fall.
There will be a grand total of 1,800 Iceshine units produced, and 300 of them―that's just one-sixth of the total―will be sent to the United States. Production starts in September, and this edition is set to get two colors: an all-white unit and an azure blue variant.
The US units will only sport the all-white color trim, however. The interior has black seats decked in leather and have white backrests and white stitching. In addition, the car gets power steering, heated seats, and LED daytime running lamps.
Clearly, all these special editions are meant to entice a market that's just starting to warm up to EVs. The aforementioned ForTwo Sharpred, of which a mere 120 units will be sold Stateside [20 coupe variants and the rest are cabriolets], features a nifty black/red color scheme combined with interior trims of black for the seats and red for the stitches.
Later in the year, we will also see the Brabus ForTwo sport package.
In China, Mercedes-Benz and its various dealerships got together and held a special music gala featuring hundreds of kids. The "Live Your Dreams � Happy Music Classroom Music Gala" was held last June 15th at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.
The special gala event featured different acts from kids supported by Mercedes-Benz dealerships through Hope Schools. The acts were supported by the dealerships in different ways, such as through the production, by hiring choreographers, and providing assistance in all manners of the performance.
One act even featured a percussion spectacle that was made possible using various car parts.
The Happy Music Classroom Program is a Mercedes-Benz initiative that aims to enhance and elevate music education here in China, and the gala is a testament to how successful the program has been so far. See, some of the kids couldn’t even completely sing a full song just one year ago.
"Mercedes-Benz has laid a solid foundation in fulfilling our social responsibilities in China and our long-term commitment to this market," said Mercedes-Benz China president and CEO Klaus Maier.
This initiative by Mercedes-Benz and its Chinese dealer partners is really a good way to give back to the people. This is accomplished through a portion of the revenue for each vehicle sold being alotted for the Star Fund, which was established in 2010 and has since supported many different causes such as sports, social care, and environmental protection
Without a doubt, everyone at Mercedes AMG Petronas has their work cut out for them. Still, the team remains optimistic going into the European Grand Prix at the Valencia Street Circuit. Here are some select quotes from the drivers.
"The track is another street circuit but it’s quite a unique one as it is quicker and has a more open feel than somewhere like Monaco or Singapore," said Nico Rosberg, who is currently fifth in the drivers' standings and is just 21 points behind leader Lewis Hamilton.
"I was at the factory this week and I know how hard everyone is working to improve the car, so we will hope for a strong weekend in Valencia to repay all of their efforts." Rosberg finished seventh in last year's European GP.
"Our entire focus is now on the race in Valencia," said Michael Schumacher. "And I am sure that everybody’s motivation is even stronger because the weekend in Canada didn’t go as well as we had hoped."
Schumacher finished 17th last year, with an unfortunate incident during the pit stop that forced him to pit again, thus taking him out of contention for points.
"Our motto in the last few days has been to roll our sleeves up and focus on the job in hand; everybody in the team has taken that approach to heart, so we can travel to Valencia in an optimistic mood," added Schumacher.
One thing is clear: Both drivers aim to win. Here’s to a good result for the team at the race!
This is the rumored A25 AMG hot hatch, except now that official info is available, we now know that it will be called the A45 AMG instead. Whether this has anything to do with the 45th anniversary of Merc’s high-performance luxury car subsidiary or is just another in a long line of seemingly arbitrary names is up to you to decide.
There’s still no official data provided for top speed as well as power, but torque has been pegged at 295 lb.-ft. and the car is going to come with the seven-speed double-clutch transmission system from AMG.
Aside from those, the A45 AMG is said to contain a number of performance-oriented features such as Sport Handling with the traction control, AMG’s sports steering system that is based on the car’s speed, AMG brakes, and AMG’s own sport suspension.
While current AMG engines are of the V8 and V12 varieties, this A-Class AMG will be given a 2-liter turbo I-4 engine, which will be built at different site apart from the other AMG engines. Still, prospective buyers can look forward to thorough quality as the engine of the A45 follows the "one man, one engine" mantra of AMG.
The Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG will likely debut next year, and it is quite possible that the venue will be the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.
Source: Motor Trend
There have been few Mercedes-Benz 540 Special Roadster units produced, and if you auction one that comes with a rich history, then it’s no wonder that the auctioneers are thinking that there’s a possibility that this one might just clinch the record for the price paid for a vehicle at an auction.
The 1936 model year car used to be owned by a Prussian baroness, one Gisela Josephine von Krieger. It will be up for auction sometime in August, headed by Gooding and Co. in Monterey. According toDavid Gooding, founder and president of the classic car auctioneer, the vehicle was purchased brand-new by the baroness’s family, where the baroness herself used it. Even when she was running from Nazis, the car accompanied her.
This 540K Special Roadster has been restored, even though the body panels of the car were mostly good to go when it was discovered in 1992 at some warehouse in Connecticut.
The current record stands at $16,390,000―made by Gooding and Co.’s own auction of a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa just last year. Well, you know what they say… records are made to be broken, and it’ll be all the more sweeter when you break your own record.
Some of the most interesting Mercedes versions were found in Dubai, one is the SLS AMG by Hamman and the other is the matte red SL65 AMG. If you'll get back to those two posts, you will see how great looking and eccentric are the cars that were shown in that country.
This new version of the Mercedes SLS AMG is no exception. Wrapped in matte gold, the car looks like a chameleon on the desert's sand. Amazing coat, but not everyone would choose this color for their super car. Anyway, this is really unique so click the play button on the video, and you'll also get to have an idea on what changed under the hood. And oh, this was shot in Dubai Mall, which perfectly complements the car's appearance because of its factory feel.
It looks like tuning companies have found a new favorite in the CLS63 AMG. Almost every week a new tuning kit for the amazing car is being launched, and now it is SR Auto Group's turn.
The Canadian tuner called it the Stratos, and is based on the older generation of the CLS. The kit's highlight is the exterior body paint which made the original black exterior look like a gray finish. The center grilles together with the logos were painted with gloss black while the aero lip at the front was given the carbon fiber wrap. Moreover, they made it look like the current version of the CLS by putting a set of bespoke LED DRL system in the lower part of the bumper.
Who could forget that SR's specialization is wheels? So yes, they put in the gorgeous PUR 4OUR monoblocks in high gloss finish in black, which made it match the entire glossy exterior.
Enough talking, here's the gallery from SR Auto Group:
