Autoblog

Next Mercedes-Benz C-Class spotted in the snow

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

The entry-level Mercedes-Benz C-Class has long felt like nothing more than, well, just that. Aside from the potent and delicious C63 AMG models, there hasn't been much to set the C-Class apart in the entry-level luxury/sport segment, leading to the model being regarded by many as "The Cheap Mercedes." No, it's certainly not a bad car, but for our money, it hasn't stood up particularly well to competitors like the BMW 3 Series or Audi A4.

So with the handsome new CLA-Class coming to round off the entry-level end for Mercedes-Benz, big plans are in store for the C-Class. We can see some evidence of that in this latest set of spy shots from our friends at CarPix. According to earlier reports, the new C-Class will be "far more dramatic" in the visuals department, and while the sedan's sculpting is still covered by camo, the much sleeker headlamp design we see here is, at the very least, a good start. The car's overall size is expected to grow a bit to further distance itself from the CLA, though thanks to lightweight materials, curb weight isn't expected to increase.

Just like the current model, the new C-Class is expected to use four- and six-cylinder engines, both gas- and diesel-fed, and overall power output for the global engine range should span from 120-ish on the low end to as much as 330. These new engines are expected to be mounted lower and farther rearward than before, offering better balance for both rear- and 4Matic all-wheel drive configurations. And as for that AMG? Rumors suggest a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 will fall underhood.

Expect the next C-Class to debut either later this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show, or more likely, at next March's Geneva Motor Show.

Next Mercedes-Benz C-Class spotted in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class [w/video]

Matt Davis — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Mercedes-Benz, First Drives, Luxury

Three-Pointed Star's Cash Cow Gets Significant Updo

On sale since 2009, with some enhancements already done in early 2011, the eighth-generation W/S 212 Mercedes-Benz E-class has once again been put under the knife to stay in step with the automaker's never-ending desire to be the world's Number One purveyor of premium. Whereas the smaller C-class is the best-seller worldwide for Mercedes-Benz, the E-class pulls in oceans of dough per sale, also at immense volumes.

Beyond a reworking of the overall engine strategy in this second midlife massage, a majority of the E-class' exterior panels have been redesigned. Additionally, many of the assistance systems to be offered on the next S-class are being introduced to the E-class segment for the first time. Occasionally, these sorts of comprehensive refreshes nearly create a new generation of the car, and this freshened E-class comes damned close to that.

While Mercedes-Benz wants to talk a lot about the new engine lineup and the S-class-style convenience and safety systems, we were struck immediately by the redesign. Frankly, to our eyes, these past few years of the Mercedes family look could have used a little more finesse and less knife-slice coldness. That general feel of chilled sharpness on the E-class is set to be history in short order. Even the chiseled "haunch" line is gone from the rear bodyside - the sort of sheetmetal change you almost never see on a mid-cycle update.

Continue reading 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class [w/video]

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG gains 4Matic grip, still barking mad

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 06:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Ladies and gentlemen, allow us to introduce the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG 4Matic in both sedan and wagon variants. It's best to get right to business, that being the numbers produced by the twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 located in the engine bay of one of the fastest sedans in the world. The 'base' model gets a boost of 32 horsepower and 15 pound-feet of torque for a final output of 550 hp and 531 lb-ft. A high performance S-Model - the US-market wagon will only be an S-Model - gets even more besides, putting out 577 hp and 590 lb-ft.

The standard sedan gets from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds, the S-Model sedan taking a tenth off.

All that power gets to the ground through the AMG Speedshift MCT dual-clutch transmission with Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Manual modes. The juice is then routed through the permanent "performance-oriented" all-wheel drive signified by the 4Matic moniker, which is biased 33/67 front-to-rear. The AWD system adds just 154 pounds to the car's weight.

Not that you'd know it, nor mind. Put to use, the standard sedan gets from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds, the S-Model sedan taking a tenth off that time, the S-Model wagon matching it at 3.6 seconds. Top speed for the 550-hp sedan is an electronically-limited 155 mph, while the AMG Performance Package boosts that to an electronically-limited 186 mph. All models come with the AMG adaptive sports suspension - steel in front, air suspension in back - and electronically controlled damping and Torque Vectoring Brake system, the S-Model also gets a limited-slip rear differential.

Turning to other visceral matters, the new front face features all-LED headlights flanking the AMG twin-blade grille, those placed above the "A-wing" design element forming the lower intakes. The standard model rides on 10-spoke, 19-inch titanium gray alloys, the S-Model getting high-sheen rim flanges to set it apart. Other ways to tell the models with the extra power are their red brake calipers, high-gloss treatment on the A-wing and "S" badge on the trunk. Inside, one finds a black interior set off by contrasting gray stitching throughout, silver seat belts, flat-topped and flat-bottomed Nappa leather steering wheel with Alcantara inserts, and a 1,200-watt, 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo.

We'll have more on it from the floor of the Detroit Auto Show. For now, amuse yourself with the detailed press release below and the high-res galleries of the E-Class AMG in its two flavors.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG gains 4Matic grip, still barking mad

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG gains 4Matic grip, still barking mad originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Are these the first press shots of the Mercedes-Benz CLA? [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

We'll say right now that we aren't sure of their provenance; however, the site Auto Monthly has five of the kind of stylized press shots you get before a vehicle is officially revealed. In this case the car is the Mercedes-Benz CLA, and since the little sedan is meant to debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show, the existence and release (or leak) of such photos would fit right into the timeline. We've already seen the thing naked in spy shots, and this lines up with the sneak peek from Iceland.

For something more substantial to compare, when Mercedes-Benz announced its new 4MATIC system for the CLA it released a host of photos to go with it. The car is covered in skin-tight camo so you won't get details, but you can get an idea of how it sits on the road. Even better is the video with rolling footage of the 4MATIC in action in the wet - that offers a much better visual of how small the sedan is.

Our hypotheses and speculations won't need to go on much longer, for the final product will be shown to us all in a couple of weeks. For now, there are two high-res galleries, a video and a press release below.

Continue reading Are these the first press shots of the Mercedes-Benz CLA? [w/video]

Are these the first press shots of the Mercedes-Benz CLA? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes-Benz recalling 2007-09 E350 Wagon for rear suspension issue

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Mercedes-Benz, UAW/Unions, Luxury

Uh oh. If you're the owner of a 2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Wagon, prepare for a recall notice from Mercedes. While it won't be coming until later in the summer, know that if your car was built between July 1, 2006, and April 30, 2009, its load-leveling suspension may be faulty.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall report, a connecting rod in the rear suspension could fail, which may cause "reduced vehicle control," leading to a crash. NHTSA did not specify whether any actual cases involving loss of control have been reported.

Mercedes dealers will be inspecting and replacing the potentially defective part beginning in August, and the company can be reached at 201-573-0350.

Scroll down to read the full recall report.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz recalling 2007-09 E350 Wagon for rear suspension issue

Mercedes-Benz recalling 2007-09 E350 Wagon for rear suspension issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2012 Mercedes-Benz C350 4Matic

Zach Bowman — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Mercedes-Benz, First Drives, Luxury

All-Wheel Drive Sans Compromise

One can hardly mutter the words "German," "luxury" and "all-wheel drive" without invoking visions of Audi. The company has worked hard to make its Quattro all-wheel-drive system synonymous with each of the phrases above, and its tireless marketing, successful motorsports programs and loyal fans have inextricably married the Four Rings to the power of all-wheel drive luxury. But Audi isn't the only German manufacturer putting power to all four wheels. Buyers have been happily bringing BMW xDrive models home for years, and Mercedes-Benz has a long and storied history of grips-at-all-four-corners innovation as well.

From vehicles like the globe-conquering Unimog to the somewhat more civil G-Class, the Silver Arrow has more than a little experience when it comes to overcoming uncertain terrain. Beyond four-wheel drive systems, Mercedes has sold over one million 4Matic all-wheel drive vehicles in the U.S. since the system's debut here in 1989. These days, Benz offers 4Matic on 10 of its vehicle lines in a total of 21 variations, and for 2012, luxury coupe buyers can rejoice in the inclusion of both the E350 4Matic Coupe and the C350 4Matic Coupe to the horde. With rivals like the Audi A5 and BMW 335i xDrive Coupe already default choices for two-door shoppers who prefer the foul weather capability of all-wheel drive, will the newest additions to the Mercedes-Benz stable be able to keep the pace? We took to the C350 4Matic Coupe to find out.

Continue reading 2012 Mercedes-Benz C350 4Matic

2012 Mercedes-Benz C350 4Matic originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes C- and E-Class coupes to get AWD option next year

Chris Shunk — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Mercedes-Benz

4Matic has proven to be a popular feature on various Mercedes-Benz models, especially in U.S. regions that experience four distinct seasons. But while all-wheel-drive is almost a necessary option in the luxury sedan segment, Daimler's C-Class and E-Class coupes have soldiered on only with rear-drive.

According to Car and Driver, that will change for next year. The 4Matic system will reportedly only be offered with the company's 3.5-liter V6, which pumps out 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.

This news could mean changes for the C-Class sedan as well. Currently, 4Matic is only offered with the 3.0-liter V6-equipped C300 sedan, so this could mean that the C350 sedan could also get an AWD option in 2012. That's good news for grip-loving buyers who want more oomph than the modestly powered 228-horsepower C300 can provide.

Mercedes C- and E-Class coupes to get AWD option next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Mercedes-Benz, New Car Reviews, Luxury

Twin Turbos Add Welcomed Personality

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic - Click above for high-res image gallery

Some folks say there's no replacement for displacement. We'll agree that there's nothing quite like the roar of a big ol' naturally aspirated V8, but in modern times (and with new fuel efficiency laws taking hold), turbocharging points the way forward.

Nearly every automaker on the planet is scrambling to create turbocharged alternatives to larger-displacement engines, and over the past few years, not offering some sort of forced-induction mill has become quite the automotive faux pas.

Mercedes-Benz recently introduced a pair of twin-turbo V8s in its refreshed 2011 CL-Class, and while our lead feet immediately sprinted towards the bombastic CL63 AMG with its 5.5-liter hand-built heart, there's a lot to be said about the base CL550's all-new 4.6-liter setup. The once-sedate CL550 just got a massive flame lit under its tail, and the end result is a grand coupe that has more personality than ever before.

Continue reading 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Mercedes-Benz pits old foes against each other for new ad

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Humor

Mika Häkkinen meets a familiar foe on a snowy road - Click above to watch video after the jump

Mika Häkkinen is a two-time Formula One World Champion. He's also from Finland, which means the man knows how to drive regardless of weather conditions. Mercedes-Benz has tapped him to star in a new ad touting its 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

In the clip, Häkkinen is on a snowy road in an E350 wagon when be comes upon an old SL. The driver of the SL is not moving fast enough for Mika, and upon passing the droptop, he is greeted with the face of a familiar foe. We don't want to spoil it for you, so hop the jump and watch Mercedes-Benz's "Sunday Driver" clip.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Mercedes-Benz pits old foes against each other for new ad

Video: Mercedes-Benz pits old foes against each other for new ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class: Details and pics aplenty

Zach Bowman — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery

Meet the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. The Silver Arrow has been kind enough to dish the goods on next year's version of the company's flagship coupe and even threw in a passel of photos to boot. So what's new? For starters, the CL550 4MATIC now packs an all-new twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 engine with around 429 horsepower and a beefy 516 lb-ft of torque. The keen-eyed among you will notice that the eight-pot is down in displacement by almost a full liter, but still manages to crank out 47 more horsepower and a massive 125 lb-ft of torque compared to last year's powerplant. Isn't progress great?

All of that extra grunt means the CL550 4MATIC can scoot to 60 mph in a scant 4.9 seconds, but that's nothing compared to the big-boy CL600. The range-topping coupe can click off the dash to 60 mph in a mere 4.5-seconds - that's within spitting distance of a base Chevrolet Corvette. If you're trying to wrap your brain around how a 4,900-pound two-door can manage to bend the laws of nature, look no further than the 510 horsepower, 612 lb-ft of torque 5.5-liter V12 lurking beneath the sheetmetal. Yeah, that'll do. Hit the jump for the full press release, and sit tight for live photos from the car's debut at this weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class: Details and pics aplenty

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class: Details and pics aplenty originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is better by a nose

Zach Bowman — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Wagon, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz, First Drives, Diesel, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery

Not too long ago, there was a time when all of the vehicles in an automaker's portfolio weren't required to wear the same uniform. Each model could be its own unique expression of the brand's strengths without being forced to schedule an appointment with the corporate plastic surgeon. Granted, some marques lost a bit of identity with scads of mismatched children running around the lot, but the world's automotive variety pack was considerably more interesting. If you didn't like the face on one product, but wanted to stick with the brand, there were a plethora of options to choose from.

That's not the case anymore. We live in a world of increasingly unified automotive design, and while that's resulted in a few products missing the mark in a big way (we're looking at you, Acura), just as many manufacturers have created some real winners by spreading the corporate face among its progeny. Dodge's decision to share the Ram grille across its line was one of the best moves the company has made in recent history, and Ford and Chevrolet have similarly benefited from strong familial design cues.

Now Mercedes-Benz is looking to walk down the same path by spreading its upright grille to the 2011 R-Class. The move isn't so much of a shot in the arm as a shot of espresso for the Silver Arrow's awkward duckling, but it should help the luxury people mover blend in amongst its more beautiful brethren.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is better by a nose

First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is better by a nose originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

New York 2010: Mercedes R-Class hits the refresh button for 2011

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery

Today at the 2010 New York Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz showed that it's still behind the all-but-forgotten "Sports Tourer" when it unveiled the heavily restyled 2011 R-Class. The minivan-that-isn't-a-minivan has had a rough life up to this point. It was never really marketed well by Mercedes, and the droopy snout never really helped. Like Jennifer Gray though, it's amazing what a new nose can do for you.

The 2011 model adopts the automaker's new corporate face with its larger three-pointed star resting inside that upright rectangular grille. It does just enough to butch it up and make the front end handsome. Although in profile, it does look a bit like an extended wheelbase Honda CRV with that sloping D-Pillar. Out back there's also a revised rear bumper with integrated reflectors, new lenses and a new black diffuser below the bumper.

Interior changes are small, and Mercedes only announced an R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and R350 4MATIC model for the U.S. for 2011. The 3.0 liter BlueTEC V6 with 210 horsepower and 400 ft-lb of torque is capable of 18/24 miles per gallon, giving it a range of more than 500 miles or just about two tankfuls to Wally World. Pricing wasn't announced, but the new R-Class should be priced similar to the 2010 models, or $51,675 for the R320 BlueTEC and $50,175 for the R350 4MATIC. Live pics below and the full presser from M-B after the jump.

Gallery: New York 2010: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Continue reading New York 2010: Mercedes R-Class hits the refresh button for 2011

New York 2010: Mercedes R-Class hits the refresh button for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes-Benz celebrates iconic centennial with special CL550

Noah Joseph — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty

Mercedes-Benz CL550 "100 Years of Mercedes-Benz Edition" - Click above for a high-res image gallery

While so many other automakers have reinvented their logos over the years, Mercedes-Benz has stuck with the same one for 100 years now. One century ago, Daimler-Motoren-Gesselschaft went down to the local patent office and registered the Three-Pointed Star, the logo everyone knows and recognizes today. Just a few weeks later, August Benz & Cie did the same with their logo, the Benz name encircled by a wreath. These two icons later became integrated when the two companies banded together, but to celebrate the anniversary of their registration, Mercedes-Benz has announced a new special edition of one of its most upscale coupes.

The CL550 4Matic features a number of special Designo and AMG touches inside (light tan perforated leather with contrasting stitching and grey accents, gilded brass emblems on the center console) and out (special dark gray paint, new aero kit, and five-spoke 20-inch anthracite wheels with silver brake calipers) to differentiate itself from its more common counterparts. The special edition is available on either the rear-drive or all-wheel-drive 4Matic models around the globe, but since Benz made 4Matic standard equipment on the CL550 in the States, we'll only get the grips-at-all-paws variety.

No word on American-market pricing, but the package commands a hefty €17,850 ($23k USD) premium in Europe. Nobody said celebrating came cheap. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: "100 Years of Mercedes-Benz Edition" CL550

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz celebrates iconic centennial with special CL550

Mercedes-Benz celebrates iconic centennial with special CL550 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes 4Matic continues to gain traction

Noah Joseph — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, SUV, Wagon, Technology, Videos, Mercedes-Benz

Click on the image above to get to our gallery of 18 hi-rez images.

Its rivals at Audi might have blazed the proverbial trail for all-wheel-drive in luxury sedans, but Mercedes-Benz isn't far behind down the dirt road. Mercedes' own 4Matic AWD system is more popular in the United States than anywhere else in the world - 4Matic models account for about twenty percent of global sales, while in the US 4Matic-equiped Mercedes amount to nearly twice that. American Benz buyers today can get the 4Matic system on no less than eighteen models across seven lines. Think the extra weight and increased fuel consumption of an all-wheel-drive system would be a drawback with rising fuel prices? Mercedes is quick to point out that its latest 4Matic system adds less than 200 pounds to the weight of the car and reduces fuel economy by less than 2 mpg.

Sport-utility vehicles continue as a popular segment, particularly in the American market, and Mercedes offers a variety of SUVs to choose from. But the availability of the 4Matic system on conventional sedans with superior driving dynamics and efficiency presents a compelling case, especially for those living in colder climates requiring a little extra traction when the white stuff hits the ground. (Follow the jump for a video of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4Matic tackling the sticky stuff that most SUVs will never see.)

DaimlerChrysler put on an impressive display at this year's Detroit auto show, and Mercedes aimed to make an impact. Its display featured an indoor ice rink designed to highlight the brand's 4Matic models. Dog-sleds, figure skaters and hockey players all took to the ice together with a sampling of Mercedes' 4Matic range. (Check out our high-resolution image gallery below for the best shots of Mercedes' indoor winter wonderland.)

Gallery: Mercedes Stars on Ice

[Sources: Automotive News and Motor Authority]

Continue reading Mercedes 4Matic continues to gain traction

Mercedes 4Matic continues to gain traction originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Feb 2007 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: "Not in this Weather" Mercedes ad

Noah Joseph — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 19:35:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Videos, Mercedes-Benz

This is a bit of an old commercial, but it's a good one, and since it's resurfaced on the net, we thought we'd give you a chance to enjoy it again... for the first time.

The ad is for Mercedes' proprietary 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system and its astonishing homewrecking capabilities. Will the husband make it through the blizzard to catch his wife in the arms of another man? Not in this weather.

The commercial reminds us of the BMW ad we showed you a few weeks ago featuring a tempted groom on his way to church. Goes to show the old adage never fails: sex sells.

[Source: The Mercedes Benz blog]

VIDEO: "Not in this Weather" Mercedes ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Nov 2006 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Farfromskiddin: Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4MATIC unveiled

Noah Joseph — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 16:36:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off its upcoming line-up of 4MATIC S-Class sedans. 4MATIC is, of course, the name for Mercedes' all-wheel-drive system, and the range-topping über-sedan will offer it mated to a number of engines to give the well-heeled a host of choices for uncompromised traction in whatever conditions they may come across.

4MATIC will be offered globally on the S320 CDI, S450 and S500 sedans, although they've yet to announce which of these models will be sold in the North American market. Based on the current American line-up, it'd be safe to assume we'll only get the S550 4MATIC.

Mercedes claims the AWD V8 sedan, despite the extra weight, will accelerate in the same 5.4 seconds it takes its rear-wheel drive counterpart to hit sixty from a standstill, and will only suffer a minor increase in fuel consumption.

The V8-powered 4MATIC models are on sale in Europe now in both short and long wheelbase versions, while customers will have to wait until December for the S320 CDI 4MATIC. Another gas-powered V6 model, the S350 4MATIC, will arrive by mid-2007.

(Official press release can be found after the jump)

[Source: Mercedes-Benz, eMercedesBenz]

Continue reading Farfromskiddin: Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4MATIC unveiled

Farfromskiddin: Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4MATIC unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Sep 2006 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Go-fast grocery-getter: Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG 4MATIC

Alex Nunez — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Mercedes-Benz

Beause there's no such thing as too much power, regardless of vehicle type (see G55 AMG), Mercedes has unleashed their AMG minions on the swanky R-Class MPV (yes, that's what it is). For moms and dads who can foot the bill, the R63 AMG 4MATIC all but ensures that late arrivals to soccer practice will be a thing of the past. And when it's over, the 510-horse R63 is all but a lock to get the holeshot in the mad dash to exit the school parking lot. (If one of the other parents happens to have a Cayenne Turbo S, you may have to put some effort into it.)

By now, the AMG storyline is well-known: more power, more tech, sportier looks, sportier interior. The R63 is no different. In addition to AMG's 6.2L normally-aspirated V8, it gets extra traction thanks to Mercedes' 4MATIC permanent AWD system and improved ride courtesy of an AMG-specific AIRMATIC suspension. Outside, all the AMG body mods you've come to expect are right where they should be, and 20" alloys take up residence in the wheel wells. Numerous AMG upgrades give the interior a different look and feel. The car's AMG Menu display in the instrument cluster comes equipped with the company's RACETIMER, which allows the driver to record lap times on a closed circuit. In this case, we hope that "closed circuit" means "route to and from the supermarket," otherwise, it'll likely be one of the most underutilized accessories ever. As capable as it is, we don't see the R63 being a track-day fixture.

Naturally, the car can be pimped even further with optional gadgetry like in-car DVD entertainment, reverse camera, iPod compatibility, navigation, panoramic sunroof, bi-xenon headlamps, and more. If you want it, it's pretty much available.

In the R63 AMG, high style, high performance, and high price (not announced yet) converge to create one of the more unlikely performance vehicles you'll see on the road. Even if the styling doesn't work for you, the performance credentials are not up for debate. MPVs with a 5-second 0-62 time aren't exactly commonplace, and we're betting that this one's pertty fun to take out on errands.

(More pics and MB's detailed press release after the jump)

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Go-fast grocery-getter: Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG 4MATIC

Go-fast grocery-getter: Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG 4MATIC originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Aug 2006 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments