Autoblog

VIDEO: Even if the Mercedes E-Class Wagon doesn't handle like a slot car, it can still handle slot cars

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Etc., Europe, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Toys/Games, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon + slot car track - click above to watch the video

First of all, yes - this is pure Mercedes-Benz propaganda. We're fully aware of that fact. Second, despite it all, we're very jealous of what takes place in this video. In order to show off just how much junk you're able to fit inside the new E-Class Wagon -- or "Estate" in Mercedes parlance. How they settled on building a giant slot car track (or more precisely, sneaking it past the corporate money men) is beyond us, but we're glad they did.

So, how much junk? Quite a bit. Specifically, 1,275 pieces of track, including a section that snakes through the E-Class. All told, the track is over 400 meters long (about a quarter mile) and takes the 1/32 scale DTM cars four minutes and forty-seconds to complete. The track layout was designed beforehand on a computer because otherwise, well... they'd still be building it. Watch the full video after the jump.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon

[Source: Mercedes-Benz via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Even if the Mercedes E-Class Wagon doesn't handle like a slot car, it can still handle slot cars

VIDEO: Even if the Mercedes E-Class Wagon doesn't handle like a slot car, it can still handle slot cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio leaks out courtesy EU bureaucracy

Noah Joseph — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Europe, Government/Legal, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible trademark filing images - Click above for image gallery

There are few people in this world for whom we hold more contempt than European bureaucrats. They're the pencil-pushers that, if they had their way, would put an end to some of our favorite exotic sportscars and have us all driving Smart ForTwos. But every gray cloud has its silver lining, and in the case of Belgium's bureaucracy, is the sneak peak we get from time to time when a carmaker files its designs to register them as trademarks.

What we're looking at this time is the upcoming Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio. Although there were rumors that the model could be delayed, by and large we knew this was coming, and have even seen plenty spy shots of test mules preparing for their market launch.

Replacing the outgoing CLK convertible, this new model is based on the slick new E-Class coupe but, you know...with a convertible roof. It's a fabric job, unlike its rivals from BMW, Lexus, Infiniti and Volvo, which have all gone with folding hard-tops by now. The mechanicals are otherwise expected to carry over from its fixed-roof counterpart, although the jury's still out on whether an AMG version will be on offer as well. For now, we'll just have to peruse these grainy black-and-white images until the new drop-top Benz drops in the first half of next year.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible trademark filing images

[Source: CarScoop]

Spy Shots: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio leaks out courtesy EU bureaucracy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Frankfurt 2009: Brabus E V12 Black Baron is where light goes to die

Chris Paukert — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty, Design/Style

Brabus E V12 Black Baron -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Fancy yourself as a real-life Bruce Wayne with the financial wherewithal to match? Have we got a workaday sedan for you. German tunemeisters Brabus have just lifted the sheet off their new E V12 Black Baron sedan, although we almost didn't notice, as the matte-black überBenz swallows all beams of light that dare go near its carbon fiber flanks.

Packing a twin-turbo'd 6.3-liter V12, this one-of-ten wonder spits out a tidy 800 horsepower and 1,047 pound-feet of torque (no, that's not a typo). So equipped, Brabus says the demon tweaked E-Class will lunge to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds and hit 124 mph in a sliver under ten ticks. Thanks to the axe murderer of a powerplant underhood and the aerodynamic-at-all-costs design, the Black Baron will reportedly top out at 230 mph - and when operated at saner speeds, it still manages to return 15 mpg. Won't your neighbors be pleased.

What price for Gotham glory? Check out our high-res gallery below and then check with your financial adviser about cutting a slush fund check for $875,000.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Brabus E V12 Black Baron

Gallery: Brabus E V12 Black Baron

[Source: Brabus]

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Brabus E V12 Black Baron is where light goes to die

Frankfurt 2009: Brabus E V12 Black Baron is where light goes to die originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Forthcoming Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible caught on set of Sex and the City 2

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Mercedes-Benz, Celebrities, Luxury

If there's one television show we love here at Autoblog, it's Sex and the City. Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda - all aflutter over noontime glasses of Kristal, gossiping about Prada, Mr. Big, converting to Judaism for all the wrong reasons and whoever/whatever Samantha humped last night. It's so fab! Just kidding, we hate that show and the ex-girlfriends that forced us to know this much about it. *Ahem.*

We mention S&TC however, because when the first movie came out, it featured the then-new Mercedes-Benz GLK. And soon there will be a part 2, and that sequel is going to feature the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible. How do we know? Because somebody just snapped a whole bunch of shots of Sarah Jessica Parker, her $600 Christian Louboutin T-Strap sandals, $1,800 Sylvia Drapey Hobo hand bag and a yet-to-be-released E-Class droptop on the set of Sex and the City 2.

So... is this is a trend or just a fad? We know that the Audi R8 Spider will be making its debut in Ironman 2, and to some degree Aston Martin likes to show off their latest dream boat in the latest James Bond adventure. And out of the three, we imagine that Mercedes is going to sell a heckofa lot more E-Class convertibles to Carrie Bradshaw fans than Audi/Aston Martin will sell to Tony Stark/Agent 007 aficionados. Right? Hat tip to Patrick.

[Source: Just Jared]

Forthcoming Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible caught on set of Sex and the City 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

AMG-fettled Mercedes E-Class Coupe to favor agility over power?

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:58:00 EST

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

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Exact details are few and far between, but for those that value handling over tire-smoking POWA, this is great news. Autocar is reporting that the next AMG-fettled Mercedes-Benz E-Class will rely on weight-saving materials and techniques, as well as fine-tuning of suspension pieces to increase agility. You know, as opposed to the regular AMG way of doing things, which is lobbing yet another salvo into the breach of the sky's no-limit horsepower war. The next AMG E-Class Coupe will actually be a Black Series model, meaning that not only will there be no "regular" AMG E-Class Coupe (for now), but you really ought to start saving your pennies now. Err, saving your bundles of Grants and Franklins.

According to Autocar, there's also not going to be any Black Series C-Series cars because the limited edition AMGs must be based on two-door models (though we'll see how long that actually lasts). There will, however, be a new C63 - and unlike the upcoming Black Series E-Class Coupe, there will be better driving through more power. The current C63 is AMG's weakest offering with "only" 453 horsepower on tap. The new version will belch thrust to the tune of 500 to 525 ponies. Phew, we were worried there for a moment that AMG had lost its power uber all mind. One last thing: even though it will fit, there's no plan to use the highly lauded seven-speed dual-clutch Speedshift transmission from the E63 and SL63 in the C63. Pity.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Autocar]

AMG-fettled Mercedes E-Class Coupe to favor agility over power? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate busts a move with its fly open

Chris Paukert — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Wagon, Videos, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate - Click above to watch video

We know the sales numbers in America don't agree with us, but here at AB we loves us some premium station wagons. The ability to haul ass, kin, and upright bongos all at the same time just speaks to our gearhead souls. All of which goes to show why we may be a bit more interested in Mercedes-Benz's 2010 E-Class Estate more than we are in the sedan that we've already driven - itself a fine automobile.

Whether the load-lugging model will come to America remains to be seen, but we look forward to seeing it in the flesh at the Frankfurt Motor Show all the same. In the meantime, we'll have to slake our familyman joneses on the new video available after the jump. Oh, perhaps it's just us, but doesn't it look like the new E-Wagon has its automotive barn door ajar (or missing completely) for a few split-seconds beginning at 1:10 in the video? We hate to nitpick, but for a company that crows about its precision engineering, they seem to be having some minor quality control issues with their video production teams as of late. Let's hope that their models are better behaved. Thanks for the tip, Racer!

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate leakage

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate busts a move with its fly open

VIDEO: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate busts a move with its fly open originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate leaks out ahead of Frankfurt debut

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:54:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Wagon, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Although the Frankfurt Motor Show is still a month away, images of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate ("wagon" to us 'Mericans) have leaked out ahead of its official reveal in Germany.

The E-Class Estate joins the thoroughly revised sedan and coupe variants of Merc's mid-sizer and will undoubtedly grow both longer and wider than the outgoing five-door. Although the majority of the interior has been ported over from its siblings, the Estate's party-pieces are its folding rear seats that can be laid flat, a new cargo area nestled within the trunk and a set of rear-facing jump seats bound to make the kiddies car-sick on the Autobahn.

Mercedes' range of four-, six- and eight-cylinder powerplants will carry over from the other Es, including a 204-hp, turbocharged 1.8-liter and a 388-hp 5.5-liter V8. Both rear- and 4Matic all-wheel drive should be available when the E-Class Estate goes on sale in Europe late next month.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate leakage

[Source: Carscoop]

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate leaks out ahead of Frankfurt debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Convertible, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The engineers at Mercedes-Benz are working tirelessly to get the all-new E-Class cabrio ready for its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. So much so that they appear to be bringing dates along for a ride in the chop-topped mules.

These newest shots of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible are the first we've seen with the cloth top stowed away, and they reveal an interesting detail: a retractable wind deflector mounted on the top of the windshield.

Like Audi, Mercedes has opted to forgo the folding hard-top treatment for the new E, allowing the automaker to retain the coupe's hard-edged style and keep the curb weight in check. When the E-Class Convertible arrives in dealerships early next year, expect a range of six- and eight-cylinder powerplants, including the range-topping E500.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Reader Spy: Best look yet at forthcoming Mercedes E-Class wagon arrives from Namibia

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz

2010 E Class wagon testing in Namibia - Click above for a high-res gallery

We find it cool that carmakers cart their rides all over the globe to carry out the most brutal testing in the most out of the way places. They must find it a little frustrating, however, that car mavens with cameras and internet connections lurk in even in the most remote locations .

According to AB reader Tom, he spotted a pair of lightly-camoed Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagons and a sedan "on the desert gravel roads between Walvis Bay and Solitaire in Namibia." The wagons are getting ready for their debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in a few months, and if the tailpipe application is accurate then the black one is likely a V8 - and yes, this does mean we want a blacked-out wagon E550 wagon. You can check out high-res pics of the trio below. Thanks for the images, Tom!

Gallery: 2010 E Class Wagon in Namibia

Reader Spy: Best look yet at forthcoming Mercedes E-Class wagon arrives from Namibia originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes planning production E-Class shooting brake?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill

Mercedes-Benz Concept Fascination - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Body-styles in Mercedes' staple E-Class range have been taken on a heck of a roller coaster these past few years. The original included sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible variants. Then the latter two were split off as the CLK, but after introducing the CLS as essentially a four-door coupe version of the E-Class, Mercedes opted to bring the two-door variants back into the fold for the current generation. Recent rumors have suggested that Mercedes could delay the wagon and cabrio versions, and even re-introduce the CLK alongside the E-Class Coupe, but with neither of those conjectures looking very likely, the latest report from the rumormongers at Auto Express suggest that Mercedes could be planning yet another body-style for the E-Class range: a three-door shooting brake.

For the uninitiated, a shooting brake is an old-school body-style that melds a station wagon with a coupe, traditionally, such load-lugging solutions have been arrived at by hiring a coachbuilder to turn a sedan or a coupe into a wagon. Think Chevrolet Nomad and you're not far off. And with the German auto industry playing an increasingly intricate game of one-upmanship with segment-busting body-styles, Mercedes apparently looks poised to take things one step further with a fifth E-Class form. The prospect looks even more likely when you consider that the current E-Class' design was previewed in the first place by a shooting brake show car called the Concept Fascination at last year's Paris show. If Daimler decides to give the three-door E the green light, it'd likely carry over the mechanicals and engine options from its two-door counterpart, including four, six and eight-cylinder gasoline and clean diesel powerplants. Whether an AMG version like the sedan is offered or nixed like the coupe's remains to be seen, however, but we could get a look at a production prototype as early as the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

[Source: Auto Express]

Mercedes planning production E-Class shooting brake? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Mercedes delaying not delaying E-Class convertible, wagon

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 26 May 2009 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz

UPDATE: Mercedes wrote us to say that the report of E wagon and cabrio delays is inaccurate, and "the cars are on schedule as planned."

There's a financial swine flu making its way through the car industry. Chrysler caught it and it proved terminal. Porsche was on intensive care for a moment but should recover. And now Mercedes, it turns out, has a runny nose and a little cough. The home of the three-pointed-star is delaying the introduction of the E-Class convertible and wagon in order to save money on development and marketing.

The E-Class convertible was due to be shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year, but a report states we won't see the car unveiled until the Geneva Motor Show in 2010. In addition to the cash savings, it will also let Mercedes reveal the car much closer to convertible buying season. The E-Class wagon, described as a shooting brake and more design-driven wagon, won't bow until 2012.

The moves will allow Mercedes to stash money from E-Class sedan and coupe sales. It also lets Mercedes focus 2010 on the new CLS, its plans for the V6 Bluetec hybrid and, according to Auto Motor und Sport, a four-cylinder diesel replacement for the S-Class.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport (translated)]

REPORT: Mercedes ~~delaying~~ not delaying E-Class convertible, wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:58:00 EST

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

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Do you hear that? That's the jostling of a Prada bag and a soy latte inside the the last Mercedes CLK as it cruises into what is commonly referred to as "oblivion." It's being replaced by the brand new E-Class Coupe. Or rather, it's not really a replacement; the new car is a reset of expectations from Mercedes' middle coupe, distinguished from its CLK niece with more size, more features and more brawn, and distinct from its E-Class sedan big brother by unique architecture and body panels. Our question was: could it distinguish itself? Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 May 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class still a solid bet with excellent returns

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, First Drive, Luxury

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery

With eight generations and 12 million units sold over the last 62 years, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class' longevity represents a profound run of intelligent bets for a premium sedan sold in premium quantities. That makes Las Vegas an appropriate background for last week's introduction of the E-Class sedan, Sin City being home to numerous examples of remarkable endurance. Having been outsold by the BMW 5 Series for the last couple of years in the U.S., Mercedes went all-in on the new E, from design to fabrication to luxury to - of course - technology. To find out what we thought of the gamble, hit the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class still a solid bet with excellent returns

First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class still a solid bet with excellent returns originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes slashes nearly $5k off the list price of a new E-Class

Noah Joseph — Mon, 04 May 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's always a bit of a gamble. Do you buy a new car now, or wait for the new version to come out? Those who opted to do the latter with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class should be pleased with their decision; not only does the new model represent a significant advance over the one it replaces, but the company's American division has now announced that it's cheaper, too.

Whereas the outgoing 2009 E350 sedan - the base model in the US with a V6 engine and rear-wheel-drive - currently lists for $54,075, Mercedes-Benz USA is pricing its successor at $49,475, including destination charges, representing a price drop of $4,600. The 2010 E350 goes on sale in late June next month, and will be followed by the market roll-outs of several other variants. The V8-powered E550 commands a $57,175 list price, and 4Matic all-wheel-drive can be added to either model for a $2,500 premium starting with September orders. The new E63 AMG high-performance version will follow in November, with the 50-state clean diesel E350 Bluetec (Mercedes has dropped the BlueMOTION moniker) coming next March, followed by the wagon bodystyle in June 2010. With the existing CLK replaced by the new E-Class Coupe also next month, pricing doesn't drop significantly ($48,975 for the CLK vs. $48,925 for the new E coupe), but the outgoing model was ostensibly positioned between the C and E-Class sedan ranges, and moves up with the integration of the coupe into the new E-Class sedan range. The E550 coupe gets a list price of $55,525, with convertible versions arriving next spring. No new AMG coupe is planned.

Mercedes says the change in pricing, which it also affected with the introduction of the new C-Class two years ago, was put in place to bring the list price closer to the actual average transaction price. In other words, theoretically the actual price that a customer pays should be about the same. But while other automakers increase their prices with the introduction of new models, it's interesting to see a marque like Mercedes ostensibly cut its down while returning more features in a more advanced vehicle.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Mercedes slashes nearly $5k off the list price of a new E-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Pullman drawings leak from European patent office

Noah Joseph — Mon, 04 May 2009 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Europe, Government/Legal, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Pullman patent drawings - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's no great secret that the European Union's patent office has more leaks than a Soviet submarine, but up until now it's only been small cars that have been able to trickle out (see: the facelifted Mazda MX-5 and Nissan 370Z Roadster). But the dam seems to be giving way as a whole Mercedes limousine has managed to squeeze though and into the public realm, and our European compatriots at Autoblog Spanish have got the sketches to prove it.

Like the spy shots we've seen before, these patent sketches provide further proof that Mercedes is preparing to launch a stretched Pullman version of its new E-Class. Several extension options are apparently being prepared, ranging from a modest wheelbase extension all the way up to a full extra set of doors. Expect all manner of luxury equipment to find its way into the enlarged cabin, from entertainment systems and courtesy lighting to power reclining seats and fold-down picnic tables for that ultimate Grey Poupon experience. Click the thumbnails below to view the patent drawings in high resolution.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Clase E Pullman (OAMI)

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Pullman drawings leak from European patent office originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes-Benz reportedly shooting for .20 Cd production car in next five years

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe - Click above for a hi-res gallery

In a previous post from AutoblogGreen's Greenlings series, we took a brief look at how and why aerodynamics play a significant role in a vehicle's overall efficiency. To put in plainly, the easier a car is to push through the wind, the better its fuel efficiency is likely to be. Mercedes-Benz has made great strides in overall vehicle aerodynamics with its new 2010 E-Class Coupe, which boasts an impressive .24 coefficient of drag. According to that car's project manager Rainer Tiefenbacher, the best is yet to come:

"There is still plenty more to come as we explore ways of improving fuel efficiency. Designers are still learning about what works aerodynamically and are having to consider it more and more when they think about how a car will look. There are big steps to be made, especially around and under the engine hood."

Just how low could they go? Very low indeed, it would seem - the German automaker believes it will be selling cars with a Cd of less than .20 in just five years.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

[Source: Autocar]

Mercedes-Benz reportedly shooting for .20 Cd production car in next five years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

BRABUS turns 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class into AMG-hunting beast

John Neff — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Sedan, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Brabus

BRABUS E-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you must have the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class and can't wait for the AMG version, BRABUS has something to show you. The German tuning firm has launched its new program for the redesigned luxury sports sedan, the highlight of which is an enlarged 6.1-liter version of the V8 found in the E550 that now produces 462 hp compared to the original's 382 hp.

BRABUS clearly didn't stop there, fitting an aero package to the new E-Class that replaces the front bumper with a new design that reduces lift and incorporates LED daytime running lights and fog lamps. The exterior also features new fender vents, rocker panels, a spoiler and rear apron housing a pair of chrome tailpipes. The entire look is rounded out by new BRABUS Monoblock wheels that can be had up to 20 inches in diameter.

Additional performance hardware includes an augmented braking system with larger rotors and more powerful calipers, an optional limited-slip differential and BRABUS-tuned sport exhaust. The interior, likewise, can be fitted with optional equipment like illuminated BRABUS sill plates, a different "sport" steering wheel and complete mastik and alcantara leather interiors.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz BRABUS E-Class

[Source: BRABUS]

Continue reading BRABUS turns 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class into AMG-hunting beast

BRABUS turns 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class into AMG-hunting beast originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes-Benz teases the next E63 AMG

Alex Nunez — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Misc. Auto Shows, AMG

The new Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG has yet to be introduced (we're guessing it'll make an appearance in New York next month), but the readers of Germany's Sport Auto magazine are going to have a shot at winning the new über-sedan as part of the sweepstakes that accompanies the buff book's annual reader's choice awards. In honor of the occasion, Mercedes has pulled a Lutz and given a quick upskirt peek at the front end. What's it look like? Well, as you can see, it's pretty much what you'd expect from an AMG ride: updated fascia, aero kit, big split-spoke wheels that show off bigger, upgraded brakes, etc. The normally-aspirated 6.2 (+ .1 for old-times' sake) liter V8 belts out 525 horsepower. Bring money. You know you're gonna need it. We'll have more for you on the new AMG E-Class as soon as more deets become available.

[Source: Sport Auto via MotorWard via 4WheelsNews

Mercedes-Benz teases the next E63 AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva Preview: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

Noah Joseph — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

In the ramp-up to the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, we've heard from all the big luxury players and then some on the new concepts and production vehicles they'd be bringing to the Swiss show, except for Mercedes-Benz. But at long last, here's the big debut that the Three-Pointed Star will be presenting at the Geneva Palexpo in a couple of weeks: the new E-Class Coupe.

Replacing the CLK, the new E coupe follows along the same path as the new E-Class sedan which Mercedes unveiled just a few months ago, albeit with with two fewer doors and a sleeker, more...well, coupe-like profile, with no B-pillars to obstruct the view and a low drag coefficient. Carrying a Cd of just 0.24, Mercedes claims the new E-Class Coupe is the most aerodynamically efficient production car on the market. Coupled with an efficient range of engines - ranging from the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY that produces more power and torque while sipping less fuel, all the way up to the 388-horsepower E500 Coupe - and a host of new features - including a pedestrian-friendly self-deploying hood, Dynamic Driving package, adaptive headlights, road sign recognition and an automatic emergency braking system - the E-Class Coupe promises to offer an alluring package when it goes on sale in European markets this coming May. We'll have more for you from the Geneva show floor, but in the meantime, you can scope out the long press release after the jump and the even bigger gallery of high-resolution images by clicking the thumbnails below.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

Geneva Preview: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

That's a Stretch: Mercedes E-Class limo spied

Noah Joseph — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz

The rich keep getting richer, and their cars keep getting bigger. Although you might see some old Mercedes-Benz E's pulling cab duty in extended form overseas, by and large (so to speak) it's the S-Class that usually gets the stretched treatment in Mercedes' sedan lineup. But these spy shots suggest that the Benz boys are going in another direction, as they show a stretched version of the new E-Class undergoing development.

Hot on the heels of the reveal of the E-Class sedan, reports suggest that these spy shots are of an official factory E-Class Pullman limousine - not an independent aftermarket conversion. If that's the case, the five-meter stretched E is likely to be decked out with all of the latest high-tech gadgetry inside, while the beefy-looking windows and body roll suggest this could be an armored Guard version. Whatever it is, you can bet it'll be a whole lot cheaper than a Maybach Zeppelin.

[Source: World Car Fans]

That's a Stretch: Mercedes E-Class limo spied originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments