Autoblog

Mercedes-Benz intros long-wheelbase E-Class for China

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Mercedes-Benz, Shanghai Motor Show, Luxury

Long-wheelbase sedans are a pretty hot commodity in China, and to keep up with the competition, Mercedes-Benz has introduced an extended version of the 2014 E-Class sedan at the Shanghai Motor Show. Audi, BMW, Volvo and even Cadillac offer extended versions of sedans specific to the Chinese market, and now the E-Class L, shown off in E400L guise, will give luxury sedan buyers in China yet another option.

Compared to the standard 2014 E-Class sedan, the new China-spec E-Class L has been stretched by 5.5 inches - all of which goes to the rear-seat passengers. According to an article on China View from earlier in the year, the market for chauffeur-driven cars is growing in the Asian nation, so automakers need long-wheelbase models like the E-Class L in order to fully compete. As for what powers this stretched E-Class, it's available in three models: the diesel E260L, the V6-powered E300L and the E400 Hybrid.

The redesigned E-Class and the all-new A-Class are just the first of 20 new Mercedes-Benz products that will be introduced into the Chinese auto market by 2015. Scroll down for the full press release on long-wheelbase E.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz intros long-wheelbase E-Class for China

Mercedes-Benz intros long-wheelbase E-Class for China originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S Wagon is one hot hauler [w/video]

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Performance, Wagon, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mentioned at the debut of the redesigned Mercedes-Benz E-Class back in January, Mercedes has finally pulled back the curtain on the E63 AMG S, which was on display at the New York Auto Show in wagon guise. The 2014 E63 AMG S ups the ante even more from a "base" E63 AMG, improving the car's performance and styling - not that it needed help with either to begin with.

Our favorite S-model upgrade is the added output tweaked out of the 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, which represents a substantial gain of 27 hp and 59 lb-ft of torque over the stock E63. In wagon form, the E63 AMG S can run from 0-60 miles per hour in just 3.6 seconds and hit an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph. All 2014 E63 AMGs come with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, but the S-Model adds in a limited-slip rear differential for improved performance.

Mercedes has made sure that the extra money being spent on the S-Model is instantly noticeable with slightly different design cues and black along with 10-spoke wheels with red brake calipers peeking through. Plenty of silver-chrome and high-gloss black accents finish off the exterior styling, while the interior adds Alcantara on the steering wheel, accent stitching on the leather and contrasting silver seat belts on models with the black interior. Scroll down for an official video and press release.

Continue reading 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S Wagon is one hot hauler [w/video]

2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S Wagon is one hot hauler [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz developing E Superlight as its new carbon fiber halo sedan

Noah Joseph — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST

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

Automakers need halo cars. They bring people into the showroom and demonstrate just what their engineers can do. Typically those range-topping vehicles come in the form of sports cars - think Audi R8, Dodge Viper, Lexus LFA et al - but Mercedes-Benz is reportedly taking another direction. That's because these exotic supercars tend to sell in small numbers (almost by definition), while - for Mercedes-Benz - mid-size luxury sedans like the E-Class sell in much bigger numbers. As such, the Silver Star automaker is planning on making its next halo car a four-door sedan (of sorts).

A couple months ago, we brought you initial word of Daimler's plans to make a super-lightweight, carbon-fiber E-Class, and now further details have found their way into the bloggosphere. Dubbed the E Superlight, the sedan is tipped to share its footprint with the E-Class, its size with the CLS and its price with the S-Class. For that, buyers would get a state-of-the-art sedan made from carbon fiber sitting at the very cutting edge of what Stuttgart's finest are capable of achieving.

That's right, the E Superlight isn't a mere concept car: reports from overseas indicate that Daimler is actually planning on building it, with production earmarked to begin in 2015 and to come fully online by 2017. A hydrogen fuel cell is expected to provide the motivation at least in the beginning, but more conventional powertrains are also said to be in the mix. Once it's made its point, Mercedes can lift the halo back where it usually sits, atop the replacement for the current SLS AMG supercar.

Mercedes-Benz developing E Superlight as its new carbon fiber halo sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brabus reveals prototype High Performance 4WD Full Electric E-Class

Eric Loveday — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty, Electric

The German aftermarket specialists at Brabus have entered the eco battle with the unveiling of a prototype EV based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Rather than extracting more power out of the E-Class' gasoline engine, Brabus decided to rip out the gasser and replace it with electric-only hardware.

The prototype gets a suitably subtle and sexy name - the High Performance 4WD Full Electric - with "Performance" referring to the E's impressive 429 horsepower and 2,360 pound-feet of torque and "4WD" implying each wheel is fitted with a Protean electric motor. Lastly, Brabus' prototype packs a monstrous 56-kWh lithium-ion battery pack to provide the juice.

The HP4FE is capable of scooting from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 6.9 seconds and can keep on blasting on down the road for up to 217 miles (at a constant speed of 62 mph) before that massive battery pack becomes fully depleted. Brabus says the prototype tops out at 137 mph in Sport mode, or 118 mph in Eco mode.

But being a Brabus, exterior enhancements are a must and besides its slightly modified body, the prototype E-Class sits on 19-inch wheels wrapped in performance rubber. As for price, Brabus says the prototype isn't for sale... yet. Follow the jump for full details on this torque-laden electric machine.

Continue reading Brabus reveals prototype High Performance 4WD Full Electric E-Class

Brabus reveals prototype High Performance 4WD Full Electric E-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brabus 800 E V12 Cabriolet out-blacks AMG's Black Series

Noah Joseph — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Brabus 800 E V12 Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Black Series? Who needs one when you've got Brabus? Try this on for size: 0-62 in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 231 mph. In a four-seat E-Class convertible.

So, how did the German tuning house manage to convert a boulevard cruiser into a certified bruiser? Well, for starters, they took the V12 from the Mercedes-Benz S600, gave it a whole mess of new moving parts and breathing gear, quad intercoolers, bored it out from 5.5 liters to 6.3 and dropped it into the E-Cab's engine bay.

The result is 800 metric horsepower (788 by US standards) to make this the most powerful and the fastest four-seat convertible on the market. Of course it's a rather lofty market, at €478,000 ($680k), but with all that power and attention to detail to go with it, can you really be surprised? Not as surprised as the owner of that Black Series AMG will be when you and three of your best friends go ripping by in the left lane. Check it out in the high-res image gallery and the post-jump press release.

Continue reading Brabus 800 E V12 Cabriolet out-blacks AMG's Black Series

Brabus 800 E V12 Cabriolet out-blacks AMG's Black Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Jul 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Binz takes Mercedes E-Class Estate to the extreme

Zach Bowman — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Wagon, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty

If you've determined the current Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate doesn't have the room you need to stretch your legs, Binz has the answer. The company has released photos and specifications for its XTEND version of the Silver Arrow's long roof, and the new machine has enough cubes to comfortably ferry around an NBA team and a pilfered sarcophagus or two with room to spare. At nearly 19 feet long, the stretched wagon has a wheelbase of over 12 feet and hits the scales at 4,629 pounds.

Binz is offering the E-Class EXTEND in E250 CDI, E350 CGI and E500 configurations, with prices starting at €121,950. If you've got your heart set on bringing one of these home for the holidays, just make sure that your neighborhood is commodious to the country mile this beast will undoubtedly need to turn around.

[Source: Autoblog.nl]

Binz takes Mercedes E-Class Estate to the extreme originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz issues recall over leaking fuel filters

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz

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

Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall for the 2011 E-Class, GL-Class, M-Class and R-Class due to leaky fuel filters. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration, the vehicles' O-ring may not have been properly lubricated, and thus, can result in fuel spilling out onto roads, causing unsafe conditions for other drivers.

NHTSA's bulletin specifically cites that diesel fuel comes out of these leaky fuel filters, but our friends at The Car Connection have confirmed that this recall does, in fact, apply to both gas- and diesel-powered vehicles. Approximately 2,300 vehicles are affected by this recall, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall is expected to ramp up sometime this month.

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

Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: NHTSA via The Car Connection]

Mercedes-Benz issues recall over leaking fuel filters originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AP: Mercedes recalling 85,000 C- and E-Class models over steering woes

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz has discovered a possible power steering issue in the 2010 and 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet. For an unnamed reason, the cars could suffer a loss of power steering fluid, which could cause drivers to lose "sufficient control of the vehicle," especially in low-speed situations. If you own one of the 85,000 affected cars, you can take it to your dealer to be checked out and repaired at no cost. [Source: AP I Image: Autoblog/AOL]

AP: Mercedes recalling 85,000 C- and E-Class models over steering woes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe shows off its insides

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style, Luxury

Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe - Click either image for high-res gallery

We know that Mercedes-Benz is planning on rolling out both a coupe and convertible version of its popular C-Class sedan, and now we also have an idea of what the interior is going to look like. We're still quite curious to see the upcoming luxury coupe parked next to its two-door E-Class brethren. The E-Class currently rides on the C-Class platform and it will be interesting to see how the two vehicles stack up in the size department.

We have some burning questions to ask the automaker and we hope to have answers courtesy of the upcoming Paris Motor Show. What are the price points for the 2011 C-Class coupe, cabrio, and redesigned sedan? Will the two-door C-Class ride on the same platform as the sedan? Most importantly, when can we get the keys to a C63 coupe?

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe shows off its insides originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GAZ Siber to switch from Chrysler Sebring to MB E-Class?!

Zach Bowman — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Mercedes-Benz, Russia

Russian automotive manufacturer GAZ is being courted by a number of handsome suitors, according to Inside Line. While the company currently produces the Volga Siber at its Gorky Automobile plant, there's some indication that Daimler may want the facility to switch to building the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The move would kinda sorta be an all-in-the-family affair as the Siber is currently built off of the old Chrysler Sebring platform. With Chrysler out of Daimler's portfolio and Mercedes-Benz looking to take the Russian assault to its rival BMW, the move would make plenty of sense. It would also seem to be a rather large step up from its current configuration.

The thing is, GAZ has also been spending late nights on the phone with the likes of Tata to produce that company's Indicar. At the same time, General Motors has been wooing Tata to manufacture any number of its vehicles. At this point, it's anyone's guess as to which company will win the GAZ plant's heart, but Inside Line seems to think that GM has the best bet out of the field of potentials. The reason? Bo Anderson, the new chairman of GAZ, used to be the head of worldwide purchasing for The General. How's that for a love trapezoid?

[Source: Inside Line]

GAZ Siber to switch from Chrysler Sebring to MB E-Class?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mercedes-Benz 'Sorry' spot looks death in the eye

Zach Bowman — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Safety, Technology, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Humor, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz E-Class commercial - Click above to watch video after the jump

Mercedes-Benz has rolled out a new spot for its freshly-minted E-Class, which features the new Brake Assist System Plus (BAS +) that interprets the driver's inputs and increases braking force as necessary to avoid an accident. It may be an impressive lump of tech, but it's not the sexiest thing in the world, nor is it the easiest to demonstrate in an advertisement.

That's never been something to stop the Silver Arrow's team of ad gurus though, and the company's newest commercial does its best to make light of a potentially life-saving safety system. In it, a loyal Mercedes-Benz driver suddenly finds Death in the passenger seat. Literally. Hilarity then ensues as the driver manages to outsmart the specter with help from his trusty luxury sedan. Hit the jump for a look-see.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Mercedes-Benz 'Sorry' spot looks death in the eye

Video: Mercedes-Benz 'Sorry' spot looks death in the eye originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai Genesis sedan and Mercedes-Benz E-Class named IIHS Top Safety Picks

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 13 May 2010 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2010 Hyundai Genesis gets crash tested - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that earning a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety will boost a car's street cred, and now the engineers at Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz can stand tall knowing that the Genesis and E-Class sedans have just received this prestigious honor.

Hyundai launched its flagship Genesis in 2009, but the automaker made slight changes to the roof structure for the 2010 model year, which has (obviously) greatly improved the crash ratings. Thus, the Top Safety Pick award only applies to Genesis models built after January 2010. The Benz, on the other hand, has been on sale for decades, but this is the first time that the E-Class has garnered IIHS's top rating.

Hit the jump to read the full crash test results, and be sure to scroll through the galleries below to see high-res shots of the two cars getting smashed.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Crash Test

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E Class Crash Test

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading Hyundai Genesis sedan and Mercedes-Benz E-Class named IIHS Top Safety Picks

Hyundai Genesis sedan and Mercedes-Benz E-Class named IIHS Top Safety Picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 May 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz E Class spotted getting ready for China

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:33:00 EST

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

The Chinese market has always had a penchant for stretched-wheelbase versions of luxury sedans, adding a bit of wheelbase to everything from Buicks and Volvos to BMWs and Audis. The most recent vehicle to go on the rack is the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Apparently the Benz is lagging a bit in the sales department, trailing even Audi, a company it usually bests handily.

For that reason, China Car Times is reporting that Mercedes is planning on giving the E-Class some "Chinese characteristics." Beijing-Benz is said to be readying a Chinese-built E300L, pictured here. Audi has had a lot of success in China with its recently introduced A4L and A6L, while BMW has already released a lengthened 5 Series and is said to be planning a similarly elongated 3 in the near future. Being chauffeur driven is a sign of wealth in China, so having a mini limo shows status, hence the longer-wheelbase versions of luxury sedans being so popular. But just like the A4L and stretched 5er, there's no chance that the E-Class L will make it to the States.

[Source: China Car Times]

Spy Shots: Long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz E Class spotted getting ready for China originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Coupe: Brabus E V12 now in two-door form

Drew Phillips — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:31:00 EST

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

2010 Brabus E V12 Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been several days since we left the Geneva Motor Show and we're still finding cars that we somehow missed out on the floor. We especially don't know how we managed to skip this bad boy in the Brabus booth, as it should have been nearly impossible to miss. It's called the E V12 Coupe, and it's got 800 horsepower. Enough said.

There's nothing new about Brabus stuffing a V12 into an E-Class. They've been doing it since 1996, and have been making twin-turbo models since 2003. The latest version is based off of the new E Coupe, and it's a much prettier car than the awkward looking E V12 Black Baron that we saw in Frankfurt. Fortunately it does share the same engine - a 6.3-liter twin-turbo V12 putting out 800 horsepower and 1047 lb-ft torque. Brabus quotes a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 230 mph, and judging from the performance of their previous cars we are inclined to believe them.

Besides the engine, the E V12 Coupe also comes with larger brakes, a Brabus-spec coilover suspension system, 19-inch wheels and more carbon fiber than you can shake a stick at. The front spoiler, grille, front and rear fenders, rear diffuser, intake system, interior trim and seats are all made from the lightweight material. What is all of this going to cost you? 478,000 Euros - approximately $650,000 using today's exchange rate, or more than 13 E-Class Coupes.

Gallery: 2010 Brabus E V12 Coupe

[Source: Brabus]

Continue reading Super Coupe: Brabus E V12 now in two-door form

Super Coupe: Brabus E V12 now in two-door form originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: MercedesSport individualization program

Noah Joseph — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:58:00 EST

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

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

"Sporty" is a relative term. Some might consider a base Mercedes-Benz "sporty" enough. AMG drivers would undoubtedly beg to differ. But there's a big gap between the two, one that Benz is keen to bridge. The German automaker has already done that in part with various AMG appearance packages, but now it's taking things a step further with the new MercedesSport accessory line.

Offered initially on the new E-Class - in all its iterations, including sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible - the MercedesSport package upgrades with a ground-effects aero kit, spoilers, and 18-inch alloys in glossy black or chrome. Upgraded brakes and suspension are also available, along with interior trim upgrades.

Packages are in the works as well for other models in the Mercedes range, but you can read about this one in the press release after the jump and check out the images in the gallery below ahead of the program's debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Gallery: MercedesSport E-Class

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: MercedesSport individualization program

Geneva Preview: MercedesSport individualization program originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lorinser gives the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe a new look

Noah Joseph — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:27:00 EST

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

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

Opinion accounts for a lot in this business, and many of us here at Autoblog are of the opinion that the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is one of the most striking new designs on the road today. If everyone were of the same opinion, you'd be seeing them on every road, at every street corner and in every parking lot. And in such an eventuality, some owners would likely be looking for a way to set theirs apart.

Enter veteran Benz tuner Lorinser with the solution: a comprehensive appearance package for the latest Mercedes coupe that gives it a fresh look. That look might remind you of Acura's controversial shield grille, but if that doesn't turn you off, Lorinser's also fitted a new front fascia with integrated LED daytime running lights, side skirts, lip spoilers mounted to the roof's trailing edge and the trunk lid, a new rear bumper with a diffuser and four round pipes poking out.

Known as they are for their aftermarket Mercedes wheels, Lorinser offers a variety of rims up to 20 inches in diameter at the customer's choice, mounted to a sport suspension lowered by 30 millimeters. Inside, Lorinser's fitted new pedals, instruments, floor mats and more, and an engine-tuning package is reportedly in the works. In the meantime, you're invited to view the press release after the jump and feast your eyes on the high-resolution images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe by Lorinser

[Source: Lorinser]

Continue reading Lorinser gives the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe a new look

Lorinser gives the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe a new look originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic weathers the storm with aplomb

Dan Roth — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:57:00 EST

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

2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

A November Nor'Easter had chewed its way up to New England, delivering a cataclysmic combination of rain and wind as we headed out on a late-night errand. Normally, such a prospect requires a potent blend of Italian roast and Krank20 to stay hyper alert. Instead, behind the helm of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic, the going was serene and confident. In a word: Wow.

These moments of vehicular astonishment have thinned out in the last two decades. Just look around at the automotive landscape. Even more modest conveyances are kitted out like luxury cars of yore, packing tons of tech and safety features that were once the exclusive purview of the world's well-to-do. Can anything be impressive anymore? As a matter of fact, yes. The E350, as it strafed along the pavement, solid as granite and ready for anything, made us feel like true kaisers of the strasse. Horsepower-addicted auto reviewers have complained that the 3.5-liter V6 needs more spinach. Fine. You want speed, spring for the AMG E63 and shut up. But for the above-average family man, the E350 manages to transcend its asthmatic lungs, soft-spoken tiller and supple feet to foment serious respect, if not outright desire.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sedan

Continue reading Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic weathers the storm with aplomb

Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic weathers the storm with aplomb originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible promises four-season topless motoring

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:51:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

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

We've been friendly with the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class since its introduction. As much as we liked the sedan, we enjoyed the Coupes even more so. That stated, it would figure that we're going to really dig the new 2010 E-Class Convertible. Of course, here in the D, we just get to look at the latest Benz drop top and listen to the Daimler folks make the car's case. If we did nothing but listen to them, the E-Class Convertible is literally the most exciting thing since bagels got holes.

In reality, this is a pretty sharp looking car, especially with the top down. Turns out that the best way to remedy the awkward looking chunky C-Pillar is just to remove it altogether. Replacing the CLK as MB's mass-market convertible, the new E-Class rag top has to be many things to many people. As such, Mercedes-Benz has equipped the E-Class Convertible with a couple of features that will allow the car to be driven with the top down year round.

The biggie is the new AirCap, a small 2.4-inch wind deflecting device that, in conjunction with a baffle between the rear headrests, keeps things quiet in the open cabin at speeds up to 100 mph. Sunstroke aside, not being able to talk to the person 13 inches away from you is one of the big drags of convertible ownership. If they're to be believed, Mercedes claims that AirCap solves the problem. That's a great thing, should you opt for the 382 horsepower, 391 pound-feet of torque E550 Convertible as opposed to the V6-powered 268-hp, 258 lb-ft of torque E350 Convertible.

There's also a new Airscarf, a system that blows hot air at the necks of the people seated up front. Hence, short of hail, falling snow and rain, you could conceivably drive the E-Class Convertible year round. Unless you're seated in the back seat... And even with AirCap and Airscarf, we'd be hesitant to drive the new E-Class 'Vert in Detroit in early January. Just sayin'. Like what you're seeing? Well, the new E-Class Convertible will go on sale in May of this year.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio

Detroit 2010: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible promises four-season topless motoring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inside Line revisits the glory that is the 1986 AMG Hammer

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

As we head into the second decade of this millennium, the concept of a luxury sedan with the kind of performance you might expect of an exotic supercar is not particularly novel anymore. With choices ranging from the Jaguar XFR and Audi RS6 to the Cadillac CTS-V, the options are relatively plentiful. But it was not always so. Those of us old enough to have been aware of cars in the 1980s will surely remember the car that really set the segment alight.

AMG, then very much its own company, had been creating high performance versions of Mercedes-Benz cars for road and track since 1967. It wasn't until 1986 that the firm really grabbed the world's attention with what it called the Hammer. Starting with a run-of-the-mill 300E mid-size sedan, AMG stuffed the 5.6-liter V8 from the 560SEC coupe under the hood and then provided suspension and brakes to support it.

The Hammer wasn't the first hot rod European sedan, having been preceded by Mercedes' own 300SEL 6.3 and the original BMW M5. However, the Hammer took things to a whole new level with a top speed of over 190 mph and sub five-second 0-60 acceleration. Only about 30 or so Hammers were built, including at least one wagon version, but without them, we might well have missed out on some of the magnificent machinery we get to drive today. Reminisce along with the boys at Inside Line as they take a look at one of the most amazing sedans of the last century.

[Source: Inside Line]

Inside Line revisits the glory that is the 1986 AMG Hammer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jan 2010 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Truck, Etc., BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Electric

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Our friend Mike Levine from Pickuptrucks.com joins Chris, Sam and Dan for Episode #157 of The Autoblog Podcast, bringing his vast knowledge of all that is crew-cabbed and full framed. Of course, we start off with what we're driving and dreamy talk about the Dodge Ram Power Wagon, but the real meat and potatoes news items begin with a peek at the Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio. Staying with Ms. Jellinek's namesake brand, the crew ponders the idea of an electric SLS supercar. Staying charged, we move right into Toyota's recent hybrid news - a tease of an all new hybrid that we'll see at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, and today's announcement of a PHEV Prius. Hybrid pickups come up before we move on to the BMW's Z4 sDrive35is and then questions. One hour, thirty minutes, in time for your Tuesday pick-me-up.

For more listening pleasure check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

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Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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