Autoblog

Mercedes-Benz introduces new heavy security M-Class Guard model

Zach Bowman — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 08:44:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new addition to the company's line of personal security vehicles. The M-Class Guard features bullet-proof side windows made with special laminated glazing and a polycarbonate inner layer to protect occupants from shards of glass. Mercedes says the M-Class Guard meets protection level VR4 according to the Bullet Resistant Vehicles 2009 standards, based on testing from the independent Ulm-based Ballistics Bureau, which means it can withstand .357 Magnum and .44 fire from multiple angles. It can also stand up to the DM51 hand grenade when equipped with optional floor armoring. Why skimp?

Buyers looking for protection from the world's literal slings and arrows can opt for the ML350 BlueTEC with its 258 horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine. With 457 pound-feet of torque, the oil-burner should have no trouble hustling the privileged class about. Of course, the ML500 offers a bit more punch courtesy of a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 with 408 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. Prices start at 105,050 euros for the diesel and 118,650 euros for the V8. You can check out the full press release below for more information.

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Mercedes-Benz introduces new heavy security M-Class Guard model originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes announces $2B investment into Tuscaloosa plant

Zach Bowman — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has just announced that the German automaker will invest more than $2 billion into its Tuscaloosa, Alabama manufacturing facility. The cash is slated to go toward production of current the current M-Class, though funds will also go toward producing the next-generation GL-Class and C-Class at the factory. The funds will also be used to expand the overall capacity of the plant. The announcement came at a Job 1 celebration to mark the creation of the first production 2012 M-Class. Dieter Zetsche, head of Mercedes-Benz cars, said that the Tuscaloosa plant continues to serve as the blueprint for the automaker's facilities outside of Germany.

Mercedes-Benz also took the opportunity to announce that the company would donate an additional $100,000 to Alabama tornado relief and recovery efforts. The latest donation brings the company's total contribution up to $1.1 million. The Tuscaloosa community was struck by an EF4 tornado last April that took the lives of 32 people. Click past the jump for Benz's official press release.

Continue reading Mercedes announces $2B investment into Tuscaloosa plant

Mercedes announces $2B investment into Tuscaloosa plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz planning slew of debuts for New York

Noah Joseph — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Word is that Mercedes-Benz is planning a whole mess of debuts for the upcoming New York Auto Show. Among them, according to reports, are three worldwide first we've yet to see, along with three North American debuts.

The models being unveiled for the first time on this side of the Atlantic includes the new SLK, C-Class sedan and C-Class Coupe. As for the world debuts, sources suggest we'll be seeing two new variants from the AMG division and one all-new concept car. Now we already know the above-pictured C63 AMG Coupe will be among them, but rumor has it that the SLS AMG Roadster will be unveiled at the show as well.

As for that mystery concept, speculation is that it could be the new B-Class or a preview of the next M-Class crossover. We'll have to wait to find out for sure, but with less than a month to go before the doors open at the Javits Center, we won't have to wait long.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe

[Source: CarScoop]

Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz planning slew of debuts for New York originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 09:28:00 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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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz ML AMG snapped with less disguise

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, SUV, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz ML AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz is in the process of updating the AMG side of the family, including the replacement of its 6.2-liter engines with the more efficient 5.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V8. One of the models set to receive the new mill is the 2012 M-Class, and photogs posted outside the Nürburgring have caught the revised SUV getting ready to push its prodigious weight around the circuit.

The current generation ML63 AMG churns out 503 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, but with the twin-turbo 5.5-liter mill bolted in, the reworked high-po ML could see at least 544 hp and close to 600 lb-ft of twist. In addition to the upgraded engine, the camo-clad mule also benefits from a more aggressive lower-front fascia, a new character line running across the side and an assortment of other revised body mods, all of which should make their way to the new model when it goes on sale early next year.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz ML AMG

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz ML AMG snapped with less disguise originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG gets updated exterior, little else

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Mercedes-Benz

2011 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

With all of the hype surrounding the BMW's M-badged X5 and X6, as well as the renewed Porsche Cayenne range, it's easy to forget that Mercedes-Benz has its own super-fast sport-ute, the ML63 AMG. As its name suggests, this top-rung ML is fitted with the same 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 that we've come to love in the rest of the automaker's AMG lineup, good for 503 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque in this application.

We expect to see an all-new AMG M-Class in the next couple of years, but for now, Mercedes-Benz has updated the ML63 with very subtle exterior tweaks, including darkened headlamps and taillamps, a refreshed hood and tweaked front and rear underguards (in chrome, of course). From there, not much else changes - the seven-speed AMG Speedshift transmission is still in place, routing all of that forward thrust to all four wheels, measuring 20 inches in diameter (21s can be had as an option).

In the ML AMG's next generation, expect to see the automaker's brand new twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 under the hood, good for around 544 horsepower and a pavement-churning 590 pound-feet of torque. High-powered SUVs and crossovers aren't the most practical of automotive choices these days, but we're happy to still see them moving forward. After all, sometimes you just need to get the kids to soccer practice in extremely short order.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG gets updated exterior, little else

Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG gets updated exterior, little else originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carlsson puts some more class in the M-Class

Drew Phillips — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUV, Europe, Mercedes-Benz

click image to enlarge

Carlsson has applied its tuning magic to the new M-Class with a host of power, visual, and interior upgrades. Starting with the engine, Carlsson's performance kit for the 320 CDI engine boosts horsepower to 269 and torque to 452 lb-ft, and a new exhaust system with quad tailpipes is also available. The suspension can be upgraded with Carlsson's C-Tronic system that lowers the vehicle 40mm, and 22" 11-spoke wheels help fill the wheel wells even more. A subtle front spoiler and a diffuser-look rear skirt are the only exterior modifications. Interior appointments include alcantara and leather seats, a sport steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and illuminated door exit lights. Once again, Carlsson proves that sometimes it doesn't take much to make a better Benz.

[Source: Carlsson]

Continue reading Carlsson puts some more class in the M-Class

Carlsson puts some more class in the M-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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