Autoblog

Mercedes-Benz recalling 5,800 vehicles over potential fires

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Mercedes-Benz

It turns out Ford isn't the only automaker worried about car fire recalls these days. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today issuing a recall for potential fires on various 2011 and 2012 model year Mercedes-Benz vehicles, occurring from a fault with a fuel filter flange. The problem stems from an issue in the molding process that can allow the flange to crack, leak gasoline and possibly cause a fire.

Only a small number (5,800) of vehicles are affected by the recall, but it includes a total of eight different models (C300, CL550, CL63 AMG, E350, GLK350, S400 Hybrid, S550 and S63 AMG) across five vehicle lines (C-Class, CL-Class, E-Class, GLK-Class and S-Class). To fix the potentially hazardous problem, dealers will replace the fuel filter as a part of the recall, which goes into effect next month.

For the full list of affected models, check out the official NHTSA recall notice posted after the jump.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz recalling 5,800 vehicles over potential fires

Mercedes-Benz recalling 5,800 vehicles over potential fires originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EXCLUSIVE: Next-gen S-Class to go all-hybrid in U.S., save AMG variants

Chris Paukert — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to an Autoblog source close to the project, Mercedes-Benz will go all-hybrid with its next-generation S-Class lineup in America - with the exception of enthusiast-oriented AMG models. The plutocrat cruiser is expected to roll up in 2012, and it is understood that gas-only S-Class models will be the exclusive preserve of the company's performance arm - the German automaker is not talking about offering both regular and hybrid variants of the same model, at least in the States.

Presently, Daimler only offers a single gasoline-electric variant of its W221 S-Class - the S400 hybrid (the range's price leader at $87,950), and it incorporates a 3.5-liter V6 with a mild hybrid assist system for 295 horsepower and 26 miles-per-gallon on the freeway. Other models in current S-Class lineup all have more cylinders and power, including the 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 of the S550 and the twin-turbo 5.5-liter V12 of the S600. It is not immediately clear if company engineers plan to downsize the internal-combustion side of the next S' powertrain equation as a result of the all gas-electric strategy. While we expect Mercedes will offer a range of CDI diesel models in European market, no such model is apparently planned for the States at this time.

While the Daimler board has yet to sign-off on this plan, it appears to be all but certain. Interestingly, our contact indicates that S400 sales are going swimmingly in the States - particularly among Hollywood's green-minded glitterati, a contingent that our source maintains is abandoning their Priuses at a furious rate now that the model has become "something of a pariah" due to Toyota's recent troubles.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid

EXCLUSIVE: Next-gen S-Class to go all-hybrid in U.S., save AMG variants originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz now shipping the S400 Hybrid to US dealers

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz has apparently begun shipping the new S400 BlueHybrid sedan to its US dealer network, as one of our readers spotted one and grabbed a photo of the window sticker. The S400 is Mercedes' first production hybrid vehicle and utilizes the mild hybrid system it developed in conjunction with BMW. While BMW is going whole-hog for performance with its ActiveHybrid 7 Series, Mercedes is going for more efficiency. The Stuttgart brand has opted use its 3.5-liter V6 with the hybrid system along with the first lithium ion battery used in such an application. The 120 V battery is actually nearly the same size as a traditional lead acid starter battery and takes its place in the engine compartment - meaning no trunk space is lost compared to the standard car.

The S400 Hybrid gets an EPA rating of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. That compares to 15/23 mpg for the V8 powered S550. The base price on the S400 starts at $87,950 and the car spotted by our reader had a bottom line of $93,775. You can configure your own S400 at the Mercedes USA site. Thanks to USCGTO for the tip!

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID

Mercedes-Benz now shipping the S400 Hybrid to US dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shows off cool tech

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 07:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Mercedes S Class - Click above to view the video after the jump

Mercedes has a new promotional video for the 2010 S Class that offers peeks at the model range and suite of tech coming on the latest luxury sedan: the S400 Hybrid and its energy monitoring system, S500 (the S550 in the U.S.), S600, Splitview COMAND screen, new headlamps, and LEDs everywhere. Follow the jump to watch the vid and see what Mercedes has in store.

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shows off cool tech

VIDEO: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shows off cool tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not Live, Not in NYC: Mercedes-Benz unveils 2010 S600 and S400 Hybrid

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 04:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Mercedes-Benz

With all eyes trained on the Big Apple for this week's New York Auto Show, it struck us as odd that Mercedes-Benz would release two new models on the eve of the event, neither of which will make an appearance in NYC. But here they are: the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S600 and the S400 Hybrid, the first series production gas-electric model from the automaker.

Both models benefit from a subtle exterior makeover that includes redesigned front and rear fascias, a new grille, chrome below the air intakes and bi-xenon headlamps with LED indicators, while inside, the 2010 S-Class hosts a myriad of high-tech appointments, including a 6.5-inch color display, a revised COMAND system, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and a Zagat-rating system for local restaurants. But the tech doesn't stop at helping you eat better. Many of the safety systems that debuted on the E-Class have found their way into the S, including optional Adaptive Highbeam Assist that recognizes vehicles ahead and dims the headlamps, Lane Keeping Assist (self-explanatory) a new Active Body Control (ABC) system that compensates for crosswinds and a drowsiness detection monitor that will warn drivers if they're getting too tired to pilot their two-plus-ton behemoth.

The 2010 S-Class line-up will include the 382-hp, V8-powered S550 in both rear- and all-wheel drive spec, along with the 518-hp S63 AMG, the 510-hp S600 and the range-topping, 604-hp S65 AMG. But the S400 Hybrid is M-B's newest party piece.

With a 3.5-liter V6 partnered to a seven-speed automatic gearbox, the S400 puts out 275 hp on its own, but when the electric drivetrain is summoned, the system creates another 20 hp and 118 lb-ft of torque. Efficiency is the name of the game and with a regenerative braking system and a lithium-ion battery pack mounted in the engine compartment, Mercedes claims the S400 will get an estimated 29 mpg on the combined cycle. Sales of all four models will begin in the U.S. this August. Hit the jump for the official details.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S600

Continue reading Not Live, Not in NYC: Mercedes-Benz unveils 2010 S600 and S400 Hybrid

Not Live, Not in NYC: Mercedes-Benz unveils 2010 S600 and S400 Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 04:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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