These are the best spy photos, with the new generation Mercedes SL, showing us how the new model will look like: it is clearly that it will borrow CLS’s headlights, because we can observe that they have similar form as those of the CLS Class.The new SL is programmed to be presented at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2008.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
New Mercedes SL spy photos
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Station Wagon posts 14% sales growth in First Half of 2007
The E-Class station wagon, which received an extensive upgrade in mid-2006, is enjoying tremendous popularity with Mercedes-Benz customers. Deliveries of the upper-range station wagon have increased by 14 percent to 16,700 units since the beginning of this year. Approximately 185,000 customers have opted for the E-Class station wagon since the model’s market launch in March 2003.
The primary selling points of the E-Class station wagon are its elegance, comfort, and cargo volume of up to 1,950 liters. Moreover, it offers innovative safety technologies such as PRE-SAFE® and the optional Intelligent Light System. Around three quarters of all E-Class station wagon customers drive one of the four diesel variants. The most popular engine version for the upper-range Mercedes-Benz station wagon is the E 220 CDI, which is chosen by approximately 30 percent of customers.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class station wagon has also been well received by customers since its market debut in March 2001. The brand with the star has delivered some 365,000 units of the spacious C-Class station wagon to customers all over the world. The diesel variants are extremely popular for the C-Class station wagon as well, with more than two thirds of all customers worldwide choosing this option. Approximately 40 percent of customers have opted for the C 220 CDI engine.
Ever since the premiere of the first Mercedes-Benz station wagon in 1946, a total of 1.6 million Mercedes-Benz station wagons have been sold throughout the world. A total of 550,000 units of the current C- and E-Class station wagons have been delivered to customers since their market launch. In 2007, more than half of the C- and E-Class station wagons delivered by Mercedes-Benz went to customers in Germany. The second most important market for the Mercedes-Benz station wagons is the UK, followed by Japan.
In September 2007, Mercedes-Benz will present the successor model of the current C-Class station wagon at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. At the end of the year the model will be available at car dealerships in western Europe.
Ever since the premiere of the first Mercedes-Benz station wagon in 1946, a total of 1.6 million Mercedes-Benz station wagons have been sold throughout the world. A total of 550,000 units of the current C- and E-Class station wagons have been delivered to customers since their market launch. In 2007, more than half of the C- and E-Class station wagons delivered by Mercedes-Benz went to customers in Germany. The second most important market for the Mercedes-Benz station wagons is the UK, followed by Japan.
In September 2007, Mercedes-Benz will present the successor model of the current C-Class station wagon at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. At the end of the year the model will be available at car dealerships in western Europe.
Electric Smart ForTwo on its way
Smart decided to introduce an electric version of its Smart ForTwo which will be powered by a 41 bhp electric engine capable of 70 mph and a 70 mile range. The electric car charges in 8 hours, and according to Smart engineers it consumes less than $3 worth of electricity. The speed enthusiasts have to buy another car if they want performance because the Smart will be capable to make the sprint from 0-60 mph in 19.8 seconds.
The electric Smart will get the Micro Hybrid Drive (MHD) featuring a starter generator allowing the Smart’s gas engine to turn off at a complete stop or when the speed of the vehicle is blow 5 mph. When accelerated the motor starts instantaneously according to the Smart engineers. Smart’s emissions will be lower than the Toyota Prius because the Smart achievs 103 g/km and the Prius 104 g/km.
Special edition of Mercedes E-Class targets corporate market
Mercedes-Benz is introducing an extensively equipped and competitively priced special edition of the E-Class Saloon exclusively for the corporate sector. The E-Class Executive ensures time spent on the road is relaxing, productive and above all safe and offers exceptional value at £28,515 on-the-road. 
That’s £677 less than the E220 CDI Classic on which it is based, yet its enhanced equipment specification is worth an additional £2,543 – representing a saving of £3,220 including VAT over the standard car.
What’s more, the particularly strong residual values of the E-Class and low service and maintenance figures mean that the Executive’s overall monthly costs over three years/20,000 miles per annum are less than those of both the BMW 520d SE and the Audi A6 TDI TDV SE.
Its specially tailored package has been selected, after careful consultation with corporate customers, to support a busy professional life without raising benefit-in-kind tax liability.Building on the already impressive foundations of the standard E-Class saloon, it adds telephone pre-wiring which means that with the addition of a suitable cradle, a mobile can be controlled using the ergonomic multi-function steering wheel. There’s also a six-disc CD changer with MP3 compatibility which should prove invaluable on long motorway journeys.
The exquisite, understated styling of the E-Class is set off by a choice of three metallic colours – Iridium silver, Obsidian black, or the limited edition Palladium silver – as well as a style of 16 inch seven-spoke alloy wheels unique to this car, ensuring an air of exclusivity in the office car park.
Moving inside, chrome door sills with Mercedes-Benz lettering provide an added touch of style to an interior whose finish and quality of materials is designed to cosset and create a strong sense of well-being. The effect is enhanced by seats trimmed in black Artico – the leather-like material you would be hard pushed to distinguish from the real thing – and floor mats.
Business users are also bound to appreciate the comfort enhancing driver’s lumbar support, two zone climate control and front seats electronically adjustable for height and backrest angle. The multi-function steering wheel means the driver’s focus can remain firmly on the road.
The E-Class Executive is powered by an advanced 2.2-litre four cylinder turbocharged diesel engine developing 170 hp at 3,800 rpm and a useful 400 Nm of torque at just 2000 rpm. It’s characterised by a strong blend of good performance and economy, with 62 mph coming up in 8.4 sec, a top speed of 141 mph and a combined 44.8 mpg (42.2 in optional automatic guise) fuel consumption.
Key features of the engine include balancer shafts for added refinement, improved piston and cylinder head cooling for a reduced compression ratio and improved turbocharger responsiveness at low engine speeds. It is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, while a five-speed automatic transmission with Tipfunction and Speedtronic cruise control is available as an option (£1480).
The E-Class is an eminently safe place in which to be and no other model in this segment can match its range of safety innovations. As well as dual stage front airbags and belt force limiters, there are front sidebags and windowbags and outer rear seat pre-tensioners. Neck-Pro head restraints help to reduce whiplash injuries.
PRE-SAFE®, first pioneered in the S-Class, recognises potentially dangerous situations, its ‘reflexes’ preparing occupants and the car for a potential accident as a precaution, thus gaining vital seconds. So if braking reaches a critical level, or a skid appears to be imminent based on signals from the standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), the system will automatically tension the front seatbelts and start to close the windows.
Adaptive Brakes encompass a number of safety and convenience features in addition to Brake Assist and a Hill Holder function. If you were to suddenly lift your foot from the accelerator, for example, brake line pressure is automatically increased to bring the brake pads into light contact with the discs so they are ready to bite immediately. The system also recognises wet conditions through prolonged use of wipers and automatically applies the brakes very gently at regular intervals to clear moisture from the discs.
There’s also the luxury of a Hold feature which comes into its own in slow moving queues of traffic. If you briefly press the brake pedal a little further once the car has been brought to a halt, the brakes then hold the car in place irrespective of whether you lift your foot off the pedal.And finally, severe braking will bring flashing brake lights into operation which have been demonstrated to elicit faster reactions in drivers following behind.
An agile, more satisfying driving experience is provided by the E-Class’s Direct Control package. This encompasses a number of chassis enhancements and includes a 10 per cent more direct steering ratio for instance, which means the car responds more readily while retaining the assured handling and ride stability that contributes to relaxed long distance cruising. More rigid spring link bearings in the four link front suspension more than double lateral rigidity, enhancing the E-Class’s neutral cornering characteristics. And the gearshift linkage is designed for a faster, more positive shift action.
As well as an automatic gearbox, other options include an automatically dimming rear view and driver’s mirror (£225); electrically adjustable folding and heated door mirrors (£230); heated front seats (£320); the Parktronic audible/visual front and rear parking system to avoid bumps and scrapes (£605); and 1/3:2/3 folding rear seats for greater loading flexibility (£340).
Despite its extensive features, the Executive’s P11D value of £28,300 and CO2 emissions of 167g/km (placing it in band E for a £165 road fund licence) mean a 22 per cent taxpayer is liable for £1432, and a 40 per cent taxpayer £2604, making it a very cost-effective entry into Mercedes E-Class ownership.
That’s £677 less than the E220 CDI Classic on which it is based, yet its enhanced equipment specification is worth an additional £2,543 – representing a saving of £3,220 including VAT over the standard car.
What’s more, the particularly strong residual values of the E-Class and low service and maintenance figures mean that the Executive’s overall monthly costs over three years/20,000 miles per annum are less than those of both the BMW 520d SE and the Audi A6 TDI TDV SE.
Its specially tailored package has been selected, after careful consultation with corporate customers, to support a busy professional life without raising benefit-in-kind tax liability.Building on the already impressive foundations of the standard E-Class saloon, it adds telephone pre-wiring which means that with the addition of a suitable cradle, a mobile can be controlled using the ergonomic multi-function steering wheel. There’s also a six-disc CD changer with MP3 compatibility which should prove invaluable on long motorway journeys.
The exquisite, understated styling of the E-Class is set off by a choice of three metallic colours – Iridium silver, Obsidian black, or the limited edition Palladium silver – as well as a style of 16 inch seven-spoke alloy wheels unique to this car, ensuring an air of exclusivity in the office car park.
Moving inside, chrome door sills with Mercedes-Benz lettering provide an added touch of style to an interior whose finish and quality of materials is designed to cosset and create a strong sense of well-being. The effect is enhanced by seats trimmed in black Artico – the leather-like material you would be hard pushed to distinguish from the real thing – and floor mats.
Business users are also bound to appreciate the comfort enhancing driver’s lumbar support, two zone climate control and front seats electronically adjustable for height and backrest angle. The multi-function steering wheel means the driver’s focus can remain firmly on the road.
The E-Class Executive is powered by an advanced 2.2-litre four cylinder turbocharged diesel engine developing 170 hp at 3,800 rpm and a useful 400 Nm of torque at just 2000 rpm. It’s characterised by a strong blend of good performance and economy, with 62 mph coming up in 8.4 sec, a top speed of 141 mph and a combined 44.8 mpg (42.2 in optional automatic guise) fuel consumption.
Key features of the engine include balancer shafts for added refinement, improved piston and cylinder head cooling for a reduced compression ratio and improved turbocharger responsiveness at low engine speeds. It is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, while a five-speed automatic transmission with Tipfunction and Speedtronic cruise control is available as an option (£1480).
The E-Class is an eminently safe place in which to be and no other model in this segment can match its range of safety innovations. As well as dual stage front airbags and belt force limiters, there are front sidebags and windowbags and outer rear seat pre-tensioners. Neck-Pro head restraints help to reduce whiplash injuries.
PRE-SAFE®, first pioneered in the S-Class, recognises potentially dangerous situations, its ‘reflexes’ preparing occupants and the car for a potential accident as a precaution, thus gaining vital seconds. So if braking reaches a critical level, or a skid appears to be imminent based on signals from the standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), the system will automatically tension the front seatbelts and start to close the windows.
Adaptive Brakes encompass a number of safety and convenience features in addition to Brake Assist and a Hill Holder function. If you were to suddenly lift your foot from the accelerator, for example, brake line pressure is automatically increased to bring the brake pads into light contact with the discs so they are ready to bite immediately. The system also recognises wet conditions through prolonged use of wipers and automatically applies the brakes very gently at regular intervals to clear moisture from the discs.
There’s also the luxury of a Hold feature which comes into its own in slow moving queues of traffic. If you briefly press the brake pedal a little further once the car has been brought to a halt, the brakes then hold the car in place irrespective of whether you lift your foot off the pedal.And finally, severe braking will bring flashing brake lights into operation which have been demonstrated to elicit faster reactions in drivers following behind.
An agile, more satisfying driving experience is provided by the E-Class’s Direct Control package. This encompasses a number of chassis enhancements and includes a 10 per cent more direct steering ratio for instance, which means the car responds more readily while retaining the assured handling and ride stability that contributes to relaxed long distance cruising. More rigid spring link bearings in the four link front suspension more than double lateral rigidity, enhancing the E-Class’s neutral cornering characteristics. And the gearshift linkage is designed for a faster, more positive shift action.
As well as an automatic gearbox, other options include an automatically dimming rear view and driver’s mirror (£225); electrically adjustable folding and heated door mirrors (£230); heated front seats (£320); the Parktronic audible/visual front and rear parking system to avoid bumps and scrapes (£605); and 1/3:2/3 folding rear seats for greater loading flexibility (£340).
Despite its extensive features, the Executive’s P11D value of £28,300 and CO2 emissions of 167g/km (placing it in band E for a £165 road fund licence) mean a 22 per cent taxpayer is liable for £1432, and a 40 per cent taxpayer £2604, making it a very cost-effective entry into Mercedes E-Class ownership.
Mercedes launches the new E 300 Bluetec in Europe
The inventor of BLUETEC technology is entering a new era with the new E 300 BLUETEC. On the back of positive experiences gained in the American market since the autumn of 2006, the environment-compatible BLUETEC diesel system is now also available in a passenger car model in the European market. 
Mercedes-Benz has achieved a massive reduction in emissions and compliance with the EU 5 standard whilst retaining the same favourable consumption figures. Thanks to the intelligent BLUETEC technology, this compression-ignition engine is one of the world’s cleanest and most efficient drive trains. 
Environmental compatibility, driving pleasure and comfort are among the strengths of the new E 300 BLUETEC, with which Mercedes-Benz is launching its BLUETEC initiative in Europe. Based on the proven CDI models, this E-Class boasts cutting-edge emissions management and excellent ecological, economical and dynamic characteristics. The 3.0-litre V6 engine developing 155 kW/211 hp and an imposing 540 Nm of torque burns just 7.3 litres* of diesel per 100 kilometres and its emissions levels already fulfil future Euro stipulations.
The E 300 BLUETEC accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds* and is capable of a top speed of 244 km/h*. At the same time, the BLUETEC model – like all its E-Class stable-mates – combines the suspension comfort typical of Mercedes with the proverbial “feel-good” ambience in the interior and outstanding safety standards. 
The BLUETEC technology developed by DaimlerChrysler does an excellent job of reducing diesel vehicle emissions, in particular nitrogen oxides. To this end, the engineers at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre pursue various strategies. For example, in an initial step the formation of nitrogen oxides in the E 300 BLUETEC has been reduced through optimisation measures inside the engine.
Mercedes takes R-Class down a notch
After selling only 18,168 samples of their R-Class in 2007, even after dropping the base price by $5,000, Mercedes will try taking the uber-wagon downmarket in 2008.
For starters, the cheapest R-Class you can get next year will be the 268hp R350, which has a V6 and does without all wheel drive to come in under $43,000. Originally, the cheapest R350 started at around $48,000. Other R models will retain standard AWD.
In the past, spotting a 500 HP AMG R63 has been difficult, probably due to its $80,000 price tag. Spotting one now will be even harder. All 2008 R-Class models will get the body cladding of the 2007 AMG (pictured above) and 18" wheels, but not the performance mods. No AMG R-Class will be offered in 2008.
The most expensive R next year will be the 221hp R320 CDI at just over $46,000.
Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz CLC Sportcoupe
A prototype of Mercedes’ upcoming CLC Sportcoupe has been spotted while filling up at a fuel station and with some surprisingly revealing camo-gear. The image, which turned up on the GermanCarZone forum, clearly shows the car’s new shape, including the new front-end, which appears almost identical to the C-class sedan.
Though the car won’t be arriving in showrooms until a month after its Geneva debut, its mechanicals will be based on the previous C-class model in an effort to keep costs low, according to earlier reports. There’s word also that it may be produced in Brazil rather than Germany and be sold in a limited number of markets. Click here to see our rendered preview of the car and for more details.
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