The readers of the Diners Club Magazine have elected the Mercedes E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY as the "Car of the year with the best power-to-economy ratio". Thanks to its state-of-the-art diesel technology, the 150-kW/204-hp engine burns just 5.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres on the combined NEDC cycle. This equates to 139 grams of CO2 per kilometre...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz E-Class Awarded Best Power-To-Economy Ratio By Diners Club Magazine"

Mercedes-Benz will enter the Formula 1 World Championship with its own team, beginning with the 2010 season, and Daimler AG and McLaren Group will change their form of cooperation with effect as of 13 November 2009. This was announced by Daimler AG today.

Daimler AG together with Aabar Investments PJSC will take over 75.1 per cent of the Brawn GP team, with Daimler taking 45.1 per cent and Aabar 30 per cent. The rest of the 24.9 per cent will remain with the current stakeholders. With 9.1 per cent, Aabar is the biggest single shareholder of Daimler AG. This transaction is subject to the approval of the EU and the Swiss cartel authorities...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz And McLaren To Part Ways In Formula 1 World Championship"

At EuroCarBody, the world's largest car body benchmarking conference, a jury made up of about 400 conference delegates and board members voted the E-Class as the car with the best bodyshell. A total of nine new series-production bodies were presented in detail and scrutinised at the EuroCarBody event held in Bad Nauheim, Germany at the end of October. The candidates included the Jaguar XJ, Audi R8 spyder and BMW 5 Series GT...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wins EuroCarBody Award 2009"

In October, global sales were up at Mercedes-Benz for the first time this year. Mercedes-Benz was able to increase sales significantly in October by seven percent to 88,400 units (October 2008: 82,500. The smart brand sold 9,300 (October 2008: 11,300) units (minus 18 percent). With the delivery of 97,700 passenger cars (October 2008: 93,800), total sales at Mercedes-Benz Cars increased by four percent. The October sales increase was due to the E-Class and the new generation of the S-Class as well as to high growth rates in many regions such as North America and Asia/Pacific. Sales of Mercedes-Benz vehicles were also above last year’s level in Western Europe...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz Cars Worldwide Sales Increase 4.1 Percent In October 2009"

The motor sports derived technology to be found everywhere in the powertrain of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is also evident in the suspension and braking system. The aluminium suspension with double-wishbone axles is designed for uncompromising lightweight construction and outstanding handling dynamics. On request the AMG high-performance braking system is also available in a newly developed, highly stress-resistant ceramic version, with composite brake discs all-round...

Keep Reading "2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing In-Depth:  Chassis And Braking System"

Eight cylinders and a displacement of 6.3 litres in a front-mid-engine arrangement, a high-revving concept, dry sump lubrication and a performance-oriented intake and exhaust system: opening the almost two-metre long bonnet of the SLS AMG affords a view of an outstanding high-performance engine spefically developed by AMG for the new Gullwing model. With a peak output of 420 kW/571 hp at 6800 rpm and 650 newton metres of torque at 4750 rpm, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 unit sets new standards and is also the world's most powerful naturally aspirated series production engine. The SLS accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited). The DIN kerb weight of 1620 kilograms produces an extremely favourable power-to-weight ratio of only 2.84 kilograms per hp...

Keep Reading "2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing In-Depth:  Engine And Power Transfer"

The distinctive styling of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG enthrals with its passionate sportiness and reinterprets the breathtaking lines of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL – one of the outstanding design icons of the Mercedes-Benz brand. With its purist design the new SLS AMG reflects the philosophy of contemporary sports car engineering: the bonnet which measures just under two metres, the low greenhouse positioned well to the rear and the short rear end with an extendable aerofoil are just as powerful a reminder of the superlative dynamism as the long wheelbase, the wide track and the large wheels. The short overhangs feed through into the proportions, just as does the design of the super sports car with its low-slung front-mid-engine set well back and dual-clutch transmission in transaxle configuration. An undoubted styling highlight comes courtesy of the gullwing doors, which lend the SLS AMG its incomparable charisma – making a unique statement in this vehicle segment...

Keep Reading "2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing In-Depth:  Design"

Automotive fascination and high-tech at the highest level: the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which is due to be launched in spring 2010. This Gullwing model captivates with a purist design, intelligent lightweight construction and superior handling dynamics, and is bound to cause a sensation in the super sports car segment. The new SLS AMG is nothing short of a masterpiece by Mercedes-AMG GmbH. As the first independently developed vehicle, the super sports car is the highlight in the company's more than 40-year history. It not only takes AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, into a new era, but also demonstrates development expertise of the very highest order...

Keep Reading "2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing In-Depth:  General Overview"

If you plan on visiting the Mercedes-Benz Museum this winter, two special exhibitions will be on hand, depending on when you go.  The first takes place from November 2009 through March 2010, and is entitled "A Journey of Innovations." A total of nine vehicles will be featured in this exhibit, including the Benz Patent Motor Car of 1886, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL of 1955, the E 250 CDI of 2009 and the S 400 HYBRID, all of which highlight how the concept of mobility has been redefined over the course of time...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz Museum To Present Two Special Winter Exhibitions"

After returning to profitability in the third quarter of 2009, Daimler AG (stock-exchange abbreviation DAI) anticipates positive EBIT from its ongoing business also in the fourth quarter. However, general economic developments and their effects on dealerships and suppliers could lead to an impact on fourth-quarter earnings.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management (CEO) of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “In recent months, we have increasingly mastered the crisis. Daimler has been able to maintain its financial flexibility and has intensified the actions taken to enhance efficiency, while pushing forward with the development of new products and markets. We are now very well positioned and can look with confidence to the coming year, which will remain challenging due to the still-difficult situation of automobile markets worldwide...”

Keep Reading "Daimler Returns To Profitability In Third Quarter 2009 And Anticipates Positive Earnings Through End Of 2009"

For those seeking a little more output from the C63 AMG, Mercedes has announced the availability of a new Performance Package Plus which aims to make the model even more appealing.  Available ex factory, power in the C63 AMG is increased 22 kW/30 hp to 358 kW/487 hp, enough to help the model accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.4 seconds and 0-124 mph in 13.9 seconds (standard C63 AMG:  0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds and 0-124 mph in 15.2 seconds).  Top speed remains at 155 mph, electronically limited...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz Unveils Performance Package Plus For C63 AMG"

I don't know about you, but nothing gets me hotter on a Monday morning than reading some juicy third-quarter cash flow figures.  Daimler's are in, and according to the company, cash flow and earnings are both better than expected.  In total, Group revenue amounted to €19.3 billion, while Group EBIT amounted to €470 million.  Furthermore, the industrial business generated a free cash flow of €2.3 billion in the first nine months of this year (Q3 2009: €2.0 billion).

Individually, Daimler's various divisions noted EBIT as follows...

Keep Reading "Daimler AG's Third-Quarter Cash Flow Better Than Expected"

Finally, after numerous spy photos showcasing the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class testing with a wealth of false paneling, new shots have emerged giving us the first glimpses of the 2011 CLS' actual styling traits.  In many ways, the overall shape of the four door coupe remains similar, with the most notable similarity being the same sloping roof line...

Keep Reading "2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Spied Testing With Less Camoflauge"

Mercedes-Benz’ fully Internet-based infotainment system, myCOMAND, has now passed its first on-road test. During the Nokia Siemens Networks Solutions Forum 2009 in Munich, myCOMAND was run for the first time on a 4G wireless high-speed LTE (Long Term Evolution) network. Driving the S-Class prototype on normal roads produced a shining outcome: all myCOMAND features prove smooth and enhanced performance, with high resolution and improved quality. The roll-out of wireless technologies such as LTE, is a necessary prerequisite for myCOMAND connectivity. This first trial is an important milestone on the way to product realization of myCOMAND features and applications...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz Tests myCOMAND With 4G Wireless High-Speed Internet"

Daimler AG today announced that it selected the smart plant in Hambach, France, as the location for future series production of the smart fortwo electric drive. As of 2012, the highly innovative electric vehicle, equipped with the most modern lithium-ion-battery, will roll off the assembly line in large-scale production and will be offered to customers through the smart sales network. The announcement was made on the occasion of an official visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the Hambach plant.....

Keep Reading "Smart ForTwo Electric Drive To Enter Series Production In 2012"

In September, Mercedes-Benz Cars sold 114,300 (September 2008: 122,200) Mercedes-Benz, AMG, smart, and Maybach brand vehicles worldwide (minus seven percent). Mercedes-Benz delivered 104,900 (September 2008: 110,700) passenger vehicles to customers (minus five percent). The smart brand sold 9,400 (September 2008: 11,500) units (minus 18 percent). With these results in September, Mercedes-Benz Cars recorded the highest sales total in any month this year. Contributing to this development were the new E-Class and the new generation S-Class, but also strong growth rates in the Asia/Pacific region, particularly in China, and a stabilization of sales in Western Europe and the United States...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz Cars Worldwide Sales Drop 6.5 Percent In September 2009"

Up until now, the  only spy photos of the forthcoming 2011 Mercedes CLS-Class have been of the non-AMG variant – that is, until today.  That's because the gentlemen over at SpeedLux.com have managed to capture the next-generation CLS63 AMG in action, providing those of you eager for the next high horsepowered four door coupe the first glimpses of what to expect from the model...

Keep Reading "2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Spy Photos Emerge"

The Stuttgart-based automobile manufacturer Daimler AG has won four first places in the Europe-wide survey to decide the 2009 Internet Auto Awards. The Mercedes-Benz B-Class was voted Europe's most popular van, for which it received the "Carolina" Trophy. The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG took first place in the online vote for the most popular new product at this year's Frankfurt International Motor Show. The editors of AutoScout24 declared "e-mobility Berlin" with the smart electric drive to be the best environmental initiative – the first large-scale project for urban electro-mobility. The best innovation was the SPLITVIEW technology that now enables the driver and front passenger to see different displays on one and the same screen at the same time...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz Takes Home Four First Places In Internet Auto Award 2009"

U.S. sales figures for the month of September are in, and Mercedes-Benz USA is reporting that for the month, sales hit their second highest level of the year with 16,985 units sold – a decrease of 9.6 percent when compared to September 2008.  As a result, sales at Mercedes-Benz USA now total 135,413 new units through the first nine months of the year, a 23.6 percent drop when compared to the year prior...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz USA September 2009 Sales Drop 9.6 Percent"

While we're on the topic of the Mercedes SLS AMG, new spy photos have emerged today highlighting the not-yet-released cabriolet version of the model testing on the world famous Nürburgring.  It's still tough to tell whether or not the SLS cabrio will feature a retractable hard top (as opposed to a soft top), but one thing that is clear is the fact the Gullwing doors are no more (a fact visible from prior spy photos as well)...

Keep Reading "2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Cabrio Spied Testing On The Nürburgring"

Gran Turismo 5 is unquestionably one of the most anticipated games for the Sony Playstation 3, and when the title makes its debut next spring, one of the vehicles featured will be the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing.  To help highlight the game and the SLS's debut in it, Mercedes has published some photos and a video showcasing what gamers can expect from both...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing Featured In Sony PS3 Gran Turismo 5"

The near-series Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS electric car combines environment-friendly electric mobility in the city with unrestricted suitability for long-distance driving. This is made possible by the combination of the battery-electric drive with a combustion engine. The range extender gives the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS a total range of up to 600 kilometres, with 100 kilometres thereof solely under electric power and thus free of local emissions...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz At The 2009 IAA:  The Mercedes BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS"

Mercedes-Benz is launching its first series-produced fuel cell car on the road: the new B‑Class F-CELL. The environmentally friendly electric car has better a performance similar to than a 2,0-litre petrol car and is fully suited for everyday driving. The zero-emission drive system consumes the equivalent of 3.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle). Production of the B‑Class F-CELL will commence in late 2009 with a small lot. The first of around 200 vehicles will be delivered to customers in Europe and the USA at the beginning of next year...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz At The 2009 IAA:  The Mercedes B-Class F-CELL"

While one car boasts outstanding driving performance and high fuel efficiency, the other offers high fuel efficiency and good handling. What is the difference between the two? The sporty handling dynamics set the tone in the all-wheel drive GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: The modern, four-cylinder diesel with 150 kW (204 hp) and an impressive 500 Nm of torque guarantees top acceleration and flexibility. In fact, this model has the most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine in the SUV world. The rear-wheel drive GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with the familiar 125 kW (170 hp) diesel engine, on the other hand, impresses with even better fuel economy (consumption as low as 6.0 l/100 km) while at the same time delivering great performance...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz At The 2009 IAA:  The Mercedes GLK220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY And The GLK250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC"

Shortly after the successful market launch of the S 400 HYBRID, currently the most fuel-efficient luxury-segment saloon with a petrol engine, Mercedes-Benz will be presenting the first “three-litre car” in the premium class - the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID - at the 63rd IAA in Frankfurt. The technology vehicle will display the future of Mercedes-Benz’ modular set of hybrid systems. The Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID can drive for up to 30 kilometres solely on electricity and therefore without producing any local emissions. The efficient drive system combined with the CO2 bonus for the battery-electric driving mode enables the vehicle to achieve a certified consumption of only 3.2 litres of petrol per 100 kilometers. With CO2 emissions of only 74 grams per kilometre in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle), the experimental vehicle developed in Sindelfingen demonstrates the long-term viability of future S‑Class generations...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz At The 2009 IAA:  The Mercedes Vision S500 Plug-In HYBRID"

Pole Position for the new E 63 AMG estate: The performance estate car with an AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine delivers 386 kW/525 hp, accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and offers a load capacity of 1,950 litres - and that with a relatively low fuel consumption of 12.8 litres per 100 km (combined, preliminary figures). With these dream figures, the new E 63 AMG estate is an extraordinary combination of dynamic performance, great utility and high efficiency...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz At The 2009 IAA:  The Mercedes E63 AMG Estate"

From November 2009, Mercedes-Benz will be expanding its family of E‑Class vehicles by adding another highly distinctive model: the new estate. Just like the saloon and coupe, the new estate combines unique design with leadership in safety, comfort, quality and practicality. The new E‑Class marks the debut of a number of technical innovations which no other car in the world in this category is able to offer - from drowsiness detection to automatic emergency braking when an accident is recognised as being imminent, and from Adaptive Highbeam Assist to the Active Bonnet. Naturally the new estate also features all these innovations. In addition, it also features air suspension with self-levelling at the rear as standard as well as unique innovations with regard to load compartment management features...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz At The 2009 IAA:  The Mercedes E-Class Estate"

The 63rd International Motor Show kicked off in Frankfurt, Germany today, and with it comes the debut of several new Mercedes models including the Mercedes SLS AMG, the Vision S500 Plug-in HYBRID, the E-Class Estate, the GLK220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and GLK250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC.  Due to the large amount of press content and photos, we're going to publish straight press releases to get you caught up on the new model information as quickly as possible.  Regular posting will commence, however, immediately following our 2009 IAA coverage...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz At The 2009 IAA:  The Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing"

Just when you thought BRABUS had reached the limit of how much power they could squeeze into a Mercedes, the company has unveiled the latest in a long line of exceptionally high powered models.  BRABUS' newest endeavor is entitled the E V12, and as  you've probably surmised, it's based on the 2010 Mercedes E-Class, with one key difference:  it's packing an 800 horsepower V12.  That's right, ladies and gentlemen, BRABUS has packed shoehorned their newly developed BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 800 twelve-cylinder powerplant into the 2010 E-Class – one that boasts 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW and1,420 Nm of torque – and one that subsequently propels the model from 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds before helping it reach a final top speed of more than 230 mph...

Keep Reading "The BRABUS E V12 "One Of Ten":  Based On The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class"

New spy photos have emerged showcasing the next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class undergoing a bit of fair weather testing.  Unfortunately, the four door coupe is heavily masked with plenty of false panelling, so distinguishing its various design elements is still an impossible task.  Parts of the front grille, headlights and tail lights, are however, a little more clear than they've been in the past, revealing a few subtle hints about what lies in store for the model...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Spy Photos Emerge"

Shortly after the successful market launch of the S 400 HYBRID, currently the most fuel-efficient luxury-segment saloon with a petrol engine, Mercedes-Benz will be presenting the first “three-litre car” in the premium class - the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID - at the 63rd IAA in Frankfurt. The technology vehicle will display the future of Mercedes-Benz’ modular set of hybrid systems. The Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID can drive for up to 30 kilometres solely on electricity and therefore without producing any local emissions. The efficient drive system combined with the CO2 bonus for the battery-electric driving mode enables the vehicle to achieve a certified consumption of only 3.2 litres of petrol per 100 kilometers. With CO2 emissions of only 74 grams per kilometre in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle), the experimental vehicle developed in Sindelfingen demonstrates the long-term viability of future S‑Class generations...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz Vision S500 Plug-In Hybrid Concept Vehicle To Debut At IAA In Frankfurt"

While one car boasts outstanding driving performance and high fuel efficiency, the other offers high fuel efficiency and good handling. What is the difference between the two? The sporty handling dynamics set the tone in the all-wheel drive GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: The modern, four-cylinder diesel with 150 kW (204 hp) and an impressive 500 Nm of torque guarantees top acceleration and flexibility. In fact, this model has the most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine in the SUV world. The rear-wheel drive GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with the familiar 125 kW (170 hp) diesel engine, on the other hand, impresses with even better fuel economy (consumption as low as 6.0 l/100 km) while at the same time delivering great performance...

Keep Reading "Mercedes Adds New GLK220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY And GLK250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY Models"

If the small sampling of photos we brought you yesterday highlighting the forthcoming Mercedes SLS AMG wasn't enough to satisfy your desire to see the new Gullwing, today we can do you one better.  Mercedes AMG has launched a webspecial for the model displaying the SLS AMG in all its unmasked glory, in vastly higher quality than the small pictures we brought you yesterday.

I won't detail again the Mercedes SLS AMG's various features, as you should already be familiar with them from our prior articles on the topic. I will, however, bring you the high resolution photos from the site, giving you a quick snapshot of what the webspecial offers...

Keep Reading "Mercedes AMG Launches Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing Webspecial With High Resolution Photo Gallery"

Although you've never seen it without its masking, the Mercedes SLS AMG is a model we've come to grow intimately familiar with over the past year.  First there were spy photos (and then, more and more spy photos).  Then came various press releases detailing the Gullwing – some talking about its general attributes, some showing its interior and design sketches, while another detailed Mercedes' plan to introduce an electric "eDrive" version of the SLS AMG. But the one thing that we haven't seen is what exactly the SLS AMG looks like without any body masking...

Keep Reading "2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing Photos Hit The Web"

Continuing their tradition of developing the most powerful Mercedes models in existence, BRABUS has just unveiled the latest member of their high powered luxury sedan family.  It's titled the BRABUS SV12 R, and it's based on the recently face lifted Mercedes-Benz S600.  So how powerful is it?  In total, the BRABUS SV12 R boasts a staggering 750 hp (740 bhp) / 552 kW at 5,500 rpm, while peak torque comes in at 1,350 Nm at 2,100 (electronically limited to 1,100 Nm).  All of this is made possible through a displacement increase from 5.5 to 6.3 liters, four new camshafts, larger turbochargers and a more efficient intercooling system (among other things), with the end result being a 0-62 mph time of 4 seconds flat along with an electronically limited top speed of 211 mph.  Yes ladies and gentlemen, you heard that right:  an electronically limited top speed of 211 mph...

Keep Reading "The BRABUS SV12 R Mercedes-Benz S600: The World's Fastest Luxury Sedan"

Daimler AG is reporting today that worldwide sales at its Mercedes-Benz Cars division dropped 13.2 percent in August 2009 to 73,200 new units – this compared to 84,400 new units in August 2008.  As a result, sales of the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart brands now total 711,300 new units through the first eight months of the year, a decrease of 17.1 percent.

Individually, sales at Mercedes-Benz were slightly better than that of the group for the month of August, with the luxury brand noting sales of 66,200 new units – a decrease of 12.0 percent.  At smart, the picture was somewhat more bleak, with sales of the compact fortwo dropping 23.8 percent to 7,000 new units. Through the first eight months of the year, sales at Mercedes-Benz are off 17.5 percent with 632,700 units sold, while smart sales are off 13.2 percent with 78,600 units sold...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz Cars Worldwide Sales Drop 13.2 Percent In August 2009"

Mercedes-Benz USA is reporting that for the month of August 2009, sales were off 7.5 percent with 17,112 units sold – MBUSA's best performance so far this year.  As a result, sales at Mercedes-Benz USA now total 158,519 new units through the first eight months of the year, down 25.3 percent compared to 2008's eight month YTD total...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz USA Notes Sales Decrease Of 7.5 Percent In August 2009"

Mercedes-Benz today has again detailed one member of their modularly constructed electric car family– the Mercedes BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS.  Based on the BlueZERO E-CELL (one of the models unveiled late last year that's driven only by a battery-powered electric drive), the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS features the same battery powered electric motor but adds a compact 50kW three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.  As a result, the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS boasts an operating range of up to 600 km, whereas the BlueZERO E-CELL notes an operating range of 200 km...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS Second Look"

The evidence is now clear: drivers of Mercedes vehicles are safer on the road than drivers of other car brands. This is the result of a study of Mercedes accident research based on official, anonymous data samples from the Federal Office of Statistics. Having looked at 18,748 accidents resulting in personal injury during the period from 2003 to 2007, the study found that the risk of being seriously or fatally injured as the driver of a E‑Class, is 10.4 percent lower than for comparable vehicles of other brands...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz E-Class Drivers Benefit From Higher Level Of Road Safety"

Mercedes-Benz is launching its first series-produced fuel cell car on the road: the new B‑Class F-CELL. The environmentally friendly electric car has better a performance similar to than a 2,0-litre petrol car and is fully suited for everyday driving. The zero-emission drive system consumes the equivalent of 3.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle). Production of the B‑Class F-CELL will commence in late 2009 with a small lot. The first of around 200 vehicles will be delivered to customers in Europe and the USA at the beginning of next year...

Keep Reading "New Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell Gets Ready For Series Production"

If you're in the market for a new smart fortwo, the Daimler has announced today that coming this fall is a special edition of the compact model called the smart fortwo edition highstyle.  The model boasts exclusive chocolate brown metallic paintwork along with 12-spoke 15" alloy wheels, while inside, metallic leather seats mixed with different colored fabrics and brown stitching are present.  Other highlights include a kneepad and instrument panel with leather look, a leather covered 3-spoke sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift, and various trim elements in a matte silver color...

Keep Reading ''Smart ForTwo Edition Highstyle Coming This Fall"

While its true Mercedes' partnership with McLaren in regards to producing the SLR has ended, that hasn't stopped FAB DESIGN from taking aim at tuning the model. FAB has finally released details of a model that made its debut in Geneva – one that they're calling the SLR "Desire."

From a design standpoint, it's clear FAB's SLR is anything but an ordinary SLR McLaren. A vastly different front and rear apron are present, as are additional widened body panels in both the front and back. New side skirts have also been added, while a rear spoiler completes the exterior enhancements...

Keep Reading "A Look At The FAB DESIGN Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 'Desire'"

Last week we brought you spy photos of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Convertible, and today we've got another slightly more revealing look at the model. The retractable roof is still heavily masked, leaving us to speculate about both its exact contours and construction, but up front we now have a much clearer view of the front apron.  The rear is also still heavily masked; however, with a little imagination you can probably surmise fairly well what the back is going to look like...

Keep Reading "More Spy Photos Of The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Convertible"

It's been extremely slow the past week for any new Mercedes news, but today we've finally managed to find a story worth posting thanks to our friends at Autoblog.nl.  They managed to grab some spy photos of the forthcoming 2010 Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet, and as you can see, the model is nearly unmasked...

Keep Reading "2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Spy Photos Emerge"

Over the past several months, Mercedes has done little to hide the fact they're developing a new 571 horsepower model known as the SLS AMG – a model developed entirely in-house by AMG that's based heavily on the legendary 300SL.  Up until now, it's a model that's been distinguished by its Gullwing-style doors, but today, spy photos have emerged hilighting the fact that like the original 300SL, the SLS too will be available as a convertible...

Keep Reading "2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Convertible Spy Photos Emerge"

Daimler is reporting today that worldwide sales at its Mercedes-Benz Cars division were down 10.7 in the month of July, with new sales totaling 93,900 units (July 2008: 105,100 units).  As a result of this figure, sales of the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart brands are now down 17.5 percent through the first seven months of the year with 638,100 units sold.

Individually, Mercedes-Benz posted a 10 percent dip in sales, with the luxury division noting sales of 83,500 units (July 2008:  92,700 units).  To date, sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger are down 18.1 percent, with 566,600 units sold...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz Cars Worldwide Sales Drop 10.7 Percent In July 2009"

In Mercedes tuning news, MEC Design has just unveiled a new bodykit for the W216 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Entitled the 2FACE Bodykit, the CL styling package features a new front apron with driving and fog lights, side skirts with or without LED lighting, a new vented rear apron, and last but not least, a three-piece rear spoiler...

Keep Reading "MEC Design Unveils 2FACE Bodykit For The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class"

Mercedes today has officially taken the wraps off the 2010 E-Class Estate, a highly functional variant of the E-Class that will launch this November.  As you'd expect, the model's styling closely resembles that of the sedan version save for the vastly more grocery friendly rear end, with designers choosing to emphasize horizontal lines (note the band formed by the tail lights and chromed tailgate, for example), all of which serves to emphasize the supreme functionality of the estate...

Keep Reading "2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate Makes Its Official Debut"

Mercedes-Benz USA is reporting that for the month of July 2009, sales totaled 16,228 new vehicles – a drop of 21.7 percent when compared to July 2008.  As a result, sales at MBUSA now total 101,316 new vehicles through the first seven months of the year, down 27.6 percent compared to the year prior.

As for the models making headlines, the 2010 Mercedes E-Class took the volume lead in its first month on the market, with the sedan's sales totaling 5,556 units.  The C-Class and GLK-Class also noted high volume sales, selling 4,450 units and 1,809 units, respectively...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz USA Sales Drop 21.7 Percent In July 2009"