BRABUS is launching a new lineup of Monoblock light-alloy wheels for Mercedes-Benz and Maybach and Maybach models, and what better way to usher in the new rims than by posting a corresponding press release and photo gallery highlighting each of them?  We couldn't agree more, so that's exactly what we have for you this April morning.

In total, there's three new wheel families: the BRABUS Monoblock F, the BRABUS Monoblock G and the BRABUS Monoblock Q.  On the Monoblock F wheels, highlights include a 21-inch diameter size along with a cross-spoke design, making them ideal for Mercedes CL-, GL-, GLK-, M-, R- and S-Class models...

Keep Reading "BRABUS Introduces Monoblock F, G And Q Wheels For Mercedes-Benz And Maybach Models"

If you're in the market for the recently introduced Mercedes E63 AMG, the company has just alerted us they've launched a new web special dedicated to the model.  Borrowing from the success noted by a number of adult websites, the E63 AMG web special centers around a university theme (in this case, the E63 AMG University), with visitors having the option to view galleries, technical information and yes, take a test about the model.  Unfortunately, one feature typically found on university websites that isn't available in E63 U is a 24-hour all-access spy-cam into the dorms, but then again, watching two E63's shower together isn't really that exciting anyway...

Keep Reading "Mercedes AMG Launches New Mercedes E63 AMG Web Special"

As you may remember, about a month ago we brought you the details of a special concept vehicle known simply as the F-Cell Roadster.  Inspired by the legendary Benz patent motor car and featuring design traits of modern F1 race cars, the F-Cell's 1.2 kW hybrid drive allows the model to reach a top speed of 15 mph and achieve an operating range of 217 miles. 

Over the weekend, the F-Cell Roadster took to the road, completing a portion of the historic route once traveled by Bertha Benz – a journey that has since been recognized as the first long distance journey in an automobile.  Specifically, the F-Cell Roadster started in Manheim, where it was then driven via Ladenburg and Heidelberg before passing its symbolic finish line at the chemist's shop in Wiesloch – the location where Bertha Benz stopped to refuel in 1888...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz F-Cell Roadster Retraces The Path Of Bertha Benz"

Welcome back ladies and gentlemen; I hope you all had a fantastic weekend.  Kicking things off this morning comes a new Mercedes S-Class tuning package, courtesy of the Mercedes tuning firm MEC Design.  As is the case with any self-respecting tuning package, highlights include a new front and rear apron, side skirts and a rear spoiler, along with various lighting configurations based on your individual preferences.

Complimenting the aforementioned body styling, a new stainless steel exhaust system is present, as are your choice of 20-inch forged alloy wheels...

Keep Reading "MEC Design Unveils New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Tuning Package"

In a brilliant marketing move – one that surely only the geniuses at their marketing department could have surmised –  Mercedes today has granted a bit of backstage access into the inner workings of their design department, revealing interior photos and design sketches of their forthcoming SLS AMG Gullwing model.  According to the company, "aviation engineering" was the inspiration for the SLS interior, as evidenced by "the centre console in the style of a jet's operating console and the four striking air vents reminiscent of aircraft engines..."

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Interior Details And Design Sketches Revealed"

This year Mercedes is celebrating the one hundredth birthday of the three-pointed star and the Benz emblem, and what better way to celebrate than by offering yet another special edition of the CL 500 coupe. Titled the CL 500 "Trademark Centenary," the anniversary edition features an AMG Sports Package, a unique exterior paint finish from the designo collection, a hand-stitched designo aniline leather interior and black piano lacquer trim. Of course, no anniversary edition would be complete without a little custom badging, so inserted into the CL Trademark Centenary's center console are the two aforementioned star and Benz emblems, crafted from gilded plate brass...

Keep Reading "Debut Of The Mercedes-Benz CL 500 Trademark Centenary Anniversary Edition"

The Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG, the powerful top-of-the-line S-Class models, are now even more appealing: thanks to a series of subtle yet extremely effective fine-tuning measures, the two performance saloons are even more striking and priceless than ever before. The updated technology is aimed at ensuring a more dynamic driving experience as well as optimum active and passive safety.

Exclusivity and dynamism combined with effortless superiority and state-of-the-art technology – both of the top S-Class models from Mercedes-AMG embody all of these characteristics and more: the S 63 AMG, with its 386 kW/525 hp AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 630 Newton metres of torque, is capable of accelerating to a speed of 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The S 65 AMG, meanwhile, demonstrates even greater superiority: its AMG6.0-litre biturbo V12 engine delivers maximum power of 450 kW/612 hp and maximum torque of 1000 Newton metres, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. Both saloons are electronically limited to 250 km/h. Despite no changes having been made to the engine data and performance values, it has still been possible to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 3 percent...

Keep Reading "Official Debut Of The 2009 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG And S65 AMG Models"

If you're considering the purchase of either the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class or CL-Class, the list of options from which you must select just got a little longer.  Mercedes today has announced the availability of an AMG Sports Package for both models – an option that boasts an array sporty cosmetic enhancements.

Highlights include new AMG body styling which includes a new front and rear apron, side sill panels and stainless steel rectangular tailpipe trim; 19-inch AMG light alloy wheels; and perforated brake discs up front with silver-painted brake calipers. Inside, wood trim and the wood/leather steering wheel are fitted in black ash, while AMG-inscribed velour mats and stainless steel sport pedals complete the package...

Keep Reading "Mercedes AMG Sports Package Debuts For The 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class And CL-Class"

After the official debut of the non-AMG variants of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class took place last week, it was only a matter of time before the high performance Affalterbach-tuned models were unveiled as well.  It turns out, the wait was shorter than longer, as both the Mercedes S63 AMG and S65 AMG have been added to Mercedes-Benz Germany's "Konfigurator" feature.

As expected, styling features of the pair include a revised vented front apron, side skirts and quad exhaust pipes in the rear, while power remains consistent with that of the current models:  518 hp / 465 lb-ft torque in the 6.2-Liter V8-powered S63 AMG, and 604 hp / 738 lb-ft torque in the S65 AMG.  In Europe, pricing for the S63 AMG starts at EUR 144,823, while pricing for the S65 AMG starts at EUR 221,221...

Keep Reading "Mercedes S63 AMG And S65 AMG Make Their Debut On Mercedes-Benz Germany Website"

In March, Mercedes-Benz Cars delivered 110,400 (March 2008: 131,500) Mercedes-Benz, AMG, smart, and Maybach brand vehicles to customers worldwide (minus 16 percent). Mercedes-Benz sold 98,500 (March 2008: 119,400) passenger cars in March (minus 18 percent). Despite the continuing difficult situation on the automotive markets, and the E-Class model changeover, sales of Mercedes-Benz Cars in March were up from the previous month’s total. The division also posted an increase in incoming orders compared to the numbers for January and February of this year.

Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars: “Orders for the E-class sedan in Germany in the first quarter of this year were more than double the number posted in the same period in 2008. We had already received about 50,000 orders for the new E-Class sedan by its market launch at the end of March..."

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz Cars Worldwide Sales Decline 16 Percent In March 2009"

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has reported March sales of 15,602 vehicles, a decline of 25 percent.  The volume leaders for the month were the C, E, and GLK-Class with sales of 5,008, 1,978, and 2,598 units, respectively.  On a year-to-date basis, the company has sold 40,234 new vehicles, a decrease of 30.2 percent over the comparable period last year.

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,614 vehicles in March; a 29.4 percent increase compared to March 2008 sales of 5,110 vehicles. Year-to-date sales for the MBCPO program are 19,162, a 44.6 percent increase over 2008 year-to-date sales (13,252 vehicles) during the same timeframe.

As for how Mercedes-Benz USA's competitors fared for the month, here's a quick rundown..

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz USA's Sales Drop 25 Percent In March 2009"

The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in the new E 63 AMG develops an output of 386 kW/525 hp and a torque of 630 newton metres, matching the outstanding figures for the SL 63 AMG. The high-performance roadster has also donated its AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission to the new model. This transmission dispenses with a conventional torque converter and uses a compact, wet start-up clutch. In conjunction with the four individual driving modes, the double-declutching and RACESTART functions, the resulting direct connection to the powertrain allows an extremely emotional and highly dynamic driving experience.

The drive unit is unique in this segment, and ensures decidedly sporty performance figures: the E 63 AMG accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). The fast-revving, naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 6208 cc impresses with its agile responsiveness, muscular power delivery and great flexibility. The newly composed AMG V8 sound is a thrilling accompaniment for mile after mile, while the smooth-running engine guarantees typical Mercedes long-distance comfort. A newly designed water cooling system ensures maximum endurance even under the enormous dynamic stresses of the racetrack...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz At The New York International Auto Show:  The Mercedes E63 AMG"

BlueTEC is the keyword for the future of diesel engine technology. Thanks to the highly effective exhaust treatment system developed by Mercedes-Benz, BlueTEC vehicles fulfil the strictest global emissions standards to make them the cleanest diesels in the world. With the E 250 BlueTEC concept, which was created specifically for the North American market, Mercedes-Benz is now demonstrating how BlueTEC technology in the E-Class can be combined with a four-cylinder engine with optimised fuel consumption. When fitted to the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, the E 250 BlueTEC boasts fuel economy of 28 mpg U.S. in city traffic and 39 mpg U.S.on the motorway (U.S. FE standards). The E 250 BlueTEC concept fulfils the strictest emissions standards, including Bin 5 in the U.S., and would even meet the considerably toughened limits laid down in EU6 legislation not due for implementation until 1 September 2014...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz At The New York International Auto Show:  The Mercedes E250 BlueTEC"

In the search for the optimum hybrid system for the premium motor car, the engineers were already sure of one thing right from the concept phase: a Mercedes-Benz SUV with a hybrid drive would have to share the same typical brand attributes as any other Mercedes vehicle. Essential elements such as the greatest possible active and passive safety, optimum ride comfort and ease of operation, uncompromising reliability over a long period and high-quality workmanship with select materials would have to be on a par with a comparable, conventionally powered standard-production vehicle. And all combined with the greatest possible efficiency.

At the same time, the drive system should be testimony to the company's innovative strength and cutting-edge technology. These objectives demanded a complete development cycle – the kind of process any new model family developed from scratch would undergo. Until the Mercedes-Benz ML 450 HYBRID reached series-production maturity, the engineers and technicians clocked up a total of four million kilometres, taking in some of the world's most extreme climatic conditions to prove the system's reliability, be it in the sub-zero Arctic circle, the searing heat of arid desert regions or in the sweltering, humid temperatures of the tropics. The work was supplemented by an extensive test-rig programme and detailed simulations as part of the "Digital Prototype". An important aim during development was to optimally match the various subsystems within the powertrain. System matching enables the various drive modes to be easily used while the customer is driving...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz At The New York International Auto Show:  The Mercedes ML450 HYBRID"

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, after taking a little more than a week off, we are indeed back this fine April morning, once again bringing you the latest in Mercedes-related news and entertainment.  Unfortunately, it was an unexpected trip paired with an equally unexpected lack of Wi-Fi access that caused the abrupt article hiatus, but not to worry, as both myself and the rest of the staff are back from their spring vacations and ready to get to work. 

As is the case anytime a vacation is enjoyed, we've got plenty of work to catch up on, so rather than commenting on each of the various press releases we've missed, we're going to bring you the straight corporate content in an effort to get you caught up as quickly as possible. Once we've caught up on our backlog, however, we will once again return to the trademark wit you've all come to know and love.

But enough of my rambling – let's get to the Mercedes content, starting with the brand-new, slightly revised and somewhat awkward looking 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.  Keep scrolling for a number of photos and a lengthy press release detailing what to expect from the latest iteration of the endearing S-Class...

Keep Reading "The Updated 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Makes Its World Debut"