To those of you still deliberating as to whether or not the new Mercedes lives up to its billing as the world's preeminent luxury sedan, the financial mavens of Bloomberg recently decided to weigh in on the topic, providing an analysis of the model based heavily on how it performed while operating in a city environment.

As for how it fared, as usual, the bulk of the review was designated to primarily positive sentiments.  Praise was given for the S550's "sturdy and sure" ride characteristics; its "phenomenal" suspension "no matter where you sit"; and the fact that when pushed, "its 4,688 pounds suddenly go very, very light".  Negative marks were given for its "stodgy looks" and "ill-conceived center console", although I find the S550's styling to be a significant improvement over its a predecessor - despite the fact I still find the former model exceptionally attractive...

Keep Reading "Bloomberg Weighs In On The 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550"

It seems like just yesterday we told you that former Nissan/Infiniti exec Mark McNabb was shedding his kimono to take the role as Mercedes-Benz USA's vice-president of marketing.  Now, less than a year later, McNabb's made headlines once again, taking the position as MBUSA's vice president of sales after former vp of sales Keith May left the company to "pursue other interests".

In his new role, McNabb will have the overall responsibility for sales, volume planning and distribution operations for Mercedes-Benz in the United States, placing the burden of continuing Mercedes-Benz USA's thirteen consecutive years of sales growth squarely on his shoulders...

Keep Reading "Climbing The Corporate Ladder:  McNabb Appointed Vice-President Sales For Mercedes-Benz USA"

Although typically the only time the term "environmentally-friendly" is used to describe a vehicle is when it pertains to some variant of a hybrid or electric car, Mercedes has announced that the new C-Class, while not powered by either of the two previously-mentioned methods, is still doing its part to aid in the preservation of the environment.  As a result, the German technical inspection authority TÜV Süd Management Service GmbH has awarded the C-Class an environmental certificate, indicating the new model complies with the internationally-recognized ISO standard 14062 - a standard that governs the integration of environmental aspects into product design and development...

Keep Reading "Saving The Polar Ice Caps One Model At A Time:  New Mercedes C-Class Comes With Environmental Certificate"

As promised, Mercedes today has published two press releases which delve into both the development and planning stages of the forthcoming 2008 C-Class, the first of which we already brought you. 

In this, the second installment of our C coverage, Mercedes has published a remarkable look at what went into the testing of the new model, including an in-depth look at the 15 million mile testing period the new C-Class was forced to undergo.  Yes, ladies and gentlemen, in total, the new C-Class has traveled some 15 million miles.  To put it in perspective, that's 600 times around the equator; or 62 trips between the Earth and the moon. It was, for all intensive purposes, the most grueling and in-depth testing program in the company's history...

Keep Reading "Over 15 Million Miles Covered :  The Testing Of The New Mercedes C-Class"

Canadian residents currently contemplating the purchase of the 2007 Mercedes S550 4MATIC will be pleased to hear that Luxury Car Canada recently took a turn behind the wheel of the new four wheel drive model, sharing their insight as to whether or not it lives up to its two-wheel drive counterparts.

Surprisingly however, little mention is made of the fact its a 4MATIC model.  Sure there's the requisite paragraph dedicated to explaining the four wheel drive system, but other than that, few if any references are made to 4MATIC.  This in and of itself is, in my opinion, a testament to how well Mercedes engineers have managed to implement a four wheel drive system on their passenger cars with virtually no sacrifice to the original vehicles' comfort and driving characteristics...

Keep Reading "Luxury Car Canada Rates The 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC"

It's no secret the release of the next-generation, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is imminent, with each passing day bringing us a step closer to the unveiling of what will likely become the most successful C-Class lineup in history.  But rather than subjecting you to the pains of waiting for the aforementioned C with nary a bit information given to you, oh eager consumers, Mercedes has instead taken a different approach, extensively documenting both the planning and testing stages of the new model; publishing it; and thus giving you a exhaustively in-depth look at what into the making of the new C-Class - even before its world premier.

Not quite as as exciting as the C's official unveiling will be, I know, but in addition to a number of photos revealing various parts of the next C-Class undisguised (such as the bodyshell pictured above), it really is quite astounding to read how technologically-advanced the process of creating a vehicle has become...

Keep Reading "The New Mercedes C-Class:  Superlative Ride Comfort Based On Digital Prototypes"

While it's true the Detroit Auto Show is underway, attracting automotive journalists from around the world to a little place known as "Motor City", another event - this one known as the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) - is also well underway, attracting to it legions of tech aficionados by offering up the latest in electronic wizardry.

One piece of the aforementioned electronic wizardry is the vehicle pictured before you - the Alpine Imprint RLS.  Based on the Mercedes R-Class, the RLS is undoubtedly the most noteworthy rendition of the four wheel drive minivan to date.  Highlights include 30" rear wheels (26" wheels up front), swing pivot doors with seating attached, custom leather interior and a rear Mercedes emblem that grows erect with a gentle, loving touch...

Keep Reading "Mercedes At The 2007 International CES:  Alpine Unleashes The Imprint RLS"

Taking a break from the day's Detroit Auto Show coverage, our friend Brad directed us to a recent review conducted by Road & Track - one which looks at arguably the most covetable tuner Mercedes-Benz S-Class model in existence: the Brabus SV12 S Biturbo.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Brabus SV12 S, it truly is an exquisite creature.  Boasting a 6.3 Liter, 730 horsepower V12 powerplant, the Brabus-tuned Merc is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 4.0 seconds and attaining a top speed of 211 mph. As for the reviewer's sentiments, they seem to echo Brabus' performance claims...

Keep Reading "First Drive: Road & Track Gets Behind The Wheel Of The Brabus SV12 S Biturbo"

In addition the several Mercedes concepts making their debut at the Detroit Auto Show this week, another member of the Mercedes Car Group family - the new smart fortwo - is also making its inaugural appearance in the U.S., finally giving American consumers a glimpse as to what they have to look forward to beginning in early 2008.

To coincide with its auto show premier, DaimlerChrysler today has published an exceptionally in-depth press release outlining the new smart fortwo, delving into its many features, specifications and so on along with a "Frequently Asked Questions" section for those of you who may have questions pertaining to the lovable mini-car. There's also a number of photos showcasing the new smart in various poses, providing a visual feast for those of you eagerly awaiting the fortwo's impending arrival...

Keep Reading "Smart ForTwo Makes Its Official Debut At The Detroit Auto Show"

At the Detroit Auto Show yesterday DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche took the stage, introducing the company's lineup of Mercedes models and concepts and further highlighting the brand's extensive selection of four wheel drive vehicles.  According to Zetsche: "A hundred years after introducing our first automobile with four-wheel drive, we offer one of the largest ranges of four-wheel drive passenger cars and SUVs on the market: 48 models in seven model series." 

One of the these models - the S-Class 4MATIC - is the first to utilize Mercedes' fourth generation four wheel drive technology - a technology that manages to combine agility, comfort and enhanced traction with considerably lower fuel consumption.  As a result, the S-Class 4MATIC consumes only 0.1 gallons more fuel than the comparable two wheel drive S-Class model... 

Keep Reading "DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche Takes The Stage At The Detroit Auto Show"

Welcome back ladies and gentlemen; I hope you all had a fantastic weekend. If you're a regular reader of our site, you're no doubt aware that today kicked off the Detroit Auto Show, and with it the world premier of a Mercedes model that after being rumored to be in development for some time, was finally revealed several weeks ago.  That model is the Mercedes Concept Ocean Drive, a convertible concept based on the new Mercedes S600 which aims to revive the brand's four-door luxury convertible tradition.

To celebrate its world premier, Mercedes today has published an in-depth press release outlining the Concept Ocean Drive, detailing everything from its design characteristics to its equipment and technical specifications.  Of course, there's also a wealth of new photos depicting the concept as well, offering a superb look at what is an undoubtedly unique vehicle...

Keep Reading "The Mercedes-Benz Concept Ocean Drive Makes Its Debut At The Detroit Auto Show"

While going through our inbox this early Friday afternoon I ran across an email from our good friend Jinx, directing us to a recent Mercedes CL550 review published by The Detroit News.

There's not a whole lot new for those of you who've stayed up to date on the numerous past articles which analyzed Mercedes' new coupe, but for those of you who may have just recently considered opting for the CL, it's a brief, well-written look at the new model.  Among the list of praises, a few areas reviewers made note of included the CL's "sensational exterior design, a delicious blend of curves and angles that recalls the shapely CLS sedan, only on a grander scale"; the fact the the new CL, "despite its proportions and mass, is amazingly swift and nimble"; and the CL's cabin, of which the reviewer noted "it seems as if Mercedes has thought of practically every amenity, and then some..."

Keep Reading "The Detroit News Reviews The 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL550"

Those of you eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next smart fortwo won't have much longer to wait - production of the lovable smart is already well underway, getting off to a success start at the brand's production plant in Hambach, France.

As for the first smart fortwo to roll off the French assembly line, that honor goes to a member of the "pure" equipment line, one which sports simple white body panels and a black tridion safety cell...

Keep Reading "Ready, Set, Go:  Smart Production Gets Off To A Successful Start"

The second round of financials are in, and the Mercedes Car Group today is reporting that global sales of the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart brands have risen 3.2 percent in 2006, reaching the record level of 1,260,000 new units.  The Mercedes-Benz brand in particular noted a banner year, celebrating its most successful year in history by increasing worldwide deliveries seven percent to 1,148,500 new units.

As for what areas helped contribute to the aforementioned success, Mercedes-Benz was able to increase its market share in all key regions.  In the United States, sales of the MB brand rose 11 percent to 248,100 passenger vehicles.  In the Asia-Pacific, Japan and Chinese markets, sales again noted impressive gains, with each region noting sales increases of 11 percent, 11 percent and 33 percent, respectively. And in Western Europe, sales of the luxury brand also improved over the previous year, with the region noting a 4 percent sales increase to 685,200 new units...

Keep Reading "Mercedes Car Group  Increases 2006 Worldwide Sales 3.2 Percent To Record 1,260,600 Passenger Vehicles"

It's winter, and as those of you living in northern climates are well aware, winter means road conditions are often less than ideal.  Snow, freezing rain, ice patches, and a host of other perils can all await you on a daily basis. 

In an effort to make life a little easier for the aforementioned individuals - those growing tired of constantly struggling to gain traction as they journey to and fro - Mercedes today has published an exceptionally in-depth press release outlining their entire 4MATIC lineup, offering some additional incentive as to why you may want to consider opting for a four wheel drive model.  In addition, the press release also includes a brief retrospective taking a look back at the origins of four wheel drive technology, providing an interesting look back at what paved for the way for current 4MATIC fleet...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC:  An In-Depth Look At Mercedes' Four Wheel Drive Model Range, Technology And History"