There is no question after yesterday’s press conference that Mercedes-Benz is positioning themselves to take on and possibly take over the world’s luxury auto industry with its global product offensive. Especially the U.S. luxury market with its five new models. The model’s we’re most excited to see coming to the U.S. are the B-Class Electric Drive and the CLA45 AMG. The battery-electric B-class Electric Drive will arrive early next year and will cost about as much as a kitchen appliance to charge, it may take nearly 10 seconds to hit 60 mph but it offers emission free local driving. It’s the perfect city car, imagine New York City without the exhaust. Then of course there is the high-performance CLA 45 AMG coupe, the world’s most powerful four-cylindar, moderately priced at $47,500. It’s the car that will usher in a new generation of drivers, it’s sport, sexy and powerful.
In parallel, the series-production version of the new CLA-Class, the all-wheel drive wagon version of the E 63 AMG S-Model, the C 63 AMG “Edition 507” and the smart fortwo electric drive are also making their U.S. debuts.
“Our ongoing product offensive will bring added momentum to our global sales success. After a record year in 2012, we have made a good start in the New Year and are well on our way to set a new sales record in 2013,” says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales & Marketing. “The new E-Class will reach the market in two weeks and, based on the excellent feedback we have been receiving, will certainly deliver a powerful sales impulse. We are expecting further volume growth in the second half of the year, too, with our other newcomers.”
“We have made an excellent start in 2013 and expect our first quarter sales in the U.S. to be the best ever. The new models will help us surf high up that success wave as the year continues,” says Stephen Cannon, CEO and President of Mercedes-Benz USA.
Check out brief descriptions of each car below or click on the heading for a more in-depth look and larger photo galleries.
Mercedes-AMG is starting a whole new era with the CLA 45 AMG, especially in the U.S. The attractive model is out to attract new target groups to the performance brand from Affalterbach. “The CLA 45 AMG is an expressive, four‑door coupe, inspired by its big brother, the CLS 63 AMG,” says Dr. Schmidt. “With a host of technology highlights, it possesses the hallmark AMG DNA and offers Driving Performance for the new generation.”
The two-liter turbocharged engine in the CLA 45 AMG is the world’s most powerful series-production four-cylinder and, with a specific output of 133 kW (181 hp) per litre of displacement, exceeds even the most super sports cars. The CLA 45 AMG combines its exceptional peak output of 265 kW (360 hp) and maximum torque of 450 Newton meters with incredible efficiency and a fuel consumption of just 6.9 litres of gasoline per 100 kilometres. The series-production, performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive delivers absolutely first class handling and, thanks to excellent traction, deals with the sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.
The new CLA-Class – the “CLS’s kid brother” is under starter’s orders
In parallel to the world premiere of the CLA 45 AMG, the series-production version of the new CLA-Class is celebrating its U.S. market debut in New York. The four-door coupe builds on the idea of the successful CLS – a concept that has found many imitators. In keeping with its sporty positioning, the CLA is available with powerful turbocharged engines generating an output of up to 155 kW (211 hp), an optional sports suspension and the fully variable 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Breathtaking proportions and the powerfully dynamic design language featuring the interplay of concave and convex surfaces make the car utterly unmistakable.
World premiere – B-Class Electric Drive
Making an equally impressive global debut in New York is the Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive. The battery-driven electric vehicle has zero local emissions, yet delivers a highly dynamic driving experience thanks to its 130 kW (177 hp) electric motor and maximum torque of 320 Newton meters. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h is over in less than ten seconds.
Energy supply to the electric drive is handled by a high-performance lithium-ion battery, which delivers a range of around 200 kilometres (in the NEDC). It is located in the Energy Space beneath the floor, where it is well protected from impact and takes up very little space, thus ensuring that the five-door retains its generous interior and luggage space. The center of gravity is low and central, for perfect handling and safe driving characteristics. The B-Class Electric Drive is well connected to the digital network and is easy to control and configure via the internet. It will make its global market debut in the U.S., where sales are scheduled to start at the end of 2013.
New to North America – smart fortwo electric drive
The newest generation of the smart fortwo electric drive is now bringing local zero-emissions mobility to the U.S. With a starting price of 25,000 US dollars, the urban two-seater is the most cost-effective series-production electric car on the market. The lithium-ion battery gives the smart fortwo electric drive a range of up to 145 kilometres and is completely recharged in the space of just six hours. The 55 kW (75 hp) electric motor is fast off-the-line and accelerates the car from 0 to 60 km/h in 4.8 seconds. With a top speed of 125 km/h, the smart fortwo electric drive has plenty of capacity for fun on urban highways.
The new E 63 AMG S 4MATIC Wagon offers extremely dynamic driving fun for the whole family with an output of 430 kW (585 hp) and 800 Newton meters of torque, as well as the newly developed, performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The top engine version in the E-Class is now available in the U.S. as a highly versatile station wagon. Dr. Schmidt: “The most powerful E‑Class ever is now a family-friendly super sports car.” The AMG 5.5-liter V8 bi-turbocharged engine marks the absolute pinnacle of efficiency – the combination of high performance and low fuel consumption is without compare in the segment.
With an acceleration of 3.7 seconds from zero to 100 km/h, the E 63 AMG S 4MATIC Wagon occupies an absolutely first-class position in the market. The all-wheel drive distributes 33 percent of engine torque to the front axle and 67 percent to the rear. This rear-end emphasis delivers hallmark AMG handling plus the very highest levels of driving fun. It also raises safety and grip under wet or wintry road conditions. Optimum traction is guaranteed by a multi-plate clutch with 50 Newton meters of locking force, ensuring that the adhesive power of all four wheels is fully realized, especially on snow and ice.
The bestselling C 63 AMG makes its entry as the exclusive “Edition 507” with added power from the AMG V8 engine. The increase of 37 kW (50 hp) to 373 kW (507 hp) and a maximum torque of 610 Nm is the outcome of technology transfer with forged pistons and the lightweight crankshaft from the SLS AMG. The C 63 AMG “Edition 507” is available as a sedan, wagon and coupe. The special edition is aimed at ambitious sporting drivers that will take pleasure in top-flight technology and an array of exclusive design and equipment details.
