Mercedes-Benz is making a dynamic and elegant start this 2010 automotive spring season just one week after the official start of spring. With the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and E-Class Cabriolet making their showroom debuts, it is enough to set motoring enthusiasts’ pulses racing.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the E-Class Cabriolet are expected to provide additional momentum in 2010. “At the start of the long-awaited spring season we will be offering two exciting dream cars bearing the Mercedes star in the form of the SLS AMG and the E-Class Cabriolet. Both models have already enjoyed an excellent response from our customers even before their market launch, and orders for the SLS AMG have already exceeded our expectations significantly”, according to Dr. Joachim Schmidt, board member for Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales and Marketing. With the introduction of the new E-Class Cabriolet, all of the models of the E-Class family will now have been launched on the market, placing Mercedes-Benz in an excellent position vis-à-vis the competition.
The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG embodies automotive excitement and high-technology at the very highest level. Driving dynamics of the highest order are guaranteed thanks to the superlative combination of aluminium space frame body with gull-wing doors, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine developing 420 kW (571 hp) peak output, 650 Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed double-declutch transmission in a transaxle configuration, and also sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones. The kerb weight of 1620 kilograms based on the DIN standard, the ideal front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent, and the vehicle’s low centre of gravity are testimony to the uncompromising sports car concept. The gull-wing accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited). With a fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined), the SLS AMG is one of the best among its competitors.
The SLS AMG is available at a price of 177,310 euros (including 19% VAT). Thanks to a diverse range of optional extras, the gull-wing model can be enhanced to suit any personal taste.
The most important optional extras at a glance (prices are inclusive of 19% VAT):
- AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system: 11,305 euros
- AMG forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and
- 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), with tyre size 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear): 2,380 euros
- AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover: 4,760 euros
- “AMG ALU-BEAM silver” paint finish: 11,900 euros
- “AMG Monza grey magno” paint finish: 3,867.50 euros
- Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system: 7,021 euros
The SLS AMG has received a number of major awards in recent months: for example the coveted “iF product design award 2010”, and the prestigious “Golden Steering Wheel 2009” award. Other awards include “Auto Trophy 2009”, “TOPauto 2010”, “Best new IAA product” from AutoScout24, “GT Car of the Year” from Top Gear (GB), and “Best Dream Machine” from MotorWeek TV’s Driver‘s Choice Award (USA). Just very recently the gull-wing also even picked up the “Red Dot Design Award” – one of the most renowned international prizes ever to be awarded.
New E-Class Cabriolet pricing starts from 45,815 euros
With the introduction of the new Cabriolet, the current Mercedes-Benz E-Class family is now complete. Sales of the model have started in Europe in January. With its innovative automatic AIRCAP® draught-stop, enhanced AIRSCARF® neck-level heating and also acoustic cabriolet soft top, which comes as standard, the new E-Class Cabriolet provides a level of all-year-round for four passengers comfort which is unique in the open-top car segment. For the sales start, the powerful and efficient engines available for the model will range from the E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY producing 125 kW (170 hp), through to the E 500 producing 285 kW (388 hp).
Prices start at 45,815 euros for the E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY producing 135 kW (184 hp), which comes with a 6-speed manual transmission and ECO start/stop function as standard.
Mercedes-Benz has now combined the two innovative AIRCAP® and AIRSCARF® systems – which are also available separately – in the so-called Cabriolet Comfort package for a price of 1249.50 euros. The automatic AIRCAP® draught-stop system can be extended at the touch of a button and significantly reduces turbulence in the vehicle interior. AIRCAP® comprises two components: a draught deflector with net incorporated into the windscreen frame which can be extended by six centimetres, and a draught-stop between the rear seat head restraints.
Just like the SLS AMG, the new E-Class Cabriolet has also won the coveted “Red Dot Design Award” – also before the vehicle’s official market launch.
