Mercedes-Benz broke its yearly sales record in 2011 and now Mercedes-Benz has ended the first quarter of 2012 with a new sales record of 61,000 units in the US. The strong sales push, especially in the U.S. market, comes from three new Mercedes-Benz vehicles that celebrated their premiere at the Mercedes-Benz press conference at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. Premiering today were the new generation of the GLK, the all-new GL-Class full-size SUV and the highly exclusive SL 65 AMG, the luxurious V12 high-performance roadster from Mercedes-AMG.
“We set a new SUV sales record in 2011 with around a quarter million units – despite the model change for the M-Class, which is particularly successful in North America. And we are staying in the fast lane – with the new generation of the GLK, our dynamic lifestyle SUV and with the all-new GL-Class, which offers even more comfort and safety combined with improved efficiency. With the two new SUVs and the new SL 65 AMG, we are showing what we mean with `the best or nothing`,” said Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales and Marketing.
“Thanks to record sales in the first quarter of 2012, Mercedes-Benz USA has been able to achieve its highest market share ever. Sales have risen by 24 percent in the last six months alone. With a host of attractive newcomers coming this year, all signs are pointing directly to success. This puts us on track to beat even last year’s record in the U.S.,” commented Stephen Cannon, CEO and President of Mercedes-Benz USA.
The new GL-Class – always first class
Comfort, safety, elegance, efficiency – the new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a clear leader in all key SUV disciplines. Active safety is enhanced by innovations like the standard crosswind stabilization, STEER CONTROL, self-leveling and COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA). Also new are assistance systems like Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, or a parking package with automatic parking function and a 360° camera. With excellent performance and ride characteristics both on-road and in rugged terrain, the GL-Class cradles its occupants with the first-class comfort of a luxurious sedan. There is ample space for up to seven passengers. With that Mercedes-Benz continues the success story of the GL: its predecessor is number one in its class in the U.S..
Extensive BlueEFFICIENCY measures deliver significant efficiency improvements. The GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC consumes 7.4 liters of diesel fuel per one hundred kilometers, marking a 20 percent reduction compared with the previous model and undercutting future European emissions legislation laid out in the EU 6 standard. Fuel consumption for the GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY with an output of 300 kW (408 hp) is down by 18 percent.
New generation of the GLK – the compact SUV for a modern lifestyle
With a new design, upgraded equipment level, groundbreaking assistance systems and power units that are as efficient as they are agile, the new generation of the GLK reaffirms its leading position within the compact SUV segment. The redesigned exterior lends greater dynamism to the GLK’s strong character. It combines the classic straight lines of an all-terrain vehicle with the design language of the current Mercedes-Benz sedans. Premium materials, new interior equipment and completely redesigned trim elements enhance the driving pleasure in the GLK, as do the new infotainment systems. The new GLK scores highly with a range of state-of-the-art assistance systems and comprehensive BlueEFFICIENCY measures such as the ECO start/stop function. The BlueTEC diesel exhaust after-treatment system is available for the compact SUV for the first time, enabling it already to fulfill the EU 6 exhaust standard. The GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC generates 150 kW (204 hp) and 500 Nm of torque, thus offering the most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine in the SUV world. It consumes 6.1 – 6.5 l of diesel per 100 km (CO2 159-169 g/km).
New SL 65 AMG – refined, exclusive and stylish
Hot on the heels of the eight-cylinder range-topping SL 63 AMG, the V12 roadster joins the lineup of the Stuttgart automaker – enter the new Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG. Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG: “The new SL 65 AMG combines the fascination of a breathtaking sports roadster and a luxurious high-performance coupe in an utterly unique way. I am certain that both will contribute to the continuation of the AMG success story on the U.S. market, where we were able to increase sales last year significantly.”
The AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo generates a peak output of 463 kW (630 hp) and a maximum torque of 1,000 Newton meters. The result – exceptional performance, impressive power delivery and refined dynamics. Ola Källenius: “Our V12 is not only all about muscle flexing. Our V12 customers expect exclusive top performance and refined roadster driving fun at the very highest level.”
The all-aluminum body-in-white and further lightweight design measures deliver a significant weight reduction – the new SL 65 AMG is around 170 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. The distinctive front end shows the new AMG brand look, which is dominated by the new “twin-blade” grille with two blade-shaped fins and the lower horizontal bar in the front skirt in high-gloss chrome.
Highly exclusive birthday edition – SL 65 AMG “45th ANNIVERSARY”
The special edition created for the 45th anniversary of AMG is limited to just 45 units. Its stunning enhancements include an exclusive matte-finish Exterior Carbon package. The horizontal bar in the front skirt, the exterior mirrors and the spoiler are made from genuine carbon and finished with a silk-matte surface treatment. The STYLE Exclusive designo leather upholstery is in titanium grey pearl/ginger beige.
