Mercedes Benz: November 2012

Sunday, 18 November 2012

2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class full-size luxury sedan has long been the face of class, sophistication, and cutting-edge technology for Mercedes-Benz. In the latest S-Class, this tradition continues with a coddling interior, a new V8 with more power and efficiency than before and enough gadgetry to put technophiles into a state of utter bliss.

The recently S550 ditched its naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 in favor of a 4.7-liter V8. Despite its smaller displacement, the engine boasts 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque - far better than the old motor's 382 ponies and 391 lb-ft of twist - thanks to a pair of turbochargers. Fuel economy also improves from 14/21 mpg to 15/23 mpg.

The pricier S600 retains its 510 horsepower V12, which consumes fuel at the rate of 11 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway according to the EPA. With a staggering 612 lb-ft of torque, the S600 will sprint from zero-to-60 in just 4.5 seconds.

Those looking for a more fuel-efficient S-Class should look into the S400 Hybrid and the diesel-powered S350 4MATIC BlueTEC, while power junkies will be delighted by the S63 AMG and S65 AMG models.

All S-Class variants recently received a mild refresh, with more of the more noticeable changes being the addition of daytime LED running lights fitted to the outer edges of the bi-xenon lamp units. The rear end is also accented with a total of 52 distinctively arranged LEDs in the two taillights. Gone are the body-colored strips through the taillamps.

Mercedes-Benz also makes more use of light as a styling element in the interior via the standard ambient lighting, now with a choice between three lighting moods: solar (amber), neutral (white) and polar (ice-blue).

Another change at the front of the car is a more pronounced arrow-shaped grille, plus a new front bumper with a light-catching contour and a chrome strip below the cooling air intakes. Exhaust tailpipes of all S-Class variants are now visibly integrated into the rear bumper. Mercedes-Benz says its engineers have also implemented specific aerodynamic measures to reduce wind noise.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550

GL-Class SUV with top-spec luxury amenities that is perfectly suited for the daily driving needs of a dad or a mom (68-percent dads, according to 2011 figures) and with what we can only believe is a very nice 362-horsepower V8 engine. What the company sent our way, however, was a heavily blinged, huge-wheeled, 429-horsepower pleasure wagon that is just as well-suited to creating babies as toting them around, should your amorous instincts be triggered by the pimp-level of your whip. The GL550 is the real deal, if the deal you're looking for involves carting kiddies and/or hauling ass. We really only had need of the latter during our one-week loan of the thing, sadly.

A full four of them lived about 150 miles from our Metro Detroit base of operations, in the western corner of Michigan called St. Joseph. All of them were interested in finding a sucker buddy to drive them around on a tour of some local wineries. This would also prove an entertaining time to test the performance boasts of this remarkably rapid V8 sport ute, we thought. Plans were made, a weekend was selected and the GL550 showed up just in the nick of time for our fall tour.

The redesigned 2013 GL500 is a vehicle that is well suited to make a strong impression on folks of all kinds, whether they generally care about cars or not. For a start, there is still an undeniable cache associated with that Benz logo on the grille – something that is more easily sensed in the parts of Midwest America that don't see the three-pointed star quite so frequently. (The suburbs of Detroit don't flip for the big M-B quite so much as the sticks around St. Joseph, Michigan, for instance.)

The inherent impressiveness of a Mercedes is matched by the size, scale and design of this new GL, which manages to look pretty rugged and refined at the same time. Those who know their off-roading stuff might laugh a little at the GL550's 21-inch five-spoke AMG wheels, but they really do give the SUV an impressive stance, and add quite a lot of overall gravitas to the vehicle. We actually think that the sharply creased bodylines Mercedes seems so fond of nowadays work a bit better when scaled up to GL size than they do on the smaller GLK. At any rate, the neighbors seemed to dig it.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is setting new standards in comfort, dynamics, safety, elegance and efficiency and with this spectrum it is regarded as the S-Class among off-road vehicles. This premium SUV is able to demonstrate its exceptional capabilities in everyday situations with dense city traffic, over very winding roads or on well-built motorways as well as way off the beaten track. Here the multi-talent's qualities are even more evident. Whether driving over tracks with potholes, continually altering road surfaces or dusty natural trails interspersed with off-road sections - the superior comfort of the seven-seater's ride as well as its outstanding power and confident performance are really convincing even when the going gets really tough.

Relaxed - and that means safe - driving both on-road and off-road - is one of the great strengths of the new GL-Class. Especially its NVH qualities (noise, vibration, harshness) are very convincing and are on a par with those of the S-Class. The high standards of comfort are derived from the combined result of a very rigid bodyshell, a perfected drivetrain, improved chassis and superb aeroacoustic finishing as well as the intelligent use of new-style insulation materials. At the same time, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class retains its traditional advantages of being extremely responsive with outstanding off-road expertise.

On the manufacturer-sponsored press launch in sunny Sante Fe, I drove the base model, the GL350 BlueTech, a diesel that is the most mindful albeit the least powerful. It’s stocked with a 3.0 liter turbo diesel V-6 that produces 240 hp. I found power sufficient for moving the vehicle’s considerable 5467 pounds. The diesel-powered engine earns an EPA estimate of 18/24 mpg and boasts an impressive 500-mile range. Despite it’s size, the GL350 handles its weight on the brakes, without appearing sluggish . Steering is up to part — when I blew past one turn, I was able to make a graceful u-turn on the wide-open road. The use of lighter weight aluminum in the body makes the GL more agile on its feet despite it’s brawnier appearance. It’s only 50 pounds heavier than the previous model though it gains about an inch.

Next time around the block, I’d like to sample the thirstier 4.7 liter biturbo V-8 found in the GL450 which produces 362 hp and 406 pound feet of torque or even better the GL550V-8 that produces 429 hp and 516 pound feet of torque. The sportiest drivers will wait for the ultimate GL63 AMG debuts that has a ravenous 550-hp bi-turbo V-8. What’s also interesting about the GL550 is the flashier grill sliced with more statement making lines. The grille is distinct enough that the 350 and 550 look like distant cousins in the rearview.

The safety systems on the GL keep things in line even when driving patterns turn in to the wild west on remote desert roads, and are a nod to the future of driving, in which cars will rely on sensors to detect information and perform automatic driving functions. When Attention Assist is engaged a coffee cup logo illuminates on the dash and a “dong” pulses through the speaker. The Active Curve System feels as, for an instant, a phantom driver has seized the steering wheel, which takes some getting used to. Crosswind Stabilization does just that when a gust of wind blows. There’s also a 360-degree camera projecting an aerial image of the GL on the screen. It’s all very Tron-like.

The inside of the GL350 has the texture and technology one would expect of a proper Mercedes-Benz. Seats bend and fold with a button. Buyers can opt for Harman Kardon Logic 7 or Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG systems — two outstanding varieties for audiophiles. And Mercedes has nailed the cup holders, lest driver worry about spilling while off-roading through the peaks and valleys on a ski trip to Taos, New Mexico, where I took a break for lunch and had a proper plate of Bavarian style strudel.

The GL 450, priced at $63,900, and the GL550, prices $86,900, go on sale in September, followed by the $62,400 GL350 BlueTec in October and the yet-to-be-priced GL63 AMG in early 2013.

2013 Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTEC

The E350 BlueTEC is the spiritual successor to the clattery but efficient and indestructible diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz sedans of the ‘70s and ‘80s. While it retains the impressible gas mileage of its forebears, its oil-burning engine now features the level of refinement one would expect of a modern Mercedes.

What makes the E350 BlueTEC different from other models in the E-Class range is the 3.0-liter diesel V6 under the hood. Though its output of 210 horsepower isn't impressive, the motor also produces a mighty 400 lb-ft of torque from just 1600 rpm. Hooked up to a polished seven-speed automatic transmission, the mill facilitates effortless passing while also returning notable fuel economy: 22 mpg in the city and a superb 33 mpg on the highway.

Mercedes-Benz has long been known for its safety features, and the E350 BlueTEC will only add to that reputation. In addition to ABS and ESP stability control, the car boasts nine supplemental restraints including two-stage front air bags, a knee air bag for the driver and pelvic air bags which work together with curtain and side air bags to provide extra protection for front occupants in dangerous side-impact collisions.

Also standard is an "A TTENTION ASSIST" system that can alert the driver to the first signs of drowsiness, a factor that causes more than 100,000 accidents a year in the U.S.A steering sensor is coupled to smart software that uses 70 parameters to establish a unique driver profile during the first 20 minutes of driving. Between 50 and 112 mph, the system identifies the erratic steering corrections drivers make as they begin to get drowsy and triggers an audible warning and a "Time for a Rest?" message with a coffee cup icon in the instrument cluster.

2013 Mercedes-Benz C300

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class remains the most accessible of the brands models sold in the United States, delivering the expected levels of advanced engineering, design and safety features that keep it highly competitive within the entry luxury segment. For 2013 the C300 and C350 have new 3.5-liter engines with ECO start/stop technology.

The C-Class is offered in three rear-wheel drive sedan and coupe configurations: C250, C350 and C63 AMG as well as a C300 4MATIC all-wheel drive sedan or C350 4MATIC all-wheel drive coupe. Additionally, the C250 and C300 sedans are available in either Sport or Luxury trim levels. The C250 is powered by a 201-hp 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, while the C300 is equipped with a 248-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and the C350 gets a 302-hp 3.5-liter V6; all three engines feature direct gasoline injection. The enthusiast-oriented C63 AMG boasts a hand-built 451-hp 6.3-liter AMG-tuned V8 engine.

A revised seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode is standard on every C-Class model; steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are available. The C250 and C300 are outfitted with a power sunroof, 17-inch aluminum wheels, MB-Tex upholstery, dual-zone climate control, HD radio and a USB port, along with Bluetooth wireless connectivity and audio streaming. The C350 adds a rear spoiler, heated front seats, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and satellite radio, while the C63 AMG is further outfitted with 18-inch aluminum wheels and AMG sport seats, as well as exclusive leather/simulated suede upholstery.

Standard equipment exclusive to the four-passenger coupe models includes unique sport seats and a Panorama sunroof. Safety features include stability and traction control systems, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, active anti-whiplash front head restraints and nine airbags. Mercedes ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system is standard, while safety-enhancing options include Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Park Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.

2013 Mercedes-Benz C class 250

Mercedes-Benz C250 showcases the more modest-side of the Mercedes C Class. This refreshed version has scored a makeover in upgrades that feel substantial. The C250 function better in it’s revitalized skin.The Destination: Downtown Los Angeles. I started at LAX and speeded toward downtown LA where I stayed at the Standard, and then headed for the hills, the Hollywood Hills and Pasadena.

The Looks: The C Class sedan is more conservative than say, the CLS, but it’s not displeasing. It’s small proportions give it a sense of lightness that is supported by drivability and subtly sculpted body work. The grille has a look at me quality that adds a bit of oom-pa-pa to the overall package. Nice twinkly LED lights, too.

The Numbers: Zero to 60 mph in 5.5–7.0 sec, 201 hp and 229 pound-feet of torque.

Top speed: 130 mph

The Engine:1.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-charged engine.

Gadgetry: Attention Assist, active lane-keeping assist, power sunroof, Sirius XM radio,

How it drives: Smooth acceleration and responsive braking. The extra option for lumbar support made all the difference on days when the freeways were packed. The refurbished engines on this line are specialized in redistributing air flow, so we have a car that’s more responsive with better fuel economy — 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

2013 Mercedes-Benz B Class B250

Base price : $29,900 (CAD)
Monthly payments : $564/month
Engine toggle
Type : I-4 2.0 litres
Power : 208 hp @ 5,500 rpm (155 kW)
Torque : 258 lb·ft @ 1,250 - 4,000 rpm (350 N·m)
Induction : Turbocharged
Power to weight ratio : N/A
Bore : N/A
Stroke : N/A
Fuel type : Premium
CO2 emissions : 3,250 kg/year
Ohter engines : none
Transmission : 7-speed automatic
Drivetrain : FWD
Vehicle type / Category toggle
Vehicle type : Wagon
Category : Wagons under $50,000
Assembly : Rastatt, Allemagne
Generation : 2
What's new : N/A
Fuel efficiency / Autonomy toggle
City : 8.8 l/100km
Highway : 4.9 l/100km
Autonomy : 568 km
Tires / Suspension / Brakes / Safety toggle
Steering : rack and pinion, electrical variable assist
Traction control : yes
Stability control : yes
Seat belts : 5
Airbags : 7
Front suspension : independent, Macpherson strut
Rear suspension : independent, multi-link
Front brakes : disc (ABS)
Rear brakes : disc (ABS)
Front tires : P225/45R17
Rear tires : P225/45R17
Dimensions / Weight toggle
Length : 4,359 mm (172″)
Width : 2,010 mm (79″)
Height : 1,557 mm (61″)
Wheelbase : 2,699 mm (106″)
Front track : 1,552 mm (61″)
Rear track : 1,549 mm (61″)
Weight : 1,475 kg (3,252 lbs)
Weight distribution front-rear : N/A
Capacities toggle
Fuel tank : 50 l (13 gal)
Trunk : 488 to 1,547 l (17 to 55 ft3)
Towing : 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Box length : N/A
Performance toggle
0-100 km/h : 6.8 s
80-120 km/h : N/A
Top speed : 210 km/h
Braking distance : N/A
Warranty toggle
Base warranty : 4 years / 80,000 km
Powetrain warranty : 4 years / 80,000 km
Insurability rating : 2 Less than average
Competition toggle
Competitive models :
Guide de l'Auto ratings toggle
Driving :
Safety : N/A
Interior :
Reliability : New model
Winter driving :
Comfort :
Overall : 70%

2013 Mercedes B-Class

B-Class has been a solid seller for Mercedes-Benz. Its design followed the time-honoured two-box theme — one box for the engine, the other for everything else. The 2013 version sticks to the basics, but it does so with much more dynamism. The face is jewelled, there are distinctive character lines through the side profile and the tail is neatly bustled. It’s a good-looking rig that also comes with more than its fair share of utility.

The front box houses all-new powertrains. As it stands in Europe, all B-Class gasoline-powered models will come with the same 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. It uses the latest direct injection and variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust cams along with an intercooled turbocharger. What’s up in the air at this point is what will arrive in Canada in the fourth quarter of 2012 (yes, a year from now!) — both power and engine size-wise.

In Europe, the B 180 tested pushed 122 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque (insufficient for Canada), while the B 200 benefited from 156 hp and 184 lb-ft (good enough for a zero-to-100-kilometres-an-hour run of 8.4 seconds). The latter is achieved by bumping the turbo’s boost pressure from 11.7 to 14.7 psi. Acceptable, but it’s well below the current B 200 Turbo’s 193 hp. As such, Canada will get a different engine, albeit from the same family. At this point, the engine is a state secret. However, the North American engine will use the same block but with a longer stroke. This means a 1.8L derivative. Regardless, the new B-Class engines will develop more power than the outgoing models.

B-Class is still almost a year away from hitting Canadian roads and what actually turns up is far from known, it is destined to hit the road running. It has a much keener style and significantly more substance. Power, sadly, remains a mystery, but the European models provided an enjoyable drive capable of delivering uncompromised utility.

2013 Mercedes Benz A250 AMG

A 250 Sport ’engineered by AMG’. Indeed, the engineers in Affalterbach, Germany, are responsible for the sporty set up of the chassis, a special developed front axle, the transmission, steering gear and brakes.

The A 250 Sport gets an aluminum 2-liter direct injected petrol engine, but with 155 kW/211 hp, power output is not anyway near the expected 320-350 hp of the upcoming AMG-model. In the A 250 Sport the 4-cilinder turbo engine has 350 Nm/258 lb-ft of torque available at 1,200-4,000 rpm and is driving the front wheels through a sporty set-up 7-speed DCT (Double Clutch Transmission).The all-wheel-drive 4Matic variant will arrive later. The A 250 Sport stands on 18-inch wheels with 235/40/R18 rubber, and the red brake calipers clearly visible.

The A 250 Sport is a truly fine machine, with good looks and nicely executed, sporty details inside and out. But it needs a some more refinement in the dynamics department in order to be more ‘involved’ and be able to outdo its two German competitors. Customers new to the brand will be surprised though and will undoubtedly enjoy the new A-Class sporty model’s performance, safety systems and – not less important – possibilities to connect to the social media.

The Mercedes A 250 Sport will it the European markets in September. Its price in Germany starts at 36.860 Euro (including tax)

2013 Mercedes-Benz A-class

"Mercedes-Benz is becoming the most dynamic premium brand in the world. As part of this development, the A-Class represents an important milestone. The A-Class is completely new, down to the last detail. In automotive development, it's not often you get the chance to start with a clean sheet of paper. Our engineers have made the very most of that opportunity", explains Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class ($TBA) brings the build quality and interior refinement MB's known for to the compact segment, with a 1.6L or 2.0L engine offering between 115 and 211hp, hooked up to either a six-speed manual or 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission, an optional iPhone hookup that uses a special app to give you full functionality, and plenty of safety features like adaptive Brake Assist and Collision Prevention Assist. It doesn't look to shabby, either, but unfortunately for us Yankees there's been no word of a stateside release.

The A200 likewise is available in diesel and petrol flavors. The latter has a 154-hp version of the 1.6-liter four. The A200 CDI uses a 134-hp, 1.8-liter OM651 that’s smooth and flexible, delivering its 221 lb-ft from 1600 to 3000 rpm. It stormed up mountain roads with ease, rarely requiring a downshift below third gear. Only when you start to crest 100 mph does this midrange diesel lose steam. For European customers who plan to explore triple-digit territory with regularity, the A220 CDI and its 168-hp, 2.1-liter producing 258 lb-ft of torque is the better choice. This long-stroke variation of the OM651 is less polished and noisier than the 1.8, but those sins are sacrifices gladly made for the extra grunt. And even more twist is around the corner. A twin-turbo 2.1 diesel with roughly 200 hp and torque well over 300 lb-ft is a likely addition to the lineup; this engine is the one that will make it to U.S.-market Mercedes. It’s rated for 190 hp and 369 lb-ft in the GLK250 BlueTec that’s due here early next year.

But twist isn’t the sole province of the A-class’s diesel engines: 258 lb-ft come courtesy of the gasoline-drinking 208-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four in the A250. It’s this engine we’ll see in the A-class derivatives headed our way, which include the swoopy CLA-class compact sedan, a crossover likely to be called the GLA, and potentially others. (The CLA will take on the Audi A3 sedan, and the GLA will challenge the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3.) With our estimated 0-to-60-mph time of 6.5 seconds and a governed top speed of 150 mph, the A250 is decidedly high-po among its competitive set. But this is no wild bronco; the A250 piles on speed effortlessly and with cold precision. (Our spec panel and performance estimates cover only those engines we believe are most likely to make it to U.S.-market vehicles.)