Hottest Mercedes-Benz S Class Arrived : S65 AMG

The hottest Mercedes-Benz S Class has arrived, the S65 AMG. Packing a rather significant 1000Nm of torque under the hood from a lowly 2,300rpm, the new S65 AMG is capable to sprint to 100km/h in 4.3s despite weighting more than 2 tonnes.

Powering the high performance super saloon is 5,980cc V12 forced fed with twin turbo produced by AMG. The engine produces 630bhp available from 4,800 - 5,400 rpm and the aforementioned 1000Nm of torque from 2,300 - 4,300rpm. Drive is channeled to the rear wheel via AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic. The gearbox has 3 driving modes on offer; Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S) and Manual (M) which offers a thrilling mood especially on the latter two when there is a cutback in injection and ignition during the upshift under full load which in turns shorten the gear change and change the audible tones. Switching to C meanwhile initiate the ECO start/stop function. 

Despite the scorching performance, S65 AMG is most fuel efficient V12 saloon, returning 11.9L/100km and fulfilling EU6, which is not yet enforced until 2015. In terms of visual aura, S65 AMG takes the kit from S63 and then some more. The addition comes in chrome piece, which is sprinkled across the grille, side grille and sills. Driving aids on board include Magic Body Control, speed sensitive variable ratio steering, 20' forged alloy wheel and optional composite brake system. It will the most expensive S Class on sale at EUR232,050 and will be showcased at Los Angeles and Tokyo Motor Show.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C Class - First Detail

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the first detail of the forthcoming forth generation C Class, due to debut in just two months time. The new C Class is tipped to lead the class with advanced body structure design which offers greater rigidity and weight reduction which in turns enhanced the safety, refinement and fuel efficiency. Constructed in aluminum in greater than ever proportion, the new 2015 Mercedes-Benz Class features 39% of the lightweight material, hybridized with high strength and ultra high strength steel construction. Estimated weight saving is around 100kg less than the current car, with 20% gained in fuel efficiency. This is achieved despite the increased in size, something Mercedes can afford to do since the baton for smallest sedan in the line-up has been passed to the front-wheel-drive CLA.

The interior too has been revealed for the first time, itself a big departure from the existing C Class. The layout has taken a leaf or two from the far more luxurious S Class big brother in terms of opulence, with the detailing in tune with the sportier and smaller Benz such as the recently introduced CLA. The dash top and centre console is swoopy and entirely free of edgy structure. It sports the familiar circular vents and tablet-like display screen smack in the middle of the dashboard.

Mercedes-Benz C Class is set to be introduced in flesh at Detroit Motor Show in January. The entire line-up will consist of the sedan, coupe, convertible and estate. More photos after the jump.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Facelift Launched In Malaysia

Moving from the global MB news to local MB news, the facelifted E-Class Sedan has been released to Malaysian market. Come in E200 and E250 form, the enhanced E-Class has ditched the turbocharged 1.8L CGI engine in favor in 2.0L turbocharged BlueDIRECT lump. The base Elegance trim line has been dropped too, as MB Malaysia orients itself more of the sporty Avantgarde trim line. The new MB E200 is priced at RM366,888 while the E250 is pitched at RM405,888.

The facelifted MB E-Class differs vastly from the pre-facelifted version, and it has shed the solid but dowdy image of its forebear. MMN has covered extensively the design change and you can read it HERE. In essence, it gets a totally redesign front end, where the quad headlamp setup has been dropped and in comes the unit mirroring the silhouette of the smaller facelifted C-Class, reprofiled hood, new grille and curvier front bumper. The rear light however retains it housing, but the inner graphic is more more LED-laden. The rear bumper is lightly restyled, particularly at the lower section. Another styling change is the deletion of pontoon hunch on the rear door, which is replaced by a smoother sheet metal.

The interior now majors more opulence with greater luxury trappings than before. The meter binnacle is new together with its cowl design. The central air vent is revised, instead of embedded in its own panel, it is now resides within the new central horizontal garnish. Between the air vents, an analogue clock makes an appearance. The audio and climate control switchgear is new, and featured more silver and chrome finish for an added touch of class.

For the engine, in E200 guise, the 2.0L punches 184hp@5,500rpm and 300Nm between 1,200-4,000rpm, while the higher tune E250 produces 211hp@5,500rpm and 350Nm also between 1,200-4,000rpm. Drive is channeled rearwards via 7 speed automatic transmission. In case any towkay want to know, the new E-Class measures 4,879mm long, 1,854mm wide and 1,474mm tall. Wheelbase is 2,874mm and the wheel is suspended by multi-link suspension all around. Boot volume is 540L. Both E200 and E250 has almost similar appearance, especially the standard Avantgarde radiator grille. Key differences is the 18 inch alloy wrapped by 245/40 R18 on E250 while E200 make do with  smaller 17 inch alloy and single exhaust outlet setup.

Mercedes-Benz GLA Introduced

Mercedes-Benz has introduced its fourth member of MFA plaform, which has spawn the A-Class, B-Class and the niche CLA-Class, with the introduction of GLA-Class to rival the likes of BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Range Rover Evoque. 

Mercedes-Benz GLA is yet another model in the MB range to set the standard in low aerodynamic drag in its class. Its C_d figure is 0.29 with a frontal of 0.66 m^2. The figure is the result from numerous aerodynamic optimisation measures including aerodynamically-optimised exterior mirror housings, streamlined rear body profile contributed by roof spoiler lip and the aerodynamically shaped tail lights. Rear spoilers at the sides ensure that the airflow breaks off for optimal aerodynamic efficiency. Seals in the front bumper (radiator area incl. around the headlamps) and radiator shutters for regulation of the cooling air as required round off the aerodynamic measures. There's also underbody panelling beneath the underbody. All these, combined with various noise reduction initiative is set to introduce a serene driving environment in the new GLA. Measures for wind noise reduction include multi-level door sealing concept, additional sealing of the joint between the tailgate and the roof and side seals on the tailgate. Particularly rigid window frames prevent the airflow from pulling on the doors at higher speeds, and reduce vibrations.

MB GLA measures 4,417mm, 1,804mm and 1,494mm in length, width and height respectively, and rides on a wheelbase of 2,699mm similar to A-Class, despite measuring 125mm longer. The cabin accomodates 5, with boot volume of 421L, expandable to 836L with the rear seats folded.

The interior is carried over wholesomely from the rest of MFA family, particularly the dashboard unit, with familiar 5 circular aircond outlet and "tablet-like" multimedia screen. The trimmings major on high perceived quality with all trim surfaces are galvanised in silver-shadow for material authenticity, resulting in a metallic finish with a "cool-touch" effect. There's also wide choice of seat upholsteries in material (e.g. leather, fabric, fabric/leather) and colour combinations allows plenty of scope for individualisation. Sports seats with integrated head restraints are available as an optional extra. 

As for the drivetrain, there are two gasoline unit on offer in the shape of turbocharged 1.6L and 2.0L petrol engines for 156 hp in the GLA 200 to 211 hp in the GLA 250. Performance is suffice to say, with GLA 250 4MATIC can achieve century sprint of 6.5s. There are also diesel option in the shape of GLA 200CDI (136 hp and 300Nm) and GLA 220CDI (170hp and 350Nm). This engine has been reengineered for greater efficiency. The modifications include optimisation of the belt drive, a cylinder head package with different roller bearings and additional finishing, optimisation of the vacuum pump, aluminium pistons with optimised assembly clearances and a low-friction ring package, the roller bearings of the Lanchester balancer shaft and pressure sensor combustion control in the cylinder head.

All the engines feature the ECO start/stop function as standard. The engines are combined with a six-speed manual transmission or with the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission (standard for GLA 250, GLA 220 CDI and the 4MATIC models), which unites comfort and sportiness to an outstanding degree.

 

MERCEDES E-CLASS COUPE & CABRIO FACELIFTED

Following the recent redesign of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and estate, Mercedes has extend the new design update to the coupe and cabriolet versions. The facelift mainly consist of the new headlamp design, which not unlike the sedan, ditched the quad light setup. The headlamp, despite similar in theme with the sedan, is far more elongated and sharply-edged. It also comes standard with anti-dazzle LED lights. The bumper has been revised too, with larger air intake.

Unlike the sedan which has got a smoothen rear flanks, the mascular rear hunch has been retained on the coupe and cabriolet. The rear light now features a horizontal lighting element, which together with the rear bumper has created a wider-look for the rear fascia.

In the interior department, the changes is more subtle but no less significant. Firstly, an analog clock makes an appearance in between the redesigned central air ducts, and there is now a two-piece decorative trim (single piece centre garnish for the sedan) available in both wood and aluminium. The floor-mounted gear lever is now gone, and in comes a Direct Select system which also accompanied by the paddle shifter.

Altogether, there are six petrol engine and three diesel engine for the new E-Class coupe and cabriolet. Among the new one is the BlueDIRECT spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) 4-cylinder engine which include a fast-acting piezo injectors, turbocharger and fully variable camshaft. There is also a new variant addition compared to the pre-facelift, called E400 bi-turbo which joined the rest of gasoline V6 and V8 which already equipped with BlueDIRECT technology. More details and photos after the jump.

Mercedes-Benz CLA revealed

If you are dreaming about Mercedes-Benz CLS saloon-coupe but can't quite make it yours, Mercedes-Benz has created a cheaper alternative, the CLA, revealed here ahead of its Detroit unveiling next month. This is MB smallest 4 door coupe and it is based on the A-Class supermini platform. This means a front drive setup and a host of smaller capacity engine, as well as lower pricetag compared to the breathtaking pseudo-coupe flagship. This is the first set of actual photo, and it is quite stylish, albeit in typical MB way.

Mercedes has previously previewed this forthcoming CLA via the Concept Style Coupe showcar, but the silhouette and detailing has been dramatically toned-down for the production version. The front end bears a very strong family resemblance with the more mundane A-Class hatchback in its headlight, although it is more shapelier in the overall housing shape. 

The side panel is deeply sculpted with really strong surface interplay, narrowing towards the back of the car. The rear end follows the CLS theme, with its elegant sagging concept. Drivetrain is expected to mirror those of the hatchback donor, meaning that there will be CLA180 and CLA200 at the lowest rung powered by the turbocharged 1.6L gasoline, followed by the turbocharged 2.0L in CLA250 guise. Range-topper is expected to be powered by the highly-strung 2.0L turbo churning 245kW and 400Nm chanelling the drive via 4MATIC all-wheel-drive configuration through the 7 speed dual clutch transmission. It will be called CLA45 AMG.

The dashboard will be mostly carried over from the A Class hatchback, with the new trim parts from the door and the rest of the cabin reflecting the change in bodystyles. More photos of the Mercedes-Benz CLA can be found after the jump.

Mercedes E-Class facelift - updated style & equipment

Mercedes-Benz has updated the E-Class model with a series of significant exterior modification, enhanced interior appointments that is more plush and modern as well as the integration of more safety and environment friendly technology. The current generation E-Class (W212) was launched in 2009.

The 2013 upgrades include a totally redesign front end, where the quad headlamp setup has been ditched. Despite maintaining the outer edge outlines where the headlight resides in the fender, the innerside has been made more contemporary, mirroring the silhouette of the smaller facelifted C-Class with its curvier and inward tapering head set. The quad light image is however retained in the headlight internal structure, which is among the most intricate seen on Mercedes-Benz yet. The hood has been revised too in line with the softer curve at its leading edge mating point with the rounder radiator grille. Taking the leaf also from its smaller sibling, the radiator grille of an E-Class is available in two design for the first time. The Base and Elegance grades utilize the conventional louvred grille 3-pointed star stands proud above it, while the Avantgarde comes with the sportier thicker two slats with huge 3-point star emblem smacked in the middle. The newly designed front bumper is common between the two, saved for the trimmings of the air intake, which is meshed in the Avantgarde and louvred in the other two.

The rear end revision is subtler. The rear light retains it housing, but the inner graphic is more more LED-laden and the lightings are arranged in horizontal manner to emphasize the sense of width, together with the carried-over trunk lid chrome garnish. The rear bumper is lightly restyled, particularly at the lower section. Another styling change is the deletion of pontoon hunch on the rear door, which is replaced by a smoother sheet metal.

The interior architecture is largely carried over, but there are many changes to the switchgear and small component that adds up to a whole new ambiance which is more modern and plush. The steering wheel is new, both for Avantgarde and Elegance which differs between themselves. The meter binnacle is new too together with its cowl design. The central airvent is revised, instead of embedded in its own panel, it is now resides within the new central horizontal garnish that can be had in either wood or aluminium, irrespective of  the trim. Between the air vents, an analogue clock makes an appearance. The audio and climate control switchgear is new, and featured more silver and chrome finish for an added touch of opulence. The gear level, which is previously available in selected model, has been entirely deleted and its function has been taken over by the DIRECT SELECT lever and paddle shift incorporated within the steering wheel stalks, except, of course, for the manual version which is available in 6 speed manual gearbox. The automatic gearbox is 7G-Tronic Plus unit.

Both the Mercedes E-Class Saloon and Estate are available with a particularly broad range of powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines. All are fitted with ECO start/stop system and are highly efficient.

A new element is the expansion of the BlueDIRECT petrol engine family with the addition of a four-cylinder petrol engine with spray-guided direct injection, based on the same trend-setting technology used in the latest generation of six and eight-cylinder engines from Mercedes-Benz. Its technology package includes fast-acting piezo injectors for multiple injection, quick multi-spark ignition, turbocharging, fully variable camshaft adjustment on the inlet and exhaust side, as well as a controlled oil pump.

New developments for the four-cylinder engine include the first dynamic balancer with full anti-friction bearings to be used in a petrol engine as well as a switchable water pump.

The engine also sees the world's first use of the stratified lean burn process in combination with exhaust-gas turbocharging and external high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation. As a result the E-Class achieves a combined optimum consumption figure of 5.8 litres per 100 km (corresponding to 135 g/km CO2), and is therefore the only vehicle in this class to achieve efficiency class A. In addition, the new BlueDIRECT four-cylinder petrol engines already meet the EU6 standard which will apply from 2015.

Also making up the BlueDIRECT petrol engine range are the familiar V6 and V8 engines. A new addition is the six-cylinder engine, which is being offered for the first time as the E 400 with biturbo drive. With its performance potential and enormously high levels of torque at low engine speeds, this engine sets new standards in the six-cylinder sector and also meets the EU6 emissions level.

All BlueDIRECT petrol engines of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class combine a spontaneous response and exemplary power delivery with the highest levels of efficiency and best-in-class emissions performance.

Some of the diesel models of the E-Class are available as BlueTEC models fitted with the established SCR (selective catalytic reduction) technology and as such meet the EU6 emissions standard. The comprehensive engine range is supplemented with the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID. It combines the four-cylinder diesel engine with an electric motor, thereby producing a system output of 170 kW (231 hp) and 750 Nm of torque. The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID consumes 4.1 l/100 km and produces CO2 emissions of 107 g/km. As such it occupies the leading position among the most economical models in the upper medium-size category.

In terms of safety, the enhanced E-Class is fitted with the new Collision Prevention Assist, which is a radar-based collision avoidance system which can act on the braking system of the car. Other features are improved from the current E-Class includes Distronic Plus with steering assitance, Brake Assist Plus which comes with Junction Assist.

More photos of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift can be found after the jump.

Facelifted Mercedes E-Class Scooped

The W212 generation of Mercedes E-Class has been around with us since 2009, so it is about time for a mid-life refresh. For the first time, the undisguised updated car has been scooped. The solitary photo here is probably the AMG version, denoted by the massive front air intake and the Bi-turbo badge on the fender.

The front end has foregoes the quad light setup seen since W210 in 1995 and in comes the C-Class inspired shape with a much more pleasing shape. The hint of quad lights setup is now taken care by the distinctive internal component arrangement. Overall, the front end now appears softer with more curvaceous appearance, consistent with newer A and B-Class design language. Another significant styling change is the deletion of the rear "Pontoon" style rear wheel arches, replaced by more conventional item.

Mercedes E-Class traditionally is the BMW 5 Series closest rival. With the Munich rival is set to receive its mid life update too (BMW F10 LCi covered HERE) at around the same time, the battle is set to be restarted.

Source: Carscoop

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake - crossover sedan+coupe+wagon

 First it was the cross breed between sedan and coupe, giving birth to the low slung four door with sloping roofline. Then the German start jacking-up the coupe (or compressing the roof of their SUV, whichever angle you look at) to create the coupe-SUV, now they have pumped up the back end of a wagon to their low-slung sedan. Enter the CLS Shooting Brake. Independence at its most beautiful, or so according to Mercedes speak.

The CLS Shooting Brake carries all the distinctive styling features of the normal CLS right up to the B-pillar when the roof line starts not to drop too drastically, but instead continues to run a bit longer before sloping downwards a steeply raked rear screen on the tailgate. Dimensions of this latest cross-breed is 4,956mm long, 1,881mm wide and 1,413mm tall. Inside the exquisitely crafted cabin, 5 passengers can be accommodated, together with their sum of 590L of luggage. The Shooting Brake body styles is 16mm longer and 3mm lower than its sibling. Carrying similar intricately-styled interplay of leather, wooden and metal texturing and amalgamation, the boot of the CLS Shooting Brake is suited to LV bags more than the dog as it is lined with the optional designo wooden floor. Folding down the rear seat, CLS can housed some 1,550L.

The newly introduced CLS Shooting Brake comes in four variants where all versions are mated to 7G-Tronic gearbox and equipped with Start/Stop function. The line-up is kick start with CLS 250 CDI (2,143cc turbocharged diesel) punching out 204hp@4,200rpm and 500Nm of torque between 1,600-1,800rpm while sipping only 53.3mpg. Performance figures for this version include 7.8s century sprint and 233km/h of top speed. The other diesel version is CLS 350 CDI (2,987cc, 265hp@3,800, 620Nm@1,600-2,400, 6.6s & 250km/h). The gasoline models are CLS 350 (3.5L V6 with 302hp) and CLS 500 (4.7L V8 turbo with 402hp).

The gallery of the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake can be found after the jump.

Blast from the past - Mercedes-Benz A38 AMG

Think the 2013 Mercedes-Benz A250 is the raciest A-Class with its 211PS engine? Think again.  Before the world has gone crazy of creating a concept car with a hybrid engine with a very emotional 30 km/h of top speed,  Mercedes has commissioned a special twin-engined A-Class, and they are called A38 AMG. It was created back in the late nineties when McLaren Mercedes F1 cars driven by Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard were the chase rabbit round the F1 track,  So special that only four are only ever made, where two of those went to, guess it right, the two drivers above.

The A38 AMG is based on the normal twin-floor sandwich platform Mercedes A-Class where the 1.9L in-line four cylinder engine producing a meagre 125bhp lies underneath the hood. However, AMG engineers have installed an identical unit at the back of the car, practically between the rear wheel, beneath where the boot lies. Combined, 1.9L makes 3.8L (hence the A38 name) and produced 250bhp  and 360Nm driving all four wheels via 5 speed manual gearbox governed via some electronic clutch trickery. This package is sufficient to drive the Mercedes-Benz A-Class with new dimensions of speed whereby it can reach the 100km/h milestone in 5.9 second and a 230km/h top speed.

To enable the installation of the transverse 1.9L engine at the back, the rear end of the A-Class has been redesigned and utilized a lot of bracing made by carbon fibre. Meanwhile, to cope with the added muscle, AMG parts bin of its larger siblings have been raid and AMG has fitted the front brake of E55 AMG to the A38. Measured 334mm in diameter, the 32mm thick ventilated disc is supported by the solid 258mm disc. With the aid for ABS and EBD, ESP and BAS, braking distance from 100km/h is less than 37m, which is great by the standard at that time. The car rolls on 18" alloy wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza tyres of 225/35 R18.

More photos of the Mercedes-Benz A38 AMG can be found after the jump.

Mercedes-Benz debut the new A-Class at Geneva

Mercedes has ditched the mini MPV design concept of its A-Class to welcome a sharper, sportier and low slung hatchback design concept for the latest A-Class model. Officially unveiled in Geneva motorshow, the new A-Class is now a sleek hatchback measuring 4,292mm long, 1,780mm wide and 1,433mm tall. The car is a massive 409mm longer, a scant wider by 16mm and equally massive 160mm lower compared to the previous A-Class. 

The first and second generation of Mercedes A-Class

In a way, the original A-Class was an innovative piece of engineering with its patented "sandwich" platfrom which allows the engine to slide down and rearwards in the event of an accident to better protect the occupants in what essentially a much shorter chassis than any contemporary Mercedes-Benz car at that time. Although plaque by the 'elk test' earlier in its life cycle, Mercedes has succeed in rectifying that by modifying the suspension and include the stability control systems with the car. The second generation of A-Class introduced in 2004 continues with the same format, with further refinement to the "sandwich" platform which has been redesigned to correct the original W168 faulty ride and handling. With W169, Mercedes has succeeded in  improving the ride and handling as well as injected some touch of class in the cabin architecture and material usage.

The third generation model is however entirely different in concept. It rides on all-new platform dubbed MFA (Modular Front Architecture) that features a transverse drivetrain packaging driving the front wheel. This essentially differentiate the new A-Class from its Munich rival, the new 1-Series. Adopting a FWD layout may means the deletion of the ultimate driving satisfaction provided by the RWD setup, but it should give the new A-Class an advantage in more efficient interior packaging.

The new A-Class adopts the latest Mercedes corporate face in the shape of prominent bulging headlamps consistent with the new SL-Class. The front grille is distinctively more upright. At the side, there's strong character line that sweep deep from the waist and curved upwards as it approach the rear end. The rear fascia is very well sculpted in design, with the rear light pushed outwards. Overall, the new A-Class has a more planted stance than the weedy foot print of the current model. For an added dose of aggressiveness, Mercedes also offered a Sport version which for the first time, the performance specialists from AMG were involved in the development of the compact class from a very early stage. The result is the most dynamic version of the new model series - the A-Class Sport 'engineered by AMG'. The A-Class Sport features exclusive 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-spoke design with 235/40 R18 tyres all round and painted high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish, together with red-painted brake callipers. Hints of red on the AMG front and rear aprons also serve to emphasise the expressive positioning of the new model.

The interior is an amalgamation of the trend originally set by the SLS with retro-inspired circular aircond vent and a flat centre console design. However, the A-Class, not unlike the B-Class has been fitted with the free-standing screen at the top of the console. All trim surfaces feature an electroplated finish in "silver chrome", giving them a genuine metallic surface with "cool touch" effect. There is also an option allowing a smartphone to be fully integrated into the operating and display system. A special app makes it possible to use the full functionality of the iPhone®, and in due course also of other smartphones, in the car.

For the engine option, both gasoline and diesel are available from the launch, where all of them are turbocharged and paired with ECO start/stop function to enhance fuel economy and reduce CO2 emission. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz has achieved the emissions of just 99 g/km of CO2 with this model.

The petrol engines are available with a displacement of 1.6L and 2.0L. The line-up starts with A180 with 1.6L turbo producing 115 hp followed by A200 with same engine, albeit with higher-tuned to produce156 hp. A250 uses the turbocharged 2.0L lump kicking out 211 hp. All of these petrol engines feature the aforementioned turbocharging, as well as direct injection systems with advanced combustion process and an extended stratification range for lean-burn operation that uses fast-acting injectors for the multiple injection of the fuel as well as on-demand multi-spark ignition. The 1.6L engine features the new valvetrain system dubbed CAMTRONIC where it is capable of adjusting the valve lift on the intake side restricts the amount of fresh mixture used in the partial load range, so reducing consumption.

The diesel engines also offer an impressively high level of efficiency thanks to a sophisticated injection technology and turbocharging. The A180 CDI is powered by 1.8L lump offering an output of 109 hp and 250 Nm of power and torque, while the same engine in A200 CDI has a maximum output of 136 hp and 300 Nm. The A220 CDI is equipped with a 2.2L version, punching out 170 hp and 350 Nm. All engines can be paired either with the new six-speed manual transmission or, as an option, with the 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The new A Class will reach the dealership by September 2012. However, as per the Volvo's move with the new V40, this car will not be going to the US. More photos of the new Mercedes A-Class can be found after the jump.

A trio of sporty Mercedes launched in Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced a trio of sporty model to satisfy the upper-end client appetite for imposing yet understated sportscar with three-pointed star on their hood (or grille in this case). The models they brought in are Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, Mercedes SLK and Mercedes CLS, arranged in the order of wealth required to own one. All three are CBUs and offered in a limited model variant.

The C-Class coupe is stylish 2 door coupe, with distinctive face from the latest and probably the prettiest C-Class of all generation. The tighter rear end styling makes the car appears more lithe and athletic than the sedan sibling. For now, MB Malaysia is offering this car in two model variant, C180 and C250 BlueEFFICIENCY. Both cars are powered by an inline-4 cylinder engine with a capacity of 1,796cc and features an electronically-controlled direct-injection with a forced-fed induction. In C180 guise, the engine produced 156bhp@5000rpm and 250Nm@1600-4200rpm while in the C250 guise, the engine produced 204bhp@5500rpm and 310Nm@2300-4300rpm. Performance quoted figures are 8.9s for 100km/h sprint and 223km/h of top speed for C180 Coupe, and 7.2s and 240km/h for C250. Both model channelled their drive to the rear wheel via 7 speed 7GTronic transmission. MB Malaysia has priced the C180 Coupe and C250 Coupe at RM305,888 and 388,888 respectively. More after the jump.

2013 Mercedes Benz SL fully revealed

It was only a couple of days ago that the grainy brochure scan hit the internet, revealing the new Mercedes grand open air motoring, now the new roadster has been revealed in all its aesthetic detailing ahead of its planned Detroit Motorshow in January 2012.

The car exterior surfacing draws heavily from the junior Merc SLK and range-topper SLS AMG with typical modern Mercedes styling cues such as angular headlamp and mascular body panels. The rear end of the car has some current-SL motif in its large, sweeping wraparound taillights, but the detailing is just any other modern Merc. The grille is more upright, with prominent tri-star emblem at dead centre. Strong character lines can be find running from A-pillar base all the way passing the headlight inner tips, before merging with the grille surround in one crisp, uninterrupted sweep of lines. Headlights is big and edgy.

The interior follows the current Mercedes-Benz interior design, that is modernism with a touch of retro-ism, especially in the area of aircond vent which are circular and expensively well-finished. The instrument panel and floor console follow the theme sets by both the SLS AMG and SLK roadster in their flat fascia and console for minimalist appearance. The devil is in the detailing, whereby the switchgear, buttons, rotary knob, ICE systems as well as climate controls are superbly finished in expensive-looking brighwork. The IP, console and door trim are all leather-upholstered, signifying the flagship status of the new SL in Mercedes product range.

The technical detail are scarce at the moment, as Mercedes is still holding back the detail of the drivetrain package for their new roadster. What is clear, and has been recently communicated by Mercedes, for now is the chassis construction of the 2013 SL. Mercedes has gone a great length in videos and image displaying the white body of the SL to emphasize the almost exclusive use of aluminium in its build-up. This results in a massive 140kg weight reduction! The new SL maintains the used of folding aluminium hard-top as per current car.

The body panel is 89% aluminium. The only exception are for the A-pillar which, due to its criticality, is made of high strength steel. The rear panel is made of magnesium, which is even lighter than the aluminium (and more expensive too!). The aluminium for the body shell application adopt the latest technology in their manufacturing method, including chill or vacuum die casting for the nodes and the optimized extrusion for beams. The breakdown of structural aluminium type is 44% cast aluminium, 17% extrusion segments and 28% stamped sheet (with variable thickness).  The result, apart from the aforementioned 140kg weight saving, is 20% increase in rigidity, increased crash worthiness and better NVH management.

The full gallery of the car can be found after the jump.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class 2012 - more detailed photos

The replacement for B-Class has been unveiled. The proportion does not differ much from outgoing model, but the body surfacing has adopted latest Mercedes-Benz design cues such as angular headlight and creased and wedged side profile.

The new B-Class 2012 features latest MB front grille, first seen on CLS, followed by the new SLK. It is softer than the one C and E-Class, but noticeably harder-edged compared to previous generation of MB cars. The headlight now featured DRL running at the top edge of the light.

There is a sharp character line rising from behind the front wheelarch, kicked upwards and blended with the rear wheelarch. The rear light is more elongated than current car, but similar in design concept.

Vital Statistics:

Dimension: 4359mm x 1786mm x 1557mm (length x width x height)

Engine : 

• 1.6 litre DOHC Direct-Injection Turbocharged (122bhp & 200Nm) in B180 
• Similar engine but different tuned to 156bhp and 250Nm in B200
• 1.8 litre turbo diesel engine - 109bhp and 250Nm in B180 CDi
• Similar engine, boosted to 136bhp and 300Nm in B200 CDi
• Transmission : 6 spd MT and 7 spd DCT
• Layout:Front engine, front drive

More photos and details after the jump.

First photo of 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class

The first ever exterior photos of B-Class has surfaced out. MB previously teased the interior of their new baby.

The car sets to make it world debut at next month Frankfurt Autoshow. Preliminary details revealed that the new car is longer,wider and lower at 4,359mm long (+86mm), 1,786mm wide (+9mm) and 1,557mm (-43mm) tall and continue using the "sandwhich" platform like previous model, whereas the new MB A-Class ditched it.

The new model will be offered with a new 1.6-liter gasoline engine delivering 122HP and 200Nm  in the B180 and 156HP and 250Nm  in the B200. At launch,diesel options are 1.8-liter turbocharged unit rated at 109HP and 250Nm  in the B180 CDi and 136HP and 300Nm  in the B200 CDi

2012 Mercedes M-Class revealed

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the new M-Class SUV at Stuttgart yesterday. The new car is the third generation of the SUV. The model will debut at Frankfurt Motorshow later in the year.



More prominent front grill with greater detailing than outgoing model



Wrap around rear combi, similar C-pillar styling cue to previous model

 

At launch, the SUV will be available with 3 engines; ML250 Bluetech with 2.1 litre 4-cylinder diesel. This powertrain produced 204 PS and 500 Nm of power and torque respectively.

Second variant is ML350 Bluetech, equipped with 3.0 V6 diesel and produced 258 PS and a whopping 619 Nm of power and torque respectively.

Third variant is for petrol lover,  ML350 Blueefficiency. It is powered by 3.5 V6 that produced 306 PS and 370 Nm of power and torque.

All powertrain option are paired with 7G-Tronic plus transmission with all-wheel-drive.