Tag: benz

First Drive: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

Filed under: Coupe, Mercedes-Benz, First Drive, Luxury

Entry-Level Benz Finally Drops A Set Of Doors

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

For those that remember it, the secretary-special two-door CLC hatchback, built on last-generation C-class bits and pieces, was rather embarrassing for Mercedes-Benz. It was a dumpy thing, but at least Daimler was smart enough to not even attempt selling it in the States.

Thankfully, the decidedly easier-on-the-eyes C204 C-Class Coupe has just arrived, and we’re getting this hot toddy. So what took Stuttgart so long to bring us this no-brainer variant of the C-Class? Were they worried about coupe clutter between the CLC- and E-Class? Too many two-doors, too soon? Funnily, we asked, and all we heard back were sheepish “We were waiting for the mothership to come around and give us the go-ahead for this car” comments.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster unveiled

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster – Click above for high-res image gallery

After the endless parade of rumors, conjecture, spy shots and even official information, Mercedes-Benz has finally dropped the full batch of details and photos of its latest flagship: the SLS AMG Roadster.

The new droptop loses the gullwing doors of its coupe counterpart, but those German engineers have gone to great lengths to ensure it loses nothing else in the process. Chopping the roof, fitting conventional doors, and stiffening the body as required results in a convertible that only weighs 88 lbs more than the coupe. The roof-available in black, red or beige-can be dropped or raised in just eleven seconds at speeds up to 31 mph.

Top speed is electronically limited in either position to 197 mph, while officially quoted acceleration times, for some reason, drop from 3.8 seconds in the gullwing coupe to 3.7 in the Roadster. Along with the convertible roof, Mercedes has also packed in a new electronically-controlled Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension, AMG Performance Media system to track and display vehicle telemetrics, and an AMG Drive Unit to control it all.

The Roadster – which beats the anticipated convertible versions of the Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren MP4-12C, Pagani Huayra and Lamborghini Aventador to market – will be officially unveiled this fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show, around the same time that deliveries are set to begin Stateside. In the meantime, you can follow the jump for all the details and check out the extensive photo gallery for a closer look.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 May 2011 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster unveiled

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster – Click above for high-res image gallery

After the endless parade of rumors, conjecture, spy shots and even official information, Mercedes-Benz has finally dropped the full batch of details and photos of its latest flagship: the SLS AMG Roadster.

The new droptop loses the gullwing doors of its coupe counterpart, but those German engineers have gone to great lengths to ensure it loses nothing else in the process. Chopping the roof, fitting conventional doors, and stiffening the body as required results in a convertible that only weighs 88 lbs more than the coupe. The roof-available in black, red or beige-can be dropped or raised in just eleven seconds at speeds up to 31 mph.

Top speed is electronically limited in either position to 197 mph, while officially quoted acceleration times, for some reason, drop from 3.8 seconds in the gullwing coupe to 3.7 in the Roadster. Along with the convertible roof, Mercedes has also packed in a new electronically-controlled Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension, AMG Performance Media system to track and display vehicle telemetrics, and an AMG Drive Unit to control it all.

The Roadster – which beats the anticipated convertible versions of the Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren MP4-12C, Pagani Huayra and Lamborghini Aventador to market – will be officially unveiled this fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show, around the same time that deliveries are set to begin Stateside. In the meantime, you can follow the jump for all the details and check out the extensive photo gallery for a closer look.

Continue reading 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster unveiled

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 May 2011 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mercedes-Benz working on Bentley Continental rival?

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Xenatec Maybach Cruiserio

Xenatec Maybach Cruiserio – Click above for high-res image gallery

Last week we brought you reports of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class expanding into numerous body-styles, but the coupe, convertible and pair of sedans in two different wheelbase lengths may not be the extent of it. Reports indicate that Daimler is considering a new four-door coupe to slot in above the CLS.

The model would target the Bentley Continental in a high-end model with even more dramatic styling (for those who feel the second-generation CLS is too conservative) and a range of AMG engines to help justify the engrossed pricetag.

While the new model is being touted as a Mercedes, a potential Maybach version could also be in the cards, like the Xenatec Cruiserio coupe pictured above.

Mercedes-Benz working on Bentley Continental rival? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 May 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz furthers Grand Edition franchise with new GL model

Filed under: Crossover, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style

Mercedes-Benz GL Grand Edition

Mercedes-Benz GL Grand Edition – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ain’t life grand? Mercedes-Benz seems to think so, as the German automaker recently introduced its Grand Edition lineup, starting with the Sprinter van, and now including the GL-Class crossover.

Available on the entire GL range, the Grand Edition adds unique 20-inch light-alloy wheels, newly designed two-tone leather seats and black ash wood trim inside the cabin. Other grandiose cues include dark-tinted headlamps, a black grille and a redesigned front bumper that incorporates standard LED running lamps for maximum bling effect.

Prices start at €80,206 for the GL350 CDI BlueEfficiency Grand Edition – about $112,716(!) based on current exchange rates – and reach as high as €99,127 ($139,292) for the range-topping GL500. Follow the jump for Merc’s official press release.

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Mercedes-Benz furthers Grand Edition franchise with new GL model originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 May 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exclusive: Mercedes-Benz studying Vito van for U.S.

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Work, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel

2011 Mercedes-Benz Vito range

2011 Mercedes-Benz Vito van range – Click above to enlarge image

Mercedes-Benz has been sufficiently pleased with the performance of its Sprinter van that it is now seriously considering importing a smaller sibling for its full-size load lugger.

Benz has offered a smaller commercial vehicle, the Vito, in various world markets since 1996, and the second-generation model underwent a mild facelift in 2010. Available with a range of CDI diesel engines in both cargo and passenger-carrying configurations, the Vito has recently been testing in all-electric E-Cell guise. If the Vito does make it to North America, we’re unlikely to get the complete range – this light commercial vehicle is available in three lengths, two roof heights and in both rear- and all-wheel drive.

While the Vito is indeed smaller than the Mercedes/Freightliner Sprinter carryall, it’s not as diminutive as the Ford Transit Connect we’ve come to know in the States. In its smallest form, the baby Benz spans 187.5 inches, nearly seven inches more than the Turkish Ford. In extra-long format, the Vito rings up at 206.2 inches, which is still well shy of the aged Ford E-Series van (216.7 inches in its shortest form), making the Vito something of a tweener in size.

For the moment, our source tells us that the idea of importing the Vito is in “an early stage,” and even though consumer clinics have been held to judge market interest, the van has not yet been given the green light.

Mercedes-Benz studying Vito van for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 May 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz outfits a luxury Eurocopter

Filed under: Etc., Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style, Luxury

Eurocopter EC145 by Mercedes-Benz

Eurocopter EC145 by Mercedes-Benz Style – Click above for high-res image gallery

To many people around the world, Mercedes-Benz and its silver star of glory represents the epitome of luxury and style. Want to be chauffeured around in a limousine? An S-Class or a Maybach is what the doctor ordered. Need a bit more space? A luxed-out Sprinter van is at your service. But if you’re looking to soar above the skyline and take that Benz luxury with you, the German automaker’s design studio has partnered with Eurocopter for this unique whirly-bird.

Unveiled at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibit in Geneva, this EC145 – a favorite for luxury travel as it is for medevac teams and a myriad other applications – has had its cabin outfitted by the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio on Italy’s Lake Como. There, design chief Gorden Wagener oversaw the fitment of the chopper’s cabin with all the usual Benz touches, from ambient lighting to wood trim. The cabin has also been arranged in a flexible layout, with seats that can be moved around on rails to seat up to eight passengers or removed to offer extra space for the privileged few.

The project is the first initiative of Mercedes-Benz Style, the automaker’s new product-design division, who we expect will be rolling out a number of licensed designs over the course of the coming years. Follow the jump for the full press release, and check out the high-resolution images in our gallery.

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Mercedes-Benz outfits a luxury Eurocopter originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 May 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz to shoehorn twin-turbo V12 into the G-Wagen for 612-hp G65 AMG?

Brabus G V12 S Biturbo

Brabus G V12 S Biturbo – Click above for high-resolution image gallery

After over three decades of production, the big boxy Mercedes-Benz G-Class is not long for this world. (At least, not in three-door, short-wheelbase form.) But while a Final Edition is already being offered in Europe, you didn’t think that Mercedes would leave it down to some extra chrome to bid auf weidersehen to its long-serving, all-conquering workhorse, did you? Of course not. At least, not if the boffins at AMG have anything to say about it, and if these rumors prove true.

The word circulating these interwebs is that AMG is planning to shoehorn in the twin-turbo V12 from the S65 AMG into the G-Wagen’s engine bay for a monstrous twelve-cylinder rolling barn with 612 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of twist.

That’s a lot of power no matter which way you look at it, but we already know it can be done. AMG is said to have produced a few such G-12s for custom order, as has its closely related tuning house Brabus (the result of which is pictured above). Would Affalterbach be able to find enough customers to officially offer such a vehicle? Go deep enough into Asian markets like Russia and the Gulf emirates and you just might find out.

Mercedes-Benz to shoehorn twin-turbo V12 into the G-Wagen for 612-hp G65 AMG? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 May 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz GLK to get a gentle nip/tuck

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz

spy shots: mercedes-benz glk

Mercedes-Benz GLK spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz is prepping a refreshed GLK, and our spy photographers have managed to capture an example running around with a dash of camouflage covering up the revised front and rear ends.

Nothing major to report here, but it seems this future GLK will be wearing updated headlights along with re-shaped front and rear bumpers. We can see a row of LED running lamps poking out of the perforated camo up front, as well as more angular headlamp clusters. As far as updated powertrain details, we’re still in the dark, but don’t be surprised if the new direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 from the C350 finds its way underhood.

Clicking through the gallery below will give you an idea of what to expect when the refreshed Mercedes-Benz GLK makes an uncovered appearance.

Mercedes-Benz GLK to get a gentle nip/tuck originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 May 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatches a bit early

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style

2012 mercedes-benz a-class

2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class revealed – Click above for high-res image gallery

You’re looking at what appear to be the patent images for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The images found their way into Belgian automotive site AutoScoop.be, and you can peruse them in the gallery below.

We expected the car to ditch most of the concept-crazy before it winds up in dealer showrooms. The version seen here does stick to the overall form of the concept, minus the hypnotic grille and several of the deep creases found all over the conceptual car’s body.

What we’re left with is a car that’s clearly a Mercedes-Benz, but not particularly far from the hatchback standard. Bits of CLS can be found in the curving roof-line and that familiar MB mug is staring you down front and center. We’re excited to see this hatch (expect CUV and sedan variants as well) in the flesh at an auto show later this year.

2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatches a bit early originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 May 2011 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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