Content provided by New Car Test Drive Compact SUV Seats Five, Drives Like a Car The Mercedes-Benz GLK is a compact crossover SUV, with looks reminiscent of the larger Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. The GLK was launched as a 2010 model, so the 2011 GLK carries over largely unchanged, though several important features are newly available.
By: IBxAnders | June 6, 2011
Content Provided by New Car Test Drive By Jim McCraw No company has done more for the cause of the high-performance small car in recent years than Mercedes-Benz, or more specifically, the AMG high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz. The first C-Class to carry an AMG performance package was the six-cylinder C36 back in 1993, followed by […] More »
By: IBxAnders | May 26, 2011
Content provided by New Car Test Drive Fresh styling, more sports appeal.By Jim McCraw The refurbished and sportier 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class has been treated to a completely new look, with a new grille, hood, front fenders, bumpers, air inlets, and all front lamp units, using the Mercedes-Benz three-bar-and-star sports car grille in lieu of the […] More »
By: IBxAnders | May 20, 2011
This week, U.S. journalists are test-driving the very first new-generation 2012 CLS coupes arriving in the U.S. The all-new CLS-Class coupe represents the first major redesign of a car that established an entirely new market segment – the four-door coupe, which combines the emotional appeal and dynamic design of a coupe with the comfort and functionality of a sedan. The 2012 CLS line consists of three exciting models, all powered by new biturbo direct-injection V8 engines and, for the first time, offers 4MATIC all-wheel-drive. MSRP’s start at $71,300 for the CLS550, $73,800 for the CLS550 4MATIC and $94,900 for the high-performance CLS63 AMG (not including delivery charges of $875).
World’s First Four-Door Coupe
The distinctive body lines of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS have been accentuated by its new design, and overall, the new CLS is about 1.2 inches longer and wider than its predecessor. The CLS fits right between the S-Class-based CL and the E-Class two-door to form a family of Mercedes coupes that makes efficient use of existing chassis and powertrain layouts while preserving their unique individual identities. More Fuel-Efficient CLS550 With its new 4.6-liter direct-injection twin-turbo V8 the new CLS550 achieves 26 percent better fuel mileage (est. 18 city / 26 hwy) than the previous model, while still producing 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft. of torque. The CLS550 is equipped with new electrically assisted power steering, AIRMATIC air suspension and a revised seven-speed automatic transmission. Standard Mercedes safety technology on all CLS coupes includes PRE-SAFE, ABS anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, traction control and the ESP electronic stability control. DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE Brake is optionally available, as well as Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist.
CLS63 AMG Features Eco Stop-Start System
The 5.5-liter version of the new direct-injection V8 engine in the 2012 CLS63 AMG is rated at 518 hp and 516 lb.-ft of torque. An optional AMG Performance Package increases output to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Even with its high-performance, the CLS63 AMG is 26 percent more fuel efficient (est. 15 city / 23 hwy), thanks in part to an innovative ECO stopstart system. Whenever the AMG model stops in “D” or “N” with the brake pedal depressed in “Controlled Efficiency” transmission mode, the engine is automatically turned off to save fuel. As soon as the driver releases the brake, the engine computer decides which piston is in the best position for first ignition, and the direct fuel injection and multi-spark systems work with a starter motor to re-start the engine almost instantly.
Innovative MCT Transmission
The CLS63 AMG features a 7-speed MCT (multi-clutch technology) sport transmission with an innovative start-up clutch that replaces the conventional torque converter. Providing the direct feedback of a manual transmission with the total convenience of an automatic, the MCT transmission offers impressive versatility and faster shift times.
In addition to larger brakes and wider wheels and tires, the CLS63 AMG also sports a unique combination of steel coil springs at the front and AIRMATIC suspension at the rear, which provides especially responsive handling from the front suspension, while the self-leveling AIRMATIC at the rear maintains consistent ride height, regardless of the load. Along with a tubular front stabilizer bar, the CLS63 AMG is fitted with special front control arms and wheel hub carriers that provide wider track and more negative camber for even better grip in high speed curves. The CLS63 AMG rear suspension includes new track rods and push-pull rods as well as more rigid sub-frame mounts that all contribute to enhanced cornering.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. For more than forty years, MBUSA has taken pride in its commitment to the customer by providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with outstanding customer support.
A division of Daimler AG, MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.maybachusa.com and www.mbsprinterusa.com
By: IBxAnders | May 18, 2011
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is arriving soon – 2012 to be specific. According to reports, the new model will come in four different versions, all falling under the codename “W222”. It’s an attempt by the German car manufacturing giant to fill in a much bigger area of the premium vehicle segment with four bodystyle options,
By: MBWorld.org Editors | May 16, 2011
By Jim McCraw On Sale: Summer 2011Expected Pricing: Around $90,000 AMG, the high-performance car division of Mercedes-Benz, sells more of its hotted-up cars in the United States than anywhere else in the world, and in recent years, has accelerated the pace of change to its lineup of C, E, CLK, CL, and S-Class offerings, each […] More »
By: IBxAnders | May 13, 2011
By New Car Test Drive The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS represents the first major redesign of the four-door coupe. The all-new CLS won’t change much in its basic, elegant character when it goes on sale summer of 2011. The production version was unveiled at the Paris motor show in October 2010.
By: IBxAnders | May 10, 2011
