2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Car of the Year

Here's one more Car of the Year list, from Playboy. We have no problems with the winners, since they all carry a goodly dose of technology, including the over-the-top gull-wing door Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, $183,000 list, with a 563-hp V8 engine that reaches 60 mph in 3. seconds, a space-frame chassis, navigation system (an older version, alas), Bang & Olufsen audio (plus the music from the engine), and adaptive cruise control. In exchange for snug space for your legs in the cockpit, you are guaranteed quick access from the parking valet, who'll leave the SLS AMG out front and center. Other winners after the jump:

These are Playboy's other top cars for 2011: • Convertible - Porsche Boxster Spyder • SUV - Jeep Grand Cherokee • Hybrid - Honda CR-Z • Sports Sedan - Aston Martin Rapide • Most likely to succeed in 2011 - Hyundai Equus

Here's one more Car of the Year list, from Playboy. seconds, a space-frame chassis, navigation system (an older version, alas), Bang & Olufsen audio (plus the music from the engine), and adaptive cruise control.

Not that the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG still needs much hype, but winning the 2011 Playboy Car of the Year adds another feather on the cap of the luxury grand tourer.
It’s easy to see why the SLS AMG is worthy of being anyone’s Car of the Year.

Not surprisingly, the supreme title was awarded to the supercar Mercedes SLS AMG in Stuttgart.
the top couldn’t miss Aston Martin Rapide, this year’s most attractive sedan, hailed by several professional auto magazines.

Mercedes-Benz recall

Mercedes-Benz is recalling about 85,000 of its 2010 and 2011 cars because of potential steering problems.

increasing the risk of a vehicle crash."
Owners may return the cars to dealers, who will check the powering steering systems for free, the company says
Owners can return cars to dealers for a free power steering check.
The recall affects 2010 C-Class cars as well as the 2010 and 2011 E-Class coupe and cabriolet models.

Steering issues om the 2010 C-Class and the 2011 E-Class models, because the high pressure power steering line may have a connection fitting which is not tight enough.
In the report by Mercedes, they said, “Owners may not have sufficient control of the vehicle under circumstances such as parking where maximum power steering is required.”

source: Mercedes Benz recall

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS

Normally a Mercedes-Benz isn't a car you get excited about. Inspired by the classic Mercedes 300SL (known as the "Gullwing") of the 1950s, the new Mercedes-Benz SLS shares the iconic SL's proportions with its long hood and short rear deck as well as the SL's unique upward-opening doors. The SLS is meant to be Mercedes-Benz's ultimate automobile, but it's also meant to be more affordable and practical to drive than the now-discontinued Mercedes SLR McLaren.

Behind the SLS's classic-style grille is an exotic all-aluminum chassis and a potent, hand-built 6.2-liter V8. A seven-speed, dual-clutch automated manual transaxle (a first for a Mercedes-Benz) sends the power to the rear wheels. Throw a few options on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and you're looking at a $200,000-plus sports car. The "Mercedes SLS AMG" comes solely as a coupe. Options include special paint colors, carbon-fiber trim (for the engine compartment, mirror housings and interior), ultra-high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes, a racetrack-tuned suspension, lightweight forged-aluminum wheels, an 11-speaker surround-sound Bang & Olufsen audio system, a steering wheel wrapped in leather and suede, and a custom-fitted indoor car cover.

A hand-built 6.2-liter V8 cranking out 563 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque comes with every Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Mercedes-Benz says the car's top speed is 197 mph. EPA fuel mileage estimates stand at 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined.

Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, side airbags, side curtain airbags, knee airbags and Mercedes-Benz's "mbrace" emergency telematics system.

The SLS's gullwing-style doors swing upward, revealing a larger, less obstructed opening than is typical of cars with conventional doors. For more Interior Features information, see our Specifications page.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS has the balance of a sports car, thanks to a weight distribution of 47 percent front/53 percent rear. It steers quickly into a corner like a sports car, yet has the straight-line stability of a GT car. The potent V8 gives the Mercedes-Benz SLS a proper exotic car soundtrack with its powerful and entertaining staccato beat.

It weighs 8.8 pounds. Height of an adult female, weight of a gallon or so of gas—these are the critical dimensions of the carbon-fiber driveshaft running between the engine and the rear-mounted transaxle in the new Mercedes SLS AMG. “The SLS is a serious super sports car,” says AMG chief of development Tobias Moers before taking a shot at the SLR, a carbon-fiber-bodied car that still managed to weigh in at 3858 pounds. “Our SLS weighs only 3572 pounds,” he says, nearly 300 pounds lighter than the McMerc. The aluminum structure weighs just 531 pounds, Mercedes says.

The most distinctive aspect of the SLS’s appearance is, of course, its roof-hinged gullwing doors, an homage to the iconic 300SL Gullwing. AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg explains sharply. Those gullwing doors look spectacular. While the car’s structure is a pure AMG design, most of the parts, except for the shifter, are from the Mercedes bin. The center console has an aluminum finish, with carbon fiber an option.
The idle is deep, and the revs rise and fall race-car swiftly.

new Mercedes-Benz CLS is designated a 2012 model

Mercedes-Benz provided an advance look at the new "Mercedes-Benz CLS" in January at the Detroit auto show, where Gorden Wagener, head of design for Mercedes, displayed a raw metal model of the car, polished and gleaming like a prop from a “Terminator” film.

The" new Mercedes-Benz CLS is designated a 2012 model". “The new Mercedes-Benz CLS points the way forward for the future perceptible design idiom of Mercedes-Benz,” he said in a news release. Some of the new design elements have been enunciated on the SLS sports car.

The so called “dropping line,” running downward from the top of the front wheel arches to the rear, takes inspiration from historic Mercedes sports cars. The rear shoulder line is high and athletic. The oversize rear-wheel arches visually express rear-wheel drive.

The" original Mercedes-Benz CLS" launched in 2003, becoming the first mainstream four-door coupé and inventing a whole new niche that Audi and BMW are only just beginning to fill.
The front of the Mercedes-Benz CLS also features full LED headlights complete with adaptive dynamic lighting functions for better visibility at night.

This will give the car a very distinctive lighting signature, with three arrow-shaped layers comprising 71 LEDs in total. No doubt an extensive list of in-car entertainment and safety equipment will also feature.

Pricing and standard equipment information will come closer to launch, and we should see the new Mercedes-Benz CLS hit UK showrooms early next year.
Further details of this new four-door coupé should emerge at Paris. Which? Car will keep you informed.

Mercedes-Benz is set to launch a wave of small luxury vehicles in the United States

An exciting new design with expressive front features including a central star in the grille and dynamic feature line flowing back towards the rear the new Mercedes-Benz CLS brings refined sportiness to life. A mixture of satin and high-gloss finishes are used on the metal surfaces inside the Mercedes-Benz CLS. Customers can choose between three exclusive types of wood, high-gloss brown burr walnut, high-gloss black ash and satin-finish light-brown poplar.

Mercedes-Benz is set to launch a wave of small luxury vehicles in the United States. An all-new C-class coupe will debut next year, followed by three derivatives of the front-wheel-drive B class in 2012 and 2013.

"Everyone wants to be Mercedes-Benz," said Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. B class: Coupe, crossover and sedan versions of the next-generation B class come to the United States in 2012-13. The B-class range is expected to have four-cylinder engines, which are currently not available in any Mercedes product sold in the United States. F cell: An electric fuel cell version of the current B class sold in Europe is coming to the United States in the fourth quarter. All together, Mercedes has said it will test 100 of the 240-mile-range electric vehicles in the United States.

C class: The sedan gets a mild freshening this year, and an all-new coupe based on the current-generation sedan goes on sale next year.

E class: A redesigned E-class Cabriolet and station wagon went on sale this year, joining the new-generation sedan and coupe. CL: The CL is slated for a redesign in 2013, when Mercedes probably will change the name to the S-class coupe.

The CL500 version gets a new twin-turbocharged, 4.6-liter V8 direct-injection gasoline engine with 429 hp. The high-performance CL63 AMG gets a more powerful engine: a 5.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 with 536 hp. The CL65 keeps its 621-hp, 6.0-liter V12.

S class: The S63 version with a new 5.5-liter biturbo engine goes on sale in November. A redesigned S class comes to the United States in 2013. SLK: A redesigned SLK hard-top convertible is expected next year.

SLS AMG: The $185,750 SLS gull-wing AMG went on sale in mid-May. It is powered by a 563-hp, 6.3-liter V8. Mercedes isn't saying whether it will make a second-generation R class.
ML: A redesigned SUV goes on sale next year with a new generation of engines, including a 50-state diesel.

Sprinter: A select group of Mercedes dealers began selling the commercial vehicle this year. The Sprinter is powered by a Mercedes V6 diesel.

2010 Mercedes GLK Review

The GLK-Class consists of two models, the two-wheel drive 2010 Mercedes GLK-Class and the all-wheel drive GLK350 4MATIC.

Standard safety features include electronic stability control, electronic traction control, brake assist, active front head restraints, as well as front, side, and side curtain airbags.

The 2010 Mercedes GLK350 is the second-cheapest Mercedes you can buy in this country, but you'd never suspect it. The 2010 Mercedes GLK is built to such a high standard that its price premium over most similarly equipped competitors seems well worth it. Drive the 2010 Mercedes GLK back-to-back with a C-Class sedan and you're bound to get a sense of déjà vu all over again. In addition to its aforementioned ironclad feel, the GLK's steering and ride are remarkably similar to the C's. The 2010 Mercedes GLK and the C350 share the same 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, which in the GLK is the only power choice (a Bluetec diesel option should be available in future model years), while the seven-speed automatic is the lone transmission.

Mercedes' interior quality took a nosedive for a few years, but the GLK's quality construction proves that the three-pointed star represents a world standard once again. The GLK does have a couple downsides, however

The "2010 Mercedes GLK-Class luxury crossover SUV is available in one trim level known as the Mercedes-Benz GLK350". When equipped with all-wheel drive, it is the GLK350 4Matic.

Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, cruise control, automatic headlamps, eight-way power front seats, MB Tex premium vinyl upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt and telescoping steering column, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. Other options include front and rear parking sensors, xenon headlights, leather upholstery, heated front seats, running boards, an iPod interface and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual front-headrest-mounted displays.

The 2010 Mercedes GLK350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 good for 268 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive (known as 4Matic) is optional. In performance testing, a GLK350 4Matic went from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined with 4Matic. Sticking with rear-wheel drive nets 1 mpg better on the highway.

Safety
The GLK comes standard with stability control, antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags.

Interior Design and Special Features
Some cabin controls are overly complicated, and the climate controls are mounted a little low, but the overall combination of physical dash buttons, steering wheel controls and the optional multifunction COMAND knob are reasonably effective at corralling the GLK's 2010 Mercedes GLK various functions

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 EXCELLENT GENES

Interested teams can now place orders for the track-ready Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 which carries a €397,460 price tag, including 19% VAT (€334,000 without VAT). Mercedes also announced that it will put in place a motorsport customer unit for SLS AMG GT3 customers with HWA AG.

Mercedes worked closely with HWA during the development of the race car and HWA also runs the AMG-Mercedes DTM racing outfit.

In stock the engine in the SLS AMG produces 571hp and 650Nm of torque. Delivery of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 will take place in February 2011.

Mercedes-Benz has begun taking orders for the GT3 racing version of its SLS AMG Gullwing sports car - at the equivalent of R3.2-million each! The SLS AMG GT3 has been designed as a customer sports car for sprint and endurance races.

The car's competition debut - as part of the test programme - will be in the VLN race at the legendary Nurburgring at the end of September.

Mercedes-Benz motorsport chief Norbert Haug said: "The Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 marks the beginning of a new era in Mercedes-Benz customer motorsport.

"This is an exciting and spectacular sports car for dedicated private teams and talented private drivers."

The GT3 takes the Gullwing design to the next level with a new front apron with a splitter, a central air vent in the bonnet, wider front and rear wings, side wheel-arch air vents, side skirts with cooling ducts for the rear brakes, a smooth underbody with a rear diffuser and an adjustable rear aerofoil.

The FIA will determine the maximum allowable output of the dry-sump AMG 6.3-litre V8 and the car's minimum weight on the "Balance of Performance" principle, so that all GT3 racing cars are as evenly matched as possible
The GT3 has a sequential six-speed racing transmission with paddle shift, a multi-disc locking differential and traction control.

The engine and transmission are a connected by a carbon-fibre drive-shaft running at engine speed inside a torque tube.


The steel roll cage protects the driver and adds extra stiffening to the car's aluminium spaceframe. The 120-litre, carbon-fibre safety fuel tank with inner bladder is mounted above the rear axle and the car has a built-in fire-extinguisher system.

Mercedes-Benz USA : the limited-edition Night Edition

Mercedes-Benz USA : the limited-edition 2011 SL550 Night Edition. Based on the iconic SL-Class coupe/roadster, the highlight of the SL550 Night Edition is its matte-finish Designo Magno Night Black paint and Black premium leather interior. This new special model combines the advantages of a roadster with those of a coupe, and is thoroughbred sports cars and comfortable everyday cars.

you do not have to worry about, because you will definitely get, is not it mate?

Mercedes-Benz USA"The special designo magno night black paint finish -- specially developed exclusively for the SL550 Night Edition -- works particularly well with the dramatic design of the SL-Class. The Night Edition rolls on 19-inch AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels in a two-tone, high-gloss finish, silver-painted front brake calipers with "Mercedes-Benz" script and darkened headlamps and taillights help distinguish the exclusive status of the SL550 Night Edition.

Mercedes-Benz USA:The interior features a striking contrast of dark Black premium leather and bright chrome trim, with numerous fine details. The newly-designed seats have arrow-shaped seams and silver-colored contrasting features, while the sports steering wheel, shift lever and roof lining are trimmed in black. The trim strip of the wind-deflector has a high-gloss finish complimented by the silver-colored vents of the AIRSCARF system, which bathes the driver in warm air when the convertible top is down during cooler weather.

Limited to just 100 units, this exclusive model will be available in U.S. showrooms in early 2010

the new Mercedes R-Class model year 2010

It 'time lists for the new Mercedes R-Class model year 2010, presented at the last exhibition in New York. First American to win a footbridge the American public, now in hand-ready for the Italian market. The restyling almost obligatory after the limited success of its predecessor, has affected the frontal and interior. Change the bonnet, eosin-like fenders, grille, mirrors and bumpers. Some variations for the rear, with the modification of an assembly-piïŋ-large - and the integral exhaust. In addition, there are new alloy wheels between 17 and 21 inches. As far as the body color is introduced white diamond, which becomes a sign of recognition.

The interior of the new Mercedes R-Class are synonymous with space-comoditïŋ. You can choose four, five six or seven seats. The covers range from synthetic fabric to the skin and the Arctic, as the ML 63 AGM, the front seats of the R-Class can be equipped with both heating and electrical control completely. To request the Panorama glass roof and a wide array of options. As for engines, it's diesel and gasoline in addition to the ecological version BlueEFFICIENCY and the 4MATIC all-wheel drive. However, all equipped with automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC seven reports: R 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the consumption of 7.6 liters per 100 km, the 350 CDI 4MATIC with 265 hp and 620 Nm and 350 BlueTEC 4 MATIC, which Puin - boast the Euro 6 compliance. On petrol, the choice is oriented towards R 300 170 hp and 300 Nm, the R 350 4MATIC 200 hp and 350 Nm and the R500 from 285 hp and 530 Nm The basic price of the Mercedes R-Class of 53,850 Euros .

The Mercedes SLK Naked limited edition

The Mercedes SLK Naked limited edition of 99 copies is aimed at young audiences. Costs less than other SLK (40,900 euros) and is available exclusively with the operator "base", the 200 Kompressor 184-hp. Previewed at the World Ducati Week 2010, the Naked is also a tribute to the motorcycle manufacturer Bologna, Italy factory and his Monster.

The Naked Mercedes SLK comes standard with alloy wheels with five double-spoke 18 ", burnished headlights, AMG rear spoiler, automatic climate control, audio system with nine speakers and Bluetooth hands-free. The roadster will be available in white, silver, gray and black as well as in three new colors Opaque White Cashmere, Grey Platinum Grey and Alans

Tried & Tested: Mercedes-Benz C250 CGI

In the blink of an eye it has been 3 years since the W204 C-Class debuted. While the mid-cycle facelift isn't due yet, Mercedes-Benz has chosen to go the way of turbocharging their C-Class along with the introduction of their new W212 E-Class with Charged Gasoline Injection (CGI). In Daimler speak, that's direct fuel injection + turbocharging.

Read all about the test drive of seemingly Golf GTI's power output vehicle with rear-wheel drive plus a boot. Or is it not so? The new C250 CGI after all punches out a maximum of 204hp/310Nm. Scroll down below for a review by someone dubbed recently as "Mr Stuttgart" (think: M-B/Porsche) of the motoring circle :)





Browsing through the Press Information supplied by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) along with the tester you see above, the new C250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY is touted as "the most efficient C-Class ever". With claimed fuel consumption of just 7.2 - 7.9 litres/100km in combined cycle.

As you all know and have experienced before, in the real world these figures are as good as striking it rich in the lottery. However and rather unexpectedly so, the best figure I got from the C250 was 8.2 l/100km while getting boxed-in during northbound traffic of the North-South highway - compulsorily doing speeds of 80 - 90km/h constantly. On the upper end of the scale, the computer was reading out 12.3 l/100km on other occasions of getting 'high' behind the wheel.
In retrospect, my last E200 Kompressor (W211) was returning rather similar range of fuel consumption figures in my 4 years of usage.



So I guess you could call it BlueEFFICIENCY after all, since 204hp/310Nm versus 163hp/240Nm with the same amount of fuel in indeed efficiency at work. That's the beauty of having a triple alphabets "DEH" suffix to M271 (engine code) I guess! But I don't see the need of getting the all 'Blue' over this. There is no AdBlue (ammonia consuming catalyst system) here for this petrol combusting 1.8-litre 4-pot. Hmmm...






Further into the Press Info, M-B claims a sprint timing of 7.4 seconds for their latest C250 CGI. Which is entirely believable, since 310 Nm is at your disposal from a low 2,000 rpm through to 4,000 rpm. It feels especially quick more so in 'SPORT' mode but not that manically rapid as say the 211 ps/280 Nm Mk6 Golf GTI because of its rear-drive configuration and probably 5A/T torque converter 'refining and filtering' things out a tad more. Typical of Mercedes-Benz, there is no lurch even as you slam the throttle aggressively at take-off. One of my "co-tester" even claimed the Toyota Vios is 'more powerful' due to its persistent lunging-forward kick of (initial) acceleration. Gosh! Must be a diehard Toyota fan despite the throttle-gate fiasco which seemed to have evaded Malaysia.




High speed stability wise, the new C250 is indeed better than the outgoing C230 2.5 V6. In 'normal' suspension setting, there is indeed less mushiness of the dampers resulting in less roll around corners. Even in 'Sport' the suspension isn't as hard or jarring as the last 6-potted C230. This is noticeable when I contrasted another C230 back-to-back. M-B engineers along with the Bilstein folks must have done some suspension tweaking over black coffee and some serious test track time.

Having said that, the new C250 is still a tad floaty at speed above 180 km/h despite having adaptive dampers. The steering while being weightier in Sport mode (the older C230's rack doesn't respond to Sport setting at all before) is still a tad numb at speed beyond 200 km/h. With a wee bit more choppiness than desired on poor undulating surfaces of certain highway stretches the C250's chassis can come across as jittery approaching its claimed Vmax of 240 km/h.
I guess M-B might still want to relegate such lofty task to the W212 which is way calmer and felt sturdier - possibly due a longer wheelbase and wider tracks.

Yet above it all, on B-roads the new C250 CGI is nicely agile and tracks corner like a dream with the steering ratio reduced from 14.5 in the C200 versus 13.5 in the C250. I would have preferred the 'Sport' button to be split into two separate level of actuation where the throttle 'Sportier' mapping is decided at the gear lever while the chassis/suspension tautness and steering weight/feel is activated by the regular switch on the centre console. Much like the Mk6 GTI where you can dial in a combo of 'Sport, Normal or Auto' suspension mode with either regular 'D' auto or 'S' auto drive mode.

Priced at RM287,888 the new C250 CGI is indeed a very promising Mercedes that is solid in performance yet retains M-B hallmark of comfort, albeit in a smaller package. The turbocharged C-Class (E-Class in a broader perspective) will be the range that will answer to MBM's profitability for their current financial year since the C250 CGI definitely cost less to make versus the C230 V6 of yore. The C250 CGI (as well as the C200 CGI) also address succinctly to the downsizing-cum-efficiency trend of current times, complying with EU5 emissions standard while being fun to point-and-shoot should you want more zippiness at a moment's notice. The Munich camp meanwhile has no emphatic answer to this with their aging E90 especially in regards to their asthmatic 320i and pricey, yet detuned 323i. However, the E90 320d makes a very compelling case and this shall be the closest competitor to this C250 CGI - in my books at least. Watch out for its review coming up next.




Related posts:

Mercedes-Benz C200 Kompressor (W204) tested in 2007
Parting shots of the W203 C200K Final Edition

Mercedes-Benz, First Quarter 2010 Sales Dominance

Mercedes-Benz has established itself as a premium brand leaders in Indonesia. Until March 2010 PT Mercedes-Benz Indonesia managed to master the retail sales of premium passenger car segment by 68 percent to 847 units.

Total retail sales for the month of March increased 44 percent over the same period last year, which reached 590 units. With the achievement of these sales, the Mercedes-Benz has closed the first quarter of calendar 2010 with honors.

"Last year the Indonesian market a little shaken the global financial crisis, but we actually accomplish with the number of sales in 2009 exceeded the level in previous years. This year we have done a better acceleration, achievement of the first quarter in the year 2010 signifies the increasing consumer confidence that the Mercedes-Benz Indonesia is the best premium brands, "said President Director of PT Mercedes-Benz Indonesia Rudi Borgenheimer.

The biggest contributor to sales of Mercedes-Benz during March 2010 ditujukkan by all sedan model line-up, both the C-Class, E-Class, and the New Generation S-Class. C-Class to be introduced into the Indonesian market since July 2007, in the first three months of 2010 led the mid-luxury sedan segment with market share has reached 69.2 percent or 303 units.

In the high-class luxury sedan, Mercedes-Benz came down with New E-Class models higher-tech, full performance, and fuel-efficient rivals far behind. Up to March 2010 New E-Class were able to sell in retail as much as 402 units or 88.2 percent market share, up 106% over the same period of 2009 (195 units).

A very exciting achievement was also demonstrated by the performance of retail sales model S-Class New Generation which came down in the upper segment luxury sedan. In the midst of aggressive competitors, the New Generation S-Class remains unshakable stand out as leaders of large-class luxury sedan with sales up to March 2010 reached 100 units or 69.9 percent market share. In total during the first three months of 2010 the New Generation S-Class sales increase of 92% over the same period the previous year.

Mrecedes successful premium-Benz sedans in Indonesia is not just through their achievements in retail sales. Indonesia Autocar magazine also has recognized the benefits of sedans, Mercedes-Benz by giving Autocar Readers Award in 2010 to C-Class, E-Class and S-Class last week.

"The success of Mercedes-Benz maintained its dominance in the premium sedan segment can not be separated from the advantages provided by our products. CGI technology that we began to introduce Indonesia to the poorer consumers get high appreciation, "said Rudi Borgenheimer.

In addition, the successful Mercedes-Benz to increase during the first quarter 2010 growth is also a role of the prime-Benz Meredes services to their customers in the country. Until now, Mercedes-Benz premium brand that has become the official network of the largest with 19 dealers and workshops spread across Java, Bali, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi.

"Mercedes-Benz is committed to always trying to improve the quality of service to all customers in Indonesia. Every year we conduct assessment services and network facilities of global standards that Mercedes-Benz high, "said Rudi Borgenheimer.

She also added, "Trust is provided by our loyal customers for our products and services must be aligned with innovation, imagination, efficiency and quality of our products and services. This is something that we hold firm for this and we will continue to maintain until onwards.

The Mercedes Benz R-class also provides exceptional space

In developing the abstraction of Grand Sports Tourer, Mercedes Benz engineers accept taken into annual the needs of avant-garde motorists who wish to accept a accepted car, which would be characterized with an affected architecture and high-tech appropriate cast Mercedes Benz.

Mercedes Benz R-class

The Mercedes Benz R-class aswell provides aberrant space, admirable assurance and abundance the accomplished akin for six passengers. In addition, the new drive of the Mercedes Benz R-class artful forms, adumbrative appearance-and not atomic the accomplished dynamics and the amusement of driving.

On the Mercedes Benz R-class admeasurement is commensurable to top chic sedan, while accepting abundant beyond ? Stock enclosure. This has been accessible acknowledgment to the avant-garde abstraction of the Mercedes Benz R-class and acknowledged build, complete in the details. The ambit amid the foreground and rear seats is 860 mm, which corresponds to the chic "luxury sedans

Standing a abounding drive, the cyberbanking ascendancy arrangement of tractive ability is all-important 4ETS and Stabilization Arrangement cartage ESP В® accommodate the accomplished levels of alive assurance and accredit a new Mercedes Benz R-class beside with aplomb even in difficult alley conditions..

These systems, aeriform abeyance and rear arbor included in the basal furnishings. As added accessories is proposed arrangement AIRMATIC. It is accumulated with adaptive damping arrangement ADS, which allows for the bad anchorage advance of a button to access arena approval by 50 mm. Beginning with a acceleration of 120 km / h abeyance AIRMATIC automatically blurred the physique has a 20 mm to abate aerodynamic annoyance and access barter bulk stability.

Mercedes Benz R-class

Aesthetics forms and avant-garde abstraction car blueprint cautiously buried absolutely astronomic size. For the Mercedes Benz R-class activity on the appropriately called landing blueprint 4 +2, area anniversary of the six cartage accept a abstracted anatomical seats with arm, afar from the foreground for appropriate 860 mm.

The set of functions and controls-oriented alternation Benz premium, so actuality accepted alive DVD/CD- players able with 8 speakers. As an added advantage can be ordered chip in the foreground bench arch restraints awning and wireless headphones. For cachet the Mercedes Benz R-class has TERMATIK climate, and for added allegation for cartage in rear rows can be set thirds altitude zone

The additional alternation is able with adjustable, and there is a longitudinal, both alone and calm with the rear seats, with the aftereffect that generates a akin amphitheater with a breadth of 1.98 m and the bulk of baggage - 1950 liters. Designer Mercedes Benz R-class, able car jacking big rear breach EASY-PACK, thereby accretion opportunities for loading / unloading, and the access in breach bend of acknowledgment and ancillary doors, benign the accessibility of passengers..

Mercedes Benz R-class

Part of the Tribute sports - and 6-8-cylinder able engines, a angel of accepting amusement of driving. Version R 500 is able with an engine V8 to banish from aught to 100 km / h in 6.9 seconds, extensive a beam mark of 245 km / h. Engine aswell includes a amount of new agent engine with absolute ammunition bang arrangement Common-Rail third generation. Already starting from 1600 rpm, the engine V6 develops a torque 510 Nm, which is the accomplished bulk in this aggregate on the alive class. Average ammunition burning R 320 CDI is alone 9.3 liters per 100 km. Archetypal R 350, with the new petrol V6 (200 kW/272 hp), is getting advance 0-100 km / h for 8.4 with the bulk best speed-230 km / h.

Mercedes Benz R-class

Steering caster in Mercedes Benz R-class has become added multifunctional. On the foreground ancillary of the capital spokes stationed keys administering adaptable phone, audio and card display. On the about-face ancillary of the council caster deployed switching serially installed automated gearbox 7G TRONIC with DIRECT SELECT function.

Mercedes Benz R-class

Standing a abounding drive, the cyberbanking ascendancy arrangement of tractive ability is all-important 4ETS and Stabilization Arrangement cartage ESP, accommodate the accomplished levels of alive assurance and accredit a new Mercedes Benz R-class beside with aplomb even in difficult alley conditions. Off convalescent superior Mercedes Benz provided Mercedes Benz R-class air suspension, the rear arbor to acquiesce and adapt arena - ADS adaptive damping system, amenable for the bland advance of the car.

Mercedes Benz R-class..

Many adumbrate that abundant business archetypal accumulated destiny. Prestigious, solid and, not least, added ample machines consistently enjoyed top appeal for the accumulation of the agile affluent companies.

Mercedes Benz R-class

It is accepted that by the Mercedes Benz R-class and affluent ancestors annual humans who charge a big, comfortable, safe, Full-power of the Mercedes Benz R-class.

a glimpse of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class car is expensive and high quality. The price can be much higher than the charge as special equipment is very rich.

While may be some interesting decisions as standard for Mercedes-Benz C-Class a very good impression. In some variables, this is the best car is of similar size. Although the price is reasonable or not, are the main disadvantages of space and rear seats for Mercedes-Benz C-Class 220 CDI vibration motor in the city.

Mercedes Benz C-class variables, with their quality, their level of active safety and quality as a result of the suspension: comfort and stability. To the best of these three functions in the midsize sedan will receive, you have to spend what it takes on Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class have the advantage that it decreases rapidly and in particular active safety on the roads. The difference compared to other salons much cheaper it is found only in exceptional cases and committed (eg,) avoidance maneuvers at high speed. Braking is too short, but it is very safe.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Mercedes-Benz C-Class is an agile car on the street slowly, but as an average or high-speed corners, there are excellent results. These considerations also apply to the suspension, which has a built very comfortable, but not too soft.

Change Mercedes-Benz C-Class 220 CDI with automatic, 'we' I have tested, there is no indication or performance or consumption, but one of the best. This version is also better than other models, the smoothness of the engine in the service of the city. Yes, very smooth road bikes.

If you think the relationship between price and size inside, there are better cars, Mercedes-Benz C-Class. In the foreground is a lot of space and places are very good. Because there is enough room for two adults who are not too high, but the three space is limited, because the shape of the seat is inadequate and not very wide.

Mercedes-Benz C-class to the equipment, the (serial seven airbags one of them has on the driver's knees lit), belts with emergency stress tensor and restrictions in the four outer seats, active head restraints and automatic connection. On his knees airbags for the driver is on the markets of the Euro-NCAP standard study. Scope Mercedes-Benz C-Class engine variants consists of gasoline and diesel.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class in gasoline can save different variations on the four-cylinder or six-cylinder atmospheric pressure. 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine has a capacity compressor and volume, with two versions: Mercedes-Benz C-Class 180 K to 156 horses and 200 K Mercedes-Benz C-Class 184 hp. Six bottles are Mercedes-Benz C-Class 230, 204 hp, Mercedes-Benz C-Class 280, 231 and 350 hp, Mercedes-Benz C-Class 272 hp.

With 156 hp engine, the benefits and consumption of Mercedes-Benz C-Class are normal. Mercedes-Benz C-Class with a value of 180 K, the maximum speed, but not because of its low-power or high acceleration. BMW 320i with 170 hp and accelerates countries invest far less than the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class 180 K.

According to official figures, Mercedes-Benz C-Class 200 CDI consumes more than most lounges on their size and power, the slow and rapid acceleration with the highest possible speed. In these models, only the Volvo S60 is spending more money.

Mercedes Benz C-Class diesel engines, use four (200 CDI 136 hp or 220 CDI 170 hp) or six cylinders (320 CDI 224 hp).

Spied: Mercedes-Benz W212 E-Class

By Dr Long

The successor to the current W211 E-Class isn't expected to make its official public appearance until the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Codenamed unsurprisingly - in an ascending numerical tag - as W212, right hand drive units are predicted to roll off production line only by early 2010. Yet, DaimlerChrysler AG has been caught busy with its development work of late.

In trend with current developments seen in the new C-Class (W204) and the facelifted E-Class (W211), Mercedes is expected to standard-fit a more conventional braking system (Adaptive Brake), as the electro-hydraulic SBC set-up has proved expensive to make and maintain (costly recalls and upgrade). Electronic driver aids - ala the W221 S-Class – like advanced stability control, night vision assist and lane departure warnings will be standard in the higher end line up.

Styling is expected to take leads from the latest S-Class plus the just-premiered C-Class, with more sculpted bumpers, bulging wheel arches and more sharp-edge lines. Design cues like decked-on bonnet (as seen in the B, C and R-Class), chromed window frames and distinct rising flank lines are probably omnipresent too.

Engine range is expected to be topped by the same V8 found in the E63 AMG, being normally aspirated. However, it is still too early to predict whether the supercharged M271 all-aluminium engine will soldier on for the ‘entry-level’ models come 2010. Predictions are abound that Mercedes-Benz will likely introduce direct injection - for its petrol engines – with turbocharging as well for the smaller capacity blocks. For the European market mainly, diesel CDI variants will carry over Merc’s greener BLUETEC technology.

Pictures from channel4.com

Brabus CLS B7 Test Drive

By Dr Long

Mention the word coupe, a two-door sedan comes to mind. That is…until 2004 when DaimlerChrysler threw a spanner in the works by introducing a 4-door coupe in the form of Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. Come to think of it, they had actually done this before – blurring the lines of distinction of a body form – when they tagged their C-Class hatchback a coupe!

Well, so much for nomenclature. Imagine the enthusiasm when Naza-Brabus invited me to review their tuned and kitted version: the CLS B7. Brabus is after all a respectable tuning house with a good 29 years of expertise re-working on numerous 3-pointed stars and counting...

This stunning Mercedes-Benz C219 shares the same 2854mm E-Class’ wheelbase, albeit with longer overhangs - especially at the front – making it longer by about 105mm. The CLS is also wider, for both tracks and body making it visually larger than the W211.
Looking sleek and menacing in black, the B7’s flared front wheel arches runs backwards into a distinctive band just below the beltline, culminating in a very shapely arc to the rear. Within the wheel arches lurks massive Brabus Monoblock VI dual-spoke design alloys: 8.5J x 19”. Chromed window surrounds – making a comeback in most new MB models – lends a highlight of classy elegance to the roof-window arch and beltline. Interiorly, the dashboard looks more British than Teutonic, with a big chunk of ‘wood’ splashed across it. Instruments panel looks like they come right off the E-Class production line save for the bulging pods layout with distinctive chrome rings. Similarly, parts like the Thermotronic A/C controls, power windows’ switches, column stalks, dash buttons, radio-CD, door handles and ashtrays are very familiar looking too. Conversely, the new-design four spoke steering wheel goes into the E-Class facelift.

Window sills are higher than the ‘normal’ Mercedes saloons, but it’s nowhere claustrophobic inside, even with the lower ceiling. Seating position is low, snug and comfortable. My burly frame also fitted in the rear rather well, despite being less spacious than the E-Class. Ingress and egress to the rear – which sits only two – may be hindered by the sloping door aperture. Boot is also less capacious than the W211 Brabus K4 (500 vs. 530litres); obviously style dictating form over function.

Popping up the shapely bonnet revealed a very neat engine cover, highlighted by a racing-red V-shape border with a central ‘B’ insignia and Brabus B7 inscriptions bilaterally. Nestled underneath is Mercedes’ M272 engine in V6 configuration with a displacement of 3498cc, churning out 287bhp and 360Nm (as opposed to the standard 272bhp/350Nm). The same motor can be found in the SLK350, S350, R350 as well as the new ML350. One notable ‘relic’ in this new generation Merc is the SBC brake module plus its paraphernalia. Surprisingly still standard equipment here, despite some patchy reliability issues associated with this electro-hydraulic brake system in the W211s.

Firing up the ignition button on the gear knob, the normally aspirated quad-cam 24-valves motor comes alive with a purr. Run this V6 along with the superbly smooth 7-G Tronic auto ‘box, the engine’s sporty note – almost guttural but somewhat muted – is simply lovely as it stretches past the 6000 rpm mark. The Brabus Sports exhaust sounded quite Porsche-like with its deep-bassy growls. But after a long drive, it’s decidedly better NOT to have this ‘show-off’ quad exhaust ports in place of the OE bi-ovals, as these mufflers can boomingly tired out your eardrums!

The engine is responsive and willing. It pushes meaningfully from 2000rpm onwards, not due any inherent lag from the powerplant but likely due to the inertia of this 1.75 tonne beast. Gun it past 2500rpm (and that’s no sweat) you get dollops of big V6 torque, resulting in a broad band of effortless acceleration. Power delivery is delightfully smooth with the ever affable RWD dynamics a plus point. I call this power-refinement-comfort combo. As such, speed just creeps up on you – before you know it, the speedometer is about the only thing that tells you’re doing high three digits speed.

Despite its misleading size, the car handles well in quick lane-changes, not as nimble as say a C-Class but still quite agile. It is well planted tackling sweeping bends and also very composed doing high speed highway exits. The ‘Comfort’ and ‘Sport’ settings of the Airmatic DC semi-active air suspension works beautifully. In ‘C’ mode there are more suspension travel, hence the ride is suppler and better damped. Switching over to ‘S’ mode, I could feel the steering weigh-up as well as a lowering of ride height plus the dampers becoming tauter.
In whichever drive mode, the CLS’ steering always feedback as noticeably more precise and sharper than the E-Class’ rack. Could this be the ‘Direct Control’ steering in the facelift W211? Braking performance is of course no issue here - as the SBC has always been – with this 4-door coupe always stable, even under hard braking.

The carpet-ride and quiet comfort is typically Benz – with maybe just a tad more firmness than the E-Class. Even running on sizeable 255/40 ZR19 Continentals at all corners, the ride is still unmistakably Mercedes – good for smooth and supple wafting over road surface irregularities, even over some nasty lumps and bumps.

To sum it up, the Brabus CLS B7 is a glamourised E350 in wolf’s clothing. It is pretty exclusive, looks dynamic and very sporty. For those who yearns for something different - mixing the sleek silhouette of the CL or a CLK coupe plus the practicality of four doors - look no further…only if you have closed to a million ringgit! Then again, any potential buyer may be looking at the new S-Class at this level. One definite thing that would likely tip the balance in CLS’ favour would be that often heard owner’s statement: “People always thought that I am the chauffeur whenever I drive my S-Class…”
Now, that wouldn’t happen if you were piloting the Brabus CLS B7, would it?


A sincere word of thanks is due to Mr.Danny Dato Nordin of Naza-Brabus Prai. He has since moved on to Porsche Centre Penang, Malaysia.

W204 C-Class vs E90 3-series - External Views

Take your pick...and post your comments here! :)

Photos courtesy of Auto Bild

Mercedes-Benz All-New C-Class (W204) in Malaysia

By Dr Long

Having just had its world premiere recently, it would be now commonly asked among the many Mercedes-Benz owners and fans alike: When will this new replacement model come to our shores?

Sources close to DaimlerChrysler Malaysia (DCM) and Cycle & Carriage Bintang (CCB) have hinted towards a Q4 local launch, possibly as early as October 2007. Sales and deliveries are likely to begin in CKD form too – for obvious competitive pricing advantage.

This fourth generation baby-Mercedes sedan (if the 190-series is to be considered 1st gen) is wider and longer – with a useful increase of 45mm in wheelbase dimension to 2760mm. Interior space and legroom, especially for the rear passengers, are likely more generous in tandem.

Petrol engines are largely carried over from the W203, somewhat a surprise (disappointing even! - for some Merc enthusiasts) considering that DC AG and its AMG division have expressed in a media statement of their plans to abandon the trusty Kompressor (supercharger) for a more-advanced turbocharger. It isn’t that the supercharged M271 is coarse or rough, a lot of W203 and W211 (even a BMW E90 325i owner) owners agree that it’s pretty smooth for a 4-pot. Well, maybe just a bit hoarse (vocally) at higher revs/high speed cruising compared to the 2.5 and 3.0V6, found respectively in the C230 and E280 - and that's to be expected.

What’s desired for this complete makeover are probably crispier/quicker throttle response and lower end-flatter-higher torque afforded by the new generation low-inertia turbocharger (read: quick spooling, lag-free). An added bonus if coupled with direct gasoline injection! Never mind the camless electronic valve gears so much boasted-about and rumoured before to be found in this new W204 C-Class. DC AG better gets serious about turbocharging in the wake of BMW-Peugeot tie up (an engineering extension from the new New Mini - R56 - project) in direct injection-turbocharged small capacity four-cylinders, with high output. Unconfirmed reports are that these 1.8 and 2.0L engines will find their way into the BMW 1 and 3 series facelifts in the near future. The new Audi A4 (B8) due in 2008 will surely continue its ‘tradition’ of forced-feeding by TFSI.

Having said that, DCM will likely introduce the ‘entry-level’ C180K first with 156bhp and 230Nm. Likely available too will be a higher-trim C200K capable of pushing out 184bhp and 250Nm. The top-of-the-line W204 in Malaysia will probably be the C230 V6. Similar to its predecessor, its 2.5L (M272) normally aspirated motor churns out 204bhp and 245Nm driving the rear wheels, through Merc’s superb 7G-Tronic ‘box.

CDI variants of the all new C-Class have improved engine specs too – mirroring the output figures found in the facelifted E-Class. But these oil burners are unlikely to see the light of day locally, unless and until public perception of diesel Mercs and/or the Euro-1 diesel grade at pumps gets up rated.

Pricing indications are at best sketchy at time of writing. Barring any sudden changes in automotive policy (tariff structures), starting price is expected circa RM260k but it may be slightly 'cheaper' if DCM gets it CKD pricing-trim combo right. Thereafter, it would be a nice showdown in this much-watched and keenly fought junior-executive segment.