Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG

This facelifted CL-coupé gets Merc's 5.5-litre direct injection ‘biturbo’ motor

Its character and sound is more akin to the old 5.5-litre supercharged motor AMG used before the 6.2

Still large and heavy but handles its bulk remarkably well, even in very tricky conditions

It's sprint to 60mph takes 4.5 seconds: not bad considering its 2145kg of weight

Engine uses a staggering 38 per cent less fuel than the one it replaces, but ups power to 536bhp

At £111,985, you’ve earned the right to a bespoke cabin

Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG
Price: £111,986; Top speed: 155mph or 186mph, depending on options; 0-62mph: 4.5sec; Economy: 26.9mpg; CO2: 244g/km; Kerb weight: 2145kg; Engine type: V8, 5461cc, direct injection, twin turbochargers; Power: 536bhp at 5500rpm; Torque: 589lb ft at 2000-45000rpm; Gearbox: seven speed automatic

Schuey: 'I can win in 2011'

Michael Schumacher has tipped himself to return to the top step of the podium in 2011 - should Mercedes provide him with a competitive car.

Speaking to German media, the seven-time Formula One world champion said the team was in a better position going into 2011 "because of the immense support from Mercedes".

"We will make a big leap forward and - if all goes well - win races," he said. "But we cannot presume to think that we will be fighting for the championship."

Read more on Mercedes' future plans in F1

Schumacher also said his car was plagued with problems compared with his Mercedes' team-mate Nico Rosberg in 2010. "My floor was burned because of the exhaust being too hot, or the F-duct working in places where it should not," he said.

Referring to Singapore, where Schumacher was unusually lacklustre, he said: "A week later I got the team's analysis: my team-mate and I were five degrees apart on the front wing. In Formula One, that's a world." He continued: "At Spa my F-duct didn't work, but I didn't say anything. At Suzuka it happened again -- again a problem with my car but not with Nico's.

"I said to Norbert [Haug] and Ross [Brawn] that it was time for an explanation of the reasons. I prefer to speak inside the team, and I am convinced that in 2011 the problems will exist no more. I was away for three years, and I'm no longer 25. The car was a compromise. With the tyre, it was difficult for me to drive how I wanted to."

Mercedes-Benz CLS

Whoops! The men and women in Stuttgart weren't planning to unveil the new Mercedes-Benz CLS just yet, but the crew from eMercedesBenz snagged these leaked images showing the new four-door coupe in all its production-ready glory.

As expected, the new CLS takes a lot of its styling cues from Benz's Shooting Break concept (they're name, not ours) notably the upright grille and more aggressive front fascia. The sectioned-off headlamp design has also remained intact, and from these photo-realistic renderings, it looks like someone shot the CLS in the eyes with lemon juice. Still, we're eager to see how this mix of LEDs looks out on the road at dusk. The CLS also uses the more shapely rear hips of the Shooting Break concept, rounding out the revised rear end. It's certainly more stylish than the outgoing CLS, which says a lot.

Inside, the CLS continues to use its four-seat arrangement with a center console that extends the full length of the cabin, and we fully expect the overall refinement to fall somewhere between the E-Class and S-Class sedans. Plush stuff, we're sure.

When the CLS launches, eMercedesBenz reports that a new 3.5-liter direct-injected V6 will be offered, as well as a twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter V8 good for around 430 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Of course, an AMG version won't be far behind with the all-new 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 underhood.

Now that these leaked shots have hit the web, don't be surprised if the official images and details are published in the very near future

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is an attractive and classy high-performance aspirational vehicle. Naturally, the tuner parade will seek to make improvements, regardless of necessity. In lieu of a works AMG Black Series, Kicherer has elected to create its own "Black Edition."

The neo-Gullwing is wrapped in matte black foil and gets blacked-out badging and grillework, a lip spoiler, and tweaked rear bumper details. Oh, and let's not forget the black wheels that look as if they came off the rack at your local tire store. Awful. Still, we're sure the valets at the Mall of the Emirates will be ecstatic.

Under the skin, Kircherer re-flashes the Benz's ECU, then adds a new exhaust system and adjustable suspension. Power output is supposedly elevated to a brawny 620 horses. We'll take that extra muscle and leave the tediously predictable appearance mods to others. Kicherer's website doesn't have any pricing info posted yet (as if you care, anyway). It does have techno music, though. Fist pumps all around.

Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

With all of the hype surrounding the BMW's M-badged X5 and X6, as well as the renewed Porsche Cayenne range, it's easy to forget that Mercedes-Benz has its own super-fast sport-ute, the ML63 AMG. As its name suggests, this top-rung ML is fitted with the same 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 that we've come to love in the rest of the automaker's AMG lineup, good for 503 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque in this application.

We expect to see an all-new AMG M-Class in the next couple of years, but for now, Mercedes-Benz has updated the ML63 with very subtle exterior tweaks, including darkened headlamps and taillamps, a refreshed hood and tweaked front and rear underguards (in chrome, of course). From there, not much else changes – the seven-speed AMG Speedshift transmission is still in place, routing all of that forward thrust to all four wheels, measuring 20 inches in diameter (21s can be had as an option).

In the ML AMG's next generation, expect to see the automaker's brand new twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 under the hood, good for around 544 horsepower and a pavement-churning 590 pound-feet of torque. High-powered SUVs and crossovers aren't the most practical of automotive choices these days, but we're happy to still see them moving forward. After all, sometimes you just need to get the kids to soccer practice in extremely short order.


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Mercedes-Benz

Looking at luxury sedans like the S-Class and drop-tops like SLK, it'd be all to easy to forget that Mercedes-Benz has a rich background in off-roaders. But the Three-Pointed Star is also the maker of such rockcrawlers as the legendary Geländewagen and the Unimog. And that's the expertise that Iranian designer Siyamak Rouhi Dehkordi has tapped into with his Hexawheel concept.

Drawing inspiration from the articulated frames of insects, the Hexawheel employs six driven wheels on an articulated chassis with a flexible drivetrain. Measuring nearly 16 feet long with a foot and a half of ground clearance, the go-anywhere Hexawheel is designed to climb over tall vertical surfaces. The Persian mechanical engineer was also responsible for the F1-inspired Ferrari Zobin concept.

[Source: Car Body Design]

Mercedes-Benz CLS

The shooting break (yes, it's 'break,' not 'brake', according to M-B's marketers) design isn't something new – we've seen it before in smaller vehicles like the original BMW Z3 M Coupe. Today, though, Mercedes-Benz takes the shooting break concept one step further with the addition of two rear doors and a healthy dose of next-generation style. It's the CLS Shooting Break Concept, folks. Think of this as the four-door coupe for the wagon segment.

The exterior design is awash with swoopy shapes that mimic both coupe and hatchback/wagon elements. Full LED headlamps and sharp 20-inch wheels round off the whole outside package, and if we're honest, we really like it.

Under the hood lies a direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 capable of producing 306 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque (the exact same output as a Cadillac CTS, for what it's worth). Mercedes-Benz hasn't released estimates, but the automaker says that the concept car "sets new standards among the competition in terms of fuel consumption."

Mercedes-Benz E350

With a refreshed R-Class debuting this morning and a general understanding that most automakers think Americans prefer trucks to wagons, it was a bit of a pleasant surprise to find Mercedes-Benz taking the wraps off a U.S. market 2011 E350 4Matic Wagon here at the 2010 New York Auto Show today. When we first saw this estate at the Frankfurt Motor Show, we were told not to expect an American showing of the vehicle. Well, Mercedes has apparently had a change of heart as they debuted the wagon, and in 4Matic trim no less.

The E-Class Wagon joins the thoroughly revised sedan and coupe variants of Merc's mid-sizer and shares much of their styling outside and in. The one big difference obviously is the wagon back, which looks very handsome to our two-box-lovin' eyes. There's also the surprise of available jump seats in the "way-back," which pop out of the floor of the cargo area and go back-to-back with the rear bench, giving the little ones a great view of traffic behind them. The outgoing model had them as an option as well, but we can't think of any other U.S. cars that still sell these rear-facing "way back" seats.

Mercedes is only bringing the E350 4Matic version of the E-wagon for now, although hope springs eternal that an E63 AMG Wagon might be in the cards eventually, even if it's only a special-order item like the last one was.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Mercedes R-Class

Today at the 2010 New York Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz showed that it's still behind the all-but-forgotten "Sports Tourer" when it unveiled the heavily restyled 2011 R-Class. The minivan-that-isn't-a-minivan has had a rough life up to this point. It was never really marketed well by Mercedes, and the droopy snout never really helped. Like Jennifer Gray though, it's amazing what a new nose can do for you.

The 2011 model adopts the automaker's new corporate face with its larger three-pointed star resting inside that upright rectangular grille. It does just enough to butch it up and make the front end handsome. Although in profile, it does look a bit like an extended wheelbase Honda CRV with that sloping D-Pillar. Out back there's also a revised rear bumper with integrated reflectors, new lenses and a new black diffuser below the bumper.

Interior changes are small, and Mercedes only announced an R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and R350 4MATIC model for the U.S. for 2011. The 3.0 liter BlueTEC V6 with 210 horsepower and 400 ft-lb of torque is capable of 18/24 miles per gallon, giving it a range of more than 500 miles or just about two tankfuls to Wally World. Pricing wasn't announced, but the new R-Class should be priced similar to the 2010 models, or $51,675 for the R320 BlueTEC and $50,175 for the R350 4MATIC.

The MY2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class - Safety, Luxury and First-Class Comfort

Bold New Look

One look is all it takes to see that the new MY2011 R-Class conveys a new level of assertiveness, underscoring the unique personality of this multi-talented vehicle. The completely redesigned front end completely transforms its overall appearance, taking its inspiration from Mercedes-Benz sedans and SUV models. Alongside its fresh exterior, the inner values of the redesigned MY2011 R-Class also speak for themselves. These include the spaciousness of a luxury SUV, as well as the safety, style and exclusivity of a Mercedes-Benz sedan. At the same time, the latest generation offers the interior versatility central to the R-Class vehicle concept, while also delivering the all-weather confidence of 4MATIC allwheel drive as standard (U.S. models only). The R-Class celebrates its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) March 31, 2010.

Efficient Engines

For the U.S. market, the R-Class is offered with a choice of two fuel-efficient engines. The R350 4MATIC delivers 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, yet achieves an estimated 14/19 mpg (city/hwy), while the R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC is one of the world's cleanest diesel vehicles. The V6 turbodiesel engine generates an output of 210 hp (155 kW) and an impressive torque of 400 lb-ft. Equipped with the highly-effective AdBlue© exhaust treatment system for low emissions, the diesel engine achieves an estimated 18/24 mpg (city/hwy).

A New Level of Style and Versatility

The redesigned R-Class features an assertive new design, further emphasizing the unique personality of this multi-talented vehicle. Designers focused their attention on completely restyling the front end, giving the R-Class a look that is both harmonious and powerfully dynamic. In addition to the hood, fenders, radiator grille, front fascia, headlamps and bumpers -- with chrome simulated underguards -- have all been completely redesigned. The face of the R-Class can be further enhanced with chrome trim incorporating optional LED daytime running lights in combination with bi-xenon headlamps.

Viewed from the side, the R-Class sets itself apart from conventional crossovers with the coupe-like line of its windshield and its distinctive, redesigned exterior mirrors and wheels. U.S. models feature standard 5-spoke, 19-inch wheels, with a 20-inch rim available on the R350 4MATIC as part of the Sport package. International market versions offer 5-spoke, twin 5-spoke and 10-spoke designs ranging from 17 to 21 inches (43.2 to 53.3 cm). The front-end design language continues through to the rear of the R-Class, with a restyled rear bumper with reflectors, standard LED rear taillights and integrated exhaust pipes.

Wellness program - relaxed ambience for long journeys and everyday use

If there was a versatility test for automotive interiors, the R-Class would surely be the top contender for first place. The seating variants in particular offer a wide range of possibilities - the R-Class was designed with a focus on comfort and security and with relaxed and safe travel in mind. Long wheelbase versions (short wheelbase not offered in the U.S.) offer seating for six people in the standard layout. Five, six and seven-seat configurations are also available (U.S. models offer standard seating for 6, with 7 passenger seating optional). Standard equipment includes partially poweroperated seats for the driver and front seat passenger. Active ventilated and heatedmulti-contour seats with full power adjustment and memory function are available as an option (special order in the U.S.) for front seat occupants.

The R-Class delivers a further benefit in the shape of its large, versatile luggage compartment. The short wheelbase version (not available in the U.S.) has a luggage capacity of up to 1,950 liters, while the long wheelbase version offers a maximum of 84 cu. ft./2,385 liters. All five-seat variants come with a separate load compartment beneath the floor of the main luggage area. The optional power liftgate -- controlled remotely from either switch or key fob -- facilitates easy entry to the cargo area. This makes the R-Class the most versatile and spacious vehicle in the entire Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicle lineup.

In the finely appointed, airy interior -- which feels even more spacious with the optional panorama glass roof -- new materials and color combinations raise the premium feel and quality of this luxury crossover. They also add to the hallmark Mercedes ambience onboard. U.S. models offer a choice of standard MB-Tex in Cashmere and Ash in addition to popular Black. European customers can select from a range of upholstery combinations that include "Aspen" fabric and MB-Tex simulated leather.

New to the international range are the two-tone interior finishes. The base color of Almond Beige can be combined with the contrasting Mocha Brown. Alternatively, there is the base color Alpaca Gray contrasting with deep Basalt Gray (choice of beige/black or grey/black on U.S. models). Both color combinations are applied to the cockpit, steering wheel, center console, seats, door trim and floor coverings. Contrasting seat piping complements standard MB-Tex or optional leather upholstery.

The AMG interior sports package (not available in U.S.) comes as standard with black Nappa leather upholstery. Alongside trim elements in dark brushed aluminum and chrome trim in Silver Shadow, customers can also order from opulent wood veneer trim in high-gloss eucalyptus, high-gloss burl walnut or poplar anthracite. U.S. models feature standard burl walnut trim or special order eucalyptus wood trim.

Extensive Model Lineup

Even in its base versions, the R-Class offers a wide range of personalization options. All models come fitted as standard with a vast array of details that make both longdistance travel and short city runs safe and comfortable. These include the unique PRE-SAFE® predictive occupant protection system, a comprehensive restraint system with eight airbags, NECK-PRO active head restraints, a tire pressure monitor and adaptive brake lights (not available in U.S.). Safety is further enhanced by powerful and user-friendly telematics systems like Audio 20, Audio 50 APS and COMAND APS.

U.S. models feature standard in-dash 6-disc DVD/CD changer with optional COMAND hard-drive navigation and harmon/kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound, as well as standard Bluetooth connectivity and available mbrace telematics. U.S. models features standard dual-zone climate control, while international market versions offer THERMATIC automatic climate control equipped with a combination filter for the further reduction of exterior air pollutants flowing into the cabin. The optional THERMOTRONIC (not available in U.S.) with its separate rear seat climate control optimizes interior air quality. The spacious glove box now comes with an AUXin jack for external audio and entertainment devices. Connectivity is further expanded by an optional media interface (UCI).

Alongside the extensive standard equipment, the R-Class also offers a vast range of assistance systems that define the highest level of comfort and safety and underscore the leading position held by the R-Class in this segment of the market. They include DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, AIRMATIC air suspension with ADS adaptive damping, which are both available as special-order options in the U.S., or the optional Blind Spot Assist that can make lane changes significantly safer. State-of-the-art voice activation makes using the telematics system even more straightforward, while a rear view camera enables fast and easy parking or maneuvering in tight conditions. As soon as the driver shifts into "R", the camera image is displayed on the highresolution COMAND APS monitor. Rear seat passengers can enjoy their own entertainment program on board with the rear seat entertainment system. For increased comfort during the winter months, the second seat row can also be fitted with seat heating (special-order option in U.S.).

MY2011 R-Class - US model lineup and equipment options

Model overview*

* R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
* R350 4MATIC

*descriptions and data in this press kit apply to the Mercedes-Benz U.S. model lineup. Country-specific variations apply.

Standard equipment for first-class comfort and comprehensive safety

R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC

* Fuel economy (city/hwy): 18 mpg/24 mpg
* 50-state availability
* 19" 5-spoke alloy wheels standard with all-season run-flat tires
* 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive
* Sport front and rear bumpers
* Chrome fog lam
* Privacy glass
* Burl Walnut wood trim
* Premium leather multifunction steering wheel
* Power rear quarter windows
* Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (enhanced)
* PRE-SAFE® predictive occupant protection system
* NECK-PRO front head restraints

R350 4MATIC

* 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive
* Sport front and rear bumpers
* Chrome fog lamps
* Power tilt/sliding glass sunroof with sunshade
* Power rear quarter windows
* Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling
* In-dash 6-disc DVD/CD changer
* PRE-SAFE® predictive occupant protection system
* 19" AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (enhanced)
* Burl Walnut wood trim
* Privacy glass
* Premium leather multifunction steering wheel
* Chrome Package with dual chrome exhaust tips
* Dual-zone automatic climate control

Wheels
R350 4MATIC
19" 5-spoke (8.0 x 19.0)

R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
19" AMG 5-spoke (8.5 x 19.0)

Further attractive optional equipment adds to the R-Class experience:

Stand Alone Options

* Parktronic
* 7-seat option
* Wood /leather multifunction steering wheelmbrace
* Panorama Sunroof with electric sunshade
* Heated leather multifunction steering wheel
* Trailer Hitch - 3,500 lbs . (Class II)
* 3-zone climate control and rear air conditioning
* Rear Seat Entertainment System
* Rear Seat Entertainment System Pre -Wiring
* Heated Front Seats

Optional Packages

* Auto-dimming driver side and rear view mirrors
* COMAND system with hard-drive navigation
* Enhanced voice control for audio telephone and navigation
* Gracenote® media database
* HD Digital Radio®
* iPod/MP3 media interface (in glovebox)
* Memory Package for driver seat, power steering column and exterior mirrors
* Power folding mirrors
* Power liftgate
* Power steering column
* Rear view camera
* SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with SIRIUS real-time traffic service
* Zagat Survey® restaurant guide
* 115V AC power outlet
* 4GB hard-drive with Music Register for download of MP3 files

Premium 2 Package

* harman/kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system
* KEYLESS-GO

Sport Appearance Package

* Dark tinted sport rear tail lamps
* Heat-absorbing blue tinted glass (first row only)
* 20" AMG 5-spoke wheel

Mercedes-Benz

While most automakers have scaled back their auto show vehicle press introductions due to budgetary cutbacks or newfound modesty, Mercedes-Benz hasn't forgotten the value of theater. As part of its press conference today showing off several models, the Three Pointed Star kept it flashy with dancers who tubed and bungied in from the ceiling, not to mention the lights blaring debut of the SLS AMG F1 safety car with Messrs. Rosberg and Schumacher inside. Peeling back the frosting, the real focus of Benz's show is this car, the F 800 Style concept.

Said to preview the next CLS, the F 800 Style is a plug-in hybrid with a 272-horsepower gasoline-fed V6 engine. Together with the electric motor, the combination is said to be good for over 400 horsepower and incorporate an electric-only range of 18 miles. Benz also says that the F 800 Style could incorporate a fuel cell powertrain.

The five-passenger sedan looks quite tidy in person, with a shorter tapered trunk than the current CLS, and indeed, the entire concept appears smaller than the aforementioned, with a bluffer face that is said to presage the new face of Mercedes. When viewed in profile, the front looks almost Maserati GranTurismo.

In addition, the F 800 also shows a future derivation of Benz's COMAND all-in-one interior control system that includes a touchpad console. Unlike the production touchpad application in the new Audi A8, the F800 also employs a camera that "...records video images of the user's hand as it works the pad. The live image of the hand is presented in transparent form on the central display above the center console." Uh-huh.

The F 800 also features an evolution of the company's Distronic Plus system that is optimized for use in traffic jams as well as a 360-degree implementation of its Pre-Safe system that monitors for rear impacts. If it senses an impending rearward crash, the system applies the brakes to prevent the car from being pushed forward into other vehicles or pedestrians, though the driver can take control of the vehicle and override the system by hitting the accelerator should that be the safer option.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]