Just in time to coincide with the market launch of the new-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, BRABUS has introduced a number of new tuning products aimed at making the already dynamic model even more sporty and charismatic. 

Take, for example, the SLK55 AMG. Never a group content with factory output, BRABUS engineers tuned the SLK55's standard 5.5-Liter 265 kW/360 hp V8, boosting output to an impressive 327 kW/445 hp (438 hp SAE net). The result?  A 0-62 mph time of just 4.3 seconds, and a top speed of 191 mph...

Keep Reading "BRABUS Debuts New Tuning Package For The Updated Mercedes-Benz SLK Models"

The Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, the versatile new member of the Mercedes sport utility vehicle family, will make its U.S. dealer showroom debut in January 2009 as a 2010 model.

Powered by a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine the 2010MY GLK350 will form the basis of the U.S. lineup, and will be offered in both 4MATIC and two-wheel-drive versions, riding on standard 19-inch 10-spoke wheels with 235/50 tires. The GLK features a 108.5-inch wheelbase and boasts unique design language which sets it apart from the rest of the highly successful Mercedes-Benz family of SUVs that includes the M-Class (which spurred the trend toward more car-like SUVs), the larger GL-Class, the crossover R-Class and the iconic G-Class.
Showcasing bold exterior design, generous cargo capacity and available 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, the GLK350 combines the perfect balance of styling, versatility and performance. The 2010 GLK-Class will be produced exclusively at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany.

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz At Auto China 2008:  Details Of The U.S. Bound GLK-Class"

The smart fortwo will also be available to Chinese customers from mid 2009. This was announced by Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, at the Auto China Beijing 2008 (22 - 28 April 2008). This means that smart is now set to open up another major automobile market, following the successful launch in the USA. Daimler AG expects additional sales potential for the brand in China as the small car is practically tailor-made for the increasing number of small car customers on the Chinese market: The smart fortwo combines modern technology, premium quality and safety, exemplary low fuel consumption and corresponding low CO2 emissions with a unique space concept that offers advantages in the dense traffic of China’s numerous large cities.

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz At Auto China 2008:  smart fortwo To Be Launched In China In Mid 2009"

All GLK-Class models feature an exceptionally high level of standard equipment, including:

• 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive
  
  
• 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with Comfort and Sport modes
  
  
• Adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger
  
  
• Adaptive brake lights
  
  
• Aerial integrated in roof spoiler (additional roof aerial if COMAND is specified)
  
  
• AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system
  
  

The full list of standard equipment and available equipment packages after the jump...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz At Auto China 2008:  The Standard Equipment And Equipment Packages Of The GLK-Class"

Technology highlights and equipment items for the new GLK-Class*:

The full list of standard and optional equipment after the jump...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz At Auto China 2008:  The New Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class At A Glance"

Brimming with genuine character, the new GLK-Class is set to take the world of compact SUVs by storm. Yet it is not just the distinctive all-rounder's practical and appealingly compact body form that sets it apart from the competition. It also brings together what were previously seen as entirely contradictory attributes. The Agility Control suspension serves up a unique blend of outstanding handling dynamics, exceptional driving safety and superlative ride comfort. Meanwhile the sophisticated, variable 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system joins forces with the latest electronic control systems to deliver consummate on-road performance and superb off-road suitability. It is precisely this kind of combination that lends the GLK-Class such immense appeal. The GLK-Class may be one of the more road-oriented Mercedes-Benz SUVs, but the "G" - alluding to the archetypal Mercedes off-roader - still has a rightful place in the model name...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz At Auto China 2008:  The New Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class"

Welcome back ladies and gentlemen; I hope you all had a fantastic weekend.  Kicking things off this morning comes coverage of the Auto China fair  in Beijing, an event that in addition to being regarded as the most successful in the Middle Kingdom, also heralds the launch of the newest Mercedes class:  the GLK.

To celebrate the grand unveiling, Mercedes today has published a number of press releases and photos detailing both the GLK as well as the other models headlining the show, so to get them out as quickly as possible I'm going to publish each without commenting.  Not to worry, however, because regular programming will commence immediately following our coverage of the fair...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz At Auto China 2008: World Premiere Of The GLK-Class; SL, M-Class And CLS Now Even More Attractive"

When the second DTM race weekend of the season kicks off in Oschersleben tomorrow (April 19th), taking the reins of the official Safety Car duties will be none other than the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.  This marks the eighth continuous year Mercedes has provided a vehicle to serve as a DTM Safety Car, with the company alternating with Audi from race to race in furnishing a vehicle for the role...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Set To Launch As The Official Safety Car Of The DTM"

If you're a regular reader of eMercedesBenz, you're no doubt familiar with the origins of the Mercedes-Benz brand and the three-pointed star.  But for those of you who are just joining us or those of you who may have missed our past coverage on the subject, Daimler today has published a refresher course detailing briefly the historical milestones that led to the Mercedes-Benz we know and love today...

Keep Reading "The History Behind The Mercedes-Benz Brand And The Three-Pointed Star"

Wondering what the interior of the forthcoming 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class looks like?  Wonder no more. The industrious spy photographer of Auto Express recently captured an undisguised view of the new model's interior, revealing precisely what to expect in terms of ergonomics and styling.

Although I won't go into too many details, due to the fact the photo pretty much speaks for itself, two highlights worth noticing include a large multimedia display screen positioned atop the center console (à la the S-Class) and the COMAND controller in the center console (à la the S-Class and C-Class).  If you had to describe it, an amalgamation of the S-Class and C-Class interiors would probably best summarize the E-Class exterior as a whole...

Keep Reading "An Inside Look At The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class"

If you're a fan of Mercedes' M-Class Edition 10 and its various darkened elements, you'll no doubt love the latest ML tuning package from German super-tuner Lorinser. 

Titled the ML Black & White, Lorinser's latest entrant in the vast sea of tuner Mercedes models is based on the ML320 CDI, and as you've no doubt noticed, capitalizes on the trendy contrasting color scheme that's grown popular as of late.   As for the features of the new Lorinser M-Class, highlights include a new front apron, side skirts and rear apron all painted in white; 22-inch RS9 wheels in matte black; and a number of other darkened elements, including a new front grille and tinted windows...

Keep Reading "Lorinser Unveils ML Black & White Tuning Package For The Mercedes M-Class"

As was the case prior to unveiling of the 2009 SL-Class, Mercedes recently granted a sneak peak of the new SL65 AMG Black Series to a limited group of journalists, finally ending speculation as to what the future holds for the model. 

According to Inside Line - the first publication to detail their look at the SL65 Black - power for the new model will be abundant, with output from the 6.0-Liter twin turbo V12 being boosted to a staggering 670 horsepower.  Peak torque will remain unchanged at 738 lb-ft, while two new Sport shift programs in tandem with the SL's five-speed automatic transmission will produce gearshifts in a mere 250 milliseconds...

Keep Reading "More Details Of The Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series Emerge"

To coincide with the recent refinement of both the A-Class and B-Class models, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH has announced that a new portable navigation system - the StreetPilot III - will be available for both models (as well as some prior A-, B- and C-Class).  Produced in partnership with Garmin, the nav system features a 4.3 inch high-definition, non-reflecting display and a depth of just two centimeters, making it one of the slimmest products on the market...

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH Introduces StreetPilot III Portable Navigation System For A- And B-Class"

Welcome back ladies and gentlemen; I hope you all had a fantastic weekend.  Kicking things off this morning comes word that Mercedes-Benz has achieved a record score in the latest round of workshop tests by German publciation AUTO BILD.   Four verdicts of "very good" and an average rating of "good" were the marks bestowed upon Mercedes, the highest rating ever in the publication's history.

As for how exactly the tests work, eight Mercedes-Benz workshops are chosen at random, each of which are then graded on their ability to diagnose and remedy seven intentional, straightforward faults during a service inspection.  Also scrutinized is the quality of work provided by each outlet. After the latest round of tests, four MB workshops earned the highest possible rating of "very good," while only one scored a rating of "satisfactory..."

Keep Reading "Mercedes-Benz Achieves Highest Ever Rating In AUTO BILD's Workshop Test"

If you're one of the many anticipating what the future holds for either the 2010 Mercedes E-Class or the Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series, the fine gentlemen of Car and Driver recently captured a number of spy photos which will give you a slightly clearer vision of what to expect from each.   In the pictures, both models' contours and styling are relatively distinguishable, including the E-Class' new headlights (which mimic the new SL headlights) and sculpted lines (reminiscent of the new C-Class) as well as the SL Black's various vents and bulges...

Keep Reading "Car And Driver Grabs Spy Shots Of The 2010 Mercedes E-Class And The SL65 AMG Black Series"