You are currently viewing eMercedesBenz' past articles published in December, 2006.  Our latest stories can be found here.

Occasionally when reading automotive reviews you run across an article that at first seems like a well-written, non-partisan review, only to discover later that the author does in fact harbor some predetermined feelings towards the vehicle in question.  Such is the case with the San Francisco Chronicle's 2007 Mercedes E350 review. 

At first, the author describes candidly Mercedes' use of ambient lighting in the E-Class, dedicating three full paragraphs to the insignificant-yet-aesthetically pleasing feature. He then goes on to discuss at length the E350's various technical highlights and driving characteristics, both of which he accomplishes quite well.  But then, just as the review is drawing to a close, there it is:  the question of Mercedes' reliability.  After a brief sentence describing how the E350 roughly shifted into first gear with what he described as a loud "BANG!" (an event that occurred once throughout the week-long review), the author takes the liberty of dissecting the E-Class' reliability, stating in the story's title that "reliability is a serious question mark" and referencing the fact that Consumer Reports ranked the E-Class once of the least reliable vehicles of 2007...

Keep Reading "2007 Mercedes E-Class Review: The San Francisco Chronicle Evaluates The New E350"

With production of the current generation Mercedes C-Class wrapping up and the official debut of the 2008 model just around the corner, Motor Trend has taken the liberty of previewing the next C lineup - discussing everything from its engine variants to a look at its extensive research and testing stages.

While I don't agree with everything the article states - namely the fact Mercedes will be releasing a C55 variant as opposed to the expected C63 model - overall it's a well-written article for those of you patiently awaiting the 2008 C's impending arrival...

Keep Reading "Mercedes C-Class Preview: Motor Trend's Take On The 2008 Model Range"

In awards news, the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG was recently named best "Luxury SUV" of 2006 by the motoring magazine Autocar Middle East. 

The decision came after Autocar's editorial team and guest judges spent three days evaluating a number of entries in the "Luxury SUV" category, subjecting each of the vehicles in question to extensive on-road testing to gauge everyday drivability and also taking a trip to the Dubai Autodrome to check the models' performance in a controlled environment.  Other criteria evaluated included an assessment of functionality, build quality, spaciousness and equipment, after which the ML63 AMG was named the victor...

Keep Reading "Autocar Middle East Names The Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Best Luxury SUV"

It's difficult being an automotive journalist - being subjected to the rigors of testing various automobiles and then enduring the pains of writing about your experiences.  This is especially true in the case of Auto Bild's staff, who were recently forced to endure the testing of not one, not two, but the entire... the entire AMG lineup. 

Those lucky, lucky bastards.

Thankfully, Auto Bild completed their duty with an impressive vigor, documenting every step of the way so that we too may witness what the publication's reviewers experienced first hand.  Sixty-four pictures, four interior panorama shots, six videos and four sound clips - all showcasing various AMG models - are available for your viewing pleasure...

Keep Reading "Auto Bild's AMG Orgy:  A Look At Mercedes' Entire AMG Lineup"

In a follow-up to their ML320 CDI review, the fine gentlemen of Auto123.com recently got their hands on a 2007 S550, offering once again some insight as to what Canadian residents can come to expect from Mercedes' newest luxury sedan.

Areas which drew praise from the reviewers included its comfort and maneuverability, even in a city environment; its classically-inspired design; its solid performance figures and its host of safety features; while negative marks were scored as result of the S550's limited interior storage space and depending on the driver, its limited rear visibility...

Keep Reading "Road Test:  Auto 123 Rates The 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550"

It's not the first review of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 we've come across, nor is it the best.  In fact, it's not even good.  Not because of what the reviewer says, but rather how he says it.  Short sentences.  Like this.  Scattered throughout the review. It gave me a headache.  While I was reading it.

The reviewer's conclusion? Keep reading. To find out...

Keep Reading "Motor Trend's 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 Long Distance Review"

It's no secret we hear at eMercedesBenz are fans of the new Mercedes S550's spectacular design, but is it possible to improve on what has become the world's preeminently-styled luxury sedan? 

To find out, West Coast Customs recently decided to work their fabricating magic, taking what was once an unassuming new S-Class, lowering the roof, chopping the windshield, raking the back and windshield three degrees, removing the back doors and lengthening the front doors, all in effort to provide one of their customers with one of the most unique, custom and "bad-ass" Mercedes in existence.  The result, as you'll see in the above video, is a matte-black two-door S-Class, a car that after its extensive list of modifications, looks strikingly similar to... oh, I don't know... the new Mercedes CL-Class, maybe?

Keep Reading "Yahoo! Video:  West Coast Customs' Two-Door Mercedes-Benz S-Class"

For all my Canadian readers wondering whether or not the ML320 CDI is worth making the switch to diesel, Auto123.com recently spent a week with the new model, sharing their insight as to how the CDI model stacks up against its non-diesel counterparts.

Not surprisingly, the reviewer had few negatives to say about the ML, praising its excellent fuel consumption and lack of problems typically associated with diesel powerplants (i.e., smell, sound, etc.). Two negative areas the reviewer did mention, however, included lack of feedback from the pedals and steering wheel and the task of refueling the ML - a criticism directed towards the filling stations, not Mercedes...

Keep Reading "Road Test:  Auto 123 Takes Mercedes ML320 CDI For A Spin"

Although it's not the most engaging review I've ever read, Car and Driver recently took a moment to strap themselves in behind the wheel of Mercedes' 475 horsepower CLK63 AMG Cabriolet, offering some insight as to what CLK fans can come to expect from the latest rendition of the two-door convertible.

Highlights noted by the reviewer included a "luscious engine, remarkable performance, benign chassis, supportive seats and a racy steering wheel", while some negative comments included the CLK63's weight, "outrageous price", "harsh ride", and the fact it "doesn't look like a $90,000 car"...

Keep Reading "Short Take Road Test:  Car And Driver Rates The Mercedes CLK63 AMG Cabriolet"

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), DaimlerChrysler AG is working on gaining a patent for the CLC-Class moniker, arousing speculation as to what new model the company may be working on.

So my friends, what could it be? A two door CLS variant?  Maybe.  A convertible version of the newly-introduced CL-Class?  Possibly.  A million-and-a-half dollar Mercedes supercar set to go head-to-head with the Bugatti Veyron? Yes please...

Keep Reading "Name That Benz:  Mercedes Trademarks CLC-Class Moniker"

Yes ladies and gentlemen, we are finally back - back from our holiday hiatus - and let me say, I hope you all had an absolutely spectacular, splendid and joyous Christmas.   While we were away, sipping eggnog, opening gifts, embarking on a round of spirited caroling and taking part in all the other good things that go along with my personal favorite time of the year, a few Mercedes-related stories did emerge which we failed to cover; but have no fear, because today I will do my best to recap any that we missed. 

First up is a rumor that's been circulating for some time: the rumor that the Mercedes B-Class may be released in here in the United States.  According to a recent Reuters article, "A global trend toward smaller cars and and less powerful engines means DaimlerChrysler could one day launch a Mercedes-Benz compact car in the United States..."

Keep Reading "Rumors, Rumors, Rumors:  Is The Mercedes B-Class Coming To The States?"

Wondering what the future holds for your favorite Mercedes model?  When will it be updated?  When it is updated, what will it look like?

In an attempt to answer these and any other questions you may be contemplating, the fine gentlemen of Auto Bild have taken a moment to publish a complete Mercedes forecast describing numerous never-before-seen models and the changes they'll undergo in the next three years...

Keep Reading "A Look Into The Future:  Auto Bild's Vision Of Mercedes' Upcoming Models"