Mercedes has announced today that customers looking to add a little extra spice to the already sultry E63 AMG are in luck, with the company introducing an optional AMG performance package for the 514 horsepower saloon.  Designed to enhance the handling dynamics, motorsport potential and individuality of the model, the AMG performance package consists of 18" five-spoke AMG alloy wheels painted sterling silver; AMG performance suspension with firmer tuning, based on AIRMATIC DC; multi-disc rear locking differential with 40% locking effect, providing more traction when accelerating out of corners; and an AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather/black Alcantara along with silver-colored shift paddles...

Keep Reading "More To Play With:  Mercedes Introduces Optional New AMG Performance Package For The E63 AMG"

In our second "Review Roundup" of the day, Car and Driver and Auto123 both take a moment to strap themselves in behind the wheel of the 2007 S550 4MATIC, the newest and most un-four-wheel-drive-like four-wheel-drive S-Class ever produced.

In both cases, reviewers found the differences between the S550 and its S550 4MATIC to be minimal, with the 4MATIC variant still delivering an impeccably-luxurious ride.  Both reviewers also do a respectable job highlighting various technical aspects of the model, meaning anyone considering opting for the 4MATIC S-Class variant should find the two articles generally insightful despite their somewhat diminutive size...

Keep Reading "Review Roundup:  Two Initial Impressions Of The Mercedes S550 4MATIC"

At the Detroit Motor Show this year, Car magazine recently took a moment to speak with Mercedes' design boss Peter Pfeiffer, discussing the company's Ocean Drive Concept, the new C-Class, and the brand's philosophy towards designing new models.

While he didn't elaborate in great depth about any future Mercedes models, he did make mention of the fact that a decision as to whether or not the Ocean Drive will see series production will be made in the next two to four weeks. Another notable quote included the fact that the Ocean Drive's two-tone paint will make its way to production vehicles, with Pfeiffer stating:  "The two-tone paint on the Ocean Drive will happen. It’s more complicated to produce – it has to go through the paintshop twice."

Keep Reading "Car Magazine Interviews Mercedes' Design Boss Peter Pfeiffer"

In awards news, the UK's car purchasing guide WhatCar? has bestowed Mercedes with two prestigious awards in their 2007 Car of the Year contest, one for the S320 CDI in the "Luxury Car" category and the other for Mercedes and their pioneering work in the "Safety" category.

When asked why Mercedes was named the winner in the "Safety" category, Steve Fowler, group editor of WhatCar? had this to say on the subject: "For half a century, Mercedes has been at the forefront of safety innovation and research. Mercedes fits stability control to every model in the range. Where it leads, others follow.  Just recently the company has surpassed its previous efforts [with the innovative PRE-SAFE® predictive occupant protection system] as well as a string of impressive Euro NCAP crash test scores - five stars is the norm for occupant safety with impressive results for child and pedestrian safety. It is this egalitarian approach as much as innovative recent developments that nets Mercedes this [safety] award..."

Keep Reading "Please, Hold Your Applause:  Mercedes Bestowed With Two 2007 WhatCar? Awards"

Finally, after battling a string of technical difficulties yesterday which prevented us from attending to the sea of tips flooding our inbox, our tech guys have informed me that everything is back to normal and that regular posting can once again commence.  So if sent us a tip the last couple days, thank you; we haven't forgotten about it, nor are we unappreciative; we're just a little behind schedule and are doing everything we can to get back on track by the end of the day. Thanks again; hang in there and we'll do our best to cover all that we missed.

First up we have several reviews sent to us by our good friends Shiv and Jinx, all three of which provide a look at a Mercedes GL model.  The first, published by Car and Driver, provides a brief look at Mercedes new GL320 CDI , bestowing Americans with a short preview of what to expect from the diesel seven-passenger sport-ute.  The second and third reviews, both of which analyze the GL500, provide Australians with a somewhat more in-depth analysis of the flagship GL model; although both contain some sentiments towards the SUV that I tend to disagree with...

Keep Reading "Mercedes GL-Class Review Roundup:  GL500 And GL320 CDI Put To The Test"

Not being content with the standard smart car's non-glowing paint scheme, internationally-renowned artist Katharina Sieverding's master class decided to take the final previous-generation fortwo released to the public and convert it into a "phosphorescent light object".

The result is what's being called "a rolling work of art" - an "experimental light source that reacts to different influences" and "reflects its environment and presents the city in its own special way"...

Keep Reading "Reknowned Artist Katharina Sieverding's Master Students Create Phosphorescent Smart ForTwo"

Welcome back ladies and gentlemen; I hope you all had a fantastic weekend.  As you're undoubtedly aware, last week heralded the launch of the highly-anticipated 2008 Mercedes C-Class, and with it an influx of press releases dedicated to that very subject.  And while by-and-large I managed to publish the bulk of the press releases pertaining to the new model, there is one photo collection that I didn't quite manage to get to - a photo collection that accompanies each new Mercedes model release - and a photo collection that to me is always one of the most interesting to view.

That photo collection is a look at the 2008 Mercedes C-Class evolution, from its humble beginnings as a mere artist's sketch all the way through its final, completed design. How did designers originally envision the new model? What elements were used as design inspiration for the final production vehicle?  These are just some of the topics you'll witness when viewing the 2008 C-Class photo montage which you can find immediately after the jump...

Keep Reading "From Concept To Creation:  The Evolution Of The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class"

With a remarkable boost in output by up to 13 percent and an increase of around 18 percent in torque, the engines also do more than their bit to create the lively nature of the new C-Class. The four and six-cylinder units not only excel with powerful responsiveness, but also contribute to the excellent ride comfort of the Saloon with their improved smoothness. By virtue of this successful synthesis of agility and comfort, the C-Class underlines its claim to leadership in this market segment.

Mercedes-Benz has paid particular attention to further development of the four-cylinder engines. In the petrol range, the output of the entry-level C 180 KOMPRESSOR has increased from the previous 105 kW/143 hp to 115 kW/156 hp, with maximum torque improved by 4.5 percent from 220 to 230 newton metres, while the C 200 KOMPRESSOR develops 15 kW/20 hp more than before. It has an output of 135 kW/184 hp and generates its maximum torque of 250 newton metres from 2800 rpm...

Keep Reading "The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:  Engines And Transmissions"

Newly developed suspension technology creates the conditions for the agile yet comfortable driving characteristics of the C-Class. Mercedes engineers already designed these attributes during the early development phase, coordinating the features accordingly. Pioneering development processes such as digital prototyping helped to define, assess and improve the driving characteristics at an early stage – long before the first roadworthy test vehicles were produced. As a result, the high comfort and agility standards set by the preceding model have been improved upon even further...

Keep Reading "The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:  Running Gear"

While the number of photos in the previous "interior" press release was immense, it was only about half of the photos Mercedes actually published showcasing the 2008 Mercedes C-Class' new interior.

The second half of the interior photos, these demonstrating a darkened color scheme, follow immediately after the jump...

Keep Reading "The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:  Interior Photos Continued"

More space – more comfort. This is the simple but effective formula on which the advances from which the occupants of the new C-Class benefit are based. The 55-millimetre longer and 42-millimetre wider body compared to the preceding model, as well as a 45-millimetre longer wheelbase, create the conditions for an even more generously sized interior in the Saloon. This is noticeable by the larger distance between the front and rear seat hip reference points, which is now 795 millimetres and therefore exceeds that of the previous C-Class by ten millimetres. Passengers in the rear benefit from eleven millimetres more legroom, while knee-room has improved by nine millimetres...

Keep Reading "The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:  Interior"

Nothing beats experience – except even more experience. With every new model, Mercedes-Benz increases its more than 60 years of expertise in the field of passenger car safety, translates the latest accident research findings into specific protective measures and develops pioneering, new driver support systems to make driving even safer.
Mercedes-Benz has also brought the C-Class - and therefore automobile engineering as a whole in this market segment – a considerable step further where safety is concerned. Once again the specialists in Sindelfingen have learned more from their own accident research, once more their thorough testing has helped to improve occupant protection further with intelligent details, and once again they have ensured that even more drivers benefit from the cutting-edge technology of the luxury class...

Keep Reading "The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:  Safety"

Automobile development means reconciling conflicting aims, and this is especially true where bodyshell engineering is concerned. In addition to high operating strength and a long service life, the aim is to meet a large number of sometimes contradictory requirements at the same time. On the one hand the bodyshell must form a robust backbone for the running gear, ensure precise handling and prevent uncomfortable vibrations, and on the other it should be light in weight and streamlined in the interests of a favourable fuel consumption. It must also satisfy the most stringent crash test standards, comply with the regulations pertaining to pedestrian protection and be easy to repair...

Keep Reading "The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Body"

Some call it love at first sight, others refer to "magic moments": the first eye-contact, a handshake, an image that remains unforgettable. Brief yet lasting encounters or experiences. 

Moments like these are never forgotten - and they have a defining influence. They arouse emotions that often remain alive for a long time: empathy, fascination, desire.

A first encounter with the new C-Class is just such a fateful moment. It makes you stop in surprise and come closer. Curiosity gives way to admiration, which turns into enthusiasm. Images are stored in the mind: the striking front end, which exudes self-assurance with its wide, steeply angled radiator grille. The side aspect, whose harmonious interplay between surfaces and lines reflects poise and assurance. And finally the short, stylish rear end with its unmistakably athletic lines...

Keep Reading "The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:  Design"

How do you make a bestseller even more successful? How do you consolidate a leading position even further? How do you combine automotive emotion and intelligence even more closely?

These were no easy tasks for the product planners, designers and engineers when it came to creating the concept for the new C-Class. Foresight was needed to assess developments in the markets, sensitivity to reconcile the wishes of present customers with the expectations of new buyer target groups, and expertise to achieve new technical masterstrokes at the previous, high level. In short, the C-Class project was an exciting and interesting mission in every respect. And a challenge that was mastered with real aplomb: the Saloon has gained a new profile, with a more self-assured, imposing and stylish presence than ever before...

Keep Reading "The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:  Model Range"