Mercedes-Benz USA has reported its highest November sales volume since 2007 with sales of 19,037 vehicles sold, an increase of 13.3% for the month. On a year-to-date basis, sales increased 19.4% to 203,468 vehicles.
Impressive gains continued for MBUSA in both the Mercedes-Benz passenger car and light-truck categories. The strongest performer for the month was the 9th generation E-Class with sales of 4,986 bringing its year-to-date total to 55,869 (up 25.4%). The popular and sporty C-Class followed with sales of 3,930 and the versatile M-Class SUV rounded out the top three volume performers with sales of 3,470 for the month.
Sales at the high end continued strong with sales of the flagship Mercedes-Benz CL coupe up 159.2%. Also showing strong gains for the month were the elegant CLS coupe up 130.8% and the commanding G-Class SUV up 67.6%. The company also sold 36 of the newly launched supercar – the SLS AMG – bringing its year-to-date sales to 451.
Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,275 vehicles in November, up 35.6 % compared to November 2009 sales of 5,369 vehicles. Year-to-date sales for the MBCPO program were 74,363 – a 11.3 % increase over 2009 year-to-date sales (66, 788 vehicles) during the same timeframe.
| Mercedes-Benz Passenger Vehicles | Nov-10 | Nov-09 | Monthly % | YTD 2010 | YTD 2009 | Yearly % |
| C-CLASS | 3,930 | 4,022 | -2.3% | 53,861 | 47,578 | 13.2% |
| E-CLASS | 4,986 | 4,824 | 3.4% | 55,284 | 37,635 | 46.9% |
| S-CLASS | 1,127 | 1,114 | 1.2% | 12,639 | 10,034 | 26.0% |
| CL-CLASS | 127 | 49 | 159.2% | 896 | 1,167 | -23.2% |
| SL-CLASS | 168 | 264 | -36.4% | 2,212 | 3,780 | -41.5% |
| SLS AMG | 36 | – | – | 451 | – | – |
| CLK-CLASS | – | 257 | -100.0% | 585 | 6,931 | -91.6% |
| SLK-CLASS | 110 | 130 | -15.4% | 1,866 | 2,449 | -23.8% |
| CLS-CLASS | 240 | 104 | 130.8% | 1,885 | 2,440 | -22.7% |
| R-CLASS | 214 | 145 | 47.6% | 2,680 | 2,654 | 1.0% |
| M-CLASS | 3,470 | 2,679 | 29.5% | 25,915 | 22,456 | 15.4% |
| G-CLASS | 114 | 68 | 67.6% | 835 | 589 | 41.8% |
| GL-CLASS | 2,096 | 1,417 | 47.9% | 17,917 | 13,118 | 36.6% |
| GLK-CLASS | 1,590 | 1,724 | -7.8% | 19,262 | 19,572 | -1.6% |
| TOTAL | 18,208 | 16,797 | 8.4% | 196,288 | 170,403 | 15.2% |
| *SPRINTER | 829 | – | – | 7,180 | – | – |
| MBUSA Combined Total |
Nov-10 | Nov-09 | Monthly % | YTD 2010 | YTD 2009 | Yearly % |
| GRAND TOTAL | 19,037 | 16,797 | 13.3% | 203,468 | 170,403 | 19.4% |
| *Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter Vans are sold and marketed in the U.S. by Mercedes-Benz USA and Daimler Vans USA, respectively | ||||||
Mercedes-Benz USA has posted today the first official photos of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG along with a preliminary equipment list and performance figures for both the 2011 Mercedes CL63 AMG and 2011 Mercedes CL65 AMG. As we previously reported, the the more potent sibling – the CL65 AMG – comes equipped with AMG’s trademark V12 engine, a power plant that produces 621 horsepower and 739 lb-ft of torque. Top speed of the 2011 CL65 AMG is limited to 186 mph, while 0-60 mph time comes in at 4.2 seconds. In the CL63 AMG, making its debut is the new Mercedes 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 which produces 536 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Top speed of the 2011 CL63 AMG is limited to 155 mph, while acceleration from 0-60 mph takes precisely 4.4 seconds.
As for the rest of the 2011 Mercedes CL63 AMG and CL65 AMG standard and optional equipment, here’s the preliminary info for both:
(Standard Equipment)
Comfort/Convenience
Performance/Handling
Safety/Security
Optional Packages
Premium 2 Package ($TBD)
Driver Assistance Package ($TBD)
AMG Performance Package ($TBD)
Stand Alone Options
Paint
Upholstery
(Standard Equipment)
Comfort/Convenience
Performance/Handling
Safety/Security
Stand Alone Options
Paint
Upholstery
The new BlueDIRECT engines from Mercedes-Benz, currently seen in the recently premiered 2011 Mercedes CL-Class, set new standards in both efficiency and dynamics. Through a combination of innovative measures, including the third-generation spray-guided direct petrol injection and ECO start/stop function, the new V6 and V8 engines consume 20 to 24 percent less fuel than the previous versions. Not only do the engines use less fuel, they also have increased performance.
To provide a better idea of the benefits of the new BlueDIRECT engines as well as how they operate, Mercedes has released an insightful video of the technology behind them. To view the video, hit play below, sit back and enjoy.
The restyled CL-Class boasts two new safety features based on state-of-the-art radar, camera and sensor technology. Renowned as the flagship coupe from Mercedes-Benz, the 2011 CL-Class debuts Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, both designed to help the driver avoid danger through corrective braking. Building on the innovative technologies introduced last year on the E- and S-Class, the CL-Class now showcases the height of safety technology form Mercedes-Benz including features such as ATTENTION ASSIST, PRE-SAFE Brake with automatic emergency braking, and Night View Assist PLUS with Pedestrian Detection. The 2011MY CL-Class will make its U.S. debut in Fall 2010.
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Using a multi-purpose camera mounted in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the images, Active Lane Keeping Assist recognizes lane markings and alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibrations in the steering wheel (via an electric motor) if the car drifts from its lane unintentionally. Should the driver fail to react to this warning, the car intervenes by gently braking the wheels on the opposite side of the car. The unequal distribution of braking forces causes a yaw movement which helps the driver to stay in their lane. Active Lane Keeping Assist makes use of the existing ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) system to apply the brakes and maintain vehicle control.
Active Blind Spot Assist
The second innovation on the 2011 CL-Class, Active Blind Spot Assist, monitors both blind spots alongside the vehicle using close-range radar sensors. When a vehicle is detected, a yellow warning triangle is illuminated in the corresponding side-view mirror. Should the driver disregard this warning and activate the turn indicator, the warning triangle changes to red and an audible warning also sounds. If the driver continues to ignore these warnings and moves dangerously close to a neighboring vehicle, the system activates corrective braking intervention to the wheels of the opposite side of the vehicle. Like Active Lane Keeping Assist, the yaw movement helps correct the car’s path or minimize the consequences of a collision.
Last week we brought you the world premiere of the brand new 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, and today we have a new set of leaked photos of the future Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG and the CL65 AMG. Like the updated CL-Class, the AMG models have an updated grille, more angular headlights with LED running lights and revised taillights as some of their key design changes.
For the all-powerful Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG, a quad-exhaust system with oval pipes is present, as is a metallic panel in the center of the rear diffuser and the always beautiful 20 inch AMG rims. The CL63 AMG, on the other hand, is fitted with a quad-exhaust system with rectangular pipes, a slightly simpler looking rear diffuser and 19 inch AMG wheels. Both feature complete AMG body styling, including a revised front and rear apron and side skirts.
As for power, the more potent sibling – the CL65 AMG – comes equipped with AMG’s trademark V12 engine producing 630 PS (463 kW/621 hp) and 1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft) of torque. In the CL63 AMG, making its debut is the new Mercedes 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 which produces 544 PS (400 kW / 537 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque.
To see more of the 2011 Mercedes CL63 AMG and CL65 AMG, you view photos of both in the gallery below, and stay tuned for the official press release covering the models in the not-too-distant future.
For decades now, the great coupés from Mercedes-Benz have represented motoring refinement of the highest level. Exceptional design, craftsmanship and pioneering technology flow together, blending into a style-generating unity. The history of the great two-door cars bearing the three-pointed star goes back to the large supercharged cars of the 1920s and ’30s. The new CL-Class generation continues in this great unbroken tradition of automotive masterworks.
With targeted design modifications such as the new, more strongly pointed radiator grille, the new front bumper with integrated LED strips for the daytime running lamps and the standard bi-xenon headlamps, the Mercedes developers cultivated the poise and dynamism expressed in the design language of the two-door car in a contemporary manner.
| Driver assistance systems | |
| Intelligent Light System: This innovative headlamp technology provides five lighting functions which are activated depending on the driving and weather conditions. | Standard*** |
| Cornering lights: This light function provides heightened safety at junctions and when driving slowly in tight bends (a component of the Intelligent Light System). | Standard*** |
| Active Light System: the Intelligent Light System’s bi-xenon headlamps follow the driver’s steering movements (a component of the Intelligent Light System). | Standard*** |
| Motorway mode: from 90 km/h the entire width of the carriageway is illuminated, improving the driver’s range of vision by around 50 metres (a component of the Intelligent Light System). | Standard |
| Enhanced foglamps: This function pivots the offside headlamp outwards to illuminate the road verge more effectively (a component of the Intelligent Light System). | Standard*** |
| Country mode: this function replaces the previous low-beam headlamps and provides broader and brighter illumination of the opposite road verge (a component of the Intelligent Light System). | Standard*** |
| Adaptive Highbeam Assist: this system switches between high beam and low beam and adjusts the range of the headlamps in accordance with the distance to oncoming vehicles/vehicles travelling ahead. | Standard |
| Night View Assist Plus: the display in the dashboard shows a realistic grey-scale image from an infrared camera that monitors the road ahead of the CL-Class. Any pedestrians detected are additionally highlighted in the display. | Optional |
| Active Lane Keeping Assist: a camera behind the windscreen recognises continuous carriageway markings and gives a warning if the car unintentionally leaves its lane. If the driver fails to react, the system intervenes via ESP®, braking one or more wheels if the vehicle crosses a continuous lane marking line, in order to prevent it straying from the lane. | Optional as part of the Driving Assistance package PLUS |
| Active Blind Spot Assist: this radar-based system warns the driver before a lane-change if it detects another vehicle in the exterior mirror’s blind spot. If the driver fails to react to the warning, ESP® triggers a targeted braking intervention in order to counteract the course which would lead to a collision with the vehicle at the side. | Optional as part of the Driving Assistance package PLUS*** |
| Brake Assist PLUS: this system uses radar sensors to recognise an impending rear-end collision, calculates the necessary degree of braking assistance and makes it available immediately when the driver depresses the brake pedal. | Optional as part of the Driving Assistance package PLUS*** |
| DISTRONIC PLUS: this radar-based proximity control system automatically helps the driver to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead. It can brake the CL-Class to a standstill if necessary, then accelerate again. If the distance to the vehicle ahead decreases too quickly, the system gives the driver visual and audible warnings. | Optional as part of the Driving Assistance package PLUS |
| PRE-SAFE® Brake: if there is imminent danger of a rear-end collision, this system brakes the CL-Class automatically if the driver fails to react and the collision is unavoidable. | Optional as part of the Driving Assistance package PLUS |
| PRE-SAFE®: if the system recognises a critical driving situation, it takes precautionary measures to protect the occupants. It can e.g. initiate tensioning of the front seat belts, or closing of the side windows and sliding sunroof. | Standard |
| Chassis, steering and brakes: | |
| Active Body Control (ABC): active suspension system that adapts the springs to the current driving situation within fractions of a second and is able to largely compensate for the effects of crosswinds. | Standard** |
| AIRMATIC: the air suspension works together with an electronically controlled damping system. | Standard for CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY |
| ADAPTIVE BRAKE: this Mercedes brake system offers assistance functions, such as a HOLD function and Hill Start Assist, for even greater safety and comfort. | Standard |
| Torque Vectoring Brake: by specifically braking the rear wheels, ESP® ensures more safety at the physical limits without any loss of agility. | Standard |
| Direct-Steer: a variable steering rack ratio depending on the steering angle allows more agile handling and provides more comfort when parking and manoeuvring at slow speed. | Standard |
| DIRECT SELECT: the 7-speed automatic transmission (CL 500 BlueEFFICENCY and CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY) and the 5-speed automatic transmission (CL 600) are operated electronically via a lever on the steering column. | Standard |
| BlueEFFICIENCY measures: | |
| ECO start/stop function: In order to reduce fuel consumption, in the eight-cylinder models the engine is switched off automatically as soon as the vehicle is motionless and the driver depresses the brake pedal. The engine restarts automatically when the driver removes his foot from the brake pedal, or depresses the accelerator pedal. | Standard for CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY and CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY*** |
| Recuperation: if the driver removes his foot from the accelerator pedal or applies the brakes in overrun mode, kinetic energy is recovered and fed to the battery. | Standard for CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY and CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY |
| Comfort: | |
| Memory package: three memory settings are stored for both the driver’s and the front passenger seat. The settings for the steering wheel and exterior mirrors are also stored. | Standard |
| Active multicontour seats: depending on the steering angle, lateral acceleration and speed, the inflation pressure and volume of the air chambers in the side bolsters of the seat backrests are varied to give the driver and front passenger even better lateral support. The seats also have a massage function. | Optional (standard for CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY and CL 600) |
| Ambient lighting: when driving at night, optical fibres behind the trim on the dashboard and door panels provide a pleasant lighting atmosphere in the interior. The driver can choose between lighting moods “solar”, “polar” and “neutral” | Optional (standard in the CL 600) |
| PARKTRONIC including Parking Guidance: ultrasonic sensors measure the length of parking spaces as the car drives past; instructions for safe parking appear in the display. | Standard |
| Reversing camera: the area behind the CL-Class is shown in the COMAND display, and coloured directional lines show a precisely calculated path into a parking space and display the required space. | Optional |
| Audio and communication: | |
| Bluetooth interface: the mobile phone is wirelessly linked to the hands-free system. | Standard |
| COMAND: control and display system that integrates the audio unit, DVD player and telephone operation. | Standard |
| COMAND APS: the navigation data are stored on a hard disc. Further functions include the MUSIC REGISTER and voice control. | Optional (standard in the CL 600) |
| Gracenote®: database that recognises music tracks on a CD/DVD or from the MUSIC REGISTER and shows the title, album and artist on the colour display. | Standard |
| Convenience telephony: the driver and passengers are able to conduct onboard telephone conferences by mobile phone, and send or receive SMS messages. The phone is housed in a cradle under the armrest. | Optional (standard in the CL 600) |
| Media Interface: this universal interface allows portable audio devices to be connected to and controlled by the infotainment system of the CL-Class. | Optional as part of the Navigation package (standard for CL 600) |
| Music Search: search function that searches SD memory cards, USB sticks, CDs and DVDs for specific music tracks and performers. | Standard |
| Digital radio: a special DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) tuner and additional aerials allow the reception of digital radio broadcasts. | Optional as part of the Front Seat Entertainment package |
| SPLITVIEW: the driver and front passenger are able to view different content on one and the same screen at the same time. | Optional as part of the Front Seat Entertainment package (standard for CL 600) *** |
| Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system: a multi-channel system with innovative digital technology, an output of 610 watts and 14 loudspeakers provides surround-sound for every seat. | Optional as part of the Front Seat Entertainment package (standard for CL 600) |
| Speed Limit Assist: a camera fitted behind the windscreen detects speed limit signs on the roadside. The relevant limit is then displayed in navigation system map display and in the instrument cluster. | Optional as part of the Navigation package (standard for CL 600) *** |
| LINGUATRONIC: the voice control system operates the radio, CD/DVD-player, CD/DVD-changer, navigation system and telephone. | Optional as part of the Navigation package (standard for CL 600) |
| MUSIC REGISTER with a 7.2 GB hard disc which stores around 2500 digital music files in the MP3, AAC or WMA format. These can be loaded from PC memory cards. | Optional as part of the Navigation package (standard for CL 600) |
*Selection
** Not for CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY
*** Not available in all countries
If the pair of leaked photos highlighting the new-generation 2011 Mercedes CL-Class weren’t enough to keep you contented until the official launch of the coupe, maybe this will do the trick. A much larger collection of photos apparently taken from a leaked brochure have surfaced, along with a variety of technical details (for the European market) telling us exactly what we can expect from the next CL.
Outside, you’re already fairly familiar with the enhancements. A new grille, revised headlights, redesigned rear lights with LED technology, LED daytime running lights, large mirrors and new alloy wheels are the key areas of change. Inside, a new steering wheel is the most notable difference, while a variety of new color options will be available to offer even more styling options.
And lastly, there’s the power. The smallest 2011 CL variant will be the CL500 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, with a total displacement of 4663 cm3 and total power of 320 kW. Torque is rated at 700 Nm, whereas 0-62 mph time comes in at 4.9 seconds. Despite its impressive performance, fuel consumption is said to be 22 percent lower than the outgoing model. Other variants available include the CL500 CGI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY (which shares the same engine specs as the CL500 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY), the CL600, the CL63 AMG and the CL65 AMG. You can find the full rundown on each of the variants and corresponding technical details in the gallery below.
As noted earlier, these changes apply to the German market, so we’ll have to wait for the official word from Mercedes before we know what to expect in the U.S. market. Look for the premier of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed event; in the meantime, you can check out more photos of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class in the gallery below. Thanks to Marcus Jordan for the photos.
There’s been speculation for some time as to whether the next Mercedes CL-Class would retain its moniker or be re-branded as the S-Class Coupe, but if the Mercedes-Benz Netherlands website is any indication, the CL will stay the CL. The website yesterday published a pair of photos debuting what they call the new-generation Mercedes CL-Class, both in an AMG and non-AMG format.
As expected from prior, nearly undisguised spy photos of the 2011 CL, changes to the coupe are going to be relatively minor. Key areas to note include slightly more angular headlights, additional contouring on the hood, a new grille with either two louvres (non-AMG) or one (AMG) compared to three louvres on the current CL, and a new front apron with LED lighting. On the AMG, carbon fiber has been added to the lower portion of the front apron as well, whereas the prior CL63 AMG notes the more traditional, solid painted design.
Other than that, we’ll have to wait for the official word from Mercedes for the full list of enhancements. In the meantime, you can check out the two shots of the leaked 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class in the gallery below.