The new long-wheelbase version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan celebrated its world premiere at Auto China 2018. Built in China for China, the long-wheelbase version debuts with a sharper design, digital cockpit, new comfort features and the latest iteration of Intelligent Drive. Also on show were the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class L Sedan and the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury show car. Both vehicles celebrated their world premiere on the eve of the biggest motor show in the People’s Republic of China.

Die neue Langversion der C-Klasse Limousine von Mercedes-Benz feiert Weltpremiere auf der Auto China 2018. Die in China für China gebaute Langversion erscheint mit geschärftem Design, digitalem Cockpit, neuen Komfort-Features und Intelligent Drive auf dem neuesten Stand. Ebenfalls zu sehen waren die neue Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse L Limousine und das Showcar „Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury“
The new long-wheelbase version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan is celebrating its world premiere at Auto China 2018. Built in China for China, the long-wheelbase version debuts with a sharper design, digital cockpit, new comfort features and the latest iteration of Intelligent Drive. Also on show were the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class L Sedan and the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury show car.

Die neue Langversion der C-Klasse Limousine von Mercedes-Benz feiert Weltpremiere auf der Auto China 2018. Die in China für China gebaute Langversion erscheint mit geschärftem Design, digitalem Cockpit, neuen Komfort-Features und Intelligent Drive auf dem neuesten Stand. Ebenfalls zu sehen waren die neue Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse L Limousine und das Showcar „Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury“
The new long-wheelbase version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan is celebrating its world premiere at Auto China 2018. Built in China for China, the long-wheelbase version debuts with a sharper design, digital cockpit, new comfort features and the latest iteration of Intelligent Drive. Also on show were the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class L Sedan and the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury show car.

Die neue Langversion der C-Klasse Limousine von Mercedes-Benz feiert Weltpremiere auf der Auto China 2018. Die in China für China gebaute Langversion erscheint mit geschärftem Design, digitalem Cockpit, neuen Komfort-Features und Intelligent Drive auf dem neuesten Stand. Ebenfalls zu sehen waren die neue Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse L Limousine und das Showcar „Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury“.Hubertus Troska, Mitglied des Vorstands der Daimler AG, verantwortlich für Greater China.
The new long-wheelbase version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan is celebrating its world premiere at Auto China 2018. Built in China for China, the long-wheelbase version debuts with a sharper design, digital cockpit, new comfort features and the latest iteration of Intelligent Drive. Also on show were the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class L Sedan and the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury show car.Hubertus Troska, Member of the Board of Daimler AG, responsible for Greater China

Die neue Langversion der C-Klasse Limousine von Mercedes-Benz feiert Weltpremiere auf der Auto China 2018. Die in China für China gebaute Langversion erscheint mit geschärftem Design, digitalem Cockpit, neuen Komfort-Features und Intelligent Drive auf dem neuesten Stand. Ebenfalls zu sehen waren die neue Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse L Limousine und das Showcar „Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury“
The new long-wheelbase version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan is celebrating its world premiere at Auto China 2018. Built in China for China, the long-wheelbase version debuts with a sharper design, digital cockpit, new comfort features and the latest iteration of Intelligent Drive. Also on show were the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class L Sedan and the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury show car.

Die neue Langversion der C-Klasse Limousine von Mercedes-Benz feiert Weltpremiere auf der Auto China 2018. Die in China für China gebaute Langversion erscheint mit geschärftem Design, digitalem Cockpit, neuen Komfort-Features und Intelligent Drive auf dem neuesten Stand. Ebenfalls zu sehen waren die neue Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse L Limousine und das Showcar „Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury“.Dieter Zetsche, Hubertus Troska, Xu Heyi, Nicholas Speeks.
The new long-wheelbase version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan is celebrating its world premiere at Auto China 2018. Built in China for China, the long-wheelbase version debuts with a sharper design, digital cockpit, new comfort features and the latest iteration of Intelligent Drive. Also on show were the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class L Sedan and the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury show car.Dieter Zetsche, Hubertus Troska, Xu Heyi, Nicholas Speeks.

The success of the C-Class is based in part on the broad diversity of its model line-up, which has included a long-wheelbase version of the C-Class Sedan since 2014. Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. (BBAC) in Beijing produces it exclusively for the Chinese market. Compared with the regular sedan, the wheelbase of the C-Class L Sedan is eight centimetres longer, resulting in even more legroom for rear-seat passengers. The front passenger seat can also be electrically adjusted from the rear. The regular-wheelbase sedan is also for sale in China and locally produced there.

New four-cylinder engines equipped with 48-volt technology (EQ Boost) underscore the dynamic nature of the C-Class, making them even sportier and even more fun to drive. Now fitted as standard, the LED high-performance headlights feature a new design, while the MULTIBEAM LED headlights with ULTRA RANGE high beam are available as an option. The upgraded interior with fully digital instrument display, larger media screen and new multifunction steering wheel with touch-control buttons offer plenty of options for individualisation. Ambient lighting now with 64 colours, the Multicontour Seat Package with massage function and the ENERGIZING comfort control enhance driver wellbeing.

“People who know a little of the history of our brand here in China will know why the C-Class is very special to us. In 2014, here in Beijing on this stage, we introduced our game-changer: the long-wheelbase C-Class – a car that promised to transform our brand’s perception from what had gone before. 380,000 customers since that day have confirmed that change and with their trust have placed the C-Class, also in quarter one of this year, as its segment leader”, says Nicholas Speeks, President and CEO of Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co.

Reports started to circulate last month of why Mercedes was dolling up its GLS SUV in Maybach-esque fashions.  Today, Mercedes has leaked images ahead of next week’s Beijing Motor Show debut.

In the leaked images, we get our first official glimpse at the Maybach SUV concept based on the GLS platform.  The Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury concept shows off a far more sloping roof, and it looks far more like the GLE Coupe than the boxier GLS.

Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury, Auto China 2018

Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury, Auto China 2018

Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury, Auto China 2018

Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury, Auto China 2018

Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury, Auto China 2018

Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury, Auto China 2018

Ahead of the official debut on April 25th at Auto China 2018, the all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan has been revealed. The leaked image is from the new A-Class Sedan’s promotional material. The image of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan states that the car will be aptly dubbed the A-Class L Sport Sedan, the L being a nod to the long-wheelbase. Don’t get your hopes up however as the long-wheelbase model will likely only be available to the Chinese. Other global markets like Europe and US will get the standard wheelbase model.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan

Mercedes-Benz is steadily continuing its product offensive in the year of the SUV. With the close-to-production GLC Coupé concept, the inventor of the automobile is providing a glimpse in Shanghai of forthcoming new models for the booming global off-road segment. The exceptionally sporty show car carries the idea of the GLE Coupé over into a more compact segment. In parallel, the brand with the three-pointed star is also celebrating the market premiere of the new GLE and GLE Coupé in China, where Mercedes-Benz is enjoying continued dynamic growth. After another record year in 2014, with a sales increase of 28 percent, Mercedes-Benz is expanding both its model range and its local production in the Middle Kingdom. At the Beijing plant, the GLA compact SUV is now the fourth Mercedes-Benz model to roll off the production line. The presence of Daimler in China will soon also be reinforced by the new smart fortwo, which is also celebrating its market premiere in Shanghai.

Mercedes-Benz and smart at the Auto Shanghai 2015: Hubertus Troska, Member of the Board of Daimler AG, responsible for Greater China, at the Mercedes-Benz and smart press conference in Shanghai.

“We have good reason to pay close attention to SUVs. They are fascinating automobiles in a growing segment. We are expecting double-digit growth rates in China over the next few years,” says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, speaking at Auto Shanghai. “The GLE Coupé shows just how convinced we are by the success of this vehicle concept, which is why we will bring further models to market that combine the look of a coupé with the versatility and off-road capabilities of a Mercedes SUV. The GLC Coupé concept provides a very clear indication of how they might look.”

The show car combines coupé styling elements with the sensual purity of the design language applied to forthcoming generations of Mercedes-Benz SUVs. This emotional tension is further enriched with characteristic details, including the twin blade radiator grille, a bonnet with power domes and a four-pipe exhaust system. References from the off-road world such as the 21-inch tyres, the underguards front and rear, the increased ground clearance and the running boards along the side emphasise the performance potential of the GLC Coupé concept. The drive technology fulfils the promise of performance. The V6 biturbo with 270 kW (367 hp) and 520 Nm familiar from the AMG Sport models delivers incredibly athletic propulsion. Power is transmitted by the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive.

Mercedes-Benz and smart at the Auto Shanghai 2015

Mercedes-Benz SUV family expands

The Mercedes-Benz SUV family is definitely growing. “We will build a production version of the GLC Coupé concept,” says Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Marketing & Sales of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “That means we will have seven models on offer here in future, with the spectrum ranging from the compact GLA all the way to the G-Class, the founding father of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family.”

Mercedes-Benz goes full-steam ahead in China

“Great products – produced locally. That’s our recipe for the long-term success of Mercedes-Benz in China,” says Hubertus Troska, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Greater China. Troska continues, “China has our full attention, and this is paying dividends. 2014 was another record year for Mercedes-Benz, with an increase in sales of 28 percent and more than 270,000 units sold. We are planning further double-digit growth in China for 2015 and well in excess of 300,000 cars sold.”

Among the new models for China, the world’s largest car market, is the new S 500 e with innovative plug-in hybrid technology, delivering fuel consumption of just 2.8 litres per 100 kilometres and 67 grams of CO2. The S 500 e therefore already undercuts the exhaust standards applicable in China as of 2020 by around 45 percent. The new C 200 4MATIC also marks the first C-Class model with all-wheel drive to come to China.

Mercedes-Benz and smart at the Auto Shanghai 2015

Emotional, efficient and low in emissions – the new GLE

Alongside fresh looks, the extensively revised bestselling Mercedes-Benz SUV, which will soon be launched in China, offers a wide-ranging package of measures that deliver best-in-class figures for emissions and drive. One example is the new GLE 500 e 4MATIC, the first Mercedes SUV with plug-in hybrid technology. The high system output of 325 kW (442 hp) contrasts with low CO2 emissions of 78 g/km, equating to an average fuel consumption of 3.3 l/100 km (NEDC).

Elegance paired with off-road talent – the new GLE Coupé

Celebrating its premiere in Shanghai is the GLE Coupé, with an output of up to 270 kW (367 hp). The top model of the production version is the GLE 450 AMG Coupé 4MATIC, representing the new AMG Sport model product line. Its extensive standard equipment includes the DYNAMIC SELECT handling system, the Sports Direct-Steer system and the brand’s familiar driver assistance systems, as well as the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive.

Mercedes-Benz and smart at the Auto Shanghai 2015: Smart boss Dr. Annette Winkler at the Mercedes-Benz and smart press conference in Shanghai.

China launch – smart

The ultimate city car, the new smart fortwo, is entering the world’s largest car market. “The new smart fortwo is quite simply the perfect city car, particularly for China’s many urban areas. And I’m convinced that, following its great start in Europe and its premiere on the US market in New York, it will also find plenty of friends in the great cities of China,” says smart boss Dr. Annette Winkler, speaking at the launch event against the backdrop of Auto Shanghai in China. “China has influenced the design and development of our new two-seater more than any other country, which is why this car fulfils all the customer requirements in this important market,” continues Dr. Winkler.

The long-wheelbase version of the new C-Class was conceived specifically for the Chinese market and is likewise celebrating its premiere at Auto China. “The capital letter ‘C’ on the C-Class stands very much for China. We developed the long version specifically for our discerning customers in China. It is built exclusively for the Chinese market and is also produced here in China, in collaboration with our long-standing cooperation partner BAIC,” said Hubertus Troska, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for activities in Greater China. With more than 150,000 units sold, the predecessor to the new C-Class is one of the most important pillars of Mercedes-Benz’s business in China. The new model will be one of the most important growth factors for Mercedes-Benz in the Middle Kingdom. At 4,766 millimeters long and with a wheelbase of 2,920 millimeters, the long-wheelbase version exceeds the standard version by 80 millimeters. All of this additional space benefits passengers riding in the rear – where they enjoy the greatest legroom in the entire segment.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Because the C-Class is used largely as a chauffeured limousine, the front passenger seat can also be adjusted electrically from the rear. The increased footwell space also makes it easier for passengers to enter and exit. The premium equipment and appointments ensure a prestigious and comfortable ambience and include privacy glass in the rear and a rear bench extended by 25 millimeters. With new, highly efficient engines ranging from 115 kW (156 hp) to 270 kW (367 hp) and innovative driver assistance systems, the newest iteration of the successful business sedan combines efficient driving fun and active safety of the highest order. And, of course, the innovative touchpad also recognizes Chinese characters.

Two faces, two characters

The long-wheelbase version of the C-Class is offered with two different design characters – as the Sedan and Sport Sedan. The Sedan bears the classic sedan grille with the Mercedes star on the hood. The Sport Sedan has the grille with the central star and AMG styling, consisting of an AMG front skirt with distinctively sporty air intakes, AMG sill panels and an AMG diffuser-style rear skirt with body-color trim.

DENZA unveiled its new all-electric vehicle show car at Auto China 2012 in Beijing. The battery-driven vehicle that defines a new level of sophistication in the Chinese New Energy Vehicle (NEV) segment is the result of the partnership between BYD and Daimler.

Auto China 2012 marks the first appearance of the DENZA brand at a motor show. It is also the first landmark event since the official launch of the brand, which took place in Shenzhen in March this year. The arrival of DENZA marked the first strictly NEV brand in the Chinese market.

“Even before the birth of DENZA, Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co., Ltd. (BDNT) has created a very special ‘first’: When Daimler and BYD made their partnership official in the spring of 2010, they founded the first joint venture in China dedicated solely to New Energy Vehicle. The Joint Venture is making extremely positive progress with the first prototypes of the future production model already out on the streets,” said Ulrich Walker, Chairman of the Board of Directors of BDNT and Chairman and CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia. “We are very much on track with the plans for our DENZA vehicle.”

Over 200 engineers and experts from both companies have gathered and combined their strengths at BDNT’s base in Shenzhen. BYD is providing its expertise in battery technology and e-drive systems, as well as their experience in bringing electric vehicles onto the roads of China. Daimler is contributing more than 125 years of excellence in automotive design and know-how in vehicle architecture, safety and quality.

The concept car unveiled today, a full electric battery-driven model, was designed, and will be built and sold in China. “We are reaching out to those who believe that state-of-the-art technologies and beautiful concepts can blend together into the perfect mobility solution without compromising on safety and comfort, to provide both a modern and green urban lifestyle,” remarked BDNT COO Arno Roehringer while introducing the car at Auto China 2012. “We are creating DENZA not only for the people of today, but also for inspiring our next generations.”

“We brought traditional Chinese elements forward into the next generation with a priority on ergonomic design and some futuristic innovations,” said CEO Lian Yubo, on hand to point out some of the features of the car to the gathering of auto media and various dignitaries. “The rear seating area was designed to feel as much as possible like a lounge area. The lounge character really comes out through the reclining rear seats integrated into the design.” He went on to describe the chrome inside and out, the wood and copper features in the interior, and the ambient light system that runs all throughout the cabin making night driving more pleasant without compromising safety.

The exterior chrome can be illuminated to provide perfected visibility and safety. It is visually integrated with the battery storage area, which succeeds better than most EVs at keeping the batteries out of passengers’ way. Combined with the rear-hinged rear doors, the DENZA concept car is easily accessible, with no awkward battery-related steps to clear while entering or exiting the vehicle.

The DENZA booth at Auto China is carefully designed to reflect the strengths of the car, as well as the values of the company. The main feature is a large white ribbon which flows all around the booth, defining its dimensions and the character of the interior. The sense of movement – like a car on the road – is reinforced by the actual movement of the light in the LED strip along its rocker panel. The LED light is the identical blue found in DENZA logo and in the body paint of the car. This “DENZA blue” color represents the company’s twin conceptual foundations of environmental responsibility and cutting-edge technology.

On DENZA

China is the home of DENZA because of its potential as an NEV market. With its expanding middle class, increasing urbanization, open-minded consumers, and a supportive government determined to reduce their reliance on crude oil, central government expects the number of NEVs in China to rise from its current level of 10,000 to 5,000,000 by 2020 according to the latest NEV industrialization plan. With the launch of its new concept car, and a production model slated for release in 2013, DENZA is “on track”.

One of the most anticipated premieres at this year’s Auto China was the Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupé, considered a rebel when it comes to it’s nonconformist styling.  Technical highlights include its headlamp design featuring innovative indicators, the new four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 155 kW (211 hp) and the all-wheel drive system 4MATIC. The the Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupé measures in at length/width/height: 4637/1891/1398.

“The Concept Style Coupé is expressive and powerful in its design”, said Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “We are staking our claim very clearly here. This is the model against which sporty vehicles in the executive segment will have to measure themselves in future.”

Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz emphasized that “The almost production-standard Concept Style Coupé sets a new benchmark for avantgarde design in the executive segment”, “Its breathtaking proportions, sinewy fluid surfaces and sculptural lines are the physical expression of our dynamic design idiom.”

Provocative and masculine: the exterior

Its breathtakingly sporty proportions and powerfully dynamic design idiom, featuring the interplay between concave and convex surfaces that is so typical for Mercedes, give this four-door coupé its unmistakable look.

Among its most striking features are the way the bonnet with its powerdomes is set right into the front end assembly, as well as its diamond-look grille, which follows through on design cues set by the Concept A-CLASS. The paint finish of the concept vehicle is in Alubeam – a colour that helps to emphasise the sculptural quality of its lines.

The innovative headlamps of the Concept Style Coupé are reminiscent of the ever wary, almost intimidating eyes of a predatory animal. In standby mode they shine red. Another special feature are the indicators: individual points of light light up in succession, rather like a piano keyboard.

Three prominent lines give structure to the vehicle when viewed from the side: the front structural edge over the wings flows towards the rear end in a characteristic dropping line. Another, more sinewy line spans the shoulder muscle above the rear axle, while the third line extends upward in a sweeping curve from the front wheel towards the rear. Together, these lines lend more depth and dynamism to the side profile. The ripple design of the prominent exterior mirrors takes advantage of the design freedoms enjoyed by a concept car.

The same is true of the 21-inch wheels, with their very sporty turbine design. Perforated pins on the spokes pick up once again on the diamond-theme of the radiator grille. The Concept Style Coupé features frameless side windows.

A large panoramic roof creates a light and airy interior. A metal rib, the shape of which evokes a roll-over bar, separates the roof from the rear windscreen, which in turn flows down to merge smoothly into the tail end. The avantgarde lines of the Coupé are further emphasised by the way the tail lights, with their metallic-red colouring, taper to a sharp point both to the front and toward the rear centre. An integrated dual-flow exhaust system underlines the car’s sporty credentials and gives added width to the tail end. A narrow rear diffuser picks up again on the dotted pattern of the diamond grille.

High-grade sportiness: the interior

The interior opens up to reveal taut, expressively sculptured surfaces. The structure of the instrument panel is reminiscent of an outstretched wing, with a large carbon-fibre trim panel that spans its full width, giving it the elegance and distinctive appeal of a coupé. Standing proud from the instrument cluster are the two tubes, similarly in carbon fibre and individually glazed. When the indicator is activated, a ring lights up in the tubes.

Flowing back in a long, continuous wave from the instrument panel is the centre console. Embedded in this is an intricately designed fan module for the two rear seats, which also incorporates a stowage compartment.

The world of fashion provided the inspiration for the colour mix of light grey and anthracite. A fresh, sporty touch is added by neon green piping and topstitching, which appear on the instrument panel, steering wheel, seat and door centre panels, amongst other places.

Fine materials combine with high-grade workmanship to set a new benchmark for quality. There has been no stinting on the use of leather, either: the instrument panel is upholstered in white nubuck leather, providing an interesting contrast with the anthracite-coloured Alcantara® used on the upper section of the instrument panel. Suede is used on the sports steering wheel to ensure better grip. All chrome trim elements and control panels now for the first time feature a black anodised finish, as seen on top-of-the-range limited Sports Edition chronograph watches. The surfaces around the HMI control panel have the glossy shimmer of black anodised aluminium.

The four integral seats with integrated head restraints are already familiar from the Sports version of the new A-Class. An electroplated insert in the upper part of the seat adds to the impression of lightness and is illuminated.

The design of the air vents in the instrument panel evokes an aircraft jet engine. As in the Concept A-CLASS they are backlit and change colour according to the temperature set by the occupants for the climate control system. When cool, fresh air is being brought into the car, they are blue, but they light up red when the airflow is warm. At a mid-range temperature setting the vents are illuminated in fluorescent yellow, and thus match the colour of the piping perfectly.

“Always on”, even in the car: the multimedia system

With COMAND Online and the various Mercedes-Benz apps developed specifically to be used and controlled while on the move, as well as with the ability to browse the internet when the vehicle is stationary, the occupants of the Concept Style Coupé are “always on” and able to maintain their digital lifestyle at all times.

Mercedes-Benz is firmly convinced that the future lies with cloud computing. The software for the COMAND Online applications is not stored in the vehicle, but runs off the Daimler Vehicle Backend. The advantage is that the system can be updated with new applications “over-the-air” (OTA) through a mobile phone connection, without needing to take the car into the workshop. The software is thus always up to date, irrespective of the development cycles of either the vehicles or the consumer electronic devices.

Sportiness in tune with the times: the engine

Sporty driving dynamics coupled with exemplary efficiency are the hallmarks of the engine of the Concept Style Coupé. Powerful wheel-hub drive is provided by the 2.0-litre version of the new petrol engine generation with 155 kW (211 hp), combined here with the efficient 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission.

Among the highlights of the four-cylinder engine are its direct-injection system with exhaust gas turbocharging, an enhanced combustion system and extended stratification ranges for lean-burn operation using fast-acting injectors for the multiple fuel injections, and multi-spark ignition according to need.

The Beijing Auto Show kicked off today and Mercedes-Benz is showing off several of their new models including the Viano VISION DIAMOND show car.  This chauffeured vehicle makes a big impression right from the start with its black radiator grille, chromed grille louvers, and two-tone exterior paint job. A fine, shimmering gold line painted by hand separates the two body colors of black and diamond white, and a painted diamond adorns the B-pillar. The two-tone effect is repeated in the rims of the five-spoke wheels, and the brakes feature the words “Mercedes-Benz” in gold.

The interior underscores the extravagant nature of the model as well. Luxurious appointments in the rear include a special innovative multimedia unit that allows passengers to choose between a business setting or a comfortable ambience for relaxing.

The show runs from April 23 – May 2, 2012.

Regulation of sunlight intensity in the interior

The windows of the passenger compartment, as well as the rear window and the glass partition between the chauffeur and the passenger compartment, are all equipped with the MAGIC SKY CONTROL system, which enables passengers to change the interior lighting conditions with just the push of a button.

This changes the color of the windows, an effect that is made possible by a liquid in the window glass that reacts to differences in electric current. The chauffeur’s area is completely black in color, the seats and door paneling are covered in the finest nappa leather, and leather also covers the instrument panel, the steering wheel, the gearshift, and the A- and B-pillars. The passenger compartment is entirely in porcelain white, from the carpet and the seats to the safety belts and the ceiling.

Champagne glass holders and an automatic Champagne bottle cooling unit

The passenger compartment features two top-of-the-line seating accommodations equipped with heating, cooling, and massage features as well as calf benches and footrests. Between the seats are cup holders and Champagne glass holders for the model’s silver Champagne flutes, which appear at the push of a button. The side paneling has five bottle holders as well. The Champagne bottle retainer is equipped with a cooling system. Eight diamonds embedded in the interior trim refer to the lucky Chinese number eight and underscore the vehicle’s luxurious atmosphere.

Additional equipment features include the Bang & Olufsen “BeoSound Viano” high-end sound system, which can be conveniently operated via two iPad 2 or iPhone 4 devices. The mobile communication devices can also regulate the interior lighting and control the sound system for the model’s 40-inch screen, which can be used for everything from watching television to surfing the Internet and participating in video conferences. A special app was developed exclusively for this control feature; the devices are secured in a docking station in the center console. The screen itself has a black aluminum frame and is situated behind the chauffeur area. The push of a button is all it takes to lower the screen and the partition. An intercom is available for communication between the cockpit and the passenger compartment. The vehicle is equipped with a W-LAN system that enables Web videoconferencing, among other things.

Specially tailored for the growing market for luxury saloons in China, the long-version of the new Mercedes E-Class will be celebrating its world premiere at “Auto China 2010” With its inclined radiator surround, muscular-shaped rear fender and well-defined boot lid, the design of the new E-Class L embodies status and effortless superiority in a number of its details. Now available in a lengthened version, the model is even better positioned to meet the requirements of the Chinese market in this segment. The vehicle’s refined appointments also help to create an extremely impressive and comfortable interior.

With a length of 5,012 millimetres and a wheelbase of 3,014 millimetres, the new model for China has gained an extra 140 millimetres in both of these areas compared with the saloon model sold in the rest of the world. As a result, in the rear of the five-seater vehicle passengers can enjoy an extra 140 millimetres of legroom compared with the regular wheelbase E-Class, a model already renowned for its comfort. Another added touch of comfort: the front seats are also electrically adjustable from the rear.

In addition to the generously dimensioned interior, the vehicle’s high level of safety – typical a Mercedes-Benz car- also sets standards. Unique features include the PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system, Rear Seat Safety package with belt force limiters on the outer seats and rear side airbags, as well as ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection. A luggage compartment volume of 540 litres and a compact turning circle of 11.25 metres also represent class-leading values for this segment. At the time of its commercial release inJune2010, buyers will have a choice of two petrol engines producing 150 kW (204 hp) and 180 kW (245 hp), as well as several luxury appointment levels. Additional engine variants are expected to become available at a later date.

The E-Class segment is currently enjoying a boom in China: a total of around 122,000 vehicles from this class were sold there in 2008, but according to experts this figure is already expected to exceed 200,000 in 2010. Long versions dominate the segment with a share of close to 90 percent. Customers are primarily entrepreneurs and the self-employed, many of whom use the services of a chauffeur.

Produced in Germany, the new E-Class Saloon (W 212) has already sold more than 12,000 units in the People’s Republic of China since the middle of 2009. The new E-Class L (V 212), on the other hand, is produced locally at Beijing BenzAutomotive Co.,Ltd (BBAC) with a local share in value terms of more than 40 percent. BBAC is a joint venture between Daimler AG and its long-term partner Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Company (BAIC). The E-Class models are produced in a new plant in the Beijing Development Area in the southeast of the city.

Engine and suspension: the highest level of comfort is the trump card

From launch, the new E-Class L will benefit from a choice of two refined petrol engines featuring high pulling power in the form of the E 260 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY , using the latest direct injection technology, and E 300. Both models are offered with automatic transmissions that are ideally suited to the respective engine characteristics. Furthermore, transmission control is intelligent and adjusts the shift points adaptively to match the driving profile of the driver.

The AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system as standard forms the basis for the highest level of ride comfort. Ground clearance has also been increased. The standard Direct-Steer system provides particular convenience at slow speeds or when parking since, in conjunction with the speed-dependent service brake, steering effort is reduced thanks to the direct ratio.

Appointments: a high degree of luxury as standard

E260 CGI ELEGANCE, E260 CGI AVANTGARDE and E300 AVANTGARDE are the three appointment lines which will be available for the long version of the E-Class when it launches in China. Typical of the brand is the extensive scope of appointments available as standard. The ELEGANCE version already comes, among other things, with bi-xenon headlamps, adaptive ILS (Intelligent Light System), electric sliding sunroof, automatic air conditioning and COMAND DVD system.

Additional highlights of the E 260 CGI AVANTGARDE version includeselectric panoramic sliding sunroof, COMANDAPS with DVD changer, THERMATIC air conditioning system, heated rear seats and residual heat system. The E 300 Avantgarde also features a Rear Seat Entertainment System (two large 20.3 cm screens in the backs of the front seat head restraints), KEYLESS-GO electronic drive authorisation system and remote boot closing.

In October 2004 Mercedes-Benz established a new market segment with the four-door Coupé CLS. In September 2008, the brand revealed a fresh and exciting interpretation of the emotionally-appealing Coupé-based design in the form of the Concept FASCINATION. Now making its premiere at Auto China 2010 is the Concept Shooting Break – a further insight by Mercedes designers into the possible future development of the Coupé concept. The Concept Shooting Break also represents a clear indication of the further emotional appeal of the Mercedes design idiom.

Wide and flat, with a long bonnet and a roof which continues through to the rear: the Concept Shooting Break features some astonishing proportions which at the same time are clearly reminiscent of another design icon – the CLS. The design of the front is completely new, but makes use of elements which are mindful of the SLS AMG super sports car: the radiator grille, with the large star and eye-catching, bionic slats, is not integrated into the bonnet but has been designed separately. The grille is flanked on each side by full LED headlamps, which for the first time feature LED technology for all of the usual dynamic light functions. The side profile is given a touch of dynamism thanks to the high, exaggerated beltline sweeping towards the rear, and the dramatic character line which is supported by the powerful-looking rear wheel arches. The coupé-like side view is also emphasised with a low window design which also highlights the greenhouse with polished aluminium trim.

The interior is dominated by natural wood and leather materials. One eye-catching feature is the large full-length centre console. It highlights the four- seat layout as well as the high levels of comfort afforded by the Concept Shooting Break. The wooden floor of the luggage compartment reflects the true interpretation of this area of the vehicle, where the dark-stained silky oak contrasts against inlaid aluminium protective loading strips.

The Concept Shooting Break is driven by the forerunner to the forthcoming new V-engine generation from Mercedes-Benz. The V6 benefits from a 60° cylinder angle and a displacement of 3.5 litres, and is characterised by direct injection featuring a control system which enables lean-burn operation. The six-cylinder engine produces 225 kW (306 hp) with a maximum torque of 370 Nm and in line with the BlueEFFICIENCY criteria of Mercedes-Benz also sets new standards among the competition in terms of fuel consumption.

The exterior: stylish and sporty

The proportions are clearly those of a coupé: the long bonnet, narrow-look windows with frameless side windows, and dynamic roof sloping back towards the rear create a basic stance with which it looks ready for the off. It is only when taking a second look that it becomes clear that the Concept Shooting Break actually has four doors and an estate rear. As such, this study in design reveals its philosophical links with the four-door CLS Coupé, a car which has established a new market segment since 2004 and today is already seen as a design icon which is likely to occupy a very special place in the history of the motor car. The Concept Shooting Break may well be looked back on at some point as having played a similar role, taking ideas from the Concept FASCINATION premiered in 2008 and projecting them into the future.

“The Concept Shooting Break is based on the great tradition of a stylish, cultivated sportiness which has always characterised the great Mercedes Coupés, and it takes this unique legacy an exciting step further”, explains Professor Gorden Wagener, chief designer at Mercedes-Benz. “At the same time it points the way towards the future design idiom of Mercedes-Benz.”

The vocabulary of the design idiom includes the contrasting play between lines and exaggerated areas, which combine to create an animated area of interaction. The expressive design of the front immediately catches the eye, using elements which are mindful of the SLS AMG super sports car, and with a radiator grille which for the first time is not integrated into the bonnet. This contributes to better pedestrian protection and at the same time also helps to improve the focus on the long, sporty bonnet. The grille is dominated by the large central star, highlighting its relationship to the other Coupés of the Mercedes brand. It is supported by bionic, curved grille slats. Their curved design is reflected in the expressive look of the front apron and air intakes.

Particularly eye-catching are the full LED headlamps, which for the first time offer all of the regular dynamic light functions using LED technology. Inside they are divided into three arrow-shaped layers from top to bottom: the upper layer contains an LED indicator, beneath which is a striking LED side light offering LED low beam functions. The side light can also be seen when the dipped beam function is switched on, thereby creating a novel and separate night-time design and distinctive look. The lowest level of the headlamp houses the main beam and nightview functions. A total of 71 LEDs not only provide an unmistakable appearance, but also a significantly enhanced view of the road compared with previous systems.

The side profile of the Concept Shooting Break is dominated by the low, frameless side windows, the coupé-like shape of which is further highlighted with the incorporation of a polished aluminium frame along the body. Thanks to the positioning of the outside mirrors on the beltline, the side line is emphasised and all-round visibility has been improved in the region of the A-pillars. The side windows are supported on a high beltline, which slopes towards the rear in a fresh interpretation of the classic “dropping line” of iconic Mercedes Coupés. An additional exciting touch has been made with the prominent, muscular hip points which forcefully support the side line. This interaction gives the impression of a sprinter, poised in the starting blocks, ready to release an explosive forward surge of energy. The roof follows through to the rear and also drops away in typical coupé fashion. Another special feature is the recessed, filigree door handles, which emerge on being touched with the aid of sensors to allow access to the interior.

The side view is rounded off with wide wrap-around tail lights featuring LED technology. As such they form a linking element to the low, steeply-angled estate car rear end with top-hinged tailgate. The shape is emphasised by the broad shoulder line, which is clearly visible from behind and supports the lowered-look greenhouse. The twin pipe exhaust system, with two polished exhaust covers, is integrated into the rear bumper, which features an elegantly curved wing.

Also contributing to the special appearance of the Concept Shooting Break is the exceptional paint finish. A satin-finish clear coat has been used, which gives the vehicle’s allanite grey magno colour a mysterious glint and also further brings out the Coupé’s exquisite lines.

The sporty look of the Concept Shooting Break is complemented with large 20-inch sterling silver wheels, featuring a special bionically arranged five-spoke filigree design. They allow a glimpse of the large brake discs behind. The front wheels are fitted with 255/30 ZR 20 tyres, while the rear of this exceptional vehicle sits on 285/25 ZR 20 tyres.

The interior: design makes quality noticeable; high-quality materials, hand-crafted perfection

A large panoramic glass sunroof provides a glimpse into the high-quality, perfectly hand-crafted interior of the Concept Shooting Break, where natural materials such as wood and leather dominate. Wood is used on the trim elements and door pulls, the instrument panel and centre console, and primarily on the luggage compartment floor in the rear. When it came to choosing the wood, the interior designers opted for silky oak on account of its unusual, lens-shaped texture. The wooden floor in the luggage compartment has inlaid aluminium protective loading strips, and is reminiscent of finishes normally seen in yacht building.

Four saddle bags along the sides of the luggage compartment are useful for storing small tools. They are finished in leather, a material which has been used extensively throughout the Concept Shooting Break: in fact, almost ten square metres of leather have been incorporated into the interior. Light sections of porcelain-coloured nappa leather form an attractive contrast to the dark-brown natural-coloured aniline leather and perforated metallic-silver finish seat cushions and door centre panels. Extensive double-lapped stitching and discerning colour-coordinated upholstery seat piping reflect the hand-crafted perfection and attention to detail, as does the tuck stitching on the instrument panel, door sill covers and seat backrests, all of which highlights the contours of the components extremely well.

Perfection and attention to detail also apply to the trim elements. While on the exterior they are polished to a high-sheen finish, in the interior they feature a matt finish. A total of seven manual processes are necessary – from grinding to polishing – to transform the components, which are milled completely from aluminium, into their final decorative form. The matt finish of the interior trim has also served as inspiration for the metallic-silver leather on the seats, door centre panels and bags in the luggage compartment. The deep-pile carpet in the footwell – finished in porcelain colour – is a luxurious material used by Maybach-Manufaktur. The light-coloured roof liner made of silk cloth adds the finishing touch to the impression of comfortable elegance in the interior.

The Concept Shooting Break is clearly a four-seater. The four identically shaped leather seats have a touch of the sports car about them thanks to their integrated head restraints. Openings in the upper area of the backrests make it possible to see through the seats. A large full-length wood console on the transmission tunnel provides a visual divide between driver and front passenger and at the same time indulges the occupants with two large leather-covered armrests. It also houses two cup holders as well as controls for the rear-compartment air conditioning. The centre console is finished off at the rear with inlaid work: curved Mercedes lettering which harks back to the style of the 1920s. The striking cursive-script lettering is also repeated on the front door sills.

Since the central screen has been integrated into the upper part of the instrument panel, the cockpit has a “wrap-around” effect. The elegant verve and bionic details of the exterior are captured, among other things, in the dynamic wave-design air vents in the instrument panel. An analogue clock sits in the centre. The instrument cluster comprises three tubes for dial-type gauges as well as a colour display for service indications.

The headlamps: exciting LED technology offering full functionality

The Concept Shooting Break has dynamic full LED headlamps, which combine the exciting daylight colour impression of LED technology with the performance, functionality and energy efficiency of today’s bi-xenon light generation. The new light system, due to make its debut in series production this year, features the Intelligent Light System which has already been tried and tested in Mercedes models with bi-xenon headlamps. Its five light functions – country lights, motorway lights, enhanced fog lights, active curve lights and cornering lights – have been specifically designed for typical driving or weather conditions.

The light specialists at Mercedes-Benz have also been able to combine LED technology with the innovative Adaptive Highbeam Assist for the first time, leading to a completely new level of safety at night.

The engine: enhanced performance, enhanced efficiency

The Concept Shooting Break is driven by the forerunner to the forthcoming new V-engine generation from Mercedes-Benz. The special features of the spray-guided direct injection engine include the latest generation of piezo-electric injection valves which enable multiple injections. Better lean operation is possible thanks to load monitoring of the pressure information. Even the operation of the ancillary components has been made efficient and there is also a start/stop function. The V6 with a 60° cylinder angle and displacement of 3.5 litres produces 225 kW (306 hp) with a maximum torque of 370 Nm.

It’s all in a name: the origins of the name “Shooting Break”

or the homonym Brake, was the name once given to carriages used to “break” in wild horses and also to restrict (or “brake”) their urge to move, so that they could be put to use as work horses. Since the carts could easily be broken as part of this process, people tended not to use ones which they may have urgently needed for other purposes. Where necessary, “Brakes” were often fitted out with variable bodies, which were only really used to carry along anything that may have been necessary for the hunt, for example. Any such vehicle which was used when going out shooting was called a Shooting Brake or Shooting Break. In the 1960s and 1970s motorised Shooting Breaks were popular in Great Britain – exclusive cross-over vehicles, which combined the luxuriousness of a coupé with the luggage space of an estate.

At “Auto China 2010”, Mercedes-Benz is setting the scene for its continued dynamic growth on the world’s biggest car market. With an increase in sales of 112 percent, the first quarter of this year saw the Stuttgart premium car manufacturer set a new record in China. Making their debuts on the show today were no less than four attractive new models that will surely add extra impetus.

The most important newcomer is the new long wheelbase E-Class, which celebrates its world premiere in Beijing. The long wheelbase version offers 14 centimetres more leg room in the rear and was developed specifically for the important Chinese chauffeured limousine market. And, making their local market premieres are the new E-Class Cabriolet, the SLS AMG super sports car and the C-Class Estate. Mercedes-Benz is also setting a highly emotional accent with the world premiere of the all-new Concept Shooting Break – the groundbreaking study displays an array of conceptual and technical innovations and offers an exciting glimpse of the brand’s future design language.

With the Concept Shooting Break, Mercedes-Benz is continuing its successful tradition as a trendsetter for new vehicle segments. The innovative concept study combines the practical benefits of an estate car with the elegance of a luxury coupé, and showcases the further development of modern Mercedes-Benz design in keeping with the cultivated sportiness so typical of the brand. “With the new Concept Shooting Break, we are demonstrating once again that pioneering spirit is an integral part of the Mercedes-Benz brand DNA,” said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “Its world premiere in Beijing is also an acknowledgement of the Chinese market, which continues to emerge as a driving force for our entire sector.”

The new long wheelbase E-Class makes its entry as an important new “engine” for Mercedes-Benz sales growth in China, arriving at dealerships here at the end of June. It is the first Mercedes model to be developed specifically for the Chinese market. The vehicles are being produced locally by the Beijing Benz Automotive Corporation within the scope of the expanded joint venture with the Beijing Automotive Industrie Holding Company (BAIC). “The new long wheelbase E-Class stands as an example of our regional portfolio strategy and for our long-term commitment to the Chinese market, where this year we want to sell more than 100,000 vehicles for the first time,” continued Zetsche. “I am certain that the new E-Class L will make a significant contribution to that.”

The new E-Class with 14 centimetres more rear leg room

With a wheelbase of 3,014 millimetres (overall length 5,008 millimetres), the new E-Class L is even better suited to the requirements of the Chinese market in this class of vehicle. In China, many business saloon customers prefer to be chauffeured rather than driving themselves. In the rear of this five-seat limousine, passengers have no less than 14 centimetres more leg room than in the already very comfortable E-Class with the regular wheelbase. One particularly convenient feature is that the position of the front passenger seat can be adjusted electrically from the rear of the long wheelbase E-Class. Drive comes courtesy of a range of initially two modern and efficient petrol engines (E 260 CGI, E 300).

Market premiere for E-Class Cabriolet and SLS AMG

With the new Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz is completing the successful E-Class family with a particularly appealing version. The open two-door offers a pure convertible feeling thanks to its classic fabric top. The new model boasts a stunning side profile with clear proportions and an elegant silhouette. With the innovative automatic AIRCAP® wind deflector, redesigned AIRSCARF® neck-level heating and the standard-fit sound-dampening soft top, the new E-Class Cabriolet offers a level of year-round comfort for four people that is unique in the convertible segment.

The distinctive design of the SLS AMG captivates with its passionately sporty character and reinterprets the breathtaking form of the legendary 300 SL – an outstanding design icon of the Mercedes-Benz brand. The long bonnet, the low greenhouse set well back and the short rear end with the deployable spoiler are just as indicative of its dynamic prowess as the wide track and large wheels. Short overhangs define the proportions, as does the super sports car layout with a V8 front-mid engine mounted low down towards the rear and coupled with a dual-clutch transaxle transmission. Styling highlights include the gullwing doors, which lend the SLS AMG its unparalleled charisma.

The fourth new model for the Chinese market making its debut in Beijing is the C-Class Estate. This makes Mercedes-Benz the first manufacturer to offer a lifestyle estate car in China – combining functionality and sporting elegance.

Also at “Auto China”, Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the Asian premiere of its latest research vehicle, the F 800 Style. The five-seat luxury-luxury class saloon combines highly efficient driveline technology with innovative comfort and safety functions, as well as an emotional design language. Unique among large saloons worldwide is the all-new variable driveline architecture. It is suited to fuel cell electric drive with a range of around 600 km, as well as for use as a plug-in hybrid, whereby the overall range of around 700 km includes up to 30 kilometres of electric-only drive. Thus, Mercedes-Benz is offering clear proof that the lowest fuel consumption and CO2 emissions can also be achieved with large automobiles.

Presentation with stars from the international sport and show business

With four new models, as well as the world premiere of the Concept Shooting Break, Mercedes-Benz delivered a much-publicised presentation in Beijing. The company underscored its high regard for the Chinese market and for “Auto China” with the involvement of international stars in its press conference event. Former Formula 1 champion Mika Häkkinen presented the new SLS AMG, while Chinese star tenor Dai Yuqiang provided a stunning musical accompaniment to the world premiere of the new long wheelbase E-Class.

The star guest for the introduction of the E-Class Cabriolet was world-famous

English pop and R&B singer Leona Lewis, who had already delighted the audience on the eve of the show with a private concert at the “Mercedes-Benz Cars Premiere Night”.

Mercedes-Benz Cars Premiere Night with Maybach world premiere

To set the tone for Asia’s largest and most important motor show, the Stuttgart premium manufacturer staged a unique show in equally unusual surroundings. The venue for the exclusive “Mercedes-Benz Cars Premiere Night” was the former American Embassy Chi’en Men 23 in the former diplomatic quarter of Beijing. Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG respon-sible for Group Research and Development Mercedes-Benz Cars and Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Cars presented the Mercedes-Benz and Maybach brands to invited guests and stressed the leading position held by Mercedes-Benz in the luxury car market.

One highlight of the evening was the world premiere of the further refined 2010 generation of the high-end luxury limousines from Maybach, making their debut under the heading “Excellence Refined”. The further refined models 57 and 62 are now even more exclusive with targeted modifications in design, technology and equipment, once more setting the benchmark in their segment. Guests were also treated to an equally exclusive, fifteen-minute private concert by world-famous English star Leona Lewis, who added her own very special touch to the luxury brand evening with Mercedes-Benz and Maybach.

On the eve of the Beijing Auto Show 2010, Mercedes held a “Premier Night” for the recently announced Concept Shooting Break as well as the updated 2010 Maybach, and we’ve got photos from the event. On hand to celebrate the festivities was the exotically sexy English pop and R&B singer Leona Lewis, as was Ulrich Walker, Head of Daimler North East Asia and Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Development Mercedes-Benz Cars (neither of whom boast nearly the same level of exotic sexiness). More details of the Beijing Auto Show 2010 should be coming tomorrow, but in the meantime, you can view Mercedes’ Premier Night photos and the beautiful Leona Lewis in the gallery below.

At Auto China 2010 in Beijing, Maybach will be presenting its high-end luxury sedans with added sparkle and with significantly extended high-class equipment and individualisation options. A large new chrome radiator grille confidently emphasises the legendary sedans’ exceptional status. Other new highlights include the hood with a shaped edge, the trim on the front bumper with daytime driving lights featuring LED technology, high-quality, dark red tail lights and a new, exclusively developed paint and stylish wheels. In future those purchasing a Maybach 57 and 57 S will also be able to opt for the rear reclining seat from the Maybach 62 models. New items are available on request, among them seat piping which is hand-braided or refined with CRYSTALLIZEDTM Swarovski Elements, an exquisite flacon perfume atomiser and a WLAN router for wireless internet access. As an option, a 19-inch cinema screen and an overview camera for the rear passengers can be installed in the rear of the Maybach 62 and 62 S models. The output of the twelve-cylinder engine in the Maybach 57 S and 62 S has been increased to 463 kW (630 hp) but the pollutant emissions of all models have still been cut.

The facelifted versions of the Maybach sedans are even more self-confident and effortlessly superior, their charisma even more striking. The exceptional status they enjoy finds its main emphasis in the new dominant chrome radiator grille, which is meticulously produced in two different variants. In the Maybach 57 and 62 models it has 20 fine longitudinal bars, and in the Maybach 57 S and 62 S twelve solid double louvres and a “shadow strut” flag up the vehicle’s tremendous power. Both arrow-shaped radiator grilles are also higher and boast significantly greater dimensions than before, and they have been assigned a more upright position.

The designers have elevated the modified hood and given it sharply defined contours. It has a contoured edge and appears distinctly arrow-shaped. A restyled, horizontally structured bumper trim gives the Maybach sedans an even broader look. Daytime driving lights featuring LED technology and bordered with a chrome insert have been integrated into the outer air intakes.

The new exterior mirrors with optimised aerodynamics for less driving noise harmonise with the striking front, whilst their large surface means improved vision. Dark red tail lights and chrome trim used on the handle in the boot lid lend the end section a powerful, distinguished look. This in turn is underlined by new high-sheen 21-spoke 19-inch wheels in titanium silver for the Maybach 57 and 62 models. The Maybach 57 S and 62 S models will in future be shod as standard with new 12-spoke 20-inch wheels in noble sterling silver. All models are available in the new Bahamas Blue paint.

Interior – superb craftsmanship

The rear reclining seat which has only been available in the Maybach sedans with a long wheelbase up until now can, with immediate effect, also be installed on the front-passenger side in the rear of the Maybach 57 and 57 S models. At the same time Maybach has enhanced the craftsmanship of the seats for all models. The look of the seat upholstery layout has been refined and given additional piping. On request the piping can also be hand-braided or adorned with valuable CRYSTALLIZEDTM Swarovski Elements. In the upper part of the seat backrest a redesigned badge in 925 sterling silver with “MAYBACH MANUFAKTUR” lettering is an impressive indication of the great love of detail and serves as a reminder of the prestigious environment in which one is travelling.

Maybach cuts an equally fine figure when it comes to the range of individualisation options available for the luxury sedans, which has been significantly extended. For the very first time there is an extremely high-quality flacon perfume atomiser available on request, having been developed exclusively by Maybach. Up until now it was reserved only for the special Maybach Zeppelin model, limited to just 100 units. As an option a large, high-resolution cinema screen with a 19-inch diagonal can now be fitted to the centre of the partition in the Maybach 62 models, as an alternative to the 9.5-inch monitors in the rear available until now. If required Maybach will also fit the vehicles which have a partition – which, incidentally, can now also be personalised with motifs of the customer’s choosing – with an overview camera, via which the rear passengers are able to keep an eye on the traffic in front of them without being seen themselves – even with an opaque partition window.

Thanks to an innovative WLAN router it is even possible to enjoy wireless internet access during the journey. This state-of-the-art connection uses the fast transmission standards HSDPA, UMTS and GSM/EDGE. A new mobile phone hands-free system with Bluetooth functionality is also available in the rear. And a newly developed DVD player in the rear now also reads extended DVD formats.

As one would expect, the Maybach MANUFAKTUR showcases masterly handcraftsmanship with no compromises in the interior, where materials of the highest quality abound. There are three new interior appointments with different leather, carpet and headlining colours. New trim in selected dark brown bird’s-eye maple, which can be combined with brilliant porcelain piano lacquer in the Maybach 57 S and 62 S, underline the regal ambience. As an alternative, customers can now choose from carbon-fibre trim elements with a sporty touch in various different colours, such as silver and red.

More powerful yet fewer emissions

Even though the Maybach developers have increased the output of the Maybach 57 S and 62 S by 13 kW (18 hp) to 463 kW (630 hp), they were able to reduce the consumption figures (from 16.4 to 15.8 l/100 km) and the CO2 output (from 390 to 368 g/km CO2). The output of the 57 and 62 models remained unchanged, whilst consumption (15.0 as opposed to 15.9 l/100 km) and CO2 output (350 as opposed to 383 g/km) was also cut here. All the Maybach twelve-cylinder engines meet the EU5 standard/LEV2.

Mercedes-Benz continued to grow in China in the first quarter, with deliveries rising to a record 24,100 units from January through March (Q1 2009: 11,800)*. This increase of 105 percent was the highest recorded by any premium manufacturer in China.

Says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars, “We aim to sell more than 100,000 passenger vehicles in China this year. The launch of the long wheelbase version of the E-Class will further intensify the dynamic growth of Mercedes-Benz in the Chinese market. The local production of an additional model will further strengthen our position the market. Over the medium term, the number of locally produced vehicles will reach the level of imports.”

In response to this market growth, Daimler is also expanding its production capacities in China. The Beijing Benz Automotive Co. Ltd. plant in Beijing is designed to produce up to 100,000 units per year in the future. The long wheelbase version of the E-Class is the second Mercedes-Benz model to be locally produced at the Beijing plant. In addition, the production of transporters has started in China: Recently, the first Mercedes-Benz Viano came off the new production line in Fuzhou China was Mercedes-Benz’ third-largest sales market in the first quarter of 2010, behind Germany and the U.S. In the same quarter of 2009 China had been in sixth place.

All Mercedes-Benz model series posted record sales in China during the first quarter of 2010. Sales of the E-Class, the C-Class, and the SUVs grew at double-digit rates. A total of 5,400 C-Class sedans were handed over to customers, while 6,400 customers bought an E-Class sedan, and 5,300 SUVs were delivered. The development was particularly favorable for the S-Class, for which China is now the world’s largest sales market, accounting for 3,700 units from January through March. The R-Class is also very popular in China, and around 7,000 B-Class cars have been sold in the country since the vehicle was launched there in early 2009. Some 2,200 customers have bought a smart fortwo since the car was introduced on the market in April 2009. Mercedes-Benz now offers 14 model ranges with a total of 52 different models in China. The sales network includes more than 140 dealerships and is being substantially expanded in order to support the brand’s growth on the Chinese market.

Mercedes-Benz also posted substantial sales growth in the other BRIC countries in the first quarter, with brand sales rising by 21 percent in India and by 40 percent in both Brazil and Russia.