For throwback Thursday, we went way back to October 2006 for a look at the S600 Guard. My how times have changed.
To the elite few of you looking for protection that only a well-armored vehicle can provide, you’re in luck, Mercedes today has released details of their new S600 Guard, a model designed to meet even the most stringent standards of personal safety (and did I mention it’s the same car driven by Bella in Stephanie Myer’s Breaking Dawn book from the Twilight Series).
Boasting a Euro standard resistance level of B6/B7, the S600 Guard is capable of withstanding up to military-grade small-arms projectiles. As if that wasn’t enough, Mercedes engineers then took the S600 Guard a step further, surpassing requirements not specified in any standards by adding additional protection from explosives and hand grenades.
Of course, what fun is owning an armored vehicle when it looks and drives like a tank, so the final step to compete the S600 Guard was to make it look and drive like… well… an S600. Despite its new protective cage, re-engineered chassis, bulletproof glass, self-sealing gas tank and all of its other numerous life-saving measures, the S600 is virtually indistinguishable from the standard S600 model. In other words, it’s one fine automobile.
To learn more, keep scrolling for more photos showcasing the S600 Guard in action, followed by the comprehensive press release outlining all of the Guard’s many features.
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class interior has been spied almost entirely uncovered. From the interior photos, we can see a new instrument panel with two large LCD screens, one of the screens replaces the regular analog instruments while the other one is a touchscreen display for controlling entertainment, navigation, climate and communication.
And so, we want to know, did Mercedes get it right? Check out the photo gallery below and visit us on Facebook or take to Twitter to let us know what you think.
As previously reported, engine options will include a wide range of diesel and petrol units. A plug-in hybrid with a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine and a 60bhp electric motor is also rumoured.
Radar based Distronic PLUS with Steering Assist, which helps the driver to maintain the desired distance in stop and go traffic, steering Wizard, which uses cameras to detect lane markings and vehicles ahead and makes the car drive at slower speeds are a few of the technical features on the new S-Class. There is also Brake Assist PLUS with crossover wizard, which uses camera and radar sensors, helping to prevent rear-end collisions, new Adaptive Highbeam Assist PLUS, Traffic sign assistant, Night View Assist PLUS and new Parking Assistant will park your car automatically, taking over even the brakes.
Photos Via: AutoSpies
By popular demand, we have compiled our favorite photos of the current Mercedes-Benz C-Class for your viewing pleasure. The photo gallery includes the 2012 Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series, 2012 Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe, 2012 C63 AMG Sedan, 2012 C350 Sedan, 2012 C350 Coupe, 2012 C300 Luxury Sedan, 2012 C250 Coupe, 2012 C350 Coupe and lastly the 2012 C350 Coupe 4MATIC.
Head below to view all photos in the gallery or click the one of the linked models above to go directly to their corresponding photos.
All photos enlarge to full screen in order for you to save as your favorite background.
The very stealthy spy photographers over at WCF have once again caught the sedan version of facelifted 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class prototype while testing.
New one-piece headlights, restyled front bumper and grille are likely to be seen on the facelifted E-Class, along with a few minor revisions to the taillights and rear bumper.
The engine lineup for the 2014 E-Class will more than likely receive an increase in horsepower. The high-performance E63 AMG variant has been reported to generate 543 hp (405 kW) without the optional Performance Package. Mercedes-Benz might also be planning a new entry-level variant with a 4-cylinder, 1.6-liter Renault-sourced engine producing 156 hp (116 kW).
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class will debut at NAIAS in Detroit next month.
Source: WCF
Mercedes-Benz has revealed a series of upgrades to the 2013 C-Class range, designed to appeal to both the corporate and retail markets.
BIK and residual values
The enhancements help to lower running costs and can reduce BIK for business drivers by up to four per cent, giving the C-Class an even greater competitive advantage over premium compact rivals. In addition, the revisions have immediately had a positive impact on the already-strong residual values of the C-Class, with CAP announcing a five per cent (£450) increase in values for the entry-level trim grade.
Executive SE
Executive SE is the new entry point to the revised range for the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY, C 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Saloon and Estate, which includes a sports grille, new 16-inch alloy wheels, Artico upholstery and LED daytime running lights at a price increase of only £35 over the previous SE grade.
A new Luxury Package is available for Executive SE models to replace the former Elegance trim option. Carrying a £2,000 premium, it includes the three louver grille with bonnet-mounted star, 17″ alloy wheels with a seven twin-spoke design, automatically dimming rear view mirror and folding exterior door mirrors, chrome trim on the side, rear and shoulder line, a storage package and brown Ash wood trim with a matt finish.
AMG Sport
The Sport trim makes way in the 2013 C-Class for two new variants –AMG Sport and AMG Sport Plus. The AMG Sport Saloon and Estate cost £960 less than the previous Sport models, and feature 17-inch AMG wheels and halogen headlights.
In addition, there is a tax saving on the new AMG Sport, thanks to a reduction in CO2 over the previous model. For example, the previous C 220 CDI Sport Saloon with manual transmission offered 133g CO2/km and BIK 2012/13 of 20%, giving a total BIK over 36 months of £7,865, based on an income tax bracket of 40%.
By comparison, the new C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Saloon with manual transmission gives 123g CO2/km and BIK 2012/13 of 18%. Therefore the total BIK over 36 months is £6,897, giving a total saving of £968.
AMG Sport Plus
The AMG Sport Plus, priced £1,000 above AMG Sport and just £35 over the previous Sport line, includes 18-inch bi-colour AMG alloys, bi-Xenon front lights with Intelligent Light System and Adaptive High Beam Assist, AMG sports seats, Black Artico/Dinamica upholstery with contrast red stitching, red seat belts, AMG floor mats with red edging and silver gearshift paddles (automatic transmission only).
In the C-Class Coupé, the pricing and specification of the AMG Sport are unchanged, but an AMG Sport Plus version is now available for an additional £1,000. The comprehensive list of trim additions includes 18-inch bi-colour AMG alloys, an AMG boot lip spoiler in body colour, AMG sports seats, Black Artico/Dynamica upholstery with the contrast red stitching on the seats and door panels, red seat belts, AMG floor mats with red edging and silver gearshift paddles (automatic transmission only).
A £530 AMG Handling Package is offered on the C-Class Coupé to uprate the steering, engine, exhaust and transmission response, as well as introducing unique styling touches. The Dynamic Handling Package continues to be available on selected Saloon and Estate models.
New engine
The C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY is powered by a new ultra-efficient 1.6-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine and is accompanied by electric power steering to further bolster economy.
With an output of 154 hp at 5,000 rpm, the new engine is almost as powerful as its predecessor while developing an identical 250 Nm of torque across a wider rev range – 1,250 to 4,000 rpm.
While the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine is no longer offered in the C-Class Saloon and Estate, it is still available in the C-Class Coupé. In addition, the C 63 AMG performance models remain unaffected by the 2013 model year revisions.
Interior and exterior features
There are also new interior and exterior features, including revised colour options, repositioned cruise control and indicator stalks and easier-to-read silver graphics for the telematics screen. The telematics system in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz COMAND now includes eCall to report the car’s position to a call centre via GPS in the event of an emergency.
Service Care packages
Both retail and fleet buyers can take advantage of flexible inflation-proof Mercedes-Benz Service Care packages which reduce and spread the cost of routine maintenance from as little as £27 per month. All labour and parts, including replacement items such as spark plugs, brake fluid, oils and filters, are included.
In addition, Mercedes-Benz customers can benefit from MyService, a market-leading approach to servicing from Official Workshops that gives drivers an online option to book an A or B service, MOT, diagnosis and fixed-price repairs to suit their individual requirements, with four service options for all budgets – Lite, Lounge, Drive and Collect. In four simple steps (entering vehicle registration, mileage, selecting the requirements and official workshop), customers are able to generate an instant quote.
The clever spy photographers across the pond at GMotors have managed to capture the first, nearly undisguised, interior photos of the 2013 S-Class. Last week we brought you a video of the future S-Class testing in Spain, revealing its larger grille, singular headlamps and overall shape. The interior photos of the next-generation Mercedes S-Class interior leave little to the imagination, we can see an updated digital dashboard, automatic gearshift on the right side of the steering wheel, new steering wheel, vents, aluminium and wood trim.
As always, thank to our good friends at GMotors for sharing their photos with us.
Lorinser’s latest creation (and possibly the most powerful S-Class on the planet) has just been revealed, and it’s officially been named the S70. The Lorinser S70 6.0 V12 Bi-Turbo is based on the Mercedes-Benz 600 but was given a host of updates. Lorisner added bigger turbochargers, a high performance exhaust, a remapped ECU and several other tweaks as well. As a result, the S70 offers up a whopping 805 PS (592 kW / 794 hp) and 1270 Nm (937 lb-ft) of torque, with a limited electronically to a top speed of 186 mph. For those who hate to be limited, this can be increased to 205mph upon request.
To keep the Mercedes S-Class from meeting an unpleasant demise at such high speeds and to improve stability, Lorinser reinforced the axles and differential, complimented with a set of matte black 20-inch RSK6 alloy wheels. Adding to the uniqueness of the Lorinser S70 is a two-tone paint job and body kit consisting of front spoiler, side skirts, air dams, roof and boot-lid spoiler and rear diffuser.
The interior of the S70 remained relatively true to the original S-Class, but does include custom upholstered Nappa leather and wood in black lacquer in addition to the Lorinser crests found on the head rests, seats, steering wheel and the updated instrument cluster.
Make sure to view the photo gallery below for a closeup look at the Lorinser S70 6.0 V12 Bi-Turbo.
Mercedes-Benz is nearing completion of its 2013 S-Class sedan, with the latest prototypes recently spotted testing in Europe. Sporting the least amount of camouflage to date, we are able to closely compare the latest renderings of the S-Class to the real thing.
Set for a reveal later this year as a 2013 model, the new S-Class will likely be slightly longer than this year’s model, and will be offered with a wide range of fuel efficient engines consisting of I4, V6 and V8 gasoline and BlueTEC diesel units. For those craving the latest green technology, Mercedes-Benz will offer the S 400 HYBRID (‘mild’) boasting over 300 hp as well as the all new S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID delivering around 415 hp. And, in case you were wondering whether the S 600 version would be lost amidst the new trend of fuel efficiency, fret not, as a new V12 powerplant outputting over 550 hp is currently in the works and will likely be ready in time for the S-Class market launch. Lastly, we can’t forget to mention the AMG versions of the 2013 S-Class: the S 63 AMG with 544 hp and the S 65 AMG with 630 hp.
Design wise, look for the next generation S-Class to have a much larger grille than previous generations; a markedly sculpted hood and LED-infused headlights; and a dual exhaust system and taillights similar to those seen on the CL-Class.
The first photos in the gallery are the most recent spy photos, and I’ve also added a collection of prior 2013 S-Class Spy Photos for your viewing enjoyment. Spy photos from Bknard via WCF.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has for many year set the benchmark for luxury vehicles. German aftermarket specialist, Carlsson, offers the already refined S-Class (Type W / V 221) power upgrades for the various version, new aerodynamics and various interior modifications.
The Carlsson Mercedes-Benz S600 L is powered by the factory twelve-cylinder biturbo engine, however, instead of the standard 517 hp (380 kW), it now has 600 hp (441 kW) and has a maximum electronically limited torque of 1024 Newton meters. This power increase results from an optimized engine management system in accordance with the Carlsson sports air filter and the Carlsson sports exhaust system. Enormous torque accelerates the Carlsson S-Class in just 4.3 seconds from zero to 100 in 4.6 seconds and then on to its top speed, which is limited to 320 km / hr.
Carlsson’s body kit for the S-Class includes a sporty front spoiler lip and front bumper that helps generate additional downforace giving the S-Class increased traction. The Carlsson emblem for the front hood and the distinctive grille insert made of electro polished stainless steel are featured in addition to new side skirts, a rear apron and spoiler.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class from Carlsson also features the C-Tronic SUSPENSION. This system communicates through the data line to the onboard electronics in mere milliseconds and detects the condition of the road and personal driving style. Accordingly, the system adjusts up to 30-millimeters continuously within the determined parameters, this feature ensures perfect curve behavior, while also offering the ultimate in comfort.
The Carlsson S-Class connects with the road through high-performance Dunlop tires in sizes 255/35 front and 275/35 ZR 20 in the rear, which elegantly wrap the large 20-inch light-alloy wheels
Just like a perfectly tailored suit, the in-house upholstery team at Carlsson customize the cockpit to fit your personal tastes. The basic package for € 5290, includes upgrading theleather of the two front seats, rear seat head restraints and includes all four door panels. The color of the leather, the stitching and piping, is selected by you at no extra charge. The Carlsson logo is found in the headrests and a blue illuminated lettering can be found on the door sills.
The newly redesigned 2012 C-Class sedan is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. in August of 2011. The front and rear end of the popular Mercedes-Benz sedan have been enhanced with a more distinctive design. The luxurious interior is now emphasized by the stylish new dashboard, which features a premium, fine-grain finish and stylish trim elements, as well as a high-resolution color display in the instrument cluster. Fuel economy has been improved by as much as 15 percent, thanks to new direct-injection engines and the redesigned 7-speed automatic transmission. Five new driver assistance systems ranging from the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system through to the Blind Spot Assist are now available in the C-Class lineup. New-generation telematics offer new infotainment and navigation features. Scroll down to view a complete options list for the C250, C300 and C350.
The U.S. model line-up consists the:
The Mercedes-Benz management team on the C-Class:
“The C-Class Sedan has been the global market leader in its segment since 2008, so it is highly topical. But the comprehensive updating of our high-volume model also shows that even in the global economic crisis we have had the strength to invest in our product portfolio without making any compromises. For us the new-generation C-Class with more than 2000 new parts is a facelift – others would speak of a new car.” Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars
“We are currently making greater leaps forward than ever before in the history of the car where efficiency is concerned. This becomes clear if you compare our compact top model from 1989, the 190E 2.5-16 Evo I, with the current C220 CDI. The performance is virtually identical, and in the space of just 20 years consumption has been halved, whilst comfort, safety and emission characteristics have drastically improved at the same time. And we are certainly keeping up this speed: we are inventing the car for the second time.” Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Daimler Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Head of Development, Mercedes-Benz Cars
“In order to keep delivery times as short as possible for our customers, we have production of the C-Class running at full steam in three plants. We introduce the extensive changes for the new generation, such as the hood made of aluminum, on the production line in a flying changeover. This is a challenge for logistics and processes, and it is only thanks to the motivation and flexibility of our employees that we can do this with confidence. Some of our competitors envy us for this ‘Daimler spirit’.” Dr Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of the Daimler Board of Management responsible for Production and Purchasing, Mercedes-Benz Cars Daimler Communications
“The drive system and safety systems in the new-generation C-Class offer the comfort, efficiency and safety of our luxury vehicles. The new telematics generation connects the C-Class with the internet. Plus, with many significant details in the interior, the vehicle calls to mind the new CLS and sets totally new standards in its segment where the quality impression is concerned.” Dr Joachim Schmidt, Member of Mercedes-Benz Cars Management responsible for Sales and Marketing
“The new-generation C-Class also sets the pace in its segment when it comes to design. This is especially apparent in the interior: fine materials displaying painstaking attention to detail and the generous use of trim parts add an exclamation mark: the C-Class is dressed up to the nines.” Prof. Gorden Wagener, Head of Design, Mercedes-Benz Cars
Design
Expressive, resolute, self-assured
The C-Class has undergone a comprehensive makeover. The bumper now has a more distinctive and dynamic design, with the front end adopting the brand’s new design language. The center air intake opens upward in a v-shape and forms the core element of the grille design, while istinctive lines emerge from the base of the aggressive arrow design in the center. Running beneath the headlamps, these character lines transition into the side profile. The outboard air intakes in the bumper are positioned very low down to give the car a more muscular stance.
The C-Class features a new aluminum hood, which helps reduce weight to improve fuel efficiency. Contours around the headlamps and grille bring additional emphasis to the front-end arrow form. Working together with the redesigned headlamps, the overall front-end look is far more distinctive.
Modified clear glass headlamps create a more dynamic and determined look and, together with the hood, grille and bumper, enhance the arrow visual at the front end. This precise, contemporary look is reinforced by the design of both the exterior and interior of the headlamp units, which feature a finely balanced interplay between matte and gloss surfaces. The halogen headlamps follow the classic format with low beam located on the outside and high beam in the inside, while the indicator lamps are discreetly positioned in the outer corners toward the fenders.
The available bi-xenon headlamps come with active functions and bring added depth to the appearance with a series of LED modules. A C-shaped positioning light defines the nighttime design, with cornering lights located behind it and stretching outward to the main lamp module. At the base of the headlamps are broad horizontal LED indicator units. Also horizontal are the LED daytime running lights located in the bumper, which make the C-Class unmistakable from a distance.
On the rear bumper, the character lines and shutlines have been modified to add emphasis to the vehicle’s stance. This is especially evident in the steep rise of the character line running outward toward the rear lights. A continuous character line on the upper edge of the rear bumper runs into the fenders of the C-Class to provide a connection to the sides and emphasizes the sporty character of the rear view. A new one-piece jewel case on the tail lights provides further integration into the rear of the vehicle. The characteristic sinuous surface line is now reflected on the inside of the lights and is reminiscent of earlier models.
The distinctive depth of the lights is achieved by LED indicators located in the center that appear to float in front of the more deeply set red LED bands above and below. The rear light pattern is particularly distinctive at night.
The redesigned tail lights are even more neatly integrated into the tail end by a continuous covering lens. The characteristic surface meander is now on the inside of the light, and reminiscent of preceding model series. The impression of depth is achieved by a centrally located LED indicator, which appears to float in front of the red upper and lower light bands.
In all its finery: restyled dashboard and high-grade surfaces
One focal point of the work done in the interior was the redesign of the dashboard with the aim of creating a powerful, sporty and premium look-and-feel that includes extensive enhancement to the trim. The surfaces of the controls are more finely detailed and feature a metallic finish. The stepped hood of the instrument binnacle now extends to incorporate the central display and runs onward into the passenger side enhanced by a subtle character line. The central, trapezoidal air vents and the outer circular vents are accentuated with metallic trim elements.
Central to the design of the new dashboard is a prominent trim panel which stretches from the central air vents along the passenger side to the outer air vent, adding visual width to the interior. The surface grain on the top portion of the dashboard continues along the upper edges of the door panels.
The new-generation center console is distinguished by its rectangular silver keys and emphasizes the premium feel of the interior in combination with matte keys, high-gloss surfaces and a new knurled control knob. Together with the new-generation telematics, the restyled C-Class also receives a new instrument binnacle with integrated display. Oriented toward the driver are three tubular gauge surrounds with metallic surfaces that further enhance the character of the C-Class.
The luxury feel is emphasized by the new-generation leather steering wheel introduced with the all-new CLS and now available as standard in the C-Class. The steering wheel features a chrome-plated central spoke and further accentuates the car’s stylish and sporty ambience.
2012 C250 Sedan Equipment List
Standard Equipment
Comfort/Convenience
Performance/Handling
Safety/Security
Option Packages
Sport Package
Luxury Sedan Package
Premium 1 Package
Lighting Package
Lane Tracking Packaging
Multimedia Package
Stand Alone Options
Special Order Options
Paint
Black, Magnetite Black, Arctic White, Cuprite Brown*, Iridium Silver, Palladium Silver, Pearl Beige, Lunar Blue*, Diamond White, Mars Red (Sport), Sapphire Grey
Upholstery
Black MB Tex, Almond Beige MB Tex, Ash MB Tex, Black Leather*, Ash Leather*, Almond Beige Leather* (Luxury), Sahara Beige Leather* (Sport), Cappuccino Leather* (Sport)
2012 C300 4Matic Sedan Equipment List
Standard Equipment
Comfort/Convenience
Safety/Security
Option Packages
Sport Package
Luxury Sedan Package
Premium 1 Package
Lighting Package
Lane Tracking Packaging
Multimedia Package
Stand Alone Options
Special Order Options
Paint
Black, Magnetite Black, Arctic White, Cuprite Brown, Iridium Silver, Palladium Silver, Pearl Beige, Lunar Blue*, Diamond White, Mars Red (Sport), Sapphire Grey
Upholstery
Black MB Tex, Almond Beige MB Tex, Ash MB Tex, Black Leather*, Ash Leather, Almond Beige Leather* (Luxury), Sahara Beige Leather* (Sport), Cappuccino Leather* (Sport)
2012 C350 Sedan Equipment List
Standard Equipment
Comfort/Convenience
Performance/Handling
Safety/Security
Option Packages
Lighting Package
Lane Tracking Packaging
Multimedia Package
Stand Alone Options
Special Order Options
Paint
Black, Magnetite Black, Arctic White, Cuprite Brown, Iridium Silver, Palladium Silver, Pearl Beige, Lunar Blue*, Diamond White, Mars Red, Sapphire Grey
Upholstery
Black MB Tex, Almond Beige MB Tex, Ash MB Tex, Black Leather*, Ash Leather, Sahara Beige Leather*, Cappuccino Leather*
Mercedes-Benz landaulets in the post-war period saw a functional transformation of the landaulet, from a versatile body design for city and country motoring to a vehicle used almost solely as a parade car. This led to the landaulet design becoming an extreme rarity: during the second half of the 20th century Mercedes-Benz built only 59 landaulets based on the Mercedes-Benz 600 model (W 100), plus a few exclusive landaulets specially manufactured in the company’s workshops. Most famous of all are the Mercedes-Benz landaulets made as papal cars.
This tradition started in 1960 with a Mercedes-Benz 300 d landaulet. In fact Mercedes-Benz had already given the Vatican an official car for the pope’s use some decades before, in 1930. But in contrast to the earlier “Rome car” – a Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 460 Pullman limousine – this time the vehicle had a folding convertible top at the rear. Pope John XXIII himself had requested a landaulet body for the new automobile from Stuttgart. The meticulously handcrafted W 189 landaulet (only two of which were ever made) was based on a chassis with a wheelbase lengthened by around 45 centimeters to a total of 3.6 meters. The car was also around ten centimeters higher than the production model.
The three-liter six-cylinder in-line engine developing 160 hp/118 kW was the same as in the production version. This gave the papal car a top speed of 160 km/h, but of course it was generally driven at a much more sedate tempo on official outings. At such times, with the roof open, the rear side windows could be completely removed and placed in specially designed brackets in the trunk. The partition between front and rear seats and the front windows were electrically operated and lowered simply by pressing a button.
The locking devices for the roof mechanism were accessible from the driver’s seat, and the convertible top itself was opened and closed in a matter of seconds. Steps automatically opened out from the car floor when the rear doors were opened, making it easier for the pope to enter and alight from the vehicle. The throne-style seat for the pontiff was placed in the middle at the rear, facing in the direction of travel, with two folding seats opposite, attached to the partition, for accompanying staff. Around the papal seat, which was electrically adjustable, were the controls for air conditioning, intercom and other functions. At the presentation of the car in 1960, the pope was clearly delighted with the vehicle equipment.
Landaulet as small-run production series: Mercedes-Benz 600
The 300 d landaulet attracted considerable attention – but the most notable development in the history of this body design in the second half of the 20th century came with the Mercedes-Benz factory-built landaulet versions of the 600 model (W 100). In the book “Mercedes-Benz 600” published in 2001, author Heribert Hofer describes the landaulet from this model series as “a genuine old-style parade car, a unique automotive treasure.” And indeed, heads of state like Queen Elizabeth Elisabeth II, Pope Paul VI and his successors and heads of government all around the world chose this model to greet onlookers as they drove through the streets. The German government also regularly called on a Mercedes-Benz 600 landaulet for ceremonial occasions, although the vehicle was not owned by the state. Instead, the car was kept in the company fleet in Stuttgart and made available on request.
Production of the 600 model, in the “Grand Mercedes” tradition, started in September 1964. The Pullman landaulet, along with a number of limousines, was a production variant of the Pullman body with the long wheelbase of the W 100. Mercedes-Benz offered its customers four different landaulet versions based on this exclusive design: the standard version had four doors, facing rear seats, and a folding top extending as far as the front edges of the rear doors. There was also a special six-door version with a seat bench in the rear and additional fold-out seats facing in the direction of travel. In this variant, as in the six-door Pullman limousine, the middle doors could also be provided without handles. Both the above landaulets – the four-door and six-door design – could also be equipped on request with a long convertible top reaching as far as the partition.
All these versions were based on a long-wheelbase W 100 chassis, but in 1967 a one-off short-wheelbase W 100 landaulet was also produced. The vehicle was commissioned by Count von Berckheim. The ex-racing driver’s Mercedes-Benz 600 combined the handling qualities of a short-wheelbase design with the traditional virtues of the landaulet. The time and effort involved in this one-off project indicates that the 59 Pullman landaulets built hardly represented a “series production” operation in the strict sense – in fact, with such a wide variety of interior equipment options and special features it would be difficult to find two identically-equipped 600 landaulets. But one thing all these vehicles had in common was their exceedingly high price. The exclusive body design with the folding convertible top did not appear on the official price list, but the Mercedes-Benz 600 was regarded as the world’s most expensive production car of its day.
Mercedes-Benz 600 landaulet for the Vatican
In 1965 Mercedes-Benz presented the Vatican with another landaulet based on the W 100 Pullman. The manufacture of the car was a cooperative project of the testing and production departments in Sindelfingen. The four-door landaulet was presented to Pope Paul VI at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo by Hermann Josef Abs, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Daimler-Benz AG, General Manager Walter Hitzinger, and Board of Management members Fritz Nallinger and Arnold Wychodil, along with Karl Wilfert and three employees from the Daimler-Benz plant in Sindelfingen.
The equipment of this landaulet differed from the production version in several details: the rear doors were 25.6 centimeters wider, and came right up to the partition. The rear doors also included new operating controls, designed to be within easy reach from the papal seat located centrally in the back of the passenger compartment. The designers at Sindelfingen made the roof seven centimeters higher to provide ample head room – a modification required because of the flat floor in the rear of the W 100, concealing the propeller shaft tunnel beneath. Special equipment included air conditioning, an intercom for communicating with the driver, and the ability to shift the single armchair-style seat at the rear in several different directions.
The pontiff was delighted with the sophisticated technology in his W 100. “The name of Mercedes has become proverbial all round the world for German diligence and skill – which makes this gift all the more precious,” said Paul VI in his words of appreciation for the automotive engineering achievements of the team in Stuttgart back in 1965. The Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman landaulet bearing the legendary license plate SCV 1 (the abbreviation for “Stato della Città del Vaticano”) is now on display in the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.
W 109 and V 140 landaulets built in-house
And the specialists at Mercedes-Benz built another two landaulets for the Vatican in the years after 1965, both based on standard limousines. The first of these papal cars, built as early as 1966 with a single rear seat, was a landaulet based on a
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL limousine (W 109 series) with standard wheelbase (2.85 meters). The seat could be moved to the right if necessary to create room for a passenger on the fold-out seat fitted on the partition. This car remained in use for many years, in parallel with the W 100 landaulet. The 300 SEL was not equipped with quite the same level of luxury as the Mercedes-Benz 600 – for example there was no air conditioning in the shorter vehicle. The car was however retrofitted with armor plating in 1981.
This was followed in 1997 by a landaulet based on the Mercedes-Benz S 500 with a long wheelbase (V 140). Like its predecessors, this was a “no expense spared” one-off project that combined traditional values with contemporary technology. The car had numerous special equipment features. The electro-hydraulically operated convertible top, when closed, was five centimeters higher than in the limousine, to provide more head room above the papal seat. On taking delivery of the vehicle in person in 1997, Pope John Paul II was given a briefing on the car’s technical features and praised the design.
Heir to a great tradition
The 600 model was the only Mercedes-Benz ever built as a production landaulet over the last 60 years. However, the brand has repeatedly made good use of this type of bodywork with specially designed superstructures as for the papal cars. The sense of a unique driving culture that is epitomized in the landaulet is as strong as ever in Stuttgart. And it is this knowledge and living heritage from the past that provides the basis for the Maybach landaulet in 2007.
Technical details of Mercedes-Benz ceremonial cars
Mercedes-Benz 300 d landaulet with long wheelbase (W 189)
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL landaulet (W 109)
Mercedes-Benz 600 landaulet with long wheelbase (W 100)
Mercedes-Benz 600 landaulet with short wheelbase (W 100)
Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman landaulet (W 100)
Mercedes-Benz S 500 long-wheelbase landaulet (V 140 E 50)
The combination of tradition and modernity embodied in the Maybach Landaulet study, makes this a truly unique vehicle of its time. The highly unusual body shape already defines the car as something quite out of the ordinary. But the unique combination of the fold-back roof at the rear and a solid roof section over the front seats also reflects the fine appreciation of tradition and values that is the hallmark of the Mercedes-Benz Cars approach.
The body of the landaulet harks back to the early days of automotive history. Just a few years after the invention of the automobile by Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz in 1886 – working independently of each other – both companies had large numbers of landaulets on the roads. The Mercedes-Benz brand created in 1926 took up the idea, and over the years landaulets based on a range of model were built, both in normal production plants and by prestigious bodybuilders. The last landaulet variant available as a production car was the 600 model (W 100 series) from 1965 until 1981. The company’s in-house special vehicle manufacturing workshops also built three different landaulets for the Vatican in the second half of the 20th century.
Distinctive folding top
The landaulet is one of the true aristocrats among special body designs, and indeed its origins go back to the days of the coachbuilder’s art. Its hallmark is a “rigid, closed passenger compartment with a folding convertible top,” according to the Mercedes-Benz definition. What this means in practice is a folding convertible top over the rear seats, adjacent to a rigid top or solid partition. Depending on the variant, the driver might be out in the open, or – as is usual in today’s bodies of this type – in his own compartment, after the style of a limousine.
In any event, the choice between closed or open-top travel is only available to the passengers in the rear. The qualities of the landaulet as the perfect car for public figures are most evident when the opulent roof is swung back, focusing every eye on the occupants in the rear, and converting the landaulet into a stylish and elegant platform for public appearances. This is why vehicles with this unique body design are used almost exclusively by dignitaries and VIPs. And of course the roof can always be closed again, as protection from the weather or prying glances.
Maybach Landaulet study
The Maybach Landaulet study was created in response to requests from Maybach customers who still feel the thrill of landaulet vehicles from the days of sumptuously equipped coaches driving through the streets. The car is based on the Maybach 62 S. The C-pillars and roof arches remain in place when the top is pushed back, retaining the luxury limousine’s distinctive silhouette, along with the generously-dimensioned doors, stylish interior compartment and seating arrangements.
When the roof is closed, the convertible top is stretched over the roof frame, providing a tight seal against wind and weather. On the instruction to open the passenger compartment, the driver merely has to press a control on the center console, and the structure, together with the rear window, folds gently down onto the parcel shelf, without any significant loss of stowage space. The opening and closing of the convertible top is an efficient but unhurried process, like a smoothly choreographed dance, taking around 20 seconds to complete. The luggage compartment remains easily accessible even with the roof open. And the driver can cover the retracted top with a stylish leather tarpaulin, concealing the mechanism and restoring the smooth and elegant contours of the vehicle.
Historical Maybach landaulets
In the 1930s there were landaulet versions of several Maybach luxury limousines. In line with normal practice at the time, the body fitted to the chassis could be designed according to the owner’s individual requirements. The most popular models with landaulet customers were the twelve-cylinder Maybach 12, Maybach Zeppelin DS7 and Maybach Zeppelin DS8. The combination of letters and numerals used for the Zeppelin models stood for the V12 engine (double-six, = DS) and the displacement. The Zeppelin DS7, built in 1930 and 1931, had a 150 hp (110 kW) engine with displacement of 6922 cubic centimeters, while its successor, produced from 1931 to 1939, generated 200 hp (147 kW) from a 7922 cubic centimeter engine.
Nor was the circle of Maybach landaulet aficionados restricted to statesmen and captains of industry. There were others for whom maintaining a high public profile was a business necessity, and an automobile that could put its occupants on show like jewels in a display case simply by folding the roof back was clearly ideal for the purpose. For example, in 1930 the Sembach-Krone family commissioned the Erdmann & Rossi bodybuilders’ firm to build a Zeppelin DS7, specifying a burgundy-colored landaulet body, as a management vehicle for the legendary Krone circus. This elegant car with its long folding top is now on show at the Sinsheim Auto and Technology Museum.
Also featured in the Sinsheim collection is a 1938 landaulet version of the Zeppelin DS8 with a top speed of 160 km/h. This body, with a short folding top, was made by Hermann Spohn in Ravensburg. Spohn was the regular bodybuilder for Maybach, located just twenty kilometers away in Friedrichshafen.
Origins in coach-building
The body form of the landaulet, or “half-landau” as it is sometimes known, owes much to the construction of horse-drawn coaches. The landau (or sometimes “Landauer” in German) was an open coach, probably named after the town of Landau in the Palatinate region of Germany. The passengers sat facing each other, and could be protected by two half-roof sections, pulled over them from either end of the vehicle when required. The coachman sat on a box seat, well away from the passenger compartment. The landaulet structure differed in that it only had the rear half-roof covering. And depending on the design, the driver’s compartment in front of the passenger seats could have a rigid roof, a glass top or a front windshield.
At the end of the 19th century the customary distinction in coach construction between the landau and landaulet was carried over into automotive design, with Daimler and Benz both initially making cars with landaulet and landau bodies.
Glory days of the landaulet
But events were to prove that only the landaulet had a viable future in the age of the automobile. One of the reasons was clearly that as speeds increased, passengers became more reluctant to sit with their backs to the direction of travel. The landaulet design emerged as the accepted form, and became increasingly popular with customers. But during the heyday of landaulet bodywork in the first half of the 20th century there was still no consistent or standard design.
One of the major points of difference was in the area of the driver’s seat. The box-seat of the Daimler belt-driven landaulet of 1896 for use as a taxi left the driver completely unprotected. In comparison, a 25/45 hp Benz landaulet from 1910 offered the driver a windshield and a rigid roof, but no doors or side windows. Side doors – but still no windows – were added in the 8/20 hp Benz of 1912.
Subsequent landaulet models reversed the principle of leaving the chauffeur out in the open – the driver was now protected by a windshield on all sides, as in a limousine, but the folding convertible top over the rear seats continued to offer flexibility for the passengers. This more contemporary form of the landaulet was used in luxury models such as the 15/70/100 hp Mercedes-Benz 400 Pullman landaulet from the late 1920s, and also in the landaulet taxicabs based on the Mercedes-Benz 260 D from 1936.
Landaulet as a taxicab
Al fresco motoring proved particularly attractive to taxicab customers – as indicated by the large numbers of taxicabs supplied with a landaulet body. In fact a landaulet became the world’s very first taxi when a Stuttgart-based haulage and taxicab operator, Friedrich August Greiner, ordered a Victoria landaulet with a taximeter from Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) under order no. 1329. The vehicle was duly delivered in May 1897, and the world’s first motorized taxi went into service in June, once the required permit had been obtained from the police. The vehicle cost its owner the small fortune of 5530 Mark. Included in that price were the landaulet half-convertible top, two dash leather coverings, reverse gear and solid rubber tires.
In the following decades both Daimler and Benz, and from 1926 Mercedes-Benz, supplied taxis based on this distinctive body design. The 12/30 hp Benz was actually marketed from 1913 to 1914 solely as a taxicab landaulet. In this period the landaulet became just as popular with taxi passengers as with VIPs. However the design was never in high demand for private automobiles for everyday use. In his reference work entitled “The modern automobile and its maintenance and repair” and published in 1921, Max Peter wrote: “The advantages of open-top and closed-top vehicles are to some extent combined in the landaulet which can be driven as either. Because of the ability to adapt the body structure according to the season, this body design is associated above all with taxi automobiles, and probably for this reason it is less popular for private cars, notwithstanding its undeniable advantages.” This quote is taken from the section dealing mainly with taxis and private cars of the traditional kind. The “elegant landaulet”, in contrast, is classified under a separate category specifically for parade cars.
Evolution of an elite body design
The folding convertible top design as a luxury variation on the automobile was discussed by authors Ernst Misol and Hermann Klaiber in 1913 in their book entitled “What do I need to know about my car, and how should I drive it to comply with the authorities’ regulations?” Misol and Klaiber emphasized the advantages of different body styles for different purposes: “A luxury car used only in city traffic should always have a fully enclosed body, i.e. the limousine design. But for shorter journeys outside city limits, preference is to be given to the landaulet with its retractable top at the rear.”
Owners of luxury landaulet cars in the pre-World War I period included Emperor Wilhelm II. The emperor’s first vehicle of this type was a 39/75 hp Mercedes chain-driven landaulet, which he used as a traveling car. This was followed in 1911 by a 38/70 hp Mercedes landaulet for the same purpose. The emperor then chose a 28/60 hp Mercedes landaulet as a city car in 1913. And during a visit by the heir to the Romanian throne in 1913, the monarch and his guest were driven through the streets in a 26/65 hp Mercedes-Knight landaulet.
Following the end of the imperial era, in 1938 Mercedes-Benz presented Paul von Hindenburg with a 12/55 hp Mercedes-Benz 300 six-seater landaulet: Hindenburg had been elected as President of the Weimar Republic in 1925, as the successor to Friedrich Ebert.
Testing in -22 degree Swedish weather, the next generation S-Class once again took to the streets wrapped in a black blanket of camouflage. While still heavily covered, we are able to see that the upcoming Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan looks to have smaller front lights with LED indicators that what we see on the current model. Hints of the F700 Concept can be seen in the S-Class Grille, having a more upright slope.
As we saw on previous spy photos, the new Mercedes S-Class appears to be longer in length and boasts a slightly bigger wheelbase.
In terms of power, look for the 2013 S-Class to note a range of more fuel efficient engines, with Mercedes’ new direct injection power plants providing a solid range to work with. The 2011 CL-Class should serve as a good starting point of what we can look forward to under the hood, with the addition of a new plug-in option based on the Vision S500 Plug-In Hybrid. Of course, look for both S63 AMG and S65 AMG models as well.
The new S-Class is expected to make its world debut later this year, with sales starting in early 2012.
A big thanks to Andrus and GMotors for the photos.
The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG was just released, potentially leaving owners of the prior style with a bit of design envy. And while it would be easy to sit around and covet the new hotness, the truth is, you’ve got another option: adding a new widebody kit and interior upgrade to the prior, outgoing style.
Helping you make the transformation, Tecnocraft recently released a new widebody kit for the pre-2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. As you can see from the photos, massively flared arches, that were done while Josh from Tecnocraft was a fabricator at Evosport, give the car a wider, bolder presence, and also help the C63 AMG accommodate the ADV1 wheels that were worked out with J and Miguel. According to Tecnocraft, simplicity was key in designing the rims, making them look good on a variety of vehicles.
Other highlights of the Tecnocraft Mercedes C63 AMG include a carbon fiber splitter, rear diffuser and wing, and a blacked-out grille with a titanium gray paint job topping it all off.
Inside, there’s a plentiful supply of carbon fiber, with the dashboard, console, and doors all noting carbon fiber accents. Carrying the simplicity of the rims into the interior, Tecnocraft opted for a one-piece carbon fiber seat. Though the seats look uncomfortable, they were contoured to fit the human body and in addition look damn sexy.
Tecnocraft is currently working on a full body kit that includes a new 3-piece front splitter, a rear trunk/trunklip, an awesomely aggressive rear diffuser, and a vented hood. Everything will be made from true thermoset pre-preg carbon like all Tecnocraft products. They’re also working on some interior components, including a replacement shift knob, a raw dry-carbon trim kit (the factory kit is clearcoated glossy), pedal upgrades, a center console upgrade, and some other small parts.
Hit the gallery below for more shots of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Wide Body Kit by Tecnocraft.
Flaunting itself in a what looks like a faux leather jacket, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class took to the streets in Germany, only to be caught by photographers. Based on the latest batch of spy photos and those we have seen in the past, the new Mercedes S-Class appears to be longer in length and boasts a slightly bigger wheelbase.
In terms of power, look for the 2013 S-Class to note a range of more fuel efficient engines, with Mercedes’ new direct injection power plants providing a solid range to work with. The 2011 CL-Class should serve as a good starting point of what we can look forward to under the hood, with the addition of a new plug-in option based on the Vision S500 Plug-In Hybrid. Of course, look for both S63 AMG and S65 AMG models as well.
Other than that, not much is known regarding the 2013 Mercedes S-Class, but stay tuned and we’ll keep you posted as new details are revealed. In the meantime, you can check out more 2013 S-Class spy photos in the gallery below.
The next-generation 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was spied testing on Bosch’s new winter-test base in Austria.
The F700, which made its debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2007, is expected tobe a main influence on the new S-Class. Current reports show the 2012 S-Class to be wider and longer, but until we see a side by side we will withhold judgement.
Under the hood, Mercedes will offer new Modular V6 and V8 engine that feature direct injection and turbochargers. The plug-in hybrid version, that will accelerate 0- 60 mph in less than six seconds while averaging 60 mpg is the most aniticipated of the new vehicles.
You can view previous photos and speculations here and we will no doubt continue to see new spy photos as testing continues. Head over to Gmotors for more spy photos and a thanks to Andrus for the tip.
The new C-Class to be launched in spring 2011 is a comprehensive modernisation. The front and rear sections of this bestselling model have a more striking design. Together with the optional, high-resolution colour display in the instrument cluster, the new dashboard with its elegant, grained surface and prominent decorative trim emphasises the premium character of the interior. Fuel consumption has been lowered by up to 31 percent. Efficiency-enhancing measures include new engines, the improved 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission and the ECO start/stop function. Ten new driving assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection to DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control are now available for this model series. The new-generation telematics include internet access and a 3D navigation display with plastic city views.
“In terms of drive and protection systems the new-generation C-Class offers the same comfort and safety as our luxury models. And with numerous high-grade features in the interior that remind one of the new CLS, the C-Class sets completely new standards in its segment with respect to perceived value and quality,” says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Sales & Marketing Director at Mercedes-Benz Cars. This interior modernisation is supplemented with a new telematics generation that not only includes completely redesigned displays, but also makes onboard internet access available.
A total of more than 2000 new components distinguish the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class from its predecessor. Both the Saloon and Estate versions can be ordered from 10 January 2011. The European market launch will take place from March 2011. In addition to the standard appointments – which now include a leather steering wheel – the two design and equipment lines ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE are the basis for the individualisation programme of the C-Class. The two lines are now even more readily distinguishable from each other.
The C-Class is the highest-selling model series, and therefore of particular importance for Mercedes-Benz. The current series has found well over one million buyers worldwide since its launch in March 2007. Since the introduction of the first C-Class in 1982 (then known as the model 190), Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 8.5 million vehicles in total in this segment. In 2010 too, the C-Class has repeatedly won top places in the registration statistics.
Dynamic, resolute, self-assured: the exterior
The front bumper has a more expressive and dynamic contours, the front section being brought closer to the brand’s new design idiom. This starts with a more prominent radiator grille surround. The central air intake opens out upwards in a V-shape, forming a visual base unit for the radiator grille. Pronounced side sections extend from the sporty V-shape at the centre of the bumper. Continuing beneath the headlamps, these sections blend into the feature lines along the vehicle flanks, linking the front section with the sides. The side air inlets in the bumper are positioned low down, giving the car a more road-hugging appearance.
The Saloon and Estate now have a new aluminium bonnet, which contributes to weight reduction and therefore fuel efficiency. Its contour in the area of the headlamps and radiator grille emphasises the V-shape of the front section more heavily than before. In conjunction with the newly designed headlamps, this gives the front section a more resolute impression.
The shape of the clear-lens headlamps has been modified to create a more dynamic and resolute impression, and to act together with the bonnet, radiator grille and bumper to emphasise the V-shape of the front section. This impression is reinforced by both the exterior form of the headlamps and the interior of the housings. The headlamps show their modernity by precision and an interplay between matt and high-sheen areas. The halogen headlamps are arranged in the classic way, with low beam on the outside, high beam on the inside and the indicators neatly arranged in the outer corner formed with the front wing.
If the optional bi-xenon headlamps with the Intelligent Light System (ILS) are specified, the impression of depth is reinforced by a row of lighting modules. A position light with a distinctive C-shape emphasises the night design. Behind it is a cornering light extending to the main headlamp module on the outside. All three levels are connected by a transverse strip extending through the complete headlamp interior with dark contrasts, shiny areas and matt areas. A visual base in the lower section of the headlamp is formed by a horizontal broadband LED indicator unit. The horizontal LED daytime running lamps in the bumper also make the C-Class unmistakable from a distance.
In the case of the rear bumper, the light-catching contours and dividing lines have been modified to emphasise the width of the Saloon and Estate even more strongly. This change is particularly obvious in the more steeply rising course of the side light-catching contours towards the tail lights. A continuous light-catching contour at the upper end of the rear bumper extends into the flanks to connect the rear end with the sides to emphasise the sporty character of the rear aspect. In the facelifted model, the tail lights are even more neatly integrated into the rear section by a continuous covering lens. The characteristic surface meander is now on the inside of the light, and reminiscent of preceding model series. The particular impression of depth is achieved by a centrally located LED indicator, which appears to float in front of the red upper and lower light bands with their more deeply set LEDs. The tail lights have a particularly high recognition factor in the dark.
The aerodynamics of the C-Class are the mark of the bodyshell’s efficiency. With a Cd figure of 0.26 it not only sets the benchmark in its class, but also glides through the wind better than most compact cars with its drag area of Cd x A = 0.57 sq. m.
Sporty, high-quality interior
The main focus of the design work in the interior was on restyling the dashboard with its integrated screen and new surface grain. The touch surfaces of the controls are now also more finely detailed and galvanised. A stepped extension to the instrument cluster now also accommodates the central display. The instrument cluster and a discreet light-catching contour continue into the front passenger side. The central, trapezoidal air vents and the round vents on the outside are highlighted in detail by galvanised trim.
The large section of trim is an important part of the newly designed dashboard. This extends from the centre air vents across the front passenger side to the outer air vent, while the lower edge of the upper dashboard section continues into the beltlines of the door panels with a new surface grain.
The control panel of the new-generation communication and information unit has keys with high-gloss surface inserts. The combination of keys, high-gloss areas and a new knurled wheel design accentuates the higher perceived value of the interior. In conjunction with the new telematics generation, the facelifted C-Class is also available with an optional, high-resolution colour display in the instrument cluster.
The premium character of the interior is underlined by the new-generation steering wheel, which was introduced with the new CLS and is now available in the sporty AVANTGARDE line for the C-Class. The steering wheel with its chromed central spoke stylishly accentuates the sporty atmosphere in the C‑Class.
The ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines are more readily distinguishable from each other. This has been partly achieved by new trim in matt ash wood or walnut (ELEGANCE), or dark aluminium or black ash wood (AVANTGARDE). Stand features in the ELEGANCE line include luxury head restraints whose side bolsters can be adjusted as required.
More power, lower consumption: the engines
A reduction of up to 31 percent has been achieved in fuel consumption. All the rear-wheel drive C-Class models are equipped with the ECO start/stop function as standard. All the engine variants are now classed as BlueEFFICIENCY units, showing that they are particularly efficient and environmentally compatible in their use of fuel. In future all automatic versions with the exception of the C 300 CDI 4MATIC will feature the further-developed 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission (introduction in the C 250 CDI 4MATIC in June 2011). In addition, the overall ratio of all new powertrain variants has been optimised for fuel economy.
All the petrol engines in the model series have direct injection. One of the highlights is the introduction of the new V6 petrol engine with its innovative and highly efficient BlueDIRECT process in the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY. The quantum leap in efficiency is particularly well illustrated by the six-cylinder unit: Power has increased considerably, the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY delivering 225 kW (306 hp) and 370 Nm (previously 215 kW/292 hp and 365 Nm). Fuel consumption has been significantly reduced, however: the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY has a mean consumption of 6.8 litres per 100 km – 1.5 litres or 31 percent less than the preceding C 350 model. [1]
The four-cylinder petrol engines, which made a great evolutionary leap forward in 2009 and all feature direct injection and turbocharging, excel with high performance and exemplary economy.
All C-Class petrol models at a glance [2]
| Model* | Cyl. | cc | kW/hp at rpm | Nm from rpm | 0-100 km/h (s) | Top speed km/h | l/100 km NEDC comb. | CO2 g/km |
| C 180 BE | 4/in-line | 1796 | 115/156 5000 | 250 1600 | 8.9 (9.0) | 223 (225) | 6.4-6.9 (6.7-7.3) | 148-160 (157-169) |
| C 200 BE | 4/in-line | 1796 | 135/184 5250 | 270 1800 | 7.8 (8.2) | 235 (237) | 6.4-6.9 (6.6-7.2) | 150-161 (154-168) |
| C 250 BE | 4/in-line | 1796 | 150/204 5500 | 310 2000 | 7.2 | 240 | 6.4-6.9 | 150-161 |
| C 350 BE | V6 | 3498 | 225/306 6500 | 370 3500 | 6.0 | 250 | 6.8-7.0 | 159-164 |
| C 350 4MATIC BE | V6 | 3498 | 225/306 6500 | 370 3500 | 6.0 | 250 | 7.4-7.6 | 174-178 |
BE = BlueEFFICIENCY, * figures for automatic transmission, manual transmission in brackets
The most economical model in the Mercedes C-Class has also become even more frugal: the C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with the manual six-speed transmission and the standard ECO start/stop function has a mean diesel consumption of 4.4 litres per 100 km – 0.4 litres less than before. This corresponds to 117 grams of CO2 per kilometre. In conjunction with the improved 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission and the ECO start/stop function included as standard, the C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY both deliver top-class figures with a combined diesel consumption of just 4.8 litres per 100 km. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 125 grams per kilometer.
All C-Class diesel models at a glance2
| Model* | Cyl. | cc | kW/hp at rpm | Nm from rpm | 0-100 km/h (s) | Top speed km/h | l/100 km NEDC comb. | CO2 g/km |
| C 180 CDI BE | 4/in-line | 2143 | 88/120 2800 | 300 1400 | 10.8 (10.5) | 206 (208) | 4.9-5.3 (4.8-5.3) | 129-140 (125-139) |
| C 200 CDI BE | 4/in-line | 2143 | 100/136 2800 | 360 1600 | 9,1 (9.2) | 215 (218) | 4.9-5.3 (4.8-5.3) | 129-140 (125-139) |
| C 220 CDI BE | 4/in-line | 2143 | 125/170 3000 | 400 1400 | 8.1 (8.4) | 231 (232) | 4.8-5.2 (4.4-5.1) | 125-136 (117-133) |
| C 250 CDI BE | 4/in-line | 2143 | 150/204 4200 | 500 1600 | 7.1 | 240 | 4.8-5.2 (4.8-5.3) | 125-136 (125-140) |
| C 250 CDI 4MATIC BE | 4/in-line | 2143 | 150 (204) | 500 1600 | 7.1 | 240 | 5.4-5.7 | 144-152 |
| C 300 CDI 4MATIC BE | V6 | 2987 | 170/231 3800 | 540 1600 | 6.4 | 250 | 7.0-7.2 | 185-189 |
BE = BlueEFFICIENCY, * figures for automatic transmission, manual transmission in brackets
Warning and intervening: the new driving assistance systems
With a total of ten new driving assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection to DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control, the C-Class reaches a new level in safety. The assistance systems are based on the latest radar, camera and sensor technology, and cover frequent accident causes such as driving too closely, fatigue and darkness. The new assistance systems, some of which only warn and some which actively intervene in hazardous situations, at a glance:
More operating comfort, better connectivity: new-generation telematics
The new C-Class also sees the debut of a new telematics generation which will also be gradually introduced in other model series. Major new features include greater operating convenience, larger displays, telephone directory transfer, display of SMS messages, wireless music reproduction via Bluetooth and a USB interface now accommodated in the centre armrest.
The multimedia system COMAND Online now provides internet access for the first time. When the car is stationary, customers are able to browse freely or surf to a Mercedes-Benz Online service whose pages load particularly rapidly and are also easy to use while on the move. The integrated services include weather information and a special destination search via Google, as well as the option of downloading a route that has been previously configured on a PC using Google Maps and sent to the car. The navigation system of COMAND Online also has added functions. New features include a 3D display with plastic city views. Also new: routes covered can be recorded and repeated later, specific personal destinations can be imported via an SD card and four alternative routes can be displayed on the navigation map, one of them a particularly economical variation.
As a first in the C-Class, the Becker® MAP PILOT makes a low-cost navigation function, which can also be retrofitted, available for the entry-level Audio 20 CD radio. Its advantages over aftermarket solutions include integrated operation via the central controls and the Audio 20 display, a concealed location in the glove compartment and updating via an internet portal.
Believe it or not, this is the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Receiving a rather modest facelift for 2012, the major changes to the Mercedes C-Class were made under the hood.The most notable change to the C-Class here in the states is the addition of the all new C250, powered by an all-new four-cylinder engine. In addition there were also updates to the V6 found in the high-end C350.
The restyled 2012 C-Class sedan is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. in the summer of 2011. The front and rear end of the popular Mercedes sedan have been enhanced with a more distinctive design. The luxurious interior is now emphasized by the stylish new dashboard, which features a premium, fine-grain finish and stylish trim elements, as well as a high-resolution color display in the instrument cluster. Fuel economy has been improved by as much as 15 percent, thanks to new direct-injection engines and the redesigned 7-speed automatic transmission. Five new driver assistance systems ranging from the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system through to the Blind Spot Assist are now available in the C-Class lineup. New- generation telematics offer new infotainment and navigation features.
“In terms of driveline and safety systems, the new-generation C-Class offers the com- fort and safety of our luxury vehicles – and with many high-end details in the interior evocative of the new CLS, the new C-Class sets completely new benchmarks in its segment when it comes to premium look-and-feel,” says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Execu- tive Vice President Sales & Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars. This interior upgrade is further enhanced by the latest generation of telematics, which not only features com- pletely new visuals, but also brings improved functionality.
A total of more than 2,000 new parts distinguish the newest generation of the Mer- cedes-Benz C-Class from its predecessor. The U.S. market introduction is scheduled for summer 2011 (available to order in Europe as of January 2011). Alongside the generous standard equipment, the Sport and Luxury versions of the new C-Class form the basis of the individualization program, with both lines now more clearly dif- ferentiated from each other.
The C-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s highest volume model range, and therefore especially important. The current range has chalked up global sales of more than one million units since its launch in March 2007. Since the market introduction of the first C- Class in 1982 (known then as the 190), Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 8.5 mil- lion vehicles around the world.
Dynamic, determined and confident exterior
The bumper now has a more distinctive and dynamic design, with the front end adopting the brand’s new design language. The central element of the front end is the grille, which is further enhanced by the new bumper design. The center air intake opens upward in a v-shape and forms the core element of the grille design. Distinc- tive lines emerge from the base of the aggressive arrow design in the center. Running beneath the headlamps, these character lines transition into the side profile. The out- board air intakes in the bumper are positioned very low down to give the car a more muscular stance.
The C-Class features a new aluminum hood, which contributes to weight reduc- tion and consequently to improved fuel efficiency. Contours around the head- lamps and grille bring additional emphasis to the front-end arrow form. Working together with the redesigned headlamps, the overall front-end look is far more distinctive.
Modified clear glass headlamps create a more dynamic and determined look and, to- gether with the hood, grille and bumper enhance the arrow visual at the front end. This precise, contemporary look is reinforced by the design of both the exterior and interior of the headlamp units, which feature a finely balanced interplay between matte and gloss surfaces. The halogen headlamps follow the classic format with low beam located on the outside and high beam in the inside, while the indicator lamps are discreetly positioned in the outer corners toward the fenders.
The available bi-xenon headlamps come with active functions and bring added depth to the appearance with a series of LED modules. A C-shaped positioning light defines the nighttime design, with cornering lights located behind it and stretching outward to the main lamp module. At the base of the headlamps are broad horizontal LED in- dicator units. Also horizontal are the LED daytime running lights located in the bumper, which make the C-Class unmistakable from a distance.
On the rear bumper, the character lines and shutlines have been modified to add em- phasis to the vehicle’s stance. This is especially evident in the steep rise of the char- acter line running outward toward the rear lights. A continuous character line on the upper edge of the rear bumper runs into the fenders of the C-Class to provide a con- nection to the sides and emphasizes the sporty character of the rear view. A new one- piece jewel case on the tail lights provides further integration into the rear of the ve- hicle. The characteristic sinuous surface line is now reflected on the inside of the lights and is reminiscent of earlier models. The distinctive depth of the lights are achieved by LED indicators located in the center that appear to float in front of the more deeply set red LED bands above and below. The rear light pattern is particularly distinctive at night.
The bodyshell of the new C-Class is distinguished by its outstanding aerodynamics. With a cd figure of 0.26, not only is it best-in-class, its drag plane of cd x A = 0.57 m2 also cuts more smoothly through the air than most compact and even sub-compact cars.
Premium and sporty interior
One focal point of the work done in the interior was the redesign of the dashboard with the aim of creating a powerful, sporty and premium look-and-feel that in- cludes extensive enhancement to the trim. The surfaces of the controls are more finely detailed and feature a metallic finish. The stepped hood of the instrument binnacle now extends to incorporate the central display and runs onward into the passenger side enhanced by a subtle character line. The central, trapezoidal air vents and the outer circular vents are accentuated with metallic trim elements.
Central to the design of the new dashboard is a prominent trim panel. This ele- ment stretches from the central air vents along the passenger side to the outer air vent, adding visual width to the interior. The surface grain on the top portion of the dashboard continues along the upper edges of the door panels.
The new-generation center console is distinguished by its rectangular silver keys and emphasizes the premium feel of the interior in combination with matte keys, high-gloss surfaces and a new knurled control knob. Together with the new- generation telematics, the restyled C-Class also receives a new instrument binna- cle with integrated display. Oriented toward the driver are three tubular gauge surrounds with metallic surfaces that further enhance the aggressive character of the C-Class.
The luxury feel is emphasized by the new-generation leather steering wheel intro- duced with the all-new CLS and now available as standard in the C-Class. The steer- ing wheel features a chrome-plated central spoke and further accentuates the car’s stylish and sporty ambience.
The new C250 Sport and C300 4MATIC Sport models come with standard brushed aluminum trim, while the C350 Sport has distinctive Black Ash. The Luxury versions feature Burl Walnut trim.
Drivelines with more power and better fuel economy
Fuel economy has been improved by up to 15 percent. All new direct-injection ver- sions feature exceptional efficiency and environmentally-friendly fuel consumption. All models also come with the redesigned seven-speed automatic transmission, with the gear ratios on all versions optimized for fuel economy.
The highlight in the engine lineup is the introduction of the new V6 gasoline engine in the C350 Sport Sedan, featuring the innovative and highly efficient BlueDIRECT process. The improvement in efficiency is combined with a considerable increase in output. The C350 Sport Sedan now generates 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque (previ- ously 268 hp and 258 lb-ft), while fuel economy has been improved by 5 percent compared with the outgoing C350 model.
The four-cylinder engine (new for the U.S. market) features direct injection and turbocharging and is also distinguished by outstanding combined fuel economy of 24 mpg. This marks an improvement of nearly 15 percent compared with the 2011MY C300.
| Model | Cyl. | cm3 | hp | lb-ft | 0-60
mph (s) |
Mpg
combined (est) |
| C250 | I4 | 1,796 | 201 | 229 | 7.1 | 24 |
| C300
4MATIC |
V6 | 2,996 | 228 | 221 | 7.1 | 20 |
| C350 | V6 | 3,498 | 302 | 273 | 5.9 | 21 |
The C-Class attains an all-new level of safety with a total of five new driver assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection through to Blind Spot Assist. The assistance systems are based on state-of-the-art radar, camera and sensor technology and are setup to react to frequent causes of accidents such as prox- imity to the vehicle in front, fatigue and darkness.
The following provides an overview of the new assistance systems:
ATTENTION ASSIST
More user friendly, improved connectivity – the new generation of telematics
The new C-Class sees the debut of a new generation of telematics, which is scheduled for successive introduction across further model ranges. Key new features include improved user-friendliness with larger 3-D displays, phone book transfer, text mes- sage display, wireless music via Bluetooth and a USB interface now located in the center armrest.
The “iBusiness” represents the world debut of an absolutely unique luxury sedan that combines the latest Apple components with a powerful Brabus engine. The four-seater based on the Mercedes-Benz S600 reaches a top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph). It is powered by a BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 12-cylinder engine with a rated power output of 750 hp (740 bhp) / 552 kW and a peak torque of 1,350 Nm (995 lb-ft). The designers from BRABUS combine this engine with an innovative multimedia system that features the latest Apple components. Two iPads in the rear compartment not only play movies, music and Internet content, they also control all functions of the S-Class COMAND system.
The BRABUS “iBusiness” stands for more than just peak performance. It stands foremost for innovative multimedia technology for which the BRABUS electronics specialists integrate state-of-the-art Apple components into the vehicle electronics of a Mercedes for the very first time. The BRABUS upholstery shop creates the perfect luxurious surroundings. The elegant fully leather interior is masterfully crafted from a two-tone combination of high-quality BRABUS leather that is especially soft, breathable and highly durable.
At the heart of the “iBusiness” is state-of-the-art entertainment and communication technology on wheels. The centerpiece of the system is an ultra-small Mac minicomputer safely housed under the rear shelf in an electrically deployed drawer whose design mirrors the design of the computer itself.
A 15.2-inch TFT display with 16:9 aspect ratio is integrated into the headliner covered with the finest Alcantara and contrasted with leather. Together with the standard screens in the back of the front headrests it serves as a display for the multimedia system. USB 2.0 ports integrated into the rear compartment allow connecting various peripherals to the Mac such as a webcam for video conferencing or a digital camera. The “iBusiness” is connected to the Internet via UMTS and HSDPA.
The entire BRABUS multimedia system is controlled from the passenger seat or the rear compartment by two iPads that also control the car’s standard COMAND system with all functions such as radio, navigation system and telephone.
While on the move the two tablet computers and the Bluetooth keyboard can be safely secured in precisely fitting recesses in the luxurious BRABUS rear tables. The table tops are covered with the same exclusive leather as the entire interior and are bordered by high-gloss aluminum frames. The tables are electrically deployed from special BRABUS seatback consoles and are infinitely adjustable to any angle. They offer ample space for perusing documents, the Apple mouse and keyboard.
When the iPads are not in use or when the “iBusiness” is parked they can be stored securely and hidden from sight in custom-tailored compartments in the BRABUS center console. A special BRABUS app will be available shortly for iPad and iPhone, the latter of which is also part of the standard equipment of the luxury sedan.
The music comes from a 64GB Apple iPod touch that can store more than 14,000 songs. The sound is reproduced either by the sound system of the S-Class or by Sennheiser Noise Gard headphones, which filter out any unwanted ambient noise for unparalleled listening pleasure.
Power-operated curtains provide privacy for the rear passengers and together with an innovative color-changing interior lighting system create a serene atmosphere. The BRABUS fully leather interior creates an exclusive ambiance further augmented by the new BRABUS Yachting wood trim package. It lends the interior of the luxury sedan a maritime feel that is reminiscent of classic Italian sport boats. All wood trim elements of the S-Class are painstakingly created by hand from hundreds of individual pieces and have the look and feel of a miniature ship veneer. The wood inlays have a high-gloss finish and meet the latest automotive quality and safety guidelines.
Scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and anodized aluminum pedals add further individual highlights.
The BRABUS “iBusiness” is also the world’s most powerful luxury sedan and the fastest office on wheels. This unique automobile is powered by a BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 engine, a prime example for the proven fact that there is no substitute for displacement except more displacement. A special crankshaft with longer stroke, forged pistons with larger diameter and increased cylinder bore bump displacement from standard 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 385 cu. in.). In addition the inlet and outlet ports of both cylinder heads are optimized for improved mixture flow. Four special camshafts also contribute to that same effect.
The BRABUS engine specialists also fit the engine with larger turbochargers, a more efficient intercooling system and a stainless-steel high-performance quad exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts. Newly programmed engine electronics coordinate the perfect interaction of all new components and ensures not only maximum power yield but also exemplary low emissions that meet the latest emission limits.
The rated power output of 750 hp (740 bhp) / 552 kW at 5,500 rpm of the BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 engine is as superlative as its peak torque of 1,350 Nm (995 lb-ft) at 2,100 rpm. In the car torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).
These extraordinary power specs make the “iBusiness” with BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 engine the most powerful and the fastest luxury sedan in the world. 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.0 seconds and to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 11.9 seconds are just as impressive as the electronically limited top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph).
Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a modified five-speed automatic transmission. The optionally available BRABUS limited-slip differential optimizes traction. All BRABUS powertrain components are operated with ARAL high-performance lubricants.
BRABUS also offers performance increases for the S 600 and S 65 models. The list of options ranges from the T12 performance kit for a rated power output of 580 hp (572 bhp) / 419 kW to the T 65 S performance kit which boosts power output of the S 65 model to 715 hp (705 bhp) / 526 kW.
On the outside the BRABUS “iBusiness” is clad in a sporty yet elegant designer suit. The BRABUS designers went into the wind tunnel to develop a striking front fascia whose sophisticated shape reduces lift on the front axle. The large center air inlet further optimizes cooling of the engine and the front brakes. Integrated auxiliary headlights and LED daytime running lights increase the safety factor.
Custom-tailored BRABUS aluminum sport fenders that replace their production counterparts give the S-Class sedan an even more extravagant look. The exclusive character of these fenders is embodied by an integrated air vent made from clear-coated carbon fiber and a horizontal brace that spans the vent with embossed BRABUS signet and integrated LED lights. The latter are activated just like the ones in the BRABUS side sills via the keyless remote or by pulling on a door handle.
For optimizing the airflow around the sides of the vehicle the designers shaped BRABUS sill skirts that feature integrated entrance lights for added utility. They are activated by the keyless remote or by pulling on a door handle as are the blue-illuminated BRABUS logos integrated into the scuff plates on both sides of the vehicle.
The BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement concept is rounded out by the BRABUS rear spoiler lip, also available in a clear-coated carbon-fiber version, and the new rear fascia with centrally located reflector and custom cutouts for the BRABUS quad sport exhaust system. The underside of the rear fascia also features integrated LED lights which illuminate the ground behind the vehicle. They help avoid any unfortunate missteps into puddles of potholes lurking in the dark.
The enormous performance of the “iBusiness” with BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 engine is kept safely under control with custom-tailored solutions for tires, brakes and suspension. They include BRABUS Monoblock light-alloy wheels with diameters ranging from 19 to 21 inches.
The largest version features size 9Jx21 wheels on the front axle and size 10.5Jx21 in back. Customers can choose from four different designs Three-piece forged and high-gloss polished BRABUS Monoblock VI wheels with six double spokes, Monoblock E multi-spoke wheels, the Monoblock S double-spoke design and the especially exclusive Monoblock F PLATINUM EDITION forged wheels with cross-spoke design. All versions are fitted with Pirelli or YOKOHAMA tires in size 265/30 ZR 21 in front and in size 295/30 ZR 21 on the rear axle.
For all gasoline models up to the S 500 (US: S550) BRABUS also certified Monoblock VI, E, G, Q and S 10Jx22 in size 10Jx22 with high-performance tires in size 275/25 ZR 22 in front combined with size 295/25 ZR 22 tires on the rear axle. Thanks to a tire design specifically calibrated to luxury sedans and high-performance coupes the new BRABUS tire/wheel combination offers sporty and agile handling combined with excellent ride comfort.
The large wheels also create the necessary space for installing the BRABUS high-performance brake system with 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 380 x 36-mm (15.0 x 1.42 inches) vented and cross-drilled discs in front, and 355 x 28-mm (14.0 x 1.1 inches) discs and six-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the rear axle.
The BRABUS “iBusiness” is built to order and can be combined with any engine variant from the S 350 to the S 65. Alternatively any existing current S-Class model can be equipped with the innovative multimedia system and all other BRABUS options.
Throughout the world the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is synonymous with the ultimate in active and passive safety systems. A significant part of such systems is also made up of the unique combination of trend-setting camera and radar-based driver assistance systems. The latest innovations are called Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, both of which are available as optional extras.
The combination of state-of-the-art assistance and protection systems turn the AMG S-Class into an “intelligent” partner which is able to “see”, “feel”, to respond “instinctively” to detected dangers and to act “on its own initiative” in order to avoid accidents or to reduce the severity of accidents. The vehicle makes use of cameras radar sensors which look far ahead, observe the conditions around the vehicle, and are able to interpret typical critical situations.
When the S 63 AMG unintentionally drives over a solid line to the right or left of a lane or on the outside of a bend, the new Active Lane Keeping Assist intervenes and prevents the vehicle from unintentionally leaving the lane. In such cases it applies the brakes to the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle, using the sensor system of the Electronic Stability Program ESP®.
Similarly, when the new Active Blind Spot Assist system detects that changing lanes would be dangerous, it the driver by displaying a red warning in the glass of the relevant exterior mirror. If the driver ignores the warning signal and a vehicle in an adjacent lane comes too close, the ESP® takes corrective action by applying the brakes to the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle.
Night View Assist PLUS and Speed Limit Assist
The Night View Assist Plus with infrared camera (optional extra) is equipped with a special pedestrian detection function: as soon as the system detects pedestrians on the road ahead, they are highlighted on the display to make them more readily noticeable.
The images supplied by the windscreen camera are also used by the Speed Limit Assist, which is available as an optional extra. It recognises speed limit signs in passing and shows the relevant speed limit in the central display.
Drowsiness detection on the basis of more than 70 parameters
Thanks to an innovative technology the S-Class has a very sensitive antenna for the attention level of its driver, and can warn him in time when he becomes drowsy. The ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system continuously monitors more than 70 different parameters. Once the evaluation electronics recognise the steering behaviour pattern that typically indicates the onset of drowsiness on the basis of information from the highly sensitive steering angle sensor, a warning signal is sounded and “ATTENTION ASSIST. Break!” appears in the instrument cluster. ATTENTION ASSIST is fitted as standard.
“Electronic crumple zone” for maximum occupant protection
In addition, Mercedes-Benz has enhanced the wide and intermediate range radars for the optional extras Brake Assist PLUS (BAS PLUS) and DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control. Mercedes-Benz also offers another radar based system for the S-Class in the form of the PRE-SAFE® brake. If the driver is distracted and fails to recognise the immediate danger of a rear-end collision, or the warning signal of an assistance system, this system can intervene and brake the vehicle independently. The S-‑Class makes use of the latest development stage of this safety system: if the driver fails to react even after automatic, partial braking action, the PRE-SAFE® Brake activates the maximum braking pressure around 0.6 seconds before what is now recognised as an unavoidable accident – an emergency braking action that can significantly mitigate the severity of the impact. The PRE-SAFE® Brake therefore acts as something like an “electronic crumple zone”.