Details of the next generation Mercedes-Benz B-class – the first Benz to be powered by Renault petrol engines – have emerged on Autocar. According to Autocar, the all new Mercedes B-Class is undergoing testing ahead of its Frankfurt Premiere next year.
These hand-built prototypes show for the first time the evolutionary dimensions and proportions of the next B-class, one of five key models based on an all-new front-drive platform, dubbed MFA. The five-seat MPV will be the first model off the MFA, followed in 2012 by the new A-class, and then a junior SUV and a small saloon.
The MFA is a conventional unibody and replaces the expensive sandwich structure used on today’s A and B-classes. Because of the switch to conventional body engineering, Mercedes will drop its own front-drive engines, which were designed as part of the sandwich platform crash structure.
In their place will be a combination of existing in-house and small-capacity Renault engines. Over time the engine range will eventually include turbocharged 1.2-litre, 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre petrols, a 1.6-litre diesel from Renault and Mercedes’ 2.2-litre diesel.
Initially, however, sales will centre on larger-capacity Mercedes units, according to Stuttgart insiders. Gearboxes will be a six-speed manual and a six-speed dual-clutch auto in place of today’s CVT, both with stop-start.
The MFA is also being engineered to accommodate three alternative powertrains: plug-in electric (E-Cell), petrol-electric range-extender (E-Cell Plus) and fuel cell (F-Cell).
The basic dimensions of the new B-class are largely unchanged, as is the elevated driving position, but cabin space is better, thanks to a lower floor. There’s more flair in the styling, with tauter surfacing and more defined shoulder treatment, as previewed on the F800 Style concept at this year’s Geneva motor show.
The adoption of LED head and tail-lamps is an important exterior upgrade. The B-class also sticks with conventional doors all round, despite Mercedes experimenting with a sliding rear pair. Merc is also moving the B-class interior up a notch in quality with higher-grade plastics, trim, switchgear and controls from the C-class.
We are not yet completely persuaded, these could be the first official drawings of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Facelift. The updated Mercedes C-Class is not expected to be introduced until the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, so we can be sure that we will see and learn more about the vehicle in the coming months.
Based on the photos, we see an updated sedan with a new hood, headlights with LED turn signals that are SL inspired and a revised front fascia. The interior has been renewed with an integrated COMAND display, new instument cluster and an entirely redesigned dashboard.
Engine variants will likely include the 225 kW (306 PS / 302 hp) 350 BlueEFFICIENCY, the 195 kW (265 PS / 262 hp) 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and the 150 kW (204 PS / 201 hp) 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY. And last but not least, the C63 AMG with a 6.3-liter (6208cc) V8 that produces 451 hp (336 kW / 457 PS) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque.
The first reactions of the photos have been positive but will reserve full judgement until we see more. Thanks to our good friend Markus Jordan for the photos.
Although we still have some time to wait before the forthcoming Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster makes its official debut, new spy photos have emerged showing the model nearly undisguised, with its top down. When it premiers, notable changes will include an electronic soft top; the addition of the AIRCAP and AIRSCARF technology that first debuted in the E-Class Cabriolet; and of course, traditional doors (as opposed to the current SLS’s Gullwing doors).
We’ll keep you posted as new details of the Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster are revealed; in the meantime, check out more SLS Roadster pics in the gallery below. Thanks to Markus Jordan for the tip.
We have the most recent spy photos of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class testing on the Nürburgring.
The major design changes of the future SL are still covered by camo, but what is clear is the new flatter nose that is becoming standard on new Mercedes-Benz Designs. Other than the nose on the upcoming Mercedes-Benz SL, it looks to reamin close to its original shape.
New to the SL-Class, in order to reduce weith and improve agility, fuel economy and performance, will be the generous use of reinforced plastics and carbon fiber components. Earlier this year, Daimler announced a deal with Japanese textile maker Toray Industries in order to help develop materials specifically for use in the next-generation SL.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is assumed to be debuting sometime in 2011 with the 3.5 liter V6 and the new 4.6 liter twin-turbo V8 engines expected.
Thanks leo for the tip. Photos via WorldCarFans.
Hot on the heels of the brochure leaks revealing the next-generation 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS, a new series of official press photos have today surfaced, again highlighting the model in all its restyled glory. The new Mercedes CLS is showcased from a variety of angles, and both the exterior and interior are revealed for a second time, all in crystal clear clarity. I know you’re probably getting tired of hearing engine configurations, but here’s yet another recap of what to expect. There are currently two CLS petrol options being reported: the CLS350 CGI and the CLS550 CGI. The first will feature the new direct-injection 3.5 liter V6 engine with an output of 306 PS (301 bhp / 225 kW) and 368 Nm (272 lb-ft) of torque, while the 550 CGI will feature a new 4.6 liter twin-turbocharged V8 that delivers 435 PS (429 bhp / 320 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. The CLS 550 CGI is expected to be offered with an all-wheel drive option as well. As for the CLS diesel options, look for a 350 CDI with a 3.0 liter V6 producing 185 kW (252 PS) as well as a 250 CDI with a four-cylinder diesel engine producing 150 kW (204 PS). And lastly, when the 2011 CLS63 AMG makes it debut, look for AMG’s new twin-turbocharged 5.5-Liter V8 with subsequent output of 544 bhp and 590 lb ft torque, with an optional Performance Pack boosting power to roughly 570 bhp and the 663 lb ft torque mark.
Official details of the 2011 Mercedes CLS-Class should be coming on Monday, but we’ll keep you posted if we hear anything else before then. In the meantime, check out the 2011 CLS photos in the gallery below, then head over to Autofans.be for the full article. Thanks to Pieter for the tip.
All we have still have some time to wait before the 2012 Mercedes ML63 AMG makes its official debut, spy photographers have captured photos of the model undergoing a bit of track testing on the infamous Nurburgring. While heavy masking still hides much of the SUV’s styling cues, under the hood we can expect Mercedes-AMG’s new twin-turbo V8 that produces 536 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of torque. There’s also talk of the AMG Performance Package making its way onto the next ML63 AMG, which if true, would boost output to 563 hp (420 kW, 571 PS) and up to 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque.
We’ll keep you posted as new details of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG are released in advance of its likely premier at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. In the meantime, check out more 2011 ML63 AMG spy photos in the gallery below, then head over to World Car Fans for the full article.
If you’ve been holding off purchasing the Mercedes ML63 AMG in hopes of a still nowhere to be seen GL63 AMG, new spy photos have emerged clearly showing a Mercedes GL-Class fitted with an AMG package. A revised front bumper, larger AMG wheels and a high performance AMG braking system are all present, along with what are undoubtedly modified sport exhaust and suspension setups. Of course, Mercedes-Benz has continually denied that a Mercedes GL63 AMG is in the works, and this very well may be simply a Mercedes GL with a sport package. But if you’re holding out for the small chance that a GL63 AMG is in the works, it’s at least a glimmer of hope. If it is a GL63 AMG, look for the new AMG twin-turbo V8 with an output of 536 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of torque to be under the hood.
We’ll keep you posted if we hear anything new regarding the 2012 Mercedes GL63 AMG. Until then, check out some more 2012 GL63 AMG pics in the gallery below, then head over to World Car Fans for the full article.
We’ve known it was coming for some time now, and photos showing it nearly undisguised have already surfaced. But today, the first press shots of the next-generation 2011 Mercedes CLS-Class have been leaked, showing the newest iteration of the four door coupe in all its unabashed glory.
As you’ll see (and as previously reported), numerous styling traits from the Concept Shooting Brake are present, including a prominent grille, aggressively styled front bumper, daytime LED running lights and a long bonnet. Under the hood, look for two petrol options: the CLS350 CGI and the CLS550 CGI. The first will feature the new direct-injection 3.5 liter V6 engine with an output of 306 PS (301 bhp / 225 kW) and 368 Nm (272 lb-ft) of torque, while the 550 CGI will feature a new 4.6 liter twin-turbocharged V8 that delivers 435 PS (429 bhp / 320 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. The CLS 550 CGI is expected to be offered with an all-wheel drive option as well. As for the CLS diesel options, look for a 350 CDI with a 3.0 liter V6 producing 185 kW (252 PS) as well as a 250 CDI with a four-cylinder diesel engine producing 150 kW (204 PS). And lastly, when the 2011 CLS63 AMG makes it debut, look for AMG’s new twin-turbocharged 5.5-Liter V8 with subsequent output of 544 bhp and 590 lb ft torque to make its way into the consummate model, with an optional Performance Pack boosting power to roughly 570 bhp and the 663 lb ft torque mark.
We’ll keep you posted as the model makes its official debut, which will likely be any day now. But until then, check out the first 2011 Mercedes CLS photos in the gallery below. And a special thanks to Markus Jordan for uncovering the photos.
The next-generation 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has been spied doing hot weather testing in Death Valley, California where photographers managed to get shots of interior and exterior as well as a video.
In terms of design, the next SL-Class looks have a taller bonnet, wider stance and a shorter rear overhang than the current Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. Overall proportions don’t look as if they will change much.
Retro styling cues can be seen from the first interior photos, but we will reserve judgement until we see more.
Under the skin, a lot of components will be shared with the SLS AMG supercar, drivetrains, suspension and very likely the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Engine line-up will include both V6 and V8 gas units, and a hybrid version is likely to be part of the range. As always, we will keep you posted as more photos and information comes in.
Back in March we brought you details and spy photos of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class AMG, and today we’ve got photos of yet another 2012 B-Class, this time in taxi form. The future generation B-Class was spied testing outside Mercedes’ test and engineering facility in Germany, clad in full camouflage, false body panelling and a roof taxi sign. Why exactly was their a yellow taxi sign on a testing vehicle? It may be a joke… it may be aerodynamics testing… or they may be offering taxi rides to help cover rising R&D costs. Your guess is as good as ours.
Commenting on the upcoming changes to their compact lineup, Dr. Joachim Schmidt, head of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz, has noted: “In the next couple of years, we will launch additional cars where we don’t currently have predecessors. Our current A-Class and B-Class will be replaced by a new platform for four totally different cars defining new segments for Mercedes.” Schmidt went on to state that “If you want young customers, you need to have a brand that is sexy and sporty. The reason we didn’t get this customer before was, in my opinion, not a brand issue, but a product issue.”
It still anyone’s guess how Mercedes’ future compact models will differ from the current lineup, considering the two are still looking relatively similar, but we’ll keep you posted as more revealing photos are unearthed. In the meantime, you can check out additional photos of the 2012 Mercedes B-Class in the photo gallery below, then head over to Gmotors for the full article. Thanks to Luke for the tip.
For over a year, we have been bringing you spy photos of the highly anticipated 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. Today we have yet another round of CLS spy photos to bring you, again showing the four door coupe equipped with the always beautiful AMG styling. Though lacking the performance brake kit and larger sportier wheels, meaning this isn’t the 2011 CLS 63 AMG, the spy photos still gives us a clear insight as to what the new generation CLS AMG will look like when it debuts at the Paris Motor Show in October.
Borrowing numerous styling traits from the Concept Shooting Brake, a prominent grille, aggressively styled front bumper, daytime LED running lights and a long bonnet are just some of the similarities between the two. Under the hood, look for two petrol options: the CLS350 CGI and the CLS550 CGI. The first will feature the new direct-injection 3.5 liter V6 engine with an output of 306 PS (301 bhp / 225 kW) and 368 Nm (272 lb-ft) of torque, while the 550 CGI will feature a new 4.6 liter twin-turbocharged V8 that delivers 435 PS (429 bhp / 320 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. The CLS 550 CGI is expected to be offered with an all-wheel drive option as well. As for the CLS diesel options, look for a 350 CDI with a 3.0 liter V6 producing 185 kW (252 PS) as well as a 250 CDI with a four-cylinder diesel engine producing 150 kW (204 PS). And lastly, when the 2011 CLS63 AMG makes it debut, look for AMG’s new twin-turbocharged 5.5-Liter V8 with subsequent output of 544 bhp and 590 lb ft torque to make its way into the consummate model, with an optional Performance Pack boosting power to roughly 570 bhp and the 663 lb ft torque mark.
We’ll keep you posted as new details of the 2011 CLS are revealed. To see more of the 2011 Mercedes CLS with AMG styling, you can check out more photos in the gallery below, then head over to Car Advice for the full article.
Last week we brought you the first spy photos of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, and today, we’ve got a second look at the forthcoming model. As we reported earlier, in terms of size, the C-Class sedan and coupe should share the same dimensions, save for the altered roof line. Under the hood, power plants should again mimic the sedan, meaning a range of fuel efficient four and six cylinder options. And as for a C63 AMG Coupe, it’s still anyone’s guess at this point, although one of our readers from Mercedes-Benz UK has indicated he has received confirmation of a C63 AMG Coupe variant.
In terms of production, the new Mercedes C-Class Coupe is slated to be produced at the Bremen Plant in Germany, adding to Bremen’s current production portfolio. Current models from the C-Class segment produced in Bremen include the C-Class sedan, the C-Class estate and the GLK SUV.
We’ll keep you posted if we hear anything new regarding the Mercedes C-Class Coupe; in the meantime you can check out spy photos as well as some C-Class Coupe crash test vehicle photos in the gallery below or view the full article at Gmotors.ie. Many thanks to Andrus for the tip.
Amidst the sea of spy photos we brought you yesterday (see here, here and here), we almost forgot to bring you shots of the 2012 Mercedes GL-Class caught testing in its early stages of development. Heavy masking and false paneling disguise virtually all of the 2012 GL’s styling traits, but from a size standpoint, the new SUV appears to remain similar proportions to those of the current GL. Underneath, the 2012 GL will share most of its underpinnings with the new M-Class, while power will be supplied by Mercedes’ new range of direct injection V6 and turbocharged V8 engines.
We’ll continue to keep you posted as new details of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class emerge, but until then, check out the 2012 GL spy photo collection below, then head over to Car Advice for the full article.
If you’ve been waiting for Mercedes’ answer to the BMW range of coupes (namely, the 3-Series and 1-Series coupes), it’s finally coming, as new spy photos have emerged today showing what’s unquestionably a C-Class coupe. Reportedly designed to coincide with the upcoming mid-life refresh of the C-Class sedan, the C-Class coupe will closely resemble its four door counterpart, as both the front and rear will share the same design traits. Changes to the 2011 C-Class (compared to the current C-Class) will include revised front and rear bumpers, a tweaked bonnet, new headlights and a heightened grille.
In terms of size, the C-Class sedan and coupe should share the same dimensions, save for the altered roof line. Under the hood, power plants should again mimic the sedan, meaning a range of fuel efficient four and six cylinder options. As for a C63 AMG Coupe, Mercedes has stated that at present there’s no plans for an E63 AMG Coupe. If this is any indication, I wouldn’t hold my breath for a C63 AMG Coupe either, although anything’s possible.
We’ll keep you posted as new details of the 2011 Mercedes C-Class Coupe are revealed; in the meantime, check out the full 2011 C-Class Coupe spy photo gallery below, then head over to Car Advice for the full article.
We’ve been bringing you spy photos of the next-generation 2011 Mercedes SLK-Class for quite some time now, and today we’ve finally gotten our hands on spy shots showcasing the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK AMG. Tell-tale signs this is the AMG variant of the 2011 SLK include the monstrous quad exhaust and larger brakes. We have yet to receive confirmation on the engine Mercedes-Benz will choose to use to power the future SLK AMG, but it will likely be Mercedes’ new 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8. If the speculation turns out ot be correct, expect power output of around 400-450 horsepower – about 90 horsepower more than the current SLK55 AMG which uses a naturally aspirated 5.5-litre V8.
Based on earlier spy photos of the standard SLK-Class, we can expect the interior to take design cues from the Mercedes-Benz SLS, with the typical AMG enhancements – sport steering wheel, sport seats, carbon fiber accents, etc.
As always, we will keep updated as soon as we know more about the AMG variant of the 2011 Mercedes SLK-Class; in the meantime, you can check out more 2011 SLK AMG spy photos in the gallery below, and then head over to Car Advice for the full article.
Now that the Mercedes S-Class has undergone its requisite mid-life revision, next up comes a full refresh of the model, likely due late in 2012 as a 2013 model. Giving you a very small glimpse of what to expect from the luxury sedan, spy photos of the next-generation S-Class have emerged, although heavy masking and false body paneling reveal most of the model’s design elements.
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, or head over to Gmotors for the full article. And before I go, a special thanks to Andrus for the tip.
Yet another round of spy photos have emerged giving us a glimpse of what’s coming in the next iteration of the Mercedes SL-Class. It’s still too early to discern much of the new SL’s styling thanks to extensive use of false body paneling, but some areas to take note of include a more upright front fascia with single louvre grille, the general headlight shape and the LED running lights. In the back, a tail light shape is visible, but due to the heavy amount of plastic and camouflage there’s no way to discern how closely the finished product will resemble the shape we’re seeing now. You know the drill – stay tuned and we’ll keep you updated as we get any new details of the 2013 Mercedes SL. In the meantime, check out more 2013 SL pics in the gallery below, then head over to Car Advice for the full story.
We’ve brought you numerous spy photos of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS over the past months, and now, new 2012 CLS engine specifications have emerged. If the rumors are to be believed, the second generation CLS is expected to be available in four engine variants – two petrol engines and two diesel. With the exception of the AMG version, all will feature the stop/start technology to improve fuel consumption.
For the CLS petrol engines, the two models said to be coming are the CLS350 CGI and the CLS550 CGI. The first will feature the new direct-injection 3.5 liter V6 engine with an output of 306 PS (301 bhp / 225 kW) and 368 Nm (272 lb-ft) of torque, while the 550 CGI will feature a new 4.6 liter twin-turbocharged V8 that delivers 435 PS (429 bhp / 320 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. The CLS 550 CGI is expected to be offered with an all-wheel drive option as well. As for the CLS Diesel options, look for a 350 CDI with a 3.0 liter V6 producing 185 kW (252 PS) as well as a 250 CDI with a four-cylinder diesel engine producing 150 kW (204 PS).
And while we’re on the subject of the CLS, there’s significant speculation that the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake (which made its premiere at Auto China 2010 as a concept) will enter series production for the 2011 model year, meaning those in the market for a larger estate model could soon have another alternative. We’ll keep you posted as new details of the 2012 Mercedes CLS are revealed; in the meantime, you can check out photos of the 2012 CLS in the gallery below.
A new series of next-generation Mercedes SLK spy photos have emerged that depict the new roadster traveling on the outskirts of Paris. Unfortunately, false paneling hides much of the model’s design, revealing even less of the model’s design than we’ve seen in the past. Nevertheless, we thought the photos would serve as a good reminder the next SLK is right around the corner. Look for the 2011 Mercedes SLK-Class to make its debut as early as September at the Paris Auto Show. We’ll keep you posted as new details regarding the 2011 SLK are revealed; in the meantime, check out the lastest SLK spy photos in the gallery below. Thanks to Carscoop for the pics.
New spy photos have emerged that pretty much lay to rest any questions that remain regarding the next-generation 2012 Mercedes CLS, at least in respect to its exterior rennovations. As you’ll see in the photos, virtually every major area of the 2012 CLS is visible, including the front headlight, most of the front bumper, the entire side profile, and the entire rear of the model. I won’t waste your time describing at length the CLS’s new look, as you can simply view the pictures and its various design characteristics for yourself; but I will say that overall, I think the Mercedes designers have done a fantastic job updating what was already a gorgeously styled model. Look for the 2012 Mercedes CLS to make its premier at the Paris Motor Show later this year, with the model going on sale sometime in 2012. You can check out the complete collection of the 2012 Mercedes CLS-Class photos in the gallery below. Thanks to Left Lane News for the pics.