The exterior
Mercedes-Benz has stayed with the long sleek look of the first generation CLS models but there are changes here even though they may not be so obvious. Mercedes-Benz was looking to reduce weight in the latest version of the CLS and so much of the body is made from aluminium.

The doors are made from deep-drawn aluminium panels with extruded sections and the bonnet, front wings, boot lid, parcel shelf and various support profiles are also aluminium.

The suspension
The new Mercedes-Benz CLS rides on what is basically the suspension system that first appeared under the new E-Class. However in the CLS the suspension has been re-tuned and combined with a new electromechanical power steering sytem.

Unlike previous steering support systems this new system only uses power when the vehicle is actually being steered and that is enough to save up to 0.3 litres of fuel compared to the previous CLS.

The engine
The new CLS comes with a choice of four engines … two 6 cylinder petrol engines, 1 diesel and one V8 … that not only produce more torque and power but also provide fuel savings of up to 31 per cent.

The six cylinder petrol and diesel engines will be available immediately while the V8 will come a little later.

Safety
One of the most advanced safety features on the new Mercedes-Benz CLS are the headlights. The CLS is the first passenger car to offer high performance LED headlights that give the driver better light on the roads at night.

The light provided by the 71 LEDs in each headlight provide a light that is closer to what a driver would see in daylight than previous headlights and that means that there is less strain on the eyes.

Other new safety features include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist. Active Lane Keeping Assist is activated if the car drifts across a lane line. If the lane marking is solid then the brakes are automatically applied on one side of the car to bring it back to its correct lane. If the lane line is a broken line an electric pulse is sent to the steering wheel to make it gently vibrate as a warning.

Active Blind Spot Assist uses short-range radar sensors to detect any danger of collision if the driver is about to change lanes. If the driver ignores the warning the brakes on one side of the car are automatically applied to bring the car back into the lane that it was traveling in.

CLS 63 AMG
And of course if there’s a Mercedes-Benz CLS there’s always going to be a CLS 63 AMG and if you have the money to buy one you won’t be disappointed.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG comes with a new AMG V8 biturbo engine that puts out 410kW of power coupled to an AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission. That combination will return 10L/100km on a combined cycle.

There’s also AMG ride control sports suspension with electronically controlled damping, a new front axle and distinctive interior and exterior design … check the AMG gallery for all the photos.

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Well if you remember that Mercedes-Benz A-Class then I’ve got to tell you that we’re not in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class version of Kansas anymore. Instead with the Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class we may not even be on the same planet anymore … if you believe the hype in the press release.

The body
This concept of what a future Mercedes-Benz A-Class might look like has some sleek flowing lines and a very low silhouette. There’s also some very interesting design features around the front of the car that will probably never appear in a production version.

The radiator grille consists of metallic silver spots on black stems. The headlamps are full LEDs but the daytime running lights are made from 90 optical fibres in aluminium sleeves.

The engine
The Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class is powered by a new turbo-charged 2.0-litre fuel-injected four-cylinder petrol engine taken from the new M270 range of engines. It develops 155kW of power but still keeps emissions and fuel consumption down thanks to direct injection and that turbo-charger and the power is transferred to the road via a dual clutch transmission.

Just to keep you safe this little fire-breather comes with a radar-based collision warning system and Brake Assist and Collision Prevention Assist that gives a distracted driver plenty of warning if you’re getting too close to the car in front.

The interior
The Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class features a dashboard that is said to have the shape of an aircraft wing (well use your imagination and you might see an aircraft wing there) and it comes with stretchable textile lining and Mercedes-Benz says that this “enables the bionic, cellular structure of the component to remain visible”.

The displays in the instrument cluster are red and Mercedes-Benz says that this is because the red colour is reminiscent of a jet’s afterburners. Even the central control unit continues the same theme and the gear lever is said to take its form from the reverse thrust control found on a flight deck.

Maybe you can see an aircraft theme in there … maybe you can’t … but there’s no doubt that this is one very eye-catching car that any one of us would love to drive.

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It’s got more lower fuel consumption figures despite having more power.

But then Mercedes-AMG is committed to reducing fuel consumption and emissions and it’s done that with the 5.5-litre V8 biturbo Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG. They also happen to have produced one very sleek looking coupe that will make anyone who has the slightest interest in cars go just a little weak at the knees.

Engine and transmission
To achieve more power and better fuel consumption Mercedes-AMG have produced a new engine that combines spray-guided direct petrol injection with biturbocharging and a stop/start engine system. They have then combined that engine with AMG’s unique Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission and popped it into the new CL 63 to produce a car that develops 400kW of power and 800Nm of torque but only has a combined fuel consumption figure of 10.6L/100km.

It will also do 0 to 100km/h in a breath-taking 4.5 seconds and is electronically limited to ensure that you don’t do over 250km/h in it.

Much of the transmission and turbo technology included in the new CL 63 has been carried over from the E 63 AMG and includes a “C” mode for stop/start city driving. Not only does the engine switch off when the vehicle is stopped in traffic but when it’s time to move off the transmission selects second gear rather than first to further improve the fuel consumption.

The body and safety features
Just in case passers-by miss the fact that you’re driving something very special just by the very shape of the CL 63 AMG “V8 Biturbo” lettering is emblazoned on the front mudguards.

Inside the car there’s a sports steering wheel that incorporates silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles and a specially shaped grip area covered in perforated nappa leather.

The CL 63 AMG rides on sports suspension based on Active Body Control that now incorporates crosswind stabilization and the affects of strong gusts of wind are compensated for by adjusting the wheel distribution within milliseconds using the yaw-rate and lateral acceleration sensors of the electronic stability control programme.

Other safety features include the Mercedes-Benz Direct-Steer system and Torque Vectoring Brake stabilization. This combination ensures a more direct response when cornering and more responsive handling.

New standard features include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind-Spot Assist. The blind-spot feature warns the driver by displaying a red warning in the glass of the relevant exterior mirror when it detects that changing lanes would be too dangerous. If the driver chooses to ignore the warning and attempts to change lane despite the close proximity of a vehicle in the adjacent lane the Electronic Stability Programme applies the brakes to prevent an accident.

As you would expect the CL 63 AMG comes equipped with just about every creature comfort you could wish for in a car including 12-way adjustable seats with memory and massage functions as well as Neck-Pro luxury head restraints, seat heating and ventilation

For the driver there is a wood-trimmed dash in your choice of three colour combinations. The steering wheel incorporates a number of multifunction buttons that allow the driver to call up various pieces of data that are then displayed on the dashboard.

The dashboard also displays relevant information for those who want to drive with economy in mind. For those who want to race their CL 63 AMG there’s a race timer that allows the driver to calculate lap times and despite the fact that the CL 63 AMG is electronically limited to 250km/h the speedo will display speeds of up to 320km/h.

Price
The Mercedes-Benz CL 63 is undoubtedly a stunning car and you can expect to pay a stunning price for such a beautiful piece of machinery … and you will pay such a price. The manufacturer’s list price (that includes GST but not dealer delivery charges or any on road costs) is $423,300

Even though they have been back in Australia for some months now the Mercedes G Class just hasn’t been where most of us would have seen them.

The Mercedes-Benz G Class is their classic off-roader and even though they are beginning to come back to Australia most of those that have made it here have gone straight into the Army testing facility. That’s so that Army drivers can familiarise themselves with the G Class because the Army is in the process of replacing most of their 4WD fleet with Mercedes G class variants.

The European military version of the Mercedes G Class

But the Army won’t be the only ones buying the Mercedes G Class because Mercedes has now announced that the G Class will soon be appearing in Mercedes’ Australian showrooms once more and the G Class will be introducing Mercedes’ new BlueTEC technology to Australia. Other Mercedes models will have the BueTEC technology in the future but it will make its first appearance in Australia in the G Class.

BlueTEC is a Mercedes-Benz-developed technology designed to reduce diesel vehicle emissions, especially nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

The vehicle converts up to 80 percent of the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water by a process of reduction in the catalytic converter. The V6 diesel engine develops 155 kW at 3,400 rpm and has 540 Nm of available torque between 1,600 and 2400 rpm.

The G-Class is equipped with electronically controlled traction system 4ETS that provides optimal traction. Additional assistance is offered through the transfer case off-road ratio that provides exceptional climbing ability or negotiating obstacles. The package is complete with front axle, rear axle and inter-axle differentials that can be locked at the touch of a button, thereby re-directing power to the wheels offering the best grip.

The Mercedes G Class heading for Australia will come in two variants and both will be long-wheelbase station wagons in 5-seater configuration only. They’ll be released in Australia in early 2011.

Now we can talk of Mercedes-Benz, AMG and electric cars all in the one sentence because now we have the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell and it’s just as exciting as the petrol version.

With the SLS AMG E-CELL, Mercedes-AMG is providing a glimpse of its latest development project – a powerful and locally emission-free super sports car. Finished in fluorescent “AMG lumilectric magno” paint, the gullwing offers the prospect of a possible small series production run and at the same time reflects the innovative strength and development competence of the AMG performance brand.

“We take social responsibility very seriously and with the SLS AMG E-CELL we are demonstrating a further milestone in our “AMG Performance 2015″ strategy. It is our goal to continually reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of new models in the coming years, while at the same time enhancing the core brand value of performance”, explains Ola Källenius, chairman of the board (from 1 July 2010) of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

With the SLS AMG E-CELL, the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz is launching a totally innovative drive solution for super sports cars and as such is among the pioneers in this market segment.

The ground-breaking drive system of the technology vehicle boasts some outstanding features: powerful traction is provided by four synchronous electric motors with a combined peak output of 392 kW and a maximum torque of 880 Nm.

The four compact electric motors each achieve a maximum rpm of 12,000/rpm and are positioned near to the wheels. As a result, compared with wheel-hub motors the unsprung masses are substantially reduced. One transmission per axle transmits the power.

Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 4 seconds
When it comes to dynamics, the electrically-powered SLS AMG makes a statement: the gullwing model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4 seconds – which almost puts it on the same high level as the SLS AMG with 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 420 kW (571 hp), which can accelerate to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.

Further exciting touches are provided courtesy of the agile accelerator response and the straight-line performance: unlike the combustion engine, torque build-up with an electric motor is instantaneous – maximum torque is available virtually from a standstill.

The spontaneous torque build-up and confident power delivery – which does not suffer from any interruption of tractive power – are combined with engine running characteristics which are totally free of vibration.

Four motors, four wheels: the intelligent and permanent all-wheel drive of the electric SLS guarantees driving dynamics at the highest level, while at the same time providing the best possible active safety. Perfect traction is therefore ensured for all four driven wheels, whatever the weather conditions.

This very special gullwing is therefore able to “electrify” the driver with a completely unique, effortlessly superior and emotional super sports car driving sensation – and this is just at the prototype stage. In brief: the SLS AMG E-CELL is a true AMG too.

High-voltage lithium-ion battery provides 400 v and 40 Ah
The SLS AMG E-CELL drive incorporates a liquid-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery featuring a modular design with an energy content of 48 kWh and a capacity of 40 Ah.

The maximum electric load potential of the battery, which consists of 324 lithium-ion polymer cells, is 480 kW, which is an absolute best value in the automotive sector.

Another technical feature of this considerable performance is the intelligent parallel circuit of the individual battery modules – this also helps to maximise the safety, reliability and service life of the battery. The 400-volt battery is charged by means of targeted recuperation during braking whilst the car is being driven.

High-performance electronic control as well as effective cooling of all components
A high-performance electronic control system converts the direct current from the high-voltage battery into three-phase alternating current which is required for the synchronous motors and regulates the energy flow for all operating conditions.

Two low-temperature cooling circuits ensure that the four electric motors and the power electronics are maintained at an even operating temperature. A separate low-temperature circuit is responsible for cooling the high-voltage lithium-ion battery. In low external temperatures, the battery is quickly brought up to operating temperature with the aid of an electric heating element. This helps to preserve the overall service life of the battery.

In extremely high external temperatures, the cooling circuit for the battery can be additionally boosted with the aid of the air conditioning system.

Optimum weight distribution and low centre of gravity
The purely electric drive system was factored into the equation as early as the concept phase when the gullwing model was being developed. It is ideally packaged for the integration of the high-performance, zero-emission technology: by way of example, the four electric motors and the two transmissions can be positioned as close to the four wheels as possible and very low down in the vehicle.

The same applies to the modular high-current battery, whose modules are located in front of the firewall, in the centre tunnel and behind the seats. Advantages of this solution include the vehicle’s low centre of gravity and balanced weight distribution – ideal conditions for optimum handling, which the electrically-powered SLS AMG shares with its petrol-driven sister model.

The installation of the drive components required no changes whatsoever to the gullwing model’s weight-optimised aluminium spaceframe. And there were just as few constraints when it came to maintaining the excellent level of passive safety and high degree of long-distance comfort that are hallmarks of Mercedes cars.

New front axle design with pushrod damper struts
The additional front-wheel drive called for a newly designed front axle: unlike the series production vehicle with AMG V8 engine, which has a double wishbone axle, the SLS AMG E-CELL features an independent multilink suspension with pushrod damper struts.

This is because the vertically-arranged damper struts in the series SLS had to make way for the additional drive shafts. As is usual in a wide variety of racing vehicles, horizontal damper struts are now used, which are operated via separate push rods and transfer levers.

Thanks to this sophisticated front-axle design, which has already been tried and tested in the world of motor sport, the agility and driving dynamics of the electrically-powered SLS AMG attain the same high levels as the V8 variant. Another distinguishing feature is the speed-sensitive power steering with rack-and-pinion steering gear: the power assistance is implemented electrohydraulically rather than just hydraulically.

AMG ceramic composite brakes for perfect deceleration
The vehicle is slowed with the aid of AMG ceramic composite brakes, available as an optional extra for the series production model, which boast extremely short stopping distances, a precise actuation point and outstanding fade resistance, even in extreme operating conditions.

The over-sized discs – measuring 402 x 39 mm at the front and 360 x 32 mm at the rear – are made of carbon fibre-strengthened ceramic, feature an integral design all round and are connected to an aluminium bowl in a radially floating arrangement.

The ceramic brake discs are 40 percent lighter in weight than the conventional, grey cast iron brake discs. The reduction in unsprung masses not only improves handling dynamics and agility, but also ride comfort and tyre grip.

The lower rotating masses at the front axle also ensure a more direct steering response – which is particularly noticeable when taking motorway bends at high speed. The ABS and ESP systems have been adapted to match the special application spectrum of the permanent all-wheel drive.

Full-LED headlamps and automatically extending front splitter
The purist, exciting design of the technology vehicle boasts a number of minor yet extremely effective modifications. At the front, the dynamically shaped full-LED headlamps with integrated daytime driving lights immediately catch the eye: they help to optimise the vehicle’s energy efficiency, since they require less power compared with regular bi-xenon light systems.

The wider radiator grille also has a new look, and now comes with transverse slats instead of a diamond-pattern grille. The air outlet openings on the bonnet and the vehicle sides have also been modified for enhanced aerodynamics.

All trim and detachable parts, which are finished in chrome or silver shadow on the standard SLS AMG, are now finished in matt black.

The front apron has not only been brought further forward, but also helps to guarantee an optimised airflow in the area of the underbody. This improves air resistance while reducing downforce.

An extendable front splitter enhances this effect: in parallel with the automatic rear spoiler, it extends downwards by seven centimetres at speeds above 120 km/h and helps to further accelerate the air which travels beneath the car.

When it reaches the area of the rear axle, the air enters the rear diffusor which, due to the lack of an exhaust system, features a steeper angle, thus increasing downforce at the rear axle and in turn further enhancing the aerodynamic balance.

The vehicle’s AMG 10-spoke light-alloy wheels featuring a new, smooth-surfaced design are fitted with 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tyres.

Interior with new display instruments for electric drive
The transformation from petrol to electric super sports car also called for some specific changes to the interior. As a result, the AMG instrument cluster and centre console in particular both feature a new design. The new AMG instrument cluster provides information on speed, charge status of the battery and the estimated range.

The newly designed centre console now houses a 25 cm touch-screen, which driver and passenger can use to conveniently operate all of the audio, climate and navigation functions, and also obtain information on the flow of power from the four electric motors.

The AMG Drive Unit, which is angled towards the driver, houses buttons for starting the motor, and the ESP® functions, the AMG memory function and the extendable front splitter and rear spoiler. Using three new buttons, the driver can switch simply between P, R and D. The park setting is also enabled automatically by switching the electric motors off.

The interior appointments are dominated by high-quality nappa leather in a black/white colour combination – it has been used not only on the sports seats, the performance leather/alcantara steering wheel and the door linings, but also on the broad centre tunnel which runs towards the back of the vehicle between the seats.

Compare the petrol driven SLS AMG with the SLS AMG E-Cell

The SLS AMG GT3 is definitely not a street car. It’s been developed to comply with the FIA’s GT3 specifications and the target market for this racing sports car are those who like to spend lots of money competing in sprints and long distance races and it’s designed to cope with the stresses that racing imposes on a car.

Larger air intakes at the front and the two intakes below the headlamps supply the engine oil cooler and brake discs with plenty of air to keep their temperatures under control. Engine heat is vented into the front wheel arches as well as through an opening in the centre of the bonnet.

Cooling to the rear brakes is supplied via openings in the side skirts that allow air to flow through to cool the rear brakes.

Engine
FIA rules require the AMG GT3 6.3-litre V8 engine to be almost identical to the engine in the street version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG but the lower body weight of the AMG GT3 means that acceleration is improved and this car will do 0 to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds and it has a top speed of up to 300km/h depending on which final drive ratio is fitted to the car.

Thanks to a dry sump lubrication system and an externally mounted oil tank the V8 in the AMG GT3 can sit lower in the body of the car than in the street version of the SLS AMG.

The transmission fitted to the GT3 version of the SLS AMG is a six-speed racing transmission with sequential gear changes. You will notice that there’s no gear stick in the GT3 and all gear changes are made using two shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel.

Brakes
Obviously a vehicle with this much power needs something exceptional in the way of brakes and the AMG GT3 has certainly got those. All four brake discs are ventilated, grooved and perforated. Six-piston calipers operate the brakes at the front and four-piston calipers operate the brakes at the rear.

AMG were unable to fit their high-performance ceramic composite braking system to the GT3 because it is not compatible with the 18-inch wheels required by the FAI regulations. However a specially configured anti-lock braking system is fitted as standard equipment.

Like any good racing car the AMG GT3 is fitted with an integrated pneumatic jacking system and four jacks will lift the GT3 around 190 millimetres clear of the ground.

A steel rollover cage is fitted as standard as is a six-point seat belt and a HANS (Head and Neck Support) system.

Orders for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 will start being taken during the third quarter of this year and first deliveries will be made early in 2011. Mercedes-Benz has not yet announced the price for this hot looking machine.

For those who may think that an autumn release for a Cabriolet Mercedes-Benz has just two words for you … AIRCAP AND AIRSCARF … both are technologies developed by Mercedes Benz to make cool weather driving with the top down a very comfortable experience.

AIRCAP is an automatic draught stop that reduces turbulence for everyone in the car and Mercedes have been fitting AIRCAP to their top-down tourers since 1989 and it comes as standard equipment in all E-Class Cabriolets to be sold in Australia.

AIRSCARF is a neck level heating that ensures that passengers stay warm and is standard equipment on the E350 and E500 models but optional on the two four-cylinder models.

Of course when most drivers look at a Cabriolet cruising with the top down and there’s some rain clouds around there’s always the question mark over just how quickly the driver of the Cabriolet can get the top up when the rain starts coming down.

For the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet that just 20 seconds from fully open to fully closed … although it seems that you may have to slow down 40km/h to achieve that time

Engines
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet comes with a choice of four engines. The E500 Cabriolet is powered by a V8 petrol engine that develops 285kW of power and 530Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is 11.0L/100km for the combined cycle and CO2 output is 257g/km.

The E350 Cabriolet is powered by a V6 petrol engine that develops 200kW of power and 350Nm of torque. Its combined fuel cycle is 9.8L/100km and the CO2 output is 229g/km.

The E250 Cabriolet comes with either a four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 150kW of power and produces 500Nm of toque or a four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces the same amount of power as the diesel but only 310Nm of torque.

Fuel consumption for the diesel’s combined cycle is 5.6L/100km with 148g/km of CO2 and 8.3L/100km for the petrol engine with 192g/km of CO2.

Mercedes-Benz does not expect the E 250 diesel-powered Cabriolet to arrive before the third quarter of this year while the petrol version will be available in May.

Safety
Driver and passenger safety is always an issue in a soft-top car and the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet offers extra protection with additional strengthening in both the A pillars and the plug-in B pillars as well as roll-over bars in the rear-head restraints that are raised and locked in position in what Mercedes-Benz describes as “a fraction of a second” if an accident occurs.

Nine airbags, belt tensioners and belt force limiters on all seats are standard equipment as well as head restraints for the driver and front passenger.

Prices
The manufacturer’s list price for the Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet E 250 Cabriolet has yet to be announced but the list price for the E 250 petrol-powered Cabriolet will be $105,950. The list price for the E 350 is $139,950 and the list price for the E 500 is $186,950. Of course you have to add dealer delivery charges and state taxes to those prices for the final drive-away figure.

Daimler AG says that during 2010, more than 100 Mercedes-Benz Vito vans will be delivered to 20 customers, primarily fleet operators and public institutions wishing to transport items in environmentally sensitive zones with zero emissions, including no CO2 emissions, and low noise. Deployment scenarios therefore typically involve short distances and making many stops in urban areas. Production of a further 2000 vehicles is planned in the next phase.

The drive configuration is designed solely to run on battery power and thus dispenses with the powertrain intended for combustion engines.

A battery featuring powerful lithium-ion technology supplies energy to the Vito. With an operating voltage of 400 V, 16 A current and an available capacity of 32 kWh, the Vito’s range averages 130 km but can be considerably higher given an appropriate driving style. The electric motor delivers a peak output of 90 kW.

Performance is oriented around customer requirements: an electronically limited top speed of 80 km/h is designed to meet our customers’ transportation needs in and around urban areas.

When it comes to safety features, every aspect is covered. All Vito vehicles come with ESP® (Electronic Stability Programme) as standard which incorporates ABS and ASR. The number and type of airbags also corresponds with the current Vito specification. Vehicles are subjected to the usual crash tests with regard to passive safety.

There is no loss in terms of payload or load volume compared to a conventionally powered Vito as a load capacity in excess of 900 kg is possible.

Assembly of the electric-powered Vito is being integrated directly into standard production. The Mercedes-Benz plant at Vitoria in the Basque region of Spain is already preparing for the challenges associated with manufacturing an additional variant.

It’s hard to believe but this year, the award-winning Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van range celebrates 15 years of service.

From its international release in 1995 the Sprinter set out to produce a multi-purpose vehicle that gave buyers plenty of options to tailor a commercial vehicle that met their particular needs. Not only did a buyer get an outward appearance that still looks fairly modern today but they also go semi-forward control, high-traction rear-wheel drive, spacious cab, an extensive engine range rounded off by a direct-injection diesel unit that was as powerful as it was economical.

Four gross weights, three engines
The Sprinter began its career with four gross vehicle weights ranging from 2.59 to 4.6 tonnes.

It was available as a panel van, crewbus, chassis, pickup, and with a crewcab, all of these versions in three wheelbase lengths, and the closed-body variants additionally with two roof heights.

1995 Mercedes-Benz Crew Van

The Sprinter targeted mainly the 3.5 tonne GVW class, this tonnage marking an important dividing line in a great many European countries as far as driving licences and traffic regulations were concerned.

The Sprinter lined up with three different engines but interest focused mainly on the OM 602 DELA, a direct-injection turbodiesel with 2.9 litres displacement and five cylinders. With its output of 90 kW and peak torque of 280 Newton metres it took performance to new record levels for vans of this type.

Distributor pump, electronic control and exhaust gas recirculation are also characteristics of this engine. It was complemented by a tried and tested, smooth-running pre-chamber diesel engine developing 58 kW from 2.3 litres displacement and by a zippy four-cylinder petrol unit (likewise with a displacement of 2.3 litres) delivering 105kW of power.

A newly developed five-speed manual transmission transferred the power to the rear axle.

For each version there were at least two different final drive ratios to choose from. As alternative to the manual box, a fully automatic four-speed torque converter transmission followed a short time later.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Pickup

The new Mercedes-Benz Van was good for a road speed of up to 160 km/h and not only lived up to its name, but quickly put tyre manufacturers on the spot, since few tyres at the time boasted the proper speed index.

Highest safety standards
Not just high performance, highest safety too played a crucial role in the Sprinter. From the outset the Sprinter had disc brakes on all wheels.

The anti-lock brake system (ABS) and an automatic brake differential were standard equipment in many countries and then there was the driver airbag, also a standard feature in Germany and many other countries.

With that said, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter set new standards for safety in its category, as it did in many other areas.

Along with investing intensive effort in the advancement of conventional drive technology, the engineers also developed alternative drive systems to the production stage in combination with the Sprinter.

One year after the launch of the new van it was already available as the electrically powered 308 E Sprinter. The water-cooled asynchronous motor put out 40 kW and got its energy from maintenance-free lead-gel batteries.

The energy rating of 29 kWh sufficed to travel a distance of 65 to 80 km.

Today the Mercedes Benz Sprinter is till going strong and in more variants than what the original designers may have imagined. We still have the Sprinter vans, crew buses and pickups and we also have commuter buses built on the Sprinter chassis and vans converted into motorhomes.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Motorhome

And now that the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has fallen into the hands of grey nomads you can expect to see them around for many years to come

In recognition of this, the motoring organisation ADAC has now presented this public favourite from Stuttgart with the coveted “Yellow Angel 2010″ award. These awards, which are named after the ADAC’s friendly breakdown assistance personnel, were presented today at the Allerheiligen Church in Munich in the presence of the Federal German President, Horst Köhler, and invited guests from the business and political world.

This is the sixth time that the ADAC has presented the “Yellow Angel” awards – also known as the “Oscars of the automobile industry” – for outstanding performance. Consumers have come to appreciate this seal of approval as a valuable buying guide, as the award criteria not only include design and image, but also the price/value ratio, practicality, economy, safety and environmental compatibility.

The contenders were 47 vehicles that had been newly launched in 2009. Around 19 million readers of “ADAC Motorwelt”, as well as visitors to the Club’s homepage and the 2009 International Motor Show (IAA), were requested to cast their votes in Germany’s largest car survey.

In the vote for Germany’s most popular car they gave first place to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class by a wide margin.

This result was duly rewarded with the “Yellow Angel 2010″ by Europe’s largest automobile club. This success by Mercedes-Benz was rounded off by a second place in the “Most popular brand” category.

The E-Class embodies fundamental values such as safety, comfort and quality in an exemplary manner. A market share in the premium business saloon segment of around 60 percent in Germany and 40 percent in Western Europe underlines the exceptional status of the E-Class. Last year Mercedes-Benz sold more than 200,000 cars worldwide in the E-Class segment.

In Australia, the award-winning model achieved a 2009 market share of more than 40 percent – and the car was in the Australian market last year for only six months (it was released in July 2009). In comparison with its rival models, the half-year sales of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class exceeded the combined full-year sales from BMW, Audi, Lexus and Volvo. Underscoring the new E’s local popularity is the fact it out-sold its Bavarian rival by more than double.

Since its European market launch in March last year, the E-Class has made a huge impression with its dynamic design, innovative technology, exemplary comfort and outstanding economy. This is in large measure due to ten efficient petrol and diesel engines with outputs ranging from 100 to 386 kW.

The E-Class is also equipped with a unique combination of driver assistance systems such as drowsiness detection, Adaptive Highbeam Assist and proximity control with automatic emergency braking in conjunction with the PRE-SAFE® Brake, which is activated when an acute accident risk is detected.

What’s more, the E-Class offers outstanding long-distance comfort. These traits are shared by the other members of the successful premium car family – the E-Class Coupé, the E-Class Estate and the E-Class Cabriolet, which has recently celebrated its world premiere.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has already won numerous awards confirming its exceptional status:

Readers of the German car magazine Auto Zeitung voted it the best luxury saloon, awarding it the Auto Trophy 2009.

• Around 100,000 readers of the motoring magazine AUTO BILD voted it Germany’s most beautiful car.
• It won the renowned “EuroCarBody Award 2009″.
• It received the Diners Club Magazine Award for the “best power-to-economy” ratio.
• It received the “Grand Austrian Automobile Award” as the most popular premium saloon.

In addition, the independent market research institute Bähr & Fess Forecast has determined that the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class will have the highest value retention of any luxury segment model series, with the highest resale value after three years.

As a result of Australia’s new vehicle import duty reduction – down from ten to five percent from January 1 this year – the German luxury car maker has elected to provide additional standard equipment to a number of its new passenger car models. At the time of this announcement (1 December 2009), the managing director of Mercedes-Benz Cars in Australia, Mr Horst von Sanden, said: “Our customers have told us that they prefer increases in equipment levels over any short-term price reductions or resale-damaging discounting.”

These important revisions are part of Mercedes-Benz’ ongoing value strategy – a long-term programme specifically designed to offer Australian customers the best possible value. Critically, the equipment enhancements chosen to become new standard features are the most popular optional extras; this ensures customers receive specific equipment they actually want.

The first Mercedes-Benz model to receive these value-enhancing revisions in 2010 is the popular compact sports tourer, the B-Class. The specific product revisions are detailed below.

Additional standard equipment for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz B-Class
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz B-Class range receives the following additional standard equipment:

- B 200 & B 180 CDI – Each with more than $9,000 of additional value
- Leather upholstery
- AMG 17-inch alloy wheels
- Metro Package – comprising CVT transmission and Active Parking Assist – Parking Guidance System
- Sports package
- Heated front seats

The Mercedes-Benz B 180 Turbo

- B 200 Turbo – $16,000 in additional value
- Leather upholstery
- AMG 17-inch alloy wheels
- Metro Package – comprising CVT transmission and Active Parking Assist – Parking Guidance System
- Sports package
- Heated front seats- COMAND APS navigation and entertainment system
- AMG 18-inch alloy wheels
- Metallic paint

All-new model: The Mercedes-Benz B 180
An all-new variant has been added to the Australian B-Class: the petrol-powered B 180. Introduced for the first time to local buyers, the newest sibling in the B-Class is now the marque’s most affordable, making it the new entry model in the Australian Mercedes-Benz catalogue.

The arrival of the B 180 coincides with the exit of the A-Class compact from the Australian Mercedes-Benz range, the result of the B-Class sports tourer’s popularity with customers.

The new B 180 five-door boasts a Manufacturer’s List Price (MLP) of $36,990 – $910 less than the outgoing A 180 five-door.

The Mercedes-Benz B 180 dashboard

It features a comprehensive standard equipment list, which includes:
- 5-speed manual transmission
- 17-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels
- AUDIO 20 sound system with six-disc in-dash CD changer
- Cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC (speed limiter)
- Exterior chrome package
- UCI media interface (for iPod and other music devices)

The B 180 1.7-litre 4-cyl. petrol model is down $910 compared to the outgoing A 180 five-door model and has a list price of $36,990*

*That price is the manufacturers list price and does not include statutory charges or dealer deliver charges.

Mercedes-Benz has incorporated into the E-Class Cabriolet features such as the AIRCAP® automatic wind deflector that can be deployed at the touch of a button to significantly reduce turbulence in the vehicle’s interior and the next generation of the AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system integrated into the back rests of the front seats. It blows warm air from adjustable air vents in the head restraints and warms the neck area of the driver and front seat passenger like an invisible scarf.

The production standard sound-dampening soft top comes with high-quality insulation to deliver comfortable travel with the top up. This means that the closed E-Class Cabriolet offers one of the quietest interiors in the segment of four-seater premium soft-top cabriolets. The top can be open or closed at the touch of a button in only 20 seconds – even while driving at speeds of up to 40 km/h.

Like all E-Class models, the Cabriolet also offers an outstanding level of safety.

Standard equipment includes the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, PRE-SAFE® predictive occupant protection, the intelligent light system and the DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control. Drive is supplied courtesy of state-of-the-art engines that combine high efficiency with refined performance.

Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales & Marketing: “Our E-Class Sedan is already the global best-selling vehicle in its segment. I am certain that the new Cabriolet will further strengthen this positive trend.”

Since then there have been many of the unmistakable and ungainly looking Unimog off-road trucks, Mercedes-Benz coaches, vans and even some heavy-duty Actros 8×8 trucks.

In October two more Mercedes-Benz vehicles joined the ADF’s fleet and those two are just the first of 1200 specially made G-Wagon off-road vehicles that will serve as ambulances, mobile command posts, personnel transport, specialized 6×6 surveillance and reconnaissance vehicles and general cargo vehicles.

The 1200 vehicles will be supplied in both two and four-door station wagon 4×4 configuration as well as 4×4 cab-chassis utility vehicles and 6×6 single and dual cab chassis.

Many of the specialised bodies will be built by the firm of G H Varley from New South Wales and delivery of the production models will begin in 2011. The ADF plans to use these vehicles all over Australia and the specialised reconnaissance and surveillance vehicles are earmarked for the Northern Territory.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon first entered production 30 years ago and has constantly evolved ever since. These days it serves both civilian and military owners all over the world.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has always been known for outstanding all-terrain towing capacity but these days state-of-the-art electronic controls and powertrain technologies have made it even better in the toughest off-road conditions.

These are the findings from extensive analyses conducted by the independent experts at the internationally well-known environmental institute Öko-Trend.

As an institute for environmental research, Öko-Trend has developed criteria for the objective evaluation of the environmental compatibility of consumer goods. The experts at this neutral institute apply high standards during the assessment of automobiles.

The Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID, the B 180 NGT and the smart mhd have achieved results that are well above the average.

In the view of the Institute, they not only deliver excellent results in terms of fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and noise, but also excel by virtue of environmentally compatible production, choice of materials and logistics. They also feature particularly environmentally compatible systems such as a start/stop function and hybrid or natural gas drive.

In the assessment of these experts, the Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID is the most environmentally compatible car in the luxury class. With its combination of a 205 kW six-cylinder petrol engine and a 15 kW electric motor, plus an automatic start/stop function, this premium saloon has a fuel consumption of just 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres. It therefore demonstrates that even in the luxury class, environmental protection is by no means an alien concept.

In the ranking by CARB (California Air Resources Board) with regard to Global Warming Potential, the S 400 HYBRID also performed outstandingly with a score of nine from a maximum possible ten points. Accordingly CARB has given the premium saloon a top place in its list of buying recommendations for environmentally efficient automobiles.

In the analysis by the environmental institute Öko-Trend in the Compact Vans category the Mercedes-Benz B 180 NGT with bifuel drive (natural gas and petrol) achieved the highest ranking as the most environmentally compatible model. This natural gas variant of the B-Class lowers fuel consumption, emissions and fuel costs.

The smart fortwo mhd convertible was the winner in the Convertible/Roadster category according to the stringent environmental criteria of the Eco-Institute. The car’s automatic start/stop function switches the engine off when the driver brakes and the vehicle speed falls below 8 km/h. It is restarted in fractions of a second when the driver takes his foot off the brake pedal again. This makes fuel savings of up to 20 percent possible in city traffic.

The “Öko-Trend Institute for Environmental Research” founded by the University of Wuppertal has already been publishing research results about the environmental compatibility of car models since 1997 (www.oeko-trend.de).

The E 63 sports sedan has been a popular fixture in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Mercedes is expecting this version to be the most popular ever with Australian buyers.

The new E 63 AMG comes with the powerful AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, the completely newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping and a new steel-sprung front axle, and with its autonomous exterior and interior design. Newly developed ceramic composite brakes (the Australian date of release of which is to be announced shortly) are another technology highlight for the top-of-the-line E-Class model.

Mercedes-AMG has also achieved a reduction in fuel consumption of more than 15 percent for the new E 63 AMG (combined cycle, 12.7-litres/100km, according to ADR 81/02) thanks to the concerted use of fuel-efficiency measures.

The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in the new E 63 AMG develops an output of 386 kW/525 hp and a torque of 630 Newton metres, matching the outstanding figures for the SL 63 AMG. The high-performance Roadster has also donated its AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission to the new model.

This transmission dispenses with a conventional torque converter and uses a compact, wet start-up clutch. In conjunction with the four individual drive modes, the double-declutching and Race Start functions, the resulting direct connection to the powertrain allows an extremely emotional and highly dynamic driving experience.

The drive unit is unique in this segment, and ensures decidedly sporty performance figures: the E 63 AMG accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). The high-revving, naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 6208cc delivers responsiveness, muscular power delivery and great flexibility.

15% reduction in fuel consumption
Despite 8 kW of additional output compared to the preceding model, the fuel consumption of the new E 63 AMG has been significantly reduced: at 12.7 litres of super-premium grade petrol per 100 kilometres (ADR 81/02 combined-cycle consumption). The fuel consumption of the E 63 AMG is more than 15 percent lower than before, and leads the field among sports saloons developing more than 377 kW. T

his has been made possible by a package of efficiency-enhancing measures including on-demand delivery of fuel and alternator management with recuperation of braking energy on the overrun. In-engine friction is also reduced by the AMG-exclusive twin-wire arc spray coating process used on the cylinder walls.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission also makes a decisive contribution to fuel economy: a wet start-up clutch running in an oil bath replaces the previous torque converter. This unit responds extremely rapidly, dynamically and without the losses typical of a torque converter transmission thanks to its low rotational inertia.

The transmission is equipped with four drive modes: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual), which can be selected using a rotary electronic switch in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Partial suppression of individual cylinders by interrupting ignition and injection briefly during gearshifts under full load leads to considerably faster shift times. In M mode the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission allows gearshifts to be performed in 100 milliseconds.

In the even more fuel-efficient drive mode “Controlled Efficiency”, the transmission shifts the gears gently, and the transmission control unit is programmed to perform early upshifts to keep engine speeds as low as possible.

At the same time the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission meets the most demanding requirements where driving dynamics are concerned: fast, spontaneous multiple downshifts ensure first-class agility in conjunction with the automatic double-declutching and Race Start functions: this enables the E 63 AMG driver to call on the maximum acceleration potential automatically.

Electronically controlled damping system and a new front axle
The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension copes equally well with the agile manoeuvres of the racetrack and more comfortable, sedate driving. High performance and typical Mercedes long-distance comfort go together as an extraordinary synthesis in the E 63 AMG.

This is made possible by the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension. While new steel spring struts are used on the front axle, the rear suspension features AMG-specific air springs. The advantage of a solution such as this, is that the front steel spring struts ensure more sensitive responses while the rear air struts with their automatic level control system keep the vehicle at a constant height irrespective of the load.

A new, electronically controlled damping system automatically varies the damping characteristics according to the driving situation, reducing the roll angle of the body. The result is instant adjustment to provide the best possible ride comfort together with the greatest possible agility. In addition the driver is able to choose between the three suspension modes of “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport plus” at the touch of a button.

The E 63 AMG is also equipped with a newly developed, dedicated front axle with a 56-millimetre wider track, a tubular stabiliser, new control arms, new wheel bearings, new elastokinematics and new hub carriers for more negative camber – thereby providing more grip when taking bends at speed. The AMG-specific kinematics also ensure significantly more precision.

This is a sophisticated axle design whose principle has already proved its worth in the C 63 AMG. The rear axle likewise has more negative camber, optimised elastokinematics and a new subframe mounting for greater stability at the physical limits.

Newly developed power steering and individual 3-stage ESP®
For more direct responsiveness, the speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering is also a new development. The steering ratio of 14:1 is 22 percent more direct than in the standard production models, while a more rigid steering column plus the reconfigured characteristic mapping of the speed-sensitive servo assistance ensure better steering precision and improved road contact.

The 3-stage ESP® already found in the SL 63 AMG and C 63 AMG enables individual settings to be selected – with benefits in terms of driving pleasure combined with the same, high level of handling safety.

The ESP® button in the AMG DRIVE UNIT allows the driver to choose between “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF” – with the currently active mode shown in the central display of the AMG instrument cluster. Perfect deceleration even when driving extremely briskly is ensured by the AMG high-performance braking system with 360-millimetre, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round. Particularly resistant, motorsports-tested composite technology is used at the front axle.

As an option (Australian release date of this optional extra will be announced shortly) newly developed, optional ceramic composite brakes with larger brake discs guarantee even better brake performance and lower unsprung masses. The ceramic brake discs will perform reliably at even higher operating temperatures thanks to their greater hardness, all combined with an impressive weight reduction of around 40 percent. Outstanding grip is ensured by the 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with a width of nine and 9.5 inches and mixed tyre sizes of 255/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear.

Dynamic interior and exterior
The dynamic design of the E 63 AMG is in keeping with the uncompromisingly sporty technology. The front aspect is characterised by 17-millimetre wider wings bearing “6.3 AMG” lettering, the new AMG front apron with large intake air apertures and the AMG-specific daytime driving lights in LED technology.

In conjunction with the Intelligent Light System, the E 63 AMG is equipped with tinted main headlamps. The striking visual presence is further enhanced by the AMG side sill panels and AMG rear apron with a black insert. As a hallmark of the brand, the AMG sports exhaust system has two newly designed, chrome-plated twin tailpipes. Finishing the rear-end design of the new E 63 AMG is a bootlid-mounted spoiler.

The newly designed interior of the E 63 AMG is a blend of high-grade materials and functional sportiness. Exclusive features include the dedicated, electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with improved lateral support and the AMG sports steering wheel in a four-spoke design with AMG shift paddles.

The AMG DRIVE UNIT provides adjustments for the MCT sports transmission, the ESP functions, the suspension set-up and the AMG drive modes. The AMG E-SELECT selector lever in the centre console is a completely new feature for the DRIVE UNIT. The driver can shift directly between R, N and D simply by nudging the lever, all thanks to drive-by-wire; P can only be selected by pressing a button.

Standard equipment also includes high-grade leather upholstery in three different colours, the AMG instrument cluster with an AMG main menu, door entry sills with AMG lettering and a sports pedal cluster – both in brushed stainless steel.

The feature-rich Exclusive Package is fitted as standard as standard equipment to the E 63 AMG, Normally optional on all V6- and V8-powered models from the E-Class range, it comprises the following elements:

Soft nappa leather upholstery fitted to the seats, upper section of the dashboard, waistlines, door and centre consoles, armrests and centre door panels
Roof lining, pillars and sun visors upholstered in Alcantara
AMG floor mats in black with AMG lettering
Even more individuality with tailor-made AMG extras

Customers requiring even more sporty individuality are catered for by the AMG Performance Studio: the E 63 AMG can, for instance, be dynamically enhanced even further ex-factory, with the Performance package. This package includes the following group of items:

AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension with a stiffer set-up
AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design (when specified, Lane Keeping Package including Blind-spot Assist is deleted; also not available with DISTRONIC PLUS)

Optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio are also individually available ex-factory. They include:

Brake callipers, painted red
AMG Exterior Carbon package
AMG interior carbon trim elements
Illuminated AMG door entry sills
Active and passive safety at a new level

The flagship AMG model in the E-Class traditionally meets the very highest expectations with respect to active and passive safety. Naturally this also applies to the new E 63 AMG: standard features include the new drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the unique anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, BAS PLUS, eleven airbags and crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints.

Safety features are brought to a level unprecedented in this vehicle class with the Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist systems as well as the Intelligent Light System. Optional extras include Night View Assist and the DISTRONIC PLUS autonomous cruise control featuring Brake Assist System (BAS PLUS) and PRE-SAFE® Brake with an automatic emergency braking function.

Australian customer deliveries of the new E 63 AMG are now underway and if you’ve got $234,900 plus dealer delivery and on-road costs one of these hot machines could be yours.

While many open-top tourers are great in summer they tend to spend the winter in the garage but the E-Class Cabriolet is designed to keep passengers warm in winter with the top down.

New features include:
The AIRCAP® automatic draught-stop: always on board and easily controllable at the push of a button, it reduces turbulence substantially for all four seat occupants.
The modified AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system and
The acoustic soft top fitted as standard

The soft top can be opened and closed fully automatically within 20 seconds – even when driving at speeds of up to 40 km/h.

The cabriolet roof is stowed in a special compartment behind the rear panel. A retractable cover separates the soft top compartment from the boot area; it must be closed in order to close the soft top.

If the roof is to remain closed, the cover can be slid rearwards, in which case the boot capacity is increased by 90 litres to 390 litres. A through-loading feature is included as standard for the new Cabriolet, as is EASY-ENTRY – a manually operated entry and exit aid for the rear passengers.

Engines
The powerplants for the new E-Class Cabriolet are equally innovative: the new direct-injection diesel and petrol models combine efficiency with what Mercedes describes as “superior power delivery”.

The low fuel consumption Mercedes claims for the E-Class Cabriolet is not only been achieved because of the new engines, but also with a number of practical measures.

These include on-demand activation of the steering and fuel pumps, the use of tyres with low rolling resistance and an alternator control system which takes account of the current driving situation and the
vehicle’s electrical power requirements, plus the crucial factor of outstanding aerodynamics.

An overview of the engines:
E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet: 125 kW (170 hp)
E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet: 150 kW (204 hp)
E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet: 170 kW (231 hp)
E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet: 135 kW (184 hp)
E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet: 150 kW (204 hp)
E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet: 215 kW (292 hp)
E 500 Cabriolet: 285 kW (388 hp)

Less turbulence: AIRCAP® is a world-first

In 1989, Mercedes-Benz introduced a world premiere in the shape of a draught-stop for the SL model series, followed in 2004 by the AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system to further enhance comfort in open-top models.

Now Mercedes introduces another world-first: the AIRCAP® automatic draught-stop, which can be activated at the push of a button.

It reduces turbulence in the interior of the new Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet, creating a sea of warm air. It is also much easier to implement and use than conventional draught-stops: there is no tricky installation, the two individual rear seats remain free and the Cabriolet’s flowing side lines remain uninterrupted.

AIRCAP® consists of two components: a wind deflector that can be extended by around six centimetres with a net in the windscreen frame and a draught-stop between the rear seats.

Quiet Interior
An acoustic soft top, fitted as standard gives the E-Class Cabriolet has one of the quietest interiors in the segment for four-seater premium cabriolets with a fabric roof. Mercedes claims that the soft top’s high-quality insulation brings about a clearly noticeable reduction in the interior noise level compared to conventional fabric soft tops. Exterior noise caused by other vehicles and wind noise are therefore absorbed more effectively.

The soft top is of course waterproof and windproof and it can be put through an automatic carwash without any problems. With a total thickness of 23.5 mm, the fabric soft top offers excellent thermal insulation, meaning that the E-Class Cabriolet is also ideal for use in winter.

Safety
The new Cabriolet offers a number of safety innovations one would expect from a Mercedes model. including roll-over protection, the A-pillars reinforced by two additional tubes and the plug-in B-pillars. This new model is also the first Mercedes cabriolet to feature headbags.

The roll-over protection consists of two barswith a diameter of 35 mm that are housed in the rear head restraints in modules behind the rear seat backrests.

A tilting cone sensor detects imminent danger to the occupants based on extreme skidding movements or acceleration caused by impact. If this sensor then sends a corresponding signal, pre-tensioned pressure springs are activated.

Once activated both roll-over bars in the rear head restraints are extended. They reach their highest point and are locked automatically within a fraction of a second. In combination with the robust A-pillars, each of which is reinforced with two high-strength steel tubes, the steel bars provide highly effective roll-over protection.

The plug-in B-pillars engage in the side skirts, thus offering highly effective protection in the event of a crash. A shoe made from ultra-high-strength steel braces the inside of the B-pillar against the rear seat crossmember.

With seven airbags fitted as standard, belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all seats, as well as the crash-responsive head restraints for the driver and front passenger, the new E-Class Cabriolet offers an extensive range of safety equipment.

The airbags, which can deploy in milliseconds include front airbags and sidebags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag on the driver’s side, and headbags.

The headbags are housed in the door panelling in the beltline area and cover a wide area – around 0.7 x 0.5 metres with a volume of 17 litres when deployed – the airbags provide extremely effective protection. Rear sidebags are available as an option.

Other safety equipment available for the E-Class Cabriolet includes ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection, PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection, the sophisticated Intelligent Light System, the Active Bonnet and DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control.

The Chairman of BMW AG is reported as saying that this small group of cars will allow BMW to gain knowledge and experience in the production of eletrically powered vehicles.

It’s believed that 490 of the electric Minis will be shipped to California where they will be leased to selected customers.

If the report is correct then BMW has joined other European manufacturers including Volkswagen, Daimler, Peugeot and Renault in taking the first tentative steps towards building a vehicle that produces zero emissions.

The smart fortwo is manufactured by the Mercedes Car Group. This technologically advanced vehicle has been designed to achieve 40-plus mpg under normal driving conditions. The vehicle is 2.64 metres long, 1.55 metres tall and 1.55 metres wide and comes equipped with many standard functional and safety features such as electronic stability program, anti-lock brakes and four air bags.

smart is currently sold in 36 countries, and over 800,000 smart fortwos have been sold since 1998.

The smart fortwo will be available in three trim levels. The entry-level pure coupe will start at $US11,590 with standard features such as a 5-speed transmission that allows drivers to switch between automatic and manual driving modes with the push of a button, central remote locking system, 2-spoke leather steering wheel, and a radio-ready console.

The passion coupe, starting at $US13,590 includes a panorama roof, alloy wheels, air conditioning with climate control, 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with gear shift paddles, power windows, electric and heated side mirrors, and an AM/FM radio with CD player, all standard.

Those seeking top-down excitement can choose the passion cabriolet, starting at $16,590 featuring a fully automatic soft top that can be easily adjusted with a push of a button, and in addition to the standard equipment of the passion coupe, a premium sound system with an in-dash mp3 compatible 6-CD changer. The value-priced cabrioletlet model is believed to debut as the lowest priced convertible offered in the United States.

All models are equipped with a 1-liter, 3-cylinder, 71-horsepower engine.

Now I can see that a car like the smart fortwo would be popular in Europe but how many do you think they’re going to sell in the US market were BIG is still considered beautiful?

Consumer Reports is a US based expert, indepenent, non profit organisation not unlike our Australian Consumers Association so when they do their annual report on the best and worst cars it’s well worth a look … unless you happen to be Mercedes Benz.

If you happen to be Mercedes Benz then the 2007 report5 does not make for good reading or good public relations. Almost every current Mercedes Benz model appeared in the list of the ‘least reliable’ used cars. The SL, SLK, CLK, CLS along with the E, R and M class models all made an appearance in the list.

Other manufacturers didn’t do much better. Five vehicles made it to the ‘most disappointing’ list and four of them were from Chrysler. Of interest to us here in Australia both the Sebring and the Caliber were included in that list.

You can read more about the report here

The new-generation E-Class once again sets the benchmark first and foremost through its outstanding safety features. The standard equipment includes the anticipatory PRE-SAFE(R) system whose “reflexes” respond before an impending collision by activating protective measures for the driver and front passenger. What’s more, the safest car in its class takes agility and driving pleasure to new heights.

This comes courtesy of the DIRECT CONTROL package, with more direct steering and a retuned suspension, and six new or enhanced engines which develop up to 26 per cent more output and 18 per cent more torque whilst maintaining the same excellent levels of fuel economy. Tying in with the E-Class premiere, the new-generation SL is also making its US debut at the New York show.

“The new generations of the E- and SL-Class make it clear that Mercedes-Benz offers its customers attractive vehicles featuring state-of-the-art technology,” explained Dr. Klaus Maier, Board of Management member with responsibility for Marketing and Sales, at the Mercedes-Benz Press Conference. “Both new models,” Maier continued, “reinforce Mercedes-Benz’ claim to building the best cars in the world. The most recent example of this is the new-generation E-Class, the cleanest, safest and most powerful E-Class of all time.”

For over 60 years the E-Class and its predecessors have been the “heart” of Mercedes-Benz, representing basic brand values like safety, comfort, innovation, economy and quality. Since 1946 Mercedes-Benz has delivered some ten million luxury saloons to customers. In June 2006 the E-Class will be unveiled with an even more dynamic concept, additional pioneering innovations and an upgraded standard specification. 29 model variants will be available — 16 Saloons and 13 Estates.

As such, Mercedes-Benz will be offering the largest, most varied model range in this market segment. With outputs ranging from 100 kW/136 hp to 378 kW/514 hp, the new-generation E-Class outpaces the previous model range (90 kW/122 hp to 350 kW/476 hp) and its competitors in all displacement and output classes. A revamped front-end design reflects the power, poise and assurance of the new model range.