Next year, Mercedes-Benz will start rolling out its second generation of compact vehicles, signaled by the introduction of the all new A-Class, the fourth generation since the birth of the model in 1997 and the second iteration in the hatchback form. As a preview, Mercedes-Benz has recently organized a TecDay event in Stuttgart, where select journalists and clients were able to discover the revolutionary interior concept of the forthcoming W 177 model series. Futuristic materials, trims and colour combinations are all new and designed to appeal to a below-30 target group of clients.

The next Mercedes-Benz A-Class will go all digital with its newly designed interior. The dashboard will be a complete departure from today's model and a true revolution in the premium compact class. For the first time in history, the A-Class will be offered with an all-digital instrument cluster and a wide display for the COMAND Online infotainment system, which is to be upgraded to the NTG 6.0 version. Both LED screens benefit from a diagonal of 10.25 inches. The minimalist and clean cues of the organic dashboard are also translated into the absence of a cowl above the widescreen cockpit.

Further exclusive elements are the options that are transferred from the high-end S-Class model: the new generation of steering wheels with improved operation and Touch Control buttons, the massage function for the seats and the ambient lighting in up to 64 colours and tones. The turbine-looking, illuminated air vents are also another feature that comes from another range-topping model - the new CLS (C 257). Last, but not least, the control and operation concept is rounded with the introduction of the large, controller-less touchpad, which promises an intuitive and sharp experience through natural swipe movements.

To find out more technical details about the interior of the new A-Class, set for official premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 2018, you can read the following press release from Mercedes-Benz. Enjoy!

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

The interior design of the new A-Class

The interior of the A-Class is a completely new departure, and revolutionises the compact class from the inside with a new feeling of spaciousness. The unique architecture is particularly marked by the avantgarde design of the dashboard. There is much a more generous amount of interior space.

In the coming year, the new A-Class as a harbinger of the new compact car generation will replace a bestseller that has decisively contributed to a more youthful brand image for Mercedes-Benz: the average age of European drivers of this most progressive compact class model is now 13 years lower than for the preceding series. And now the revolution is set to continue: the coming A‑Class completely redefines Modern Luxury in the interior. At the same time it has considerably more utility value, making it as youthful as ever but as grown-up as never before.

"The new A-Class embodies the next stage in our design philosophy of sensual purity, and has the potential to usher in a new design era," says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG. "The interior presents modern luxury at a level previously unattainable in this class, and transports the user interface into the digital age."

The interior architecture and the control & display systems of the new A-Class are a USP in this segment. The dashboard is divided into two three-dimensional, horizontal sections: the lower section is visually separated from the main body of the dashboard by a "trench", and it appears to float in front of the dashboard. The optional ambience lighting enhances this effect, accentuating the free-floating impression of the substructure.

The standard widescreen cockpit is completely free-standing, and for the first time there are absolutely no cowls above the instruments. The sporty air vents in a turbine-look are another highlight.

The A-Class also takes its lead from the luxury Mercedes-Benz models where many other details are concerned. The multifunctional steering wheel comes from the S-Class, for example. The front seats likewise have comfort features available from higher segments, including seat climate control, massage function and multicontour seat. The trim elements are in a "wrap-around" design, and the choice of materials (e.g. open-pore wood) underscores the progressive, high-quality positioning.

The interior has a greatly enhanced feeling of spaciousness, better all-round visibility and more space. Utility value is increased by more shoulder-room (front +9 mm, rear +22 mm), elbow-room (front +35 mm, rear +36 mm) and headroom (front +7 mm, rear +8 mm). Easier access to the rear seats is another plus point of the new A-Class. The luggage compartment behind the rear seats is more suitable for family and recreational use, and has a capacity of 370 litres – 29 litres more than the preceding model. Thanks to two-section rear lights, the loading aperture is 20 cm wider than before, and the luggage compartment floor is 11.5 cm longer. If required the rear seat backrest can be positioned more upright, e.g. to accommodate bulky boxes. All-round visibility has also been considerably improved: by around ten percent.

Interior and seats: Interior revolution

The interior of the A-Class is a completely new departure, and revolutionises the compact class from the inside with a new feeling of spaciousness. The unique architecture is particularly marked by the avantgarde design of the dashboard. For the first time a cowl above the cockpit has been completely dispensed with. As a result, the wing-shaped main body of the dashboard extends from one front door to the other with no visual discontinuity. The standard widescreen cockpit is completely free-standing. The sporty air vents in a turbine-look are another highlight. The front seats have comfort features available from higher segments, including seat climate control, massage function and multicontour seat.

The interior architecture and the control & display systems of the new A-Class are a USP in this segment. The dashboard is divided into two three-dimensional, horizontal sections: the lower section is visually separated from the main body of the dashboard by a "trench", and it appears to float in front of the dashboard. The optional ambience lighting enhances this effect, accentuating the free-floating impression of the substructure.

The lower section of the dashboard provides the basis for the turbine-look air vents and the completely free-standing widescreen display. This is available in three versions: with two 7-inch (17.78 cm), one 7 and one 10.25-inch (26 cm) or with two 10.25-inch displays. For the latter two variants Mercedes-Benz uses bonded glass technology. Integration of the air conditioning display into the central screen also considerably helps to maintain the clear line of the cockpit. The air conditioning is controlled by the horizontal rocker switches of the A/C operating unit or via the corresponding on-screen menu.

Thanks to the omission of a cockpit cowl, the main body of the dashboard with its trim extends from one front door to the other behind the seemingly free-floating widescreen. The trim elements are in a "wrap-around" design, and the choice of materials (e.g. open-pore wood) underlines the progressive, modern positioning as the top interior in this class.

The five round air vents have a new turbine look inspired by the world of aviation. Finely designed air vanes in a concentric arrangement create the impression of a jet aircraft turbine. In one equipment line the vent surround is colour-accentuated at the depth of the vent geometry, giving the impression of an afterburner. The air vents in the middle are driver-oriented, accentuating the sportiness of the interior.

The door centre panel transitions seamlessly into the armrest, underlining the sensual, flowing design principle. The newly designed 3‑spoke steering wheel, door handles, centre console and seats follow a modern design idiom. The ring-shaped, completely closed grab/door-pull handle is of unusual design and particularly ergonomic.

Ambience lighting: avantgarde light pattern

From 12 to 64 – with the generation change, five times as many colours are available for the ambience lighting of the new A‑Class. And it is not just the variety that has increased, as the emotive presentation also sets standards in this segment: the different colours are composed into ten colour worlds allow an avantgarde lighting display with spectacular colour changes.

The colour worlds can be matched to the different styles of the widescreen display if required, creating a harmonious overall impression. There are also lighting effects that customers can activate individually.

The avantgarde ambience lighting was already taken into consideration in an early development phase, and systematically integrated into the interior design. This is apparent e.g. in the area where the upper and lower sections of the dashboard come together. Thanks to a combination of indirect and direct lighting, a very special ambience is created here which might be compared to the night-time illumination of a historic building. The interior of the turbine-like air vents with galvanised surfaces is likewise emotively presented by the ambience lighting.
The interior lighting uses only long-lasting, energy-saving LED technology.

Seats: comfort features from higher vehicle classes

When developing the seats for the A-Class, Mercedes-Benz used computer-based comfort simulation for the first time in the compact segment. Before the first real seat is actually available, this allows reliable prognoses to be made about the future comfort impression of the seating system solely on the basis of CAD data.

At the same time, comfort features from higher vehicle segments made an appearance: on request, and for the first time in this model series, not only seat heating but also seat climate control and a Multicontour Seat package are available for the front seats. With the seat climate control, there is a radial fan in each seat cushion. The air taken in through the perforated seat cover flows through the seat structure and is vented downwards and to the rear. This surrounds the occupants with a pleasant flow of air. Even when the interior has been strongly heated up in hot weather, the seat climate control rapidly cools the seat surfaces by taking in cooler ambient air. The ventilation level is adjustable in three stages.

With the Multicontour Seat package, the side bolsters and lumbar support can be individually adjusted by an electrically driven pneumatic pump. A massage effect in the lumbar area is provided by air chambers which are inflated and deflated in a pulsing or wave-like motion when the function is activated.

A total of three different front seats are available for the new A-Class: in addition to the basic model there is the comfort seat with up to 20 adjustments and the sporty integral seat available in combination with equipment lines.

The rear seats have a 60/40 split as standard, and the backrests can be folded down accordingly. A rear seat backrest with a 40/20/40 split is also available for even more variability in conjunction with the lines. In combination with the Load Compartment package (optional), the rear seat backrest can be positioned more upright, e.g. to accommodate bulky boxes.

Short interview: "Major step towards the avantgarde"

Three questions for Hartmut Sinkwitz, Head of Interior Design. The 51 year-old studied industrial design and joined Mercedes-Benz in 1995.

Mr Sinkwitz, with its very progressive exterior design, the previous generation of the A-Class decisively contributed to making the Mercedes-Benz brand more youthful. Is the radically new interior design of the new A-Class now intended to create a corresponding "wow" effect amongst the young target group?
Sinkwitz: Well, you haven't seen the exterior design yet (laughs), and here too, we are immediately conveying sportiness and modernity with a puristic, surface-accentuated design with reduced lines and joints. But you are right: The interior of the new A-Class is a major step towards the avantgarde, and unique especially with respect to the open space architecture and the ultra-modern display and control concept. It lends a new quality to the term "modern luxury" in the compact segment, and is an inner revolution.

The dashboard layout is a special feature of the cockpit…
Sinkwitz: …yes, that's correct. Thanks to the visual separation of the lower section from the main body of the dashboard, the former appears to float in front of the dashboard. At the same time, the A-Class is the first series-production model to dispense completely with a classic cockpit shroud. This literally places the large widescreen cockpit with its bonded glass technology in the forefront. Moreover, there is no longer a display in the A/C control panel, as the visual representation is exclusively via the central display. This helped us to realise our clean, puristic and reduced design approach.

What is your personal highlight in the interior?
Sinkwitz: In view of the wealth of inspired design solutions, that is not so easy to say. But I am proud of the ambience lighting, a unique feature in this segment, which creates a very special lighting mood with its variety of colours, colour worlds and a combination of direct and indirect lighting. This only became possible to this extent because we considered the interior lighting before even putting pen to paper.

Luggage compartment and all-round visibility: Fully grown-up

Even though Mercedes-Benz has retained a sporty look for the new A-Class, the utility value has increased: more shoulder, elbow and headroom plus easier access to the rear are clear benefits, as is the larger and more family and recreation-friendly luggage compartment. All-round visibility has also been considerably improved. This enhances both safety and the impression of spaciousness.

The capacity of the luggage compartment behind the rear seats is 370 litres – 29 litres more than in the preceding model. Thanks to two-section rear lights, the loading aperture is 20 cm wider than before, and the luggage compartment floor is 11.5 cm longer. But the progress is not only obvious on paper: the developers of the new A-Class attached particular importance to utility and loading convenience, and virtually tested the luggage compartment with an extensive shopping basket during an early conceptual phase.

The list of shopping basket contents covered over 70 different items. Loading was simulated using the CAD data of the vehicle and items, and where necessary the design of the luggage compartment was fine-tuned. The result is that not only can a pushchair be accommodated in the boot of the A-Class, but also a bicycle if its wheels are separately stowed. Two additional crates of drinks can be stowed compared with the preceding model. A golf bag can also be carried, or two if the luggage cover is removed. If required, the rear seat backrest can be positioned more upright, e.g. to accommodate bulky boxes.

The stowage concept is equally practical: the oddments tray in the centre console ahead of the shift or DCT lever has been significantly enlarged to accommodate items such as a smartphone, wallet, keys or a garage door opener. A cup holder on the centre tunnel for mugs, cans and bottles up to 0.5 litres is a new standard feature. The cup holder insert is removable, making a further stowage space available. The owner's manual is smaller in size, and is accommodated in a separate flap in the glove compartment.

The stowage facilities in the door panels have significantly increased in size, however. 1.5-litre PET bottles or A4-sized magazines can now be stowed in the front door pockets. The rear door panels have bottle holders for 1-litre PET bottles. A new feature in all four door panels is the integrated accommodation of safety vests, which are therefore quickly to hand when needed.

Better all-round visibility for added safety and comfort

Much detailed effort has also gone into the improved all-round visibility. The risk of overlooking vehicles or pedestrians when turning off, changing lane or parking has been significantly reduced. All in all, the obscured area has been reduced by 10 percent compared to the preceding model. This was principally achieved by specifically slimming down the A, B and C-pillars and their claddings. Improved visibility is also assured by positioning the exterior mirrors on the door outer panel rather than in the mirror triangle.

A good view to the rear is ensured by the new rear window wiper. For a larger wiped area, the housing of the roof spoiler has an inner recess to create space for the longer wiper blade.

More space: increased comfort-related dimensions

Not only has the sense of spaciousness been improved, but the occupants also have significantly more width available, as the table shows:

Interesting aspects of the A-Class: Did you know that...

…the success story of the compact cars from Mercedes-Benz already began 20 years ago, with the launch of the first A-Class? More than 5,555,555 Mercedes-Benz compact cars have been delivered worldwide since March 1997 - of which three million alone were A-Class models.

…the introduction of the new A-Class in 2012 significantly contributed to a more youthful Mercedes-Benz brand image? In Europe the average age of drivers owning a new A-Class is more than 13 years less than for drivers of the preceding model series. In China one in three customers were under the age of 30 in 2016.

…the A-Class has a particularly high capture rate? In western Europe in 2016, 70 percent of A-Class drivers did not previously drive a Mercedes‑Benz.

…the compact car segment around the A-Class is being expanded further? At present the compact car family consists of 5 models: A-Class, B-Class, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake, GLA. There will be 8 models in the future. The Concept A Sedan show car provides an outlook on the next compact car generation, and the Concept EQA shows how the EQ family can be extended to the compact segment.

…in early 2012, disguised prototypes of the A-Class drove through Germany with a full covering of QR code decals rather than with the usual camouflage? During this "QR Trophy", car enthusiasts were able to scan the codes and win a trip to the world premiere of the A-Class at the Geneva Motor Show.

…the last A-Class generation has won numerous design awards? These include the "red dot Design Award 2013", the "Design Trophy 2013" (Auto Zeitung) and the "AUTO BILD Design Award 2012".

 …since summer 2016, car2go customers can also drive the Mercedes-Benz A-Class as well as smart models? car2go first expanded its fleet in Berlin with the compact model, followed by the Rhineland, Munich and Hamburg.

…the A-Class was voted the vehicle with the highest value retention in its class by "Focus Online" and "Bähr & Fess Forecast" in 2012? With the highest percentage value retention (55.5 percent) in its segment as a four-year old used car, the A-Class was a "2016 value retention champion".

...the last A-Class generation was the first Mercedes-Benz model to be available with comprehensive smartphone integration? From the beginning of 2016 the infotainment systems Apple® CarPlay® (for iPhone® owners) and MirrorLink® became available.








Credits: Daimler AG / Mercedes-Benz

Copyright © 2017, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

In December this year, we will witness the arrival of the updated Mercedes-Benz C-Class from the BR205 model series. From the limousine up to the cabriolet, standard or AMG, each variant will undergo a thorough refreshment procedure. The new premium mid-class models are expected to feature new, state-of-the-art technologies and a more crisp and attractive exterior and interior styling.

The new C-Class will get the MULTIBEAM LED technology from the E-Class (BR213), which means new headlamps with bolder inner design are in to make an outstanding presence. Most likely, each lighting device will be composed of 84 individually controllable LED units. The signature single LED strip above the main light projector will remain a characteristic identity element in the facelifted C-Class as well. The rear lights will also get new graphics and, probably, the star-dust effect premiered on the new E-Class.

Inside, there are several novelties worth mentioning. First of all, the brand new steering wheels with improved design and functionality come straight from the updated S-Class and feature the useful Touch Control buttons. As an option, the new C-Class will be available with an all new fully digital instrument cluster, harmoniously integrated into the dashboard layout. The most important addition will be the upgrade to a new generation COMAND Online, the NTG 6.0. The new infotainment platform, which has already been previewed on the GLC F-CELL pre-production model (N253), benefits from a wider, 16:9-format screen with a 10-inch diagonal and the new control concept centered around the new touchpad with no controller. It is expected that Mercedes-Benz will also keep the current high-end digital screen mated with the rotary controller and tocuhpad as an option, besides the new top-of-the-line COMAND Online NTG 6.0.

For the first time in years, the new C-Class will receive a complete array of new engines in both I4 and I6 architecture, petrol and diesel running. The new C 220 d, equipped with the OM654 unit, will start at 195 hp and be followed by the C 300 d with 231 hp from the same engine. The new C 350 will be powered by the M264 powerplant and offer 299 hp + 12 hp from the ISG unit (EQ Boost). Customers will also have the choice of a new C 350 d with 286 hp and C 400 d with 340 hp, both equipped with the OM656 I6 diesel unit. Last, but not least, the range-topping C 400 model will be fitted with a brand new I6 petrol engine developing 367 hp. The current Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC might also get a power upgrade to around 400 hp, but we shall see if it gets the new M256 I6 gasoline unit or stays committeed to the current V6 powerplant.


Copyright © 2017, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Things are about to go dramatic when Mercedes-Benz finally takes the veils off its brand new CLS 4-door coupe in mid-December this year. Programmed for the official world premiere in January 2018 at NAIAS in Detroit, the C 257 generation of the CLS will be a frontrunner in many fields. Bearing the "S" letter in its title means the four-door coupe must be capable of impressing the S-Class audience with refinement and style while also keeping an accessible status and reducing the gap to the E-Class (W 213), which serves as a platform donor.

The decision to not rename the car into CLE came as a matter of customer perception and model renowness. Holding on to the famous CLS nameplate was always the safest choice and now, with the third generation, Mercedes-Benz is set to launch a daring, powerful contender into the exclusive market of luxury four-door coupes. After the C 218 model didn't live up to expectations, the new CLS (C 257) will have a challenging task.

The strategy which seems to have been applied, at least styling wise, is going back to the roots. Aesthetically, the car will be on a high with a very elegant and puristic silhouette. The new CLS will herald the advent of a new design philosophy for Mercedes-Benz, sort of a Sensual Purity 2.0. As latest spy photos can demonstrate, the upcoming CLS will have a bold and very neat design, with just the right amount of creases. The rakish roofline seems to hold a strong reminiscence to the first generation CLS (C 219) and the criticized Ponton crease is forever gone. The key visuals of the front end are the inverted Diamond grille and the slim headlights featuring the latest technology in lighting.

Talking about technology, the new CLS is alleged to receive the MULTIBEAM LED system found in the new S-Class, that features 256 independently controllable LED units per headlight. Moreso, the high beam could feature a powerful laser projector for the first time in a Mercedes-Benz. The taillights could receive OLED technology, as seen in the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet models (BR217).

The interior of the new CLS will be shared with the new E-Class Coupe (C 238), but it will feature some distinct characteristics, such as the revised door panels and the illuminated air vents (as in the Concept S-Class Coupe). You can also expect new and sensational colour combos as well as new, textured materials and trims. The Widescreen Cockpit is rumored to offer touch-sensitive capacity, although the new COMAND Online infotainment system will also be operated through the Touch Control buttons on the new steering wheel types (taken from the new S-Class models) and the new touchpad, which does away with the rotary controller. In order to make room for the Mercedes-AMG X 290 project and appeal to a broader client mass, the interior will offer 5 seats and not just 4 as in the case of the current model generation C 218.

The C 257 is based on the MRA platform that also underpins the E-Class family. Some fine tuning procedure have been applied to the suspension and road behaviour, in order to sharpen the dynamics of the new CLS and clearly set it apart from the E-Class.

The powertrain of the new CLS will come courtesy of a list of brand new petrol and diesel engines. The most important of them are the new OM656 inline-six (I6) diesel engines in the CLS 350 d and CLS 400 d, in two output stages: 286 hp and 340 hp. Another addition to the range will be the new CLS 350, powered by the M264 inline-four (I4) petrol which benefits from a 48-volt integrated starter alternator (ISG) to deliver up to 300 hp. Also expected to debut is the new CLS 400 equipped with M256 petrol straight-six (I6) powerplant, which produces 367 hp and an additional 21 hp from the electric motor. The range-topping CLS 500 model will be discontinued, but it will somehow be replaced by the all new Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC, which is about to pack the M256 engine in its 435 hp version plus the extra 21 hp from the ISG unit.

In the end, some pretty disturbing news for some. Due to the fact that Mercedes-AMG will launch its X 290 performance four-door coupe next year, the CLS 63 version will most likely be axed. Following sluggish sales and a poorly convincing public receival, it has already been confirmed that the current CLS Shooting Brake (X 218) will not be cherished with a successor.


Copyright © 2017, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

The new S-Class celebrates its world première with extensive innovations in a few days at the Auto Shanghai (19 to 28 April). Among the highlights is an all-new and highly efficient engine range with a series of new technologies for electrification of the powertrain. Intelligent Drive takes another step towards autonomous driving. And the undisputed leader in the premium segment with regard to comfort and wellness sets new standards in the interior. The market launch of the new S-Class starts in the European markets in July.

Several new engines are planned for the new S-Class: in-line six cylinders as diesel and petrol engines as well as a new V-8 biturbo petrol engine. In addition, Mercedes-Benz plans a plug-in hybrid with an electric range of about 50 kilometres. At the same time, ground-breaking technologies such as the 48‑volt Integrated Starter Alternator and the electric booster compressor) celebrate their world première.

The top-of-the-range model of Mercedes-Benz takes another big step towards autonomous driving and elevates Intelligent Drive to the next level. DISTRONIC Active Proximity Control and Active Steer Assist now provide even more comfortable support for the driver to keep a safe distance and steer. The speed is now adjusted automatically ahead of curves or junctions. MULTIBEAM LED headlamps and ULTRA RANGE High Beam turn night into day.

"The development of the new S-Class was extremely extensive. With a whole series of new features and functions the S-Class remains the technological pioneer", says Ola Källenius, responsible on the Board of Daimler AG for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

The flagship from Mercedes-Benz was the best-selling luxury saloon in the world in 2016. Since 2013, the company sold well over 300,000 saloons. Today there are six different S-Class body variants.

Intelligent Drive: the next step in driving assistance systems

The new S-Class takes another major step towards autonomous driving, elevating Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive to the next level. DISTRONIC Active Proximity Control and Active Steer Assist now provide even more comfortable support for the driver to keep a safe distance and steer. The speed is now adjusted automatically ahead of curves or junctions. This is complemented by a considerably improved Active Lane Change Assist and additional functions of the Active Emergency Stop Assist.

Thanks to enhanced camera and radar systems, the new S-Class has an even better view of the surrounding traffic: In addition, for the first time it makes use of map and navigation data to calculate driving behaviour.

This means that DISTRONIC Active Proximity Assist is able to assist the driver in many situations based on the route, and conveniently adjust the vehicle speed.

The "Assistance Graphics" menu of the instrument panel shows the driver at one glance which assistance functions have been selected and to what situations the systems are currently responding. Unmistakable icons provide the driver with information on the screen as well in the head-up display. All functions are now controlled from the steering wheel. The new Driving Assistance package includes but is not limited to the following functions:

- DISTRONIC Active Proximity Assist uses substantially more map and navigation data, can support the driver based on the route, and conveniently adjusts the vehicle speed.

- Active Steer Assist has been noticeably improved across its entire performance range, resulting in markedly enhanced customer benefits.

- Active Lane Change Assist has been considerably upgraded. Now tapping the indicator stalk is all it takes to initiate a lane change. This lane change is executed within the next ten seconds and indicated in the instrument cluster with the appropriate visual display, if the vehicle sensor system does not detect any vehicles in the relevant safety zone the driver might have missed.

- Active Emergency Stop Assist brakes the vehicle to a stop when Active Steer Assist is engaged and the system recognises that the driver is not intervening in the driving process on a sustained basis.

- Following vehicles in a tailback: In stop & go traffic on motorways and similar roads, stops of up to 30 seconds are now possible, during which time the S-Class starts moving again automatically and follows the traffic ahead (in conjunction Active Parking Assist).

- Traffic Sign Assist: Posted speed limits and any potential no-overtaking signs are displayed for the current section of the route through image recognition and information from the digital road map of the navigation system. The vehicle speed is compared with the speed limit. When the driver selects the appropriate settings, a visual/visual-audible warning signal is issued any time the speed limit is exceeded. No-entry restrictions are also recognised. Furthermore, the system warns of detected persons in the area of pedestrian crossings.

Depending on the respective applicable national road traffic regulations, Remote Parking Assist enables the driver to manoeuvre the vehicle into tight parking spaces or garages by smartphone, so as to facilitate getting in and out. The vehicle can be manoeuvred into parallel and end-on parking spaces in both forward and reverse directions. Manoeuvring out of end-on parking spaces is also possible, e.g. if the driver returns to their vehicle to find that it has been blocked in. In Explore mode, the vehicle can be manoeuvred forward and back for up to 15 metres and can avoid detected obstacles with small steering corrections in the process.




Credits: Daimler AG / Mercedes-Benz

Copyright © 2017, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

After more than a year of intensive on-road development, the all new generation E-Class Coupé under the C 238 model series is quickly nearing the completion of the final experimental phase (FEP). As we get closer to the moment of the unveiling, we learn that the new two-door executive vehicle Mercedes-Benz model could actually be revealed in less than a month, prior to the official premiere scheduled for the NAIAS Detroit in January 2017. This means that we are a few weeks or even days from seeing series production E-Class Coupé, as a teaser video with the C 238 is expected to be released on Wednesday, December 14.

To be positioned between the two-door C-Class and S-Class beauties, the new E-Class Coupé has been been developed on the sedan's MRA platform which allowed for a consistent increase in size. The new C 238 will be about 20 centimeters longer than the current C 207 model, while also being 100 kg lighter thanks to the extensive use of high-strength aluminium for the chassis and body. The looks of the car is a mix between the C-Class and S-Class, with clean surfacing and, for the first time, a muscularly accentuated character line to strengthen the side profile.

The front end has been grafted from the E-Class Limousine, while the tail area exhibits a sensual image with its horizontal rear lights (with the white projectors' line placed at the top) and the chrome line positioned right above the exhaust pipes. The side windows are frameless, and as in the case of the current, the tiny pillar that creates a third, fixed, small-sized window towards the back of the window line is a here-to-stay, standalone design feature of the E-Class Coupé.

The interior will feature the Widescreen Cockpit from the BR213 models and the "jet turbine" air vents from the Concept IAA. According to sources, there will be a host of new interior trims and upholsteries, both standard and design, to customize the inside of the E-Class Coupé. The new model will also debut a new controller-less, touchpad-based COMAND Online infotainment system, while also retaining the possibility to choose the stylish controller-touchpad combination that debuted on the new C-Class in 2014.

Engine-wise, the C 238 will be available with well-known engines, optimized for higher efficiency and lesser consumption figures, right from the start of sales. The new I6 petrol and diesel engines will be progressively added to the lineup from the end of 2017 and in 2018. The entry-level model will be the E 220 d Coupé powered by the sensational OM654 2.0-litre diesel engines that was first introduced on the new E-Class W 213. Mated to the 9G-TRONIC gearbox and offering the choice of 4MATIC, this variant will certainly be one of the sales drivers of the lineup given its impressive, proven eco-performance and dynamic punch it offers to driving addicted ones.

Next on the list will be the E 300 Coupé with 245 hp, whereas the top diesel version will, for the moment, be the E 350 d Coupé with 258 hp from the aging OM642 V6 3.0-litre engine. The E 400 4MATIC with 333 hp will also be available for clients to choose. After the new OM656 and M256 engines (read more details HERE) will be premiered on the new S-Class facelift (W 222) in March 2017, several other E-Class Coupé versions are expected, like a new E 350 d with 286 hp or an all new E 400 d with 313 hp.

V8-powered choices and E 63 Coupé models are also highly possible to be revealed in the next two years, even though recent rumors indicate the contrary. Next year, when Mercedes-AMG GmbH celebrates its 50th anniversary, the performance division of Mercedes-Benz will premiere the first AMG variant of the new E-Class Coupé, which is bound to receive a special title to mark this occasion: Mercedes-AMG E 50 4MATIC Coupé, which essentially is part of the AMG 43 portfolio. The E 50 will be powered by the M256 I6 petrol unit, which will deliver more than 408 hp of peak output.






Image Credits: Autobild

Copyright © 2016, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Coveted dream car of the 1960s meets star of the 2015 International Motor Show in Frankfurt: the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet is following in the tradition of the open-top S-Class (model series 111 and 112) from the period 1961 to 1971. Unmistakeable, exclusive design, fine materials with maximum high-class appeal in the interior and state-of-the-art technology in the S-Class characterise the concept behind both cabriolets.

"After 44 years we can again offer friends of our company an open variant of the S‑Class. The new S-Class Cabriolet symbolises our passion for individual and timelessly exclusive mobility, which we share with our customers", remarks Ola Källenius, Board Member of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales.

With the new S-Class Cabriolet Mercedes-Benz is setting itself the standard of building the most comfortable cabriolet in the world. When it comes to climate comfort the enhanced automatic wind protection system AIRCAP, the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, the heated armrests, the seat heating also in the rear plus the intelligent fully automatic climate control ensure that this is indeed the case.

The new S-Class Cabriolet is carrying the long and successful tradition of Mercedes-Benz luxury-segment cabriolets into the future. Even back in the 1920s the luxury cabriolets from Stuttgart combined the freedom of open-top motoring with the comfort and safety of a Mercedes-Benz Saloon. From the start of post-war production the top models from Mercedes-Benz were also available in the particularly exclusive variant as a cabriolet. These included the 170 S (W 136) from 1949, the 220 (W 187) from 1951 and the 300 S (W 188) from 1952.

After the "Ponton" cabriolets 220 S (W 180) and 220 SE (W 128) built from 1956 to 1960, in 1961 the 220 SE Cabriolet of the model series W 111 was launched, a particularly elegant, open-top four-seater, whose design is still considered timeless to this day. In this ten-year production period Mercedes-Benz offered five different models in these model series: the 220 SE, 250 SE, 300 SE (W 112), 280 SE and, as a late top model, the eight-cylinder 280 SE 3.5 – in total 7013 units of these five cabriolets were manufactured in Sindelfingen. For the time being there was no open-top luxury-segment car in the Mercedes-Benz model range to follow this generation: rather, it is the new SL from model series 107 which cultivated the tradition of open-top motoring in the Stuttgart brand's cars – as a two-seater.

The cabriolets from Mercedes-Benz are today amongst the most sought-after classic cars – and the prices have developed accordingly. Examples of this are the cabriolets from model series 111 whose values are cited by the renowned American Hagerty Insurance's price guide. In its estimation a 280 SE 3.5 from the final year of construction, 1971, in condition 2 today has a value of around 290,000 US$ - ten years ago the figure was some 115,000 US$. But that is by no means the pinnacle: for instance, a specimen of this model in excellent condition was auctioned last August by RM Auctions for 429,000 US$.

The last six-cylinder 280 SE model (1969) in the same condition is valued today by Hagerty at approx. 75,000 US$ - about 45,000 US$ ten years ago. Early 220 SE models are around the same level, with a current value of some 84,000 US$.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2015, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

I. Brazilian F1 Grand Prix 2013 Preview

The 2013 FIA Formula 1 World Championship draws to a close in Brazil this weekend. The season finale takes place at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, one of the oldest and most atmospheric venues on the calendar, and a track at which McLaren has enjoyed much success over the years.

The circuit is named after Jose Carlos Pace, who raced under the shorter name of Carlos Pace for Surtees and Brabham in the 1970s, winning his home grand prix in a Brabham in 1975. He was killed in a private aircraft accident in 1977, and had been a great friend of fellow Brazilian racer Emerson Fittipaldi, to whom Interlagos also means a huge amount: he won his home grand prix in 1973 (in a Lotus) and 1974 (in a McLaren). Emerson won McLaren’s first ever F1 world championship in 1974.

There have been several iterations of the circuit since it was built in the Sao Paolo precinct of Interlagos in 1940. The current anti-clockwise layout dates back to 1990 and, despite being resurfaced regularly, the marshy topography results in its being decidedly bumpy and therefore physically demanding for the drivers.

From a technical point of view, the circuit’s 800-metre altitude has a detrimental effect on car performance. Engines lose seven percent of their power compared with sea level, and aerodynamic addenda are less effective, which shortfall places even greater emphasis on mechanical grip.

As was the case at last weekend’s United States Grand Prix, where Jenson Button and Sergio Perez both finished in the points, Pirelli will take their Medium and Hard compounds to the race.

Jenson has good memories of racing in Brazil. He scored his first world championship point at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace in 2000; he clinched the world title at the track in ’09, and he scored his most recent victory there last year. Both he and Checo will be looking to end this season on a high.

Race distance - 71 laps (190.092 miles/305.909km)
Start time - 14:00 (local)/16:00 (GMT)
Circuit length - 2.677 miles/4.309km
2012 winner -  Jenson Button (McLaren MP4-27), 71 laps in 1hr45:22.656s (174.179km/h)
2012 pole - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4-27), 1m12.458s (214.088km/h)
Lap record - Juan Pablo Montoya (Williams FW26), 1m11.473s (217.038km/h)

McLaren at the Brazilian Grand Prix

- Wins: 12 (1974, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1993,1998, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2012)
- Poles: 11 (1974, 1976, 1977, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2012)
- Fastest laps: 9 (1973, 1977, 1984, 1985, 1990, 1998, 2005, 2010, 2012)

Car 5: Jenson Button
- Age: 33 (January 19 1980)
- GPs: 246
- Wins: 15
- Poles: 8
- FLs: 8

“Obviously, I have some extremely happy memories of racing in Brazil – it’s where I won my world championship, back in 2009, and it’s where I took my most recent grand prix win, last year for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.

“This year has been a tricky one, though, and it’ll be tough heading back to Sao Paulo knowing that the team hasn’t taken a victory since race day last year, but to be honest that only makes me more determined to end the season on a positive note

“Finally, Brazil will be my final race in Vodafone overalls. I’ve won eight grands prix in our title partner’s famous rocket-red colours, I’ve driven some of the best cars of my F1 career during my association with them, and I’ve done some incredible things with them too – like driving an F1 car around Mount Panorama, one of my lifelong ambitions. Vodafone has played such a major part in the success of our team over the last seven seasons, and, while I’ll be sad to see them leave, I’ll always be proud of the successes we enjoyed together.”

Car 6: Sergio Perez
- Age: 23 (January 26 1990)
- GPs: 55
- Wins: 0
- Poles: 0
- FLs: 2

“My final race for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will be the second successive race in the Americas, so it’ll be another weekend in front of my fans from Mexico and Latin America, and also another opportunity for me to show my abilities before the winter break.

“I love Interlagos because it’s such a racer’s circuit – you attack the whole lap. The first corner is a fantastic place for overtaking, and you can pretty much race side-by-side with someone all the way down into Turn Six, which is incredible. The infield section is tricky, because it has a range of elevations and cambers, but it’s a fantastic feeling when you get it right. Finally, Juncao is a tough little corner, because you’re often outbraking yourself on entry, simply because you want to maximise your speed through the corner in order to maintain speed along the long, top straight.

“Every lap is a challenge and, when you’re racing, an absolute thrill. I love it around here and I’ll be giving it everything to make sure I finish the season in style.”

Martin Whitmarsh
Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“There are few more satisfyingly challenging venues at which to conclude a long Formula 1 season than Interlagos, the home of Brazilian motorsport and one of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring racetracks in the world.

“The race will bring the curtain down on the sport’s current set of technical regulations, and will immediately send us busily into the winter as we start to prepare for a new era of turbocharging and energy recovery. It’s an exciting time for the sport – but also a nerve-wracking period for every team as we come to terms with a daunting array of new variables and permutations.

“For everyone in the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, the Brazilian Grand Prix marks the end of another era – it will be the last grand prix of Vodafone’s title partnership with us. Vodafone will step away from that title partnership after having spent seven fantastic seasons with us – during which time we won one world championship and 34 grands prix together, and also took 30 pole positions and 24 fastest laps.

“We also take home a lot of wonderful shared memories, some of which we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. Speaking for myself, I’ll certainly never forget the emotional rollercoaster that I found myself on, sitting on the pitwall here at Interlagos, five years ago, as we won the world championship on the very last corner of the very last lap of the very last race.

“Thank you, Vodafone. Power to you!”

A #mclaren50 memory
Brazilian Grand Prix, March 24 1991

After winning the season-opener at Phoenix, Ayrton Senna arrives In Brazil hungry for more success. He’s never won on home turf, despite starting from pole position four times in the last seven years.

Once again he sets the pace in qualifying. In the dying moments of the session he completes a blistering lap in front of his adoring fans that’s 0.3s faster than Riccardo Patrese and more than 1s ahead of his McLaren team-mate Gerhard Berger.

But the race turns out to be anything but easy for Ayrton. He leads into Turn One, but Nigel Mansell takes up the chase ahead of Patrese. After 20 laps the gap between Ayrton and Mansell is just 0.7s, and just as the Williams driver looks set to challenge for the lead, he dives into the pits. A slow pitstop by the Williams team, which takes more than 14s, gives Ayrton some breathing space – and when Mansell is forced to make an unscheduled second stop due to a puncture, Ayrton switches his attentions to second-placed Patrese.

By this stage of the race, Ayrton has issues of his own because his gearbox is playing up. First he loses fourth gear, then third and fifth gears, and he’s forced to drive the latter stages of the race in sixth gear. To make matters worse, rain starts to fall with a couple of laps to go.

But Ayrton is faultless and he takes an emotional home win at the eighth time of asking. He crosses the line 2.9s ahead of Patrese, with Gerhard coming home third in the second McLaren.

II. Friday's Free Practice Report

JENSON BUTTON
- MP4-28A-02
- FP1: 1m25.391s (+0.606s), 17 laps, 4th
- FP2: 1m31.770s (+4.464s), 6 laps, 22nd

“It was very slippery out there today – we even had high-speed aquaplaning along the straights, which was unusual.

“Fortunately, we got a lot of miles under our belts in this morning’s session – we felt the conditions were consistent enough for us to conduct some running on the Intermediate tyre. We did a longer run on high fuel, and also did a single-lap run on lower fuel – on each occasion, the car seemed okay.

“The afternoon session was more about waiting for the weather to settle down enough for us to continue running on Inters. That would enable us to back-to-back our morning run in order to measure the changes we’d made between sessions. We got some useful information.

“In these conditions, it would’ve been nice to have more tyres to play with – the wet weather presents more of an opportunity for us, but it’s also more of a risk, so we’ll see how the rest of the weekend pans out. Typically, the forecast suggests that it will be unpredictable for the remainder of the weekend.”

SERGIO PEREZ
- MP4-28A-03
- FP1: 1m25.946s (+1.165s), 15 laps, 7th
- FP2: 1m30.748s (+3.442s), 8 laps, 17th

“It’s very difficult to know accurately how our car is performing – I didn’t do too many laps in either session, and those that I did were done in different conditions from our rivals.

“I’m not perfectly happy with the set-up – but, at least by doing some running, we have an understanding of what we can change for tomorrow. If the conditions stay the same for tomorrow, I think we’ll take a step forward.

“If the weather stays dry, we know where we’ll probably end up; but if it’s wet, we could have a stronger race. Our current forecast says it’ll be wet for qualifying, and that it’s 50:50 for the race.

“But you just never know in Sao Paulo…”

MARTIN WHITMARSH
Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“You can take nothing for granted at Interlagos and this place once again showed its capricious side by hurling the elements at us during both of today’s free practice sessions. It’s something we’ve come to expect – and even enjoy – from such a mighty racetrack.

“As such, while we were able to complete a useful number of laps – particularly during the lighter rain that fell this morning – we still don’t have a conclusive read on pace and performance ahead of Sunday’s race.

“Still, I’m sure our engineers were kept busy collecting data during both sessions, and we’ll put that information to good use tonight as we leave no stone unturned in our efforts to refine our cars’ set-up for qualifying tomorrow.”

III. Saturday's Qualifying Report

SERGIO PEREZ
- MP4-28A-03
- FP3: 18th, 1m32.731s (+4.840s), 4 laps
- Qualifying:
- Q1: 11th 1m26.741s (on Intermediates)
- Q2: 14th overall 1m28.269s (on Intermediates)
- Q3: -

“It’s hard to know for sure, but I think we made the correct decision to run in qualifying when we did, but the car wasn’t responding properly. I think perhaps we got the tyre pressures incorrect because I couldn’t find enough grip out there.

“My accident in Q2 looked bigger than it actually was – as soon as I lost the car, I went over the grass and hit the wall – but it was only a slight hit, and the car wasn’t too badly damaged.

“It’s a pity, but I was giving it my all. I knew it was my last opportunity to set a time; it was getting wetter, and I was pushing right to the limit, because I knew the car wasn’t responding well. I was trying my hardest, in other words.

“In similar conditions, I still think we can make up some positions tomorrow. I’m looking forward to the race – I hope we can end the season on a high.”

JENSON BUTTON
- MP4-28A-02
- FP3: 21st, No time, 1 lap
- Qualifying:
- Q1: 7th, 1m26.398s (on Intermediates)
- Q2: 15th, overall 1m28.308s (on Intermediates)
- Q3: -

“We sat out most of FP3 in order to save tyres, which felt like the right thing to do at the time, but in retrospect maybe it wasn’t the right call. After all, we hadn’t run in wet conditions on the Intermediate tyres before qualifying, so we weren’t prepared for the problems we then encountered. But hindsight is a wonderful thing.

“We were running a low-downforce configuration, which probably didn’t help either. We felt that set-up was working for us yesterday, when it wasn’t as wet, but it probably hurt us in getting pressure into the tyre.

“Still, we were good in Q1 – I ended up in P7 – but, when it rained harder in Q2, I couldn’t get enough temperature into the tyres.

“Hopefully, we can mix it up a bit tomorrow – although the weather on Sunday is supposed to be a bit drier. Hopefully, though, we’ll have some good racing, and we won’t spend too long behind the Safety Car!”

MARTIN WHITMARSH
Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“Obviously, to qualify 14th and 15th for the last grand prix of the year is very disappointing, even if what caught us out were the very unpredictable weather conditions

“In Q1, however, we were 7th and 11th – which, albeit not stellar, represented a more accurate reflection of our ambient pace relative to our opposition.

“In Q2, though, the timing of our runs wasn’t quite perfect, and as a result we struggled to switch the tyres on when we needed to. In wet-dry conditions such as those we faced today, the art is always in finding that sweet-spot moment in which to be on the track the optimal time, and you can’t always get it right.

“Having said all that, although the weather is forecast to be less rainy tomorrow than it’s been yesterday and today, it’s unlikely to be dry and sunny all afternoon. That being the case, there’s no doubt that both Jenson and Checo can make good progress from their poor grid positions when the five red lights go out on the startline gantry and the race begins.”









































~ Official photos and reports courtesy of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes ~

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.