Mercedes-Benz Vehicles, Concept Cars, and the Mercedes Lifestyle

Mercedes-Benz has been heavily focusing on branding and marketing to younger, hipper drivers. New commercials, new product placement in the summer blockbuster film “Sex and the City,” and even a new director of brand public relations are all focused on this new initiative. Although concept cars are never released “as is,” it seems that the F700, which debuted at last year’s Frankfurt Auto Show, carries a youthful appeal that is sure to draw in Mercedes’ new target market. Channel 4’s Tim Bowdler recently had the opportunity to test drive the futuristic new vehicle.

The F700 clearly seems designed to meet the needs of young professionals. The exterior is stunning, with flowing curves and futuristic aerodynamics seemingly thumbing their noses at automotive conventions.

Inside, the car again throws aside everything we thought we knew. The rear seats are separated, and the rear passenger seat can be turned 180 degrees to face backward. This allows a busy professional to use the rear seat as an office, complete with 20 inch LCD monitor and plenty of room to spread out papers and work on a computer. Additionally, rear seat passengers can converse without craning their necks.

The instrument panel points upward, with mirrors set at 45 degree angles reflecting the information back to the driver. This allows the dash be set further forward, closer to the road. In turn, this minimizes the effort required to switch attention from the road to the instrumentation.

On the road, the car uses a mild hybrid system to deliver an average 44 mpg, truly amazing fuel mileage for a car of this class. The ride is a dream, thanks to the new PreScan System. PreScan uses lasers to scan the road ahead. The information is then transmitted to the Active Body Control system, which provides dampers to virtually eliminate bumps due to road conditions. The ride is smooth and silky.

Of course, the F700 will likely never be released in its current form. However, like all concept cars, its technologies may eventually find their way into new Mercedes releases. The car exudes a youthful feel, and younger drivers may be the most likely to embrace such new technology as reverse-facing seats and skyward-pointing instrumentation.

You can discuss the F700 here, or at Popular Mechanics or the Super Auto Blog. If you have not already done so, we invite you to sign up for our newsletter as well, in order to stay informed on the latest Mercedes news.

A lot of hype has been going around about Mercedes’ new BlueTEC technology. BlueTEC is a unique and forward-thinking green technology that is available on several of Mercedes’ high-end vehicles. The system uses new clean-burning diesel fuel, carefully cleaning the exhaust to avoid smelly or dangerous emissions. The system represents a real technological breakthrough, and allows Mercedes to market the vehicle in states such as California that have extremely stringent emissions standards.

However, when the system was developed, we were not yet aware that the price of diesel fuel would outstrip even the recent soaring costs of gasoline. With diesel fuel now costing nearly $5 a gallon in many areas, consumers are understandably reluctant to take advantage of BlueTEC vehicles, particularly when they are regularly priced at $1000 more than non-diesel versions of the same vehicles.

Business Week recently ran an article that discussed this topic. Their conclusion was that diesel vehicles continue to offer a cost savings over gasoline cars, despite the higher price of diesel fuel. The reason is that diesel engines are more efficient than their gasoline counterparts. It is estimated that a BlueTEC vehicle is between 25% and 40% more efficient than a non-BlueTEC equivalent.

At current diesel prices, Mercedes owners should expect it to take two years to pay off the initial cost difference between a diesel and gasoline vehicle. After that, fuel cost savings should average approximately $500 per year.

Of course, if diesel prices continue to outpace gas prices, at some point the scales could tip. For now, however, a BlueTEC vehicle is not only environmentally friendly, but is also able to save money in fuel costs. If you would like to learn more about BlueTEC or any other Mercedes technology, we invite you to visit our convenient local dealership.

The new 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL Class is full of changes. These vehicles represent a return to the roots of the famous line. After several years at the top of the luxury market, the new SL Class is sleeker and sportier, more reminiscent of the Gullwing and other early SL designs that set a standard in the sports class. The SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG are the finest examples of the redesign, clocking a brain-numbing 518 horsepower V8 and 604 horsepower V12 respectively. Nonetheless, if you are looking for the pinnacle of the 2009 SL Class, you need look no further than the Limited Edition SL 63 AMG IWC.

It is all about the precision engineering in these vehicles, of which only 200 units will ever be built. The AMG package is standard, but the new Kashmir white color and exclusive interior package are not.

Look for the finest nappa leather in Tobago Brown, effortlessly coordinated with the black AMG floor mats, which are trimmed in the same color. You will find multi-contour heated memory seats with AMG-specific perforations and the IWC logo on the center console.

The AMG performance package offers such enhanced features as Active Body Control, along with a smaller steering wheel and aluminum gearshift paddles in a striking silver finish. The light alloy 19 inch wheels make the car gleam in the sunlight.

Of course, a Limited Edition vehicle comes with a correspondingly higher price tag, although it does include a free watch. Nonetheless, if you are searching for the crème de la crème of the new SL Class redesign, a car that recalls that the power of grace of the legendary early SL Class, you cannot go wrong with the new SL 63 AMG IWC.

When you are searching for news and reviews on the latest Mercedes-Benz vehicles, you probably have a few favorite websites. I sincerely hope that this is one of them, but beyond this site, there is a whole world of car reviews from which to choose. One of my favorites has always been CNET. For the past two years, Kevin Massy has been there to tell it like it is, complimenting the good and calling the manufacturer out on the not so good of each vehicle. Unfortunately for car buyers everywhere, May 23 was Massy’s last day at CNET.

Massy’s final blog post was a retrospective of his time with the company and his favorite car-related memories from the job. Although he complimented numerous manufacturers and specific cars, Mercedes-Benz vehicles repeatedly showed up on the list.

Massy shared the story of his first experience with what he termed “technoluxury,” the use of technological enhancements to improve the luxury of a vehicle. His first experience took place on his test drive of the Mercedes S550. He had another on the job first in the Mercedes-Benz CL550, his first job-related speeding ticket.

There is no word yet on where Kevin Massy will blog next or on who his successor at CNET will be. Regardless of the changes that come along, both CNET and Kevin Massy have long been associated with objective and fair journalistic reviews, and it is certain that both will continue to be primary sources for new Mercedes information.

In the meantime, we hope that you will continue to look here first for news and information on upcoming new Mercedes-Benz vehicles. When you are ready to purchase, we invite you to stop by our convenient local dealership.

The new 2009 SL Class redesign has been a hot topic in recent months. In a blog earlier this week, I talked about the sporty nature of the new vehicles. The legendary SL Gullwing was one of Mercedes’ early entrants in the true supercar category, but in the past decades the SL has become more status symbol than sports car. The new redesign, however, appears to be a return to the line’s roots. The new vehicles are sleek, sporty and powerful, without losing the commitment to luxury and comfort for which the newer SL Class is known.

AMG vehicles represent the absolute best of their line, and the 2009 SL63 AMG is no exception. Automobile Magazine recently reviewed this classy and powerful vehicle. The team put the car through its paces in the beautiful but sometimes harsh terrain of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

The reviewers were not entirely happy with the exterior redesign, which features a new single-bar grille, L-shaped headlights and a new plastic rear diffuser. However, their misgivings quickly faded as they started the engine.

The new vehicle packs plenty of punch, with an AMG 6.2 liter V8 engine delivering a mind-numbing 518 horsepower. The seven-speed Multi-clutch Technology gearbox allows the driver to choose between four driving modes: S (sport), C (comfort), S+ (sport with attitude) and M (manual). Driver control is further enhanced by the suspension selection: C (compliant) or S (stiff) and the Electronic Stability Program choices: On, Off or Sport. The system allows each driver to save his or her favorite settings.

Overall, the review team found the 2009 SL63 AMG to be an excellent next step in the legendary SL line. If you would like to learn more about this or any of our other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, we invite you to visit our convenient local dealership.

The Mercedes-Benz S Class has long been the flagship of the Mercedes line. However, it is the SL Class, particularly the legendary 300SL Gullwing that truly made Mercedes the vehicle of choice for sports car enthusiasts. However, in recent decades the SL Class has significantly changed its focus. The vehicles have become a symbol of luxury rather than sportiness, the ultimate status symbol but not a serious competitor to the more exotic sports car offered by companies such as Ferrari and Lamborghini. The 2009 SL, however, may demonstrate a return to the line’s sporty roots. Motor Trend recently reviewed the newly redesigned vehicle.

The differences begin with the vehicle’s exterior. The soft curvature of the previous design has been replaced by a crisper and sleeker body shape. Yet the cars have been structured in a way that they blend the SL Class’s previous look with the updates of the rest of today’s Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

The power has been amped up in the new SL Class, particularly in the AMG versions that will arrive later this year, which pack 518 horsepower. Tweaks have been made to the suspension and handling features in order to accommodate the higher powered engines. The biggest news in handling is the SL’s new direct steer system, which is designed to provide steering assistance at all speed ranges.

The redesigned SL Class is packed with technological enhancements from the new five-level Intelligent Light System to the comfort of Mercedes’ Airscarf neck warming technology. Improved navigation and voice control are also featured.

If you would like to learn more about the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL Class, be sure to check out our new focus or stop by our convenient local dealership. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG has been drawing a lot of well-deserved attention. The C-Class is considered Mercedes’ entry-level vehicle. While the class has certainly exceeded expectations in every way, the decision to give an entry-level Mercedes the AMG treatment raised more than a few eyebrows. Nonetheless, the C63 AMG is a truly stunning vehicle that proves itself worthy of inclusion in the prestigious AMG line. The San Francisco Chronicle recently ran its review.

The Redesign
The Chronicle story largely focuses on the differences between the C63 AMG and the regular Mercedes C-Class. Indeed, there are quite a few differences. The C63 AMG has been stretched, featuring a longer wheelbase as well as a longer body overall. Both the 6.3 liter V8 engine and the SpeedShift Plus seven speed automatic transmission are pure AMG in design and build. In fact, each engine is hand built and bench tested by a single AMG expert in Germany.

From the aerodynamics of the redesigned body to the sporty look and feel of the interior, the C63 AMG has shown itself to be a legitimate contender in the exclusive AMG line.

The Unique
Not only is the C63 AMG unique among Mercedes C-Class vehicles, it is also unique among AMG vehicles. It is the first AMG to feature Mercedes’ new Electronic Stability Protection Sport option. ESP is an automatic system that assists with stability under extreme handling conditions. The C63 AMG’s version features three modes: On, Off and Sport. The Sport setting allows the driver to feel the road a bit more, while providing much of the system’s protection.

The Bottom Line
The C63 AMG is truly a class unto itself. In many ways, it can be viewed as an entry-level AMG, rather than simply an enhanced C-Class. If you would like to explore the new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, we invite you to drop by Mercedes – Fort Washington, PA, your Philadelphia Mercedes dealers, or your Mercedes dealer – Wilmington.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been considered one of the flagships of the Mercedes line, as well as the top selling luxury sedan in the world. An almost perfect marriage of style, elegance, power and performance, it is easy to see why the S-Class is at the top of its game. Auto123.com recently reviewed the new Mercedes-Benz S450. Here is a summary of some of the best of what that reviewer had to say.

Interior
The interior of the S-Class vehicles is sumptuous and luxurious. Plush leather seats, fun and functional indicators and wood accents make the ride pleasant and relaxed. The car is well-designed for speed, with top-notch shocks and minimal road/engine noise.

Performance
The vehicles are all about driver option and control, allowing each person to customize his or her experience. The adaptive transmission and suspension system can be easily set to any of several personal preferences. So whether you prefer a calm and quiet luxury ride or life on the edge in a top sports car, you will find that the S-Class can provide.

The S-Class vehicles are available in several engine sizes and power levels up to and including the mind boggling 612 horsepower 6.0 liter V12 of the S65 AMG. This ensures that even the most demanding sports car enthusiast will find what he or she wants.

Safety
Safety has long been a cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The S-Class features an array of both active and passive safety features. These come together automatically in Mercedes’ new PRE-SAFE system, which deploys in the seconds before a crash.

All wheel drive, braking assist and the Electronic Stability Program work together to help drivers avoid collisions in even the toughest driving conditions.

The Bottom Line
The S-Class truly sets the standard for 21st century vehicles. A nearly perfect blend of luxury, safety, performance and power, the S-Class provides something for everyone. To learn more about these or any other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, why not stop by our friendly local dealership?

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG has been eagerly awaited. Adding the AMG treatment to the popular C-Class has almost guaranteed a runaway success. Nonetheless, honest reviews are always a joy to read. Yesterday, we brought you some information from Business Week on the new vehicle’s styling and power. Today we will look at handling, safety and other important features.

Handling
Yesterday we detailed the C63 AMG’s impressive 6.3 liter V8 AMG engine. Controlling that engine is a powerful seven speed transmission with shift paddles and a regular shift lever. The transmission can be operated in three different modes according to driver preference: Comfort, Sport and Manual.

Both the front and rear suspensions have been completely reengineered for optimum performance. Precise steering, superior cornering and better road feel are just a few of the AMG’s advantages over the already finely-tuned C-Class vehicles.

Well ventilated large disc brakes provide superior stopping ability, even after several hard stops.

Safety
The C63 AMG retains the impeccable safety equipment of the traditional C-Class. Six airbags, antilock brakes and traction control are just a few of the standard features. In addition, the stability control is now customizable. Electronic Stability Protection can be switched on, for the most conservative vehicle control. Daredevils can switch the feature off, while those firmly in the middle can opt for ESP Sport. This provides a certain level of protection while allowing drivers to feel the road more than is possible with the system fully engaged.

Technology
As first glance, entering the cockpit of the C63 AMG is reminiscent of entering the cockpit of a jumbo jet, with a seemingly endless array of buttons and controls. Nonetheless, the controls are logical and take only a short time to become accustomed to.

The Bottom Line
The Business Week reviewer concluded that the C63 AMG is quite possibly the best overall vehicle in its class. Great attention to detail is present throughout, from the finely tuned engine to the real cup holders inside. If you would like to learn more about this amazing new vehicle, be sure to check out this month’s C63 AMG focus.

There has been a lot of advance buzz about the brand new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. The AMG treatment is a guarantee of upgraded luxury, power and style in any Mercedes and the addition of the AMG to the wildly popular Mercedes C-Class is almost certain to be a hit. Nonetheless, it is always great to read an honest review of any well-hyped vehicle release. Here is what Business Week had to say.

Style
Although the body is clearly modeled on the C-Class line, the AMG treatment has smoothed out the edges. Sleeker and more aerodynamic than the original, the new vehicle also features twin hood bulges and a deep chin spoiler that clearly communicate the car’s muscle and sports feel.

Inside, special sport seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a set of shift paddles alongside the wheel continue the sports car flair. Red-needled gauges, including one that is labeled “Race” and provides lap time, remind the driver that this no ordinary car.

Performance
The C63 AMG features the first fully AMG-developed engine, and it is clear that the designers had power on the brain. The 6.3 liter V8 delivers a breathtaking 451 horsepower and 443 pound feet of torque. The vehicle can rocket from 0 to 60 in only 4.3 seconds. The default top speed is 155 mph, but beginning in 2009 buyers will have the option of removing the limiter, resulting in a jaw dropping top speed of 186 mph.

We have just scratched the surface of what sets the C63 AMG apart from the competition. Tomorrow we will discuss the vehicle’s handling, safety and other important features. If you would like to know even more about the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, be sure to check out this month’s focus.