Mercedes-Benz » Australian Car Advice

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate spied

September 20th, 2008 4 Comments

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been spied at the Nurburgring yet again, however this time in a more sedate estate guise.

While it isn’t entirely possible to tell from these spy shots, the likely feature the AMG E63 Estate - judging by just how hard the driver is pushing it on the track.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG spied

September 17th, 2008 3 Comments

Our spy photographers have perched themselves on the edge of the Nürburgring this week, catching a brief glimpse of the new Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG during performance testing.

The standard E-Class isn’t due to make its official debut until the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, with the AMG derivative still over a year away.

Mercedes-Benz A- & B-Class pricing

September 5th, 2008 9 Comments

Mercedes-Benz has announced the official pricing and specifications for the next generation A- and B-class.

From Spring 2008, the completely upgraded models will arrive in showrooms nationwide with a host of new features, including Active Parking Assist and the new NTG 2.5 Telematics platform.

The new A-class range features both five and three-door models which it labels deceptively with Saloon and Coupe designations, boasting a completely new look designed to distinguish the new model from its controversial predecessor.

Likewise, the new B-class models sport an equally evolutionary styling enhancement, stemming from the new look bumper design which emphasises the large air intake at the bottom, as well as the modified bonnet.

Both the new-generation A- and B-Class boast an unprecedented level of the latest technology from Mercedes as part of the Metro package.

This package includes an Active Parking Assist system which identifies suitable parallel parking spaces on both sides of the road in passing through the use of side-mounted ultrasonic sensors.

Once the system recognises a suitable spot, and arrow appears on the dash to inform the driver which side of the road the spot is located.

When reverse is selected, after a prompt from the driver the system automatically takes over the steering and manoeuvres the car into the parking space, leaving the driver to simply operate the brake and accelerator accordingly.

Another major new technology making its A- and B-Class debut is the new NTG 2.5 Telematics platform which incorporates Audio 20 AM/FM radio with integrated CD player and MP3, WMA, AAC and Bluetooth hands free compatibility as standard.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Pricing and Specifications

Model	Power	Torque	Fuel Cons.	Price
B 180 CDI	80 kW	250 Nm	5.8L/100km	$46,200
B 200	100 kW	185 Nm	7.4L/100km	$46,200
B 200 Turbo	142 kW	280 Nm	8.1L/100km	$52,80

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Pricing and Specifications

Model	Power	Torque	Fuel Cons.	Price
A 170 Coupé	85 kW	155 Nm	6.9L/100km	$35,500
A 200 Coupé	100 kW	185 Nm	7.4L/100km	$45,900
A 200 Turbo Coupé	142 kW	280 Nm	8.1L/100km	$49,500
A 170 Saloon	85 kW	155 Nm	6.9L/100km	$37,900
A 180 CDI Saloon	80 kW	250 Nm	5.2L/100km	$39,900
A 200 Saloon	100 kW	185 Nm	7.4L/100km	$47,900

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2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupe spied

September 5th, 2008 8 Comments

As these latest spy shots reveal, Mercedes-Benz is hard at work on its next generation CLK.

Both the CLK saloon and convertible variants will be based on the new C-class platform but with a few added refinements to meet the expectations of the somewhat more ambitious coupé-drivers.

2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class specifications & pricing

September 1st, 2008 2 Comments

Mercedes-Benz has today announced pricing and specifications for the new M-Class luxury SUV. The mid-life update includes exterior and interior revisions, but with no significant changes to the model range.

For a car which, since 2005, has found over 300,000 willing owners, Mercedes has decided to keep much of the original DNA for this facelift. What has changed is the the front end of which is now defined by a redesigned bumper, re-contoured headlamps and a larger radiator.

From the rear, its a similar story with a new-look bumper with integrated reflector strips and smoked-glass tail lights.

Moving inside, the German powerhouse has fine-tuned the interior with new high-grade materials and a new two-tone colour scheme. Then, of course, there is the new four-spoke multifunction steering wheel.

The updated interior design is available in either black/cashmere beige or black/alpaca grey.

So, all that much has changed you say? Perhaps not to the naked eye, but Mercedes has upgraded the car’s Class standard specification as well.

The 2009 range will include the all-new, high-performance telematics system with UCI (Universal Communication Interface).

The range-topping, high-performance ML 63 AMG gets its share of unique updates as well with new front and rear aprons (with a chromed underguard) and a larger AMG radiator grille.

Also for the first time, M-Class buyers will not have the option of an externally mounted spare wheel carrier, in case the need to go off-roading ever arises.

The five updated models have gone on sale as of today.

Mercedes-Benz ML 280 CDI

Pricing for the ML 280 CDI moves to $81,000 (up $615 from $80,385). The new-generation 140 kW ML 280 CDI V6 gains three popular options as standard:

18 inch light alloy wheels, 5 spoke design
NTG 2.5 Audio 20 AM/FM radio with integrated 6-disc CD changer and mp3, wma and aac compatibility, 5 inch colour monitor and Bluetooth Hands Free Profile telephone connectivity
UCI media interface connection for AUX-IN, iPod integration and USB

Mercedes-Benz ML 350 Luxury and ML 320 CDI Luxury

The ML 350 Luxury pricing moves to $94,000 (up from $90,978), while the ML 320 CDI Luxury pricing moves to $97,000 (up from $94,156). The new-generation 200 kW ML 350 V6 and the 165 kW ML 320 CDI V6 gain the following options as standard:

New design 19 inch light alloy wheels, 5 spoke design
Electric front passenger seat with memory function
NTG 2.5 COMAND APS with incorporating DVD navigation, AM/FM radio, 6-disc DVD/CD changer, mp3, wma and aac file compatibility, SD card slot, 4GB HDD Music Register, 6.5 inch colour monitor, Bluetooth Hands Free Profile telephone connectivity, Convenience Telephone operation and LINGUATRONIC voice activation
UCI media interface connection for AUX-IN, iPod integration and USB
Reversing Camera
Upper dashboard trimmed in ARTICO man-made leather

Mercedes-Benz ML 500

The new-generation ML 500 is priced at $127,500 (up from the current $124,874). The new-generation version of this 285 kW V8 stunner gains the following additional equipment as standard:

20 inch light alloy wheels, 5 twin spoke design
Wood/leather steering wheel
Upper dashboard trimmed in ARTICO man-made leather
Glass electric sunroof with tilt/slide function
NTG 2.5 COMAND APS with incorporating DVD navigation, AM/FM radio, 6-disc DVD/CD changer, mp3, wma and aac file compatibility, SD card slot, 4GB HDD Music Register, 6.5 inch colour monitor, Bluetooth Hands Free Profile telephone connectivity, Convenience Telephone operation and LINGUATRONIC voice activation
UCI media interface connection for AUX-IN, iPod integration and USB

Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG

The stunner in the M-Class range, the ML 63 AMG, is powered by AMG’s own 6.3 litre V8 engine, producing 375 kW and 630 Newton metres of torque. Pricing for the flagship ML 63 AMG moves to $167,500, up just $255 from the current $167,245. The following options are now included as standard:

AMG 20 inch light alloy wheels, 5 spoke design
NTG 2.5 COMAND APS with incorporating DVD navigation, AM/FM radio, 6-disc DVD/CD changer, mp3, wma and aac file compatibility, SD card slot, 4GB HDD Music Register, 6.5 inch colour monitor, Bluetooth Hands Free Profile telephone connectivity, Convenience Telephone operation and LINGUATRONIC voice activation
UCI media interface connection for AUX-IN, iPod integration and USB
Upper dashboard trimmed in Nappa leather
Digital/analogue TV tuner

Model	Power	Torque	Fuel Cons.*	Price
ML 280 CDI	140 kW	440 Nm	9.6L/100km	$81,000
ML 350	200 kW	350 Nm	11.7L/100km	$94,000
ML 320 CDI	165 kW	510 Nm	9.6L/100km	$97,000
ML 500	285 kW	530 Nm	13.4L/100km	$127,500
ML 63 AMG	375 kW	630 Nm	16.5L/100km	$167,500

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Spied: 2009 Mercedez-Benz S-Class

August 27th, 2008 1 Comment

We have captured the best pictures yet of the facelift of the Mercedes S-class, due to hit the roads in late 2009.

Clearly visible are the new front skirt and fog lights, the differently sculpted bumper, the new mirrors with the more elegant side flashers.

Spied: Mercedes-Benz SLC Gullwing

August 22nd, 2008 2 Comments

It has been a year since the first “C197” was spotted testing in the States, at that time it was a cobbled together mule with several Viper parts bolted on. This time – with obvious gullwing doors – this would be considered an early or developmental prototype.

The “Mercedes Gullwing” has often been referred to as the SLC, but we’re expecting the production version to have a new name and quite possible be under the AMG brand.

AMG goes 360

August 22nd, 2008 4 Comments

Mercedez-Benz’s performance arm, AMG - which if you’re interested, stands for Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach, the first two words being the surnames of the founders: former Mercedes engineers Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, and the last word being a town called Großaspach, which is situated near Stuttgart - has come out with a new website.

AMG-360.com includes a host of videos, photos and specifications. Nothing special about that, but the videos are a little different from what you might expect. Each scene is viewable from all angles, moved around on the fly using the mouse (very cool).

Modern McLaren F1 rendered speculation

August 19th, 2008 6 Comments

For a while, the McLaren F1 was the fastest car money could buy, powered by a 500kW V12 good for a top speed of 362km/h.

With a revival of the icon confirmed to be in the works, renderings have surfaced on a Slovenian website apparently of the next-generation McLaren F1.

2008 Mercedes CLC-Class

August 12th, 2008 8 Comments

Mercedes yesterday launched the latest addition to its line-up - the CLC-Class. Naming it the Sports Coupe, Merc has declared it an entry level coupe in the three-pointed star’s local offerings.

In an insight into the demographic this car is aimed at, Mercedes say that this car satisfies the “discerning requirements of young drivers looking for an athletic car.”

Proudly boasting that there are greater than 1100 improvements over the last Sports Coupe we saw in Australia, Mercedes is pushing the economy barrow, with a claimed seven percent reduction in fuel consumption from its supercharged four-cylinder - combined cycle is 8.4-litres/100km for the automatic. But it also says that power is now up, to a healthy 135kW from the 1.8-litre engine.

There’s also a new direct-steer system, which it’s claimed offers more agile cornering. Curiously, though, an automatic transmission is standard. If it’s supposed to be more sporty, wouldn’t the no-cost option manual have been a better fit? Not according to the company, who has gone with paddle shifters on the steering wheel, to maintain the sporty character.

Three models will comprise the line-up - the C200K Kompressor, C200K Kompressor Evolution, and C200K Kompressor Evolution +. Prices are at the bottom of the page, along with a specification table, below, taken from the press release.

Cornering light system: This bi-xenon headlamp lighting function provides more safety at road junctions and driving slowly around tight bends.	Only in conjunction with bi-xenon headlamps
Adaptive front airbags: The front airbags are deployed in two stages depending on impact severity.	Standard
Bi-xenon headlamps: Gas-discharge lamps for main and low beam improve safety when driving at night.	Standard with EVOLUTION and EVOLUTION +
COMAND APS: Infotainment system incorporating DVD-based navigation, AM/FM radio, CD/DVD player and convenience telephone keypad	Optional
Direct-steer system: Based on the speed-sensitive power steering, a steering rack with a variable, sporty, dynamic ratio has been developed that provides a more direct response on bends and thus more agile handling.	Standard with EVOLUTION and EVOLUTION +
ESP®: This driver safety system can reduce the risk of skidding when cornering and alerts the driver to any loss of tyre pressure.	Standard
Headlamp Assist: A sensor on the windscreen detects low light conditions and automatically switches on the vehicle lights.	Standard
Belt-force limiter: This technology reduces the force exerted by the belt strap on the seat occupant during a crash.	Standard
Belt tensioner: Any slack in the seat belt strap is instantly taken up during a crash to reduce the forward movement of the occupants caused by the impact.	Standard
THERMATIC automatic climate control: This system controls two temperature zones and offers numerous adjustments for individual passenger comfort.	Standard
THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control system: This system provides two-zone climate control for the interior, and includes further functions such as diffused, draught-free ventilation, and combination filter with air quality sensor.	Fitted as standard to EVOLUTION + but optional on the other two variants
Multifunction steering wheel: The radio, telephone, navigation system, display and other devices can be operated from the steering wheel.	Standard
Paintwork: Nano-technology makes the paint finish more scratch-resistant and ensures a higher sheen.	Standard
LINGUATRONIC: The voice-operated control system operates the radio, CD player, CD changer, navigation system and telephone - using whole-word commands for the first time.	Optional and only available in conjunction with COMAND APS
Memory function: Three memory settings are stored for both the driver’s and the front passenger seat. The settings for the steering wheel and exterior mirrors are also stored.	Fitted as standard to EVOLUTION +
Panoramic sliding sunroof: A large glass surface extending from the front windscreen to the rear window. The front section slides to the rear at the touch of a button.	Fitted as standard to EVOLUTION + but optional on the other two variants
PARKTRONIC: Ultrasound sensors assist the driver when parking.	Standard
Sidebags: These airbags reduce the risk of injury during a collision from the side.	Standard
Sound system: A 12-speaker 320W multi-channel system with innovative digital technology allows all passengers to enjoy surround sound.	Optional
Sports suspension: Firmer spring and shock-absorber set‑up; the body is lowered by 15 millimetres at the front and 5 millimetres at the rear.	Standard
Windowbags: This large airbag extends from the A to the C‑pillar like a curtain during a collision from the side.	Standard

*selection

Key facts at a glance: the Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class Sports Coupé range

Model	Power	Torque	0-100km/h	Price*	Available
CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR	135 kW	250 Nm	8.6 seconds	$49,900	Now
CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR EVOLUTION	135 kW	250 Nm	8.6 seconds	$53,900	Now
CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR EVOLUTION +	135 kW	250 Nm	8.6 seconds	$58,988**	Now