Mercedes-Benz » Australian Car Advice

2009 Mercedes-Benz B-Class range

October 14th, 2008 10 Comments

Mercedes-Benz has introduced its new generation B-Class range into Australia featuring a raft of new additions focused on environmental compatibility, economic efficiency and comfort.

Along with significant detail improvements, the four-cylinder engines now use up to 7 percent less fuel and produce even lower emissions which undercut the current EU limits by as much as 90 percent.

Design enhancements and updated specifications further differentiate the B-Class from its A-Class sibling.

The interior has been upgraded with a new upholstery fabric and pattern, whilst the sport package adds side seat bolsters which are trimmed in ARTICO man-made leather and the centre panels in fabric.

Mercedes will continue to offer three models in its B-Class line-up with the B 180 CDI, the B 200, and the range-leading B 200 Turbo.

For the B 180 CDI, it features a four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine developing 80kW and 250Nm while fuel consumption remains at an impressively low 5.8 litres per 100kms.

A notable omission from the Australian line-up is the B 170 NGT (Natural Gas Technology) model, which has contributed to an Environmental Certificate awarded to the B-Class by Germany’s TÜV Technical Inspection Authority.

The B-Class sports tourer also holds the distinction of being awarded EuroNCAP’s highest safety rating of five stars.

The comprehensive list of safety features includes two-stage front airbags, belt tensioners for the front and outer rear seats, belt force limiters plus active head restraints in the front, ISOFIX child seat attachment points and head/thorax sidebags.

Since its crash test, Mercedes has also added crash-responsive emergency lighting in the passenger compartment which illuminates in the event of a collision to comfort passengers and assist the work of rescuers in the dark.

Along with ABS, Brake Assist and ESP, Mercedes engineers have also introduced a new active safety feature to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions.

Standard for the 2008 model year B-Class, it now incorporates a system which flashes the rear brake lights under emergency braking to gain the attention of other drivers, and also activates the hazard warning lights at speeds over 70km/h.

B-Class owners also have the option of an Active parking assist system which automatically steers the car into any parking space.

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class range

Model	Engine	Power	Torque	Transmission	Fuel Cons.	Price
B 180 CDI	2.0l, 4-cyl, diesel, turbo	80kW	250Nm	6-speed MAN	5.8l/100km	$46,200
B 200	2.0l, 4-cyl, petrol	100kW	185Nm	5-speed MAN	7.4l/100km	$46,200
B 200 Turbo	2.0l, 4-cyl, petrol, turbo	142kW	280Nm	CVT	8.1l/100km	$52,800

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2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class range

October 14th, 2008 3 Comments

Mercedes-Benz Australia has launched the new-generation M-Class 4MATIC SUV range featuring a new design, added performance and more power.

Standard equipment specification has also been upgraded, now including the high-performance telematics system developed by Mercedes-Benz.

The new model is defined by its redesigned front bumper, reshaped headlamps and larger air intake.

The new-look rear bumper integrates a reflector strip which emphasises the vehicle’s width while the tail lights boast a smoked-glass appearance.

Inside, the door panels are now trimmed in ARTICO man-made leather, with new two-tone leather appointments available as an option to enhance its luxury appeal.

The interior also incorporates a new four-spoke multifunction steering wheel with standard-fit shift paddles.

The front passenger seats feature a new sportier design with four-way lumbar support as standard equipment for the driver, also available as an option in some models for the passenger.

The brand new telematics generation system developed by Mercedes-Benz boasts new levels in user-friendliness, integrating features such as Bluetooth, a new media interface and external music connector.

Of the three choices in available for the telematics system, all include a twin tuner for improved radio reception, speed-sensitive volume control, a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies and a Bluetooth interface.

Mercedes-Benz also is now also offering enhanced LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system in conjunction with the COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data) information and entertainment system.

Five engines are available across the entire line-up, coupled with the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system and 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard.

These engines range from 140kW to 375kW in the AMG model while fuel consumption has been maintained from between 9.6 to 12.9 litres per 100kms.

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4MATIC range

Model	Engine	Power	Torque	Transmission	Fuel Cons.	Price
ML 280 CDI	3.0l, V6, turbo-diesel	140kW	440Nm	7-speed Auto, AWD, 4ETS	9.6l/100km	$81,000
ML 350	3.5l, V6, petrol	200kW	350Nm	7-speed Auto, AWD, 4ETS	11.7l/100km	$94,000
ML 320 CDI	3.0l, V6, turbo-diesel	165kW	510Nm	7-speed Auto, AWD, 4ETS	9.6l/100km	$97,000
ML 500	5.5l, V8, petrol	285kW	530Nm	7-speed Auto, AWD, 4ETS	13.4l/100km	$127,500
ML 63 AMG	6.3l, AMG V8, petrol	375kW	630Nm	7-speed Auto, AWD, 4ETS	16.5l/100km	$167,500

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Top Gear Australia Episode 3 sneak peek

October 8th, 2008 17 Comments

The controversy caused following the first two episodes of Top Gear Australia has divided the nation in a way comparable only to the iconic Holden versus Ford battle which has waged since before I can remember.

Fans expecting a UK quality performance have been left disappointed however many realise this is still early days, with the trio yet to find their rhythm.

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 4 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 10 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).