Mercedes-Benz is upgrading the C- and E-Class with six new models and a comprehensive range of modifications, with particular focus on multimedia systems. The C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY, C 200 BlueEFFICIENCY Coupé, E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition and E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID set new records for efficiency in their respective segments, while the Coupé models C 250 Sport and C 250 CDI Sport, and the new AMG Plus sports package, continue to raise the profile of the C-Class. Fun at the wheel and open-air enjoyment are just two of the fascinating qualities that characterise the Mercedes-Benz SLK. The Roadster is now available with a significantly extended range of optional safety equipment.In terms of the modifications to the multimedia systems, the emphasis is on new functions and improved ease of operation. The fully integrated COMAND Online system with internet access, plus the cost-effective navigation solution Becker® MAP PILOT, broaden the range of choices for the E-Class. The basic colour mood of the central display and the instrument cluster is now silver grey for both C- and E-Class.
From June 2012, C- and E-Class as well as SLK models with COMAND Online will include the new Mercedes-Benz emergency call system "eCall". As long as COMAND Online is connected to a mobile telephone, the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system will automatically alert the emergency services in the event of a serious accident.
Since 31 March, a further three new apps have been available to COMAND Online customers – for news, share prices and help in finding a parking space. It is planned to introduce around a dozen new apps each year. Daimler has set up App Development Groups in Palo Alto, California/USA, and Bangalore, India, specifically for this purpose.
The C-Class
Sportier and more communicative than ever before
The turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol unit is the brand new entry-level engine for all body variants of the C-Class. With fuel consumption of 5.8 l/100 km and a CO2 figure of 136 g/km, the improvement compared to the previous C 180 with a similar specification is as much as 21 g/km, or just under 1 l/100 km. This makes the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY one of the very first petrol models to be ranked in energy efficiency class B. The 115 kW (156 hp) engine is very light when compared to its competitors and delivers impressive agility from standstill – peak torque of 250 Nm is on tap from just 1250 rpm all the way up to 4000 rpm.
Rounding off the C-Class Coupé model range is the C 200 BlueEFFICIENCY. With 135 kW(184 hp) and 270 Nm from just 1800 rpm, this engine is the perfect choice to meet the two-seater's sporty ambitions. Consumption and CO2 emissions are 6.6 l/100 km and 154 g/km respectively.
C-Class Coupé Sport – the best in its class for cornering
The name says it all – there is a decidedly dynamic feel about the new Coupé models C 250 Sport and C 250 CDI Sport with 150 kW (204 hp): after all, the performance specialists from AMG were involved in their development right from the start. Both models feature the visually enhanced AMG Plus Sports package, as well as further technical measures that help to improve driving enjoyment. Thanks to its AMG sports suspension with sportier spring and damper tuning, specially adjusted camber and bearings, a sports braking system and more direct speed-sensitive sports steering, cornering and handling are now significantly more dynamic. The final touches are provided in the Sports models by a sportier gear configuration with double-declutching function, a more agile accelerator response curve and shorter shift times. The "designo magno platinum" matt paintwork is an option exclusive to the Sports models.
New AMG Plus sports package, new colours
The AMG Plus sports package lends an even more sporty aura to the Coupé, Saloon and Estate. As additions to the AMG sports package it includes AMG 7-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, an AMG spoiler lip and sports seats in black ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA. Red seat belts and red contrasting topstitching on the steering wheel, seats, door centre panels, door armrests, centre console and shift lever gaiter add further sporty touches. The AMG Plus sports package is available for all engine versions.
New colours make their mark: now available for Saloon and Estate models are polar white, diamond silver, dolomite brown and tenorite grey. New on the colour chart for the C-Class Coupé are polar white, diamond silver and designo magno platinum.
New ECO display, driving assistance packages now cheaper
A new feature of the C-Class's instrument cluster is an ECO display, which supports drivers in their efforts to save fuel. Taking its cues from the ECO training used at Mercedes-Benz driving events, driving style is evaluated according to the categories of "moderate acceleration", "steady driving style" and "coasting" (instead of braking) - the higher the calculated percentage figure, the more economical the driver's style.
Thanks to a new generation of short-range radar sensors, Mercedes-Benz is now able to offer its Lane Tracking package separately and not only in conjunction with a navigation system.
Improved connectivity, COMAND Online display now in silver grey
Numerous modifications have been made to the multimedia systems available for the C-Class. The COMAND Online display is now silver grey in both day and night mode. The Audio 20 and COMAND Online systems make it easier for Mercedes drivers to undertake the initial pairing of their mobile telephone with the car via Bluetooth®, and also allow the automatic and manual address book download from the mobile phone to be configured. Polish and Czech are now available as new languages for the head units.
The advantages of the new Media Interface include improvements in data transmission and display speed, plus compatibility with MP3 players from both Apple and other manufacturers. Audio playback from an iPod®/iPhone® is now digital. The display shows the artist, album title and cover for the track currently playing. Tracks can be searched for by key word or by voice control. If showing videos, a smartphone or MP3 player can be controlled through the head unit.
A new cradle allows the multimedia system direct access to the SIM card via Bluetooth®. This allows the telephone to go into standby mode, so reducing the drain on the battery.
The E-Class
More efficient and user-friendly than ever
The E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition is quite simply one of the most economical cars in its segment. Thanks to a bundle of efficiency-boosting measures, including an Aerodynamics package, electric power steering (EPS), a longer final-drive ratio and size 205/55 R 16 tyres with low rolling resistance, this model emits just 119 g CO2/km – that's 10 grams, or nearly eight percent, less than before. The E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition has an output of 125 kW (170 hp) and is available with a 6-speed manual transmission only.
The new E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is all set for its market launch with record efficiency values of 4.2 l diesel/100 km and 109 g CO2/km, accompanied by increased torque and power output. Its modular hybrid concept with lithium-ion battery does not impose any compromises on space and offers an impressive driving experience thanks to start/stop, recuperation, boost effect, all-electric driving and a 'sailing' or coasting mode. The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is the world's most fuel-efficient model in the luxury segment.
The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, available in both Saloon and Estate versions, boasts truly impressive performance. Its 4-cylinder diesel engine generates 150 kW (204 hp) of power and 500 Nm of torque. The diesel engine combines with an electric motor rated at 20 kW and 250 Nm to produce a harmonious overall concept.
Upgraded appointments, new colours
The "Elegance" model is fitted as standard with 17-inch light-alloy wheels. From June, even the standard version of the Estate model will feature roof rails in polished aluminium to match the window frame trim. "Nappa leather" (seats, centre armrest, doors and gathered door centre panels) can be specified separately as an optional extra. The Exterior Sports package for the E-Class also includes AMG bodystyling elements for the front and rear aprons as well as the side sill panels. In terms of paint finishes, polar white replaces calcite white, while diamond silver takes over from indigolite blue.
COMAND Online with internet access, new cost-effective navigation system
Larger displays, new functions and internet access for the first time are among the main innovations of the new telematics generation from Mercedes-Benz, which will be available for the E-Class from June 2012. The Bluetooth® functions have also been extended: the mobile’s phone book can now be transferred automatically en bloc when connected, and incoming SMS messages can be displayed on the colour screen. Standard features include the Audio 20 CD system with twin tuner and CD player, as well as an Aux-in socket and a USB port. Both connection points are located within easy reach in a compartment in the centre armrest.
The COMAND Online multimedia system offers internet access. Customers can either surf the web as they wish while the car is stationary or call up a Mercedes-Benz app whose particularly fast page loading and simple operation make it suitable for use while driving. As well as offering innovative apps such as Google Local Search including Google Street View and Panoramio, Mercedes-Benz is the first manufacturer to offer the facility to download a route with related Points of Interest, which has previously been configured on a PC using Google Maps, and to transmit it to the car.
The Becker® MAP PILOT makes a low-cost navigation function, which is also suitable for retrofitting, available for the entry-level Audio 20 CD radio. Its advantages over aftermarket solutions include integrated operation via the central controls, voice output via the vehicle's loudspeakers and display on the Audio 20 screen, a concealed location in the glove compartment and updating via an internet portal.
The SLK
All the fun of the Roadster, now with added safety
Fun at the wheel and unalloyed open-air enjoyment are just two of the fascinating qualities that characterise the Mercedes-Benz SLK. As we head into spring, the Roadster is now available with a significantly extended range of safety equipment, so once again setting the benchmark in its class. Along with DISTRONIC PLUS, BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE®Brake, the Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist systems are now, with immediate effect, also available as part of the new Driving Assistance package. Another optional extra, the Intelligent Light System, has now been further developed to include Adaptive Highbeam Assist. Adding to the enjoyment of driving the SLK 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is the standard-fit 6-speed manual transmission with sportily short shift travel, as already used in the 4-cylinder petrol-engine models.
The COMAND Online multimedia system now offers various enhanced as well as some new functions, among them the emergency call system Mercedes eCall, an optional travel guide and additional functions for the LINGUATRONIC voice control system. Further new features include an ECO display in the instrument cluster, helping the driver to drive as economically as possible, and new 17-inch light-alloy wheels in a sporty 10-spoke design.
Credits: Daimler AGCopyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Less than three years after the start of production, the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen achieves a high score: half a million E-Class sedans from the W 212 series rolled off the assembly line up to this moment. The anniversary vehicle is an E 350 4MATIC in Calcit White exterior paint finish and boasting an extensive equipment, which is bound to reach a customer from the USA. In addition to the standard safety package, the limousine also features the Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist systems on board."The E-Class is the epitome of a luxury sedan: modern, fascinating and safe. These facts are continuously confirmed by our clients and the high acceptance in the market. I am particularly pleased that our anniversary vehicle goes to a satisfied customer from the United States, "said Dr. Willi Reiss, head of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen.
Since the launch in May 2009, the E-Class of the W 212 series appealed to public in terms of comfort, safety and design. An impressive collection of major national and international awards confirm the high popularity of this model. For example, the E-Class was voted as favourite car in Germany and thus received the ADAC Yellow Angel Award, as well as the German Design Award for the styling philosophy it displays.
The E-Class has a long tradition in the portfolio of Mercedes-Benz. Since the first E-Class came out of the factory some sixty years ago, no less than eight different generations have been premiered during this period and more than ten million units have been sold to clients all around the world. This unique performance makes the E-Class the most successful business limousine of all time.
The Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen is world's largest manufacturing plant of Daimler AG. In the global production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars, the Sindelfingen plant has a special role as center of excellence for luxury-class passenger cars.Credits: Daimler AGCopyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The new E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is all set for its market launch with record efficiency values of 4.2 litres of diesel/100 km and 109 g CO2/km, accompanied by increased torque and power output. Its modular hybrid concept with a lithium-ion battery does not impose any compromises on space and offers an impressive driving experience thanks to start/stop, regenerative braking, the boost effect, all-electric driving and sailing. Available as either a saloon or estate, the new E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is the world's most fuel-efficient model in the luxury segment.Mercedes-Benz is opening up a new chapter in the core segment for the brand, setting new standards for luxury-class business cars: the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, which is available as a Saloon and an Estate, boasts truly impressive performance. Its 4-cylinder diesel engine generates 150 kW (204 hp) of output and 500 Nm of torque. The diesel engine combines with an electric motor rated at 20 kW and 250 Nm to produce a harmonious overall concept.
The new model does not impose compromises on passengers in terms of spaciousness, either in the interior or in the luggage compartment. The intelligent, modular hybrid concept represents a comprehensive enhancement of the S 400 HYBRID – the clear market leader in its segment: no body modifications are necessary, the hybrid module is flexible and also suitable for deployment in other model series.
The extra cost of € 3570 with a comparable level of equipment is moderate: in Germany the Saloon version of the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID costs € 51,794.75, the Estate version € 55,007.75 (both incl. 19% VAT). Both models will be launched in the third quarter 2012.
The philosophy: enhanced efficiency without compromising on comfort or utility
The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID forms part of the brand's downsizing strategy, which involves making conventional models perform far more efficiently than previously – without sacrificing driveability or comfort. Here the company's engineers have their sights set on fuel consumption figures in everyday traffic, rather than on standard or NEDC combined consumption. The familiar "Real Life Safety" philosophy, which focuses on safety benefits under real-life conditions rather than standardised crash-test results, is augmented by "Real Life Efficiency".
The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is based on the E 250 CDI, yet has a higher output and approx. 15 percent lower fuel consumption.
Overview of the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID:On the road therefore, the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is comparable to the E 300 CDI (170 kW/540 Nm), yet it boasts around 35 percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In terms of vehicle weight too, the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is on a par with the E 300 CDI.
At the same time, hybridisation enhances ride comfort: the car starts and moves off in virtual silence, while the hybrid module also dampens any internal combustion engine vibrations. What's more, full climate control is available even in start/stop mode.
Sailing along the motorway
Mercedes-Benz hybrid technology offers a wealth of extra functions that enhance both comfort and efficiency, as well as helping to deliver a special driving experience underpinned by accomplished sportiness:
When the car is stationary – ECO start/stop: the internal combustion engine can be switched off when coasting on the overrun at speeds up to 160 km/h, since ancillaries such as the steering, brakes and refrigerant compressor operate electrically. It is restarted quickly, smoothly and virtually silently.
Manoeuvring: in most cases the car uses electric power alone for manoeuvring and parking.
Accelerating: electrical power alone is used for moving off and driving under low load. Acceleration from standstill is particularly powerful, since the electric motor's full torque of up to 250 Nm is immediately available.
Boost function: the electric motor supports the combustion engine during acceleration, e.g. when overtaking.
Cruising: when the car is being driven at a constant speed, the engine control unit shifts the operating points towards exceptionally low specific fuel consumption levels.
Sailing: "sailing", as it has come to be known, is possible at speeds below 160 km/h. The combustion engine shuts down and the desired speed is maintained by the electric‑motor alone until the battery needs recharging.
Kinetic energy recuperation when coasting or braking: when the car is coasting (decelerating on the overrun), the electric motor acts as a generator. When the brake pedal is depressed, the generator output is initially increased proportionally for greater deceleration. Only when increased brake pressure is applied are the wheel brakes also operated.
Information: an additional economy effect arises after a relatively short period of time, as drivers come to apply the above-stated functions in an increasingly more purposeful and effective manner. They are supported here by the display concept in the hybrid models – the central display provides information on the current energy flow and the charge status of the battery.
The hybrid module: a compact and intelligently integrated powerhouse
The hybrid drive unit is a further development of the module from the S 400 HYBRID and is based on the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. Distinguishing features include omission of the hydraulic torque converter and the addition of a wet clutch of the kind also found in the high-performance AMG models. Consequently, the electric motor can be integrated in the transmission unit in such a way that it takes up only marginally more space than the 7G-TRONIC (+65 mm). The omission of the converter allows all-electric motoring as well as "sailing", thus significantly boosting the potential to reduce fuel consumption.
The compact electric motor, which is installed in space-saving configuration in the clutch housing between engine and transmission, is a 3-phase AC internal rotor magneto motor which generates a maximum output of 20 kW and peak torque of 250 Nm at an operating voltage of 120 volts.
The components: perfectly integrated into the vehicle
The hybrid drive's electrical energy is provided by the high-voltage lithium-ion battery specially developed for use in vehicles. Its key characteristics include an output of 19 kW and an energy content of 0.8 kWh, allowing the E-Class to run on electric power alone at up to 35 km/h and for up to one kilometre. Its space-saving installation in the engine compartment in place of the conventional starter battery means that the generous interior dimensions and the luggage compartment capacity remain unchanged. In addition to serving as an energy accumulator for the electric motor, the lithium-ion battery is also connected via the voltage converter to the 12V on-board electrical system, which supplies power to standard power-consuming devices such as the headlamps and the comfort features.
Sophisticated packaging means that numerous hybrid-specific components such as the high-performance electronics in the engine compartment can be directly incorporated with the internal combustion engine, thus neatly rounding off the modularity concept: the hybrid models can be produced on the same assembly line as their conventional counterparts without needing to be diverted elsewhere. Another plus point of the overall concept is the scalability and compatibility with other vehicles and engines.
Safety: on a par with previous models
Integration of the hybrid systems without any body modifications has the practical benefit of not restricting spaciousness in any way, as well as ensuring that all hybrid models boast exactly the same high level of safety as their counterparts with an internal combustion engine – a very important aspect for Mercedes-Benz. Accident behaviour has been successfully tested in crash simulations and tests.
At a glance: Technical highlights of the Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID*
Credits: Daimler AGCopyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The facelift of the current generation E-Class, planned for launch at Detroit Motor Show next year, will be anything but unnoticeable. We are talking about a substantial and extensive revamp of Mercedes-Benz' business class lineup, given the importance of this segment in the sustained growth of the company. The E-Class for 2013 will not only be more visually attractive, but it will also be fully technologically updated.
The W 212 series of the E-Class is a successful model for Mercedes-Benz, but sometimes a radical change is needed to light things up. Often criticized for having a too conservative look lacking passion and dynamism, the E-Class will undergo a restyling procedure which targets to deliver more attractive aesthetics for the executive limousine. The new design exercise will showcase fewer complicated lines, a clean, elegant and straight profile with no Ponton creases, single-unit headlights instead of the current quad configuration and upgraded tail lamps.
The E-Class Facelift comes soon after the unveiling of the new S-Class (W 222), so it will borrow the latest developments in safety assistance, ride control and telematics. First of all, engineers will introduce the third generation of the DISTRONIC PLUS which was enhanced to detect cross-traffic and act accordingly. Furthermore, the new E-Class will boast several other clever technologies, such as an improved night vision system, which is able to detect animals, an intelligent lighting device with moving LED pixels, a road congestion assistant, a more precise lane keeping system, anticipated damper-adjusting MAGIC RIDE CONTROL and the first-ever Head-Up Display system. The E-Class will also feature Car-to-X communication, an ingenious, integrated traffic management solution that enables autonomous driving and recognizes different road situations.
Major changes are set to encounter in the engine department as well, as the E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY will gain more power thanks to the 333 hp 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. Moreover, there's word Mercedes-Benz plans to discontinue the E 500 version in Europe (something smells rotten in this rumor) beginning with 2013 and offer it solely for Stateside clients. This manouevre could prove rather faulty, we say, because the peak output is to rise from the current 408 hp up to 435 hp courtesy of the BlueDIRECT twin-turbocharged V8 with a maximum displacement of 4.7 litres. The E 63 AMG is expected to showcase the same powerplant, only that the output will grow by 12 hp up to 537 hp. While the BlueTEC and BlueTEC HYBRID variants remain unchaged, the E 300 CDI version will bite the dust. Mercedes-Benz is said to have already started the development of a high-end diesel engine, which arrives on the future E-Class (W 213) in 2015. Till then, a plug-in hybrid E-Class could launch in 2014. It will follow the footsteps of the VISION S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID concept car, so this means a V6 unit with over 300 hp and an electric motor with up to 109 hp, which leads to a total output in excess of 400 hp.
Credits: CAR Magazine
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Check out further spy shots after the jump!
Image Credits: Autoevolution
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
