We have previously reported this news, but it's time to refresh your mind. During the speech of Daimler chief Dr. Dieter Zetsche, during which he outlined company's ambitious 2020 growth plan, held at the opening ceremony of the Hungarian-based Kecskemet plant, it became official the forthcoming generation of the S-Class will comprise an extended lineup of high-luxury variants. The new additions are said to be a convertible, a Pullman limousine and a 4-door coupe.With this strategy, Mercedes-Benz is on the trail of having world's most complete fleet high-class cars. One of the reasons of the expansion in this exquisite market segment is the announced demise of the Maybach brand in 2013. Filling the empty space with niche vehicle, that have a pronounced grade of public appeal, especially luxury models, is exactly the right path to go and nonetheless the solution that would have brought a brighter outcome for the old, dying Maybach.
The first S-Class of the 222 series to make debut this year is the standard wheelbase limousine, codenamed W 222. During 2013, the long wheelbase model (V 222 ??) along with the S-Class Coupe (C 222) are to be unleashed by Mercedes-Benz. Approximately one year after the discontinuation of Maybach, the replacement is set to arrive in the form of the new S-Class Pullman extended wheelbase saloon (X 222 ??). In 2015, we should see the first incarnation of the 2007 Ocean Drive Concept as the S-Class Cabriolet (A 222 ??), that could have four doors like the showcar, will reportedly be introduced. Approaching 2016, the German carmaker will further enrich the S-Class portfolio with a brand new four-door coupe (S 222 ??).
Along with these new additions, Mercedes-Benz will also develop a comprehensive array of leading technical innovations in the dynamics, safety and car communication areas. Also, a full range of more economical, yet powerful internal combustion (gasoline, diesel and diesel BlueTEC) engines in I4, V6 (and/or I6?), V8 and V12 cylinder configurations will make their entrance in the scene to replace the current powerplants. The ride will be further optimized thanks to the extensive measures included in the BlueEFFICIENCY eco-friendly package. Some green drive systems are also bound to be released with the new S-Class: a plug-in hybrid with over 400 hp peak output, a mild hybrid and an all-electric version are possible after 2014.Illustration Credits: AutoevolutionCopyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
To coincide with their arrival, yesterday the new residents of the “Effizienzhaus-Plus mit Elektromobilität“ were given a smart fortwo electric drive and a Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL. For the next three months the family of four will therefore be able to get around using the battery-electric vehicles without producing any emissions at all. Among other things the project serves to field test state-of-the-art technologies, and this is why the vehicles will use the intelligent charging function "Smart Charge Communication" and an inductive charging option.
Combining zero-emission living and driving with an integrated approach that is suitable for everyday use sounds like a far-off vision of the future. But for the Welke-Wiechers family it will become reality in the next 15 months. Yesterday the family moved into the “Effizienzhaus-Plus mit Elektromobilität“, financed by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (BMVBS), which generates more regenerative electricity than it consumes. In line with the project title "My house, my filling station" this surplus energy will be used to charge electric vehicles.
In order to perfectly coordinate the energy generated by the house and the energy needed for the electric vehicles Daimler has equipped the second generation smart fortwo electric drive and the A-Class E-CELL with the intelligent charge management system "Smart Charge Communication" (SCC). Via the vehicle homepage, a website specially programmed for the electric vehicles, the family can monitor and manage the charging process at all times. Furthermore, with the A-Class E-CELL Daimler is also testing the suitability of inductive charging for everyday use.
Intelligent charge management with "Smart Charge Communication"
As the amount of electricity generated by regeneration is subject to certain fluctuations, the interaction between the efficiency house and electric mobility calls for intelligent energy management. Thanks to "Smart Charge Communication" the house and the vehicles can "communicate" with one another and in this way adjust the charging process to the availability of electricity. Data is exchanged via a power line connection established with the charging cable. An interface receives data on the amount of electricity available from the energy management system installed in the house. At the same time, as soon as it is connected to a charging station the vehicle transmits information on the current state of charge and the planned departure time, both of which can be entered via the vehicle homepage or directly in the car. This information is used to calculate which consumers must be supplied preferentially with electricity. The technology also enables several vehicles to be connected without overloading the building connection.
When used by private customers who do not generate their own electricity, the SCC function can adjust the charging process to the electricity price and the availability of "green" electricity depending on the departure time. If the vehicle is charged at a public charging station, the energy costs can also be automatically settled via SCC. The technology has long since passed the research stage. Smart Charge Communication will be integrated as a standard feature in the third generation smart fortwo electric drive, which will be launched on the German market in June of this year. Every customer with a wallbox with a power line connection will then be able to use this function.
The vehicle homepage: all the data at a glance
The most important vehicle data can be called up at any time via the vehicle homepage from a computer or whilst out and about from a smartphone with a corresponding app. The simple and clear menu structure gives a quick overview of the current state of charge and the vehicle range, and also shows the remaining charging time. What's more, charging stations in the vicinity can be displayed. The charging process can also be monitored and the planned departure time can be reset at any time. In addition, in order to conserve the battery during the journey the vehicle can be pre-climatised to a pleasant interior temperature. The vehicle homepage for the 3rd generation smart fortwo electric drive can additionally be used for route planning. As with SCC, a power line connection is a prerequisite for using the vehicle homepage.
In the “Effizienzhaus-Plus“, the family can also display the vehicle homepage on the LCD monitors in the house and select all functions from here.
Inductive charging
Instead of cable contact, with inductive charging the car is simply positioned above a charging coil installed in the floor. The electronics sense the charging coil and then start the charging process fully automatically. Daimler and Conductix-Wampfler tested this technology for the first time in a project funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment. The modified A-Class E-CELL, which will be used in the “Effizienzhaus-Plus“, can be charged either with a plug or inductively via a magnetic coil in the floor. The automatic activation of the charging process and an assistance system which assists in parking precisely above the charging coil, guarantee the operating convenience expected from Mercedes-Benz.
Brief description of the "Effizienzhaus-Plus mit Elektromobilität"
Within the framework of construction and electric mobility research the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (BMVBS) has built a 130m2 family home in Fasanenstraße 87 in Berlin-Charlottenburg, which produces twice as much energy as it uses. The aim of this habitable prototype is to demonstrate that the energy produced by the house can also be used for a family's mobility needs. For this the five car manufacturers Audi, BMW, Daimler, Opel and VW are each providing the test family with electric vehicles for a three month period.
The model project in Berlin combines innovative developments already on the market from the construction and automotive industries and is equipped with state-of-the-art photovoltaics and energy management technology. The project is fully recyclable. In addition to its showcase function for collaborative innovative development of construction and vehicle technology it is also a test laboratory for modern energy management. The “Effizienzhaus-Plus“ is subject to intensive scientific monitoring. The research findings obtained will be made available for the construction of such innovative buildings on a broad scale and the further development of technical systems.
From March 2012 a family selected via a public application process will live in the house for 15 months. The day-to-day life of the test family will also be used to examine the interfaces between man and technology and various research projects will be carried out on the house. Contact, coordination and further information: www.bmvbs.de/effizienzhausplus
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The expansion of the model portfolio is an integral and crucial part of the Mercedes-Benz 2020 Growth Strategy, which aims to settle the German carmaker as world's no. 1 premium constructor. In the first part, the plan includes the addition of at least 10 new models to the range by 2015 in all classes: compact, mid-size, full-size, large and SUV. Most of these future vehicles are niche variants that help Mercedes-Benz explore the clients' desires and offer attractive automotive choices that meet all the demands and fill every possible market gap.
In the compact class, Mercedes-Benz will soon launch the all new A-Class hatchback (W 176). Following closely after, we'll see the advent of a niche model: the CLC-Class 4-door coupe (C 117), which will spawn a CLC Shooting Brake version in 2013 (X 117). Towards 2014, the Stuttgart-based carmaker will launch the GLC crossover (W 156) in both FWD and 4MATIC variants. Also possible for addition are an A-Class 2-door Coupe (C 176??) and an A-Class Cabriolet (A 176??), that, if approved for series production, could hit streets by 2015 and 2016.
In the medium class, Mercedes-Benz plans to add two new models to the popular C-Class W 205 generation, scheduled for 2014. So, apart from the Limousine, T-Modell and Coupe version, the lineup will also comprise a C-Class Cabriolet (A 205??) and a C-Class Sports Tourer (V 205??) that are to be unveiled during 2015.
In the full-size segment, the German automotive manufacturer will premiere the CLS Shooting Brake (X 218), but another possibility is a new E-Class Sports Tourer (V 213??) to replace the current R-Class, but only after 2015.
The large-size class will gather a new range of high-luxury models based on the forthcoming S-Class (W 222) arriving late this year. During 2013 and 2014, Mercedes-Benz will start launching the S-Class Coupe (C 222??), the new S-Class with long-wheelbase dubbed XL (V 222??), the high-end S-Class Pullman (X 222??) and the future S-Class 4-door Cabriolet (A 222??). Previously emerged hints also suggested the 2015 reveal of a large S-Class 4-door Coupe version, but that rumor sounds fairly unlikely to come true one day.
Last, but not least, the Mercedes-Benz SUV class will grow with an SUV Coupe model entitled MLC (C 292) prone to be release by the end of 2014 and assembled at the Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA facility, where the Stuttgart-based constructor is already producing the GL-, the ML- and the R-Class.
Note from editors: The details contained in this article are partly real and partly speculative, as they are based on reports that appeared in the last two-three years. The image you see above is part of an official and public document of Daimler AG (see HERE). The notes for each new model were made by ourself. As we can not entirely ensure the accuracy of the information we have, we used the "??" mark to signal this fact.
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Image: WorldCarFans
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
These images come as a nice and unexpected surprise: Mercedes-Benz Research & Development Department have already started work on the future generation of the C-Class (W 205).
The vehicle you see in the spy pics is in fact a test mule for the new medium class model - even though the exterior body comprises parts of the current W 204 C-Class and some design cues of the next generation carefully hidden under camouflage, the underpinnings together with all the secret innovations installed underneath the bodyshell are certainly fully belonging to the W 205. As it's still early for the 2014 C-Class, details are scarce: we do know the new generation will mark a design revolution, heavily influenced by the F 800 Style showcar. General dimensions will go up a bit, to improve passenger comfort, versatility, luggage space and make room in the portfolio for the announced sub-C-Class models. Furthermore, technical novelties could include a new series of powerful and frugal engines, as well as a new rear-wheel-drive platform with better dynamic capabilities and more high-end communication and safety technologies, that are to be partly borrowed from the upcoming S-Class (W 222), expected for late 2012. We are guessing the whole development phase for the W 205 C-Class will take more than two years, so the new generation might be ready for launch in mid 2014.
Image Credits: Autowereld
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) and parent company Daimler AG will showcase vehicle technology of today, tomorrow and the future at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas from Jan. 10-13. Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, will deliver a keynote address to discuss the true meaning of the connected vehicle - both what it is and what it isn't - at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 10, at the Las Vegas Hilton Theater.
Reporters are also invited to visit the MBUSA booth (#530 in the North Hall), where the company will demonstrate innovations including:
- mbrace2 - Mercedes-Benz's pioneering communications platform, offering the most comprehensive cloud-based system to date, accelerating the process of empowering drivers to customize their vehicle ownership experience to fit ever-changing needs. The mbrace2 system enables an incredible range of features and services related to safety, information, entertainment, personal assistance and vehicle care. These include cloud-based apps, traffic and navigation assistance, speech recognition, Internet browsing and searching, concierge services, automatic crash notifications, and more. The new platform is being shown as it will appear inside the re-designed MY2013 Mercedes-Benz SL, the first of many vehicles which comes standard this year.
- The mbrace2 smartphone app - Allows drivers to communicate and send information to their vehicle before getting inside. Drivers can use the app to find their vehicle, lock or unlock it, set valet parking protection, receive geo-fence alerts and Send2Benz, allowing drivers to socially connect with their friends and navigate to them.
- Mercedes-Benz Latest Suite of Advanced Driver Assistance System - The most comprehensive active safety system which keeps drivers safe by preventing accidents before they happen.
- The DriveStyle iPhone App - Coming later this year, Mercedes-Benz will offer the DriveStyle iPhone App, which allows drivers to interact with the vehicle rather than the phone, minimizing driver distraction. This technology will be demonstrated in the brand-new Mercedes-Benz C 350 Coupe.
- F 125! Research Vehicle - As a highlight marking 125 years of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz is presenting a visionary outlook on future technical developments in the luxury segment. The F125! research vehicle anticipates future trends and paves the way for innovative large and luxurious automobiles. The vehicle provides emission-free driving with a range of 621 miles.
- DICE, "Dynamic & Intuitive Control Experience" simulator - Take a seat into the future and wave your hands to take control of the vehicle of the future.
Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The S-Class is an all-time icon, bestseller and trendsetter in the automotive industry. A lot of the technology found today in almost every car was first introduced as a complete premiere on the prestigious luxury flagship from Stuttgart. The new generation, prone to arrive in late 2012, will mark another revolution for Mercedes-Benz, which is a customary event happening whenever a new S-Class is unveiled.
Always fascinating for the S-Class is the impressive technologycal package and the forthcoming model will certainly exceed all the expectations. First of all, the luxury sedan will become even more premium and move up in range. In addition, up to three new versions based on the S-Class will be released in the next two years: the usual SWB and LWB variants for the start of sales, the Pullman extended wheelbase representative model one year later, a coupe in 2013 and a soft-top cabriolet in 2014 (inspired by the Ocean Drive Concept of 2007).
The W 222 generation will sit on a newly-designed platform called Mercedes Rearwheel Architecture or MRA. All the components of the chassis are developed from zero and engineers made use, as much as possible, of light materials (e.g. aluminium) to help save important weight. The pinnacle of ride comfort will be the ultimate radar-based MAGIC RIDE CONTROL, a complex system that replaces the current Active Body Control and manages all things related to vehicle dynamics by adjusting suspension, dampers and ride height based on the road surface the car "reads" with the help of the headlight-mounted radars. Apart from the rear-driven vehicle, Mercedes-Benz will also offer the all-wheel-drive 4MATIC model for added grip and stability, that is programmed to arrive in UK showrooms in RHD configuration beginning with late 2013 or 2014.
Another innovation bound to arrive with the new S-Class is the Braking Bag, a solution that reduces the braking distance in critical circumstances, first previewed on the ESF 2009 concept car. But the most attractive novelty is set to be autonomous driving pilot, a tech gimmick able to safely drive the car without the driver's intervention. The system manages to calculate several important parameters and applies the correct functions in order to autonomously move and steer the car and thus follow a traffic queue at speeds of up to 40 km/h. To do that, the car is equipped with a complete array of surveillance cameras, radars and proximity sensors. Most likely, the upcoming S-Class will also premiere a new generation of the DISTRONIC PLUS system as well as an improved Brake Assist Plus and a Collision Warning System. The improved PRE-SAFE, the LED Intelligent Lighting System and the Night View Assist Plus will further enhance safety.
Mercedes-Benz engineers at Mettingen are now working hard on finishing a new 9-speed automatic gearbox badged 9G-TRONIC, destined to ensure highest level of efficiency in the segment. The engine lineup will comprise the basic 2.1-litre 204 hp, 4-cylinder diesel engine on the S 250 CDI; the 3.5-litre V6 with 306 hp (or more) for the S 350; a hybrid package with up to 415 hp for the S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID; the 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8 powerplant boasting 435 hp for the S 500 and, last, but not least, a thoroughly revised V12 for the high-end S 600, which should reach a peak output of around 550 hp. The V8-powered S 63 AMG with up to 571 hp will come packed full of cutting-edge AMG sports technology when it's launched in 2013. Appearantly, the outrageous S 65 AMG will not be discontinued for the sake of motoring passion: the V12 under the bonnet will undergo an entire treatment which targets to improve fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. However, that should not affect the overall performance of the supersports limo, as the maximum output could mount up to a staggering 630 hp.
You might also want to read:
- The telematics future of Mercedes-Benz: @yourCOMAND - Always online for more information, safety and comfort
- SPY: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W 222) hits the fast curves of the Ring
- PREVIEW: A deep look into the next generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- The future Mercedes-Benz tech stuff is all about ... magic
Illustration: Autocar
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
