Mercedes-Benz begins a series of concerts to mark the launch of the new A-Class: A ROCK – Mercedes-Benz presents Placebo live in concert

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Some three months before the market launch of the new A-Class, Mercedes-Benz is kicking off an unusual concert tour in five European cities. In cooperation with the British alternative rock band Placebo the Stuttgart based premium brand presents the “A ROCK” concert series. The first concert will be held in Paris on 22 June 2012. Afterwards shows in Rome, Zurich, Madrid and on 2 July 2012 in Hamburg will follow. Those interested can apply for tickets for these five free concerts from 1 June 2012 via www.mercedes-benz.com/a-class. Tickets are not available for purchase.

“Exceptional cars call for exceptional communication measures. With its highly emotional and progressive design, the new A-Class will put an end to monotony in the compact car segment. The ‘A ROCK’ concert series impressively illustrates this new beat in the world of mobility”, explains Anders Sundt Jensen, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars. “And with Placebo we have found the ideal partner. This band stands for creativity, passion, and a dynamic and unmistakable style – so it fits perfectly with Mercedes-Benz and the new A-Class.”

For several years Placebo has been regarded as one of the most succesful rock bands and live acts in the world. With 8 released albums to date they have sold over ten million records and received several awards during their 15 year career. Their last world-tour “Battle for the Sun” (2008-2010) ensured sold-out concert venues with 143 shows in 44 countries and 2.5 million sold tickets.
Dates, locations and tickets

The concerts will be held in five European cities:

22 June 2012 in Paris, France
25 June 2012 in Rome, Italy
28 June 2012 in Zurich, Switzerland
2 July 2012 in Hamburg, Germany
5 July 2012 in Madrid, Spain

An audience of around 800 is expected at each concert. Anyone who is interested can apply for tickets from 1 June 2012 on the central online platform for the new A-Class at www.mercedes-benz.com/a-class. The selection procedure will determine which registered users are given tickets.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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The new Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG - First class: the perfect blend of style and performance

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Luxury and refinement, striking design, maximum safety and the dynamism so typical of the brand: the new high-performance SUV, the GL 63 AMG, combines compelling technologies with an extensive range of standard equipment and pure ride comfort for up to seven passengers. Effortless superiority comes courtesy of the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine, which develops a peak output of 410 kW (557 hp) and maximum torque of 760 Nm. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM roll stabilisation provides high-level driving dynamics and the comfort one would expect from the Mercedes-Benz brand.

Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "The new GL 63 AMG completes our performance-oriented all-wheel drive offering. In addition to the ML 63 AMG all-rounder and the recently unveiled, characterful G 63 AMG and G 65 AMG models, the GL 63 AMG places particular emphasis on dynamism and style. Combining the first-rate comfort of the S-Class with the performance of an AMG sports saloon, the GL 63 AMG is unique in its segment.

"Creating the perfect basis for characteristic AMG performance and a superior driving experience: the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine. A look at the technical data provides some powerful arguments. Peak output of 410 kW (557 hp) and maximum torque of 760 Nm result in first-class performance. The GL 63 AMG manages the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds and its top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited). NEDC fuel consumption comes in at 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres (288 g CO2/km).

The AMG M 157 eight-cylinder engine features an innovative, high-tech power package including spray-guided direct petrol injection, piezo injectors, biturbo charging, air/water intercooling, all-aluminium crankcase, a four-valve-per-cylinder design with variable camshaft adjustment, plus alternator management and the ECO start/stop system.

The key data at a glance:

Power is transmitted to all four permanently driven wheels by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC. Featuring three modes and an automatic double-declutching function for downshifting, this seven-speed automatic transmission offers a fascinatingly broad scope of variability. In "Controlled Efficiency" (C) mode the ECO start/stop function is active, shutting down the eight-cylinder engine as soon as the vehicle comes to a standstill. "C" also stands for a gentle accelerator and transmission characteristic with early gear changes; start-up generally takes place in second gear here. A green "ECO" symbol in the AMG instrument cluster indicates to the driver that the ECO start/stop function is active.

In the Sport (S) and Manual (M) driving programmes the ECO start/stop function is inactive and the engine-transmission combination displays far greater agility with more spontaneous responses. A brief and exactly defined retardation of ignition and injection during upshifting at full load additionally provides for shorter shift times and an acoustic experience.

Enhanced efficiency and driving dynamics

To enhance efficiency, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission incorporates a fuel-economy converter with centrifugal pendulum, bearings designed for reduced friction loss and a transmission-oil thermal management system. Friction loss-minimised axle gears, electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, an optimised belt drive, and demand-responsive control of all ancillary units and pumps also help to reduce fuel consumption.

Mercedes-AMG deploys a specially designed transfer case for the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, which distributes the drive power to the front and rear axle at a ratio of 40:60 in the interests of dynamic handling. As if that were not enough, the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with AIRMATIC package – consisting of air suspension, special damper struts, automatic level control and Adaptive Damping System (ADS) – is combined with the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM for active roll stabilisation. This system, which comes as standard and is specific to AMG, employs active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles to reduce the body's roll angle during cornering. Apart from enhanced agility and driving pleasure, the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM has the additional effect of increasing handling stability and therefore safety, particularly at higher speeds.

Roll stabilisation, damping and suspension adapt automatically to the prevailing driving situation, offering both optimum ride comfort and maximum stability. The GL 63 AMG driver is able to choose at the push of a button between the three suspension modes "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus". The fully load-bearing air suspension system is speed-sensitive, lowering the body at higher speeds in order to minimise drag while increasing driving stability.

The AMG-specific elastokinematics at the front axle and the more robustly designed rear axle stabiliser bar are responsible for improved steering precision. The enhanced drive train delivers the best possible power transmission and hallmark Mercedes reliability. The 4ETS electronic traction control system which features as standard provides for optimised grip when friction coefficients vary.

AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, AMG high-performance braking system

Electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering features variable power assistance which responds in accordance with the chosen suspension mode. It also helps to save fuel, as the steering assist function only requires energy when the driver actually moves the steering wheel. The GL 63 AMG comes as standard with 5-spoke light-alloy wheels in format 10 x 21, painted titanium grey and with a high-sheen finish, fitted with tyres in size 295/40 R 21. The AMG high-performance braking system provides for the shortest possible braking distances and high fade resistance with ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round in size 390 x 36 millimetres (front) and 345 x 26 millimetres (rear).

Performance-oriented design with masculine features

Striking, masculine, unmistakeable: these attributes describe the design of the GL 63 AMG. Mercedes-AMG has enhanced the main stylistic features of the new GL – powerful dynamism and sporty elegance – using specific elements that emphasise the top V8 model's exceptional performance. The typically upright GL radiator grille with its central Mercedes star is adorned with high-gloss slats painted in black. AMG styling elements include the front apron with its large openings that ensure an effective air flow for the cooling modules. The bottom air intake takes the form of a typical AMG stylised "A" with a gap under the fine black fin through which air can flow optimally to the cooling modules – the perfect blend of design and high-tech. The trim insert in matt silver chrome installed under it creates a sense of width and coordinates optimally with the borders of the LED daytime running lamps in the side air openings.

The AMG front apron elegantly merges into the exclusive wheel-arch flaring. In order to accommodate the large 53.3 cm (21-inch) AMG light-alloy wheels with the wide-base 295 tyres, the flaring widens the vehicle by 22 millimetres on each side. From the side, observers will notice the V8 BITURBO logos on the wings and illuminated running boards with an aluminium finish. The rear wheel-arch flaring blends into the AMG rear apron which is again adorned with a striking trim insert in matt silver chrome and the suggestion of black air openings. Creating both a visual and acoustic highlight are the two chrome-plated, exposed twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system.

Exclusivity and dynamism dominate in the interior

Great attention to detail, excellent ergonomics and a generous amount of space available – exclusivity and dynamism also dominate in the interior of the GL 63 AMG. All seven seats in the high-performance SUV are covered in high-quality leather, as is the centre armrest. Electrically adjustable AMG sports seats feature double topstitching in a contrasting colour and AMG badges on the front seat backrests and outer rear seat backrests. The dashboard, armrests and door panelling come in ARTICO man-made leather with double topstitching. As part of the optional designo Exclusive package, these components can be covered in high-quality designo leather.

The AMG Performance 4-spoke steering wheel with perforated leather in the grip area, flattened bottom section on the steering wheel rim and aluminium shift paddles ensures optimal vehicle control. Four round instruments on the AMG instrument cluster provide the driver with information. The central colour TFT monitor incorporates the AMG welcome logo and AMG main menu. 

Other standard equipment of the GL 63 AMG includes:

- AMG door sill panels in stainless steel

- AMG floor mats

- AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs

- Active Parking Assist

- ATTENTION ASSIST

- Bi-xenon headlamps

- Audio 20 CD radio with Bluetooth® and USB interface

- COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST

- Electric EASY-ENTRY system in the rear compartment

- Electrically operated EASY-PACK tailgate

- Electric glass tilt/sliding sunroof

- Intelligent Light System (ILS) with new off-road lighting

- KEYLESS-GO

- Multicontour seats for driver and front passenger including a massage function and Memory package

- Crosswind Assist

- THERMATIC 3-zone automatic climate control

Exclusive optional extras are available from the AMG Performance Studio:

- 5-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels (10 x 21 format) painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, fitted with 295/40 R 21 tyres

- AMG Performance steering wheel with DINAMICA microfibre in the grip area

- Brake callipers, painted red

The designo Exclusive package allows the exclusive feel and perceived quality to be enhanced further. This comprises:

- AMG sports seats in front and bench seats in the second and third rows in designo leather

- Upper and lower section of the dashboard, centre console, beltlines, door panelling, door centre panels and armrests in the doors in designo leather

- designo metal badges in the backrests of the front seats and the outer rear seats

- Velour floor mats with designo metal badges and edging in designo black leather

Additional optional extras (selection):

- 360° camera

- Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist

- Trailer coupling with electric unlocking

- Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system

- Becker® MAP PILOT

- Brake Assist BAS PLUS

- DISTRONIC PLUS

- Electrically operated EASY PACK tailgate

- Speed Limit Assist

- PRE-SAFE® Brake

The market launch of the new Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG is scheduled for November 2012.

* Official photos and details courtesy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH *

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Mercedes-Benz Unimog: Unimog U 20 in the old town in Budapest

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They are now an everyday sight in the Hungarian capital of Budapest: since October 2011, 21 Unimog U 20 models from Mercedes-Benz have been operating in the district of Buda, in the pedestrian zones in the city centre and on the pedestrian pathways along the Danube. The purchasers from the city cleaning company EKF Zrt. had been most impressed by the qualities of the Unimog U 20. The multiple uses to which the Unimog can be put also played a key role in the procurement decision: in the winter months, the Budapest Unimog vehicles are fitted with Gmeiner automatic road gritters and Kahlbacher snowploughs, and then, when spring begins, with Trilety TK 20 sweeper attachments. This means that each Unimog can be in constant use all year round, offering a high-quality combined service of equipment carriers and implements. They are urgently needed in this world-famous city of 1.7 million inhabitants with its particular and extremely varied road service requirements: the Unimog’s everyday deployment takes it in turn to wide streets and pedestrian promenades along the Danube, narrow alleys in the old town, busy pedestrian precincts, and steep, winding sections of road on the Buda Hills. And it carries out its work in constantly heavy and hectic traffic conditions. The regular weather cycle here is one of cold winters and hot summers – and the Unimog U 20 and its equipment is fully prepared for everything the seasons can throw at it. For example, the grit container on the Unimog U 20 sweeper, with a capacity of three cubic metres, is made entirely from durable stainless steel, and incorporates a separate hydraulic system mounted on the front PTO shaft to handle the equipment’s internal power transmission, resulting in high suction power.

U 20: 100 percent Unimog

All-wheel drive, single tyres at the rear as well as at the front, engageable differential locks, portal axles, helical springs, ample power reserves, power take-offs, auxiliary drives and a powerful hydraulic system, not to mention state-of-the-art truck technology in terms of safety, operation and environmental compatibility, all make the Unimog U 20 a highly versatile implement carrier fully in keeping with the style of the two larger model series. The U 20 differs from the U 300–500 professional implement carriers by virtue of its outstanding manoeuvrability (the turning circle of 12.60 metres is on a par with that of a passenger car), reduced weight and lower price. The U 20 is primarily designed to meet alternating local authority requirements, as opposed to constant high-performance operation. The latter application calls for the equipment carriers U 300 to U 500, and the extreme terrain models, the Unimog U 4000 und U 5000.

The four-cylinder engine in the U 20 from the 904 LA model series (110 kW / 150 hp, and 130 kW / 177 hp), like the full commercial vehicles range from Mercedes-Benz, features the highest standards in exhaust-gas technology. All Unimog vehicles feature BlueTec technology (in which nitrogen oxides are eliminated through the addition of urea), comply with the Euro 5 emissions standard and also guarantee very low particulate matter output levels. The eight-speed transmission allows speeds of between 1.2 and 90 km/h at the rated engine speed.

The U 20 has a permissible gross vehicle weight of between 7.5 and 9.3 tonnes, while the permitted axle load is five tonnes at the front and rear, meaning that there is plenty of scope for mounting implements. Its considerable manoeuvrability stems from the wheelbase length, which is just 2700 mm. Dual-circuit common hydraulics, power-take-off transmission at the front, power take-off from the transmission and the front mounting plate complete the range of equipment options and allow numerous implements to be used.

The Unimog in Hungary

Unimog vehicles have a longstanding tradition in Hungary. Since they were first manufactured in 1951, almost 1000 units have been exported there, and the Budapest City Cleaning Department is today the second-largest customer. It currently includes 40 Unimog vehicles in its municipal fleet of 130 vehicles. Most of the Unimog vehicles operate at the 19 roads departments in the country, but a number are also deployed in the energy sector, at airports and with the Hungary State Railways, MÁV. Over the last 40 years, more than 300 Unimog vehicles have been delivered to Hungary.

More than 380,000 units of the “universally applicable motorised implement” (Unimog) have been built since 1951, including over 10,000 units of the U 300/U 400/U 500 series first introduced in the year 2000. Up until 2002, the Unimog was built at the Gaggenau plant, but production has since been moved to the Wörth truck plant.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Mercedes-Benz is the official partner of the Louvre Museum in Paris: Mercedes-Benz presents new sculpture by Wim Delvoye in the Louvre

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Mercedes-Benz is continuing the successful partnership launched last year by Maybach with the world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris. Until 2013, the premium car brand with the star will be the exclusive main sponsor of annually alternating exhibitions of contemporary sculpture beneath the world-famous glass pyramid. From tomorrow, Mercedes-Benz is presenting the new sculpture “Suppo”, by Belgian conceptual artist Wim Delvoye. It will be on view in the Louvre until 3 December 2012, as part of the artist’s monographic exhibition.

Last year, for the first time since its construction in 1989, the space beneath the glass pyramid was used for an art installation on the initiative of Maybach. The annually alternating exhibitions started off with leading contemporary British artist, Tony Cragg, and his monumental sculpture “Versus”, which was a great success. The glass pyramid in front of the main entrance to the Louvre became an even bigger crowd-puller than ever.

“Daimler and its brands promote art projects of various kinds”, explained Anders Sundt Jensen, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars. “We are very pleased to continue this successful partnership with the Louvre and to support the museum in expanding its programme of contemporary art.”

Wim Delvoye – one of the best-known Belgian artists of our time

The exceptional Belgian artist, Wim Delvoye, will exhibit the monumental sculpture “Suppo” under the glass pyramid. The work is a 12 x 1.45-metre, 1050-kilo spire fashioned from stainless steel in a Gothic style. Other works of art such as “Daphnis & Chloe”, “Trophy” and “Nautilus” will be exhibited until 17 September 2012 at the Louvre in the Gothic rooms of the Département des Objets d’art, in the apartments of Emperor Napoléon III and in the Tuileries Gardens, curated by Marie-Laure Bernadac.

Wim Delvoye is one of the best-known Belgian artists of our time. His work is full of subversive irony, is provocative, absurdly beautiful and absolutely compelling. He loves to create a connection between objects, contradictory ideas and techniques. His pieces display an imaginary world in which everything is possible: a mountain with a personal message engraved on it, a handball goal with the net made from lead-glass windows or a gas canister made from clay. Delvoye’s contemporary art has its roots in the subversive and ironic re-interpretation of older styles, such as Gothic and Baroque. His works have been exhibited in many leading art institutions, including the Centre Pompidou and the Rodin Museum in Paris, the Kunst Palast in Düsseldorf, the New Museum in New York, the MAMAC in Nice and the Guggenheim Collection in Venice.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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PREVIEW: First photos of the new Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG surface on the interwebs

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Mercedes-AMG officially released the first pictures and details on its all new GL 63 AMG sports SUV. While there are scarcely any visible exterior visual upgrades from the standard GL model fitted with the bespoke AMG Sports Package, the grumpy truck engineered in Affalterbach is a masterpiece of modern technique. Power comes from the 5.5-litre V8 BITURBO engine rated at 557 hp and able to deliver a peak torque of 760 Nm, making it the fastest and most powerful GL-Class of all time. To improve stability and dynamics, the new GL 63 AMG is equipped with AMG RIDE CONTROL and ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM.

The Mercedes-AMG Global Fan Page on Facebook states: "Luxury and refinement, striking design, maximum safety and the dynamism so typical of the brand: the new high-performance SUV, the GL 63 AMG, combines compelling technologies with an extensive range of standard equipment and pure ride comfort for up to seven passengers."

Performance figures for the new Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG indicate a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically governed), 4.9 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint, a combined fuel consumption (NEDC - New European Driving Cycle) of 12.9 l/100 km and a maxmium level of 288 g/km for the CO2 emissions.

More to come on this new performance SUV from the Star brand later today - now, take care and surf through the gallery to see the first shots showcasing the GL 63 AMG in full action. Enjoy!

Image Credits: GermanCarForum

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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The new-generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Forever young - Complete Story

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The G-Class, the longest serving model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, is entering summer of 2012 in new clothes. A refreshed exterior, a new cockpit and the latest technical innovations in safety, comfort, dynamics and telematics comprise the list of updates for this 4x4 oldtimer. Moreover, from now on there will not one, but two distinct AMG models: the all new G 63 AMG powered the 544 hp V8 BITURBO unit and the high-end G 65 AMG boasting the 612 hp V12 twinturbocharged engine. To learn more about the new-generation G-Class, hit the links below and enjoy reading!

1. The new-generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Forever young 

2. The new generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class: New G 63 AMG and G 65 AMG - G-Class Summit

3. The new-generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Model Range - The evolution of an icon

4. The new-generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Design - New interior for this true character

5. The new-generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Individualisation - Something to suit every taste

6. The new-generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Always at the cutting edge - The evolution of the G-Class

Image Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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