Genuine roof boxes for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars: A second luggage compartment for long trips

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Genuine roof boxes from Mercedes-Benz are characterised by their practical functionality, elegant design and generous transport volumes. The robust and easy-to-mount roof boxes are available in three sizes, with capacities of 330, 400[1]and 450 litres. A common feature of the boxes is that they can be opened from both sides. A further bonus is that the three-point locking system on the transport containers provides effective theft protection. The Alustyle roof carrier systems, which have been precisely tailored to the body sizes and shapes of most Mercedes-Benz passenger car models, form the attachment base for the luggage boxes.

The miracle space-maker: the roof box 450

The Mercedes-Benz roof box 450 is the miracle space-maker among the portable roof boxes in the genuine accessories range from Mercedes-Benz Accessories, and was thoroughly revised in the autumn of 2011. With dimensions of 220 x 80 x 40 cm, its load volume of 450 litres is equivalent to that of a C-Class boot. This means the box can provide enough space for the winter sports gear of a family of four, for example, and the equipment stays fully protected from dirt and splash water.

The grooved plates, with which the box is secured in the T-slot of the roof carrier, have also been optimised. Just a few turns are all that is needed to tighten them, and the wing nuts have been integrated into the box itself so that they can no longer go astray. Mercedes-Benz Accessories made this change in response to frequent requests from customers.

The shape was also revised, and the “dropping line” geometry reflects the design idiom of current Mercedes-Benz models. As well as the classic colour choice of matte silver, in which the surface of the box is slightly grained, the box is also available in metallic black. The roof box 450 has a load capacity of 75 kilograms and offers users plenty of space to plan their holidays and leisure time flexibly and according to individual needs. It weighs just 19 kilograms. A new feature is the six metal rings to secure the three tension straps, which protect the load inside.

The specially developed accessories, which have been exactly tailored to the interior dimensions of the roof box, offer even more options and greater travel enjoyment. For example, there is the practical, six-piece luggage set. Consisting of four roomy bags and two separate ski bags, it provides optimum protection and convenient transport for four pairs of skis and other travel and sports accessories. An especially user-friendly feature: in bad weather, the bags can be packed indoors, in the comfort of your home or holiday accommodation. The design of the luggage set features typical Mercedes-Benz quality, with the bags made from hard-wearing, water-resistant material.

Thanks to the handy shoulder straps included in the set, the bags can also be used outside the roof box. Another practical feature is the ski rack insert for the roof box, offering a secure hold for up to five pairs of skis.

The multifunction box: roof box 400

Featuring the same stylish design and practical advantages as the roof box 450, but with dimensions specially tailored to more compact vehicles, the roof box 400 will be launched on the market in September. It has a capacity of 400 litres, and is 70 cm wide and 40 cm high, but just 190 cm in length: this allows the rear door of the new A-Class to be opened even when the roof box 400 is mounted. Special handles, 80 cm in length and made from an anodised aluminium profile, make it easier to close and prevent the lid jamming when closing. Needless to say, the multifunction box can also be mounted on all other vehicles. The box has an unladen weight of approx. 16 kg and can accommodate a payload of 75 kg.

There is a luggage set for the roof box 400 as well, consisting of three bags together with a ski bag for two pairs of skis, which can be up to 170 cm long. The ski bag is also available separately.

The sports box: roof box 330

The sports box, with a volume of approx. 330 litres, provides additional luggage space in the format of a compact class boot. It is available in the colours titanium metallic and matte silver. A luggage set consisting of four bags and a ski rack insert for up to three pairs of skis is also available for this box as an optional extra. With a payload of up to 50 kilograms, this transport box is also suitable for transporting heavy loads. An advantage of the sports box is that, as well as the box, depending on the vehicle, there is still room on the roof for a further ski or snowboard rack, or a bicycle rack. The roof box 330 weighs 14 kg, and its dimensions are 220 x 60 x 41 cm.

Simple fitting and practical details

If you need to, you can fit the roof box on your own, without requiring additional tools. This is possible thanks to a convenient sliding fastening system, and also thanks to the low weight of the boxes themselves. High-quality pneumatic springs also make it easy to open and close the roof box, which is splash-water protected and made of high-quality plastic. Using the standard tension straps, valuable cargo can be securely fixed in place.

In an accident situation, all the roof boxes offer a high level of safety. They undergo stringent German Technical Inspection Authority (TÜV) and “City Crash” testing, and must also meet the rigorous Mercedes-Benz standards that go well beyond the legal requirements. For example, the tilt/sliding sunroof must open and close smoothly even when the roof box is mounted.

[1] Available from the sales launch of the new A-Class in September 2012

Credits: Daimler AG

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