Wednesday, December 5, 2012

SPY: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class T-Modell Facelift (S 212) gets caught again

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The mid-life revamp of the E-Class will bring a new, powerful identity to the business class range of Mercedes-Benz. Each model of the lineup is prone to getting a completely revised front fascia and state-of-the-art assistance systems and telematics. The engine portfolio will also get some efficiency tweaks and output upgrades.

In a week, we shall get the first look at the new-generation E-Class for the 2013 model year, as Mercedes-Benz is expected to issue the first official pics and information on December, 13th. Following the C-Class approach, the new variants of the lineup will become more distinct through a visual treatment with great effect: the bottom-line version gets a classic chrome grille with grey louvres, the higher Elegance trim will be distinguished through its new, rounder chrome grille with black accents, whereas the range-topping Avantgarde model will get the dynamic Star grille for the first time in history.

Inside, changes will affect some key parts of the dashboard. The instrument cluster will feature new dials and a new arrangement, the HVAC and media interface will be updated according to the latest trend of the brand, the air vents and the central clock will be borrowed from the CLS-Class, while the liquid-crystal display will receive a new graphics technology so that it looks modern and vivid. Customers of the new E-Class Facelift will also have the chance to equip their Merc with the internet-based COMAND Online satnav & infotainment system. New storage compartments and revised ergonomy for a more intuitive use are also among the strategies to destined to freshen up the luxurious dashboard. Last, but not least, new multifunctional steering wheels with four and three spokes will also be offered.

Stay tuned to www.mercedesgla.blogspot.com as new images and details could leak out very soon!





Image Credits: Autoevolution

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

SPY: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Facelift (A 207) snagged in Stuttgart

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Mercedes-Benz will soon take the veil off its newly updated E-Class family. We already know that at least the saloon and wagon flagship versions of the range shall make their official debut in January 2013 at the NAIAS Detroit. The first pictures and details over the new models are expected to come next Thursday, on the 13th December. In what the Coupe and Cabriolet variants are concerned, they should also be released pretty soon. In the latest shots, the spy photographers have scooped a lightly camouflaged prototype of the facelifted A 207 E-Class in AMG Sport trim while undergoing a road test in Stuttgart, Germany.

Both models under the 207 E-Class series for the 2013 model year will sport an entirely refreshed attitude. The new design philosophy eyes dramatic changes for the front fascia. The front apron will be completely revised as the new Star grille will become less sharper than in the past and the air intakes in the bumper will display a softer styling (inspired by the new A-Class). Actually, the biggest modification involves the eyes of the new E-Class 207 generation: no more quad headlights, but brand new single-piece lamps with intricate inner graphics and optionally available with the Intelligent Light System based on LED technology.

The rest of the car will suffer some evolutionary changes, but nothing spectacular or out of the ordinary. For the Cabriolet and also Coupe, the Ponton crease located on the rear wings have been preserved, as they can be better in the integrated in the unitary design and deliver a bold, impressive look for the two sports models. The back end receives slightly revamped tail lights, in the sense that the LEDs will form new graphics similar to those premiered this year on the new-generation GLK 2012. Moreover, the exhaust pipes on the high-end variants will become oval instead of trapezoidal like today.

The A 207 E-Class will stick to classic stuff when it comes to the architecture of the roof. For the sake of elegance, the Cabriolet will continue to feature a cloth top, orderable in three distinct colour tones to perfectly combine with the chosen exterior paint finish. As expected, the folding roof will boast complex engineering to ensure perfect thermal insulation and noise-proofness. Further breakthroughs, such as the innovative AIRCAP or the AIRSCARF neck-heating system will also be available so that running "topless" is a pleasurable experience throughout the whole year, even during winter time.

The dashboard will likely remain the same as that of the current model, but the instrument panel on the center console, the air vents and the steering wheel will be subject to an upgrade. Most of the controls will be borrowed from the CLS-Class (C 218), so expect more roundness and less roughness. Technology-wise, the 2013 E-Class Cabriolet Facelift will be updated with all the neccesary safety and communication systems and devices. Among other clever solutions, ATTENTION ASSIST, PRE-SAFE, DISTRONIC Plus, Comand Online with internet access and social profile integration are also on the equipment list.

The engine lineup will suffer some modifications. According to latest rumors, the current E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY will be replaced by the new E 400 BlueEFFICIENCY equipped with a 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 unit rated at 340 hp. The new E 500 BlueEFFICIENCY will receive a power increase from 408 hp to 435 hp. No AMG variant for the 2013MY E-Class Cabriolet is being considered at the moment.




Image Credits: Autoevolution

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: New to the model car selection - True-to-detail miniatures in two scales and five colours

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The S‑Class amongst SUVs is now also available a few sizes smaller: in co-operation with Norev, Mercedes‑Benz is now offering the new GL‑Class as a true-to-original miniature. The miniatures designed using the original CAD data and assembled by hand are available in two scales and five original paint colours.

Norev assembles over 120 individual parts to build the GL to a scale of 1:18. The model measures around 28.5 centimetres and is made of die-cast zinc. Beneath the front bumper is a large underride guard in chrome-look and the tailpipes of the exhaust system are integrated into the rear bumper. The doors, bonnet and tailgate can be opened. The backrests of the seats in the second and third rows of seats can be folded forward. The interior and boot floor are flocked.

Even according to Mercedes standards, the accuracy of detail in the interior reaches a new dimension: 1:18 scale models usually have around 150 decorations – a term which model car enthusiasts understand to mean the application of details by means of stamping, pattern painting, hot-foil stamping, stickers and chrome-plating of parts. The miniature GL-Class sets new standards here with up to 253 decorations (depending on the equipment colour). The colour combinations also correspond exactly to the original, thus the paint colour diamond white can be combined with the interior colour black tobacco brown marron, whilst the trim elements used are in brown ash.

The equipment includes the panoramic roof, xenon headlamps with the Intelligent Light System (ILS) and LED daytime running lamps, a third-row rear bench seat and light-alloy wheels in a 10-twin-spoke design. The model car is available in diamond white, obsidian black and iridium silver for 69.90 Euros [1] . A glove is included to protect the glazing and painted body work against fingerprints. The screwdriver included in the pack can be used to easily remove the model from the designer packaging.

The second miniature of the off-roader is in a scale of 1:43 and measures almost twelve centimetres. This die-cast zinc model is also constructed by Norev and comprises more than 55 individual parts. Diamond white, cavansite blue and citrine brown are the choice of genuine paint colours available. These can be combined with authentic interior colours and the corresponding trim elements. The equipment details include the front bumper with large underride guard, rear bumper with visible yet fully integrated tailpipes, panoramic roof, xenon headlamps with the Intelligent Light System (ILS) and LED daytime running lamps, a third-row rear bench seat and light-alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design. The model is delivered in a presentation display case on a printed base plate and costs 29.90 Euros.

The model cars are available online at
http://shop.mercedes-benz.de/ and from Mercedes‑Benz sales partners.

[1] All prices are recommended retail prices for Germany incl. 19% VAT













Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Genuine accessories for the new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: First-class accessories for the first-class SUV

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Advanced multimedia systems and practical transport solutions are the core of the genuine accessories range for the new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. The line-up includes over 160 high-end products at the launch of the first-class SUV.

Comfort, safety, elegance, efficiency – the new GL-Class from Mercedes-Benz shows leadership qualities in all key SUV categories, making it the S-Class among cross-country vehicles. In parallel with the market launch of the first-class SUV, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH is now presenting first-class accessories. The major highlights of the extensive range are provided below.

Powerful dynamics: striking add-on parts and attractive wheels

The off-roader's imposing styling is emphasised by running boards with LED lighting (1299 euros [1]) and rugged stainless-steel inlays for easy entry and exit, as well as fin attachments for the air intakes on the bonnet (149 euros). The six-part set is made of galvanised high-gloss chrome-plated synthetic material and can be mounted easily and securely. High-gloss chrome-plated door handle recesses (59 euros) add a further visual touch.

The sportiness of the SUV is highlighted by styling components from the high-performance brand AMG. Available for the new GL-Class are, amongst other things: AMG front and rear aprons (price on request), AMG door pins made from high-quality stainless steel (40 euros) and AMG door sill panels in brushed stainless steel. The latter are available in two variants: illuminated white (price on request) and without illumination (price on request).

The range of attractive 18, 19, and 20-inch light-alloy wheels is extensive. The genuine accessories range from Mercedes-Benz features new products such as distinctive high-sheen 10-spoke wheels for 275/50 R 20 tyres in himalaya grey.

Front and rear mud flaps (95 euros per set) protect against dirt and scratches on the side areas, at the rear and on the underbody. Matched to the vehicle contour, the genuine accessory products retain the sporty appearance of the new GL-Class.

Entertained and always up-to-date: advanced multimedia solutions

In tandem with Daimler's Digital DriveStyle app, the Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® (750 euros) enables seamless integration of the iPhone® into the GL. Amongst others, the highlights include the advanced navigation solution from Garmin®, Google® online Point Of Interest searches with Street View™, and 3D map depiction. Further functions are: Facebook®, Twitter®, internet radio, AUPEO!™ personal radio and Glympse, the real-time location sharing app. Glympse provides a way to share your current location with selected individuals. The Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® 4/4S will be available in the first quarter of 2013.

With the iPad® Rear Integration Plus docking station (329 euros [2]), the Apple® iPad®, iPad® 2 and iPad® 3 tablet PC models can be accommodated safely and ergonomically with all the usual functions in the vehicle's rear compartment. All jacks and ports (such as for the headphones) remain accessible. The docking station can be tilted 90 degrees. In addition, the iPad® battery can be charged via an integrated USB port by means of a charging cable.

Alternatively, a portable iPad® Rear Integration unit is available for 229 euros. This unit is also suitable for the iPad®, iPad® 2 and iPad® 3 and simply attaches to the headrest pillar. It can therefore be removed at any time.

First-class entertainment in the second row is also made possible with the Rear Entertainment System, which is available as a portable kit (1249 euros [3]) or as a permanently installed version [4]. The portable kit includes two 17.8-cm displays with an integrated DVD player with docking station, as well as two infrared headsets and an infrared remote control.

The Becker® MAP PILOT (654.50 euros [5]) provides an inexpensive navigation solution for Audio 20 CD. Advantages include integrated control via the central control element, voice output via the vehicle loudspeakers and display on the Audio 20 screen, discreet fitting in the glove box and update and add-on capability via an internet portal.

The new Mercedes-Benz telephone module with Bluetooth® (SAP) [6] also combines a number of multimedia functions. The telephone module with integrated UMTS module and direct connection to the vehicle antenna provides a fast, stable and secure connection of COMAND Online with the internet. What's more, Mercedes-Benz apps can also be used at the same time as the telephone, for example. The driver can even have text messages read aloud to them.

Of course, in terms of telematics, the accessories range also includes a variety of cradles for popular mobile phones from Apple, RIM and Nokia (from 80 euros).

For the roof and trailer tow hitch: practical transport solutions

With the Alustyle Easy-Fix II basic carrier bars for rails (229 euros), a particularly user-friendly basic carrier bar is available for the Mercedes GL. The carrier bars can be fitted to the roof in just a few steps which can easily be carried out by anyone, without special tools, namely: pre-tension until you hear a click and then tighten using the fastening lever.

The basic carrier bars can also be combined with bicycle racks or ski and snowboard racks (from 99 euros), as well as genuine roof boxes (from 375 euros). The models with a capacity of 330, 400 and 450 litres can be opened from both sides and can be complemented with practical luggage sets (from 137 euros). A further plus: the box's 3-latch locking system provides effective protection against theft.

Alternatively a rear-mounted bicycle rack for the trailer tow hitch is available and can be used to transport two or three bicycles (price: 499 and 599 euros, respectively). The rear-mounted bicycle rack can be locked and folded to a compact size when not in use.

Order in the load compartment is ensured by practical transport solutions such as a luggage net (32 euros), a boot tub (high/low version available; from 80 euros) and a special plug-in module (99 euros). These allow the boot to be partitioned in a number of ways and prevent any loads from moving around. The telescopic rods for the plug-in module are secured with floor clips along the outer edges of the cargo floor.

[1] All prices: recommended retail prices for Germany, including 19% VAT –
valid for 2012
[2] Installation costs not included
[3]Installation costs not included.
[4] For vehicles with code 866.
[5] In connection with the corresponding basic wiring (SA code 508).
[6] Only in connection with comfort telephony (code 386).


















Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Emotions instead of emissions: car2go thrills Stuttgart

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People in Stuttgart can now drive cars completely electrically for 29 cents per minute. Daimler today launched its car2go mobility concept in its “home town,” using vehicles equipped solely with electric drive systems. car2go is operating Germany’s biggest all-electric fleet in Stuttgart, encompassing a total of 300 battery-electric smart brand cars. EnBW will set up 500 charging points throughout the city and its surrounding region until end of 2013 so that drivers can recharge electricity from renewable sources of energy.

“car2go offers affordable electric mobility for everyone. Thanks to car2go, people in Stuttgart can see for themselves that electric drive systems are suited for everyday use,” said Daimler CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche at the mobility concept’s official launch in the New Palace of Baden-Württemberg’s capital city. “With the launch of car2go in Stuttgart, Daimler is once again underscoring its innovation leadership with regard to new mobility concepts and new technologies.”

Residents and visitors of Stuttgart can now travel in an electric car at any time and on the spur of the moment. On their smartphones or the Internet, customers can see where the nearest unoccupied car2go vehicle is located. Using their membership cards, drivers can open the vehicle without any prior booking and lock the door again once their trip is over. Customers can leave car2go vehicles standing at any public parking lot within the 75-square-kilometer service area, which is scheduled to be expanded next year to include selected regions in the greater Stuttgart area.

The LivingLab for zero-emission driving

The launch of car2go is the first milestone in Baden-Württemberg’s “Living Lab BWe mobil” showcase program for electric mobility. As part of this program, numerous projects funded by the federal and state governments will kick off in the coming weeks. The project partners of car2go are the state of Baden-Württemberg, the city of Stuttgart, EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG, and Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen AG.

At the press conference in the New Palace, Baden-Württemberg Premier Winfried Kretschmann emphasized the significance of electric drive systems for environmental protection and for Baden-Württemberg as a business location. “With its new concepts and a public infrastructure, electric mobility is taking off right where the automobile was originally invented,” he said.
“The charging stations that were set up with the help of the state can now be used for all electric vehicles. Environmentally friendly driving has thus become more convenient in Stuttgart than anywhere else in Germany. That makes us exemplary and a showcase for electric mobility in the best sense of the word. It demonstrates once again that southwestern Germany is seizing the initiative.”

Stuttgart Mayor Dr. Wolfgang Schuster had the following to say: “The mobility system of the future will be socially responsible, environmentally friendly, and conducive to economic growth. What we’re talking about here is affordable mobility for everyone - with much lower resource consumption and, above all, less fossil energy use, as well as less air pollution and noise. Stuttgart therefore needs to seize the opportunity to become a center of electric mobility.” The city is also moving ahead with numerous other measures within the framework of the showcase project. Among other things, plans call for car2go to be linked with other municipal transportation services, in particular with the Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen AG (SSB) public transport company.

“Electric cars need a comprehensive, functional and customer-friendly charging infrastructure. This means they simply need energy, which we are supplying for car2go vehicles and many other electric cars on Stuttgart’s streets,” said Dr. Frank Mastiaux, Chairman of EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG, about the importance of the charging infrastructure.

Electric driving for 29 cents per minute

The use of a fully electric smart two-seater in Stuttgart costs the same as a drive with a gasoline-powered vehicle at other car2go locations: 29 euro cents per minute of driving - a price that also includes taxes, insurance, and electricity for the first 20 kilometers traveled. There are no parking fees, and when drivers pull over and stop their cars, the price falls to nine cents per parked minute. The discounted hourly and daily flat rates are €12.90 and €39, respectively.

As is the case in other cities, Stuttgart’s car2go service is jointly organized by Daimler's car2go subsidiary and the Europcar vehicle rental company. Registration is required, but the process can easily be completed at the car2go shop (Stephanstraße 25) and at the Europcar outlets on Friedrichstraße, in the main train station, and in Vaihingen and Bad Cannstatt. Public transport customers can use car2go by obtaining a mobility pass at a Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen AG (SSB) customer center. Registration for car2go will remain free of charge until the end of the year - and all new customers will also be credited 30 minutes of free driving. Moreover, customers from car2go’s other German locations in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Hamburg, and Ulm can use their membership cards to access the service in Stuttgart without any need for further registration. Conversely, Stuttgart car2go customers can drive the white and blue cars in the cities mentioned above without any additional formalities.

car2go - a pioneer and a world market leader for flexible carsharing

When car2go was first tested by Daimler in 2008, it simultaneously established a new segment for flexible carsharing services. With its launch in Stuttgart, car2go is now available in 16 cities in Europe and North America. The company currently has around 250,000 customers - more than four times as many as were registered at the beginning of the year. As a result, car2go is now the fastest-growing carsharing company in the world. A car2go vehicle is rented around once every four seconds on average around the globe. This mobility concept will be available in more than 50 cities worldwide by the middle of the decade. Daimler’s car2go GmbH subsidiary is part of the Group’s Financial Services division (Daimler Financial Services AG).

The Stuttgart car2go system is also operated by car2go Deutschland GmbH, a joint venture between the Daimler subsidiary car2go GmbH and the Europcar vehicle rental company. car2go customers who apply for a Europcar partner card can also rent vehicles from the company’s entire product range at a special discounted rate. More specifically, the partner card grants customers a 15 percent discount on Europcar’s best available daily rate, thus ideally complementing car2go whenever a smart fortwo would be insufficient for tasks such as long-distance trips or transporting bulky loads.

Comprehensive charging station coverage

Operation of the fully electric car2go fleet is made possible by an extensive and publicly accessible charging infrastructure that is being established by EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG as part of the showcase project. car2go customers and all other drivers of electric vehicles can now recharge their cars at around 300 charging points. The charging stations’ locations were jointly selected by the city and the district advisory councils. EnBW will increase the number of charging stations in Stuttgart and the surrounding region to 500 by the end of 2013. The electricity supplied to the electric vehicles is produced exclusively from renewable energy sources. The smart fortwo car2go models have a range of up to 140 kilometers; the average trip taken with the vehicles ranges from five to 15 kilometers. Customers are automatically requested to proceed to a charging station whenever their vehicle’s battery charge drops below a certain level.

car2go and “moovel”

The use of electric drives isn’t the only thing that sets car2go in Stuttgart apart from the rest, as the concept was completely integrated into Daimler’s “moovel” mobility platform from the very beginning. moovel itself has been undergoing testing in Stuttgart since July 2012 and in Berlin since the end of October. The system’s user-friendly app allows customer to compare different mobility options and thus determine the optimal way to get from Point A to Point B.

moovel provides information about both private and public transport. In Stuttgart, it therefore includes data from Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen AG (SSB), Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund Stuttgart GmbH (VVS), and the strategic partner carpooling.com GmbH (mitfahrgelegenheit.de). Beginning today, the moovel app also shows car2go vehicles that are available for immediate reservation near any given location.




Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

 
//PART 2