Freedom New Technologies That Make Life Easier

No. 363 MERCEDES 4.2019

NATURAL An all-electric* Icelandic experience

RELAXED Why future cars will be autonomous ISSUE 4.2019 / EUR 6.80 (DE, AT) / EUR 6.80 (DE, AT) ISSUE 4.2019 / (BENELUX) / EUR 7.95 (CH) 13.60 CHF DKK 69.95 (DK) / SEK 99 (S) EUR 9.90 (FI, GR) / CZK 239 (CZ) SK, SI) / GBP 6.99 /GB) ES, FR, PT, EUR 8.85 (IT, Freedom New technologies that make life easier

*In the EQC. Combined electric energy consumption (kWh/100 km): 20.8–19.7; combined CO 2 emissions (g/km): 0 ORIGINS COMPLETE Fold Designed by Sebastian Herkner

www.schramm-werkstaetten.com

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Sustainable freedom

Dear Reader,

This magazine is all about innovation, and for good reason. Mercedes-Benz has worked hard since the beginning to develop new solutions and products both large and small that will make your life easier. Having the expertise of the world’s best engineers, programmers and designers is an essential part of this mission. This is truer now than ever, as complex technologies like autonomous driving become a reality and promise a new kind of mobility that will bring increased freedom to everyday life.

With the strategy “Ambition 2039”, we have set ourselves the target to provide a CO2-neutral vehicle ﬂeet within the next 20 years. Our new column, in this issue written by Ola Källenius, The Mercedes me magazine app: Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG, tells you how convinced and mbmag.me/ios determined we are to take the path to a sustainable future. You will also learn how CO2-neutral mbmag.me/android mobility is already possible with Mercedes-Benz vehicles …

Iceland is one of the best places for experiencing the true power of nature.

*Combined electric energy consumption (kWh/100 km)1: 20.8–19.7

Combined CO2 emissions (g/km)1: GETTY IMAGES THIS PAGE PHOTO 0

1 The electric energy consumption and range have been determined based on Regulation 692/2008/EC. … in our travel blog, for which we drove around Iceland in the EQC* – powered by The electric energy consumption and range are dependent 100% renewable energy. on the vehicle configuration. For more information on the measurement procedure, We hope you enjoy reading!

MICHAEL NEUMANN MICHAEL PHOTO COVER please see page 10. Your Editorial Team

November 2019 3 Mercedes Experience the secret of the new Wellendorff amulet “YOU ARE PERFECT”. Scan me.

An 18-karat gold amulet with a floating diamond, set in such a way that nothing detracts from its beauty and purity. A piece of jewellery that would say, “You are perfect to me.”

Available at the finest jewellers and at your Wellendorff Boutiques in: Berlin • Düsseldorf • Frankfurt Mainz • Stuttgart • Munich • Vienna • Hong Kong • Beijing • Tokyo • San Francisco. Contact your Wellendorff expert at +49 7231 – 28 40 128 or [email protected] • www.wellendorff.com. Experience the secret of the new Wellendorff amulet “YOU ARE PERFECT”. Scan me.

An 18-karat gold amulet with a floating diamond, set in such a way that nothing detracts from its beauty and purity. A piece of jewellery that would say, “You are perfect to me.”

Start Imagine

03 Workshop Rendezvous in Moscow Behind the scenes 30 A conversation with the dream couple of Russian ballet 08 Contributors The photographers and Visit us reporters who worked on this issue online at: mbmag.me/me 10 Imprint

42 Making history 52 At one with the waves Oxford professor Carl Big-wave surfer Benedikt Frey on what Sebastian Steudtner comes after digitisation on happy moments

New freedom 36 How autonomous driving could change our lives A midsummer night’s dream 20 Tour of Iceland: a sustainable road trip with the EQC*

* Combined electric 14 The moment energy consumption The SC039 show car (kWh/100 km)1: 20.8-19.7 16 Pole position Combined CO2 emissions (g/km)1: Interview with 0 futurologist Amy Webb

1 The electric energy consumption and range have 17 Dates been determined based on The most exciting events Regulation 692/2008/EC. The electric energy consumption and range are dependent 18 Road to happiness on the vehicle configuration. Kotor, Montenegro For more information on the measurement procedure, please see page 10. 19 Style guide

Mercedes 6 Mercedes-Benz CONTENTS

Drive

20 Idyllic Iceland City with style Discovering the most beautiful 59 Entrepreneur Lea Lange shows us the Berlin she loves in the A-Class Saloon landscapes in the EQC*

30 Giving your all! Artem Ovcharenko and Anna Tikhomirova on their passion for ballet

36 Autonomous driving The vision is taking shape

46 People with a mission How can great products be improved?

56 Closer than ever Using Mercedes-Benz mobility services is easier than ever – online and ofﬂine

Through space and time 59 Flair and diversity 72 The GLS in the natural wonders of Utah Exploring Berlin with the A-Class Saloon

68 Ready, set, freedom! GLB – the versatile compact SUV

72 Adventures in the GLS Off-road driving through the desert 46 80 Facts New products and events Constant improvers Three people with a mission: 82 Hey … the pursuit of perfection New column! In this edition: Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of PHOTOS MICHAEL NEUMANN, DAVID FISCHER, DIRK BRUNIECKI, ROCKET & WINK, Mercedes-Benz AG REGINA RECHT, KYLE SCOTT ALEXANDER

November 2019 7 Mercedes This edition’s For the latest issue of Mercedes me, our authors and photographers travelled to Berlin, creators Oxford, Stuttgart and the Utah desert

Mercedes-Benz is one of the founding partners of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation 1 Berlin, 2 Oxford, 3 Utah, 4 Stuttgart, 5 Mexico City Founded in 2000, the foundation is the most important social initiative of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Via worldwide sports projects, the Anna-Lena Koopmann – Berlin Brian Doherty – Oxford foundation supports socially The author accompanied Lea Lange The photographer met the AI expert disadvantaged children and through the German capital Carl Benedikt Frey on campus young people, helping them strengthen their values, In her online shop, Juniqe, An economic historian who self-conﬁdence and personal abilities. They are challenged the entrepreneur Lea Lange examines artiﬁcial intelli- to take responsibility, offers affordable art and gence? Brian Doherty’s which helps them draw on design. She told our reporter mission was to photograph their own abilities to make a Anna-Lena Koopmann what the pioneering scholar in better life for themselves. makes her start-up tick the university city of Oxford and revealed her favourite The history of tomorrow spots in her home city, Berlin. is being written today.

TRASO – Mexico City Marc Bielefeld – Utah Regina Recht – Stuttgart Children, ages 5 to 12, and boxing The author experienced the The Munich-based photographer desert in the GLS luxury SUV visited perfectionists In addition to the boxing courses themselves, children take part As a travel reporter, Marc In sensitively composed in group therapy sessions and Bielefeld, who regularly writes portraits, Regina Recht workshops that their parents for this magazine, is always captured people who devote are also required to attend. on the road. This time, he their passion, craftsmanship

These deal with themes such explored the USA’s stunning and infallible attention ALEXANDER, GINA BOLLE KYLE SCOTT LAUREUS, PRIVATE, ESTEBAN, as violence, education, abuse landscape in one of the world’s to detail to making good

and other social issues. most state-of-the-art cars. things even better. PHOTOS

Mercedes 8 Mercedes-Benz ”In my imagination I created an electric THE ship that could break through all kinds of ice, that nice and elegantly, fearful and irresistible, could sail through the Arctic oceans, straight to the Pole.” GREEN Roald Amundsen at the age of 10, b. 1872 PIONEER

MS Roald Amundsen – the world’s first hybrid powered expedition ship Explore the Ship and No travel adventure can match an expedi- green technology. For the very first time plan your adventure tion cruise to Antarctica; the coldest, driest, in history, cutting-edge hybrid propulsion highest and cleanest continent on Earth. will take you deep into Antarctica – the Experience the thrill of getting close to beau- most remote continent on Earth. On your global.hurtigruten. tiful icebergs, visit isolated scientific stations unforgettable adventure, you will not on- com/green-pioneer and encounter wildlife such as penguins, ly be amongst the first to experience this seals and whales in their natural habitat. ground-breaking ship, your voyage of dis- With the revolutionary MS Roald Amundsen covery will turn you in a true explorer. Discover more you can now explore under the power of

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Issue number 363 (65th year) of the Mercedes-Benz magazine appears in 33 languages around the world with a circulation of 2.4 million copies

This magazine is also Publisher Concept Advertising Copyright available to read Mercedes-Benz AG and realisation Looping Studios The reproduction and utilisation of in the App Store and Mercedesstraße 120 Looping Studios, an in cooperation with the magazine or extracts thereof on Google Play: 70327 Stuttgart, Olando GmbH brand, EV Media GmbH is subject to the explicit written mbmag.me/ios Germany Prannerstraße 11 Rückerstraße 4 consent of Mercedes-Benz AG. mbmag.me/android Postal address 80333 Munich, Germany 10119 Berlin, Germany No responsibility is accepted for Mercedes-Benz AG Managing directors [email protected] texts and photographs submitted HPC 0736 Dr Robin Houcken Julian Barg on a speculative basis. Articles for which the author’s name is 70546 Stuttgart, Dr Dominik Wichmann julian.barg@ provided do not necessarily reflect Germany Head of content (print) ev-media.com No. 363 MERCEDES 4.2019 the opinions of the publisher or Rüdiger Barth Tel. +49 30 8145203-63 Our car and van custo- editorial department. Errors and Mobile +49 151 21224377 mers will be served omissions in the information by Mercedes-Benz AG Editorial department Armin Roth on equipment and accessories from November 2019. Editor-in-chief armin.roth@ excepted. For binding data and Hendrik Lakeberg ev-media.com NATURAL Our truck customers prices, please consult the respective An all-electric* Icelandic experience (responsible pursuant Tel. +49 30 8145203-61 RELAXED will be cared for by Mercedes-Benz AG sales documents. Why future cars will be autonomous Daimler Truck AG from to German press law) Mobile +49 151 11701170 We provide all other information November 2019. Art director in this magazine to the best of our ISSUE 4.2019 / EUR 6.80 (DE, AT) / EUR 6.80 (DE, AT) ISSUE 4.2019 / (BENELUX) / EUR 7.95 (CH) 13.60 CHF DKK 69.95 (DK) / SEK 99 (S) EUR 9.90 (FI, GR) / CZK 239 (CZ) SK, SI) / GBP 6.99 /GB) ES, FR, PT, EUR 8.85 (IT, Freedom Relevant data privacy Peter Harasim Sales and distribution knowledge and in good faith, but New technologies that make life easier information can be Managing editors IPS Pressevertrieb GmbH assume no liability for its accuracy. *In the EQC. Combined electric energy consumption (kWh/100 km): 20.8–19.7; combined CO 2 emissions (g/km): 0 found at: www. Stefan Vitti Tel. +49 2225 8801-0 The green island mercedes-benz.de/ Sally Johnson [email protected] Consumption data and With the cover of this datenschutz Contributing editors testing procedures edition, we are celebrat - Responsible on behalf Marco Arellano Gomes Production The values specified are the determined ‘NEDC CO values’ ing the new EQC* while of the publisher Petra Barth Laudert GmbH + Co. KG 2 pursuant to Art. 2 No. 1 of the also tipping our hat to Kris Coumans Marc Bielefeld Magellanstraße 1 Implementing Regulation (EU) one of Earth’s most Annette Maier Ina Brzoska 70771 Leinfelden- Anna-Lena Koopmann Echterdingen, Germany 2017/1153. Fuel consumption was gorgeous corners: Project coordination calculated on the basis of these Iceland. This country Arlinda Kadriu Christofer Lüttig Maya Morlock Printing values. Electric energy consumption boasts breathtaking was determined on the basis of Dawn Parisi Stark Druck vistas and plenty in the Readers’ service Commission Regulation (EC) Thomas Röbke GmbH + Co. KG way of sustainability. Zenit Pressevertrieb No. 692/2008. The basis of assess- Johannes Schweikle Im Altgefäll 9 How much exactly? GmbH ment for the motor vehicle tax may Graphic designers 75181 Pforzheim Read more from p. 20 Postfach 81 05 80 be a higher value. The range was Ayhan Belge Germany 70552 Stuttgart determined on the basis of Commis- Jenny Köster Germany sion Regulation (EC) No. 692/2008. Dominik Leiner Printed on Tel. 0800 0010001 The basis of assessment under Annabel Spinler chlorine-free leserservice@ German electromobility law (EmoG) Sabine von Bassewitz bleached paper is determined by another value. The zenit-presse.de Photography editors information provided does not relate Anna Simdon Printed in Germany to one individual vehicle and Annual subscription Isabella Hager 6720 0355 02 does not form part of our offer, but mbmag.me/magazine Anja Kneller ISSN 0949-6998 is intended to facilitate comparison EUR 22 · CHF 34 Charlotte Ottemeyer between different vehicle types. MercedesCard Further information on the official holder membership Final copy editing fuel consumption and the official includes subscription. wordinc GmbH specific CO2 emissions of new *Combined electric Orders within Germany: Eiffestraße 426 passenger cars can be found in energy consumption the “Guide to fuel consumption, 0800 0010001 20537 Hamburg (kWh/100 km)1: CO emissions and electricity (free of charge from Germany 2 20.8–19.7 German landlines; Download what3words consumption of all new passenger car models”, which is available Combined CO2 mobile phone in the App Store or on emissions (g/km)1: charges may vary). Google Play. You can free of charge at all sales outlets 0 International orders: find out more about the and from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH at www.dat.de. +49 711 7252 268 philosophy behind 1 For information on the measurement procedure please Mercedes me the innovative naviga- see “Consumption data and is published on a tion software here: testing procedures” on the right. quarterly basis. what3words.com

Mercedes 10 Mercedes-Benz

PROMOTION Exclusive destinations for your dream holidays

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ARRIVE AS A GUEST, LEAVE AS A FRIEND ALPINE SPA RESORT VIKTORIA HOTEL & SPA Arrive, relax, enjoy. Or in short: forest spa. Over 3 floors we have various nature-themed relaxation areas, aromatic steam baths, saunas and warming infrared sources. Another highlight CHASA MONTANA ««««S is the heated 25 m infinity pool. The ideal place for those wanting the peace to escape their daily lives and rediscover themselves! Take a Situated in the Silvretta Arena Samnaun-Ischgl, the Chasa Montana is located S well-deserved break! We look forward to your visit! CHASA MONTANA **** in a skiing paradise with over 250 km of pistes. Traditional Engadine style is HOTEL & SPA reflected in the details and gives the hotel a charming note. Three a la carte ZEGG Hotels AG restaurants oer specialities of talian cuisine from the gourmet stbli 1 points aultMillau, 1 Michelin star to the fondue raclette stbli and our range of Dorfstraße 30 over 1,000 wines. The 1,500 m2 Montana Spa has a Roman indoor pool, a 7563 Samnaun-Engadin HOTEL CHALET TIANES sauna area, an outside salt water pool, a fitness centre, a beauty and massage SWITZERLAND ALPINE RELAX ****S centre so you can enjoy wellness at its best. We have an exclusive ladies spa T +41 (0) 81 8619000 Family Piccolruaz sauna area. The duty-free shops of .ch oer a wide range of top brands! [email protected] St. Michael 3/2 www.hotelchasamontana.ch 39040 Kastelruth Winter season 28.11.2019 - 02.05.2020 South Tirol, ITALY 4 nights with breakfast from CHF 552.- per person in the early season. #hotelchasamontana CHE103862369 T +39 0471 708082 [email protected] www.hotel-tianes.com

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Mercedes_D_04_19_ENG.indd 2 16.09.19 11:06 Mercedes_D_04_19_ENG.indd 3 16.09.19 11:06 Start

The moment The future of the extraordinary

A thrilling moment at the Frankfurt Motor Show: with its progress and our desire for the extraordinary. Even in a pure, ﬂowing forms, the Vision EQS was a sight to behold the sustainability-driven future, our customers will want a saloon instant it rolled on to the stage of the Mercedes-Benz stand. that meets all of their expectations in terms of comfort, The Vision EQS is a show car that is not meant for series design and technology. The Vision EQS brings all of this production. But it does show where Mercedes-Benz is together in one vehicle. It is an archetype for how a luxury, headed. Mobility is undergoing a radical transforma- fully electric car can look when Mercedes-Benz is involved. tion, but two things will never change: our need to make mbmag.me/visioneqs

Mercedes 14 Mercedes-Benz The perfect combination of comfort, design and technology: the Vision EQS is a paragon of the sustainable luxury that awaits us. ACTION PRESS ACTION PHOTO

November 2019 15 Mercedes Pole position

primarily for the English and Chinese lan- Harvard lecturer Amy Webb founded guages. But that will change soon enough. the Future Today Institute in 2006. Typing things out will increasingly be The institute’s well-respected Tech replaced by speaking and dictation in the Trend Report is published annually. near future. futuretodayinstitute.com In Mercedes-Benz vehicles, this Read about the first forays of development is evidenced by the voice Mercedes-Benz into the future of assistant feature integrated into new autonomous driving from p. 36 vehicles. Drivers can activate it simply by saying “Hey Mercedes”. Yes, that is an example that shows smart- phones will no longer be our primary inter- face going forward. The Internet of Things is seeing more devices becoming connected and we will be able to communicate with Compact super them all, primarily through speech. sports car Are you able to predict how this new When developing the new She is considered the connectivity will influence mobility? Mercedes-AMG A 45 4Matic+, the Grande Dame of futurology: For our trend reports, we develop forecasts engineers in Affalterbach had one on the basis of the available data. I can’t goal: to raise the series’ driving Amy Webb on the Internet guarantee 100 per cent accuracy, but we can dynamics and sporty driving experience to a level that was of Things and the benefits of create a few plausible scenarios. previously not possible in the upcoming technologies So what would a plausible future for compact class. Find out more at: mobility look like? mbmag.me/A45AMG Our cars will be increasingly automated. This means we can use the time spent travelling for things other than driving. And moving away from cars, this connectivity will also see new forms of delivery vehicles. Take drones, for example, which are controlled by algorithms and can deliver medication or food supplies quickly and cheaply. Suppliers still have many challenges to overcome regarding automated and Ms Webb, which trend has recently autonomous driving. What is Model Mercedes-AMG surprised you? a positive scenario we can anticipate A 45 4Matic+ The success of voice assistants! We have according to your trend report? been working for a while now on models that This technology presents some clear Fuel consumption (l/100 km)* demonstrate a transition from screens to ad vantages. For example, we are looking at urban: 9.6–9.21 1 invisible user interfaces. What surprised me potentially fewer accidents and congestion. extra-urban: 6.0–5.6 combined: 7.3–6.91 was how quickly voice assistants took off in Automated and auto nomous driving is only Combined CO2 emissions (g/km)*: some industries and countries, and how little really possible because we have access to an 192–1891 success they have seen in others. ever-growing amount of data. Data protec- How do you explain the difference tion should always be guaranteed, of course. in levels of success? If car owners decide to sell a vehicle, they 1 Values vary according to wheel/tyre combination. I assume it has something to do with the should be able to easily delete all of their * For more information on the fact that voice assistants are developed personal data. measurement procedure, see page 10.

Mercedes 16 Mercedes-Benz Dates The latest on art, music and sport: Experience the best events up to April 2020 Mercedes

5–6 March 2020 Big Data & AI Leaders Summit, Jakarta New perspectives from IT, data and AI: Asia’s tech elite will be meeting in Jakarta in early March 2020. forwardleading.co.uk Various dates in January 2020 Onroad Winter Training, Saalfelden Adrenaline rush guaranteed: learn to drift on snow and ice over an area of 120,000 m². mbmag.me/saalfelden

18 January 2020 Formula E, Santiago de Chile Will Mercedes-Benz enjoy a successful start to their Formula E experience? Get the Formula E fever! ﬁaformulae.com

22 November – 19 April 2020 7 December 2019 until 30 November 2019 G-Class, Montreal Bach Festival Zero Gravity, Munich Mercedes-Benz Museum The best Bach performers Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon triggered a space euphoria At home on and off the road will be celebrating the musical in 1969 – among artists too. The exhibition “Zero Gravity” shows how for the last 40 years: special genius in Montreal. these artists were inspired by the optimism of the Space Age. anniversary exhibition festivalbachmontreal.com eres-stiftung.de mbmag.me/g-museum

until 16 November 2019 16 February 2020 International Day Louisiana Museum, for Tolerance Humlebæk A day to remember! One of the best The UNESCO member states Danish museums for signed the Declaration modern art is situated of Principles on Tolerance in a small fisher in 1995. village. Not only un.org/en/events/ the exhibition by toleranceday/ award-winning photographer Lauren 2 February 2020 Greenfield makes a visit worthwhile. Super Bowl, Miami louisiana.dk The NFL final is taking place in MERCEDES-BENZ AG (2), FUTURE TODAY INSTITUTE, FESTIVAL BACH MONTREAL, ANNIE LEIBOVITZ/ERES STIFTUNG, BRIDGEMAN IMAGES, DAVID MADISON/GETTY IMAGES DAVID BRIDGEMAN IMAGES, STIFTUNG, MONTREAL, ANNIE LEIBOVITZ/ERES BACH FESTIVAL INSTITUTE, (2), FUTURE TODAY AG MERCEDES-BENZ Florida. Not to be missed – for football fans and novices alike.

PHOTOS miasbliv.com

November 2019 17 Mercedes Road Probably one of the most beautiful spots in the world: the bay of Kotor, Montenegro, on the Adriatic. The road hugs the mountainous coast for to happiness around 30 kilometres in a dramatic display of natural beauty The coastal road of Kotor what3words is a simple navigation system that lets you ﬁnd the precise location of any place in the world using just three words. (More information on page 10)

Dining Verige65 serves fresh ﬁsh with a complimentary view of the magniﬁcent mansions on the opposite shore. w3w.co/biking.reprinting.lotus

Sightseeing Risan, the oldest town in the region. Here, visitors happen across the ruins of ancient villas. The area also offers plenty of wonderful swimming spots. w3w.co/armadillos.stands.ticket

Sleeping Hotel Casa del Mare towers over the sea in the small ﬁshing village of Orahovac. Simply idyllic! w3w.co/delete.devoured. snowballed

Hiking Make the climb up the 1,300 steps to St John Fortress, but be sure to get there early to enjoy the view. w3w.co/voiceless.escaping. Discovering overlooked Lov´cen National Park is located between the towns of Kotor, Cetinje and Budva. The Petar Petrovi´c Njegoš Mausoleum is an absolute must. Here, two granite giants watch over the grave of the Montenegrin writer. It is also the best lookout point in the region. w3w.co/growled.smock.vocalists

Perast

Montenegro

Donja Lastva

THE BAY OF 30 KOTOR kilometres of spectacular winding road N through a fjord-like bay 10 km

Mercedes 18 Mercedes-Benz PHOTOS INTERFOTO/CLICKALPS/MORENO GEREMETTA, FRANK HÜLSBÖMER than ever. Butfreedom needsto belearned Thanks to socialmedia,fashion ismore diverse November 2019 by IWC, €7,800 “150 Years” edition Chronograph, Portuguese

iwc.com

€135 Rockson sneakers by Geox,

geox.de 19 Mercedes-Benz, €290 Bag by Tommy Hilﬁger x

tommy.com

“ space via social networkssocial suchvia space public the into out them put weoften photos,as especially these in best our look towant matter to us. It’s only natural to that moments and people of also but ourselves, of justnot to take more pictures everthan – cameras smartphone our using Weare life. everyday of part suits them. best what wear they because out stand people well-dressed ever,stillapplies: rule one but overshadowingthan it. rather personality owner’s its Mercedes-Benz and tical prac this of statedminimalism materials. And under the the-art state-of- with look temporary Geox combine an essential con- These life. your of rest the through you pany accom to sure be will edition by of the elegance example,timeless the trendy statements.than Take, for better often are design cated about think what suits truly you. but accessories, fashionable and colours striking with ment decisions. By all means, experi- goodmake to is it important more the are, there options diverseever. than more But the more far become has it and booming, is fashion channels, ubiquitous the to Thanks Instagram. as daily lifedaily products that your willenrich Hendrik Lakeberg, selects In each issue,oureditor-in-chief, IWC integral nowan is selﬁe The We than have freedom more Stylishsophisti-and classics bag Portuguese Chrono . This 150th anniversary by ness of social media social of ness ” Tommy Hilfiger sneakers Mercedes enhances graph graph

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Imagine A Midsummer Night’s Dream Wouldn’t it be wonderful to drive through one of the world’s most stunning natural panoramas in an environmentally friendly way? On Iceland this wish has become reality

TEXT AND PHOTOS: MICHAEL NEUMANN

Bright nights: a camper enables you to experience the island even more directly.

November 2019 21 Mercedes We pass green carpets of lichen and moss, sand and ochre-coloured plains, partly resembling, and as magical as a moon landscape.

Kirkjubæjarklaustur in Iceland’s Southern Region: 19 letters long and plenty of green

November 2019 23 Mercedes Sweeping expanses are typical of this sparsely populated country

Sandy roads leading to the snow: the Icelandic landscape is incredibly multifaceted.

Mercedes 24 Mercedes-Benz just below the Arctic Circle. Mystical nature explored in the new EQC. In the spirit of many nature-loving globetrotters: a locally emission-free

Idyllic energy boost: Icelandic loading point

Mercedes 26 Mercedes-Benz road trip through one of the most beautiful countries in the world … … powered by 100 per cent renewable energy.

Pull over – and plunge into the Blue Lagoon near the capital, Reykjavik. In comfort to the highlights: on the road in the EQC

Model assive icebergs stand stark on the horizon practical charging times will be the key to relaxed driv- Mercedes-Benz while glittering ice floes drift breezily across ing in the future. The EQC’s acceleration is impressive, EQC 400 4Matic the surface of the crystal-clear water: the though (for the record: from 0 to 100 in 5.1 seconds, Combined electric orange charging station is located in a park- thanks in part to a permanent all-wheel drive). But after energy consumption Ming space right in front of Jökulsárlón, the glacial lagoon a little while on the long and winding road, our atten- (kWh/100 km)*: that is one of Iceland’s most remarkable natural treas- tion shifts from the speedometer to the electric motor’s 20.8-19.7 ures. While our EQC is charging, we go limp with awe power meter, which shows the amount of recuperation as Combined CO2 taking in the staggering panorama through our wind- electricity generated by kinetic energy when braking or emissions (g/km)*: screen while enjoying back massages provided by the driving downhill flows back into the battery. Meanwhile, 0 seats of our electric SUV. A tongue from the Vatnajökull predictive driving enables us to increase our range by * The electric energy glacier protrudes into the lake. We have the place almost between 10 and 20 per cent. consumption and range have been determined based on to ourselves. Our only company are the seals that, thanks Anyway, no one comes all the way to Iceland looking Regulation 692/2008/EC. to the midnight sun, we can see curiously emerging from for speed. Instead, we’re trying to fulfil the dream of so The electric energy the water. In late June, the sun sets at about 1:30 a.m. many globetrotters such as ourselves: to make a locally consumption and range are dependent on the vehicle and rises again an hour later at 2:30, so it is almost emission-free road trip through one of the world’s most configuration. For more always light. impressive landscapes. One hundred per cent of the information on the measurement procedure, Our somewhat unconventional plan is to drive by electricity from every single socket in this country please see page 10. night and sleep by day. Attached to the EQC’s tow hitch comes from renewable sources, with 75 per cent of is our base camp, a Mink Camper. Weighing less than that coming from hydropower and 25 per cent from 500 kilos, this miniature caravan is little more than a bed thermal power. We observe how the latter is produced on wheels. We park where possible, wherever we fancy, at two separate stops on our journey: beside the airport and the camper’s blackout blinds mean that we can sleep on Reykjanes Peninsula and by Lake Mývatn in the Scan QR code for during the day and drive at night, thereby avoiding the north of the country. Here, we observe from just a few more information. hordes of tourists here at this time of year. metres as the turbines turn steam into megawatts. As mbmag.me/eqc With or without a camper attached, the EQC driver steam hisses from the chimneys, the vibrations beneath won’t experience range anxiety in Iceland. The state-of- our feet give a hint of the enormous power coming from the-art navigation system provides up-to-date informa- the drill holes, some of which are more than 2,000 tion on charging stations and displays destinations that metres deep. are in range, so we can relax and enjoy our locally Night after night, we glide through Iceland’s awe- emission-free journey. Furthermore, the speed limit of inspiring countryside, leaving nothing behind us but the 90 kilometres per hour ensures that we savour every quiet sound of our wheels turning on the tarmac. We metre of our j ourney with the EQC. can drive into the camping sites at seven in the morn- Charging is also stress-free. Fast-charging stations, ing without waking anyone up. Over breakfast (which which can charge a battery from ten to 80 per cent in is actually our dinner), we are surrounded by curious less than an hour, are located at regular intervals along tourists. As they admire the wonder of our electric car, the 1,300 km Ring Road, also known as Route 1. After we lie down in the camper and fall asleep to dream of just one electricity-powered day of driving, it’s clear that elves and trolls.

November 2019 29 Mercedes

Rendezvous in Moscow

Anna Tikhomirova and Artem Ovcharenko are the dream couple of the Russian ballet. A conversation about tradition, ambition, and why you should always delight in excelling yourself

INTERVIEW: HENDRIK LAKEBERG PHOTOS: DAVID FISCHER

November 2019 31 Mercedes Inspired by dancing: Artem Ovcharenko and Anna Tikhomirova “Giving it my all leads to a deep feeling of satisfaction” Artem Ovcharenko

Ms Tikhomirova, Mr Ovcharenko, you are two of repertoire. Ballet dancers can remain at their peak for the best dancers in the world today – and after 20 years. So why stop before you have to? your wedding in 2016, many people even dubbed Mr Ovcharenko, what is your view on this? you the dream couple of the ballet. How did you Ovcharenko: Ballet dancers go through various stages, come to start dancing? and at every stage you reach new boundaries, both Ovcharenko: I didn’t start until I was eleven, which is physically and mentally. Without the willpower to actually a bit too late – but I was desperate to do it. I’d exceed these limits, sooner or later you will fail. As one always had good body control, I loved leading others of the principal dancers, it’s my job to help others over- and I really liked music. For me, ballet was a very ele- come such hurdles. I had an experience like this gant way of being able to combine all of these things. recently. A ballerina told me that she didn’t feel up to Tikhomirova: I come from a family of ballet dancers; my the challenges and that she wanted to stop dancing. I father and sister both danced. So I didn’t really have a talked it through with her, looked her in the eyes, and choice [laughs]. I quickly realised that moving to music we kept dancing. Anyone who has overcome these was the best way for me to express my feelings, and fears and challenges themselves can help others to do that I was actually good at it. I started dancing profes- the same. sionally at the age of six. We’re always reading and hearing about That sounds like it might have been easier said how intensive and performance-driven ballet is. than done. Russian dancers are the best in What are your experiences of this? the world. The pressure of expectation must have Ovcharenko: We don’t take long breaks or go on holiday; been high. we keep going constantly. Ballet is never-ending, but Tikhomirova: Yes, absolutely. And being successful giving it my all leads to a deep feeling of satisfaction. A really is like a dream come true. feeling of happiness. I draw a large proportion of my Did you already know as a child what lay ahead? energy from that feeling. Tikhomirova: Children dance primarily because they Tikhomirova: I took some time off to have my daughter, enjoy it, but it’s important for them to understand early Arianna, who is now two. I still remember how afraid on that dancing is hard work – 24 hours a day, 7 days I was to leave the ballet – what if my career was over? a week. It requires discipline. But when Arianna was born, I was happier than I ever How tough is the competition? had been on the stage. I felt the same way when we Tikhomirova: If you really want to improve, your aim celebrated our wedding. When Arianna was five should not be to be better than the others but to keep months old, I returned to the stage. I was absolutely excelling yourself. You only stop growing when you determined to get back into shape as quickly as possi- reach a goal and allow yourself to relax and to feel sat- ble. After all, it’s true that we really need the things we isﬁed. There are always new dances to add to your love in life.

November 2019 33 Mercedes “We have already been asked to dance with holograms” Anna Tikhomirova

When you are on stage, do you think about your Holograms? impact on the audience? Tikhomirova: Yes, that’s the latest development. This Ovcharenko: I’m not primarily there to dance for the audi- technology has already been used in some ballets. In ence. If you’re on stage for the applause, you’re not con- Swan Lake, a holographic swan flies up over the audience centrating on the dance. When you dance, you need to at the end of the performance. We have been asked to focus one hundred per cent. For me, it’s important to find dance with holograms too. The technology is now so the truth, the essence, the idea behind a role and to advanced that the audience really believe the people are express these together with the other dancers – through real. I’m sure we’ll do more work like this in future. movement, but also through glances and facial expres- There are plans to record the best ballet dancers for pos- sions. Nothing can be allowed to distract you. It’s just terity and create a holographic archive. like driving a Mercedes; either you drive quickly from A You are two of the stars of the Bolshoi Ballet, to B, or you enjoy the ride. I think for me it’s more about one of the bastions of classical ballet. the experience, more about dance as a way to search for What do you think of new dance forms and something than about the result and the applause. experimental dance styles? Tikhomirova: I agree, but I do think that over time I have Ovcharenko: Ultimately, the ballets we dance are always become more aware of the importance of the interplay characterised by their time period and by the culture in between dancers and the audience. I like having an emo- which they were created. This means it will always be tional impact on the audience. At the end of a successful important to keep certain traditions going. Of course, evening, I can see in the eyes of those watching that our the new generation is obviously very different and is performance has changed them. Many people see ballet questioning a lot of things, including ballet. But that’s a as something akin to meditation, an opportunity to break good thing. It’s never easy to cultivate tradition while away from the daily routine. also being open to new ideas. In the Bolshoi Theatre, Our world today is always being defined by new people expect classical productions, and we know technologies, but ballet has a very long tradition and exactly how to deliver on this. It’s important to people don’t automatically associate it with innova- know tradition well in order to be able to move forward. tion. What influence does technology have on ballet? Only then can we really see how many opportunities Tikhomirova: That’s a good question. I think that the life has to offer. world of ballet is very interesting right now, partly because it offers an alternative to more modern forms of entertainment, with its tradition and history, but also Artem Ovcharenko and Anna Tikhomirova are part of the Bolshoi Ballet, one of the most renowned ballet company because digital technologies offer fantastic opportunities, in the world. Ovcharenko is one of the ballet’s principal dancers, such as when it comes to the set design. The recent and he performs internationally too. experimentation with holograms is really exciting. Find out more at artemovcharenko.com

Mercedes 34 Mercedes-Benz Anna Tikhomirova at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow THE SERIES: AUTONOMOUS DRIVING I The new freedom Will we only drive ourselves in future if we really want to? In the ﬁrst part of our series on autonomous driving, we explain why this technology is one of the most important innovations of our time. And what Mercedes-Benz is doing to help shape it

TEXT: HENDRIK LAKEBERG ILLUSTRATIONS: ROCKET & WINK Read, dream, play: aiming to make anything possible in an autonomous car

November 2019 37 Mercedes THE SERIES: AUTONOMOUS DRIVING I

roundbreaking technology that Uwe Keller, head of Autonomous Driving at and autonomous driving is a testament could change our lives to an unpre- Mercedes-Benz AG, nevertheless sounds to the transformation that companies like cedented extent. We will feel its sure of his ground when he says: “We are Mercedes-Benz AG are currently undergo- effects in the tiny details of every- working to bring the technology to producing. Although we are still a company whose Gday life as well as in the big issues of the tion readiness in the near future.” The com- reputation is rooted in classical mechanical day, such as transport infrastructure, life in petition has been fired up for a while now as engineering, at the same time we are turning the city, and the economy. The expectations, digital companies such as Google and Apple more and more into a software developer.” indeed the hopes that go with autonomous are directly competing with traditional car Because alongside meticulously construc- driving, are enormous. manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz. ted and designed vehicles, digital techno- And it is already well advanced in its In an effort to drive development for- logies, algorithms, neural networks and data development. Cars manoeuvring themselves ward as comprehensively and speedily as collections are integral elements in making through the world on their own, while we possible, Mercedes-Benz is working closely automated and autonomous driving part of lean back inside and turn our thoughts to with suppliers, but also with universities everyday life. something other than the traffic – this is and even competitors such as BMW. After within reach. all, automated and autonomous driving We will all be passengers heralds a fundamental change in mobility. Let’s take a step back: When we talk about Digital transformation “We are setting new boundaries with the automated and autonomous driving, what There are still some hurdles to overcome – project in terms of software development,” exactly are we talking about? Consensus has technological, of course, but also legal ques- explains Keller. “Our work on automated been reached in Europe and the USA on six tions surrounding liability and ethics. For levels (see also the column on p. 41). The example, how do you evaluate possible wrong- higher the figure, the more advanced the doing in other road users? In other words: degree of vehicle automation. Autonomous how does a computer-controlled vehicle driving is designated as level 4/5 – the high- become a careful, responsible road user? est levels. A good example of this is the Robo-Taxi. You order this just as you would “How can we build up people’s trust longer than expected. Automated and autonomous driving could also enable older so that an automated trip becomes people or people with disabilities to partici- a fulfilling all-round experience?” pate more fully in society. Thomas Hengstermann, head of Autonomous Services, Daimler Mobility AG Complex tasks The technology is set to bring more safety for all road users. When vehicles are driving a normal taxi, except there is no driver in the future into autonomous mode, drivers autonomously and communicating with the vehicle picking us up. It steers through become passengers – with all the opportu- each other, fewer accidents will occur – at the traffic independently, bringing us easily nities that this role opens up: we may have least, that’s the expectation. After all, the and comfortably to our destination. On short the possibility to work in the car, turn the number one source of error in traffic is that trips just as well as over long distances. seats around and talk face to face with of humans. friends or family, potentially shop online, Even so, the human brain manages com- The gift of time watch films or take our pick from the best plex tasks, the solution of which even the The advantages of automated and autono- restaurants that our destination has to offer. most intelligent algorithms have yet to mas- mous driving are self-evident, not only for Eventually, the car lets us out right in front ter. “We are factoring in a very wide range customers of services such as Free Now, but of the restaurant and we may be able to leave of scenarios,” says Mercedes expert Uwe also for private owners: for instance, we do it to look for a parking space while we go Keller, “playing through all permutations of not need to focus on the traffic in stop-start ahead and order our food. One of the most possible decisions. What does the computer traffic in town or driving on holiday. When compelling arguments for autonomous driv- have to consider in which situation?” they put their Mercedes-Benz sometime in ing is: it gives us the gift of time. And with this comes a new freedom. However, this freedom comes not only from being able to do as we wish with our time on the journey, but also because our mobility is becoming even more flexible. Parents could possibly even have their children be picked up from school by a self-driving car if work takes

November 2019 39 Mercedes THE SERIES: AUTONOMOUS DRIVING I

Seamless interaction is crucial: how the sen- “When I look at what’s possible today, sors on the car perceive the environment, general traffic data, past experience, factors it’s incredible. Twenty years ago, I couldn’t such as the weather, the time of day – the list is long. Lately, though, progress has have dreamed of this” been rapid. “When I look at what’s possible Uwe Keller, head of Autonomous Driving, Mercedes-Benz AG today, it’s incredible. Twenty years ago, I couldn’t have dreamed of this,” says Keller enthusiastically. Worldwide development At Mercedes-Benz, the first application Today, assistance systems for drivers of No wonder that the world’s largest corpo- examples are expected before the mid- Mercedes-Benz vehicles are already part of rations are investing enormous sums in 2020s – meaning the ones that have made it everyday life – and this is the second level these developments – and, in the same beyond the testing phase. Mercedes-Benz is of automation. Under the supervision of the way as Mercedes-Benz is doing in Germany, planning the first field test of an automated driver, the Active Parking Assist parks the USA, China and India, they are moving driving service that works without the use car, and the Active Stop-and-Go Assist keeps the technology forward with a wide variety of pedals or a steering wheel. It is scheduled a constant watch on congestion. The poten- of partners. to start at the end of the year in San José. tial for series production applications is It is about different areas of application The company will be testing there exactly ever increasing. and different expectations. People’s demands what we have described above: the user calls are multifaceted and diverse – whether it’s their vehicle by app, just like ordering a taxi. about traffic regulations, cultural customs or Except that this vehicle is driving itself. the user’s habits. The same applies to the level of acceptance of automated and autonomous driving: in many Asian countries, for example, new technologies are much more readily embraced than in Europe. There is still a driver behind the wheel, then is: how can we build up people’s trust THE SIX STAGES OF though, to intervene in case of emergency, so that an automated trip becomes a fulfill- AUTOMATED DRIVING and an expert who explains the technology ing all-round experience?” to passengers. It is not yet clear how customers will Automation level 0: receive the technology offered by all the dif- The car is driven by the driver. Hand signals and eye contact ferent suppliers. At Mercedes-Benz, though, Automation level 1: These are the essentials for a brand like we naturally strive for quality and the high- Assistance systems such as Mercedes-Benz when it comes to making est possible safety standards – familiar qual- Distronic proximity control innovations fit for everyday use. What do ities that have always been inextricably support the driver. customers – every one of us – expect from linked with the brand. The same standards Automation level 2: a car without a driver? Do we need a voice which will also distinguish an automatedly Functions such as Active Parking that welcomes us? Do we prefer to talk to the driven Mercedes. Assist or Active Stop-and-Go vehicle or do we want to interact via screens “We are taking it slowly,” says Thomas Assist enable partial automation. or buttons? Hengstermann. “But our timetable has Automation level 3: “Today, a taxi driver deals with many sit- been set.” The vehicle carries out autonomous uations using eye contact or hand signals,” actions such as indicating, changing says Thomas Hengstermann, head of Auton- lanes and keeping in lane. The driver Find out more at: is asked to take over if necessary. omous Services at Daimler Mobility AG and mbmag.me/autonomesfahren responsible for transforming the technology Automation level 4: into actual products and services. “The With this full level of automation, driver might ask the guest: Have you fas- the vehicle operates automatically tened your seat belt? How are you today? Are in certain situations (e.g. in a park house or in particular districts). we ready to set off? What this means for us From a technical standpoint, the driver does not necessarily need to take action. Automation level 5: The driverless vehicle does not require a driver at all. Passengers can focus on other things than traffic. OUR SERIES WILL CONTINUE: in the second part, we will be focusing on the technologies that make automated and autonomous driving possible in the first place.

November 2019 41 Mercedes

Economic historian Carl Benedikt Frey at the University of Oxford, home of bright minds “Our history is yet to be told”

Oxford professor Carl Benedikt Frey is conﬁdent progress will make us more prosperous – if society can share out the gains of new technologies like artiﬁcial intelligence. A conversation with the economic historian about the future of work and life

INTERVIEW: RÜDIGER BARTH PHOTO: BRIAN DOHERTY

November 2019 43 Mercedes r Frey, in your latest book, What was the outcome of this strategy? The Technology Trap, you Life changed radically for many people. quote author Robert Musil: Often they had to leave home for work. It “Progress would be wonder- damaged social relations and destroyed Mful – if only it would stop.” Is it typically intact communities. The social fabric was human to think in this way? disrupted. Workers were replaced, others In a way we are geared to treasure the status went to the factories in fast-growing cities. quo, that’s true. But at the same time pro- Some critics say the British government gress and creativity are deeply engrained in in the 19th century didn’t manage it the human condition. As history has shown too well … there’s a tension there – not wanting to They didn’t manage it at all. The conse- change too much in too rapid a time, yet quences were not addressed, for example eager to explore the new possibilities. It’s by investing in education. The First Indus- our nature. trial Revolution was enforced on the popu- You analyse the possible impact of lation up to the point that resistant workers the rise of artificial intelligence in the clashed with the British army. In France, labour market and society by studying things went fundamentally differently – historical processes. Progress, as there were machine riots as well, but the you write, was stopped every once in government aligned with the workers a while because of fears of change. instead of with pioneers of industry. The This is what I call the “technology trap”. Eco- progress was delayed but also managed. nomic growth stagnated for millennia often because labour-replacing technology was “It’s so much easier to see what feared as a destabilising force. And rightly so from the viewpoint of the ruling elites: probably will vanish than to they had little to gain and much to lose from progress destabilising society. see what could be created – jobs The technological revolution of our whose names we don’t know yet” days – the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution – with its self-learning Balancing progress is not easy to machines has just begun. We don’t handle: if it’s delayed, you lose contact know yet how the world will change to the standards of the world – and in the near or far future. But your wealth for the population you are trying point is: We have been here before. to protect. History is rife with this pattern: the arrival The big challenge is to ensure that the gains of new technologies kills old jobs and new of the new technologies are widely spread. jobs emerge. Artificial intelligence will dis- If we look at the Third Industrial Revolution, rupt traditional industries and spawn whole the Digital Revolution, governments ignored new industries, in transportation, retail, the costs of globalisation for too long and logistics. The impact will be huge. focused solely on the benefits. Those ben- Can we learn from history? efits were significant, but the failure to If we provide the right analogies. Look at deal with the individual and societal costs the dawn of the First Industrial Revolu- created problems. tion at the end of the 18th century. People What effect will prevail in our time? and political rulers were resisting mech- I’m not the one to answer that. Looking at anisation because they feared this would self-learning machines today, we can’t tell make people’s skills redundant and lead how many jobs will be created and how to social unrest and upheavel. That was many jobs will be lost. But it’s so much eas- a well-known political factor far into the ier to see what probably will vanish than 19th century even in Britain, the cradle to see what could be created – jobs whose of the revolution. The novelty there was names we don’t know yet, jobs we can’t the innovations were introduced despite imagine. Like decades ago people couldn’t the resistance, and Parliament backed the imagine their children working as soft- economic arguments. ware engineers, social media consultants,

Mercedes 44 Mercedes-Benz influencers or yoga teachers. In the same and ask people where they want to live, What’s the best mindset individually way jobs that are now inconceivable will most of them usually name places that have to be ready for the new times? emerge in the future. But even if we assume embraced progress. It’s in our DNA. I’m not one to give out quick advice. But I these new jobs will be well paid, it could The costs are worth it? do think one issue will be more important take decades for them to emerge. It seems so. In our times, governments than ever: parents have to engage in the In the 19th century it took seven have a role to play in easing this transition education of their kids, they have to help decades until the beneftits of the to make sure that as few as possible are them learn how to cope with things. Kids industrial revolution trickled down to left behind. We have to help those who find have to get the skills that are hard to auto- the average population, and wages themselves left behind to adjust. For exam- mate – social, interactive and creative skills. began to rise. That’s a long time. ple by investing in infrastructure, education Skills that require deep knowledge of things Today this time frame would be unacceptable or tax relief for job creators. and nature, things that are hard to define in to most people. The task is to carefully think Why do you emphasise so much the an algorithm. about shortcuts and find them. value of early childhood education? You quote Microsoft founder Bill Gates: In 2013 the first results of your study That’s one of the most valuable efforts, as “Innovations are coming faster than made headline news: nearly every recent studies show. Maths and reading ever, but people are more pessimistic second job – that’s what the media are the foundation to acquiring skills that than ever.” How do you see the future? picked out – could be at risk to be automation can’t replace. We know that I’m no prophet and I don’t pretend to be replaced by automation. Why do we the return on investment in education for one. Personally I’m very optimistic about need progress anyway? societies is enormous. We know that chil- the long run. Progress will make human Let me first say this clearly: our study was dren who suffer deficits in maths and read- societies more prosperous. Times will get not a prediction, it was an estimate of how ing will be left further behind later on. They more exciting. But in the meantime it can exposed existing jobs are to recent develop- struggle in school, they struggle in college, get stressful and many people on a personal ments in artificial intelligence and mobile they struggle in their professional life. level will struggle to adjust. We need to help robotics. I know there are people saying pro- And what do you expect from them, retrain them. We need to see social and gress inflicts so much pain in society, the innovation-driven companies like individual costs. It’s on us to act. Our history consequences can be so destructive – why Mercedes-Benz? is yet to be told and it’s up to us to write it. don’t we enjoy the benefits and stop here? All successful companies know they need But you have to consider that we all stand to reinvent themselves constantly. It’s a del- at a point in history where an enormous icate act. You need to be careful not only Carl Benedikt Frey is a Swedish- amount of progress has happened already. not to rush ahead but also to make sure you German historian of economics at Oxford. Worldwide he is one of the In the long run many people would be worse are not falling behind as an entity. At the most influential masterminds about off if humanity had decided to stop progress. same time you have to be more aware of your the future of the working world. In the long run it’s good. If you look around social responsibility. His latest book: The Technology Trap

Carmaking of the future: Factory 56

Humans will always be cognitively superior, securing their positions as the leaders of the factories of tomorrow. But if a job is too demanding or too dangerous for humans, a robot takes over. The cooperation between man and machine will require responsible solutions in the future – and Factory 56 will be at the forefront of these developments. Currently under construction in Sindelﬁngen, Germany, it is set to be one of the most cutting-edge vehicle production plants in the world, spanning 220,000 square metres. Throughout each unit, 360-degree networking is opening up new opportunities for ergonomic and age-appropriate work. The blueprint

MERCEDES-BENZ AG, PRINCETON UNIVERS. PRESS PRINCETON AG, MERCEDES-BENZ for all future Mercedes-Benz Cars manufacturing plants is scheduled to start operating in 2020. mbmag.me/factory56 PHOTOS

November 2019 45 Mercedes THE CONSTANT IMPROVERS They work for companies that manufacture products at the highest level. Their mission: to make good things even better. We visited three people who feel compelled to spend their lives striving for perfection

TEXT: JOHANNES SCHWEIKLE PHOTOS: REGINA RECHT

Mercedes 46 Mercedes-Benz Sparkling with brilliance: expert craftsmanship, high aspirations and perseverance are the recipe for success. “However beautiful an item of jewellery may be, Thin strands of gold, woven together to if it isn’t comfortable, no create a delicate piece of jewellery. one will want to wear it” Ulrich Perathoner, Head designer, Wellendorff It took three years to develop the perfect bracelet clasp: both functional and elegant.

he desire for perfection can be exhausting. For the perfec- since 1893. The 53-year-old considered the options: men’s watch tionists themselves, and for everyone around them. Never straps are often fitted with a special folding clasp, which fulfils two being satisfied with anything. Always wanting to take some- functions. It is easy to close with just one click, and it adds security. thing good and make it even better. To keep developing the Even if it opens accidentally, the watch will stay on the wrist. With Tbest. To find those smart solutions that turn an ordinary product into wide bracelets or watches, this kind of patented clasp can be used something extraordinary. without impacting the aesthetics of the item. But could it work in a Let’s call these people “constant improvers”. Each one is a tink- delicate piece, with thin strands of woven gold? erer, an artist and a perfectionist. We visited three such people – and Perathoner’s first tool was a pencil. He developed his initial were fascinated by what we found. sketch over a period of about three years. Together with his team, First, we met Ulrich Perathoner, a master goldsmith and attentive he designed a model. His boss’s wife wore a prototype version. And observer. Once, while he was waiting at the airport gate, a woman she found that the mechanism for opening the folding clasp needed a caught his attention. She was putting on her bracelet, trying to great deal of improvement, as the pressure put on the tip of the thumb work the jewellery’s delicate mechanism with her left hand to do so. was unpleasant. “However beautiful an item of jewellery may be, if it “I wanted to run over and help her,” he says. But instead he chose isn’t comfortable, no one will want to wear it,” explains Perathoner. to be discreet. However, he couldn’t get the problem out of his head. The Wellendorff folding clasp gradually took shape: made from What could the solution be? gold, narrower than a pencil, and lightly supple. It is not just a technical solution that has been implanted into a bracelet worth Delicate and functional 15,000 euros, but is an integral part of the piece. There are around As head designer for the company Wellendorff, based in Pforzheim, 80 craftspeople whose task it is to manufacture this item. The final Perathoner decided to try to solve this problem. The family-run step is to give the clasp its gleam, for which a polisher uses four company has been producing bracelets and other items of jewellery types of polishing paste and six different brushes. Just a few metres

Mercedes 48 Mercedes-Benz “It was difﬁcult to ﬁnd a point at which we could say we had achieved our aim” Stefan Größler, Head of development, Burmester

Bass reﬂex tubes made from porcelain are designed to offer a unique sound experience.

Polished chrome control elements alone are not enough to get a sound out of any hi-ﬁ system.

further on, the item goes through quality control. As a perfectionist, BC350 is much heavier, weighing 420 kilograms, and it takes a week Perathoner likes this close proximity. It helps prevent mistakes. to be made by hand. Is all the hard work worth it? Lifting gently from the speakers, we can now hear the warm voice of jazz singer Ella An eventful journey Fitzgerald as lifelike and clear as if she were standing right here in We leave the Black Forest and head to Berlin, to visit a manufacturer front of us. Of course, such high quality carries a matching price tag: who appeals to a different sense. Stefan Größler is holding a porcelain a pair of BC350 speakers will run audiophiles a cool 218,000 euros. tube and grins as he says: “If I were to drop this, I’d have to work for Größler tinkered away at his project for four years before the free for four weeks.” The 41-year-old heads the development team at first 20 loudspeakers could be delivered to customers. An event- the German high-end hi-fi authority Burmester. In their workshop, ful journey: “It was difficult to find a point at which we could say the company produces audio components for people who are looking we had achieved our aim.” As much as he loves music, Größler is for a special sound experience and who want to enjoy music in the not the kind of artist who can lose track of time and keep work- most perfect way possible. ing for hours on end. During his search for perfection, he actually The delicate, double-walled porcelain tube is used in the loud- found the constraints of working for a company quite constructive: speakers as a bass reflex tube. “Normally, these parts are made of “The deadline became my friend.” plastic,” explains Größler. But together with his team, he set out to build the best speakers in the world. They didn’t think the plastic tube Artificial intelligence as a microscope had a smooth enough surface for their needs; if air streams through, Back we go to Baden-Württemberg. In Sindelfingen, at it can create a sort of turbulence, which compromises the sound. So Mercedes-Benz, we meet another pioneer. His most important tool each BC350 loudspeaker now includes two reflex tubes made by is the computer. As the head of research in the Artificial Intelligence Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin (KPM). To show the scale, he department, Steven Peters dedicates his time on the job to finding a stands next to the super loudspeaker – both 1.9 metres tall. But the new way to transform experience into knowledge.

November 2019 49 Mercedes

Artiﬁcial intelligence helps Peters evaluate Mercedes-Benz’s data trove.

He is currently working on the analysis of crash test results, which the company has been collecting since the 1950s.

In more than 130 years of automobile history, the global group has Artificial intelligence is also already in use in safety research. gathered an enormous quantity of data. This data is now being used Mercedes-Benz was the first automobile manufacturer to start car- by Peters and his team to create new things. Their task is to analyse rying out systematic crash tests in the 1950s. Since then, these tests and improve the complex processes used in the development and have provided substantial quantities of information. Today, the engi- production of vehicles. To do this, Peters relies on adaptive comput- neers start by simulating the crash on a computer. But Peters and his ers. The machines are fed with human experience values and use team have added an additional step to the start of this process. Using algorithms to produce estimations, which can in turn be evaluated. the data comparison, he can give the designers an idea of when a The primary aim of the artificial intelligence is to help engineers lightweight component will reach its load limits. with their calculations. Peters holds lectures on the subject nearly every week, often trav- Steven Peters is 32 years old and studied mechanical engineering elling to locations such as India and Silicon Valley. Within the group, in Karlsruhe, Germany. Carl Benz studied at the same university his aim is to give more and more engineers the opportunity to use 160 years ago; it was there that he acquired the knowledge that he the new technologies for their own work. As he says, the future of later used to invent the automobile in 1886. Even today, the company machine learning has only just begun. “In ten years, every engineer feels compelled to constantly achieve outstanding results regarding at Mercedes-Benz will be working with artificial intelligence.” technology. Machine learning is increasingly becoming a tool that sup- The search for perfection continues. ports Mercedes-Benz engineers in developing innovative technologies. AG MERCEDES-BENZ Without artificial intelligence the vision of autonomous driving would never have become a reality. It also helps aerodynamicists and Johannes Schweikle was fascinated by the insights into the worlds of these perfectionists and pioneers. Perhaps designers optimise a vehicle’s proportions. “We’re a kind of micro- this is also because the journalist and author’s first novel, scope,” explains Peters, “which the engineers can use to recognise Fallwind, was about an obsessive tinkerer from the 19th cen-

patterns in what can be a large and often confusing ﬁeld.” tury who dedicated his life to creating a ﬂying machine. IN THE MIDDLE PHOTO

Mercedes 50 Mercedes-Benz “In ten years, every engineer at Mercedes-Benz will be working with artiﬁcial intelligence” Steven Peters, Head of AI Research, Mercedes-Benz AG At one with the waves At the age of 16, Sebastian Steudtner moved to Hawaii to devote his life to the sea. Today, the extreme sportsman is one of the best surfers in the world. This may be partly down to the fact that he has retained his respect for the power of nature

TEXT: ANNA-LENA KOOPMANN

Mercedes 52 Mercedes-Benz Moments like these: the big-wave surfer in his natural element

hen a deafening wall “In the water, I feel at home and I afterwards?” But “Sea Bass”, as of water measur- feel perfectly safe. It’s enriching Continual improve- his colleagues call him – a play on ment is what makes ing 20 metres high for me to be out there because I can Steudtner happy. his first name – has no intention of and weighing up to be creative and express myself to stopping any time soon. Yet when W500,000 tonnes rolls towards this the fullest.” he is chasing the world’s largest experienced surfer, his adrenaline The first impression one gets waves, there are moments when levels still soar – yet Sebastian when talking with the extreme Steudtner longs for a little bit more Steudtner knows how to keep his sportsman is that of a smart, of the normality and routine oth- cool. It is hard to imagine, but it’s likeable and rational man. But ers enjoy. at such moments as these that the when you get to know him a little So what are his dreams for after 34-year-old feels the most at peace. bit better, you see a different side he has surfed the world’s biggest “The more dangerous or stressful of Steudtner. waves and won every possible a situation gets, the clearer I can prize? “I’ll never get bored. There’ll think and act,” he explains, toss- Happiness through movement be new challenges, sure, but surfing off a casual shrug. “For me, The 34-year-old thinks a lot about ing will always be there.” For big-wave surfing has an almost finding meaning, authenticity and example, his work as an ambas- therapeutic effect. It’s an extreme his own personal values. Making sador for Parley for the Oceans, way of learning how to be in a good business move, for exam- an initiative that combats plastic the moment. I find myself in a ple, doesn’t make him particularly pollution, and Laureus Sport for pure state of flow, I can switch happy. For him, unforgettable Good, the world’s largest sports off, and I can completely rely on moments are bound up with move- charity foundation, will continue my intuition.” ment, dynamism and life with to be important parts of his day- German-born Steudtner got up the waves. “I’m fascinated by the to-day life. on a surfboard for the very first mysterious power of the sea. Every time during a family holiday in Brit- now and then, it’s good to feel Building self-confidence tany when he was just nine years how meaningless human beings In 2017, Steudtner and his sister, old. Four years later, he told his can be in the face of such power. Johanna, founded the non-profit parents that he wanted to drop out It teaches you a valuable humil- wirmachenwelle e.V., which, as of school and become a professional ity,” Steudtner says. “When I’m out well as teaching young people surfer. “Family, friends – they all there surfing, I become part of an from disadvantaged backgrounds laughed at me. They never thought incredible natural spectacle, and how to surf, provides personal that a little boy from Nuremberg that makes me euphoric.” development coaching. “I want could become one of the world’s He gets annoyed when people to give these kids’ self-esteem most successful big-wave surfers,” describe him as one who “con - AT A GLANCE a big boost and show them that he recalls. After three years of nag- quers” the waves: “Just a small they have the same opportunities ging his parents, his family agreed fraction of their power could be and tools to succeed as everyone Born on 4 May 1985 to let him move. Steudtner travelled life-threatening. I can only work in the German city of else. I want to encourage them to Maui in Hawaii, where he in harmony with the energy of the Esslingen am Neckar, to go out and do what they are moved in with a big local family. waves, not against it.” He doesn’t Sebastian Steudtner has good at and what is fulfilling to “The islanders still call me the dwell too much on exactly how dan- won countless prizes and them,” says Steudtner, explaining been named Surfer of ‘Germanator’ because I was con- gerous surfing can be: “I am fully the fundamental prin ciple of the the Year multiple times. stantly training back then. I was aware of all the risks and I prepare He is the first European project. “When I was a young boy, obsessed,” he says, laughing. myself for them as best I possibly to have been awarded my energy and need for movement Thanks to his strict sense of disci- can. I train every day, I eat health- two prestigious surfing were regarded as a handicap. But pline and an iron will, he eventually ily, I pay attention to the weather “Oscars” by the World I chose to enter a profession in achieved the impossible. reports, and my rescue gear and Surf League (WSL). which those exact traits give me a The Mercedes-Benz But why was Steudtner so doctor are always on standby on the Brand Ambassador’s clear competitive advantage.” determined to become a surfer beach. At some point I have to give current goal is to break Steudtner now shares the phi- in the first place? “As a kid, I was up control and trust my abilities and the world record for losophy behind his success with a hyperactive ball of energy,” he my intuition.” So far, it’s all worked the highest wave. others, who are benefiting from says with amusement. “I can only out in his favour – his worst injury For more information him in a special way. The philoso- on this and the

SAMPICS/STEFAN MATZKE/AUGENKLICK, PETER KAADEN, MERCEDES-BENZ AG, JORGE LEAL/POLVO CONCEPTS LEAL/POLVO JORGE AG, PETER KAADEN, MERCEDES-BENZ MATZKE/AUGENKLICK, SAMPICS/STEFAN concentrate on things that make to date has been a broken tooth. extreme sportsman’s phy is simply this: believe in your complete sense to me personally.” A question Steudtner is increas- charitable work, go to: dreams and have the courage to

PHOTOS He found this sense in surfing: ingly asked is, “What will you do sebastiansteudtner.de realise them.

November 2019 55 Mercedes Easy and everywhere As a member of the Board at Mercedes-Benz, Britta Seeger is working hard to further optimise sales for the digital world. Together with her team, she has identified one primary aim: to make contact between brand and customer as seamless and comfortable as possible

PHOTOS: MERCEDES-BENZ AG

Mercedes 56 Mercedes-Benz Britta Seeger presents new sales concepts for a modern brand experience.

Practical: the Mercedes me ID bundles all Mercedes-Benz mobility services.

A sales employee advises in the new private consul- tation room.

igital applications and services are integral What impact will this have on to everyday life. Even Mercedes-Benz physical retail? BRITTA SEEGER customers expect new ways of staying in Our cars are made by people, for people. Personal inter- contact with their favourite brand. action and the advice provided by our sales teams – As a member of the Board, Britta Seeger is DWhat impact is all this having on sales here human contact – will remain a central part of our sales responsible for sales at Mercedes-Benz? activities in the future. More than 80 per cent of customers at Mercedes-Benz Our goal is to provide our customers with a luxury expe- have said they want to continue to be able to get personal Cars. She joined the rience whenever and wherever they contact us - online or advice and to take the cars for test drives. As a luxury company in 1989. offline. The simplicity of interaction and ultimately the brand, we are convinced that the unique physical expe- She is currently working with her team added value for the customer has the highest priority for us. rience people get when they buy one of our high-quality to optimise contact What does this mean specifically? products will remain critically important to our custom- between brand We want to make life easier for our customers. To do this, ers; they want to touch, hear and test out the product. and customer in the we are creating a new brand experience, opening new So customers can continue to do this digital world. sales channels, reducing complexity and at the same in the Mercedes-Benz branches? time increasing transparency, flexibility and comfort. We Exactly. The physical retail experience will continue to want to provide optimal services that are tailored pre- be an indispensable part of the process. However, we cisely to our customers’ needs. have adapted the roles and responsibilities of our sales What do you think will be the most important elements employees to better fulfil the changing requirements of of the customer experience in the coming years? our customers. The Star Assistant, for example, is the By focusing on simplicity, we are improving digital main contact partner on the retail side, while our product access to our brand. The Mercedes me ID is a central part experts can offer specialist advice on new technical sys- of this. There are already nearly four million active tems in the vehicle, such as MBUX. These employees are Mercedes me users, and this number is growing every not paid on commission, so there is no pressure for them day. The Mercedes me ID gives users access to the entire to sell – which is a further benefit for our customers. We world of Mercedes-Benz, regardless of whether they drive are working continuously to increase the emotional pull Sign up for your free a Mercedes-Benz, own a vehicle of another brand, or if and the attractiveness of our brand in physical retail by Mercedes me ID they simply want to use one of our services. All services modernising our brand appearance both internally and and download the new Mercedes me app will also soon be available via the redesigned Mercedes externally within our retail operations. The aim is to for Android and me app: simple, fast, convenient and with one-time-only ensure that customers are provided excellent service at iOS here: registration. the point of experience. mbmag.me/me-id

Mercedes 58 Mercedes-Benz PHOTO DIRK BRUNIECKI Drive November 2019 Stunning views Stunning From the creative hub of Berlin to the primordial scenery of creative scenery From hubofBerlin the primordial to the Monument Valley: world aroundthe inaMercedes-Benz Mercedes memagazine The carpages in 59 72 –GLS 68 –GLB Saloon 60 –A-Class Mercedes A

Creative lab: the office of Lea Lange’s company, Juniqe

Museum Island: the founder gets into the new A-Class Saloon. City with style Lea Lange wants to make our everyday lives more beautiful with her start-up, Juniqe. Art and design don’t necessarily have to be expensive – she is inspired by Berlin’s ﬂair and diversity

TEXT: ANNA-LENA KOOPMANN PHOTOS: DIRK BRUNIECKI

November 2019 61 Mercedes A On an equal footing: Lea Lange at a team meeting in Juniqe’s ofﬁce

ea Lange sits on the terrace of the FluxBau, a world. “Our 90 employees come from 26 countries. You’ll place that epitomises Berlin’s diversity. Here, you only ﬁnd this kind of international diversity here.” don’t only enjoy good food, but also take in con- Lange started Juniqe in 2014, at the age of 26, with certs and readings or simply enjoy the view in a her friends Marc Pohl and Sebastian Hasebrink. The idea Lrelaxed atmosphere. for the business grew from a personal need: as a design Above the Spree, which ﬂows particularly wide at this enthusiast, Lange was constantly on the lookout for beau- point, the silhouette of the Alexanderplatz television tiful individual pieces for her home. But the more stringent tower can be seen in the distance against a background her standards became, the more unattainable she found of blue sky. The German capital’s distinctive landmark. the furniture, works of art and design objects she craved. Driving through the Kreuzberg district in the new Someone in their mid-20s rarely has a budget of several A-Class Saloon, it keeps popping into the picture. “Berlin thousand euros for a painting, a sculpture or a table. inspires me anew every day,” says Lange. Lea Lange and her colleagues developed a strategy The city is the perfect home for the 31-year-old’s com- and a business model to make art more affordable. “We pany, Juniqe, and not least because the flourishing were so convinced by the idea that we approached inves- start-up scene in Berlin attracts talent from all over the tors before putting too much thought into it.”

Mercedes 62 Mercedes-Benz Lange is inspired by eye-catching design – and the A-Class.

This start-up embraces 90 employees from all over the world.

Typical Berlin: cobbled streets

Today, when she recalls the first steps of Juniqe, she has Levity and a smile to smile. “At 26, you’re still totally fearless,” she says. A mere five years after it was founded, Juniqe now has Their model was not exactly rounded off by then. But the customers in 13 European countries with a turnover of three founders quickly won champions over with their tens of millions of euros. Lange and her partners even determination, enthusiasm and persuasive idea. Just get made it onto the Forbes list of the “30 most successful going – that’s still the founder’s motto today. European entrepreneurs under 30”. In the meantime, Juniqe has commissioned a team of What drives them? “We want to make our customers’ curators to search worldwide for up-and-coming and life and world more colourful and beautiful with established artists, whom the company offers a platform our products. Life is already serious enough. So we try with their online shop, juniqe.com. The portfolios of to get people smiling through humour, irony and a bit 600 talented creatives range from stylish drawings and of nonchalance.” photographs to posters. The artists sell their designs We park the A-Class Saloon not far from Juniqe’s through juniqe.com, which the company prints on vari- company headquarters in Kreuzberg. Lange leads us ous products. The artists get a certain share from each through the light-flooded open-plan office, full of conta- item sold in the online shop. gious energy. Employees constantly ask her advice,

November 2019 63 Mercedes A A break with style: Lange in front of the Italian delicatessen Salumeria Lamuri

The navigation system guides Lange to the next destination.

View of the Oberbaum brücke bridge connecting Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg

for a quick approval, and on we go. Lange loves these my breath away,” she says. “I was born in the port city moments. Sharing knowledge and experience is her of Hamburg and I love water. Perhaps the river and the most dearly held principle, not only because it is good canals are the reason I have found peace here.” for Juniqe, but also because she wants to encourage others to realise their potential. “I am a boss on an equal Style and determination footing and quite good at showing others where their Arriving at Salumeria Lamuri, it immediately becomes strengths lie,” she says. “I believe that social intelligence clear that Lange chose the place for a reason. The deli- is one of the most important skills an executive needs catessen makes a distinct impression with its tasteful to have.” murals and original Art Nouveau tiles. “It’s like taking a On the way to lunch, we take a short detour in the little trip to Italy during your lunch break,” she enthuses A-Class over the nearby iconic Oberbaumbrücke bridge, over salad, burrata and pasta with truffles. which connects the Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg dis- As far as Lange is concerned, enjoyment is also a tricts. Lange looks thoughtfully out of the window at the question of which senses get stimulated. “Attractive Spree and the panoramic view. “I’ve been living in Berlin design and aesthetics in everyday life are important to for eight years now, and every time I look at it, it takes me. I don’t overdo it, but in my flat you can definitely

Mercedes 64 Mercedes-Benz The new A-Class Saloon in the evening light

COMPACT INTRODUCTION: A-CLASS SALOON

The four-door saloon combines all the sleek dynamic proportions and the intuitive, adaptive MBUX infotainment system. A special of a sporty saloon with the generous space found in higher classes. highlight every driver will love: the new A-Class Saloon has the At the same time, it also includes the familiar and much-loved lowest aerodynamic drag of any production car in the world. This Scan the QR code A-Class beneﬁts: modern, efﬁcient engines; a high level of safety is only one of the many things making it a compact introduction to for more information. thanks to the slew of state-of-the-art driver assistance systems; the world of premium saloons. mbmag.me/aclass-saloon

November 2019 65 Mercedes A In front of the Berlinische Galerie: Lange strolls past a work by the architect ﬁrm Kuehn Malvezzi.

see that someone has put some thought into it and “I’m a big fan of Berlin’s many museums. I like to go to invested their time.” From the choice of wall paint to the the Gropius Bau and the Hamburger Bahnhof, and on The Mercedes me accessories and vintage furniture, Lange, like many of Saturdays I often stroll through the many small galler- magazine app: her customers, draws her inspiration from social media ies.” Real life is sometimes a better source of inspiration mbmag.me/ios platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest. “My taste than the internet. mbmag.me/android involves a great love for detail,” she says. “Even if I’m We stroll from Linienstrasse to Auguststrasse and on buying a salt shaker, I’ll always choose a design that to the Mitte district, towards historic Berlin, across attracts attention and looks interesting.” Museum Island and reach the square Bebelplatz. Come dinner time, though, we steer the A-Class back to Kreuz- Diversity in Berlin berg. There is an immense variety of restaurants, but As an art lover, she also gets inspired by strolling Lange does not stress over her selection. “I ﬁnd it breath- through museums and exhibitions, she says as she taking that Berlin exudes a different ﬂair in every neigh- glides the A-Class into a parking space in front of the bourhood,” she says. “On days like these, I realise once Berlinische Galerie. The museum exhibits internation- again how much I love this crazy, multi-faceted city.” ally renowned artists who have a connection to the city. An inspiring place, and not only for artists.

Mercedes 66 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes ME-Mag. 1/3 - 71 x 270 mm / EN

Tips

1 Salumeria 2 FluxBau 3 James- 4 Berlinische Lamuri Concerts and Simon-Galerie Galerie The Italian readings take place The building, The museum only delicatessen offers in this event space, designed by David exhibits artists an excellent lunch. which belongs to Chipperfield, is who have a lasalumeria. the Berlin radio located at the heart connection to wordpress.com station Flux FM. of Museum Island. Berlin. w3w.co/reviews. fluxfm.de/fluxbau smb.museum berlinische- wiggly.prongs w3w.co/ w3w.co/hails. galerie.de finds.shopper. raced.hasten w3w.co/ country confirms.festivity. coder

what3words is a simple navigation system that lets you precisely ﬁnd any place in the world using only three words. (For more information, see page 10)

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November 2019 67

ILI_Mercedes_Mag_1/3_71x270_190917.indd 2 10.09.19 11:04 GLB

Ready, set, freedom!

Mercedes 68 Mercedes-Benz Iconic design: SUV qualities make the GLB one of a kind.

The GLB is the ﬁrst compact SUV from are accentuated by its raised roof rails and Mercedes-Benz to also be available as a optional fog lamps. Needless to say, the GLB seven-seater. Upon request, a third seat is also available with the optional all-wheel row with two individual seats can be added, drive system 4Matic. transforming the car into a mini-shuttle Featuring a powerful and efﬁcient four- that will make family outings and other cylinder engine, state-of-the-art driving trips a pleasure. assistance systems with cooperative sup- The GLB makes room for adventure with port for the driver, the impressive and a spacious interior and a powerfully pro- intuitively operated infotainment system portioned exterior. Its off-road capabilities MBUX, and the Energizing comfort

November 2019 69 Mercedes GLB

control, the new GLB is a versatile all- while the degree of inclination of the back- rounder vehicle that offers optimum con- rests can be adjusted between seven differ- ditions for every situation, from journeys ent stages to expand the boot’s capacity by and jaunts across the city to drives through another roomy 190 litres. easy off-road terrain. The GLB offers drivers and passengers And for your daily transportation needs, alike maximum ﬂexibility in an extremely the ﬁve-seater’s generous boot capacity of compact space. Its versatility means there 570 to 1,805 litres is quite similar to that is no need to compromise on comfort or to Scan QR code for of an estate vehicle. On request, the second accept any curtailments to your everyday more information. seat row can be longitudinally adjusted, driving experiences. mbmag.me/glb

Mercedes 70 Mercedes-Benz The upright front section with its striking headlamps is clear evidence of its off-road genes.

The sensuously contoured vehicle shoulder exudes easy elegance.

Clear forms thanks to reduced lines and powerful surfaces

The revolutionary MBUX infotainment system can be operated intuitively using voice control. MERCEDES-BENZ AG MERCEDES-BENZ PHOTOS

November 2019 71 Mercedes GLS

Through the wilderness: cacti in the Fishlake National Forest

Going off-road: in the GLS through Monument Valley Through space and time

Through the desert, through the heat and into a world of stone wonders: exploring Utah’s fascinating Canyonlands with the new GLS is like taking a road trip through the history of Earth

TEXT: MARC BIELEFELD PHOTOS: KYLE SCOTT ALEXANDER

November 2019 73 Mercedes GLS 300 million years old: rock formations in Monument Valley

Mercedes me. Simple. Intelligent. And made for you.

Stay up to date about your Mercedes-Benz and all the ancillary features you need, for example, petrol station prices or available parking spaces. Mercedes me means you have your Mercedes-Benz, your services and much more digitally available on your smartphone, computer or your vehicle’s MBUX – free of charge for twelve months when you buy a new Mercedes-Benz with MBUX (the new intuitive, adaptive and voice-controlled multimedia operating system). Plus: customers in the EU can now enjoy the audio quality of the Tidal music streaming service. More about this great offer at: www.mercedes.me

Mercedes 74 Mercedes-Benz Our author enjoying the scenery in the new GLS

Supported by state-of-the-art assistance systems ...

... he starts exploring the almost impassable Utah desert.

bit of music now would be perfect, a sound- indulgent pleasure cruise through the state of Utah, to track to match this amazing world opening Arizona, towards the canyons. Straight ahead: the USA’s up before my eyes. I just say: “Hey, Mercedes.” wild west ﬁlls the windscreen. The rocky outcrops of the A voice asks: “How can I help?” To my left, a Fishlake National Forest nudge their way into the picture. Achain of majestic cliffs passes by. I run the seat back All that surrounds me is hot land pocked with prairie a little and say: “Radio, please.” The voice in the info- grass and cacti. I cruise through the deserted landscape tainment system wants to know what station? I in the new GLS. Another spectator – yet right in the answer: “Sixties music.” Seconds later, a surf hit from midst of it all. The Beach Boys ﬁlls the silence, followed by a Jimi Hendrix track. Head-up display meets endless wilderness I’ve never had such a relaxed drive. The new GLS The scale of this natural landscape is huge, too huge for masters the asphalt almost by itself as the assistance the human mind to grasp. It is the result of billions of systems do their job efficiently and unobtrusively. years of relentless erosion and extreme climate. Major Interstate 15 stretches south ahead of me, an unravelling canyons, pinnacles of rock, prehistoric sediment waves. ribbon disappearing into the distance. It takes you on an The history of the earth, live.

November 2019 75 Mercedes GLS

Just like the movies: the view through the GLS windscreen

At the wheel of Mercedes-Benz’s most luxurious SUV

Space: the GLS can also hold a large amount of luggage.

The GLS projects all the relevant trip data conveniently Artificial intelligence navigates the desert on the head-up display in the driver’s field of vision. Your Driving through this region in one of the most innovative speed, the current speed limit and all key navigation cars of our time is an inspiring juxtaposition: I am sur- information. How long has this force of nature been hur- rounded by archaic, primeval nature, but I am experi- tling towards me? The navigation voice interrupts my encing it with the help of the latest technologies. The thoughts, telling me we have to take Highway 89 south GLS is loaded with state-of-the-art sensors and cameras. of Salt Lake City. Two blue arrows on the screen show When my hand moves towards the touchscreen or touch- the route to take at an intersection. pad on the centre console, the media display changes to Expanse, space. The mountains were once the only show individual elements. I can call up all the vehicle’s border this land knew. Watching over the lives of the data and functions with just a swipe. natives, the old settlers, a myth later consolidated in The large touchscreen lets you operate the comfort Western films. But this is no film. Supported by the off- features from the driver’s seat and, over time, the MBUX road functions of the GLS, I am cruising through the here infotainment system’s artificial intelligence learns more and now. The Rocky Mountains to the east are majestically about the driver’s preferences and habits. Mine, too. The crowned with snow, even in the middle of summer. screen suggests my favourite radio service, Sirius XM.

Mercedes 76 Mercedes-Benz

Even surrounded by the desert, the GLS looks powerful and conﬁdent.

GLS: THE S-CLASS OF SUVS

The new GLS is the largest and most luxurious SUV from outside. The interior dimensions are opulent, so you can take up Mercedes-Benz, and offers more of everything: more space, more to six more people comfortably on your travels. Every seat offers comfort, more luxury. The mighty proportions, the elongated bonnet the highest level of comfort and digital infotainment like no other Scan the QR code and wheels up to 23 inches underline its power and presence. At SUV before it. When will you be hopping aboard? Even if you’re not for more information. the same time, the new GLS looks light and elegant from the heading straight off into the desert. mbmag.me/gls

November 2019 77 Mercedes GLS The perfect soundtrack for my Arizona road trip. Current outdoor temperature: 35 degrees Celsius, and not a sliver Tips of shade to be seen. Inside the GLS is pleasantly cool, Mountain biking though, and I activate the massage function via the The small town touchscreen. Then the head-up display signals: 40 miles of Moab is a springboard for to go. Through the windscreen, monoliths of limestone, adventure trips. table mountains and the Pennsylvanian Laramie Forma- Rim Tours mountain tions, 300 million years old, lift up in front of me. Wel- bike excursions, come to Monument Valley. for example. w3w.co/ Uncompromising terrain steaming.crunches. radioactive At the famous stone sculpture Mexican Hat, under the fierce sun, I see Joe standing in the distance. Joe is a Monument Valley member of the Navajo Nation. He lives here, sells silver Fly in a turbo jewellery and collects old trucks. I stop for a chat. Joe propeller over the loves cars. Revolutions, horsepower. He eyes the GLS, largest sculpture park in Earth’s checking out the leather seats, the cockpit, the bonnet. history – with “How many?” he says. “Eight,” I say. His gaze wanders Redtail Air over the bonnet, the eight cylinders forming in his head. Adventures. Then Joe says the only thing that could do the moment w3w.co/ justice, the iconic words: “Let’s go for a ride.” quickening. simulates.expires He gets in. The hot wind blasts through the window as we leave the road following Joe’s directions. I switch Antica Sicilia the driving program to “off-road”. E-Active Body Control An exotic classic is currently the only active suspension system on the in the city centre market that individually regulates the spring and damper of Salt Lake City: the finest Italian forces on each wheel. You feel it straight away: although cuisine in the we are driving through rough terrain, the bumps in the land of burgers. track are smoothed out. We explore Joe’s home, leaving w3w.co/ripe. a cloud of dust in our wake. It’s 2019, but this is still the hops.exit Wild West. With one difference: it was never as comfort- The Lodge able as it is in this GLS. at Blue Sky Spend the night on a converted ranch at the resort in the heart of the desert, what3words is a simple navigation system that lets you precisely find any place in the world using only three words. not far from For more information, go to: w3w.co Salt Lake City. w3w.co/ feudal.applied.stove

Salt Lake City Denver

USA Moab Utah P. 72: JACE ABSHIRE/UNSPLASH, P. 75 BELOW RIGHT: MITCH NIELSEN/UNSPLASH, P. 78: FRANKLIN SEAL/RIMTOURS.COM, JEREMY BISHOP/UNSPLASH, PR (2) FRANKLIN SEAL/RIMTOURS.COM, 78: NIELSEN/UNSPLASH, P. MITCH RIGHT: BELOW 75 ABSHIRE/UNSPLASH, JACE P. 72: P. PHOTOS

Mercedes 78 Mercedes-Benz The GLS sets the standard: “Let’s go for a ride.” FACTS News from Mercedes-Benz

Tennis legend Roger Federer drives to the Laver Cup in a fully electric Mercedes EQC.

* Combined electric energy consumption (kWh/100 km)1: 20.8-19.7 Adrenaline on ice Combined CO2 Refine your driving skills by handling a car on a 1 emissions (g/km) : space the size of about 47 football pitches, pass- 0 ing straight through the picturesque landscape of Sweden’s Lapland. The AMG Driving Academy 1 The electric energy con- An invitation from Federer sumption and range have been offers this as part of their Winter Sporting Events, For the first time, the shuttle fleet for the Laver Cup determined based on Regulation now booking for the 2020 season. The special pro- 692/2008/EC. The electric gramme AMG Winter Sporting Adrenalin Special comprised 40 Mercedes-Benz EQC* vehicles energy consumption and range also includes a breathtaking helicopter ride. are dependent on the vehicle amg-experiences.com configuration. For more infor- Exciting matches are guaranteed! Following the tourna- mation on the measurement ment launch in Prague in 2017, the Laver Cup, founded procedure, please see page 10. by Roger Federer, is now in its third year. This year, the international tennis stars in Team Europe (with Björn Borg as captain) and Team World (with captain John McEnroe) came head to head in Geneva. The specta- tors were treated to astonishing performances by top sportsmen who cannot be found playing for the same team anywhere else. Mercedes-Benz has sponsored the tournament since the very beginning, and made an elec- trifying contribution this year with the Mercedes EQC. More than 40 EQC shuttle vehicles ensured optimum mobility for the sportsmen and selected guests during the event. The EQV, the premium electric van, was also presented on the advertising boards around the tennis court. An extraordinary experience – and not just thanks to the tennis. lavercup.com

Homage! First Volocopter flight in Europe The Vision Mercedes Simplex The Volocopter flight was the highlight of the concept was designed Vision Smart City event in Stuttgart. This to celebrate a legend: in electric, autonomous air taxi was developed 1901, the Simplex – the by the eponymous start-up, with support from first Mercedes-Benz racing Mercedes-Benz. Technological innovations were car – dominated the Race presented alongside sustainability concepts Week in Nice. Its body for the future. “Electric cars should account for layout remains the basis more than half our sales by 2030,” explained for all cars to this day. Ola Källenius, chairman of the Board of Manage- mbmag.me/ ment, Mercedes-Benz AG, as part of the event. visionsimplex volocopter.com

Mercedes 80 Mercedes-Benz PHOTOS MERCEDES-BENZ AG organisation Stemettes to encourage girls to become pro the founded who Imafidon, Anne-Marie and Hamilton panel discussionsandnetworking opportunities. opened event,the which visitors offered talks, inspiring renowned tech conference bySouth Southwest (SXSW), the for officer programming chiefForrest, Hugh and Bettina Fetzer, head of Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars, Frankfurt. in time third the forwhich tookplace tion, me the of key themes werethe future tothe Science, business, society and mostthe sustainable path Habeck, andOlaKällenius Robert discussedthe future ofmobility Green Party leader ofthe German The meConvention invited top-class guests for to the IAA:speakers Frankfurt includingLewis Hamilton, #createthenew grammers, took togrammers, stage.the On second the day, various November 2019 On the first evening,first Formula the On 1 racing driver Lewisdriver racing 1 Conven- - about tomorrow. ideas for future are the beginning today, in conversations me the emissions-free a driving reality. The discussion reflected of vision tomakehand the mustworkin politics hand mobility. The overarching message was and industry that sustainableto path wasthe discussion their of theme AG,conversation. Mercedes-Benz in together came The Management, of Board the of chairman Källenius, Ola Party, Green and the of chairman Habeck, Robert ence, confer- the in Later e-sports. motivationtalkedin about psychologist Stellbergsports Mia speakersincluding Convention motto: #createthenew. all, After new 81 me-convention.com of motivation. delve into the secret ImafidonAnne-Marie Lewis Hamilton and

Mercedes Mercedes-Benz has This concept car shows just how always been a modern we envisage the all-electric luxury In this issue, What would our question to a luxury brand. Even our saloon of the 21st century. The Mercedes-Benz expert you say is at first car was really so much more power of its design is created by is answered by than a mere means of transpor- a clear line, an arc that spans the chairman of the Board the heart tation. This has always been a entire profile. For Mercedes-Benz, of Management, feature throughout our brand sustainable modern luxury in the Ola Källenius. of our brand? history and will continue to be syn- future will not be about opulence, onymous with Mercedes-Benz. but reducing to the essentials. Our task now is to define what The Vision EQS is just one of modern luxury from Mercedes-Benz many paths our brand will take into means today. the future, though. We fundamen- One aspect that is becom- tally believe that the need for ing increasingly self-evident: individual mobility will continue Mercedes-Benz is electric. By the to increase. end of the year, our portfolio will So, mobility is, in every sense of boast 20 all-electric and plug-in the word, progress. It is not only a hybrid models, just the beginning basic need, but also a basic right. of far-reaching changes to our com- And likewise, the demand for out- pany. At Mercedes-Benz, we have standing products and experiences committed ourselves to systema- that leave a lasting impression will tically pursuing the path to a sus- also remain. tainable future. These high expectations of us In 20 years, we want our fleet and of our products have always

of new cars to be CO 2-neutral. been what has driven us. It is ‘Ambition 2039’ is the name we the beating heart of our brand, have given this aspiration. One cur- by which we will con- MERCEDES-BENZ AG MERCEDES-BENZ “Mobility is, in every sense of the word, rent example of our new sustainable tinue to be guided – with

progress”, says Ola Källenius. business strategy is the Vision EQS. unwavering conviction. PHOTO

Mercedes 82 Mercedes-Benz Change the game for kids. Get kids off the street and transform their lives through sports. Laureus Sport for Good harnesses the power of sport to help young people overcome violence, discrimination and disadvantage, proving that sport can change the world. We change the game for kids together with Laureus Sport for Good, an initiative by Mercedes-Benz.

Become part of the Laureus Sport for Good movement: Mercedes-Benz.com/Laureus

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