Mercedes-Benz at the U.S. Press Information
2011 Detroit Auto Show January 10, 2011
Contents Page
125 years of innovation 3 "The love of inventing never dies" - from the Benz Patent- Motorwagen to the reinvention of the automobile
SLS AMG E-CELL 18 The high-voltage gullwing
Mercedes-Benz interior sculpture Aesthetics No. 2 26 The automobile interior becomes a work of art
Mercedes-Benz F-CELL World Drive 28 Around the world in 125 days - Mercedes-Benz takes off on the first circumnavigation of the world with fuel cell-powered electric vehicles
S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC: highly efficient, clean, powerful 30 Diesel-powered S-Class returns to the U.S.
The 2012 CLS 31 The new design icon from Mercedes-Benz
2012 CLS63 AMG 34 Benchmark in design, performance and efficiency
The Restyled Mercedes-Benz CL-Class 41 The epitome of luxury coupes
AMG S-Class Sedans Feature More Power & Fuel Efficiency 47 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Powered by New Biturbo V8
New E-Class Cabriolet Arrives in High Style 50 Four Seasons, Four Seats for the New E-Class Convertible
Mercedes-Benz Launches Fifth-Generation E-Class Wagon 51 More Style, Safety and Seating for Seven
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Page 2 2011 R-Class 52 Versatile, comfortable and fully-equipped
The New Mercedes-Benz Supercar – SLS AMG 54
M-Class Offers Hybrid, Diesel & High Performance 55 Lineup Features Diverse Solutions for Today’s Customer
Mercedes-Benz Restyles GL550 for 2011 56 GL Line Completes Fresh Exterior Look
GLK-Class Serves to Right-Size the SUV 57 Right-Sized GLK Sport Utility Combines Agility with Utility
G-Class Enters Fourth Decade 58 G-Class – The Industry’s Most Rugged and Iconic SUV
2011 SL Lineup Adds SL550 Night Edition 59
Mercedes-Benz SLK Stirs the Senses 60 SLK Coupe/Roadster Offered in Two Distinct Models
The descriptions and data contained in this press kit apply to the U.S. model range of Mercedes-Benz. Country-specific variations are possible.
U.S. Contacts:
Robert Moran: tel. (201) 573-2245, [email protected] Dan Barile: tel. (201) 573-4785, [email protected] Nicole Weiss: tel. (201) 573-2799, [email protected]
Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available online at www.media.mbusa.com
International Contacts:
Christoph Horn: tel. +49 (0)711 17-75841, [email protected] Markus Mainka: tel. +49 (0)711 17-41928, [email protected]
Further information about Mercedes-Benz is available online: www.media.daimler.com
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
125 years of innovation Page 3
"The love of invention never dies" - from the Benz Patent-Motorwagen to the reinvention of the automobile
It was on January 29, 1886 that Carl Benz filed an application in Berlin for a patent on his three-wheeled motor car. That day has since come to be considered the official birthday of the automobile, which celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2011. In parallel with Benz, Gottlieb Daimler was developing the first four-wheeled motor car. Thus, working independently of each other, the founding fathers of today's Daimler AG and its globally successful Mercedes-Benz core brand laid the foundation stone for all present-day passenger cars, commercial vehicles and buses. Since then, the company that invented the automobile has gone on to shape its development more diversely and enduringly than any other motor vehicle manufacturer - in all relevant areas, from drive technology through comfort and safety to design.
Innovation has always been the key to success for a car manufacturer and is set to become even more important in future. Without the courage to go in search of new ideas, there would be no automobile; and without innovation, there would be no progress. Mercedes-Benz, the inventor of the automobile, has always pressed ahead vigorously with its development. For instance, the company has repeatedly underpinned its claim to technological leadership with over 80,000 patent applications since 1886, the year in which Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler respectively unveiled their "Patent-Motorwagen" and "Motorkutsche". As the world's first car, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen is a shining example of the pioneering spirit. In its day, the exquisitely engineered three-wheeler made it clear at first sight that a new age of mobility had dawned. Daimler's motorized carriage was the first automobile with four wheels.
These two vehicles represent the start of a unique success story – a story that
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Mercedes-Benz has continuously enhanced with new chapters. Time and again Page 4 groundbreaking inventions from the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer have seen the "horseless carriage", which was initially said by critics to have "no future", evolve not only into an icon of personal freedom, but also into a major economic powerhouse. Alongside the first bus and the first heavy truck, the company's most important innovations also include the first modern passenger car, the Mercedes 35 HP, which was presented in February 1900.
Mercedes 35 hp - the origin of all modern passenger cars
At the turn of the century, the Mercedes 35 hp - the origin of all modern passenger cars - defined a fundamentally new vehicle architecture that has prevailed to this day. It marked the transition from the long-legged "motor carriage" to the automobile as we know it today. The key technical characteristics were its long wheelbase, wide track, low center of gravity and angled steering column. These improvements created the basis for comfortable and safe driving, and were realized for the first time in a Mercedes.
Further distinctive characteristics included the elongated form and honeycomb radiator integrated organically into the front, which finally solved the ubiquitous problem of engine cooling and ultimately became a distinguishing feature of the brand. With its aluminum crankcase, the powerful four-cylinder engine served as a model for today's still current lightweight design and was mounted low in the frame. Its exhaust valves were controlled by a camshaft, which significantly improved running characteristics, stability at idle and acceleration. The construction principle of "engine at the front and driven rear wheels" was to establish itself as the enduring standard drive layout.
The first Mercedes – the first modern automobile
The "35 hp" was the first vehicle to sport the Mercedes brand name and went down in history as the first modern-day motor car. Many other manufacturers were to copy this innovative concept, which proved to be superior in every respect. Mercedes-Benz thus staked an early claim to leadership in technology and design.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Spirit of innovation as a driving force behind car development Page 5
Thanks to its design creativity, Mercedes-Benz has been a key driver of automotive progress, repeatedly reinventing individual mobility and opening up new applications. Its power of innovation has turned Mercedes-Benz into an automotive manufacturer with a unique and diverse product offering. Today, the brand with the star encompasses a range of vehicles that stretches from compact passenger cars such as the A-Class to luxury sedans like the S-Class; vans like the Sprinter; buses like the Citaro and heavy-duty trucks such as the Actros. The smart brand adds to the product portfolio with a vehicle that is, for many, the perfect city car. Today's smart fortwo dates back to a Mercedes-Benz study, presented in the early 1980s – the NAFA "short-distance vehicle". The two-seater concept was the starting point of a twin-track development program that gave rise in the 1990s to the company's first compact cars - the A-Class and the smart city coupe, the predecessor of today's smart fortwo.
Time and again, Mercedes-Benz has been at the forefront of new personal mobility concepts that have also opened up entirely new market segments. The SLK, unveiled in 1996, was the first compact premium roadster. This was followed one year later by the M-Class, the first premium SUV, which saw Mercedes engineers call on their extensive expertise in all-wheel drive garnered from the legendary G-Class and Unimog. The most recent example is the CLS, which in 2004 established the four-door coupe segment. Furthermore, the sheer breadth of technical innovations that first came to market in Mercedes models is clear proof that the inventor of the automobile has played a leading role in driving forward all key aspects of its development – from drive technology through safety and comfort to design.
Mercedes-Benz engine technology - a driving force in all areas
Mercedes-Benz has been a pioneer in engine technology for 125 years. The high- speed gasoline engine was, in the truest sense of the word, the "driving force" behind the invention of the automobile. The Daimler 8 hp "Phaeton", unveiled in 1898, was the first road-going vehicle to feature a four-cylinder engine. In 1923, Benz launched the first diesel truck. Another groundbreaking Mercedes
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
innovation was a diesel engine suitable for use in passenger cars, introduced in Page 6 1936 - in the world's first series production diesel passenger car, the Mercedes- Benz 260 D.
In the years since, Mercedes-Benz has set a succession of further milestones in the development of the compression-ignition engine. A host of technical innovations, such as the turbocharged common rail diesel (CDI), have resulted in greater power and torque along with better fuel economy and reduced emissions. Today, Mercedes-Benz is present in all segments of the market with a range of models powered by smooth-running, torquey and highly efficient CDI engines which – in relation to their output - consume up to ten times less fuel than the diesel pioneer of 1936.
BlueTEC - making the diesel as clean as the modern gasoline engine
With BlueTEC, Mercedes-Benz has also developed a technology that effectively minimizes diesel emissions, particularly nitrogen oxides. Up to 90 percent of NOx in the exhaust gas is broken down into harmless nitrogen and water, making the diesel engine as clean as the modern gasoline engine. Passenger cars with BlueTEC have been available from Mercedes-Benz since 2006 and now feature in the E- and S-Class, as well as the GL-, R- and M-Class SUVs.
Developed originally for Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles, BlueTEC made its debut in a Mercedes heavy truck in 2005, after which it was adapted for application in passenger cars. This example illustrates one of the company's particular strengths - in-house cross-sector technology transfer, which helps to ensure that innovations with great benefits for the customer are implemented quickly and consistently across the entire product range.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Modern Mercedes-Benz engines with great future potential Page 7
The future potential of the internal combustion engine was reinforced by Mercedes-Benz with the 2010 launch of its new S250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (European model), the first “five-liter” car in the luxury class. The first four- cylinder engine in the over 60-year success story of the S-Class – a highly efficient twin-turbocharged diesel – achieves fuel consumption of just 5.7 liters
per 100 kilometers in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle). With CO2 emissions of 149 g/km, the S250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is the first vehicle in its class to better the 150 gram mark.
From the first supercharged engine to the modern direct-injection gasoline engine
The inventor of the automobile has also played a key role in the development of the spark-ignition engine. Back in the early 1920s, the then Daimler Motor Company adapted mechanical supercharging, which had originally been developed for aircraft engines, for use in automobiles. Thanks to supercharger technology, the Mercedes 6/25 hp and 10/40 hp models offered greater power and higher efficiency than comparable naturally aspirated vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz introduced the first series-produced four-stroke direct-injection gasoline engine in its legendary 300 SL sports car from 1954. This technology was used at the time primarily for boosting power output. Today, however, Mercedes engineers combine it with other technologies for increased efficiency, i.e. for significantly reduced fuel consumption combined with increased performance.
The Mercedes-Benz strategy for the internal combustion engine of today and tomorrow is: consistent use of direct injection in both gasoline and diesel engines, downsizing, turbocharging, variable valve timing. With the introduction in fall 2009 of the new four-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine in the E-Class in Europe, Mercedes-Benz set about implementing this strategy - from four to eight cylinders and in all relevant model ranges. The outcome is high power output paired
with low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
BlueDIRECT - making the gasoline engine as economical as the diesel Page 8
The highest levels of efficiency is the common characteristic across a generation of six and eight-cylinder engines launched in 2010 in the S-Class, CL-Class and the new CLS. While each of the engines offers increased power and torque in comparison with its predecessor, fuel consumption – in the new CLS, for example - has been lowered by up to 25 percent. When it comes to fuel economy, this means that modern Mercedes-Benz BlueDIRECT direct-injection gasoline engines have moved another step closer to their diesel counterparts. The increased efficiency is due in part to a series of targeted BlueEFFICIENCY measures, especially the ECO stop/start function, which is already standard equipment in many models and will ultimately be made available across its entire product range in over 50 models.
Pioneer in alternative drive technologies
Mercedes-Benz was also quick off the line in the field of alternative drive technologies. As far back as 1906, Mercedes was the first to equip passenger cars, trucks, buses and fire-fighting vehicles with battery-electric or hybrid drives. In the 1970s, the development of electric and hybrid drives was revived and aggressively pursued.
Building on this unique wealth of experience, Mercedes-Benz has introduced a series of modern vehicles with alternative drives that point the way toward the ultimate goal of zero-emissions mobility.
These include the S400 HYBRID luxury sedan, unveiled in 2009, which was the first hybrid passenger car from a European manufacturer and also the first series- production hybrid to feature advanced lithium-ion battery technology. Soon after that, Mercedes-Benz launched three state-of-the-art electric cars in rapid succession - the A-Class E-CELL and the Vito E-CELL delivery van (in Europe), both with battery-electric drive, as well as the fuel-cell powered B-Class F-CELL. The company's lineup of electric cars is rounded off by the smart fortwo electric drive, which is being heralded as the pioneer of a new urban mobility with zero local emissions.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Safety - there's a bit of Mercedes in every modern automobile Page 9
Nowhere in the world is there a manufacturer that has invested more in the development of automotive safety than Mercedes-Benz. For 70 years now, safety experts at Mercedes have been systematically working on researching the causes of accidents, mitigating their consequences and accident avoidance. Mercedes' comprehensive commitment was demonstrated by no fewer than three anniversaries in 2009 - "70 years of safety development", "50 years of the passenger safety cell" and "40 years of accident research".
In terms of passive safety, the focus is on ensuring vehicle occupants the best possible protection in the event of an accident. An example of this is the passenger safety cell with crumple zones, which was patented by Mercedes-Benz in 1951 and entered series production for the first time in 1959 in the 220 S and 220 SE "Fintail” models. The airbag is a further example of the innovations first put effectively into series production by Mercedes-Benz – and now taken for granted by all drivers. Therefore, it is fair to say that there's a bit of Mercedes- Benz in every modern automobile.
Mitigating the consequences of accidents and avoiding them entirely
Active safety is central to the goal of accident-free driving. To this end, Mercedes- Benz has developed a number of innovations that can lessen the severity of accidents or prevent them altogether. Electronically controlled ABS and ESP® are Mercedes developments that have demonstrably contributed to a significant reduction in accident frequency. These safety systems, too, are now standard equipment across virtually all manufacturers. The ABS anti-lock braking system was introduced in 1978 in the 116 S-Class, while the airbag was launched in 1981 in the 126 S-Class. Mercedes-Benz then debuted the ESP® electronic stability program in 1995 in the 140 S-Class Coupe, before successively introducing it across its model lineup.
Mercedes-Benz was the first car manufacturer in the world to network active and passive safety features within this system, thereby further enhancing occupant protection. The launch of PRE-SAFE® in 2002 opened another new chapter in the
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
history of automotive safety. Mercedes-Benz consistently bases its safety Page 10 developments on real-life accident situations and on the findings of its in-house accident research. Innovative systems such as Active Blind Spot Assist or ATTENTION ASSIST address typical causes of accidents such as changing lanes and driver fatigue.
Selected milestones in Mercedes-Benz safety development:
1939 – Inception of passenger car safety development
1959 – World's first safety bodyshell
1969 - Establishment of Mercedes-Benz accident research
1978 – Electronically controlled anti-lock braking system (ABS)
1980 – Pyrotechnic airbag, seat belt tensioner
1989 – Automatically deploying roll-over bar
1995 - Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)
1996 - Brake Assist (BAS)
1998 – DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control
1999 – Active Body Control (ABC), tire pressure monitor
2002 – PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system
2003 – Active cornering light
2005 - DISTRONIC PLUS, Brake Assist PLUS, Night View Assist
2006 - PRE-SAFE® Brake, Intelligent Light System (ILS)
2009 - Speed Limit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection
2010 - Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist; LED high-performance headlamps
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Ride comfort - a traditional Mercedes-Benz strength Page 11
Ride comfort is a traditional Mercedes strength. Wide track, long wheelbase and tailor-made chassis systems – it is on this basis that Mercedes-Benz has been ensuring its hallmark long-distance ride comfort for more than a century. As early as 1931, Mercedes-Benz set an important milestone in chassis technology with its 170 model, which was the first high-volume passenger car to feature independent suspension on all four wheels. This design delivered an entirely new driving experience that was far better at filtering road surface irregularities and greatly improved body roll.
Time and time again, Mercedes-Benz has been a trailblazer with groundbreaking engineering such as the single-joint swing axle launched in 1954, and the diagonal swing axle introduced in 1968. Both designs combined improved driving safety with further enhanced ride comfort. Then, in 1961, a new benchmark was set with the first air suspension system in the 300 SE luxury sedan. In late 1982, the multi-link rear suspension in the new compact class was a technical sensation. The independent suspension on each of the rear wheels featured five separate links for optimum movement. The multi-link rear suspension system was subsequently extended to all Mercedes-Benz sedans, coupes, cabriolets and sports cars with rear-wheel drive and set an example for many other manufacturers.
AIRMATIC - air suspension for even greater refinement
1998 saw the S-Class debut a further technical milestone – the traditional spring and damper system with coil springs and pneumatic shock absorbers was superseded by electronically controlled AIRMATIC (Adaptive Intelligent Ride Control) with air suspension and ADS Adaptive Damping System. AIRMATIC also features automatic independent leveling on each wheel, which takes account of road surface, driving style and vehicle load to ensure excellent ride comfort.
The most important recent innovations have included ABC Active Body Control, the world's first actively controlled suspension system, which was unveiled by Mercedes-Benz in 1991 in its C112 research vehicle and was introduced in the
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
CL coupe in 1999. The system reduces bodyshell vibrations caused by lift and Page 12 roll when cornering or by pitching movements when braking. The Dynamic Handling package made its debut in 2008 on the new C-Class and offered a choice of two modes - Sport and Comfort. This shift program delivered variable electronic control of the shock absorbers on each wheel.
PRE-SCAN – “flying carpet” on four wheels
In 2007, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the revolutionary PRE-SCAN chassis in the F700 research vehicle. The system can recognize road conditions in advance, react very sensitively to irregularities and compensate for them even more effectively. The F700 is thus (almost) on the comfort level of the proverbial "flying carpet". The “eyes” of the PRE-SCAN chassis are two laser sensors in the headlights.
The MAGIC BODY CONTROL chassis presented by Mercedes-Benz in fall 2010 is an advanced system that literally looks ahead – a highly sensitive stereo camera mounted on the windscreen above the rear-view mirror "observes" the road in front of the vehicle from two different perspectives. The system can therefore recognize road surface irregularities in even greater detail. High-speed on-board computers process all of the data in real time and control the active ABC chassis, which can adjust the forces at each wheel individually. This compensates for most of the bodyshell movement commonly experienced with today’s suspension systems.
Operating comfort - intelligent systems improve driver performance
The principle of making vehicle operation as simple and intuitive as possible dates back to the very earliest days of the brand. In 1902, under the model designation "Mercedes Simplex", new Mercedes models demonstrated the progress made in the field of simplified operation. For Mercedes-Benz, the highest level of comfort means far more than interior ambience and top-quality equipment. All comfort solutions are oriented toward improving driver performance and relieving the load through a wide range of carefully balanced individual initiatives. Operating comfort, ergonomics, air conditioning, low noise
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
levels, handling characteristics and many other factors affect a driver's Page 13 performance behind the wheel, and thus also his or her ability to maintain an overview of the traffic situation. After all, only a relaxed driver is also a safe driver.
Mercedes-Benz has been researching this complex issue for many years under the heading “driver performance”, and has used its findings to improve its series- production vehicles. As a result, Mercedes drivers have been proven to stay fit and focused for longer. Prime examples of the progress achieved in this field are the carefully designed, intuitive control and display concepts, and the intelligent driver assistance systems that turn the automobile into a partner that thinks along with the person behind the wheel.
Design - design language as a bridge between the traditional and the modern
Mercedes-Benz design develops within the zone between traditional awareness and future focus. The aesthetic design of the automobile was heavily influenced by the "Lightning Benz" of 1909. The innovative design language of this record- breaking racing car was for the first time based on aerodynamic principles, giving it an extremely dynamic look.
While masculine, powerfully sculpted lines characterized the Mercedes-Benz models of the 1920s, the 1930s saw the design language switch gradually to gentler, flowing lines and rounded forms. Highlights of this development were the 1934 500 K and its visually almost identical successor the 540 K, launched in 1936. With their tailored forms and elegant, flowing lines, they were considered objects of perfect beauty.
1953 - dawn of modern car design
In 1953, Mercedes-Benz stepped into the modern age with its 180 model. This sedan was characterized by its three-box design - the third "box", after front end and passenger compartment, being the luggage compartment. The self-
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
supporting “pontoon” bodyshell was impressive not only because of its greater Page 14 stability and improved crash safety, but it also had a far more modern look. Compared with the classic vehicle form featuring prominent fenders, separate headlamps, side running boards and a short rear overhang, the pontoon models also offered a number of practical benefits – more interior space, better visibility, a lower drag coefficient, reduced wind noise and a considerably larger trunk.
Many outstanding Mercedes-Benz models have had a significant influence on automotive design. Often described as a design icon, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "gullwing" embodied pedigree and class like no other car of its time. To this day, it remains a highly sought-after dream car and in 1999 was voted "sports car of the century" by an international jury of automotive experts. The 300 SL was the first Mercedes-Benz road vehicle to sport a horizontal air intake with the star in the center. This new front end was to become the hallmark of all future SL sports tourers.
Launched in 1959, the 220, 220 S and 220 SE "Fintail” models also set new benchmarks with their distinctive form, which united function and elegance. Known officially as "markers", the tail fins were not only beautiful, but also useful when parking, while the excellent visibility anticipated emerging changes in customer expectations.
Proven style elements combined with new ideas
As model-specific expressions of distinctive brand identity, current Mercedes- Benz vehicles often exhibit stylistic details from the brand's past. These include, for instance, the curving lines of the current E-Class family, which are reminiscent of the 1950s pontoon models; or the fins and side air intakes on the SL, which also date back to the 1950s. These classic elements, however, are always reinterpreted with a contemporary look, thus ensuring that Mercedes- Benz steers clear of fashionable, short-lived retro trends. Mercedes-Benz designers seek to emphasize the rich heritage of the company's models by combining proven brand style elements with new ideas, thereby continuously evolving the design.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Mercedes-Benz pursues a long-term design strategy, which guarantees that a Page 15 Mercedes is always recognizable as a Mercedes. In so doing, Mercedes designers adhere to a sophisticated design language, combining elements that make a vehicle immediately recognizable as a Mercedes-Benz with a distinct design philosophy for each individual model series, to give each vehicle its own unique character. The SUV models are thus clearly differentiated from the sedans, coupes and sports cars. The outcome is an attractive blend of individual look and unmistakable brand identity. The Mercedes-Benz design language remains alive in every detail – modern, but never ‘trendy’.
The same principle applies to interior design that is consistently implemented by Mercedes-Benz. Depending on the character of the vehicle, materials, forms and style elements are developed and executed specifically for each model range, with individuality and overall harmony having clear priority over general uniformity. Interior design is gaining increasing importance within overall vehicle design, and today contributes more than ever to the eternal fascination of beauty. A car's interior is seen as a living space in which the owner spends a lot of time.
The Mercedes-Benz design language – reinterpreted
A sneak peak at the future of Mercedes-Benz design language is provided by the F800 Style research vehicle, which is a technology showcase and design statement in one. Its external appearance is characterized by its long wheelbase, short bodyshell overhangs and sensually flowing roof line. The taut coupe-like side view and the balanced proportions deliver a stylish, sporty appearance that takes the Mercedes-Benz design language to the next level.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Room for creative thinking Page 16
Creativity has been a focal point for the inventor of the automobile for 125 years. German engineering and inventiveness have created a world-class brand icon. The company promotes creativity by making room for free thinking and working, thereby guaranteeing that the well of innovation will never run dry.
In order to maintain its innovative edge, the company has established a global knowledge network that pulls together the know-how of its research and development people from across diverse disciplines. Last year, the company was able to retain its position as the premium car manufacturer with the most patent applications. More than half the total of 2,070 applications filed relate to "green" technologies, with 720 them in the field of driveline (35 percent). Significant progress has been achieved above all in the fields of energy efficiency and exhaust gas aftertreatment, as well as fuel cell and battery technology. By continuing to invest heavily in research and development, the company is laying the foundations for further expanding its high standard of innovation over the long term.
Mercedes-Benz – the world’s most valuable luxury brand
Thanks to its consistent strategy of innovation, Mercedes-Benz holds a leading position in the ranking of the world's most valuable brands. This is backed up by the most recent international studies, which confirm the special position held by Mercedes-Benz in no fewer than three categories - "most valuable German brand", "most valuable global premium car brand" and "most valuable global luxury brand".
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
"Nothing but the best" – yesterday, today and in future Page 17
It was Carl Benz who said: "The love of inventing never dies". And it was Gottlieb Daimler who came up with the famous maxim "The best or nothing". Mercedes- Benz has remained true to these guiding principles for almost 125 years. The spirit of innovation, one of the key driving forces, is firmly rooted in our corporate culture - always with the goal of ensuring personal mobility for future generations, too, and of providing each individual customer with the optimum vehicle for their individual needs. This innovation is founded on Mercedes-Benz's systematic research activities, which led in the early 70s to the official establishment of a separate research department. Today, Mercedes-Benz has at its disposal a global knowledge network of some 19,000 researchers and developers – an interdisciplinary think tank full of pioneering spirit, expertise and motivation to continue building the best cars in the world.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
The sportiest electric car ever Page 18
SLS AMG E-CELL - the high-voltage gullwing
Detroit – Mercedes-AMG is ready for the motoring challenges of the future. The SLS AMG E-CELL is an exciting super sports car featuring an advanced zero-emissions powertrain. Boasting a power output of 525 hp (392 kW) and 649 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque, this AMG technology showcase offers exceptional performance. The electric-drive SLS is part of the "AMG Performance 2015" strategy for the continual reduction of fuel consumption and emissions.
With the SLS AMG E-CELL, Mercedes-AMG is providing a glimpse into its ongoing development project – a powerful, zero local emissions super sports car. Finished in fluorescent "AMG lumilectric magno" paint, it presents a taste of a possible low-volume production vehicle, while reflecting the innovative strength and development expertise of the AMG performance brand.
"We take social responsibility very seriously, and with the SLS AMG E-CELL we are presenting a further milestone in our ‘AMG Performance 2015’ strategy. It is our goal over the next few years to continue to reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of new models, while at the same time enhancing the core brand value of performance", explains Ola Källenius, General Manager of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. With the SLS AMG E-CELL, the Mercedes-Benz performance brand is launching a totally innovative drive solution for super sports cars, placing it among the pioneers in this market segment.
The ground-breaking drive system in this prototype boasts some outstanding features - powerful traction is provided by four synchronous electric motors with a combined peak output of 525 hp and a maximum torque of 649 lb-ft. The four compact electric motors each achieve a maximum rpm of 12,000/rpm and are positioned close to the wheels, substantially reducing unsprung masses compared with wheel-hub motors.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Power is transmitted via one gearbox per axle. Page 19
Acceleration from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds
When it comes to dynamics, the electric-drive SLS AMG makes a powerful statement. It completes the sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds – almost matching the outstanding performance of the 563 hp SLS AMG with the 6.3-liter V8, which reaches the 60 mph mark in 3.7 seconds.
The agile throttle response and linear power delivery make for a breathtaking driving experience. Unlike a combustion engine, torque build-up with an electric motor is instantaneous, with maximum torque available virtually from standstill. The spontaneous torque build-up and impressive, uninterrupted power delivery combine with completely smooth running characteristics. Four motors, four wheels – the intelligent, permanent all-wheel drive on the electric SLS ensures stunning dynamics partnered with the very best in active safety. Perfect traction at all four wheels is ensured in all weather conditions.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
With its completely new, refined and emotional super sports car feel, this very Page 20 special SLS is truly “electrifying” – and already at the prototype stage. It’s very clear – the SLS AMG E-CELL is a true AMG.
High-voltage lithium-ion battery provides 400 V and 40 Ah
The SLS AMG E-CELL drive features a liquid-cooled, high-voltage lithium-ion modular battery pack with an energy content of 48 kWh and a capacity of 40 Ah. The maximum electric load potential of the battery, which consists of 324 lithium- ion polymer cells, is 480 kW - representing an absolute best in the automotive sector. One of the technical bases of this impressive performance is the intelligent parallel switching of the individual battery modules – which also helps to maximize the safety, reliability and service life of the battery. The 400-volt battery is charged using targeted recuperation during braking.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Key data at a glance: Page 21
SLS AMG E-CELL Max. output 525 hp (392 kW) Torque 649 lb-ft (880 Nm) 0 - 60 mph 3.9 s Rated capacity 40 Ah (at 400 V) Energy content 3 x 16 kWh = 48 kWh
High-performance electronic control plus effective component cooling
A high-performance electronic control system converts the direct current from the high-voltage battery into the three-phase alternating current required for the synchronous motors and regulates energy flow in all operating conditions. Two low-temperature cooling circuits ensure that the four electric motors and the power electronics are maintained at an even operating temperature.
A separate low-temperature circuit is responsible for cooling the high-voltage
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
lithium-ion battery. At low outside temperatures, the battery is quickly brought Page 22 up to operating temperature with the aid of an electric heating element. This helps to preserve the overall service life of the battery. At extremely high outside temperatures, the battery cooling circuit can be boosted by the air conditioning system.
Optimum weight distribution and low center of gravity
The electric-only drive system was factored into the SLS development process at the concept phase. Its packaging is perfect for the integration of the high- performance, zero-emissions technology - enabling the four electric motors and two transmission units to be positioned as close to the four wheels as possible and very low down in the vehicle. The same applies to the modular high-voltage battery - its component parts are located in front of the firewall, in the center tunnel and behind the seats. Benefits of this solution include the vehicle's low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution – ideal conditions for optimum handling, and something the electric-drive SLS AMG shares with its gasoline sibling.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
The incorporation of the drive components requires no changes whatsoever to the Page 23 car’s weight-optimized aluminum spaceframe. Likewise, there are no constraints either to passive safety or to Mercedes’ hallmark long-distance comfort.
New front axle design with pushrod damper struts
The additional drive to the front wheels necessitated a new front axle design - unlike the series production vehicle with the AMG V8 engine, which has double wishbone suspension, the SLS AMG E-CELL features an independent multi-link suspension with pushrod damper struts. This is because the vertically-mounted damper struts in the series-production SLS had to make way for the additional drive shafts. Frequently found in racing cars, the new horizontal damper units are actuated via separate pushrods and transfer levers.
Thanks to this sophisticated, motorsport-derived front axle design, the agility and dynamics of the electric-drive SLS AMG are on the same high level as the V8 variant. Another distinguishing feature is the speed-sensitive, rack-and-pinion power steering – with the power assistance operated by electro-hydraulics rather than conventional hydraulics.
AMG ceramic two-piece brakes provide excellent stopping power
The braking system on the prototype features AMG ceramic two-piece brakes, available as an optional extra on the series production model. It delivers extremely short stopping distances, a precise actuation point and outstanding fade resistance, even under extreme operating conditions. The generously dimensioned, radially floating rotors measure 15.83 x 1.54 inches at the front and 14.17 x 1.26 inches at the rear and are made of carbon fiber reinforced ceramic composite material connected to aluminum hubs.
The ceramic brake discs are 40 percent lighter than the conventional, gray cast iron brake discs. This reduction in unsprung mass improves not only handling dynamics and agility, but also ride comfort and grip. The lower rotating masses on the front axle also ensure a more direct steering response – which is
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
especially effective in high-speed cornering. The ABS and ESP® systems have Page 24 been adapted to match the particular operating spectrum of the permanent all- wheel drive.
Full-LED headlamps and automatically deploying front splitter
The pure, exciting design of the technology showcase has been modified only slightly, but to great effect. The front end features the dynamic form of the full- LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights. They help optimize the vehicle's energy efficiency, as they require less power compared with regular bi- xenon light systems. The wider radiator grille also has a new look, and now comes with transverse louvers instead of a diamond-mesh grille. The air outlets on the car’s hood and fenders have also been modified for enhanced aerodynamics. All panels and trim finished in chrome or silver shadow on the standard SLS AMG are now presented in matte black.
The front skirt has not only been brought further forward, but also helps to ensure optimized airflow along the underbody. This lessens drag and reduces downforce. An extendable front splitter enhances this effect. In parallel with the automatic rear spoiler, it extends downwards by 2.8 inches at speeds above 75 mph and helps to accelerate the air beneath the car. On reaching the rear axle, the air flows through the rear diffuser. The absence of an exhaust system means that it can have a steeper angle, which increases downforce on the rear axle and further enhances aerodynamic balance. The 10-spoke AMG light alloy wheels feature a new, smooth-faced design and are clad in 265/35 R 19 tires at the front and 295/30 R 20 at the rear.
Interior with new display instruments for electric drive
The transformation from gasoline to electric-drive super sports car also required some specific modifications to the interior. As a result, the AMG instrument cluster and center console both feature a new design. The new AMG instrument panel provides information on speed, battery charge status and estimated range. The newly designed center console now houses a 9.8-inch touchscreen. Not only
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
can driver and passenger use this for convenient operation of all of the audio, Page 25 climate and navigation functions, it also provides information on the power flow to and from the four electric motors.
Angled toward the driver is the AMG Drive Unit, which houses the controls for starting the motors, the ESP® functions, AMG memory function and the extendable front splitter and rear spoiler. Using three new buttons, the driver can switch easily between P, R and D. The ‘Park’ setting is also activated automatically by switching off the electric motors.
The interior is dominated by high-quality premium leather in a black/white color combination – this has been applied not only to the sports seats, the performance leather/Alcantara steering wheel and the door trim, but also to the broad center tunnel, which runs between the seats toward the rear of the vehicle.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Mercedes-Benz interior sculpture Aesthetics No. 2 Page 26
The automobile interior becomes a work of art
Stuttgart – at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, Mercedes- Benz not only captures visitors’ attention with exciting automobiles and technical innovations, but captivates with a work of art as well. Interior Design at Mercedes-Benz in Germany has created a sculpture that expresses visually that which inspires designers, and on the other hand gives space to the creative artistic process in the design of the vehicle interior. It makes the aesthetics of sustainability visible and is oriented towards the perfect forms of nature that evolved over periods spanning millions of years.
Mercedes-Benz Aesthetics No. 2 sculpture is this idea made visible. It consciously defies the shackles of the limited context of ergonomics, technical feasibility, formal constraints and, of course, the exterior of the vehicle, in order to impress the observer with its pure sensory-aesthetic appeal. In addition, the sculpture offers a preview of the clear-cut yet emotionally-appealing sculptural form language of future Mercedes-Benz interior design. At the same time it is able to transport the high aesthetic, functional and sensuous aspirations characteristic of a Mercedes-Benz interior, bridging the gap between art and the aesthetics of Mercedes-Benz interior design. It compels the observer to pause for a moment, and challenges, interprets anew that which is already familiar in the vehicle interior, touching both the senses and rational reflection in doing so.
Professor Gorden Wagener, Head of Design: “At Mercedes-Benz, automobile design is artistic creation. Inspiration is the pre-condition for the calm, coherent yet passionately emotional design of our cars. In the interior sculpture Aesthetics No. 2 we have allowed creative fantasy to develop freely without constraints. We have followed Nature's diversity & perfection; have given her friendliness an expression and a newly-interpreted space. Soft, gentle and infinitely beautiful is her manner of dealing with her resources, creating impressive aesthetics ever anew. We perceive this in every cell structure, every blossom, every living being.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
However, we do not simply mimic Nature, but learn instead from the intricate, all- Page 27 encompassing interplay of her elements – this, too, is a hallmark of art."
Further formal inspiration for the sculpture was taken from sculpted natural landscapes such as deserts and canyons but also from architectural themes and the broad field of aeronautical construction. Thus the seating environment recalls the image of the gigantic wings of a majestic ray fish. The instrument panel has cues from wing and engine design of modern jets. The curves of the frame cell structure visually close upon themselves like arches of fluid metal, almost like the cardiovascular system of a living organism, while the center console recalls the skeletal structure of a spinal column. Life itself, and not lifeless matter, posed for the Mercedes-Benz interior sculpture. Everything is in flux, interwoven with everything else. In the words of the poet Friedrich von Schlegel (1772-1829): "Art is the nature of Nature."
On a scale of 1.5 to 1 the sculpture measures 18.3 x 6 x 8.5 feet. The finely wrought frame painted in alubeam Liquid Metal is light and strong; the white seating landscapes look like ivory. The Interior Sculpture from Mercedes-Benz sets a multiple chain of associations in motion, symbolizing the beauty, style, dynamism and quality of a unique brand history spanning over 125 years. As an automotive work of art Mercedes-Benz Interior Sculpture Aesthetics No. 2 also gives promises of future innovations. In its details it allows vague notions of what the interior of Mercedes-Benz vehicles might be like in the future. An artistic creative-forming process has begun, and reflections about the real future are also allowed.
Contact: Norbert Giesen, Tel. no. +49 711-17-76422 email: [email protected]
Further information about Mercedes-Benz is available online: www.media.daimler.com
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Page 28 Mercedes-Benz F-CELL World Drive
Around the world in 125 days - Mercedes-Benz takes off on the first circumnavigation of the world with fuel cell- powered electric vehicles
Detroit – At the end of January Mercedes-Benz will kick-off an unparalleled long-distance journey – the F-CELL World Drive. Announced by Mercedes- Benz at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the journey will circumnavigate the world with the first series-produced fuel cell vehicle, the B-Class F-CELL. The aim of the F-CELL World Drive is to demonstrate the efficiency and everyday drivability of fuel cell technology, and at the same time campaign for the development of a global hydrogen filling station network.
To demonstrate the technical maturity of the B-Class F-CELL - which offers local and long distance emission-free driving – Mercedes-Benz will begin the F-CELL World Drive in the B-Class F-CELL on January 30. The journey will last 125 days, driving through four continents and the widest variety of climate zones as well as an equally diverse mixture of routes, ranging from asphalt streets to unpaved roads. "With this unique circumnavigation of the world we are emphasizing the high level of technical maturity of our electric vehicles with fuel cell. Such an undertaking would not be possible, using purely battery-powered electric vehicles.", explains Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Development Mercedes-Benz Cars. "Today, as with the invention of automobile 125 years ago, the issue of a corresponding fuelling infrastructure arises. I am confident that together with all of the parties involved we will find a solution that enables us to fully exploit the tremendous potential of this technology."
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
The exceptional long-distance journey will take the fuel cell vehicles through 14 Page 29 countries: from southern Europe, through France, Spain and Portugal, the cars will continue on to North America, where they will drive through both the USA as well as Canada. After crossing Australia the cars will reach the continent of Asia. From China they will then pass through Kazakhstan, Russia and finally northern Europe, until the tour returns to Stuttgart at the beginning of June, where the 125-day round-the-world tour will come to an end.
Around the world with hydrogen
The B-Class F-CELL combines a high, emission-free range of around 240 miles (Euro driving cycle, 190 miles estimated EPA) with short refilling times and is accordingly highly suitable for both everyday driving in urban areas as well as longer journeys. At the heart of the B-Class F-CELL is the new-generation electric drive system powered by a fuel cell, which is compact, powerful, safe and fully suited to everyday use. The fuel cell generates the electrical power on board from a chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen.
Mercedes-Benz has adopted a clever solution for the lack of hydrogen filling stations along the route: acting as the exclusive supplier for hydrogen is the project partner Linde AG, which will guarantee a reliable supply thanks to its sites and subsidiaries located throughout the world. On remote routes a tanker vehicle, which has been specially developed for the tour in cooperation with Linde AG, will also be on hand to supply the fuel cell vehicles with the necessary hydrogen.
Contacts: Eva Wiese, tel. no.: +49 711 17-92311, [email protected] Matthias Brock, tel. no.: +49 711 17-91404, [email protected]
Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available online: www.media.daimler.com and www.mercedes-benz.com
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC: highly efficient, clean, powerful Page 30
Diesel-powered S-Class returns to the U.S.
DETROIT - Making its U.S. debut at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, the all-wheel-drive 2012MY S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC marks the return of the diesel-powered S-Class sedan to the U.S. market. Powered by a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel developing 240 hp and a whopping 455 lb-ft of torque, the highly efficient V6 diesel gives the luxury sedan effortless performance with sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 7 seconds; top speed is 130 mph (electronically limited). Available in U.S. showrooms in late summer of 2011, the 2012 S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC joins an already diverse lineup of S-Class models ranging from the fuel-efficient S400 HYBRID to the flagship S65 AMG.
The 2012 S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC ranks among the world's cleanest diesel models thanks to BlueTEC - a technology developed by Mercedes-Benz to reduce emissions from diesel vehicles, in particular nitrogen oxides. AdBlue®, an aqueous urea solution, is injected into the exhaust flow. Releasing ammonia, which converts up to 80 percent of nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) catalytic converter. As a result, the S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC already complies with the emission levels which are planned for 2014 with the introduction of the EU6 standard. The AdBlue® tank is installed under the luggage compartment floor and has a capacity of 7 gallons. The tank is replenished at the regular maintenance intervals every 10,000 miles.
4MATIC Four-Wheel Drive Sets a Trend
The 2012 S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC is equipped with the latest Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. Cleanly integrated into the 7-speed automatic transmission, it fits right into the standard body and utilizes the existing front suspension. A number of innovative measures minimize the energy needed to turn the extra gears and shafts to help improve overall fuel economy.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
The 2012 CLS - the new design icon from Page 31 Mercedes-Benz
• The CLS brings refined performance to life • Embodiement of the Mercedes-Benz brand values • Athletic proportions, strong design language • Expressive front design features central star in the grille • Dynamic character line flowing back towards the rear • Elegance with handcrafted details in the interior
A generation ahead: The CLS-Class created a new vehicle category in 2003 by combining the elegance and expressiveness of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a sedan. The CLS delighted the public, astounded the competition and created a new style icon: for years the CLS has endured as the only four-door coupé in its class, and since October 2004 it has been the car of choice for around 170,000 buyers worldwide. "Customers all over the world benefited from our bold move to launch a completely new vehicle concept onto the market", explains a delighted Dr. Joachim Schmidt, member of the board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales & Marketing. "And with its exciting design, the new edition of the CLS also benefits from the fact that we are a whole generation ahead of the competition with our four-door Coupé."
The 2012 CLS-Class builds on the pioneering role of its predecessor with a fresh new interpretation. "The new CLS points the way forward for the future perceptible design idiom of Mercedes-Benz", explains Professor Gorden Wagener, head of design at Mercedes-Benz. "At the same time it takes its inspiration from the great tradition of stylish, refined sportiness which has always been a feature of Mercedes coupés."
Exterior: classic Coupé styling with distinctive front
The proportions remain as spectacular as ever: long hood, tightly-styled frameless side windows and a dynamic roof sweeping back at an angle towards the rear.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
The four-door Coupé from Mercedes-Benz immediately made its mark in 2003 as Page 32 a new style icon. Though the proportions are the same, the second generation of this design trendsetter has a completely new look.
What immediately strikes the eye is the innovative front design, which is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Visually, the radiator grille is not integrated into the hood but formed separately. This further highlights the long, sporty hood. The grille is dominated by the large central star, which unites the car with other Mercedes-Benz coupés and also enhances brand identity. The large, elongated dark air inlets with black grilles also add to the vehicle's athletic appearance.
Design brings high-tech features to life
Another distinguishing feature comes in the form of the full LED headlamps, which are the world's first to offer all of the dynamic light functions using LED technology. This innovation boasts an impressive design - inside they are divided into three arrow-shaped layers from top to bottom: the upper layer contains an LED indicator, beneath which is a striking LED side light offers LED low beam functions. The side light can also be seen when the high beam is activated, thereby creating a unique night-time design. The lowest level of the headlamp houses the main beam and nightview functions. A total of 71 LED's provide an unmistakable appearance as well as a significantly enhanced view of the road compared with previous systems.
The typical CLS outline, with its elegantly long proportions, is the dominating attribute of the new model. The effect of the dynamic, athletic form has been enhanced with a new interplay of lines and surfaces. A unique “dropping line”, which begins above the front wheel-wells and slopes downward towards the rear, represents a new interpretation of a renowned design hallmark of historic Mercedes sports cars.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
A distinctive and muscular sports car-like shoulder line above the rear axle Page 33 highlights the athletic character of the 2012 CLS. The flared wheel arches resemble the powerful thighs of a feline predator waiting to pounce. The side profile is rounded off with wide wrap-around tail lights featuring LED technology -- a linking element to the rear of the vehicle. The shape is emphasized by the broad shoulder line, which is clearly visible from behind and supports the flat roof. A wide metal insert adds a further visual highlight at the rear.
The interior: design brings quality to life
The interior of the 2012 CLS-Class is also distinguished by a timeless design which combines discreet elegance with innovative details and handcrafted perfection. The eye-catching cockpit features a wrap-around dashboard sweeping from the driver's door over the instrument panel support and across to the front passenger door. The central display has also been integrated seamlessly into the upper part of the instrument panel.
The CLS also lives up to its role as a design icon thanks to the innovative nature of the materials used, including a mixture of satin and high-gloss finishes used on the metal surfaces. Highlights also include matte galvanized air vents which ideally compliment a high-gloss-trimmed analogue clock.
Handcrafted perfection is reflected in details such as the stitched seat covers and dashboard. The individual parts of the leather dashboard are sewn together by hand in a process which takes several hours, after which they are fitted and upholstered with high-quality padding. Prior to this process, the leather is also heated to preshrink it, so that it will retain its shape even after extreme exposure to direct sunlight.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
2012 CLS63 AMG – benchmark in design, Page 34 performance and efficiency
Stunning design, superior performance and groundbreaking efficiency – that is the all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG. The four-door coupe features the all-new AMG V8 biturbo engine generating an output of up to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, as well as the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7- speed Sports Transmission. Fuel economy of 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway (estimated figures) represents an improvement of up to 33 percent compared with the preceding model. The 2012 CLS63 AMG goes on sale in the US in the summer of 2011.
The combination of AMG Adaptive Suspension with the adaptive damping system and a new front axle arrangement, plus new electro-hydraulic AMG sports steering delivers supreme handling and dynamics. From a visual standpoint, the 2012 CLS63 AMG cuts an impressive figure with its athletic stance and distinctive exterior and interior design. The brand new active LED high-performance headlights are available as an option, with LED Daytime Running Lamps fitted as standard.
“The new CLS63 AMG writes the next chapter in the success story created by the CLS55 AMG and CLS63 AMG, which have been amazing our customers around the world since 2004,” says Ola Källenius, General Manager of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “The CLS63 AMG is a unique, high-performance automobile – it sets new benchmarks in design, performance and efficiency.”
As with the S63 AMG and CL63 AMG, drivers of the CLS63 AMG benefit from the new eight-cylinder motor known internally as the M 157. The new AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine features a combination of high-tech components – in addition to spray-guided gasoline direct injection with piezo injectors, it boasts an all- aluminum crankcase, four-valve technology with variable camshafts, air-water charge-air cooling, generator management and stop/start system. From 5,461 cm3, the eight-cylinder generates a maximum output of 518 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. In combination with the optional AMG Performance Package, output rises to 550
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
hp and 590 lb-ft. Both versions of the CLS63 AMG deliver exceptional Page 35 performance – acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.4 and 4.3 seconds respectively, with a top speed of 155 mph in the standard version and 186 mph with the Performance Package (electronically limited. All figures are preliminary).
The key difference between the two performance levels is the maximum charge pressure of the twin turbochargers, which is 14.5 psi in the standard CLS63 AMG and 18.8 psi with the Performance Package. Moreover, the version with the Performance Package boasts an attractive engine cover with carbon-fiber applications.
Quantum leap – 33 percent improved fuel economy
Despite a substantial increase in output compared with the preceding model with the AMG 6.3-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine producing 507 hp and 465 lb-ft, the new CLS63 AMG goes 4 miles further in the city on one gallon of fuel, making it 33 percent more fuel-efficient – no less than a quantum leap. With estimated fuel economy of 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, the new AMG V8 coupe is not only considerably better than all of its direct competitors in the exclusive segment of high-performance four-door coupes, it is also more fuel-efficient than many far less potent vehicles. Both performance variants have identical fuel economy.
Overview of key data
2012 CLS63 AMG
Displacement 5,461 cm³
Bore x stroke 98.0 x 90.5 mm
Compression ratio 10.0 : 1
Power 518 hp @ 5,500 r/min 550 hp @ 5,500 r/min*
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Max. torque 516 lb-ft @ 1750-5000 r/min Page 36 590 lb-ft @ 2000-4500 r/min*
Engine weight (dry) 450 lbs
Fuel economy 16 / 21 mpg city / highway
Acceleration 0-60 mph 4.4 s 4.3 s*
Top speed** 155 mph 186 mph*
All figures are preliminary; * with AMG Performance Package; ** electronically limited
Exclusive - AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed Sport Transmission
A significant proportion of the unparalleled fuel economy is due to the Mercedes- AMG exclusive AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed Sport Transmission. In contrast to a conventional automatic gearbox, the MCT transmission operates without a torque converter, using instead a compact, wet start-up clutch. The stop/start function is standard equipment and is constantly active in the Controlled Efficiency (“C”) transmission program, switching off the eight-cylinder when the vehicle is at a standstill. The Controlled Efficiency setting also provides smoother transmission mapping, delivering comfortable and early shifting, starting from rest in second gear. A green “ECO” symbol on the AMG dash indicates to the driver that the stop/start function is active.
The “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport Plus) and “M” (Manual) programs offer a more agile engine and transmission setup, while the stop/start function is deactivated. In the “M”, “S” and “S+” modes, the engine management partially suppresses the cylinders – by interrupting ignition and injection for a very short and precisely defined period under full load, it makes shift times faster than ever. One highly appealing side effect of this exceptionally quick process is a stunningly emotional sound. Automatic rev-matching and the RACE START function round out the comprehensive list of standard equipment.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Independent AMG Adaptive Suspension Page 37
The suspension, steering and braking system on the new CLS63 AMG are perfectly matched to the high-tech driveline. The AMG Adaptive Suspension with steel struts at the front and air suspension at the rear, as well as automatic ride-height control, is further refined with an electronic damping system. Depending on the situation, it automatically varies the damping characteristics and reduces body roll. The outcome is an incredibly fast correlation between optimum comfort and best- possible agility. The driver can switch between the three suspension settings “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport plus” at the touch of a button.
The independent front axle setup has a 0.94 inch wider track and is paired perfectly with the electro-hydraulic AMG sports steering. Not only does the level of power assistance vary in accordance with the suspension mode, it also delivers an improvement in fuel economy because it draws energy only when the steering is actually in use. The 3-stage ESP® offers individual settings – and thus a distinct plus for driving fun with no restriction in safety.
AMG high-performance braking system
The AMG high-performance braking system provides perfect stopping power even under extreme driving conditions with 14.2-inch internally ventilated and cross- drilled brake discs at all four corners. The front axle features highly resilient, motorsport-tested composite technology. Contact with the road is maintained with titanium gray painted and polished AMG 19-inch triple 5-spoke alloy wheels clad in 255/35 R19 tires (front) and 285/30 R19 (rear).
Intelligent lightweight design – major contribution to efficiency
When it comes to its bodyshell, the 2012 CLS63 AMG is nothing less than an engineering work of art – intelligent lightweight design plays a major role in overcoming the classic conflict between low weight and high stiffness. Like the SLS AMG, the CLS63 AMG also features all-aluminum doors. They are made using deep- drawn aluminum sheet and extruded profile, and are around 24 percent lighter
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
overall than conventional steel doors. Also made from aluminum are the hood, front Page 38 fenders, rear parcel shelf, several beam profiles and a large number of chassis and engine components.
Progress through light – active LED high-performance headlamps
The CLS-Class is the first model line in the world to feature active LED high- performance headlamps that combine the amazing daylight-like color of LED technology with the performance, functionality and energy efficiency of today’s bi-xenon headlights. The new full-LED light system is available as an option in the U.S. and for the first time offers the advanced lighting technology already proven in Mercedes models with bi-xenon headlamps. The headlamps, with their total of 71 LEDs, underscore the distinctive presence of the CLS63 AMG. Mercedes-Benz light specialists were able to combine LED technology with the optional Adaptive Highbeam Assist for the first time, leading to an all-new level of nighttime safety.
Contrary to the first vehicles with LED headlamps, there are now absolutely no restrictions to the functionality and performance of this light technology. The case for the new LED technology is strengthened further by factors such as – the average lifecycle of an LED being 10,000 hours, which is around five times more than a xenon lamp; and the color of LED driving lights being the closest to daylight. This means that LED light is a good match for the normal operating range of the human eye. Studies show that artificial light puts less strain on the eye the closer it is to the color of daylight. With a color temperature of 5,500 Kelvin, LED light is closer to daylight (6,500 K) than xenon light (4,200 K). Fitted as standard are the characteristic AMG-specific LED Daytime Running Lights, which feature two light bars integrated into the AMG front skirt.
Exterior design inspired by SLS AMG
From the front, the new CLS63 AMG is evocative of the SLS AMG – the radiator grille in particular, with the large Mercedes star and the wing-shaped louvers, draws its inspiration from the AMG super sports car. The CLS63 AMG is differentiated from the other CLS variants by a unique hood, wider fenders
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
featuring the “V8 BITURBO” logo and an exclusive AMG front skirt with a black- Page 39 painted cross-brace. Distinguishing features on the rear end include the diffuser insert, the AMG spoiler on the trunk lid, the AMG sports exhaust with two chromed dual tailpipes, as well as the integrated fog lamps also familiar from the SLS AMG. The AMG styling harmonizes perfectly with the classic CLS silhouette, identifiable largely by its elegantly taut proportions, the “dropping line” along the side and the sporty shoulder muscles spanning the rear axle.
Exclusive interior ambience
This philosophy is also carried into the interior. All AMG-specific styling and equipment features are a perfect match for the new design of the CLS interior. The wrap-around effect in the cockpit, with the high line flowing in a single sweep from the driver door across the dashboard to the passenger door is flanked by generously proportioned and finely detailed trim – in the case of the AMG flagship model, this comes as standard in burl walnut wood veneer. Piano black lacquer and carbon-fiber trim elements are available as options. Material quality and workmanship is of the highest order and provide a highly exclusive ambience. The extensive range of standard equipment includes AMG sports seats in premium leather, a new AMG three-spoke performance steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles and a flattened rim top and bottom and the AMG DRIVE UNIT with compact E-SELECT shift lever.
New driver assistance systems – more safety
More than a dozen driver assistance systems in the new CLS work together to avoid accidents and mitigate their consequences. New systems include Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist (both part of the Driver Assistance Package).
Active Blind Spot Assist warns the driver when, using close-range radar sensors, it detects the threat of a collision during a lane change maneuver. If the driver ignores the warning and comes dangerously close to the vehicle in the neighboring lane, Active Blind Spot Assist steps in. By initiating a brief braking impulse, controlled by
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
ESP®, on the rear wheel on the other side of the vehicle, it causes a yawing motion Page 40 that counteracts the collision course.
Networked with ESP® for the first time is Active Lane Keeping Assist. The system is activated when the driver involuntarily drives over continuous lane markings right or left. In such cases, Active Lane Keeping Assist applies the brakes on the opposing rear wheel in order to prevent the vehicle from crossing the line. At the same time, a display in the dashboard issues a warning to the driver. Should the vehicle cross broken lane markings, the system issues an electrically generated impulse via the steering wheel. This creates a short vibration, providing a subtle but highly effective cue to counter-steer immediately. This tactile warning via steering wheel vibration always occurs prior to any braking input.
AMG Performance Package adds more power
One highlight of the highly attractive optional equipment list is the AMG Performance Package for the CLS63 AMG incorporating the following:
• Increase in power output of 32 hp (total 550 hp) and maximum torque of 74 lb-ft (total 590 lb-ft) • AMG engine cover in genuine carbon-fiber • Rear spoiler in genuine carbon-fiber • Sport suspension • Red brake calipers • Top speed increased to 186 mph • AMG Performance Steering Wheel with Alcantara® applications around the grip zones
U.S. market launch of the 2012 CLS63 AMG is scheduled for summer 2011.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
The Restyled Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Page 41
The epitome of luxury coupes
With a design perfected through the greatest sense of style, exclusive appointments and cutting-edge technology, the extensively updated 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class reinforces its claim to supremacy as the ultimate in automotive refinement. The entirely redesigned 429 hp V8 biturbo engine of the CL550 4MATIC and the 536 hp AMG V8 biturbo of the CL63 AMG open a new dimension of performance in the luxury coupé category. Performance and fuel economy improve thanks to the newly-developed BlueDIRECT technology with third-generation spray-guided direct injection as well as energy-efficient control of alternator, fuel pump, air-conditioning compressor and power-assisted steering system. In addition, the Mercedes- Benz engineers equipped the CL with state-of-the-art multimedia technology and hand-finished components to help retain its position as the epitome of quality in its class. These two new V8 models, as well as the V12-powered CL600 and CL65 AMG went on-sale in the U.S. in November 2010.
With the new generation of the CL, the Stuttgart-based automaker focuses on fuel consumption and exhaust gas emissions in the exclusive high-end segment. According to Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG: "The CL is the ideal ambassador for our brand. To a special degree it integrates the things that go to make a Mercedes-Benz: fascination, perfection and responsibility. And with the new generation we raise the ante especially in the area of efficiency. But in the realms of design, safety, comfort and performance, too, the CL shows: ahead is where Mercedes is."
A combination of cutting-edge camera and radar-based assistance systems such as the innovative Active Lane Keeping Assist and the Active Blind Spot Assist make the CL a "thinking" partner of the driver. The modified Active Body Control (ABC) with crosswind stabilization system and the Direct-Steer system also contribute to enhancing safety and driving enjoyment.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
The 2011 CL63 AMG showcases cutting-edge technology from Affalterbach. The Page 42 CL63 AMG features the new 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine with a peak output of 536 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. With the optional AMG Performance Package, the performance increases to 563 hp and 664 lb-ft. The award-winning AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7--speed sports transmission provides a considerable reduction in fuel consumption and emissions while simultaneously increasing maximum power and torque. With improved fuel economy, the new CL63 AMG is more than 25 percent more efficient than the previous model with a naturally aspirated V8. The exclusive V12-powered CL65 AMG now has even more power, with 621 hp and 738 lb-ft.
The CL63 AMG marks the start of a new chapter in the "AMG Performance 2015" drive strategy: Mercedes-AMG is continuing this impressive story and is meeting its promise to continuously reduce both the fuel consumption and emissions of new models with the new engine/transmission combination and stop/start technology – while also reaching new heights with the central AMG brand value of "performance".
According to Ola Källenius, head of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "We are heading into a new era with the S63 AMG and CL63 AMG: for the first time we have combined spray-guided direct gasoline injection with biturbocharging and the stop/start system. Together with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, we have reduced both fuel consumption and emissions significantly – while at the same time increasing output and torque."
Together with the unique AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, the new AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine will play a significant role in the Mercedes-AMG model strategy over the coming year. The new engine / transmission combination marks a further milestone in the successful history of Mercedes-AMG, which began back in 1967.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Design: a muscular, self-assured presence Page 43
The exterior appearance of the new CL generation is characterized by the dramatic profile of the hood, the dynamic V-shape radiator grille and sweeping headlamps – design details that discreetly but effectively emphasize the car's elegant yet powerful lines.
The front bumper presents a new design with three air intake openings and a chrome trim strip. An LED strip with chrome trim for the daytime running lamps is elegantly integrated into the lower fascia. With standard Bi-Xenon headlights and Adaptive Highbeam Assist, the headlamps offer state-of-the-art illumination technology. The latest LED technology in the turn indicators and position marker lamps round-off the car's advanced look. The rear of the vehicle is characterized by the newly-designed tail lights.
AMG models boast numerous new design features which give the coupé an even more powerful appearance. The new, arrow-shaped hood with its bold ridged design is the perfect match for powerfully-shaped headlamps, as well as AMG- specific LED daytime driving lights in the front apron. The central Mercedes star is flanked by a single horizontal grille slat. The new AMG front apron has an expanded three-dimensional design as well as a lower crossmember with a high- gloss black finish.
Other unique AMG highlights include a new rear apron with a diffuser insert and newly-designed chrome twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system. The front fenders wear “V8 BITURBO" lettering. New 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels round-out the new look of the CL63 AMG.
New V8 biturbo engine with innovative technology
With its 4,663 cubic centimeters of displacement the new V8 biturbo engine in the 2011 CL550 4MATIC features BlueDIRECT technology and delivers impressive power. The eight-cylinder engine produces 429 hp so that despite 0.8 liters less
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
displacement, it is still around 12 percent more powerful than its predecessor. At Page 44 the same time, torque was raised to 516 lb-ft – an increase of 32 percent. The CL550 4MATIC requires a mere 4.8 seconds to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph. In summary, the 2011 CL550 4MATIC is significantly more agile, torquey and fuel efficient than its predecessor.
The BlueDIRECT technology of the V8 biturbo includes an impressive combination of new developments such as third generation spray-guided direct gasoline injection with piezo injectors and multi-spark ignition with up to four ignition sparks within a millisecond.
The CL600, with its 510hp 12-cylinder biturbo engine, accelerates the luxury coupe from a standstill to 60 mph in an impressive 4.5 seconds.
The new AMG V8 engine, designated internally as the M 157, also takes full advantage of these innovative new technologies. The new AMG 5.5-liter engine marks the debut of direct gasoline injection with spray-guided combustion and piezo injectors in an AMG. Other highlights include standard Controlled Efficiency stop/start function. The AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine develops a peak output of 536 hp and maximum torque of 590 lb-ft. In conjunction with the optional AMG Performance Package these figures are increased to 563 hp and 664 lb-ft.
The CL63 AMG delivers superior, sports car-level performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes just 4.4 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 155. With the optional AMG Performance Package, 0-60 takes just 4.3 seconds and top speed increases to an electronically limited 186 mph.
The V12-powered CL65 AMG produces 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, and achieves a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Transmission: combining maximum driving pleasure with low fuel Page 45 consumption
The new engine in the CL550 4MATIC is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission which has undergone significant revision, while V12 models retain the proven five-speed automatic transmission due to their extremely high torque at low engine speeds. The DIRECT-SELECT lever on the steering column enables the driver to select "P", "N", "R" and "D" by nudging the selector. The operating commands are transferred electronically by wire.
In addition, a switch on the center console allows the driver to choose between the driving modes "Sport" (S) and "Economy" (E), which alter the transmission characteristics.
• Economy: the automatic transmission changes gears at low revs; in this mode the CL starts-off in second gear. • Sport: the automatic transmission makes the most of the engines' speed range when changing gears. At the same time the accelerator characteristics are changed so that the engine responds more spontaneously to the driver's pressure on the accelerator.
Selection of the transmission mode is independent of the spring/damper setting of the suspension so that the driver has more control over the overall handling of the luxury coupe.
More efficiency: the new seven-speed automatic transmission
The seven-speed automatic transmission was improved in detail by the Mercedes engineers. The aim was to further reduce converter slip in the connection with the engine and thus optimize efficiency. In addition, the much increased torque of the V8 biturbo engine in the CL550 4MATIC raised new demands on the absorption of cyclic irregularities and vibrations in the transmission. The Mercedes-Benz developers met this challenge in the new transmission with a new
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
torsional vibration damper. It is designed as a double turbo-damper and Page 46 additionally fitted with a centrifugal pendulum which shifts the mass center of gravity as a function of engine speed and enables comfortable vehicle operation even at lower engine speeds. Moreover, the optimal damping already makes a distinct reduction in the slip of the torque converter lockup clutch at low loads. The result: in ECO mode the engine speed could be reduced, contributing greatly to cut fuel consumption. Plus, it ensures an even quicker response to accelerator commands.
A new hydraulic circuit and optimized torque converter characteristics also help to improve efficiency and performance. A further consumption-cutting measure is a new lower-viscosity automatic transmission fluid (ATF), which has a longer life yet the same cooling performance. As a result, the CL550 4MATIC only needs a transmission fluid change every 78,000 miles.
The optimized electrohydraulic control unit of the transmission and new reduced- friction materials in various parts of the transmission in combination with optimized software provide greater shifting comfort.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
AMG S-Class Sedans Feature More Power and Fuel Efficiency Page 47
Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Powered by New Biturbo V8
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG sedan is powered by a new twin-turbo V8 engine that gets better fuel economy while producing more power – an astounding feat, considering that increasing either power or fuel economy usually reduces the other. In addition, the V12-powered S65 AMG boasts 17 additional horsepower for 2011.
New safety options for the 2011 S-Class line include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist that both incorporate automatic ESP brake intervention. If the driver doesn’t heed the initial warning, ESP braking at individual wheels automatically helps correct the car’s course.
2011 S-Class Lineup Stars Five Diverse Models
The company’s flagship sedan, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is viewed in many circles as the finest car in the world. In addition to the high-performance S63 AMG (536 hp, 590 lb.-ft. of torque) and S65 AMG (621 hp, 738 lb.-ft.), the 2011 S- Class line includes the S550 (382 hp, 391 lb.-ft.), the S400 HYBRID (295 hp, 284 lb.-ft.) and the S600 (510 hp, 612 lb.-ft.). The S550 is available in a choice of rear- wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
S63 AMG Gets New Biturbo Engine and MCT Transmission
Replacing the normally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 in the high-performance S63 AMG, a new smaller-displacement 5.5-liter V8 features twin turbochargers, direct fuel injection, multi-spark ignition and start-stop technology. The new AMG twin- turbo V8 produces 536 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of torque, an increase of 125 lb.-ft., and yet it gets 25 percent better fuel economy. The optional AMG
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Performance Package increases output to 563 hp and 664 lb-ft. of torque. Page 48
In addition to its new biturbo V8 engine, the S63 AMG is now fitted with AMG’s award-winning MCT (for multi-clutch technology) transmission. Featuring an innovative start-up clutch that replaces a conventional torque converter, the seven-speed MCT transmission combines the direct connection of a manual gearbox with the lightning-quick automatic gear shifts of a Formula 1 race car.
Crystals are at the Heart of It
The new AMG bi-turbo V8 features a fuel system that represents the third generation of modern Mercedes-Benz gasoline direct injection systems, and the first to be offered in the U.S. market. In the past, most gasoline engines have used indirect port injection.
The new V8 makes use of industry-leading electronics technology first used on Mercedes-Benz diesels – piezo-electric fuel injectors that spray gasoline directly into the combustion chambers. Featuring a piezo-ceramic crystalline element that changes shape when electrical current is applied, blazingly fast piezo injectors make it possible to design very sensitive and precise injection systems, including the ability to program several small injections with each piston stroke.
Multi-Spark Works with Multi-Squirt
Working together with the spray-guided direct injection, a rapid multi-spark ignition system begins combustion with the first spark, but has the capability to recharge and deliver up to three more sparks within a single millisecond, creating a gas plasma with more expansion than conventional ignition. The time lapse between sparks is adjustable, so combustion duration can actually be controlled, resulting in two percent better fuel economy, and a total of four percent improvement in combination with its companion direct fuel injection system.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Start-Stop System with Direct-Start Page 49
When the driver selects Controlled-Efficiency (“C”) transmission mode, the new biturbo engine is automatically turned off to save fuel whenever the vehicle comes to a stop, and on restarting, the engine computer decides which piston is in the best position for first ignition. The direct fuel injection and multi-spark systems work with a starter motor to re-start the engine almost instantly. In the future, this new technology may be used to start direct-injection engines without using a conventional starter motor.
Innovative New Safety Options for 2011 S-Class Models
New safety options for the 2011 S-Class line include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist that both incorporate automatic ESP brake intervention. Active Lane Keeping Assist recognizes lane markings (thanks to a multi-purpose camera in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the images) and alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibrations in the steering wheel if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals on.
Active Blind Spot Assist monitors both blind spots behind the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver gets visual and audible warnings. Both Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist now incorporate a brake intervention feature, in which ESP braking automatically helps correct the car’s course if the driver doesn’t heed the initial warning.
An innovative SPLITVIEW dual-content viewscreen is optionally available on all 2011 S-Class sedans. SPLITVIEW allows the driver and front passenger to view two different programs on the same screen at the same time. For example, the driver can be viewing the navigation system, while on the very same display screen, the passenger (looking from a different angle) is watching a movie.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Arrives in High Style Page 50
Four Seasons, Four Seats for the New E-Class Convertible
The all-new E-Class Cabriolet is the latest addition to the successful Mercedes- Benz E-Class line-up. The open-top two-door model went on sale in May 2010. The two-door, four-seat Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet features a classic fabric soft top that can be opened or closed in 20 seconds, even at speeds up to 25 mph. Its four-layer convertible top is insulated for low noise and year-round comfort, even in very cold or hot weather.
With the top down, a new AIRCAP system works at the push of a button to reduce drafts and air turbulence for all four occupants, and an AIRSCARF system can blow heated air directly on the neck area from outlets in the seats. The soft top is stowed in a special compartment behind the rear seats. When the roof is up, the panel between the top stowage area and the trunk can slide to the rear, increasing the trunk capacity by 30 percent.
Two Engines For The Two-Door E-Class Family
The two-door Mercedes-Benz E-Class family is available with the choice of a V6 or V8 engine. The E350 uses the latest four-valve-per-cylinder V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, while the E550 model is powered by a 32-valve 5.5-liter V8 delivering 382 hp and 391 lb.-ft. of torque.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Mercedes-Benz Launches Fifth-Generation E-Class Wagon Page 51
More Style, Safety and Seating for Seven
Mercedes-Benz is launching a new-generation wagon, which joins its sedan, coupe and cabriolet siblings in the E-Class family. Packed with useful new safety technology, the stylish 2011 E350 4MATIC Wagon is offered with a 3.5 liter V6 engine producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive is standard.
The traditional five-seat configuration can easily expand to seven seats by unfolding a standard third-row seat from the luggage compartment floor. The E- Class wagon is the only vehicle in its market segment to feature seven-place seating. Utilizing coil spring suspension up front and electronically controlled air springs at the rear, its load-leveling air suspension keeps the car level regardless of the cargo weight.
Smart-looking aluminum roof rails are standard, and inside, a 60-40 fold-down rear seat makes for cavernous cargo capacity that’s highly flexible. For example, the E-Class wagon can carry a grandfather clock and still accommodate three occupants, or a load of lumber can be carried with four people aboard. An elegant luggage cover and cargo net are attached at the beltline so they don’t interfere with the fold-down rear seat. At the same time, the cover can be attached to the folded seatbacks if needed, and it can be raised conveniently whenever the standard power liftgate is opened.
4MATIC Four-Wheel Drive Sets a Trend
The latest Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC system is cleanly integrated into the 7-speed automatic transmission so it fits right into the standard body and utilizes the existing front suspension. Several innovative measures minimize the energy needed to turn the extra gears and shafts to help improve overall fuel economy.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
2011 R-Class Page 52
Versatile, comfortable and fully-equipped
The redesigned 2011 R-Class once again raises the bar for the luxury crossover vehicle segment. In addition to the fresh exterior, the R-Class continues to boast a number of unique interior virtues, including the flexible use of space found in the latest crossovers combined with luxurious, first-class comfort. While the exterior look has changed, the R-Class stays true to its mission – providing unparalleled interior space with Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive.
Together with the significantly revised exterior, the complete range of standard equipment and the numerous individualization options, the R-Class can be tailored specifically to meet individual requirements. If there was such a thing as a vehicle versatility test, then the R-Class would certainly be the favorite to win first place.
Impressive appearance with new highlights
Dramatically redesigned for the 2011MY, the R-Class is noticeably more assertive, underlining the unique character of this multi-talented vehicle. The designers paid special attention to the front section, with an emphasis on width and a horizontally structured hood to make the vehicle appear more harmonious, muscular and dynamic.
Expressive: the new front section emphasizes character
At the front of the R-Class, the hood, fenders, radiator grille, headlamps and bumper have been completely redesigned. The new hood has more defined contours, complemented by an arrow-shaped front edge. The wider, higher radiator grille is more steeply angled, while the rear fascia incorporates striking, clear-cut lines. The side recesses in the bumper -- where the fog lamps and
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
daytime driving lights (or optional LED daytime running lights) are located -- are Page 53 spaced well apart and emphasize width. The lines of the side skirts are harmoniously continued forward in the updated fenders and grille. The new, dynamic "face" of the R-Class is particularly impressive. The redesigned headlamps blend perfectly into the front end to further emphasize the horizontal lines. The "eyelids" follow the beltline contours along the sides, and are arranged above the chromed headlamp housings to produce an assertive, concentrated gaze.
Perfect proportions
Sleek design is reiterated in the side profile as well. With the coupé-like lines of the window area, the R-Class represents a unique departure from traditional crossovers. Eye-catching details of the clearly contoured sides include the larger exterior mirror housings, which are set well away from the doors and supported by slim stems. The strikingly designed mirror housings in the vehicle color have integrated indicator repeaters in the form of a stylized arrow.
Perfect finish: the rear section of the R-Class
The rear section seamlessly continues the design idiom of the front, with a new bumper design, modified tail lights, a diffuser and integrated tailpipe trim emphasizing the width with more horizontal structures. The bumper also echoes the sharp contours of the side skirts, giving the effect of a continuous line circling around the exterior. As a finishing touch, the tail lights feature LED and fiber optic technology as well as horizontally arranged lighting functions.
The 2011 model year R-Class looks particularly attractive in the new "diamond white" metallic paint finish.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
The New Mercedes-Benz Supercar – SLS AMG Page 54
The all-new 2011 SLS AMG supercar is now the flagship of the auto industry’s broadest product lineup. The Mercedes-Benz design and performance standard- bearer, the limited-production gullwing coupe is the first-ever car designed and developed from the ground up by Mercedes-AMG, the company’s high- performance division.
The new SLS AMG features a lightweight aluminum space-frame body with gullwing doors and a 563-horsepower dry-sump V8 engine. With its front-mid engine and rear-mounted, dual-clutch, seven-speed transaxle, the compelling SLS AMG boasts ideal weight distribution of 47-53. Combined with double-wishbone sport suspension, its weight distribution and low center of gravity ensure race- car-like handling.
SLS AMG Features Gullwing Doors and Aluminum Space Frame
While its silhouette is defined by a long front hood, short body overhangs, low greenhouse and a short tail section, the stylistic highlight of the SLS AMG is unquestionably its gullwing doors. Along with a wide front grille with a large Mercedes-Benz star and a wing-like lamella, the new SLS AMG is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL gullwing coupe of the 1950s.
0-to-60 MPH in Less Than Four Seconds
Weighing in at a lean 3,573 pounds, the SLS AMG can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in only 3.7 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 197 mph. Designed from the ground up by AMG, the 6.3-liter V8 powerplant in the new Mercedes-Benz SLS represents an entirely new engine family, identified internally by the designation M159.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Mercedes-Benz M-Class Offers Page 55 Hybrid, Diesel and High Performance
M-Class Lineup Features Diverse Solutions for Today’s Customer
Mercedes-Benz offers two highly fuel-efficient M-Class models for 2011 – a gasoline hybrid and a BlueTEC diesel. Along with the ML450 HYBRID (335 total hp, 381 lb.-ft. of torque) and the ML350 BlueTEC diesel (210 hp, 400 lb.-ft.), the 2011 M-Class line includes the gasoline V6-powered ML350 (268 hp, 258 lb.-ft.), the V8 ML550 (382 hp, 391 lb.-ft.) and the high-performance ML63 AMG (503 hp, 465 lb.-ft). All 2011 M-Class models come with new-design outside mirrors and an inside mirror with an integrated compass.
Helping to underscore the M-Class as one of the safest SUVs in the industry, Blind Spot Assist is a new option for 2011 that monitors both blind spots behind the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver gets visual and audible warnings. Another new option is a rear-view camera that reduces the usual “fisheye“ distortion.
The ML450 HYBRID Boasts 46 Percent Better Fuel Economy
Featuring V8-like power with four-cylinder fuel economy, the Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, two magneto-electric motors and sophisticated hybrid electronics to produce more than 46 percent better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550 model.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Mercedes-Benz Restyles GL550 for 2011 Page 56
GL Line Completes Fresh Exterior Look
The GL550 front grille and bumpers sport a more contemporary look for the 2011 model year, including a redesigned lower fascia and LED daytime running lights. With similar changes made to the other models last year, all GL models now utilize LED technology for taillights and daytime running lights. Chrome window trim and redesigned front and rear skid plates with trapezoidal exhaust pipes complete the fresh exterior look of the GL line. Inside, the luxury SUVs come with “saddle” head restraints for the second- and third-row seats, burl walnut interior trim, a redesigned rear-view mirror with an integrated compass and an enhanced instrument cluster.
This year, the GL line (and R- and M-Class) is available with Blind Spot Assist, which monitors both blind spots behind the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver gets visual and audible warnings.
GL Line Spans from BlueTEC Diesel to V8 Power
The first full-size SUV from Mercedes-Benz, the GL-Class lineup for 2011 includes the fully equipped GL550 (382 horsepower, 391 lb.-ft. of torque), the award- winning GL450 (335 hp, 339 lb.-ft.) and the fuel-sipping GL350 BlueTEC diesel (210 hp, 400 lb.-ft.), now available in all 50 states with an innovative AdBlue exhaust treatment system that helps the diesel meet the most stringent emissions limits.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
GLK-Class Serves to Right-Size the SUV Page 57
Right-Sized GLK Sport Utility Combines Agility with Utility
The compact GLK sport utility represents the newest member of a highly successful Mercedes-Benz SUV family that includes the full-size M-Class – which spurred the trend toward more car-like luxury SUVs – as well as the larger, award-winning GL-Class, the crossover R-Class and the rough-and-tough G-Class.
In addition to its standard front, side and window air bags, the 2011-model GLK comes with new driver/passenger pelvic air bags and a driver’s knee air bag. The steering wheel is covered in premium leather for 2011, a new rear-view camera reduces the usual “fisheye” distortion, and a tilting passenger-side mirror makes parking easier.
A new option for the 2011 GLK, the AMG Sport Package includes deeper front and rear aprons, 20-inch, five-twin-spoke AMG wheels, LED daytime running lights and aluminum roof rails. Other options include the convenient KEYLESS- GO system, in which the doors are unlocked, and the car starts at the push of a button, with the key still in a pocket or purse. SIRIUS real-time traffic for the GPS navigation system is also available.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Mercedes-Benz G-Class Enters Fourth Decade Page 58
G-Class – The Industry’s Most Rugged and Iconic SUV
Acclaimed as the industry’s most rugged and iconic sport utility vehicle, the venerable G-Class is enjoying its fourth decade of production. The G-Class is a no-compromise off-roader with a cliff-climbing, stump-pulling personality. Handcrafted at a special manufacturing facility in Graz, Austria, the G-Class can climb grades up to 36 degrees (80% slopes), and it’s even stable on lateral inclines up to 24 degrees (54% slopes), making the G-Class a top performer in its segment.
Two V8-Powered G-Class Models
The 2011 G-Class line includes the V8-powered G550 (382 horsepower, 391 lb.-ft. of torque) and the high-performance G55 AMG (500 hp, 516 lb.-ft.). The 2011- model G550 can be identified by new 18-inch, five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, while the G55 AMG is differentiated by larger 19-inch AMG five-spoke wheels.
The AMG-built 5.5-liter V8 features a belt-driven supercharger, plus a water- cooled intake-air intercooler for 0-60 mph acceleration in just 5.4 seconds. To balance the increased performance, vented and slotted 13.8-inch front brakes provide increased stopping power for the G55 AMG.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
2011 Mercedes-Benz SL Lineup Adds Page 59 SL550 Night Edition
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL coupe/roadster line features the limited-edition SL550 Night Edition, which is painted in matte-finish designo Magno Night black with a black premium leather interior. Only 100 of this exclusive model are available in U.S. showrooms.
Specially developed for the SL550 Night Edition, the designo Magno Night black paint highlights the dramatic lines of the SL body. The Night Edition is also identified by the two-tone finish of its 19-inch AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels, as well as silver front brake calipers with “Mercedes-Benz” script and darkened headlights and tail lights.
A striking contrast of dark black premium leather and bright chrome trim fills the interior, with the sports steering wheel, shift lever and roof lining trimmed in black. Newly-designed seats have eye-catching arrow-type stitching and contrasting silver accents, including the vents of the AIRSCARF® system, which bathes occupants’ neck area with warm air in cooler weather when the convertible top is down.
All 2011 SL coupe/roadster models now come with an enhanced tire-pressure monitoring system, HD radio and a satellite navigation system with SIRIUS real- time traffic information. Non-AMG SL models are also equipped with Direct Steer, which uses variable-ratio gearing in the steering rack to provide impressive on-center steering feel, with even higher responsiveness beyond the first five degrees of steering angle.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Mercedes-Benz SLK Stirs the Senses Page 60
SLK Coupe/Roadster Offered in Two Distinct Models
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK line includes two distinct V6-powered models – the SLK300, with a 228-horsepower 3.0-liter V6; and the SLK350, which features a 300-hp version of the popular 3.5-liter V6. For 2011, both models come with standard Sport body styling that includes deeper front and rear aprons as well as lower door sills. Black inlays around the headlights have also been added.
Quiet Coupe to Topless Roadster in Only 22 Seconds
With the first retractable hardtop in modern times, the SLK started an industry trend toward hardtop convertibles that’s still going strong. After shaking up the small roadster market when it was introduced more than a decade ago, the second-generation SLK wowed the public again when it hit U.S. streets in 2004.
The SLK hardtop sets it apart from the competition. With the top up, it’s a quiet coupe – push a button, and the car goes topless. The SLK roof goes up or down in 22 seconds, and the folded roof takes up surprisingly little trunk space – thanks to its pivoting rear window. Like the retractable hardtop of the larger SL model, the rear window of the latest SLK swivels to match the curvature of the top, providing nearly three more cubic feet of trunk room than its predecessor.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand