Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers passengers comfort during long journeys as it sports newly-developed seats and air conditioning system. When one takes a peek at the C-Class’ interior, one would see that it has appealing color schemes, a dashboard styled in a very appealing way, and the materials were made from only high-grade quality. All in all, it gives the interior of the C-Class a somewhat homely atmosphere. The load compartment has also been included in the color scheme as it too sports the color concept of the model. Also, the selected color scheme of the customers is reflected on both the carpeting and the side trims of the CLASSIC and the ELEGANCE models. The back compartment on the AVANTGARDE model is also provided with a black carpet. Wanting to add comfort in long journeys, the C-Class Estate has put a powerful air conditioning system, and its newly-developed seats have a multi-contour function as its option.

The Estate model is also proud to announce that among its class, it is the first to offer potential customers with the option of individually adjustable three-zone climate control. Another optional feature include a panoramic sliding sunroof. The dashboard has a color display that’s connected to the controller on the tunnel console, where the driver can access the audio and navigation system controls or the telephone. The Estate also has a clear menu structure, making accessing these functions easy. There are also direct selection keys in the center console and these are keys for the car radio, navigation system, CD/DVD player, plus the telephone can be switched on and off with just a push of a button.

Source: Mercedes-Benz Press Release via Autoblog

The C-Class Estate of Mercedes-Benz has come through an exhaustive program of testing, during which it demonstrated its typical Mercedes-like levels of safety in over 100 crash tests in all. The occupant protection concept is underpinned by an intelligently designed bodyshell, 70 percent of which consists of high-strength and ultra-high-strength grades of steel. The front-end structure comprises four impact levels which act independently of one another and enable forces to be distributed over a wide area while bypassing the passenger cell. The occupants are protected by a total of seven airbags as standard. The driver, front passenger and the passengers on the outer rear seats also benefit from belt tensioners and belt force limiters. The NECK-PRO head restraints in the front have a crash-responsive design, meaning that they move to cushion the heads of the driver and front passenger at an early stage in a rear-end collision to guard against the risk of whiplash.

The integrated child seats, which fold out of the rear bench seat have undergone further development and are now also fitted with a wraparound head restraint. Standard features such as the flashing brake lights, Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Program make vital contributions to accident prevention. The ESP system now incorporates additional functions: not only does it monitor the tire pressure it also helps to enhance safety when towing a trailer with an automatic trailer stabilization function.

The anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE gives the new Estate the edge over other models in this segment. This optional system makes use of the time before an imminent accident to prepare the vehicle and its occupants for a collision. The result is a considerable reduction in the loads exerted on the passengers upon impact. The Intelligent Light System is another technical innovation borrowed from the luxury models in the Mercedes range and is the only system of its kind in this market segment at the current time. The system’s five different lighting functions are each suited to various typical driving and weather conditions.

Source: Mercedes Benz

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a sporty agility with its shock absorbers that change with the driving situation.

The unique blend of agility and comfort that forms one of the exceptional strengths of the new C-Class is basically down to the standard-fit AGILITY CONTROL package. This features shock absorbers which automatically adapt to the current driving situation for a noticeable improvement in ride comfort when driving normally. As soon as a more dynamic driving style is adopted, on the other hand, the maximum damping forces are set to stabilize the Estate effectively. A steering system that is six per cent more direct and a short-throw six-speed manual transmission also form part of the AGILITY CONTROL package.

The dynamic handling package that is available as an option bestows the new
C-Class Estate with a degree of agility worthy of out-and-out sports cars. The driver is able to choose from two drive modes which determine the fundamental suspension characteristic: Comfort and Sport. Within these modes, the shock absorbers at each wheel are regulated by means of an infinitely variable electronic control. What’s more, the body is lowered by 15 millimeters and the suspension equipped with shorter springs and thicker torsion bars. The dynamic handling package also encompasses the new speed-sensitive power steering with a more direct ratio and variable centring.

The body index devised by engineers at Mercedes clearly illustrates just how agilely the new C-Class Estate performs out on the road. This index is calculated from the readings for various driving maneuvers, thereby forming a new composite formula for a vehicle’s dynamic handling abilities. The larger the body index, the better the suspension is linked to the body and the firmer the suspension’s tuning. The standard AGILITY CONTROL suspension gives the C-Class a body index of 1.91 to 2.01 hertz, while the new model attains sports-car-like values of up to 2.46 hertz with the dynamic handling package fitted.

Kitting out the new Estate with the AMG sports package adds a sports suspension with shorter springs and firmer shock absorbers to the specification, along with 17-inch light-alloy wheels. The body is also dropped by 15 millimeters.

Source: Mercedes Benz

During the concept phase for the new Estate, the designers and engineers at Mercedes-Benz took the expectations of the brand’s customers as their yardstick. Consequently, spaciousness, versatility and functionality were given top priority. Compared to its predecessor, the rear of the new Estate is slanted far more steeply, a crucial factor for enlarging the vehicle’s load volume. This now varies between 485 and 1500 litres (VDA measuring method), depending on the position of the 1/3 : 2/3 split-folding rear seat — more than any of the model’s rivals in this class of premium estate car are able to offer. Measured against the outgoing C-Class Estate, load capacity has been increased by as much as 146 liters.

This makes the Estate a thoroughly practical vehicle in every respect. It is able to accommodate, for example, four golf bags including trolleys, nine large packing cases or a total of 44 drinks crates each containing six 1-litre juice bottles. The largest possible cuboid that fits into the load compartment now has a volume of 827 litres - that is an increase of 66 liters compared to the previous model and between 50 and 100 litres more than other premium estate models in this class are able to handle. The maximum utilizable interior length is a whole 2.82 meters, as measured between the tailgate and the front passenger footwell — 17 centimeters more than previously.

It even has a new benchmark figure for its maximum load capacity of 1500 liters.

Convenient loading: EASY-PACK tailgate and load-securing kit

Thanks to a host of practical details, the new Mercedes Estate can be loaded more easily, more conveniently and more safely. For instance, two bag hooks and four rings for anchoring loads are included in the load compartment as standard. Stowage compartments with net covers and a collapsible shopping crate can likewise be found in all models, as can the combined luggage cover and retaining net. The new EASY-PACK tailgate opens and closes as the push of a button, representing a first in this segment. Finally, the optional EASY-PACK load-securing kit presents drivers with even more possibilities for both partitioning the load compartment — that measures around 1.80 meters long and up to 1.20 meters wide — and for securing the load being carried. The new C-Class Estate also makes a perfectly good towing vehicle and, indeed, offers a class-beating towing capacity of as much as 1800 kilograms. The self-leveling suspension that is optionally available keeps the vehicle at a constant ride height regardless of the load it is carrying. Convenient loading: EASY-PACK tailgate and load-securing kit

Source: Mercedes Benz

It could be remembered that Mercedes-Benz has recently revealed its vision for the future touring sedan and that it will be powered by the engine developed by the German automaker, the DIESOTTO four-cylinder engine with a displacement of just 1.8 liters. Although that is the case, Mercedes-Benz said that it will have the performance level to that of a current S-Class vehicle with a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 gasoline engine.

Mercedes-Benz lets us in on the power and process behind its developed DIESOTTO engine.

Dr. Thomas Weber, Board member of DaimlerChrysler AG responsible for Group Research & Mercedes Car Group Development, said, “Our strategic objective is to make the gasoline-powered car as economical as the diesel, and the diesel as clean as the gasoline engine.”

A part of the German automaker strategy has already been implemented through its BLUETEC technology. This technology decreases the nitrogen oxide emissions in the exhaust gases, and thus giving the diesel engine the chance to comply even with the world’s harshest emission standards. The BLUETEC technology is already out in the US market and this will soon be available in Europe starting the end of 2007.

The DIESOTTO drive technology of Mercedes-Benz in its new research car is a one-of-a-kind, integrated system specifically made for the reduction of consumption.

The DIESOTTO drive technology involves downsizing by decreasing the cylinder size and smaller displacement, turbocharging, direct injection of the gasoline, variable valve control, controlled auto ignition, and hybrid module with integral starter-generator.

The DIESOTTO technology is providing the gasoline engine with the benefits of the diesel technology. The air and fuel mixture in the CAI model ignites itself the same as in a diesel engine. But the good thing about it is that the DIESOTTO does not have any requirements regarding the quality of the fuel as the engine could still run even on a normal gasoline.

Furthermore, the controlled auto ignition is not only economical than the traditional combustion that’s started through a spark plug as it is also cleaner when it comes to exhaust emissions. As the auto engineers from Mercedes-Benz put it, in the controlled auto ignition, there are hardly any nitrogen oxides being produced. The DIESOTTO drive technology is then pointing towards a brighter future for the gasoline engine as it is a future that has been thoroughly researched and developed by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz.

Info from AutoSpeed Australia

The market debut of the Saloon had been made just a few months earlier and now Mercedes-Benz is revealing its Estate version for its C-Class line. The Estate sports the Saloon’s trademark strong points like its safety, comfort and agility. These are then combined with a considerable increase in versatility and space. It is now able to hold a maximum load capacity of 1500 liters, making it the premium-class estate segment in this market segment to have the largest load capacity. Because of that, it also offers a lot of features that are specifically for the comfort of loading and safe transportation such as a tailgate that’s automatically closing and opening with just a push of a button. Its official NEDC consumption is 6.0 liters/100 kilometers, thus, the new C 200 CDI can make its single tank of fuel (66 liters) cover 1000 kilometers. The Estate version is just like the Saloon as it has also been awarded an Environmental Certificate. It attests to the environmentally oriented development process as it corresponds with the international ISO standard. When it comes to safety, the new Estate has PRE-SAFE and the Intelligent Light System, thus it prides itself as the safest car in its vehicle class. The standard specifications of the new Estate in its safety system include seven airbags, belt force limiters, belt tensioners, and crash-responsive NECK PRO head restraints.

For the design and equipment lines, the new Estate has taken the customer-focused concept of the C-Class Saloon. Three models highlight the comfort and agility of the vehicle and these are the Classic, Elegance, and Avantgarde. The Elegance model features a three-dimensional louvred radiator grill and its exterior is emphasized by its high-gloss paint finish. In the radiator grill of the Avantgarde model, the large Mercedes star logo is situated in the center to highlight the model’s sporty and agile nature. On the other hand, the Classic model is made to have more traditional look and be more restrained.

The development of the Mercedes-Ben C-Class has been made to focus on environmental considerations as it has a 12 percent cut in its fuel consumption. Its efforts and development have been confirmed as it was awarded the Environmental Certificate by the TÜV Technical Inspection Authority in Germany. The German automaker is proud to eb the only automotive brand in the world to be recognized by the said certificate as it was able to comply with the terms set forth by the ISO standard 14062 for environmentally acceptable product development.

The C-Class Estate sports either a redeveloped engine or a brand new one under its hood. Thus, it is able to have 12 percent less fuel consumption than its previous generation.

Source: Mercedes-Benz press Release via Autoblog

1997 was a good year for Mercedes-Benz as it was the year the automaker presented it’s a-Class model. Fast forward to ten years after that, the A-Class model now celebrates ten years of success in the automotive industry. The German automaker is now celebrating the A-Class 10^th year with an exclusive “Edition 10” special model. This exclusive and special model has a customer cost advantage for the equipment for up to 30 percent. Along with that, it also has sporty 16-inch alloy wheels, a perforated radiator grill and a louvred panoramic sunroof. The “Edition 10” also sports a very stylish interior as it is decorated with high-grade leather and brushed aluminium.

The color schemes available for the “Edition 10” include the elegant and exclusive mountain grey. This paint finish is “unmistakably the hallmark of this special edition.” There is also a discreet “EDITION” emblem found in the mirror triangle. Aside from there, the “EDITION” logo could also be found on the velour floor mats where it is embroidered.

There is also an onboard computer, a steering wheel that has been incorporated with the control for the MP3-compatible “Audio 5” radio with CD payer and AUX-IN connector. And to complete the setup of entertainmen, six loudspeakers are installed for better sound quality.

There are two body variants available for the “Edition 10,” and potential buyers have seven different engines for choices – four petrol and three diesel engines. The power outputs of these engines vary between 60 kW/82 hp (A 160 CDI) to 142 kW/193 hp (A 200 Turbo). Their fuel economy ranges between 4.9 and 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres (CO2 emissions between 128 and 192 g/km).

German automaker Mercedes-Benz has revealed its vision for tomorrow’s superior touring car that has low carbon emissions and a unique but really spacious interior.

It is powered by a Mercedes-Benz developed DIESOTTO four-cylinder engine with a displacement of just 1.8 litres but which has the performance level of a current S-Class car with a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 gasoline engine.

The engine combines the strong points of the low-emission gasoline engine with the consumption benefits of the diesel drive. Its CO2 emissions of a mere 127 grams per kilometer correspond to consumption of only 5.3 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers, extremely low for a vehicle of this class.

”Our goal is to make the gasoline-powered car just as economical in consumption as the diesel. The new DIESOTTO concept is a major step in that direction, combining the best properties of the spark-ignition engine and the diesel engine,” says Dr. Thomas Weber, Board member of DaimlerChrysler AG responsible for Group Research & Mercedes Car Group Development.

The F 700 also sets standards in regard to road noise, tire vibration and suspension comfort. In a world first, the Active PRE-SCAN suspension has two laser scanners which check the roadway in front of the car. The hydraulically controlled active suspension proactively compensates for detected hindrances, enabling a further improvement of comfort characteristics.

Equally innovative is the operating concept SERVO-HMI. The display is not only particularly gentle on the eyes but it has enabled the number of controls to be reduced and the menu structure to be strikingly simple and self-explanatory. The driver can even ‘discuss’ more complex inputs, such as a destination for navigation purposes, in dialogue with an avatar, a virtual operating assistant.

The interior concept reflects comfortable travel and well-being in a completely new way. With its REVERSE seat the F 700 breaks up the firmly established seating arrangement of conventional sedans and offers individual seating positions facing, or with one’s back to, the direction of travel, always affording maximum spaciousness and supreme comfort.

The Director for ales and Marketing at Mercedes Car Group in Middle East, Johannes Fritz, said, “This is a research car that demonstrates an innovative approach to new technologies and shows not only how resources can be conserved and the environment protected but also how driver and passengers can be relieved of stress and can travel completely at ease.”

According to DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche said that the German automaker Mercedes-Benz expects to gain revenues on vehicles making use of the sophisticated new hybrid system that it was able to develop with general Motors Corporation.

General Motors has admitted that it initially thought it would only lose money on this system. Zetsche acknowledged his more optimistic expectation to the higher sales price of Mercedes-Benz. But despite that, Zetche said that Mercedes will make use of this system on only one of the lot of hybrid models that it plans to launch over the following years.

The powerful two-mode hybrid system will only be used on the M-Class SUV and the other vehicles like the company’s flagship S-Class luxury sedan will only be using the mild hybrid system. The difference of the two is that the mild hybrid system will not have the power to move the vehicles only with the electric power in city traffic.

Zetsche’s optimism suggests that Mercedes will charge premium for the system, because the prices of the M-Class substantially overlap models of GM like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon that will offer the system.

The German company will soon change its name to Daimler shortly after to reflect the sale control of Chrysler to Cerberus Capital Management. Also, according to Zetsche, it “will continue to cooperate with Chrysler in areas where it makes sense” and will look into the idea of working with other automakers on projects that would decrease its costs without weakening Mercedes-Benz brand’s status.

Daimler is not planning in bidding on Ford Motor Co.’s Jaguar and Land Rover unit.

Zetsche said, “I can’t see how, in a foreseeable time, we could add so much value to Jaguar and Land Rover to pay for the acquisition price.”

He said that Daimler, however, anticipates to turn a profit on U.S sales of its tiny Smart Fortwo two-seat city runabout. This is designed to be used on congested European cities and it will be available for sale in the United States early next year. Its prices will begin at $11,590.

“We had 30,000 Internet reservations” from U.S. customers “with a $99 down payment,” far more than expected, he said. “Almost all of them are converting that into orders with a larger deposit.”

According to The Chauffeur magazine which made a unique survey into the chauffeur industry in UK, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the most popular chauffeur vehicle.

 The chauffeur sector has always been ruled by the three-pointed star automaker and this is actually the first time that a survey was made about the chauffeur industry. But in the days of more competition from Germany, it appears that the automaker has been able to keep its lead.

The chauffeurs’ favorite appears to be the E-Class Saloon range. The readers that were surveyed are operating or driving anything from a single vehicle to many hundreds of them. . Its outstanding diesel economy and passenger comfort seem to be the major causes why chauffeurs are buying the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

The Chauffeur magazine is a dedicated trade magazine for the limousine and chauffeur industry. It was the one which conducted the survey over a 12-month period through its publication and its website. Those who participated in the survey gave information and details about the vehicles that they operated, what they think of the chauffeur industry and how they think a chauffeur should be treated by automakers when entering a showroom.

This survey will be published in the September issue of The Chauffeur magazine. The Mercedes-Benz class is close to automaker Rolls-Royce which is the second in the list. The German automaker was also delighted to know that its S-Class is the third most popular vehicle being operated.

The Strategic Account Manager for Mercedes-Benz, Adrian Freeman, commented saying, “The E-Class range is very popular to a wide range of customers, but we are especially proud to receive this accolade from the chauffeur sector. The business needs of these important clients are extremely demanding; they expect and need the very best. It is great to see that Mercedes-Benz and the E-Class delivers what they require. In fact, we have just launched a special E-Class Executive edition too, reinforcing our commitment to professional drivers.”

Other automakers are also among the top fifteen most popular such as Chrysler Voyager, Jaguar’s Jaguar XJ, BMW’s &-Series, and Audi’s A8.