Mercedes Benz deliveries this fall are bringing in a smashing lineup with the all-new Model Year 2015 C-Class, GLA-Class, and S-Coupe.
The C-class is the top selling model from Mercedes-Benz; it is the premium of the mid-range class. With excellent aerodynamics, and an intelligent lightweight aluminum design concept saving the vehicle up to 220 lbs, the C-Class definitely sets the bar high in its class. It also adopts a progressive approach with clear and emotional design and high-class interior – it has been said the new C-Class feels like an upgrade to a higher class of travel.
It’s design is a bold departure from its predecessor, but Mercedes-Benz genetics are still expressed through the designers, for they used sensuous lines by melding both aesthetics and aerodynamics to birth a vehicle with a most synergistic effect upon the eye. The vehicle’s aluminum-hybrid frame leads the “lightweight rankings” in its segment by both cutting fuel costs up to 20% without performance loss and without compromising the safety of the occupants within.
There will be two C-Class models available at launch, the C300 4MATIC with a 2.0L turbocharged direct-injection in-line four-cylinder engine with preliminary power figures of 235 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque and a C400 4MATIC with a 3.0L turbocharged direct-injection V6 at 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission provides smooth automatic gear shifting without compromising the surrounding environment. The suspension of the new C-Class is a totally new development. Utilizing a 4-link principle, the front independent suspension is fully decoupled from the spring strut. The axel therefore allows more grip and higher lateral stability. So the driving experience through a C-Class using these components allow for a tremendously more sensitive, and sporty feel. All this powerful horsepower, torque, and suspension fluidity allows the car to cut through the roads turns much like a shark through the ocean.
The interior also takes on the task of a new design combining richness and clarity with a dynamic sportiness that reflects the actual performance of the vehicle itself. Looking at the center console, a centrally positioned free-standing central display is the main eye-catcher with a diagonal screen of 7 inches or 8.4 inches if Multimedia Package is selected. What is very new for the C-Class is the innovative touchpad within the handrest over the controller on the center tunnel. It truly marks a further evolutionary step developed in-house at Mercedes-Benz because just as familiar as a smartphone, this provides for very simple and intuitive operation of all the head-unit functions using finger gestures.
As Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design Daimler AG, notes: "The new C-Class showcases automotive passion by way of a contemporary design idiom. Progressive and emotional highlights underscore the ground-breaking design style of the new C-Class and demonstrate sensual clarity. The new C-Class interprets modern luxury on a new level.” The C-Class AMG model is due out this Winter.
With the fast growing market of the compact SUV, Mercedes-Benz introduces the highly maneuverable GLA-Class, but without taking away from the power an SUV is supposed to have. Although compact, the GLA delivers anything but a small performance with the GLA250 4MATIC featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine that generates 208 hp and 258 lb-ft. of torque. And the The GLA250 4MATIC sprints from zero to 60 mph in only 6.4 seconds, underlining the dynamic claim to leadership of the GLA-Class. It has a top speed of 145 mph. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission which unites comfort and sportiness.
The design philosophy of Mercedes Benz for the GLA was to create clear contours and smooth surfaces that communicate both high-tech sophistication as well as evoking to an emotional appeal. The sensual clarity is reflected in the core design values of Tradition, Emotion and Progression which bridges between modernity and avant-garde without compromising the traditional look of a Mercedes Benz. The GLA body is youthful, sculptural and full of subtle flowing drama that is clearly defined with sharp lines to give the proper muscular appearance. The GLA continues the goal of aerodynamic efficiency which greatly impacts fuel consumption from around 37 mph.
The muscular and imposing appearance of the exterior is continued through the interior. All trim surfaces are galvanized in silver-shadow for material authenticity, resulting in a metallic finish with a "cool-touch" effect. The 3-spoke steering wheel gives the sporty atmosphere, but remains in line with the highest technology with 12 function keys and a galvanized chrome clasp is standard equipment.
Because the GLA is less imposing than previous SUVs, it therefore fits perfectly into the day-to-day urban lifestyle. At the same time, the optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the robust body structure and the variable interior concept guarantee plenty of recreational enjoyment off the paved roads of the city, be it on the beach, or rough terrain. The moral of the story is that the GLA can stray away from the mundane daily routines and remain completely professional.
But with off-roading comes the question of safety, which the engineers at Mercedes-Benz make the top priority. Models with 4MATIC are equipped with DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) and an off-road transmission mode as standard. The DSR can be activated by a control button within the center console, and assists the driver on demanding downhill stretches by maintaining a slow, manually selected vehicle speed within the physical limits when negotiating downhill gradients. In continuing with safety, standard features for the SUV include ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection and radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist.
Although technically a compact SUV, this marvelous machine embodies all that a vehicle should- fantastic design, high everyday functionality, and the ever ready attitude of adventure.
The only way to introduce the S-Class is through the words of Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management, Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars: “As exclusive as it gets – the ultimate in aesthetic sportiness.” This would be the chariot chosen by the Greek and Egyptian gods had it been available to them at the time.
The all-new two-door S550 Coupe, replacing the CL-Class vehicles will be available in the U.S. as a 4MATIC only with a 4.7L V8 biturbo engine. The S550 Coupe has an output of 449 hp and its torque level peaks at 516 lb-ft. The sporty driving experience is significantly enhanced by the emotional sound produced by the exhaust system. But the S-Class leans into bends in a way that is similar to a motorcyclist or skier. The lateral acceleration acting upon the passengers is reduced in a way akin to when driving in a steep curve, and passengers sit more firmly. On country roads in particular, the new curve tilting function enhances driving enjoyment and comfort. Active Body Control the suspension struts are equipped with hydraulic cylinders in order to adjust the force in each strut on an individual basis. The innovative suspension system of the S-Class detects curves using both a stereo camera behind the windscreen, registering the curvature of the road up to 49 feet ahead, and an additional transversal acceleration sensor. The curve tilting function can be selected as one of three drive modes using the ABC switch; it is active in the speed range from 19 to 112 mph. One can only imagine Helios looking at his horses now and feeling how puny they are in comparison to this vehicle.
The interior of the S-Class would make any Egyptian ruler question if his subjects could have done a better job preparing the inside of his tomb. The dashboard wraps around the front passengers, extending to the doors, engulfing them in all with an expansive array of options and setting as to how they would like to enjoy their ride. Only the finest materials contribute to the surfaces, color combinations and seam designs contributes towards achieving a truly elegant interior. In front of the armrest is the new standard touchpad, which functions very similarly to a smartphone. The touchpad controls all the head-unit functions to be operated using finger gestures; the touchpad also permits letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting - in any of the head unit's languages. But what proper chariot is complete without a throne on which to control the adventure? Both front and the rear seats have a definite sporty personality, with exclusive upholsteries in an array of colors, such as Bengal Red, Saddle Brown and Porcelain, to allow proper individualization of the interior. There is also the potential of seats to be made in the exclusive Nappa Designo leather with a striking diamond backstitching pattern on backrests and seating surfaces. What truly would make Ra, the Egyptian sun-god, swoon is the standard ambient lighting with seven lighting moods.
Whatever personality you were given, be it the C-Class sporty ferocity of a shark, adventurous functionality of a GLA, or the god-like demand for the ultimate power and grace of a S-Class - Benzel-Busch’s keeps the promise of, “define the way you drive.”