• Mercedes

    The Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG – Pricing Announced 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 02-04-2013 03:20 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Mercedes

    Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific has announced pricing for the A 45 AMG, the new high-performance vehicle for the compact class. The first four-cylinder vehicle from Mercedes-AMG sees the performance brand embarking on a new era and represents a dynamic proposition for a new target group.
    “The A 45 AMG is set to revolutionise the performance car market and continues the success story of AMG products in our market”, said Mr Horst Von Sanden, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia/Pacific. “The A 45 AMG delivers not only cutting-edge technology, but also a thrilling driving experience. This is high-performance AMG personified”

    The Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG contains the most powerful series production four-cylinder engine in the world, delivering a maximum output of 265kW and up to 450Nm of torque. The 2.0L turbocharged engine in combination with the performance oriented AMG 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive system as standard, leads to extremely dynamic performance: the A 45 AMG accelerates from 0 – 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds, while its top speed is 270 km/h (electronically limited).
    It succeeds in uniting excellent comfort and high-quality equipment with a distinctly sporty flair. A host of exceptional features come standard on the A 45 AMG including: 19” wheels, AMG Performance Exhaust, COMAND Online, Intelligent Light System, Panoramic Roof and AMG Performance Seats with Electric Memory Function.
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    The Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG - Driving Performance for the New Generation 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 15-02-2013 06:02 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Mercedes
    Article Preview

    The A 45 AMG sees Mercedes-AMG embarking on a new era. For the first time in the company's history extending back over more than 45 years, Mercedes-Benz's performance brand is offering a fascinating high-performance vehicle in the compact class.The A 45 AMG is representative of the "AMG Performance 50" strategy for the future, which is to run up to the 50th birthday of Mercedes-AMG GmbH in 2017. With a maximum output of 265 kW (360 hp) and up to 450 Newton metres of torque, the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine is the most powerful series production four-cylinder engine in the world.The sensational power density of 133 kW (181 hp) outstrips even the most powerful super sports cars. At the same time, the engine also boasts supreme efficiency and complies with the EU6 emissions standard. The A 45 AMG also leads its segment in terms of fuel consumption, running on 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres in NEDC combined mode. These credentials indicate that a further high-performing member of the BlueDIRECT family is now taking to the road. The performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive onboard the A 45 AMG sets new standards in the car's segment.
    The substance of the new Mercedes-Benz vehicle architecture for front- and all-wheel drive provides the perfect basis for the A 45 AMG and at least two other high-performance premium automobiles from Affalterbach. In designing and developing the A 45 AMG, the experts at AMG have drawn on the company's decades of experience in motorsport and the production of powerful, high-performance vehicles. As such, the A 45 AMG will inherit the corporate DNA and embody the AMG brand claim "Driving Performance" to perfection: a fascinatingly sporty driving experience combined with impressive craftsmanship and pronounced individuality.
    "The A 45 AMG will enable Mercedes-AMG to appeal to new customers and tap new markets," observes Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. We are adding an extremely attractive model with exceptional performance data to our range of unique high-performance automobiles."
    "With the new A 45 AMG we have well and truly achieved our aim of developing the most dynamic, powerful and efficient four-cylinder series production car," comments Tobias Moers, Head of Overall Vehicle Development and Board Member of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. With its impressive high-tech package and the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the A 45 AMG is a thoroughbred AMG through and through."
    Dynamic and individual vehicle for new target group
    Spanning the age range from 30 to mid-40, the target group is younger than the AMG clientele to date. In successful careers and with an independent frame of mind, these customers seek a dynamic and individual vehicle. They wish to lend expression to their style- and trend-oriented way of life with a car from a recognised high-performance brand. The A 45 AMG provides the predominantly urban target group with an agile high-performance vehicle. Mercedes-AMG accommodates their tech-savvy and individual outlook on life with an extremely broad selection of optional equipment and appointments, colours and materials.
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    The New Benchmark: CLS 63 AMG as S-Model and with 4MATIC 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 13-01-2013 07:52 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Mercedes
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    Performance update for the CLS 63 AMG: along with the new E 63 AMG, the latest model upgrade also benefits the CLS 63 AMG in its Coupé and Shooting Brake variants. The S-Model variant of the CLS 63 AMG not only boasts the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive but also comes with the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine generating a maximum output of 430 kW and up to 800 Nm of torque. The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine continues to be the absolute pinnacle of efficiency: the combination of high performance and low fuel consumption remains unrivalled by any other competitor in the segment worldwide. The rear-wheel-drive variant rated at 410 kW and generating 720 Nm of torque is optionally available with the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
    Mercedes-AMG is also premiering high-performance passenger car models with an all-wheel-drive system geared to driving dynamics. This offers customers even greater scope for individuality and an even broader choice of models. Alongside the successful SUVs – ML 63 AMG, GL 63 AMG, G 63 AMG and
    G 65 AMG – two passenger car model ranges comprising up to eight unique models with all-wheel drive are now available from Mercedes-AMG in the
    guise of the E 63 AMG and the CLS 63 AMG. Additional models featuring performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive, such as the A 45 AMG
    and the CLA 45 AMG, will follow this year.
    "The S-Models in particular represent the most attractive proposition in the segment," notes Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. "With its superlative power and torque ratings and the new performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the CLS 63 AMG is without parallel in its Coupé and Shooting Brake variants. Our AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine remains the most efficient series production V8 engine in the world. The new, customised model variants provide greater scope than ever for individual solutions."
    The world premiere of the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake took place at the "Night of the Stars" at the Formula 1 German Grand Prix in July 2012. This unique high-performance vehicle from AMG is a fascinating new embodiment of an innovative vehicle concept. The CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake combines performance with style and utility value as a highly appealing alternative for design-oriented automobile enthusiasts. In essence it represents an unprecedented embodiment of a sports car with five seats and a large tailgate.
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    The new E 63 AMG – with 4MATIC and as S-Model 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 11-01-2013 10:13 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Mercedes
    Article Preview

    Mercedes-AMG continues to champion performance, dynamism and efficiency: the new E 63 AMG is now available as a particularly powerful S-Model with an output of 430 kW, 800 Newton metres of torque and featuring a newly developed performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine continues to be the absolute pinnacle of efficiency: the combination of high performance and low fuel consumption remains unrivalled by any other competitor in the segment worldwide. The permanent all-wheel drive is also optionally available for the other E 63 AMG models – on which the V8 engine has been uprated from 386 kW to 410 kW, with 720 Nm of torque. With this range, Mercedes-AMG is premiering high-performance passenger car models with an all-wheel-drive system geared to driving dynamics.
    The launch of the new, customised model variants will offer Mercedes-AMG customers greater scope for individuality than ever before. The new E 63 AMG presents a more powerful character and a more dynamic appearance than all its predecessors: the new AMG design philosophy is immediately apparent at first glance, with the new "twin blade" radiator grille and the new "A-wing" in the AMG front apron defining the exclusive look. As previously, the top AMG model is available as a Saloon and Estate. The E 63 AMG's appeal is also boosted by substantially enhanced value for money: customers now receive more performance and driving dynamics and a broader scope of standard equipment and appointments.
    The CLS 63 AMG also benefits from the new model range constellation: similarly to the E 63 AMG, the Coupé and Shooting Brake will also be available with performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Alongside the successful
    SUVs – ML 63 AMG, GL 63 AMG, G 63 AMG and G 65 AMG - two passenger car model ranges comprising up to eight unique models with all-wheel drive are now available from Mercedes-AMG in the guise of the E 63 AMG and the CLS 63 AMG. Additional models featuring performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive, such as the A 45 AMG and the CLA 45 AMG, will follow this year.
    "'Driving Performance' encapsulates the philosophy pursued at Mercedes-AMG," explains Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The new model variants of the E 63 AMG and CLS 63 AMG clearly demonstrate how we are now offering our customers even more individuality. The S-Models in particular represent the most attractive proposition in the segment, boasting substantially enhanced value for money: the highest power and torque ratings in the segment, the new performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the new design and substantially more standard equipment and appointments are the outstanding strengths of the new high-performance automobiles from Affalterbach. With the new all-wheel-drive S-Models we will reach new customers and markets."
    "With the exclusive S-Models, we have sharpened the dynamic profile of the E 63 AMG and the CLS 63 AMG substantially," adds Tobias Moers, head of overall vehicle development and member of the management board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. "These high power and torque ratings are exclusive to AMG. Our AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine remains the most efficient series production V8 engine in the world. The newly developed, performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive attains the best acceleration values in the segment, as well as offering our customers markedly higher driving dynamics than ever before."
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    Driving Pleasure at the Highest Level: Passion, Sportiness, Intelligence 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 07-01-2013 11:11 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Mercedes
    Article Preview

    Like the Saloon and Estate models, Mercedes-Benz has completely revised the Coupé and Cabriolet members of the E-Class family. New additions include powerful and efficient BlueDIRECT four-cylinder engines featuring pioneering injection technology and trend-setting assistance systems, which come under the heading "Intelligent drive". These are systems which can help to prevent accidents with crossing vehicles or pedestrians, Active Lane Keeping Assist or anti-glare, permanent high-beam headlamps, for example. Visually, both the Coupé and Cabriolet draw on the new Mercedes-Benz design idiom. Exclusive, luxurious equipment for sublime refinement underlines the close affinity with the E-Class family.
    The classic Coupé and the four-seater Cabriolet of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class are amongst the most desirable vehicles at the higher end of the mid-class segment. By combining intelligent, efficient technology with luxurious equipment that offers superb comfort, neither model comprises when it comes to indulging a passion for superlative driving enjoyment. That is why they are regarded as highlights of the successful E-Class family. The design of the exterior and interior alike is fresh and sharp, as befits many of the stand-out new technical aspects.
    According to Dr Joachim Schmidt, member of the Management Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars and responsible for Sales and Marketing, "Three words sum up both the E-Class Coupé and the four-seater Cabriolet model: captivating, athletic, passionate. It is especially pleasing that the two vehicles also incorporate the most intelligent technology ever. This makes them true dream cars."
    Design: e-motion at its best
    The main feature of the new look E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet is the revised front with new headlamps comprising a single headlamp lens over all functional elements. The headlamps are fitted with anti-dazzle LED lights as standard, with full LED technology now available for the first time in this class as an option. Flowing light elements within the headlamps reinforce the "twin-headlamp" look which is typical of the E-Class.
    New front bumpers with a more pronounced V-shape and large air intakes considerably accentuate the dynamism of these agile vehicles. As a whole, the front with sports car radiator has an autonomous, sporty face, while at the same time emphasising the close affinity between the Coupé and Cabriolet and the new E-Class Saloon.
    As a visible sign of this sporty car's rear-wheel drive, the muscular-looking rear wing has been retained. New tail lamps and a wide-effect rear bumper with "wing design" and chrome-look trim serve to discreetly underline the athletic appearance of these model series.
    The Coupé has classic proportions with a long bonnet, elongated side line, flat roof line, and powerful tail end. Traditional stylistic features which render the Mercedes-Benz Coupé models unmistakeable define the striking lines of the two-door variant. For example, uninterrupted by a B-pillar, the side windows can be opened to their full extent.
    The four-seater Cabriolet model also has fully retractable side windows, with a continuous shoulder line that ascends slightly as it runs from the front to the boot lid emphasising its clear proportions.
    A fine interior
    Mercedes-Benz has additionally updated the interiors of the new-generation E‑Class Coupé and Cabriolet, carefully coordinating them with the expressive exteriors. Inside the vehicles, stylish materials dominate alongside clean-cut surfaces and the two-part trim which stretches across the entire dashboard. It can be selected in a wood or aluminium look, thereby rounding off the high-quality overall impression made by each interior.
    Also new are the three-tube instrument cluster with dials backed in white and the trapezoid-shaped, high-gloss framed display in the head unit with flat-frame look. The kindred nature of the new E-Class family is indicated by an analogue clock between the redesigned air outlets, as well as by controls in silver chrome.
    The interior is characterised by the redesigned centre console without selector lever, as well as a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with DIRECT SELECT lever and shift paddles in conjunction with automatic transmission.
    One special benefit of the new E-Class Cabriolet is that, thanks to the acoustic soft top with its particularly high-grade insulation, the vehicle has the lowest noise level in its class. The unique acoustic soft top ensures that even at high speeds, only very little wind noise is heard in the interior.
    For exceptional comfort when driving with the top down, the speed-dependent AIRCAP system is available as an option. This reduces wind swirl within the vehicle interior and therefore noise levels, too. New: the AIRCAP system deploys automatically at speeds exceeding 40 km/h and the wind deflector in the front windscreen frame automatically retracts again below 15 km/h. This ensures that the E-Class Cabriolet appears at its purest and most alluring when driving slowly and when stationary. The draught-stop between the rear head restraints responds to the number of vehicle occupants (passengers in the rear are detected if the rear seat belts are in use). The positions of the extendable wind deflector in the windscreen frame and the draught-stop are then adjusted accordingly.
    Also optionally available: AIRSCARF neck-level heating. This addition extends the cabriolet season by ensuring it is comfortable to drive with the top down, even when it is cold outside.
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    Mercedes-Benz Continues as Australia’s Most Purchased Luxury Car Brand 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 07-01-2013 07:18 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Mercedes

    • B-Class: Segment Leader
    • C-Class: Segment Leader
    • E-Class Coupe/Cabriolet: Segment Leader
    • GL-Class: Segment Leader
    • AMG Sales: Record number sold in 2012
    The release of the VFACTS National Sales Figures has again recognised Mercedes-Benz as the benchmark selling brand against its Luxury Car competitors for the fourth consecutive year.

    Richard Emery, General Manager - Sales, Mercedes-Benz Cars said "we’ve had a ripper year! We had to struggle with stock shortages in our passenger car range yet we outsold our nearest Luxury brand competitor by more than 30 per cent in 2012. We brought our all new B-Class to market in April 2012, but despite a three month handicap we were again the most popular model in that segment. With the release of the B250, the new A-Class joining the market in March and the CLA-Class in late 2013 we are excited by the opportunities this segment offers to our customers.

    The multi-award winning C-Class continues to impress regardless of all-new segment rivals arriving during 2012. “For the fifth consecutive year the C-Class has convincingly won its segment. In one of those interesting statistics the C-Class was actually the second biggest selling medium car in Australia regardless of price.

    “The Large Car Over $70K Segment is just as fiercely competitive as its Medium segment sibling is , but for the fifth consecutive year the Mercedes-Benz brand was the clear choice of more buyers than any other brand. In the Sports Under $80K Segment our C-Class Coupe was a strong second beating some more fancied competitors by a country mile. We are very pleased that the E-Class Coupe/Cabriolet has for the third consecutive year been the consistent choice of more than one in five buyers - in the same segment the new SLK almost doubled its previous year’s sales and combined these two iconic vehicles delivered a 38 per cent market share.

    "In our SUV's we continue to sell every ML-Class we can import and despite having a three month handicap by only going on sale in April 2012 we came within one week’s sales of our nearest competitor at years end in the SUV Large Over $70K segment. Our gentle giant the GL-Class has for the last five years been the vehicle of choice in the SUV Large Over $100K segment and when combined with our legendary G-Class we enjoyed a more than 50 per cent market share.
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    Efficient, Intelligent, Emotionally Appealing 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 15-12-2012 01:39 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Mercedes
    Article Preview

    With new, efficient engines, new assistance systems and a new design idiom, Mercedes-Benz has comprehensively modernised the E-Class to extend its leading position in the luxury segment even further. In both the Saloon and Estate models no less than eleven new or optimised assistance systems from the future S-Class celebrate their world premiere. They combine a host of comfort and safety features, all of which Mercedes-Benz refers to as "intelligent drive". They include systems which for the first time can help to prevent accidents with crossing vehicles or pedestrians, active Lane Keeping Assist which can help to prevent accidents with oncoming traffic, or anti-glare continuous high-beam headlamps. As such Mercedes-Benz is underscoring its leading position as a safety pioneer. The new E-Class makes a significant step forward when it comes to efficiency and ecology too. This comes courtesy of new, powerful BlueDIRECT four-cylinder petrol engines featuring sophisticated direct injection technology. This powerful development boost is reflected to exciting effect in the design of the E-Class. With its new design the E-Class encapsulates efficiency, intelligence and emotional appeal in a visually superior manner.
    Mercedes-Benz has revised all of the model series of the E-Class more comprehensively than ever before, to make the latest technical advances available in practice at an early stage. This is why it even makes advance use of developments from the future S-Class. In addition, the new E-Class offers a considerably sharpened design with a cultivated, elegantly sporty look, as well as significantly enhanced comfort, high-quality appointments, efficiency and driving pleasure. As a result, the E-Class is continuing to consolidate its leading position in the luxury class.
    According to Dr Joachim Schmidt, Board Member of Mercedes-Benz Cars, responsible for Sales and Marketing: "With the new E-Class we are setting down clear markers in the areas of safety, design and efficiency. It brings lots of technical innovations to the road and is without doubt the best E-Class ever. This is also reflected in its design and lovingly revised interior. As a result it brings a breath of fresh air to the luxury class. The "E" therefore continues to stand for the leading position in this demanding segment."
    Design: two new front-end designs to choose from
    The E-Class features a new front-end design as well as new proportions through intelligent changes. When it came to the modifications, the designers followed the new Mercedes design idiom and reinterpreted the classical design values of the brand using the existing basis. The result is a superior and refined, sporty appearance.
    The front has been completely revised with new headlamps, which comprise all functional elements with a single headlamp lens. Flowing light elements within the headlamps help to ensure that the "four-eyed" look which is typical of the E-Class has been graphically retained. In terms of light and sight the E-Class sets a measuring bar: The dipped beam as well as the day-time headlamps are fitted with partial LED lights as standard, while full LED headlamps are available for the first time in this class as an option.
    For the first time, the E-Class is available with two different front-end designs: in the standard version, the basic variant and ELEGANCE equipment line are combined with the classic Saloon grille with 3-louvre look and star on the bonnet. The AVANTGARDE line, meanwhile, incorporates the sports car radiator with central star, and as such offers an independent front-end look with a sporty emphasis.
    The bonnet and front bumper have also been completely redesigned too. With its flowing lines, the bonnet follows the new design idiom in a smooth, very straightforward manner. The bumper, which boasts a new shape and is free of all light functions, has a modern appearance and, along with the wing design of its spoiler lip, discreetly underscores the sporty credentials of the E-Class.
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