Mercedes-Benz Cars

The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren that has been developed in connected alliance with the British Formula 1 specialists McLaren is bursting with purebred racing credentials. For Mercedes-Benz, the name was an apparent choice for the new model variant which evokes memories of the unforgettable victory achieved in 1955 by the British motor-racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-pilot Dennis Jenkinson at Mille Miglia – the classic Italian endurance race – behind the wheel of a Mercedes Benz 300 SLR with start number 722 (denoting the car's start time of 7.22 a.m.).

The maximum speed of the new high-performance sports car, which is powered by an AMG V8 compressor engine delivering 460 kW/626 hp, is 332 km/h, therefore at the same high level as the coupe. The SLR McLaren completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a breathtaking 3.6 seconds, with the speedometer needle passing the 200 km/h mark in a mere 10.2 seconds and 300 km/h in just 28.0 seconds. Although, thanks to its fully retractable top, which blends harmoniously into the flowing lines of the SLR McLaren, the Roadster offers undiluted open-air driving pleasure in the highest performance class, its occupants in no way lose out in terms of comfort or the vehicle's suitability for everyday use. The roof opens and closes semi-automatically in less than ten seconds, thereby combining the desire for convenience with the puristic character of the roadster. To open, the roof merely needs to be unlocked from the windscreen frame and be briefly raised, after which it folds away electrically. Since an aluminium cover is integrated into its front section, the roof elegantly closes off the top when re-tracted. Consequently, the new Roadster opens up a new dimension in refinement for open-top super sports cars.

The new SLR McLaren super sports car has been developed in response to the desire expressed by the brand's most discerning customers for even greater sportiness without losing any of the car's impressive everyday practicality. Like the coupe version, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster once again unites the legend of the successful SLR racing models from the 1950s with the innovative technology of modern Formula 1 vehicles from the Vodafone-McLaren-Mercedes team. Typical stylistic elements, such as the arrow-shaped tip of the Formula 1 Silver Arrow, establish a visual link with the racing cars. The SLR leg-end of the 50s lives on stylistically in the distinctive lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels and the wide-opening gullwing doors. The new Roadster benefits technically from the many years of experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner McLaren. Apart from two aluminium engine frames, its body is made entirely of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials, making the vehicle an exception among high-performance sports cars. Especially for the Roadster, complex carbon-fibre technology has been intelligently further developed for the monocoque chassis. The result is low weight, exemplary energy absorption and, therefore, extremely high occupant safety as well as a degree of torsional stiffness hitherto unattained in open-top vehicles. This leads to outstanding ride characteristics of the kind otherwise found only in closed-top super sports cars.

A high degree of safety is guaranteed and ensured by unique carbon-fibre crash elements, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed roll-over bars. The comprehensive specification also features adaptive airbags, knee and side airbags as well as seat belt tensioners and a tyre-pressure monitoring system. The exclusive standard equipment includes semi-aniline-leather-upholstered carbon-fibre bucket seats which can be individually adapted to the driver and front passenger by means of differently sized seat pads; dual-zone automatic air-conditioning; a high-quality BOSE premium sound system; a multifunction sport steering wheel with gear-change paddles, and a navigation system with integral radio and CD player.

The new outstanding Mercedes-Benz SLR Roadster, like the coupe version, is manufactured at McLaren's Formula 1 factory in Woking, England, in accordance with extremely strict Mercedes-Benz quality standards and is available to buy from September 2007.

For more than 20 years, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been one of the most successful and popular midsize luxury sedans. For many, it represents the ideal middle ground between what could be seen as the plebian C-Class and the overly visible and expensive S-Class. Indeed, the current E-Class, which was last redesigned in 2003, has found about a million buyers worldwide. Such popularity in an increasingly arduous market also makes it one of those rare cars that seems to be valued as much by consumers as by the company profiting from its sale.

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class also happens to come in more flavors than Diet Coke — literally. With two body styles, four engines and two drivetrains, this midsize luxury car provides buyers with a deep menu of choices. The Mercedes E350 and E550 are the most popular choices, as they provide ample power, an elegantly detailed interior and a suspension so smooth you’d swear its engineering inspiration was a canoe on a glassy lake. The wagon models provide a rear-facing third-row seat as well as interior space that rivals some five-passenger SUVs.

The E320 Bluetec, meanwhile, is the only midsize luxury sedan to come with a diesel-fueled engine. Introduced last year, this V6 engine has a special additive that allows it to run exceptionally clean. And, being a diesel, it boasts superior fuel mileage and plentiful torque. For the ultimate in power, the manic E63, powered by AMG’s 507-horsepower V8, can do zero to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, quicker than most sports cars.

This varied selection of models only adds to the desirability of the car. Of course, the E-Class is not without fault. For one, it’s expensive — not S-Class expensive, but still dear, especially when compared to competitors from Japan. It also suffers from an antiquated control interface that pales in comparison to more modern systems. But overall, the E-Class ranks very highly, even within a segment that includes such luminaries as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Infiniti M and Lexus GS. In this ultra-competitive class, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class maintains its tradition of being a very compelling choice.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options.
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is available as a midsize sedan or wagon. Trim levels include the E320 Bluetec (sedan only), E350 (sedan and wagon), E550 (sedan only) and the high-performance E63 AMG (sedan and wagon). The E350 and E550 are available with 4Matic all-wheel drive.

The E320 Bluetec and E350 are equipped almost identically. Standard features include a sunroof, 10-way power front seats with memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, power tilt-telescoping steering column and a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system with a CD changer and auxiliary audio jack. The E350 sedan can be equipped with a no-cost Sport Package that includes 18-inch wheels, a lowered sport suspension, blue tinted glass, different wood trim and dual chrome tailpipes. The E550 includes the Sport Package and adds semi-active air suspension, leather upholstery and four-zone automatic climate control.

Grouped in a pair of Premium packages, options for the non-AMG E-Class models include heated and ventilated front seats, bi-xenon headlights, keyless ignition, a navigation system and satellite radio. An AMG Sport Package, available on the E550 and E350 with the Sport Package, includes upgraded AMG wheels, automanual shift paddles and AMG accents inside and out. Stand-alone options include a panorama sunroof, park assist, electronic trunk closer, split-folding rear seats and iPod integration.

The E63 AMG comes equipped similar to the E550, but adds split-folding rear seats, heated front seats, satellite radio and an array of AMG performance and styling features. Its options are similar to those found on the other E-Class models, but adaptive cruise control and an AMG Performance Package that includes a limited-slip differential are exclusive to the E63.

Performance.
The E350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 268 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. A 0-60-mph sprint is accomplished in the mid-6-second range, while fuel economy for the rear-wheel-drive sedan is 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The E550 features a 5.5-liter V8 that makes 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. In performance testing, the E550 went from zero to 60 mph in a quick 5.2 seconds. The E550 rear-drive model has a 15/22 mpg fuel economy estimate.

The E320 Bluetec features a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 that makes 210 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. This engine gets the E320 from zero to 60 in 6.8 seconds, while fuel economy is exceptional at 23 mpg city/32 mpg highway. Already on sale throughout most of the country, the E320 Bluetec will be available on a two-year lease basis in the states with California’s stricter emissions standards.

The E63 AMG is a high-performance variant powered by a 6.2-liter V8 (despite its “63″ name) that makes an immense 507 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. In performance testing, the E63 went from zero to 60 in 4.3 seconds — that’s supercar territory. All rear-wheel-drive E-Class models come with a seven-speed automatic, while the 4Matic models feature a five-speed. The E63 AMG features Speedshift, which provides 50-percent faster gearchanges and prevents unwanted upshifts in turns.

Interior Design.
The five-passenger E-Class sedan provides an airy two-tone cabin, where supple seats and coordinating soft-touch surfaces are complemented by elegant wood inlays, chrome accents and gathered sections of leather on the door panels. The attractive analog instrumentation is generally easy to read, but functions associated with the antiquated COMAND electronics interface remain unintuitive even after you’ve taken the time to figure it out. Rear-seat room is adequate for two adults. The wagon has a rear-facing, two-passenger third-row seat. Fold it and the 60/40-split second-row seat down and you’ll have 69 cubic feet of cargo room available, only a few cubes shy of the M-Class SUV.

Safety.
The Pre-Safe collision mitigation system is part of a generous list of standard safety features. There are dual-stage airbags in the front, side-impact bags in the front and rear doors and side curtain airbags that cover the side windows. Antilock brakes, brake assist, an electronic stability system and radar-based adaptive cruise control all play a part in the integrated safety system.

If the radar sensor predicts an impending collision, Pre-Safe cinches the front seat belt pretensioners and can even change the position of the front passenger seat for optimal protection by the restraints. In a serious skid, the system closes the moonroof and any open windows, a step to prevent occupant ejection, which can occur in a collision or, especially, a rollover.

The 2008 E-Class includes an adaptive brake light that flashes when the car is under rapid or panic braking. A flashing light is found to attract a following driver's attention faster — enough to shave a car's length of stopping distance by a car following at 50 mph.

Driving Impressions.
While certainly adequate in terms of handling ability, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class isn’t a willing partner like a 5 Series can be. Pushed hard, the E-Class displays noticeable body roll and the brake pedal’s soft feel doesn’t inspire confidence. That the car is better used for cruising city streets and highways probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise. In terms of straight-line performance, the various powertrains provide the E-Class with impressive amounts of power and refinement. The E550 and E63 can dust off most sports cars, while the E350 delivers spirited acceleration and decent fuel economy. The E320 Bluetec offers acceleration times similar to its gasoline E350 counterpart, but offers much better fuel economy and its rich torque curve provides plenty of in-your-seat thrust. The noise, stink and smoke once associated with diesels is a distant memory.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class remains the most accessible of all its models sold in the United States. Completely redesigned for 2008, the model range continues to deliver the expected levels of smart engineering, design and safety features within the price range of loaded mass-market, midsize sedans. The C-Class has a very quiet interior and a comfortable ride. Handling is agile and secure, and the steering is very precise and communicative.

The C300 is powered by a 3.0-liter, 228-hp V6 while a more powerful 3.5-liter, 268-hp V6 powers the C350. Both C300 models (C300 and C300 4Matic) can be ordered in either of two trims; Sport or Luxury. The C300 Sport comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, a seven-speed automatic is optional (standard on all other C300 models and C350). All C-Class models come with side-curtain and side-impact airbags as well as stability control and 4-wheel antilock disc brakes. The C350 is offered in Sport trim only. Buyers looking for more will have to wait until the AMG-tuned, 6.2 liter V8 powered C63 arrives.

The Mercedes-Benz C350 last had a manufacturer update on 01/09/2008. The C-class returns for 2008 with several revisions and is now available in three trims: C300 Sport, C300 Luxury, and C350. This near luxury sedan is larger in most of it dimensions, including length, width, and wheelbase increases. The C300 models are powered by the new generation 228-hp 3.0L V6 engine, which can be coupled to six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic, depending on the trim level. The C350 boasts a 3.5L V6 that produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A redesigned 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system with be introduced later in the model year. The Mercedes-Benz C350 was last redesigned in 2008.

More important in this C-class push for sports-sedan parity, the C350's agility index, rooted in a chassis rated 16 percent stiffer, finally rivals that of a 3-series sedan when the asphalt gets kinky and the g-loads escalate. Although the suspension layout is essentially the same as the previous C350's, the system has firmer bushings, new subframes, and revised geometry augmented by new dampers that adapt to varying loads.

When considering the purchase of a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350, it's important to keep in mind what the eventual resale value will be. This can be ascertained from looking at the selling price of prior year versions of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350, if it's not a brand new model. Keep in mind that resale value is dependent on the condition of the automobile when it is sold, as well as optional equipment and the total number of miles accumulated.