Category Archives: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes coupe-crossover in the works?

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz may be developing a coupe-crossover model to compete with the likes of the Acura ZDX and BMW X6.

According to Motor Authority, the company is planning to introduce a smaller version of the its GLK model, dubbed the GLC, in order to truly enter into the emerging coupe-crossover class. Crossovers built on compact coupe platforms have become especially popular at luxury car manufacturers, who already have the technology in place with coupe platforms and traditionally sell a large amount of crossovers.

The new model will be based on the upcoming new B-Class platform. The news source theorizes that Mercedes will likely use one of its four-cylinder engines on the crossover, either the 1.8-liter with 204 horsepower or 2.2 with 250. At just fifteen feet, the GLC will be smaller than its competitors.

However, a new, smaller coupe-crossover class may be emerging. The Range Rover LRX will be very similar to the proposed GLC, and BMW may be planning to introduce a smaller version of the X6 in the near future.

Those who don’t want to wait for the new models may want to search for used BMW X6s or Mercedes GLKs at their local pre-owned dealer.

Uptick in sales causes luxury brands to add workers

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Mercedes-Benz

An unexpected reignition of interest in luxury cars has led BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi to add more shifts to its production facilities in an effort to meet the increased demand.

According to BusinessWeek, Mercedes-Benz is adding 1,800 temporary workers and adding Saturday production at its factories in Germany, which are responsible for the E-Class convertible, GLK SUV, and SLS AMG sports car.

Its countrymate BMW is following suit, adding 5,000 temporary workers to keep up with rising sales. BMW recently announced that their 5-Series was sold out worldwide, another sign that this sales surge was not predicted by the car companies.

"The recovery in luxury-car demand has been a bit faster than expected as confidence returns," Colin Couchman, an analyst at IHS Global Insight in London, told the news source "The growth is sustainable, because these companies have continued to invest in new products and expand into new markets."

Luxury cars can be quite pricy when bought new. As the economy rebounds, those who find themselves with a little extra money to spend might want to search for a late-model used BMW or Mercedes at a pre-owned dealer in order to avoid the inflation that occurs at new car dealers.

Mercedes-Benz reveals electric version of the SLS AMG

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Posted in General Auto News, Mercedes-Benz

Some might describe the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as “electrifying.” With its sleek design, gullwing doors, and 563 horsepower, it’s easy to see why.

However, the car isn’t as electrifying as its recently-revealed brother, the SLS E-Cell. This all-electric version of the already-legendary car will provide 526 horsepower from four electric motors. It might be slightly less powerful than the gas-guzzling AMG, but it’s also completely emissions-free.

The car is only a prototype, but Mercedes may put it into production by 2015. It is speculated that the model will compete with upcoming electric supercars like the Tesla Roadster and Porsche 918 Spyder. Whether these cars find success has yet to be seen.

Mercedes did not alter the AMG drivetrain to incorporate the electric components, and the body features the same signature gullwing doors.

In the meantime, those who want to drive a Benz without breaking the bank should look for deals on used Mercedes. And those who want to help the environment might want to shop for a used Toyota Prius or similar hybrid while they’re at it.

Goodwood Festival of Speed will showcase new models

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Posted in General Auto News, Honda - DO NOT USE, Mercedes-Benz

Auto shows are an important event for car enthusiasts. Not only are they a collection of beautiful cars, but they’re also an opportunity to glimpse the new models set to debut.

Across the pond, the hallmark auto show in the UK was the British International Motor Show. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled this year due to the economic downturn, preventing many new models from debuting. According to Edmunds Inside Line, organizers of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a racing event, have announced plans to add an auto show component in response to the absence, and several new models will be on hand, including the Honda CR-Z and Civic Type R Mugen and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

The race is known for the “Goodwood Highclimb,” a section of hill on the track that tests the power of the vehicle in a different way than flat tracks do. Attendees will be able to test the new models on the climb.

Whenever new models debut, automakers like Honda and Mercedes typically sell off their older models at a reduced price. By waiting for these cars to hit used car dealers, drivers can save a bundle.

Charlie Sheen’s Mercedes-Benz driven off cliff… again

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News, Mercedes-Benz

In a bizarre incident, Charlie Sheen’s silver 2010 Mercedes-Benz was found crashed into a ravine off Mulholland Drive, nearby the actor’s home.

Police found the car around 3 AM after a civilian tip. The police contacted Sheen, who didn’t realize the car was missing.

What makes the event extra strange is that it echoes what happened to Sheen just four months earlier. In February, his 2009 Mercedes was stolen and driven off of Mulholland Drive. Sheen had left the keys in the ignition both times.

Those who can’t afford to replace their Mercedes every year might want to shop for used Mercedes-Benz on the used market. Although these cars are expensive when bought new, drivers can ride like the Hollywood stars without a Hollywood bank account.

Of course, if they live near a cliff, drivers who purchase a used Mercedes might want to consider keeping the keys in a safe place.

Los Angeles police currently have no leads on the suspect.

Mercedes redesigns R-Class

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Posted in Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes is redesigning its R-Class full-size crossover for the 2011 model year, in an attempt to broaden its range beyond the typical passenger car offerings.

The 2011 R-Class’ hood was refined to become more “arrow shaped,” according to USA Today. Mercedes also redesigned the bumper to achieve a sleeker design. Head and tailights now feature LEDs and fiber optic technology.

Inside, Mercedes is selling the car with six and seven-seat configurations, and the rear seat is wide enough to fit three child safety seats.

Mercedes is also offering consumers options under the hood: the R-Class can come with the normal gas engine, or Mercedes’ new R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC diesel engine. The diesel engine trades some horsepower for increased fuel efficiency.

As with any redesign, the company will be looking to sell its older models. Unsold 2010 R-Class vehicles will find their way to the used market, where they can be bought for a heavy discount off the dealer’s price.

Diddy gives son a $360,000 Maybach

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News, Mercedes-Benz

It was a sweet sixteen for Justin Dior Combs.

Combs, son of rapper and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs (formerly known as P. Diddy), was recently presented with a brand-new Maybach on his sixteenth birthday, according to USA Today. Maybach is the ultra-luxury brand of Mercedes-Benz.

Diddy recently defended the decision on an edition of ABC Nightline, saying “I think it’s appropriate to give my kids whatever I want to give my kids,” before adding “I could do whatever I want to do and you can’t question me about it.”

The car was presented to Justin at a party that Diddy threw for the youngster in New York. The bash will be featured on an upcoming episode of MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16.”

“I’m just ecstatic right now,” the teenager told US Magazine.

Those who want to give their kids a sweet sixteen probably don’t have Diddy’s bankroll, but big deals can be found on the pre-owned market, including on used Mercedes cars. Used car dealers are a great place to look for teenager’s first cars.

Mercedes loans out SLS AMG

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Posted in Mercedes-Benz

Most of us can only stare and drool at the latest supercars that luxury brands put out. One lucky auto writer got to live the dream for a few days, as Mercedes handed him the keys to the brand-new 2011 SLS AMG.

Clifford Atiyeh of the Boston Globe chronicled his interactions with the vehicle, which features an extended hood and gullwing doors (think the DeLorean from “Back to the Future”) along with a 6.3-liter V8 with 563 horsepower, according to Edmunds.

The car is the definition of a head-turner, and the news source reveals that seeing the car caused the neighbors to come out of their houses, a man to chase the writer on the highway with a camera phone and even caused an on-duty cop to let out a string of expletives.

The SLS AMG is an update of the gullwing 300SL car from the mid-50s, and the first car to be completely designed by Mercedes’ racing group, AMG.

At $200,000, the SLS AMG is probably out of most car buyer’s price range, but drivers can get the same engineering standards for a lot less by buying a used Mercedes from a dealer or auto auction

More cars get “Top Safety Pick”

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Posted in Audi, Ford, General Auto News, Honda - DO NOT USE, Hyundai, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has recently unveiled nine more cars for its prestigious “Top Safety Pick” award. The IIHS tests every new model in several tests to earn the award, and the car must perform well in each test in order to qualify.

This year’s awards added a new test for roof strength, which is important in rollover situations, according to the Chicago Tribune. In addition, the cars must pass 40-mph frontal crash tests, side crash tests, and rear crash/whiplash tests, as well as be equipped with an electronic stability control system.

Ford picked up awards for its Ford Fusion and Flex, as well as its luxury Lincoln MKZ and MKT. The Audi A4 and Hyundai Tucson were also recent winners.

The tests take some time, so the winners are released in waves. Previous 2010 model award-winners include the Honda Civic and Element, Mercedes E and C Class and Toyota Corolla and Avalon.

The IIHS has done the tests since 2006 and keeps archives of all the winners by model year on their website. Drivers searching for a used car can use this as a resource to ensure that their next purchase is of the highest quality.

Mercedes-Benz makes big plans

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Posted in Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is one of the most recognized luxury brands on the planet, but the company isn’t content to simply rest on its laurels.

The famed German automaker is planning to launch a new advertising campaign, as well as a redesign of its traditional logo. The company’s new slogan will be “the best or nothing,” according to the Wall Street Journal.

“Our claim has to reflect that we want to be the best in all disciplines,” sales chief Joachim Schmidt told the news source.

Mercedes hopes to hit 1.5 million car sales annually by 2015. They moved 974,700 cars in 2009, but executives are optimistic that the recovering economy coupled with their overhauls will propel the brand to success in the future. The company’s May sales were a 14% increase over the previous year’s totals.

Buying a Mercedes-Benz new can be a costly venture, but that doesn’t mean that drivers who want a Benz have to break the bank. The cars are known for their longevity, so savvy consumers can buy a used Mercedes at a fraction of the new car price.