The Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Makes An Appearance In Jay Leno's Garage

If you're in the market for a new Mercedes SL63 AMG, Jay Leno recently spent some time with the consummate model, featuring the roadster on his Jay Leno's Garage website. In the roughly ten minute video, Jay outlines a number of the model's features and tech specs, eventually taking it for a spin on the streets of California. There's not much you haven't already seen, and some of Jay's stated tech specs are a little off, but if you have some free time this Monday afternoon, it's worth a few minutes of your time.

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Mercedes-Benz Review Roundup: The Mercedes S550, GLK350 4MATIC And C-Class

After a slightly extended Christmas break we're back ladies and gentlemen, and hopefully your Christmas was as fantastic as ours were. To each and of you that sent us a holiday greeting, thank you, sincerely, from the bottom of our hearts. We are truly appreciative for the many kind words, and as we enter a new year, we wish all of you much joy and happiness in whatever journeys you embark on. As you can imagine, our time away has left us a little behind schedule, but we'll do our best to get you caught up on that which we missed, starting with a batch of new Mercedes reviews that analyze a total of three models: the S550, the GLK350 4MATIC and the C-Class range. Like each and every one of our other Review Roundup installments, you can find excerpts of what reviewer's thought of the trio as well as links back to the full articles immediately below.

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Mercedes-Benz Delivers 1,500,000 E-Class Models Worldwide

There's only two days left 'til Christmas ladies and gentlemen, which means if you haven't gotten your gift shopping done, time is running out. Speaking of Christmas, here at eMercedesBenz we're cutting back on our hours a bit through the end of the week, so if stories are a little lighter than usual, it's because we're busy sipping hot buttered rum, singing carols with the family and testing out that new Hammerhead sled my wife begged me not to buy (and yet I bought anyway, which almost certainly means I will break an arm using it). But you'll still see a few stories around these parts through the end of the week, starting with this one – news that Mercedes has delivered 1,500,000 units of their consummate E-Class since they launched it some six years ago. Of these, 1,270,000 units were sedan variants, while 230,000 units were of the estate variety.

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Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss Video Emerges

After celebrating its world premier yesterday, more content pertaining to the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss has emerged, with a rather official looking video of the model making an appearance on YouTube. In the approximately minute-and-a-half clip, both the new SLR and the vehicle it was modeled after – Stirling Moss' SLR 300 – are on display, with the new SLR and its individual styling elements showcased from a number of different angles.

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Mercedes AMG Launches New Ice Luge Online Game

If you've ever wondered what it'd be like to pilot either a Mercedes C63 AMG or SL63 AMG down a winding luge course, then you're going to love Mercedes AMG's newest online game, aptly-titled "The Ice Luge." In it, you choose either of the two aforementioned models, and subsequently traverse down an icy track with the goal being to note the lowest possible time (as is the case with traditional luge). Time penalties are added on if you proceed too high on the track walls, or if you fail to stop in the designated area at the end of the track.

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World Premier Of The Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss

After battling nearly a foot of snow to get to work this morning I have finally arrived at my office, only to be greeted by the news that Mercedes has officially taken the wraps off a model that up until now has been known as the Mercedes-Benz SLR Speedster. It's new, official name is actually the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss, and in case you haven't already guessed, it's modeled after the legendary driver Stirling Moss' Mille Miglia winning SLR 300. In many ways, the SLR Stirling Moss is exactly what we expected. It lacks any form a roof or windscreen, allowing occupants to enjoy the unadulterated bliss of true open-air driving. But in addition to this open air construction, the SLR Stirling Moss' true artistry lies under the hood, for it is here that its supercharged 478 kW/650 hp V8 resides. Three-and-a-half seconds – that's how long it takes the SLR Stirling Moss to accelerate from a standstill to 62 miles per hour. Its top speed – 217.48 mph. No other series-production in existence can match this incredible union of speed and open-air euphoria.

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American Express My Wishlist Giving Away Three 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 Models December 18th

I probably shouldn't be telling you this (seeing as how I'll be attempting to procure one for myself), but if you're in the market for a new 2010 Mercedes GLK350, American Express will be giving away three of the new SUV's tomorrow via their My Wishlist contest. Assuming you live in the U.S., are an American Express cardholder and meet the various eligibility requirements, the rules to win are simple: head over to the American Express My Wishlist page, unlock the GLK350 by entering your Amex card info, and when the three GLK's become available at 12:00 PM EST, 3:00 PM EST and 7:00 PM EST tomorrow December 18th, hit the "GO FOR IT" button and pray, pray, pray. You can press the button as many times as you wish, and if luck is on your side and you click at precisely the right time, the 2010 Mercedes GLK shall be yours.

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Julia Stegner Named New Face Of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin 2009

You saw her looking ridiculously hot in the 2005 Pirelli calendar, and now, after countless magazine covers, advertising campaigns and fashion show appearances, Julia Stegner's once again making headlines, this time being named the new face of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin 2009. As part of her new role, Julia posed recently for a photo shoot along with the new Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 CGI Grand Edition, with the new key visual set to appear on advertisements, posters and vehicles for the international fashion event. According to Anders Sundt Jensen, the new Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars: "With Julia Stegner as brand ambassador, we have given our long-term, international fashion activities a fascinating and world-famous face. She particularly represents the connection between German origin and international flair. That's why in our key visual we have very consciously placed Julia Stegner together with the new Mercedes-Benz CLS Grand Edition, which will be launched on the market in March 2009."

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Mercedes-Benz BlueZERO Concepts Confirmed For The North American International Auto Show In Detroit

Last week we told you that Mercedes was preparing a trio of BlueZERO concept models for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, each of which featured a distinct alternative power source. In the BlueZERO E-Cell, power came by way of a lithium-ion electric drive; in the BlueZERO E-Cell Plus, a lithium-ion electric drive plus an internal combustion was present; and in the BlueZERO F-Cell, a fuel cell system was the primary means of thrust (their operating ranges varied from 75 miles to just under 450 miles). This week, Mercedes has confirmed that the three BlueZERO concept vehicles are indeed set to premier at Detroit's North American International Auto Show, with the three models the latest demonstration of the company's focus on developing "modular powertrain technologies." Each are based on the same lightweight sandwich-floor architecture (first introduced on the A-Class and then B-Class some ten years ago), with their goal being to demonstrate how in a single platform, Mercedes already has the ability to offer a varying range of alternative drive technologies based on individual customer requirements.

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2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Prototype Spotted In The Wild

Ladies and gentlemen, here, in all its cladded glory, is your first peek at the next-generation 2011 Mercedes CLS-Class. Although the front remains out of site in each of the pictures, the back and sides are all clearly visible, and they reveal... well, they don't reveal a whole lot. Like the current CLS, it's evident the 2011 CLS will retain its E-Class underpinnings, while a larger rear window is also visible. Other than that, however, it's still far too early to tell what lay in store for the next four-door coupe's styling.

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Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept Vehicles Set To Debut At The North American International Motor Show In Detroit

According to the all-seeing eyes and all-knowing minds at Auto Motor und Sport, Mercedes is on the verge of introducing three new alternatively powered "BlueZero" concept vehicles – a feat they'll perform at next month's North American International Auto Show in Detroit (January 11th-25th; get your tickets while they're hot). Titled the Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell, the BlueZero E-Plus Cell and the BlueZero F-Cell, the three models make use of a lithium-ion electric drive, a lithium-ion electric drive plus an internal combustion engine and a fuel cell system, respectively.

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Mercedes-Benz Review Roundup: The Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series, C180K BlueEFFICIENCY And A170

Hot on the heels of yesterday's Mercedes Review Roundup, we're back with yet another batch of Mercedes reviews, with testers this time weighing on the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series, the C180K BlueEFFICIENCY and the A170. As is the case with each and every one of our Mercedes Review Roundups, you can find excerpts from each review as well as links back to the full articles immediately after the jump...

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Mercedes AMG Unveils 2008 Christmas Card Creator

Looking for the perfect way to say "Merry Christmas" and/or "Happy Holidays" to that special someone in your life but don't feel like ponying up $5 for a Hallmark card? Take a look at Mercedes AMG's free card creator, an ideal way to let your friends and family know you're thinking about them this holiday season while at the same time letting each of them know your affinity for fine German engineering. This year, Mercedes AMG card creator lets you create a unique snowflake from various AMG components, then let's you add a personalized message that eventually finds it way onto a SL65 AMG Black Series hood (see photo above). While it likely won't be enough to appease immediately family and relieve you entirely of your Christmas card obligations, for those individuals who you must, by obligation, send a card to (bosses, third cousins, etc.), it's a viable alternative to the more common overpriced paper products.

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Mercedes-Benz Introduces New SPLITVIEW COMAND Display For The S-Class

Mercedes has announced today that starting in the summer of 2009, S-Class models will feature a new technology they're calling SPLITVIEW. Developed in collaboration with Bosch, SPLITVIEW will allow both the driver and passenger to view two separate programs via the same COMAND display. For example, let's say the vehicle's operator is in the process of viewing navigation directions, the front passenger can simultaneously watch a film on the exact same 8-inch display. You may be wondering what magic lies behind the SPLITVIEW system, and the answer lies in pixel placement. The COMAND screen shows two different images simultaneously by placing pixels adjacent to one another, after which a filter masking the display divides this mixed image so that depending on seating position, either one image or the other can be seen. As with current S-Class models, the driver has access to the full suite of COMAND functions, while the passenger uses a separate remote control to choose either a DVD, TV channel or music video to watch (all of which can be used in conjunction with headphones, should the passenger desire).

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First Official Photos Of The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Make Their Way Onto The Web

They're being called "leaked photos," but judging by the number of publications that ran this story nearly instantaneously, I'd surmise they're more of a viral marketing attempt by the ingenious marketing minds at Daimler. Whatever they are, the first photos of the forthcoming 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class are here, and the new model looks pretty much exactly as we expected it to. Concept FASCINATION headlights up front; a relatively bland, and I hate to say it, somewhat Japanese-inspired rear end. Will it get better with time? Of course. But as for initial impressions, i'd expect the 2010 Mercedes E-Class' rear styling will be anything but adored.

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Mercedes-Benz GLK Special Feature: 4MATIC Control Strategies For Wintry Road Conditions

As is the case with 4MATIC's fine-tuning on a dry or wet road, directional stability and therefore the active safety of the GLK models is always to the fore when wintry conditions prevail, too. The basic 4MATIC mechanism with a 45:55 percent torque split between the front and rear axles along with the multiple-disc limited-slip centre differential with a basic locking torque of 50 Nm adds up to an ideal solution. This basic design delivers high traction since, on the one hand, the dynamic shift in axle load toward the rear axle that occurs during acceleration is used to deliver more drive torque to the rear. Meanwhile, the multiple-disc limited-slip centre differential can also variably shift the drive torque from 30 to 70 or 70 to 30 percent between the front and rear axle, whenever the road conditions so dictate. As such, the electronic control systems ESP®, 4ETS or ASR can intervene as late as possible; the bulk of the torque is converted into traction on slippery roads.

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Mercedes-Benz GLK Special Feature: Winter Driving Fun In Mercedes' Newest SUV

Welcome back ladies and gentlemen; I hope you all had an absolutely fantastic weekend. Just in time for winter, Mercedes-Benz today has published a series of press releases highlighting the prowess of their new GLK in snowy conditions – conditions that are all already being felt across certain parts of the United States. If you're not in the market for a new GLK, not to worry, as the information details largely Mercedes' 4MATIC system – the same system used on 51 individual Mercedes models.

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The Reggie Bush Mercedes-Benz CLS ASMA Design Shark II Up For Grabs On eBay

It appears no one is safe from what's now officially being called a recession, as even Kim Kardashian & Co. have resorted to pawning off their pre-owned goods off via the trusty eBay auction block. In addition to a host of garments and fashion accessories that in their prior life managed to adorn one of the finest asses in existence, another item especially noteworthy is the ASMA Design Mercedes CLS Shark II owned by Kim's boyfriend and New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush – the very same model that achieved worldwide notoriety when it made its debut in April of 2006.

 

Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Pricing Set To Start At $33,900 In The U.S.

The all-new 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 is making its on-road debut in the U.S. this week as U.S. journalists test-drive the new car on the wide, scenic roads of Santa Barbara. Set to arrive at U.S. Mercedes-Benz dealerships in January, the new GLK350, with standard 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, will be priced at $35,900, plus an $875 destination fee. Arriving in dealerships in April, the GLK350 with rear-wheel-drive will be priced at $33,900 with a plus the $875 delivery fee. The GLK350 is impressively powered by 268-horsepower, a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 258 lb-ft of torque. As the newest member of the renowned Mercedes-Benz SUV family, the GLK350 offers the perfect balance of style, versatility, and performance.

 

Mercedes-Benz USA Notes 38 Percent Sales Decrease In November 2008

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported a 38.2 percent decrease in November sales with 14,102 vehicles sold, bringing the company's year-to-date volume to 206,396 new units – an 8.6 percent decrease over the year-to-date record set last year. Sales highlights for Mercedes-Benz USA include a 16.9 percent increase in C-Class sales and a 5.5 percent increase M-Class SUV sales for the year-to-date. Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 5,312 vehicles in November, an increase of 46.7 percent over November 2007, bringing its certified pre-owned sales to 58,065 units year-to-date – a 24 percent jump over the same period last year (46,844 units).

 

Mercedes-Benz Debuts myCOMAND Internet-Based Infortainment System At Los Angeles Auto Show

Offering a brief glimpse into the future of in-car entertainment, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled what they're calling "myCOMAND" – an Internet-based infotainment system currently featured on their Concept FASCINATION study. As you might expect from an Internet-based infotainment system, the technology harnesses the power of the almighty Web, and serves it up in a way that's most beneficial to you, the driver, based on your specific location and needs. Here's a few examples that demonstrate the functionality myCOMAND will possess:

 

Mercedes-Benz USA To Invest More Than $30 Million In New Flagship Dealer In Manhattan

I know, we're a little late bringing you this story, and for this I apologize. We're currently in the process of relocating the eMercedesBenz offices from the always-sunny state of Florida to the far more frigid Midwest, so our news has been a little sporadic as of late. We're hoping to complete the move and have operations back to normal by next week, so in the meantime, we'll do our best to get out as many stories as possible. But enough about us – let's talk about Mercedes-Benz USA for a moment. You might think that with a struggling economy and a 34 percent decrease in Mercedes-Benz sales last month MBUSA may be hesitant to dip into the financial reserves. Not so, ladies and gentlemen, as the company has announced they'll be investing more than $30 million in a new 330,000+ sq. ft. company-owned flagship dealership in Manhattan. The new facility, located on 11th Avenue between 53rd and 54th Street, will replace the existing facility on 41st Street, and is expected to be operational by 2011.

 

Interior Photos Of The New Mercedes-Benz Gullwing

Kicking things off this brisk November morning comes a look at a model we haven't mentioned in some time – the forthcoming new-generation Mercedes-Benz Gullwing. We brought you the first exterior photos of the model back in July, but up until now the interior has remained a mystery. Today that changes, however, as a series of leaked images shows various facets of the Gullwing's insides in grainy-yet-remarkably undisguised detail. Notable features include the AMG flat-bottom steering wheel we've all come to know and love, the inclusion of Mercedes' COMAND system, and of course, the vintage air vents reminiscent of the Mercedes models of 70's and 80's. I'm not totally sold on the extensive use of silver in the center console or the way it's rounded off just below the nav screen; however, I'll reserve judgment until I see the finished product, which is rumored to be at next year's Frankfurt Motor Show (in concept form).

 

Mercedes-Benz To Present Driver Assistance Systems Of Tomorrow At The ITS World Congress 2008

At the 15th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), taking place now through November 20th, Mercedes-Benz will be presenting driver assistance systems of the future.  According to Prof. Bharat Balasubramanian, Vice President Group Research & Advanced Engineering E/E, Processes and IT at Mercedes-Benz: " Mercedes-Benz vehicles have been considered the safest and most comfortable in the world from the very beginning.  In order to demonstrate that this will remain the case in the future, we will present to ITS World Congress visitors interesting exhibits that offer a preview of the vehicle functions of the future."

 

Mercedes-Benz Accessories Unveils New Smart Holiday Gift Collection

After first unveiling their Mercedes-Benz Holiday Gift Collection, Mercedes-Benz Accessories today has unveiled a second Holiday Gift Collection, this time for the lovable little smart fortwo. According to the company, due to "their sassy details and typical smart colour contrasts, these casual yet functional fashion items, handy gadgets and practical, stylish products from the accessories range make attractive alternative Christmas gifts." So what "sassy" accessories will you find in the smart Holiday Gift Collection? Highlights include a "pulse" track jacket in black and lime green, a pirate t-shirt, a digital watch, a should bag, a walking stick umbrella, an insulated coffee mug, a ballpoint pen and a smart "winter magic" diorama (it's like a snow globe, only it's square), among other things. There's also a number of accessories directly for your smart fortwo, including a ski and snowboard rack, 6-spoke alloy wheels, a portable smart navigation system II, fog light rings, door mirror caps and tailgate trim, just to name a few.

 

Mercedes-Benz AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-Speed Sports Transmission Wins Popular Science 'Best Of What's New Award'

The well-known American technical magazine "Popular Science" has made an award to the newly developed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. During the "Best of what's new Awards", the innovative power transfer of the SL 63 AMG high-performance Roadster achieved first place in the "Automotive" category. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission was able to claim victory in the hotly contested "Automotive" category. According to the editors of Popular Science, this AMG transmission represents "important and revolutionary technological progress". Popular Science has presented its sought-after "Best of what's new Awards" annually in eleven categories since 1987. A total of 100 products enter the final selection. The results are published in the December edition, which traditionally has the largest circulation. Popular Science is the world's most widely-read science and technology magazine, with an average readership of 6.8 million each month.

 

Mercedes-Benz To Launch New-And-Improved Mercedes-Benz TV 2.0

Starting tomorrow, those of you that visit Mercedes-Benz TV are going to notice a slight change of scenery, as Mercedes has announced they're launching a new-and-improved version of the service:  Mercedes-Benz TV 2.0.  While it will still maintain its emphasis of delivering high quality video content centered around the Mercedes-Benz brand, an increased number of programs will be available, as will a streamlined new design. In the first issue, DTM driver Susie Stoddart will be the guest of honor, guiding visitors through the online show.  In addition to offering a much needed break from current anchorwoman Tanja Bülter, Susie will furthermore look at the subject of " sporty cars and their drivers" – a topic inspired by the success of F1 champion (and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver ) Lewis Hamilton...

 

Mercedes-Benz And Smart On Display At The Giovanna Wheels Booth At SEMA

If you've ever visited SEMA, you know one of the absolutely can't miss booths is the one held by Giovanna Wheels. Their display always boasts an incredible amount of lust-inducing automotive artistry, so when scheduling conflicts this year prevented us from attending the show, we could only wonder what magical display of rainbow colored rims we missed. Thankfully, Robert of Giovanna took pity on our plight (after we called the company begging for pictures, that is), and so now, although we're a little late, we can finally bring you pictures of the 2008 SEMA Giovanna booth.

 

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Spy Shots Emerge

Spy photos have emerged today showcasing the next variant of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, this time in a two-door hardtop convertible form. As may remember, Mercedes has chosen to drop the "CLK" moniker from its lineup, replacing it instead with the less confusing "E-Class Coupe"; so the model you're viewing is in essence the next version of the outgoing CLK convertible (despite being called an E-Class). Compared to the current CLK, the E-Class Coupe/Convertible is expected to grow in length by some 4 inches, with an emphasis being placed on adding legroom and creating a more functional four-seat convertible. Because its based on the new E-Class sedan platform, engine options will likely be the same as its counterpart, with Mercedes already confirming their new four-cylinder diesel engine generation will make its way into the range.

 

Mercedes-Benz TecDay Special Feature: Occupant And Pedestrian Protection

Mercedes engineers have continued to perfect the idea patented by their mentor Béla Barényi – through a programme of accident research, crash tests and computer simulations. And with the new E-Class, they have created another masterpiece of passenger-car safety technology. The saloon's front deformation zone works on several levels – making it even more effective as the impact forces are distributed over a wide area and can be made to bypass the passenger cell, With seven airbags fitted as standard, not to mention seat-belt tensioners, belt force limiters and NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints, the new E-Class offers an even more extensive package of safety equipment than its predecessor. Adaptive belt force limiters will be installed in the rear for the first time (optional extra).

 

Mercedes-Benz TecDay Special Feature: PRE-SAFE And PRE-SAFE Brake

Mercedes-Benz is the world's only car brand to offer an anticipatory occupant protection system that activates protective measures for the car's occupants if there is an imminent risk of an accident. This multi-award-winning technology, called PRE-SAFE®, is fitted as standard in numerous Mercedes model series and has now been further enhanced by Mercedes-Benz. The intelligent PRE-SAFE® system takes its lead from nature in that it activates protective measures for the car occupants as a precaution, just as living things react instinctively and search for cover when they are in danger. The aim is to prepare the occupants and the car for an imminent collision so that the seat belts and the airbags can deploy with maximum effect in the event of an impact. What's more, the PRE-SAFE® protective measures are reversible: if the accident is averted, the advance tensioning of the seat belts is halted automatically and the occupants are able to reset the positions of the seats and the sunroof. The anticipatory occupant protection system is then ready for action again straightaway.

 

Mercedes-Benz TecDay Special Feature: Attention Assist, Blind Spot Assist And Distronic Plus / Brake Assist PLUS

Mercedes-Benz accident researchers warn against falling asleep momentarily whilst driving. Drivers who do not take regular breaks when driving long distances run a high risk of becoming drowsy – a state which they often fail to recognise early enough according to the experts. This is why Mercedes-Benz has developed the innovative ATTENTION ASSIST system, which can detect when drivers start to become drowsy and prompt them to take a break before it's too late. The system will be fitted as standard in the new E-Class and the model year 2009 S-Class. Scientific studies conclude that around 25 percent of all serious motorway accidents are down to driver drowsiness, meaning that drowsiness causes more road accidents than drunk-driving.

 

2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC - Motor Trend Review

In Atlanta we don't get many chances to drive in the snow but since I travel to Illinois every christmas I can certainly vouch for how great the ML is in the snow. This year I drove a C-class up and even though it wasn't a 4matic it did really well in the snow. Mercedes' traction and stability systems allow even our 2-wheel-drive sedans to out handle most SUVs as long as the snow doesn't get too deep. This is a great review that Motor Trend just did on winter driving in the 2009 ML320 BlueTEC.   "The big Benz powered along straight and true, while nearby several other vehicles skidded right off the highway and buried themselves until spring in mountainous snowbanks." "Say you put on 30,000 highway miles a year. Using EPA highway figures for comparison, and assuming that L.A.'s gas/diesel prices remain fixed (though the gap is almost sure to close), with the ML320 BlueTEC's higher efficiency you'd start coming out ahead after just three years." "The engine is that smooth and quiet. Torquey, too." "Of particular note was the rear-glass heater, which could likely cook pancakes in Antarctica. In what seemed like seconds, any ice build-up just melted right off." Read the full Motor Trend Review here

 

UMI For 2009 C and 2010 GLK - Factory Option

The Universal Media Interface (UMI) for the 2009 C-Class and 2010 GLK-Class is now available to order from the factory for $1500! I have seen a lot of interest in this option since my last post and this will make it an even better value. The UMI gives non-multimedia cars navigation, live traffic, ipod adaptor, usb port and bluetooth music streaming. It can be installed at the dealership for about $1850. If you know you want this option you can now order your car with it and it will be installed at the Vehicle Preparation Center (VPC) before it is shipped to the dealership. The VPC installation reduces the labor cost which is why it is less expensive when you order it than when you add it later.