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.

 

Benz Goes Hard Core: In Jay Leno’s Garage - Mercedes Benz SL63 AMG

Mercedes Benz is starting to go hard core with the addition of their 7-speed dual clutch transmission packed inside the new Mercedes Bens SL63 AMG. That's right, no more torque converter for Benz's latest SL63 AMG. As Jay explains in the video it seems several car makers are headed in the dual clutch direction. As Jeremy Clarkson says, "the floppy paddle gear box".