2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 4 Matic Coupe Machine Review

NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: The Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic coupe is a sleek and smart execution of the modern luxury coupe. The looks inside and out are sharp with an appropriate amount of shiny jewelry, the stance is confident and I like the long hood fronted by the upright grille. It all has character, and it’s a dramatic improvement compared with the curvy styling of just a few years back.

I’m impressed with the sound and potency of this V6. It’s strong on the expressway and returns a refined yet sporty performance feeling. The one thing I hate: this car—and other Mercedes—has a tremendous lag from launch. It’s hesitation. It makes this machine feel slower than it is. And it’s annoying. It undermines an otherwise sterling engine and seven-speed automatic combination.

The cabin is quiet. The soaring, see-through roof makes for a majestic atmosphere, and the four-seat layout looks and feels athletic. I love the dials in the instrument cluster, and the materials and dark colors present well. The chassis is comfortable, and even stark road imperfections don’t really upset this coupe. It’s big but not floaty or barge-like. I found little difference between sport mode, which is activated via a button in the center console, and eco mode, which is the default setting. The E350, fortified with 4Matic, makes for a brisk, fun personal luxury car.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR DAVID ARNOUTS: 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 4 Matic Coupe, I had just spent a night in an Audi A5 coupe and thought this would be a good matchup considering price and style of the two cars.

Even with less power than the Benz, and a lower price tag, I preferred the A5 to this E350. It’s not that I would reproof the E350, because it is a good car, but in danger of sounding snobbish, the E feels like an “entry-level” Benz.

Compared to the Audi A5, the Benz is better equipped from the start, and that is a given. It may be my previous run-ins with the upper-level Mercedes that leaves me wanting so much more from this car.

Inside the cabin, it has the familiar continuity of other classes like the CL we had not that long ago, just without the options or controls. The fit and finish and appearance is of good quality; while it may be “cheap” in the Benz universe, it hardly appears that way.

Operating the interface for all the techno-gadgetry does take some experience and time if you haven’t been in a late-model Mercedes as of late.

There are great things here, including the navigation with 3D modeling of structures, as well as traffic indication with the classic look of the old AM radio interface for the satellite radio and big silver dial to control it all.

The seats are firm and once settled-in become more comfortable than initial impressions led me to believe. The backseat looks usable, and the panoramic sunroof helps to make the coupe feel cavernous when looking back. There is even a nifty privacy screen for the back window. At first I thought it to be a bit ostentatious on a $53,425 car, but after driving both with and without, I relented to wanting it.

The exterior looks more angular and aggressive than previous iterations, and the updated front-end with daytime LED’s sits quite well on the car.

The coupe version appears to be a sedan without the back doors and just doesn’t wear the coupe style as well as the A5.

Criticism aside, this is still a Mercedes-Benz. When you can swim in this pond you are assured a minimum level of quality that Mercedes wouldn’t let out the door without their approval and that is a fine thing indeed.

Is it the best Mercedes has to offer? Absolutely not. But if you are on a budget that is higher than most, and lower than some while dying to have the three-pointed star in your garage, the E350 may just be what you are looking for.

2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 4 Matic Coupe Price

Base Price: $53,175
As-Tested Price: $53,425
Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V6; AWD, seven-speed automatic
Output: 302 hp @ 6,200 rpm, 273 lb-ft @ 3,500-5,250 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,619 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 22/21.1 mpg
Options: R01 High-performance tires ($250)

Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2013 limo Overview: Engine Specs and Features

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class will continue the limousine’s tradition of world-first innovations, with features that include a braking airbag that can help slow the vehicle before an impact, rear seatbelt airbags, and an intelligent suspension that can read the road surface ahead.

The German car maker’s flagship vehicle isn’t due to go on sale until 2013, but CarAdvice has uncovered many of its secrets through well-informed company insiders.

“Historically the S-Class has been a tech de force in the car industry and we don’t want to lose that,” a Mercedes-Benz source told CarAdvice. “There is a lot of pressure on the vehicle’s engineers [to make groundbreaking innovations that work].”

That history of vehicle production debuts for the S-Class includes anti-lock brakes (ABS) in 1978, driver airbag and seatbelt tension (1981), electronic stability control (1995), active suspension (1999), crash-anticipatory system (2002), and night vision technology (2005).

Mercedes-Benz has so many new features on the new S-Class that it will roll-out details of the new technologies over a six-month period from towards the end of the year until its mid-2013 launch.

Some features are derived from the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ESF Experimental Safety Vehicle concept, which was based on a current, S400 version of the S-Class and was conceived as a test-bed for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2013 generation model.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2013 limo Overview

Key features of Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2013 limo will include the following:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2013 Braking Bag

The braking bag featured on the ESV concept and will go into production on the new S-Class as one of the headline-making technologies.

The airbag is incorporated into the vehicle floor underneath the front bumper and is deployed if sensors detect an imminent, unavoidable impact.

It lifts the S-Class’s nose to serve two useful purposes: to increase friction with the road surface to reduce the car’s impact speed as well as creating a more optimal impact point that would otherwise be affected by the car pitching forward under braking.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2013 Magic Body Control

Mercedes is starting to employ the word ‘Magic’ as a more engaging nomenclature for some of its most sophisticated technological features. It was first used on the latest-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster, where an optional roof called Magic Sky Roof could go from shaded to transparent at the touch of the button through the simple but clever manipulation of magnetised particles.

Magic Body Control is an advanced evolution of the Active Body Control suspension found on current Mercedes models such as the outgoing S-Class and related CL coupe.

But where Active Body Control uses hydraulic pistons on the vehicle’s coil springs to ‘react’ to the road surface, Magic Body Control will proactively prepare the suspension for lumps and bumps by ‘reading’ the road ahead via a camera mounted at the top of the windscreen. The camera can scan the road about five to 14 metres ahead, picking up irregularities as small as half an inch.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2013 Seatbelt airbags

A further development of one of the most important life-saving features ever introduced to cars – seatbelts – the Mercedes-Benz S-Class will feature restraining lashes with airbags that inflate in the event of a crash.

The seatbelt airbags, which have been developed in conjunction with seatbelt specialist Autoliv, almost doubles in width to distribute crash forces over a wider area of the upper body to reduce injury potential.

The Belt Bag is said to be particularly effective in the rear seats, and of most benefit to older occupants whose ribcages are less flexible, though CarAdvice understands the driver and front passenger will also have the seatbelt airbags. Such airbags are being developed by other makers, though, including Ford, which will fit them to its next-generation Mondeo medium car also due in 2013.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2013 Inverting seats

Mercedes-Benz engineers are also working on special front seats for the S-Class that will automatically pivot inwards towards the centre of the car in the event of a side impact. This safety feature is designed to further limit the chances of serious injury in a side impact, working in conjunction with side airbags.

The inverting seats may not make into initial production, however, as engineers are still working on the challenge of creating sufficiently strong seating mounts.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2013 AMG versions

The next Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG performance limo – the model captured in minimal disguise in our spy photos – will adopt AMG’s 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8, with more power than previously seen in other models – so expect in excess of 400kW and 800Nm.

That power will be sent to all four wheels rather than just the rears – with the S63 AMG becoming the first all-wheel-drive S-Class to ever be sold in Australia.

A 100kg reduction in the car’s mass will also aid significantly improved performance.

The S65 AMG, however, will remain the most powerful S-Class, sticking with a V12 engine. Insiders say Mercedes is keen to drop the V12 but that global customer demand for the engine is just too strong

Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2013 Efficiency

The most economical Mercedes-Benz S-Class currently is the S350 Bluetec diesel that has a combined rating of 7.0L/100km. The next-generation S-Class range, however, will feature one model that will have Toyota Prius hybrid-like fuel economy of less than 4.0 litres per 100km. This will be a truly staggering figure for a vehicle that weighs about two tonnes.Convertible

While there will be an ultimate S-Class called the Pullman to compensate for the loss of Daimler’s Rolls-Royce-rivalling brand Maybach, Mercedes will also venture even further into the open-air limousine territory touched upon by the Maybach Laundelet with an S-Class convertible.

Source : caradvice.com

Mercedes GLK350 4Matic Review

The Mercedes-Benz GLK has been redesigned for the 2013 model year, with bolder exterior styling, a dramatically restyled interior, and crisp driving dynamics.

The redesign for 2013 involves nearly 1,000 new parts that include bolder front and rear bumpers, new headlights and a more graceful front grille. Inside, the new dash features eyecatching burl walnut trim that now spans the entire width of the cabin as well as shift controls relocated to the steering column.

New Engine, Transmission and Electromechanical Steering

Smaller and lighter than its well-known SUV siblings, the 2013-model GLK is also equipped with a new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 engine with 302 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque, an innovative ECO Start/Stop system, a more fuel-efficient seven-speed automatic transmission with Direct Select and electromechanical steering. A fuel-sipping four-cylinder diesel model, the GLK250 BlueTEC, will arrive early next year.

New Safety Features

A number of innovative Mercedes-Benz safety features are available for the first time on the GLK, including standard ATTENTION ASSIST and optional DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE Brake, Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist. The new electrically assisted steering also makes possible optional Active Parking Assist.

ATTENTION ASSIST Cautions "Time For A Rest?"

Falling asleep at the wheel causes more than 100,000 accidents a year in the U.S., and the ATTENTION ASSIST system can alert drivers to the first signs of drowsiness. Now standard equipment on the 2013 GLK, a steering sensor is coupled to smart software that uses 70 parameters to establish a unique driver profile during the first 20 minutes of driving.

Between 50 and 112 mph, the system identifies the erratic steering corrections drivers make as they begin to get drowsy and triggers an audible warning, and a "Time for a rest?" message with a coffee cup icon appears in the instrument cluster. ATTENTION ASSIST is a great example of new technology that doesn't need to be expensive to save lives.

Blind Spot Assist

A new option for the 2013-model GLK, Blind Spot Assist uses dedicated radar sensors to monitor both blind spots behind the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver gets visual and audible warnings. A separate option, Active Blind Spot Assist incorporates an intervention feature, in which ESP braking automatically helps correct the car's course if the driver doesn't heed the initial warning.

Lane Keeping Assist

Another new option, Lane Keeping Assist makes use of a special computer to analyze images from a multi-purpose camera in the windshield to recognize lane markings. This system alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibrations in the steering wheel if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals on. A separate option, Active Lane Keeping Assist (as well as Active Blind Spot Assist) incorporates an intervention feature, in which ESP braking automatically helps correct the car's course if the driver doesn't heed the initial warning.

Adaptive Highbeam Assist

Also new for 2013, Adaptive Highbeam Assist uses a windshield-mounted camera to control the vertical tilt of both the low- and high-beam headlights. The system is engaged by turning the headlight switch to "Auto" and turning on the high beam setting. Whenever there are no other vehicles in front, the high beams come on automatically, with the lights increasing gradually rather than suddenly. Since drivers no longer have to think about controlling the high beams, Adaptive Highbeam Assist makes it safer and easier to drive in the dark.

DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE® Brake

For the first time on the GLK, an optional DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control system uses radar sensors to help maintain a pre-set following distance behind the vehicle ahead. The system can actually brake the car to a full stop and accelerate it again. DISTRONIC PLUS works at speeds up to 125 mph and can be especially helpful in stop-and-go traffic.

Short-range 24-gigahertz radar sweeps the first 66 yards in a fan-shaped 60-degree pattern, working in tandem with a narrower 18-degree beam of 77-gigahertz radar. The two radar frequencies complement each other to cover a full range of more than 220 yards - longer than two football fields.

All cars equipped with the optional radar-based DISTRONIC PLUS system reap the benefit of another revolutionary Mercedes-Benz safety feature - PRE-SAFE® Brake. To reduce accident severity, the latest version of PRE-SAFE Brake applies full braking automatically in emergencies.

When PRE-SAFE Brake senses an impending collision with the help of DISTRONIC PLUS, the system sounds three warning tones. About 1.6 seconds before impact is likely, partial braking is automatically initiated, and PRE-SAFE occupant protection measures are activated. If the driver still fails to react, full-power braking is initiated 0.6 seconds before the collision, reducing the impact and effectively acting as an "electronic crumple zone."

PARKTRONIC

Also optional, PARKTRONIC uses six ultra-sound sensors in the front bumper and four in the rear bumper to detect obstacles in the system's field of view. The system provides audible warnings and displays the proximity of obstacles using bar graph displays - one on the center dashboard for the front and another for the rear that's visible in the rear-view mirror.

Active Parking Assist

The new electro-mechanical steering assist helps make the GLK a very dynamic SUV, and also makes possible Advanced Parking Assist, which works with PARKTRONIC to provide stress-free parallel parking. Below about 20 mph, a "P" icon appears in the dash to show that an electronic parking space search is active. Whenever a parking space is found that's at least one meter (39.4 inches) longer than the car, an arrow appears next to the "P" icon. When reverse is engaged and the driver confirms Advance Parking Assist is desired, the system initiates automatic steering as the driver controls acceleration and braking at speeds below 7 mph. The system can provide up to five corrections, after which the wheels are straightened.

If the car is parked using Active Parking Assist, the system can also provide a helpful automatic exit feature. When "D" or "R" is engaged, the car asks whether the driver wants automatic exiting. If the driver says "yes," the system steers automatically to exit the parking space, while the driver controls the accelerator and brake.

Mid-Size Member of the Mercedes-Benz SUV Family

Classed as a mid-size SUV, the GLK is a key member of the successful Mercedes-Benz SUV family that includes the full-size M-Class, which spurred the trend toward more car-like SUVs, as well as the larger GL-Class and the rough-and-tough G-Class. The Mercedes-Benz GLK is just the right size for today's active couple, whether they're making a cross-country trip or running errands across town.

The Right Size for Today's Active Couple

About 10 inches shorter than the M-Class, the GLK is also a few inches shorter than its primary competition - the Acura RDX, Infiniti EX and Lexus RX as well as European models such as the BMW X3 and the Land Rover LR2. At first glance, the GLK appears to be a smaller version of the GL, but a closer look reveals a modern interpretation of the iconic G-Class. In sharp contrast to the relatively soft forms of other similar vehicles, the striking, angular nose of the GLK sets it apart from the competition. From its steeply raked windshield to the integrated rear spoiler on its tightly styled roof section, the bullish shape of the GLK suggests power and agility.

One of the Most Fuel-Efficient Mercedes-Benz Vehicles Ever

Following its 2009 debut in the small sport-utility category, the new GLK became one of the most fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz vehicles ever produced, and it's also the most agile member of the Mercedes SUV family. With available 4MATIC full-time four-wheel drive and respectable ground clearance for off-road driving, its optional integrated running boards, roof rack and skid plates emphasize the versatile SUV character of the GLK.

Agility and Comfort

Smaller and lighter than its well-known SUV siblings, the Mercedes-Benz GLK brings a special combination of agility and comfort to the SUV market. Like nearly all Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, the GLK features four-wheel independent suspension worthy of a sports sedan.

Standard Agility Control suspension provides the benefits of both soft and stiff shock absorbers. Each twin-tube shock absorber is fitted with a hydraulic by-pass piston that acts like a very soft shock absorber to effectively dampen road noise and tire vibration. However, over bumpy or uneven roads, the by-pass piston is out of the picture, preserving the outstanding steering and handling response of a stiffer shock absorber.

iPhone 4S and Siri's Voice Integrated on Mercedes-Benz New A-Class

At next month's Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes will show off the next A-Class and with it, its updated COMAND infotainment system. The user interface has undergone a complete overhaul, ditching the black and beige color scheme for a sharp, modern, three-dimensional design and a range of new features and functions, nearly all of which are centered on the iPhone 4S.

More intriguingly, Mercedes is the first automaker to support and integrate Apple's Siri voice-recognition technology, allowing users to make appointments, send text messages and emails, get weather status and access all their songs through voice commands.

While all these features will be limited to the Euro-only A-Class at first, Mercedes says that the iPhone-integrated COMAND Online suite of services will be coming to the B-, C- and E-Class models this fall. Hit the jump for the full details.Continue reading Mercedes-Benz integrates iPhone, Siri into all-new A-Class

Mercedes-Benz integrates iPhone, Siri into all-new A-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST.

Apple has often been called, for better and sometimes for worse, the luxury automobile of personal computers. Now it seems that metaphor has influenced reality as Mercedes-Benz has announced plans to integrate the iPhone and Siri's voice control functions into its new A-Class vehicle, according to a PSFK report.

iPhone 4S Features on Mercedes-Benz new A-Class

The Mercedes-Benz new A-Class vehicle will seamlessly merge iPhone 4S functions into the car's in-vehicle display via Daimler's Digital DriveStyle App and COMAND Online multimedia system. While docked in the car, the iPhone 4S will receive an automatic charge and offer access to the device's content as well as social networking applications, including Facebook and Twitter.

The new Digital DriveStyle app allows drivers to stream AUPEO! radio (Europe's equivalent to Pandora), connect with Facebook and Twitter to read out status updates, find your car in a crowded parking lot and get real-time traffic data and point-of-interest searches through a new Garmin navigation system. All of which is available with the entry-level "Audio 20" setup.

But the biggest win here for Apple is the fact that Mercedes-Benz is the first carmaker to offer Siri as a part of its voice control systems. Using Siri, drivers will be able to send SMS text messages and emails while traveling, check location and weather, schedule appointments on-the-go, as well as select from the full menu of music available on their iPhone 4S. This hands-free, mobile control of a device that many consider their primary computer gives us our first real glimpse at what traveling with a virtual assistant feels like.