Genuine Accessories and Mercedes-Benz Collection for the new S-Class: Fine objects for the luxury lounge

The Genuine Accessories range and the Mercedes-Benz Collection for the new S-Class comprise a host of high-quality products. They include, for example, a couple of dozen or so different 17 to 20-inch light-alloy wheels. Specific charging cradles and docking stations are available for more than a dozen smartphones, among them a model for the iPhone� 5. Mercedes-Benz apps such as the useful car park search feature likewise optionally extend the function of the COMAND Online system. Like the Morningstar Finance and news apps, the car park finder can be downloaded from the Mercedes-Benz App Shop at shop.mercedes-benz.de. Other highlights are the four interior fragrances developed in collaboration with the renowned perfume specialist Marc vom Ende, as well as attractive products for car and office.

An optional feature for the new S-Class is a fragrancing system which can be individually activated or deactivated. The intensity of the fragrance can be adjusted in three stages. The standard fragrance on delivery is FREESIDE MOOD. This and three other interior perfumes are available as genuine accessory items in attractive 15 ml glass flacons. To describe the fragrances briefly:

- FREESIDE MOOD: The middle notes combine elements of citrus and tea, which are elegantly refined with floral overtones. Hints of cedarwood, patchouli and ambergris provide the supporting base note. All in all this is a very well-rounded and harmonious fragrance.

- NIGHTLIFE MOOD: Wood notes are lifted by an overtone of cool spices such as cardamom and pink pepper. An additional touch of aldehyde provides for a discreet aroma of cognac. A base of incense, ambergris and vanilla complements the wood notes to create a mood of soft, supple elegance.

- DOWNTOWN MOOD: Jasmine and lilac make for a light floral tone over warm musk, ambergris and a touch of cashmere. Top notes of magnolia and rosewood provide an element of freshness, while peach brings softness and a metallic effect sows confusion.

- SPORTS MOOD: The fragrance is based on the harmony between lime blossom and fresh, light green leaves. At the heart of the fragrance, the lime blossom is caressed by light floral scents such as magnolia, gardenia and violets, while the green top note brings lightness and sparkle with hints of grapefruit and watermelon. The whole is embedded on a base note of soft, spicy moss.

Tailor-made transport solutions

The carrying capacity of the S-Class can be further increased with genuine accessories: a collapsible rear-mounted cycle rack for the trailer coupling is available, for example, to facilitate the transportation of two or three bicycles. As a practical feature, an ingenious pull-out mechanism allows continued use of the boot.

Those who prefer to transport items on the vehicle's roof can combine the Alustyle basic carrier with the very light New Alustyle cycle rack, for example.

With the EASY-PACK convenience box smaller objects can be securely stowed in the boot so that they do not slide around. A special roll-out mechanism allows its capacity to be varied between 7 and 55 litres, while the permissible load is up to 10 kilograms.

Individual look

The Genuine Accessories range comprises a wide variety of light-alloy wheels, including several high-sheen variants that offer the additional appeal of an interesting contrast between the apparently bare metal surface and the painted areas. The highlights include a 50.8 cm (20-inch) 10-spoke wheel with high-sheen finish in palladium silver, as well as a 48.3 cm (19-inch) 5-spoke wheel with a high-sheen finish in tremolite metallic.

It is also possible to individualise the overall look of the car by adding a white- illuminated door sill panel^[1] or a very easily fitted rear spoiler, which has the added advantage of not needing to be registered in the vehicle documents.

If a sporty exterior is what you're after, the S-Class's dynamic appeal can be further emphasised with Genuine Accessories from AMG. The products available include for example the AMG bodystyling elements front apron, side sill panels and rear apron along with forged wheels with a high-sheen rim flange.

The Genuine Accessories for the new S-Class are available from authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers now. Further information is available at http://www.mercedes-benz-accessories.com/s-class.

Fine things for car and office

"In car" and "in the office" - with these two categories Mercedes-Benz covers the exclusive requirements of business customers both in the car and at their desks. The products are mostly fabricated in Italy.

A fine wool blanket and an equally fine wool cushion make it even more comfortable to sit in the rear of the new S-Class. Both contain a large percentage of cashmere and their beige colour harmonises with the main interior colours of the new flagship model. The woven jacquard pattern is adorned on each item with Mercedes-Benz braiding. The cushion filling is washable; the cover features mother-of-pearl buttons on the reverse. Blanket and cushion are supplied in a light-coloured satin bag. The blanket measures 130 x 170 cm, the cushion is 40 x 40 cm.

The high-quality products of the "in the office" series carry over the exclusive and comfortable feeling of the S-Class into the office. Mouse pad, pen quiver, desk mat and picture frame feature soft black calfskin cover with patterned ribbing and light-coloured contrasting topstitching in silk beige. The desk mat measures 56 x 49.5 cm.

Available in a limited edition of 1000 is the LAMY 2000 piston fountain pen, "made in Germany" by LAMY exclusively for Mercedes-Benz. The fountain pen is made completely out of stainless steel with a satin matt finish and features a Mercedes star on the cap. The platinum-finished and hand-polished 14-carat gold nib is in the width F (fine). The fountain pen is delivered in a set with an ink pot, in a gift box printed with the Mercedes-Benz logo inside and out.

The tissue box with black calfskin cover, patterned ribbing and light-coloured contrasting topstitching in silk beige likewise makes a thoroughly refined impression. The Mercedes-Benz star and lettering are embossed on a raised leather patch. The inside is lined with velour. The dimensions: 12.7 x 24 x 7.5 cm.

All products from the Mercedes-Benz Collection for the S-Class are available from Mercedes-Benz sales partners.

^[1] Available from the 4th quarter

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

31.6 million US$: auction record price for Mercedes-Benz type W 196 R Silver Arrow

At the �Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale� conducted by British auction house Bonhams on 12 July 2013, all eyes turned to lot number 320: a Mercedes-Benz type W 196 R Grand Prix racing car � an original grand prix car of Juan Manuel Fangio dating from 1954 and to date the only post-war Silver Arrow in private ownership. The hammer fell at 17.5 Million GBP � a record price for an auction car. The vehicle was sold to a so far unidentified telephone bidder who effectively pays 20,896,800 GBP (about 31.6 million US$) including due premiums.

�The result of the auction just goes to show the exceptionally high level of respect enjoyed by historical Mercedes-Benz vehicles among collectors�, said Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic. �We would like to congratulate the unidentified bidder on their purchase and will be only too happy to lend them support � if they so wish � during the next stages of their acquisition.�

In total there are only 10 examples of the 14 vehicles which were previously built of this model still in existence: six W 196 R models belong to the Mercedes-Benz Classic collection, a further three vehicles are in museums in Turin, Vienna and Indianapolis; and the vehicle which was put up for auction in Goodwood, with chassis number 006/54. This vehicle already was the only remaining original Silver Arrow from the post-war period which is in private ownership.

It was at the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow type W 196 R with chassis number 006/54 that Juan Manuel Fangio won the German and Swiss Grand Prix races in 1954. With these victories Fangio laid the foundations for his first Formula 1 World Championship title with Mercedes-Benz. At the same time, the Stuttgart-based brand also celebrated a triumphant return to the sport of Grand Prix with the W 196 R in 1954 .

Prior to the auction, experts from Mercedes-Benz Classic carried out extensive checks on the Silver Arrow, which was donated by the then Daimler-Benz AG to the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu (England) in 1973 and sold by the museum 1980, as part of a manufacturer�s expert report . Based on these detailed checks and the full set of documentation compiled by Mercedes-Benz Classic, the brand historians produced a detailed expert�s report confirming the vehicle�s originality and authenticity. �Our expert�s report means that the new owner need have no uncertainties whatsoever about this racing car�, said Michael Bock. �It fully and unequivocally confirms the history and originality of the vehicle.� The fact that Mercedes-Benz Classic provides such a high level of expertise for collectors and fans of the brand�s historical cars adds to the positive trend in the value of Mercedes-Benz classic vehicles.

Did you know?
The history of the S-Class is the subject of a special exhibition at the Mercedes-Benz Museum which runs until 3 November 2013.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.