New: E 200 Natural Gas Drive and E 220 BlueTEC BlueEFFICIENCY Edition: E-Class � the efficiency class: Superior driving pleasure combined with fuel economy

With the E 200 Natural Gas Drive, Mercedes-Benz is adding a particularly economical and environmentally friendly variant to the E?Class family featuring bivalent drive. It can run on both petrol and affordable, environmentally friendly natural gas. The benefits of running the car on natural gas include a 20 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared with comparable operation using petrol, and half the costs for fuel.

Emitting just 114 grams of CO2 per kilometre, the new E 220 BlueTEC BlueEFFICIENCY Edition also underscores the environmental credentials of the E-Class. The driving dynamics, comfort and pleasure are still as superb as they always were. This special model will be available from Mercedes-Benz partners from September 2013 for the price of EUR 47,272.75. The E 200 NGD will be available from December 2013 for EUR 47,808.25 (all prices including VAT).

The advantages of the E 200 Natural Gas Drive mainly come to the fore when it is running on natural gas. It uses 4.3 kg of natural gas per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 116 g per kilometre. The natural gas mode is also kinder to the environment than petrol or diesel engines thanks to its cleaner exhaust gases. If the new E 200 NGD automatically switches seamlessly to running on petrol because the gas tank is empty, its newly-developed, high-tech, four-cylinder engine needs just 6.3 litres of unleaded petrol (NEDC combined) for every 100 kilometres
driven (CO2 emissions: 147 g per kilometre).

Running the engine on natural gas is also noticeably kinder to your pocket, reducing fuel bills by more 50 percent in comparison to running on petrol. If you drive 20,000 kilometres a year, this saves you more than 1000 euros a year in Germany.

The bivalent drive also offers advantages with respect to the car's range, which is more than 400 kilometres when running on natural gas. As soon as the gas tank becomes empty, the vehicle automatically switches to run on petrol. This boosts the range of the bivalent natural gas model (the only one of its kind in the luxury segment) to more than 1300 kilometres. With the optional 80-litre petrol tank, the E 200 Natural Gas Drive can drive as far as 1600 kilometres without stopping for petrol.

The natural gas is stored securely in three containers � one behind the rear backrest and two under the floor of the boot. Together they hold 121.5 litres (19.5 kg) of natural gas. Despite the additional gas tank, the large boot offers 400 litres of space.

New, high-tech, four-cylinder engine and ECO start/stop function

The heart of the E 200 Natural Gas Drive is the new four-cylinder petrol engine with spray-guided direct injection, part of the BlueDIRECT family of Mercedes?Benz petrol engines. The engine generates an output of 115 kW (156 hp) and maximum torque of 270 newton metres at 1250 revolutions per minute. This allows for a highly dynamic driving performance: the vehicle manages the standard sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds, with a top speed of 220 km/h.

Also on board: an ECO start/stop system that adds to the efficiency of the drive system, which allowed us to reduce consumption by 1.2 kg of natural gas per 100 kilometres in comparison to the predecessor model. This is an improvement of more than 20 percent. In natural gas mode the E 200 Natural Gas Drive qualifies for the efficiency class A+, or B when running on petrol. In both cases the vehicle already meets the EU6 standard valid from 2015.

E 220 BlueTEC BlueEFFICIENCY Edition: special model with top values for CO2 emissions

The drive system of the E 220 BlueTEC BlueEFFICIENCY Edition uses the Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder diesel engine with direct injection. It is extremely fuel-efficient, but still manages to generate 125 kW (170 hp) with an engine displacement of 2143 cubic centimetres. It also provides staggering torque of 400 Nm. Among other things, these qualities can be attributed to the high-tech compression-ignition engine's fourth-generation common-rail technology. The special model's drive package also features a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission that has been optimised with respect to driving comfort and consumption, as well as an ECO start/stop function.

Other fine tuning includes low-resistance tyres on 16 or 17-inch wheels, the lowering of the chassis by up to 15 millimetres and a radiator blind that directs the flow of air as required and thus improves aerodynamics. The upshot of these measures: 4.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined). That corresponds to CO2 emissions of 114 grams per kilometre, beating all other cars in its segment. As a result, the new special model of the Mercedes-Benz E?Class (which already meets the future Euro 6 emissions standard) has been assigned to the best efficiency class (A+).

The E 220 BlueTEC BlueEFFICIENCY Edition proves that ecology and temperament can go hand-in-hand, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and reaching a top speed of 227 km/h.

The new special model is available in all of the equipment lines provided for the E-Class, and can also be combined with any equipment package.

Credits: Daimler AG

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

Mercedes-Benz at the IAA Frankfurt 2013: Impressive fleet of dream cars

Between 12th and 22nd September, the city of Frankfurt am Main will held the most eagerly awaited motor show in the automotive industry. Mercedes-Benz will bring to the location an entire fleet of brand new models that will stir the imagination of media and car enthusiasts.

- The new S-Class makes its first official public premiere at Frankfurt. You can read more interesting articles on the 222 model generation of the luxury flagship from Mercedes-Benz in our special section --> HERE .

- The new S 500 Plug-In Hybrid (or Hybrid Plus, as it will allegedly be called) will too be unveiled at the IAA 2013 (more details --> HERE).

- The new S 63 AMG boasting V8 BITURBO and a staggering 585 hp will be another highlight at the Mercedes-Benz stand (more details --> HERE).

- Then will be the turn of the all new GLA-Class compact crossover to celebrate its world premiere during the show (more details --> HERE).

- Last, but not least, Mercedes-Benz will present a concept car that previews the new generation C 217 S-Class Coupe (more details --> HERE). The series production car is set to be unveiled next year at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

For an easy reach of all the articles related to the IAA Frankfurt 2013, we have created the special search tag '�aa2013' and the special section 'IAA Frankfurt 2013', both aimed to guide you towards the information you desire to read. Enjoy!

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

The new S-Class in model car form: The S-Class excels on a small scale too

Perfection down to the finest detail is one of the many trend-setting qualities of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. And it is a standard which is also met by the high-quality miniatures now available as part of the Mercedes-Benz Collection in scales of 1:87, 1:43 and 1:18. Created in conjunction with renowned manufacturers Herpa, Schuco and Norev, the collectors' models are initially available exclusively from Mercedes sales and service outlets and Mercedes dealerships, the Mercedes Museum and also the online shop.

The S-Class in a scale of 1:18 has been assembled by hand by Norev from more than 145 individual parts. The model is based on the S 500 with long wheelbase and measures around 29 centimetres. Its equipment highlights include a panoramic sliding sunroof, LED Intelligent Light System and also multi-spoke light-alloy wheels. The doors, bonnet and boot lid can all be opened. The interior features a high-quality printed finish and all interior details have been faithfully reproduced. With a First-Class rear suite, folding table and Individual Entertainment System with screens in the rear, the S 500 is luxuriously appointed. The model car is available in blue anthracite, iridium silver and diamond white metallic BRIGHT for 79.90 euros ^[1]. Gloves are also included.

The 1:43-scale S-Class from Schuco is also based on an S 500 with long wheelbase and also a panoramic sliding sunroof, LED Intelligent Light System, multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, First-Class rear suite and Individual Entertainment System in the rear. Measuring around twelve centimetres in length, the hand-assembled model comprises more than 55 individual parts. It is available in the paint finishes diamond silver, diamond white metallic BRIGHT and magnetite black. All of the interior details have been faithfully reproduced and the interior features high-quality printing. The Schuco model comes mounted on a printed plinth in a presentation case and costs 29.90 euros.

The S-Class from Herpa produced in a scale of 1:87 is available in blue anthracite, diamond white metallic BRIGHT and magnetite black. Measuring around 5.8 centimetres, the model car comprises more than 26 individual parts and also features a high-quality, highly detailed interior. This collectors' piece also comes with a printed plinth and presentation case. Price: 15.90 euros.

^[1] All prices are recommended retail prices for Germany including 19% VAT

Credits: Daimler AG

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

REPORT: The new S 65 AMG scheduled for unveiling in spring 2014

It came to our attention that Mercedes-Benz will add the S 65 AMG high-performance limousine to the new S-Class portfolio beginning with the spring of next year.

The outrageous S-Class sports saloon will be powered by a thoroughly revised M279 12-cylinder twin-turbo engine with a maximum displacement of 6.0 litres. This unit is already known from the new SL 65 AMG where it develops a staggering peak output of 630 hp and an impressive torque of 1000 Nm. However, we expect some increased performance for the new S 65 AMG, so the new numbers should sound like this: 650 hp and around 1200 - 1250 Nm.

Most of the innovations that debuted on the S-Class will be standard equipment on the S 65 AMG, including the exquisite MAGIC BODY CONTROL. The car will be offered solely in RWD configuration, with the great amount of torque being handled out with the help of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT gearbox. Consumption values don't matter for such a car, but it appears it will do 100 km using 11.6 litres of petrol. If you intend to have the new S 65 AMG in your personal garage, then you will have prepare 200,000 euros to purchase one.

Note: The new S 63 AMG pictured.

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

SPY: The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class XL (X 222) conquers the European roads

Mercedes-Benz will develop a consistent luxury range on the basis of the new S-Class. After the SWB (W 222) and LWB (V 222) versions were premiered in May at Hamburg, the Germans will launch a third model - the extralong wheelbase (XLWB) S-Class (X 222), nicknamed "XL".

According to reports, Mercedes-Benz decided to name the new model as the S-Class Grand. Compared to the other body variants, this one will have a total length of near 5.5 meters. To compensate the increased measures, designers had to enlarge the rear doors and also a visible third, triangular window on each side.

The new S-Class Grand is set to arrive next year, in April, and it is directly addressed to the wealthy clients from the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, the Middle East and China. The two passengers that will seat on the rear couch will be the most privileged given the consistent array of comfort features the car will offer them, such as various functions for massage, heating and ventilation, reclining possibilities, a refrigerator, Wi-Fi internet access and more.

It is important to know that the S-Class Grand has nothing in common with the S-Class Pullman that will be unveiled in 2015, will sport a dramatically different exterior design, a 2+2+2 seating structure inside, near six meters in length, more state-of-the-art technology than the standard S-Class models and will compete with the Bentley Continental Flying Spur and Rolls-Royce Ghost.

Moving back to the X 222 models, they will be recognizable through the modified lamella grille, as you can see, identical to that on the upcoming S 500 Plug-In Hybrid (see HERE). Power will come from both the current 4.7-litre 455 hp V8 unit and a new V12 engine, engineered by AMG, and capable of producing around 550 hp - 600 hp. The 12-cylinder S 600 model will feature quad design for the exhaust pipes. When introduced on the market towards the end of 2014, the new S-Class Grand should display a starting price tag of around 150,000 euros in Germany.

Image Credits: Gmotors.co.uk / Autoevolution / Worldcarfans

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