Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH at the Frankfurt International Motor Show

The Mercedes-Benz Accessories stand at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (12 to 22 September 2013) centres around a Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 which has been fitted with Mercedes-Benz Sport Equipment and other Genuine Accessories to demonstrate how products from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH can add a high-quality, individual touch. A scale model of the SLS AMG GT3, specially designed for the IAA, will also be available at the stand, along with other miniatures.

Under the label Mercedes-Benz Sport Equipment, Mercedes-Benz offers a portfolio of elegant and sporty products designed to add individual appeal. The Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 on display at the motor show demonstrates the range of enhancements that can be made. Equipment details which suggest future individualisation ideas for the CLA, include the "Road & Track" decal kit: the door of the CLA features a large starting number 1 and a broad, decorative stripe in red/grey, the traditional Mercedes-Benz motor racing colours, runs along the centre of the car.

Other eye-catching details of the four-door coup� include carbon fibre-style exterior mirror housings, front apron spoiler lip and rear spoiler plus red-painted brake callipers. The CLA is also equipped with the Styling Package Night, which includes black window surrounds and black shoulderline trip strips. The car is fitted with 18-inch two-tone 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels. The rims are painted in matt black and the rim flange is red. The front wings of the CLA feature a Sport badge.

In the interior illuminated door sill panels with Sport lettering, a leather sports steering wheel, sports pedals in brushed stainless steel and Sport floor mats create a special ambience. In combination with the "Digital DriveStyle" app, the Drive Kit Plus � which will shortly also be compatible with the iPhone� 5 � allows seamless integration of the iPhone� on board.

For further information about Mercedes-Benz Sport Equipment, go to http://sport.mercedes-benz.com .

"Always on" and illuminated star exhibits

Visitors to the Motor Show can try out the Drive Kit Plus and the "Digital DriveStyle" app on an online terminal and experience just how easy they are to use. Another highlight at the 139 square metre Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH stand is the "Illuminated star" exhibit. The illuminated Mercedes star emblem, currently available for six model series ^[1] , has been housed in a dark box in the wall to simulate its distinctive effect at night. When fitted on a vehicle, fibre optic cables and LED technology illuminate the central star emblem in the radiator grille every time the vehicle is locked or unlocked using remote control and whenever the doors or boot are opened. The Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 on show at the stand also features an illuminated central star emblem.

Extremely accurate replicas: model cars

The special model cars are a must for collectors. A limited-edition scale 1:18 model of the SLS AMG GT3 has been specially created for the IAA. The model, produced by specialist model manufacturer Minichamps, is made up of 88 parts, painted in matt black and features poison green details. It is available in a limited edition of 197 and costs 249.00 euros ^[2] .

Two miniature A-Class models are also available featuring Mercedes-Benz Sport Equipment. The scale 1:18 models, hand-assembled by Norev from over 100 individual parts, cost 69.90 euros. The polar silver variant is available in a limited edition of 2000 and features extensive Sport Equipment from the Mercedes-Benz Accessories range: front apron spoiler lip, diffuser-look rear apron trim, roof spoiler, high-gloss black exterior mirrors, chromed front/rear trim, diamond radiator grille, sports brake system, rear silencer, decal kit, Sport badge and 18-inch twin-spoke two-tone wheels. "Mercedes-Benz Sport Equipment" and the start number are also printed on the decorative packaging. The mountain grey variant is fitted with Sport Equipment too, but has a black radiator grille and shoulderline trim strip.

^[1] M-Class, GL-Class, E-Class, CLS-Class, C-Class, GLK-Class
^[2] All prices: recommended retail price incl. 19% VAT, valid for Germany

Credits: Daimler AG

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

IAA Frankfurt 2013: LIVE Webcast at 08.45 AM (GMT) / 10.45 AM (CEST) !!!

Here you can watch the live webcast of the Mercedes-Benz press conference at the IAA Frankfurt 2013 starting in less than a minute. Stay tuned, hit play and enjoy watching! :)


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

Pioneering achievement: Mercedes-Benz S-Class INTELLIGENT DRIVE drives autonomously in the tracks of Bertha Benz

The S-Class INTELLIGENT DRIVE is a complete breakthrough in the automotive world, as it is first fully autonomous car to have made a journey out in the real world traffic conditions on its own, on rural and urban roads and in different road situations. The Mercedes-Benz luxury model equipped with state-of-the-art technology covered the legendary 103 kilometres trip between Mannheim and Pforzheim, which brings memories of the first-ever journey in a motorized vehicle made by Bertha Benz back in 1888.


Read more about this great achievement from Mercedes-Benz in the press release document --> HERE !

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Comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment: New S-Class awarded Environmental Certificate

With three development priorities focusing on "Intelligent Drive", "Efficient Technology" and "Essence of Luxury", the new S-Class is broadening technical horizons at many levels. The S-Class sets new standards in terms of efficiency too. Its high environmental compatibility has now been confirmed by the neutral inspectors from the T�V S�d technical inspection authority, who have awarded the Mercedes-Benz Saloon the Environmental Certificate in accordance with ISO standard TR 14062. The award is based on a comprehensive life-cycle assessment of the S-Class, documenting every detail of relevance for the environment.

"The new S-Class achieves consumption and emissions values that were little more than a dream just a few years ago, even for a mid-size car," explains Professor Dr Herbert Kohler, Chief Environmental Officer at Daimler AG. "In comparison with the predecessor series, consumption has been reduced by up to 20 percent, and all models lead their respective classes in terms of efficiency. The CO2 emissions of the S 400 HYBRID have been cut from 186 g CO2/km to 147 g CO2/km compared with the previous model."

Mercedes-Benz analyses the environmental compatibility of its models across their entire life cycle � from production through long years of service to end-of-life recycling. This analysis goes far beyond the legal requirements. The Environmental Certificate and supplementary information are made available to the public as part of the "Life Cycle" documentation series, which can be accessed at http://www.mercedes-benz.com . In 2005, the S-Class became the first-ever vehicle to be awarded the Environmental Certificate from T�V S�d. This tradition is being successfully continued with the new 2013 S-Class.

All models comply with the EURO 6 emissions standard. The S 400 HYBRID and the S 350 BlueTEC additionally meet the strict criteria of efficiency class A, with the S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID even qualifying for class A+.

Wide range of hybrids, greater use of recycled materials

The fuel efficiency benefits of the new S-Class are ensured by an intelligent package of measures. These include optimisation of the drive system, energy management, aerodynamics, tyres, weight reductions through lightweight construction techniques and driver information to encourage an energy-saving driving style.

Hybrids represent a further milestone on the road to zero-emission mobility. With the new S-Class, Mercedes-Benz is expanding its line-up in this model series to three models: S 400 HYBRID, S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID and S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID. Common to all second-generation hybrid drives is their seamless integration into the powertrain. The engine can be completely decoupled from the electric motor. Further features are the second-generation recuperative braking system and the anticipatory Intelligent HYBRID energy management system.

Even though recycling is still a long way off for new S-Class models, the development process took account of all the requirements for environmentally compatible end-of-life recycling. In an effort already today to build up and develop the markets for recycled materials, increased use was made of such materials in the production of the new S-Class. In total, the new S-Class includes 51 components weighing a total of 49.7 kilograms that can be produced with the partial use of high-quality recycled plastics. The weight of secondary raw material components could thus be increased by 134 percent compared with the predecessor series.

There is also an increased emphasis on closed automobile materials cycles: the wheel arch linings, for example, are made from such materials as reprocessed bumper coverings. Some 87 S-Class components with a total weight of 46.1 kilograms are produced using natural materials. For instance, the coverings for the driver and front-passenger seat backrests are made of coconut fibre and wool.

Credits: Daimler AG

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

The New S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID: The S-Class as a three litres per 100 kilometres car

The third hybrid model of the new S-Class, the S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID, sets new benchmarks with regard to efficiency as well as drive-system and climate comfort. With 69 g CO2 per kilometre (3 litres/100 km) the S-Class sets a new benchmark for luxury saloons that just a few years ago was thought virtually impossible. The 80-kW electric drive with externally rechargeable battery makes emission-free driving for about 30 km possible. It is combined with the new 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged engine. Mercedes-Benz will present the S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). The market launch will be next year.

The S 400 HYBRID was the first in the world to feature a standard-specification hybrid drive system with lithium-ion battery in 2009. With the new S-Class Mercedes-Benz expands the hybrid line-up in this model series to three models: the S 400 HYBRID, S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID and S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID. All second-generation hybrid drive systems share the seamless integration into the powertrain. The combustion engine can be completely decoupled from the electric motor. Further features are the second-generation recuperative braking system and the anticipatory Intelligent HYBRID energy management system.

"With the S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID Mercedes-Benz sets another milestone on the road to emission-free mobility on the basis of our modular hybrid matrix", explains Prof Dr Thomas Weber, responsible on the Daimler Board of Management for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Product Engineering. "In this way the S-Class turns into a genuine three-litre car with generous space and superlative drive-system comfort."

While the batteries of the S 400 HYBRID and S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID as autonomous hybrids are charged during braking or coasting or by the combustion engine, the new high-voltage lithium-ion battery of the S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID has ten times the energy content and offers the option of being recharged from an external source with a charging socket located on the right side of the rear bumper. With the help of the electric synchronous motor (80 kW/340 Nm) the S-Class can thus drive for up to around 30 kilometres on electric power alone.

Four hybrid operating modes can be selected at the push of a button:

- HYBRID
- E-MODE: electric power only
- E-SAVE: fully charged battery is reserved to be able to drive on electric power alone later
- CHARGE: battery is charged while driving

Under the conditions specified by the certification rules the S-Class as a full hybrid generates 69 g CO2 per kilometre. With consumption equivalent to 3 litres per 100 kilometres the S-Class sets a new benchmark for luxury saloons that just a few years ago was thought virtually impossible. It delivers these top values without restrictions in power, passenger comfort or operating range and offers a high level of climate comfort thanks to the pre-entry climate control functions.

The most important benchmark data of the S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID:

- Power output of 245 kW of the combustion engine plus 80-kW electric motor and torque of 480 Nm of the combustion engine plus 340 Nm of the electric motor
- Overall consumption (NEDC) 69 g CO2/km (3.0 l/100 km)
- Operating range on electric power alone about 30 km
- Top speed 250 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 5.5 sec.
- Intelligent HYBRID: anticipatory energy management system with optimal use of recuperation during deceleration
- Individualisation possible as the result of the combination of the transmission modes with the four hybrid operating modes � HYBRID, E?MODE, E-SAVE and CHARGE.
- Haptic accelerator pedal for superior vehicle control: A point of resistance on the accelerator pedal provides feedback about the activation of the combustion engine and helps in metering the power output.
- Fast external charging of the high-voltage traction battery
- Pre-entry climate control of the interior

Intelligent HYBRID: anticipatory energy management system

The second-generation S-Class hybrids feature an anticipatory energy management system and thereby improve energy efficiency. The operating strategy of the hybrid drive system not only accounts for the current driving condition and driver input, but also adjusts to the likely route (inclines, downhill stretches, bends or speed limits) for the next eight kilometres. Intelligent HYBRID uses the navigation data from COMAND Online to manage the charging and discharging of the high-voltage battery. The goal is, for example, to use the energy content of the battery for propulsion ahead of a downhill stretch in order to recharge it while going downhill using recuperation.

Recuperative braking system: the electric motor as alternator

The largest potential for lowering the energy consumption of hybrid drive systems lies in maximising energy recovery during coasting and braking. Upon depressing the brake pedal the deceleration is initially effected by the electric motor and not by the disc brakes. The new S-Class is the first to use a recuperative braking system (RBS) of the second generation. It ensures an unnoticeable overlapping of the conventional mechanical brakes and the electric braking performance of the electric motor in alternator mode.

The driver's desired braking power is recorded by a pedal-travel sensor. The deceleration is dependent on the driving condition and is split into a recuperative brake-force portion and a portion to be supplied by the wheel brakes. The brake pressure on the rear axle is controlled by the RBS dependent on the current recuperation potential of the powertrain.

In addition, the combustion engine is switched off any time the vehicle is coasting and its drag torque when rolling is used by the electric motor as recuperation torque. However, without depressing the brake pedal no additional deceleration torque is provided for charging the battery and the vehicle can "sail". The combustion engine is to be used for charging the battery as little as possible and only at suitable and most efficient operating points.

Hybrid pioneer in the luxury segment

The world's first standard-specification hybrid drive with lithium-ion battery debuted at Mercedes-Benz as early as 2009: the S 400 HYBRID was the most fuel-efficient petrol-powered luxury saloon for a long time. And the most successful hybrid in its segment: some 20,000 buyers worldwide opted for the S 400 HYBRID.

With the new S-Class Mercedes-Benz now continues its comprehensive hybrid offensive. In the S 400 HYBRID and S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID there are already two hybrids of the new S-Class to choose from:

>> The new S 400 HYBRID burns just 6.3 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres in the NEDC cycle (combined). This represents a reduction by 20 per cent over the predecessor. CO2 emissions of 147 grams per kilometre also represent a new record in this vehicle segment. These exemplary figures go hand in hand with outstanding performance potential: the petrol engine develops 225 kW (306 hp), while the electric motor adds another 20 kW (27 hp). The torque of the combustion engine is 370 Nm plus 250 Nm from the electric motor.

>> In the S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID Mercedes-Benz has combined the 2.2?litre four-cylinder diesel engine developing 150 kW (204 hp) with the powerful hybrid module developing 20 kW (27 hp). The peak torque of 500 Nm produced by the combustion engine is overlaid by the 250 Nm of peak torque produced by the electric motor. The S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID makes do with 4.4 litres per 100 km in the combined cycle (CO2: 115 g/km) and complies with the criteria for energy efficiency class A+. Consequently Mercedes-Benz has, over the course of ten years, nearly cut fuel consumption in the 150-kW performance class by half.

Credits: Daimler AG

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

REPORT: Mercedes-Benz plans a Sportcoupe version for the future C-Class

The German constructor is growing faster than ever these days. With the impressive momentum brought by the new compact car lineup and the forthcoming portfolio on luxury models based on the recently unveiled S-Class, Mercedes-Benz will further build a solid advantage when the future C-Class generation gets revealed in 2014. Rumors already suggest plans to add a fifth variant for the 205 model series - the Sportcoupe.

This title has already been used in the past as well, when the 203 generation of the C-Class also comprised a hatchback version which, unfortunately, was far from being a sales success. In fact, the car was notorious for its construction faults and the lack of premium feel. But this a closed chapter from a dark period for Mercedes-Benz.

The future C-Class Sportcoupe (V 205 ??) is anything but a flop. Built as a combination between a sedan, a wagon and a coupe (sounds pretty familiar to the CLS Shooting Brake), the new addition to the C-Class family will sport dynamical proportions, a long roofline extending towards the back and general fastback shape with five doors for increased practicality.

Inside, the car will offer more room for its passengers and their luggage as well as an extra dose of uniqueness. Mercedes-Benz intends to market this new model as a lifestyle automobile that offers both comfort, luxury and agility. The overall length will exceed that of the limousine (W 205), whereas the height will be lower than that of its direct competitors - the BMW 3er GT and the Audi A5 Sportback.

Expect the C-Class Sportcoupe to be released sometime in 2016, as it still waits for an imminent production approval from the Daimler Board of Management. The technical package, with all the major novelties, will come from the 205 series. Alongside the standard RWD traction, the 4MATIC system will be offered on the high-end variants as an option, like the new 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox. The standard engine variants will start with the 184 hp C 200 and go straight to the 333 hp C 400 range-topping model. An AMG-powered variant is also possibile from 2017 - in this case, power will come from the new twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 unit rated at 462 hp. The starting price should be around 5,000 euros above the W 205 C-Class.

Illustration: Autobild

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