New Mercedes C250 CDI BluEFFICIENCY: 45.2mpg and 0 to 62mph in 7.0’’

Mercedes-Benz has developed a completely new turbo diesel engine generation that will make its world premiere on a C-Class model at the Paris Auto Show. In the limited production C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition, the 4-cylinder 2.2-liter diesel produces an output of 204 hp and a massive 500Nm or 368 lb-ft of torque. Combined to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the premiere model can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 7.0 sec and on to a top speed of 250 km/h (155mph).

Despite the impressive performance figures –especially for a diesel engine with just 2.2-liters of displacement, the C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition consumes an average of just 5.2 litres of fuel per 100 km (NEDC), with CO2 emissions of 138 g/km. Apart from the C-Class, the new diesel engine will also be installed in the E-Class, in the new GLK-Class and in the future E-Class Coupe. -Continued

In the case of the premier model, production of the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition will be limited to 5,000 units with prices in Germany starting from €40,638. The special edition sedan will be offered in obsidian black, palladium silver, iridium silver and in the special paint finish diamond white metallic.

Special features of the Prime Edition include airflow-enhancing exterior-mirror housings as well as smooth underbody cladding, low rolling resistance tires, and a an efficient energy-management system with adaptive power steering, which with the help of an additional valve, closes the flow of the power-steering pump when it is not required.

New Mercedes-Benz GLK Unofficially Revealed

The first images and details of the production Mercedes-Benz GLK were leaked into the internet this morning, prior to the compact SUV’s scheduled debut at this week’s Beijing Auto Show (20 – 28 April). Based on a modified version of C-Class platform the GLK will compete with the BMW X3, Land Rover Freelander, Infiniti EX, Volvo XC60 and the forthcoming Audi Q5 in the premium compact SUV segment.

The GLK’s “edgy” appearance that’s inspired from the larger GL holds no surprises as we already got a taste of it through the pre-production version at the Detroit and Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. The “edgy” styling theme is also continued in the premium SUV’s cabin, which to be honest, isn’t exactly what we'd call awe inspiring...

The 4.528 mm / 178.2 in. long GLK will be initially offered with the choice of four engine options: the gasoline-powered GLK 280 (231Hp 3.0-liter V6) and GLK 350 (272Hp 3.5-liter V6) and the diesel-powered GLK 220 CDI (170Hp 2.1-liter 4cylinder) and GLK 320 CDI (224Hp 3.0-liter V6). All versions will come with Mercedes-Benz’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission as standard. -26 Images after the jump

2009 Mercedes-Benz GLK Caught During The Filming Of The Sex & The City Movie!

Oh boy, I hope none of my ex-girlfriends are reading this; I just voluntarily wasted five minutes of my life watching scenes from the filming of the 'Sex & The City - The Movie'. But alas; it was for a good cause as I was tipped from a female friend of mine (it would be strange if it were a man…) that the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLK can be seen in the beginning of the clip. Apparently, the GLK is making a promotional appearance in the film, though to be honest, that could be a good enough reason for many people not to buy it… From what we’ve heard, the Mercedes’ compact SUV will make it’s public debut at the 2008 Detroit Show in January.

New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate Officially Revealed: 50 High-Res Photos

Mercedes-Benz has officially pulled the wraps off its all-new 2010 E-Class Estate that will be joining the sedan and coupe variants of the executive model from this November. Measuring 4,895 mm in length, 1,854 mm in width and 1,471 mm in height is not only larger than the outgoing model, but also the largest estate car in the premium segment. It boasts a maximum load capacity of 1,950 liters along while other features include the 'easy-pack' tailgate that opens automatically and the 'quickfold' rear seats that can be folded down easily from the load compartment.

The E-Class Estate's interior also benefits from the larger exterior dimensions as the elbow width in the rear has been increased by 50 mm to 1,505 mm while rear headroom with the large tilting/sliding sunroof installed has also improved by 50 mm to 1,010 mm (versions with no sunroof 1,012 mm).

Like any other model from the Stuttgart automaker, the E-Class Estate is showered with safety and technology features such as nine airbags that can be increased to 11 if customers opt for the extra rear passenger side airbags, four belt tensioners and belt force limiters, NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints and a newly developed DIRECT CONTROL self-leveling suspension, which features the adaptive damping system as standard.

The engine line-up for the new Estate at launch will comprise of five units, three diesels producing between 170HP and 231HP, and two gasoline engines with up to 388HP. In the first quarter of 2010, Mercedes will enhance the range with five more model including the AWD E350 4MATIC. For more details on the engine line-up as well as initial German pricing, check out the box below.

2009 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID: First Production Car with Lithium-Ion Batteries

Mercedes-Benz has released further details on its first production model equipped with a hybrid drive system, the S400 BlueHYBRID that will go on sale in Europe in June 2009 with China and the USA following in August and September 2009 respectively. Based on the S350, the S400 BlueHYBRID combines a modified 279HP 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine and an electric motor generating 20 HP and a starting torque of 160 Nm or 118-lbs/ft that’s installed in the torque converter housing between the engine and the 7-speed automatic transmission. The result is a combined output of 299 HP and a combined maximum torque of 385 Nm or 283-lbs/ft. -Continued

Quite importantly (and unless someone beats the Germans to it), the S400 BlueHYBIRD will be the first series-production model to be equipped with a lithium-ion battery. The advantages over conventional nickel/metal hydride batteries include a higher energy density and better electrical efficiency, together with more compact dimensions and a lower weight.

What’s more important to consumers is that the battery pack is installed in the engine compartment, where it replaces the conventional starter battery. This means that the interior space and boot capacity of the S400 remain unchanged. Additionally, thanks to its compact dimensions and modular design, the additional weight of the overall hybrid system including the comprehensive safety systems is only 75 kg or 165 lbs.

As with most hybrids today, when the vehicle is braked the electric motor acts as a generator, and is able to recover braking energy which is then stored in lithium-ion battery pack and made available when required. The hybrid module also has a start/stop function, which switches the engine off when the vehicle is at a standstill- for example at traffic lights. When it's time to move on, the electric motor restarts the main power unit.

According to Merc’s official figures, the S400 BlueHYBRID accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.2 sec, and reaches an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h or 155 mph. More importantly, the S 400 BlueHYBRID betters the average fuel consumption figure of the conventionally powered S350 by up to 2.2 lt /100 km, at 7.9 lt /100 km (29.8 MPG US) and CO2 emissions by 21 percent at 190 gr /km.

Want to Drive the 2011 Mercedes SLS AMG Gulwing Supercar? Read On...

In a classic example of how press departments often miss the point / opportunity when it comes to marketing their own products and services, somewhere after the sixth paragraph in the release on the U.S. launch of the AMG academy this fall, Mercedes states: "Drivers attending the AMG Driving Academy Stage One at Laguna Seca Raceway from November 17-20 will have the opportunity to be among the very first to drive the most technologically advanced AMG ever – the all-new 2011 SLS AMG." Jeez, that should have been marked with big bold letters right in the title...

But anyways. For those of you residing in the States who are interested in test driving one of the most anticipated supercars of the year at the Laguna Seca race track, you'll have to sign up (see info below) for Merc's Stage 1 SLS program that demands a fee of $2,295 (roughly €1,650) which includes a one night stand stay at the InterContinental Hotel in Monterey.

Mercedes also offers two more programs for its AMG Driving Academy across three race tracks at Lime Rock Park, CT (September 9-15), Laguna Seca Raceway at Monterey, CA (November 7-8 & 17-20) and Palm Beach International Raceway at West Palm Beach, FL (September 22-27).

Aside from the aforementioned Stage 1 SLS, there's the one-day Stage I program designed to educate drivers on the fundamentals of performance driving dynamics and car control maneuvers (it'll cost you $1,895) and the Stage II which is a more comprehensive two-day program providing a deeper level of technical driver training, on and off the track. The latter costs $3,495 and is offered only to drivers that have completed Stage I or as Mercedes states, 'an equivalent course'.

Drivers attending these courses will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of several AMG models including the all-new 2010 E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63 AMG, SLK55 AMG and the CLK63 AMG Black Series.

The fees mentioned above include a dinner reception, AMG Driving Academy certificate of program completion and an AMG gift bag. However, bear in mind that travel expenses and accommodations (expect for the Stage 1 SLS drive) are not included. If you want to learn more about the programs head over to AMG Academy'sdedicated site or if you're the kind of person that prefers talking on the phone, you can contact Mercedes at 1-800-217-6916.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG: 27 High-Res Photos and Official Info

Stuttgart's BMW M5 and Audi RS6 rival was officially revealed today ahead of the sport saloon's world premiere at the New York Auto Show, open to the public April 10-19, 2009 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. At the heart of the new E63 AMG is a 6.3-liter V8 engine packing 525-horspower and a peak torque of 630Nm or for the U.S. spec model, 518HP and 465 lb.-ft. torque. The engine is hooked up to a new 7-speed automatic transmission and according to Merc, the E63 AMG accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.5 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h or 155mph.

Not that anyone interested in the E63 AMG cares, but the German automaker claims that despite 11HP of additional output versus the preceding model, fuel consumption in the model has been reduced by around 12 percent to 12.6 lt/100km (18.6mpg US).

To improve handling, the 2010 E63 AMG is equipped with an electronically controlled damping system and a newly developed, dedicated front axle with a 56-millimetre wider track while the rear axle has more negative camber, optimized elastokinematics and a new subframe mounting.

Furthermore, the AMG sports saloon gets a different powering steering system, individual 3-stage ESP and a high-performance braking system with 360-millimetre, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round. The E63 AMG rides on 18-inch light-alloy wheels shod in tire sizes of 255/40 R 18 at the front and 285/35 R 18 at the rear.

As for the car's looks, the AMG model is distinguished on the outside by a somewhat subtle bodykit that consists of a new front bumper, side skirts, a rear apron with an integrated diffuser and tinted headlamps. Likewise, the interior is updated with a new set of sport seats, an AMG steering wheel, revised instrument cluster and a sportier trim.

The market launch of the new E 63 AMG will commence worldwide in August 2009.

First Look at Wald's 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Black Bison Sports Package

No sooner than Wald International showed off the finished Toyota Land Cruiser Black Bison Edition, the crew over at Japan's 'house of styling' revealed their latest Black Bison project in the form of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan (codenamed W212). We've only got a teaser photo to go by for now as the tuning company did not release any information whatsoever. However, expect the Black Bison Edition Sports Line package to include a full body kit, new alloy wheel designs and more likely than not, suspension and brake upgrades as well as interior enhancements.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate Previewed Through Scale Model?

While Mercedes-Benz is trying to keep the prototype models of the next generation E-Class Estate hidden under heavy camouflage, a series of photos depicting a 1:43 die cast model of the car have made their way into various forums on the net. There's no mention of the name of the company that makes the scale model, but the build quality looks pretty high.

And even though there's no way of being 100 percent sure about the accuracy of the design, judging by the numerous spy shots we've seen so far, we'd say that the die-cast model's styling is very darn close to the real-life E-Class Estate that is due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

Mercedes-Benz Presents 2009 CLS Grand Edition

Given the lack of anything truly new to offer, Mercedes-Benz has introduced a special edition version of its recently updated CLS four-door coupe model. The CLS Grand Edition is part of Merc's new factory program called "designo" that offers buyers more exclusive options and differentiation within a model's line-up. In the case of the CLS Grand Edition this means a new platinum matt finish which is allegedly highly scratch- and dirt-resistant. Buyers can also choose from four other colors - obsidian black, iridium silver, carneol red or flint grey.

The additional exterior equipment for the CLSGrand Edition includes Bi-xenon headlamps with dark headlamp casings, new high-sheen AMG18-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels shod with 245/40 R 18 (front) and 275/35 R 18 (rear) tires and a "Grand Edition" insignia on the front wings.

The CLS Grand Edition's interior is distinguished by "designo" leather upholstery in "marron" – with the option of substituting this shade for sand, black, mystic red, porcelain or chablis, roof lining in anthracite Alcantara, together with the standard-fit tilting/sliding glass roof and trim elements in high-quality laurel wood that can be ordered with either a matt or a high-gloss finish.

The special edition CLS is available with four engine variants, including the V6 unit for the entry-level CLS280 and the 292HP CGI direct-injection power plant for the CLS 350 CGI model.

The Mercedes-Benz CLSGrand Edition can be ordered from January 2, 2009, with prices in Europe starting at 67,294.50 Euros incl. VAT for the CLS280 Grand Edition. Customer deliveries will commence in March 2009.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate Previewed Through Scale Model?

While Mercedes-Benz is trying to keep the prototype models of the next generation E-Class Estate hidden under heavy camouflage, a series of photos depicting a 1:43 die cast model of the car have made their way into various forums on the net. There's no mention of the name of the company that makes the scale model, but the build quality looks pretty high.

And even though there's no way of being 100 percent sure about the accuracy of the design, judging by the numerous spy shots we've seen so far, we'd say that the die-cast model's styling is very darn close to the real-life E-Class Estate that is due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate Previewed Through Scale Model?

While Mercedes-Benz is trying to keep the prototype models of the next generation E-Class Estate hidden under heavy camouflage, a series of photos depicting a 1:43 die cast model of the car have made their way into various forums on the net. There's no mention of the name of the company that makes the scale model, but the build quality looks pretty high.

And even though there's no way of being 100 percent sure about the accuracy of the design, judging by the numerous spy shots we've seen so far, we'd say that the die-cast model's styling is very darn close to the real-life E-Class Estate that is due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

2009 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter gets New Diesel Engines and 6-Speed Gearboxes

For the 2009MY, Mercedes-Benz's Sprinter van has been updated with the introduction of a new generation of diesel engines and six-speed manual transmissions along with numerous, but of less importance, features. The new four-cylinder OM 651 diesel engine is a completely new design sharing only shares its overall displacement of 2.15-liters with its predecessor. It is available with three outputs (95HP and 250Nm, 129HP and 305Nm, 163HP and 360Nm) and complies with the stricter Euro 5 emission standard.

The range-topping 3.0-liter V6 OM 642 diesel engine has been revised for 2009 producing a slightly higher (190HP at 3,800 rpm) output and a ten percent increase in maximum torque (440Nm at 1400-2400 rpm).

Both the four-cylinder and V6 diesel engines are offered with a new ECO Gear six-speed manual transmission with a low first gear and high sixth gear. The transmission is available in two versions, namely the ECO Gear 360 for the four-cylinder engines and the heavy-duty ECO Gear 480 with wider gear teeth and a more rigid housing for the six-cylinder diesel engine.

Other improvements for the 2009MY Sprinter include the enhanced ESP trailer stabilisation system, the new adaptive brake light, heated wide-angle mirror, lower position of the front foglamps and automatic transmission with Start-Off Assist plus a new wireless hands-free system and radio units.

2010 Mercedes E-Class Cabrio Leaked Design

These grainy black and white pictures of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet were filed with the EU trademark office. Therefore we can safely take them as the real deal. Recent spy activity around the car has not captured it in its bare form although more and more bits have been revealed.

Mercedes-Benz is using a soft top canvass roof option like Audi's A5 Cabriolet, not the hard top adopted by BMW and Volvo. Like the E-Class Coupe there is space for four people but only official information will tell if all four are adults or two are kids.

Engines will mimic those of the Coupe and include a 3.5-litre V6 with 215kW (292hp) and a 5.5-litre V8 making 285kW (388hp). The expected main transmission would be the 7-speed currently doing rounds in the whole Mercedes-Benz range.

Because there is no E-Class Coupe AMG coming, the Cabriolet will also not have this high-performance version in its line-up. However Mercedes might extend the AMG Sports pack which includes 18-inch AMG light alloy wheels and a sports suspension, to the soft-top buyers as well.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Officially Revealed

Mercedes-Benz is completing the E-Class family with the introduction of a convertible model that will replace the outgoing CLK drop top and compete with the BMW 3-Series and Audi A5 cabriolets.

While the Stuttgart automaker has yet to publish an official (English) press release, the company has issued several official photos of the four-seater convertible that will be launched in March 2010.

Based on the new E-Class Coupe, the convertible version gets an electrically operated fabric roof instead of a retractable hardtop while other changes over its tin-top sibling include the redesigned rear wings and trunk lid.

One of the unique features of the 2010 E-Class Convertible is an ground-breaking retractable wind spoiler located on top of the front windshield. Called 'Aircap', the system works in conjunction with a rear deflector to helps to direct wind over the passenger compartment.

Not surprisingly, the drop-top E-Class shares the same technology under the skin with the Coupe model with the initial engine lineup in Europe comprising of three diesel and four petrol units.

The diesel range includes the 170HP E220 CDI, the 204HP 250 CDI and 231HP E350 CDI while the petrol lineup, the 184HP E200 CGI, the 204HP E250 CGI, the 292HP E350 CGI and the top-of-the line E 500 with a 388HP V8 engine.

More details are expected to be released shortly, so stay tuned on Carscoop as we'll bring you the news as it comes in.

Mercedes-Benz Debuts SLS AMG Desert Gold at Dubai Show

As the age old saying goes, when in Rome do as the Romans do. Not to stereotype, but you have to admit that the United Arab Emirates have had their fare share of gold-finished exotic supercars and as such, Mercedes-Benz decided to show off a special SLS AMG Gullwing with the designation "AMG Desert Gold" with a matt gold color at the bi-annual Dubai Motor Show that runs from December 15 to 20.

In addition to matt gold paintwork, all the decorative and mounted features like the Mercedes star at the front and the fins on the bonnet and flanks that are in shining chrome or Silver Shadow in the standard SLS AMG have been given a deep-black paint finish on the show car.

The same goes for the black-painted AMG light-alloy wheels in size 9.5 x 19 at the front and 11.0 x 20 at the rear that are embellished with a golden ring on the rim flange.

Mercedes chose to leave the interior of the 571HP gullwing-supercar intact, opting for black leather and carbon fiber trim.

The Stuttgart automaker noted that while the AMG Desert Gold treatment has been used only for the display vehicle at the Dubai show, if there's enough interest generated, the special gold paint finish could become available as an individual optional extra from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO.

And if not, we're pretty sure that those SLS AMG owners that find the gold finish alluring will find a way to do it anyway...