Experience the new A-Class as a dynamic camera vehicle on one of Europe's most spectacular roads. The filming demands absolute precision and perfect teamwork from everyone involved.

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-class Photos Posted Early

 

Mercedes-Benz has high hopes for its upcoming compact CLA sedan. Based on the brand’s new front-wheel-drive platform, it is a close relative of the third-generation A-class. The CLA’s looks aren’t a huge surprise, as it was previewed by the Concept Style Coupé, our spy photographers snapped a few shots of an undisguised CLA earlier in the year, and AMG posted pictures on its Facebook page of a camouflaged CLA45 AMG earlier this month. But here is the real thing after these photos hit AutoMonthly—and judging from the style of the photographs, we believe these are not press shots but photos from a sales brochure for the upcoming model. 

Mercedes is taking a gamble with the expressive design of the CLA. To get some perspective, we got on the phone with Gernot Bracht, who teaches transportation design in Pforzheim, Germany. His opinion of the compact four-door is that it represents a design language in Germany that’s become somewhat ambiguous.

“The CLA is clearly informed by Asian tastes, and it symbolizes yet another departure from the traditionally purist German approach to design,” he says. “But this is becoming a trend, and in a way the CLA reminds me of Opel’s approach with the new Adam.” Bracht does not buy into Benz’s insinuations that the CLA is a “small CLS,” saying: “The upper character line drops down too early. It does not quite come together with the big trunk, which seems like an add-on. Altogether, the car is too short to carry all of these lines and graphics with grace.” His conclusion: “Definitely not a typical Mercedes-Benz.”

But perhaps that’s exactly what Mercedes has tried to achieve, considering the CLA marks an aggressive move downmarket. In the U.S., the model targets a younger crowd than does the current lineup. As to what’s below the skin, we’ll have to wait for official information until mid-January. We already know that the CLA will be offered with 1.6- and 2.0-liter gasoline engines, as well as 1.8-liter and 2.1-liter diesel engines, all of them turbocharged and covering a wide power and performance range; we’re not likely to see anything but the 2.0-liter and possibly the 2.1-liter diesel in the U.S. There could be an entry-level model using a Renault-sourced 1.5-liter turbo-diesel, and then there is the CLA45 AMG with around 350 hp. All-wheel drive will be standard on the AMG version and optional on select other models.

More information on Benz’s CLA should become available in the coming weeks as the car’s as-yet-unannounced debut date looms.

Courtesy of: Car and Driver

 

Driving Tip of the Day: Drive Smart!

 

Jackrabbit starts stress the engine, transmission, and differential. Riding the brake pedal, or consistently stopping at the last instant, damages the brakes. Shifting from “Reverse” to a forward gear while the car is still moving backward can harm the transmission. And hitting potholes causes suspension and tire damage and ruins wheel alignment.

Courtesy of: AAA

Thanks for the incredible review, Jennifer. Awesome job, team!

 

"I have been dealing with Lokey Mercedes and Infiniti since 1995.  It still amazes me that the same people are there, minus the two or three service advisors that have retired.  These people have gone out of there way to be of service, always finding the best deal, and genuinely leaving you with a feeling of trust.  It's hard to say that about many car dealerships!  They are real people, with real information. When our family experienced a tragedy, they personally called and offered support.  It wasn't about the sale.  Family owned is truly something you can hang your hat on here." Jennifer T.

For more great reviews, click here.

Have a look at the headlight design for the reimagined 2014 E-Class from Mercedes-Benz -- our most luxurious E-Class yet.

Car care tip - Drive with care every day.

 

Avoid driving at high speeds and accelerating quickly, especially when it’s very hot or very cold outside. Such driving behavior will result in more frequent repairs.

Courtesy of: Reader's Digest

Check out today's featuered vehicle - An exquisite '12 Mercedes-Benz 4matic GL350

 

Come in for a test drive or click here for more information.

Mercedes-Benz product managers reveal why Jackson Hole's most daunting snow-covered trails are no match for 4MATIC all-wheel drive technology.

Car cleaning tip: Get cleaner windows now!

 

"To avoid streaks, use a window cleaner made for vehicles and wipe with crumpled newspaper instead of paper towels. You can also wash your windows with plain water and a clean terry cloth towel. Wipe in two- to three-inch circles." 

Courtesy of: AutoTrader

Revealed: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG - LA 2012

 

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its biggest and brawniest sport utility vehicle, the 2013 GL63 AMG. Making its North American debut at the LA Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz AMG chief Ola Kaellenius called this range-topping version of the GL-Class "The fastest, most powerful 7-passenger SUV in the market."

Just how fast? How about a top speed of 174 mph and 0-60 mph time of under five seconds, both incredible figures for a full-size SUV. The heart of this all-wheel-drive luxury beast is a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that makes 550 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque. The monstrous powerplant is connected to a performance-oriented version of Mercedes' 7-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, the 2013 GL63 will feature all the amenities and luxury accommodations found in its GL-Class siblings, along with unique features such as AMG Ride Control sports suspension. Further beneath the metal, a specialized transfer case for this model distributes engine power to the wheels in a 40:60 split to front and rear.

The GL63 AMG will stand out from its siblings on the outside, too. In addition to gaining the refreshed design found in other models of the GL-Class that went on sale this past summer, this AMG version is emboldened with flared fenders that increase its body width by nearly two inches and help envelope its 21-inch wheels.

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG is set to go on sale in limited quantities in the first quarter of summer 2013. The vehicle will have a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price starting at $116,925.

Courtesy of: Kelley Blue Book

 

Featured car of the day - A stunning '12 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 4matic 5.5L SUV

 

This spacious vehicle could be yours today!

Come in for a test drive or click here for more information.

A look inside the fascinating technics used to create the new Mercedes-Benz light design.

Car tip: Driving Safety Tips to Avoid an Accident

 

• Don't allow children to fight or climb around in your car (they should be buckled in their seats at all times). One accidental bump or too much noise can easily distract you from concentrating on driving safely.
  
• Cell phones can also take your focus away from the task at hand: arriving safely at your destination.
  
• Avoid driving when you're tired. Be aware that some medications can cause drowsiness and make operating a vehicle very dangerous.
  
• Always use caution when changing lanes. Cutting in front of someone, changing lanes too fast or not using your signals may cause an accident or upset other drivers.

Courtesy of: Nationwide

Mercedes Ener-G-Force Concept Goes Back To The Future

 

What would happen if the Mercedes-Benz G-Class was still around by 2025, and somehow, the California Highway Patrol enlisted the iconic SUV for off-road duty? You might have never found yourself wondering about this particular hypothetical, but Mercedes has.

This bulbous behemoth, the Ener-G-Force concept, is Benz's response to this year’s police-themed LA Auto Show Design Challenge. The creation of the California-based Mercedes-Benz Advanced Designed Studio seemingly traveled backward to go forward; it looks a little like 2002's idea of what a 2025 police off-roader would look like.

Gone are the G-Class’s iconic angular lines, replaced by sweeping, flowing curves. The most explicit alteration is a complete facelift, swapping the perfect rectangular grille for this rounded front end. The concept features flashy exterior lighting in the form of roof-mounted emergency lights integrated directly into the car's body's, which the German automaker lauds in a press release as "are impossible to ignore." And, of course, the retro-futuristic ride features plenty of features we've come to expect from concepts that carmakers won't actually have to build, including a cutesy name and a hydrogen-powered drivetrain.

Radical as they may be, it is hard to ignore the Ener-G-Force's looks. The 20-inch wheels look functional, and the low-profile windows are a welcome departure from the massive greenhouse on the present-day G-Class. In fact, the company says, the concept could signal a shift in Merc design.

"Modern and cool, [the Ener-G-Force] could also be a clue about a new beginning for the off-road design idiom of Mercedes-Benz," Gorden Wagener, Merc’s Director of Design, said in the release. If it’s true, then we could see a G-Class that moves away from rectangles and jagged lines toward undulating and smooth curves—something like the look of Range Rover’s Evoque and the new Ford Explorer.

Courtesy of: Popular Mechanics

What golfing is for others, is driving the CLS Shooting Brake for professional golfer and Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador Adam Scott: pure relaxation.

Pre-owned car of the day - '11 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 Sedan

 

Come in today for a test drive or call 877-565-3922 for more details.

Mercedes-Benz Shines At Miami International Auto Show

 

With Florida sunshine as the backdrop, perfect for top down driving enthusiasts, Mercedes-Benz showcases two of the three-pointed star's most powerful roadsters.  The all-new 2013 SL63 AMG features show stopping power for South Floridians eager to add excitement to their daily driving time.  Powered by a hand built 5.5 liter direct-injection bi-turbo AMG V8 engine delivering 530-hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, this luxury roadster combines unparalleled performance
synonymous with AMG and an extraordinary driving experience.  The 6^th generation of the iconic Mercedes-Benz Roadster stays true to its namesake with an all-new aluminum bodyshell, weighing nearly 300 pounds less than its predecessor.  The SL63 AMG is available in showrooms at $145,800 MSRP. 

The SLS AMG Roadster is top gun in a brand new display featuring convertibles that participated in the Southern Automotive Media Association's (SAMA) annual "topless" event which ranks the best new convertibles of the year.  The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster is recognized as the "2012 Convertible of the Year " by SAMA and is displayed alongside 10 other vehicles from manufacturers who entered the contest.  The SLS AMG Roadster is powered by a hand-built 6.3 liter V8 engine delivering 563-hp and can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds.  The soft top can be opened in 11 seconds, making top down driving available at the touch of a button.  This model joins the SLS AMG gullwing coupe, the first-ever cars designed and developed from the ground up by Mercedes-AMG, the company's high performance division.  The SLS AMG Roadster is available in showrooms starting at $196,100 MSRP.

In addition, Mercedes-Benz is featuring its full line-up of all-new 2013 SUVs including the G63 AMG with a V8 bi-turbo engine.  The AMG version of the "G-Wagon" is one of the most highly-recognizable luxury off-road vehicles.  It is crafted with over forty hours of hand labor, evident in the welded steel body frame that creates the upright athletic body and iconic design.  The off-roader features a significantly restyled interior which is characterized by high-quality appointments finished with exquisite materials and an all-new instrument cluster and center console. New standard safety features including Blind Spot Assist, the parking aid PARKTRONIC and the adaptive cruise control system DISTRONIC PLUS, make this SUV, one of the most advanced in its segment.  The G63 AMG is available in showrooms at $134,300 MSRP.

For the whole family, the all-new second-generation seven passenger GL-Class, is the leading luxury full-size SUV, and winner of the 2013 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year award.  Cradling its occupants with the first-class comfort of a luxurious sedan, the all-new GL is perfect for large families with ample space for up to seven passengers, while a host of efficiency measures delivers a substantial improvement in fuel economy. The new GL offers a vast amount of standard safety systems, including the all-new COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, which pre-charges the brakes and alerts the driver with a warning beep and flashing light on the dash if the system senses a risk of imminent collision, as well as ATTENTION ASSIST, ADAPTIVE BRAKE technology, mbrace2 telematics and Crosswind Stabilization.  Optional safety systems include: ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM, On/Off-Road Package, Active Parking Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, a 360-degree Surround View camera, Panorama Roof and power EASY-ENTRY for third-row passengers.  The new GL model ranges from the fuel-sipping GL350 with a V6 turbodiesel ($62,400 MSRP) to the high-performance GL63 AMG (Price TBD, available in November) that's powered by a hand-built AMG 5.5-liter bi-turbo, direct injection V8, and the popular GL450 ($63,900 MSRP) and GL550 ($86,900 MSRP), both equipped with new direct-injection bi-turbo V8 engines.

The Mercedes-Benz 2013 GLK-Class features a fresh new design, exclusive equipment, pioneering safety assistance systems and efficient engines.  The restyled 2013 GLK-Class reaffirms its leadership in the entry-level SUV segment with a newly designed exterior that provides more dynamic character, combining classic SUV styling with the design language of the current Mercedes-Benz sedans.  The 2013 GLK350 is available now at $37,090 MSRP, and the GLK250 BlueTEC will follow in early 2013. 

Courtesy of: Mercedes-Benz Newsroom

 

Care like no other, for a car like no other.

 

Keep your Mercedes-Benz looking like new inside and out with specially formulated shampoo, paint cleaner, polish, and other products from the Mercedes-Benz Car Care Product Collection. Each product is meticulously designed to clean, protect, and maintain the original Mercedes-Benz appearance that was love at first sight.

Courtesy of: Mercedes-Benz

A fabulous review for fabulous service. Great work, Corey!

 

"They sent tech Corey from Lokey Motor Company. He started my car, reset factory settings, was very nice and appeared to be knowledgeable of my auto needs. I will return for service asap and I have faith in Lokey now." - N.S.

Look at this sporty and beautiful '12 Mercedes-Benz 3.0L V6!

 

Come in for a test drive or call 877-565-3922 for more information.

"Are we there yet?" is a question that's been asked millions of times, of countless road trips. And it's a question that we, at Mercedes-Benz, ask of ourselves every day.

Car cleaning tip: Cleaning your windshield!

 

When your windshield actually gets blurrier after you turn on your wipers during a rainstorm, it usually means that your wiper blades are dirty. To make them as good as new, dampen a cloth or rag with some full-strength white vinegar and run it down the full length of each blade once or twice.

Courtesy of: Reader's Digest

Mercerdes-Benz Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone. iLike.

Mercedes-Benz Apps win “Mobile Excellence Awards“

 

At the annual “Mobile Excellence Awards”, the Mercedes-Benz Apps achieved first place in the category “Best Delivery Platform for Mobile."

 The Annual Mobile Excellence Award event highlighted original content creators, mobile app designers, and mobile infrastructure solution providers. This years award was accepted by Steffen Neumann of Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc (MBRDNA).

Mercedes-Benz Apps were first introduced in Europe as part of a fully-integrated multimedia headunit known as COMAND Online. In spring of this year the apps were also released in the U.S. as part of the Mercedes-Benz mbrace2 telematics system, leveraging cloud technology to bring an ever-expanding variety of infotainment services into Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Selected Mercedes-Benz Apps include Google Local Search with Street View, Panoramio image viewer, Weather, Yelp, Facebook, News, Morningstar Finance, and more.

All of the apps emphasize the functions most relevant to the user while driving. For example, the Facebook app is integrated with the vehicle’s navigation system, which allows the user to quickly post relevant driving information with just a few quick taps and no manual text entry.

Courtesy of: WebWire

Car care tip: Keep leather from drying out and cracking

 

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE There are two important parts to caring for your leather interior: cleaning and conditioning. Since your leather interior is the most delicate surface of your car, it is necessary to clean and condition regularly in order to preserve it, protect it, and keep it smelling new.

Courtesy of: How to Clean Anything

The striking '13 C-Class Coupe is athletic in shape and aggressive in motion.

All-New 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Wins Prestigious Award

 

The all-new, second-generation Mercedes-Benz GL-Class sport utility has won the 2013 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year® award.  The full article, citing the GL as "the best the luxury SUV class has ever seen," will be published in the December issue of Motor Trend.  This marks the second time the GL has won the prestigious Motor Trend award.

Built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the highly successful GL was the first full-size SUV from Mercedes-Benz. When the first-generation GL was launched, it also won the 2007 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year.  The GL model lineup for 2013 includes the fuel-sipping GL350 BlueTEC turbodiesel (240 hp, 455 lb.-ft.) as well as the popular GL450 (362 hp, 406 lb.-ft.).   The GL550 (429 hp, 516 lb.-ft.), and the high-performance GL63 AMG (550 hp, 560 lb.-ft.) are equipped with new direct-injection biturbo V8 engines.  One of four sport utilities offered by Mercedes-Benz, the full-size GL is part of an SUV family that includes the mid-size M-Class, the compact GLK and the legendary G-Class.

"We're honored that the GL-Class has once again been awarded Motor Trend's Sport/Utility of the Year," said Steve Cannon, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA.  "From the very beginning, the GL-Class has been perfectly tuned to the needs of U.S. customers and those customers made the GL the segment-leading sales performer.  Motor Trend's critical acclaim for the depth of its functionality together with the broadest powertrain offering in any full size SUV shows our commitment to delivering on our promise to our customers of the best or nothing."

"We had an extremely competitive field for Motor Trend's 2013 Sport/Utility of the Year," said Edward Loh, Editor-in-Chief of Motor Trend. "However, the Mercedes-Benz GL truly outshone the field and emerged as the clear winner by the end of our program. The goal of the award is to name the SUV that best meets our six criteria, and none of the new 2013 SUV or crossover models managed to do that better than the GL. Simply put, the Mercedes-Benz GL is an outstanding vehicle, and we're proud to name it our 2013 Sport/Utility of the Year."

Since 1999, the Motor Trend editorial staff has selected and evaluated candidates for its Sport/Utility of the Year Award®.  To be eligible, a vehicle must be all-new or significantly redesigned and must have made its retail debut within the past 12 months.  During an intense evaluation process, Motor Trend puts 11 of the latest SUVs through its standard battery of testing, examining virtually every aspect of each vehicle.

Rather than conducting a direct comparison, each Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year® contender is individually evaluated against six criteria – advancement in design; engineering excellence, efficiency, safety, value and performance of intended function. After a week of reviewing each of the vehicles, the Motor Trend staff selects which model best meets those six criteria.

Each vehicle is subjected to multiple tests that include 0 to 60 mph and 1/4-mile acceleration testing, 60 to 0 mph brake testing, figure-eight handling and skid pad testing.  After making a first cut to eliminate a few of the vehicles, the editors conducted 35-mile road loops on a mixture of roads – city, freeway and canyon – followed by five miles of light off-roading.  The GL scored especially well in off-road handling, premium interior and the breadth of its line.

Courtesy of: Mercedes-Benz

13th Annual Halloween Spooktacular

 

Here's something new! With Halloween season upon us, we thought it would be fun to feature a local event. This fun, spooky event at the Countryside Recreation Center sounds like a great time.

Click here for event details.

Lighten up your key chain!

See the full gallery on Posterous

 

Does your car key share a chain with a dozen or more other keys? That’s a pretty heavy load hanging off the car key when it’s in the ignition.The weight, combined with bouncing while you drive, can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition and eventually lead to ignition switch failure.

Source: Reader's Digest

You will be nothing less than impressed with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 550

Folks, check out one of our ultimate luxury featured vehicles this week.

 

Stop by for a test drive or click here for details.

2013 Motor Trend SUV of the Year: Mercedes-Benz GL

 

SUV have changed. For the first time ever, we didn't have a single body-on-frame example in our annual SUV of the Year competition. Remember, when Bob Lutz and Stephen Ross cooked up the Ford Explorer -- the vehicle most responsible for cupiding America's still-raging love affair with the SUV -- it was little more than an enclosed, four-door Ranger. For our 2013 competition, the overwhelming majority of the competitors were car-based. However, there was one vehicle that wasn't, and in the words of Frank Markus, "did more of what we expect an SUV to do." That vehicle is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL.

The flavor didn't matter. From the fuel-sipping, diesel-powered GL350 to the "how can this be the weaker of the two V-8s?" GL450 to the "3-ton objects should not move this quickly" 429-hp GL550, Mercedes has built an  SUV  that's better than the rest. Not just in its competitive class: The new, second-generation GL is the best new SUV on the market period, and the winner of our prize.

Going into our weeklong test, some of us (hi, Mom!) suspected that the massive Mercedes would be the one to beat. After all, the very closely related ML finished second to the Range Rover Evoque last year, and we've always liked the three-row GL more than its two-row sibling. Little did we realize just how badly the GL would bully the other 10 competitors. At the end of our testing, we'd narrowed the field down to three potential winners: the GL, the Ford Escape, and the Nissan Pathfinder. But in truth, it was no contest.

Now, of course, there's a 900-pound gorilla (or, with the GL, a 5700-pound elephant) in the room: price. The GL never has been cheap. In December 2006, when we handed the first-gen GL our SUV of the Year calipers, the base price was $55,675. Five years later, the kitty has gone up: $63,305 is the price of admission to the "entry-level" GL350 Bluetec. Of course, the one we drove costs $87,500, a very pretty penny. Should you opt for gasoline propulsion, you'll need $64,805 at minimum. I say minimum because our GL450 showed up with an as-tested price tag of $94,265. Ahem. From there, things go stratospheric, with the GL550 starting at $88,485; the white monster we drove stickers for $108,310. Gulp. Oh, yeah, there's a GL63 AMG on the way. The price for that decadent, unnecessary luxury item? If you have to ask...

So, yes, the GL in all its forms ain't cheap. Until you start considering its segment. After all, the full-size, seven-passenger luxury SUV goes up against rivals like the Cadillac Escalade and the Infiniti QX56, both of which start -- like the Mercedes -- at just over $60,000. Then you've got big-money vehicles such as the Lexus LX, which begins life at more than $80,000. The Audi Q7 can be had for a lot less money (around $47,000 to start), but throw in an engine that competes with any of the three offered on the GL and tick a few option boxes, and you're in the same tax bracket as the much bigger Benz. The real point, however, is how totally and completely the new GL dominates this segment. Calling it best in class is the definition of an understatement. It's the best the class has ever seen.

Let's start with the interior. Both the GL450 and GL550 showed up with designo interiors -- Mercedes-speak for "up yours, Audi" -- and we were all wowed. Our very Midwestern Frank Markus says of the GL450's Porcelain Leather, "More than $4000 almost seems reasonable for the Bentley-grade white designo interior in the 450. I want!" Then, of course, there was the Auburn Brown interior in the GL550, and it, my friends, was even nicer. As a few manufacturers have started doing recently, Mercedes now has the option of non-glossy, open-pore wood. And the grainy stuff in the GL550 is the best I've ever seen -- in any car. Oh, and the non-designo interior in the GL350 is nothing to sneeze at. Says Markus, "This is an S-Class wagon, from a cockpit opulence standpoint."

As for interior dislikes, there weren't many. Our whole team agreed that COMAND, Mercedes-Benz's version of iDrive, is in serious need of a major rethink. That said, the 360-degree camera parking system (very similar to Infiniti's Around View) drew nothing but praise as the best the industry currently offers. The tallest member of our staff -- Scott Mortara -- did have an interesting complaint, "My only interior gripe is the seatbelt tensioner. It always pulls at my neck -- really annoying." There was also some concern about the speed at which the middle-row seats electronically fold. While not very fast compared with the other contenders' pull-levers, if your arms are full of stuff, the auto-seats are quite convenient. Especially as the front seats automatically slide forward to make room.

As far as the driving experience goes, consider us impressed. The 5774-pound GL350 and its potent yet thrifty diesel engine returned the second-best observed mpg of the competition, behind the 3038-pound Subaru XV -- 18.5 mpg compared with 22.4. (The 1.6-liter Ford Escape averaged 17.7 mpg over the same roads and conditions.) Remember, the GL is the largest passenger vehicle Mercedes makes, weighing over 100 pounds more than the big boxy G550. The gasoline-powered GLs returned the worst and second-worst fuel economy  of the group, but they were 1200 pounds heavier than the next beefiest contender, the Infiniti JX. And the oil-burning, 455 lb-ft of torque wonder is the entry-level engine. The breadth and quality of the GL range also impressed us. The Ford Escape also has three engine options, but they only sent us the two EcoBoosted examples, leaving us to wonder if the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four (the Escape's base engine) isn't very good. Still, Mercedes has absolutely nothing to hide.

But it does have much to be proud of. "An absolutely amazing piece of machinery," crows Mortara. "An ueber-smooth ride, even in sport mode. You just float down the highway on a cloud and in silence." Floyd adds, "Over the entire two-and-a-half-day stretch, far and away the most fun I had behind the wheel was in the GL450, on both the road and off-road loops. It just shrank around me out on the winery roads. I honestly felt like I was in a sport sedan in spots."

The one disappointment was the high-powered GL550. Yes, it was by quite a margin the fastest SUV here (0-60 in 5.1 seconds!), but its on-road manners left many of us wanting. Says Loh, "Ride is overcaffeinated: jittery and skittish, possibly due to the larger tires and more weight in the nose.."

We all agreed the middle child 362-hp GL450 was the Goldilocks of the bunch. Especially off-road. Harwood smartly points out, "As manufacturers flock to crossovers, the capability is what suffers." Not so with the Mercedes. All three of them absolutely aced our (admittedly mild) dirt section. Markus notes, "Incredible off-road, too. No tricks, no low-range or lock, but it's sure-footed enough to billygoat right up at idle. DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) works perfectly and allows you to set your speed from 1 to 11 mph. The GL450, with low range and the terrain-response-type dial, is even better. At the highest suspension setting, when the diagonal wheels lost traction, it seemed to lower the suspension to find grip. Even the 550 managed to idle up at 1 mph without spitting a single grain of dust."

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL truly is the complete package. As Mortara attests, "There is nothing more you could want or need in an SUV." Our editor-in-chief Loh puts it more colorfully: "Imagine a gigantic Swiss Army knife, with 50-some tools (one of the tools is a Leatherman, which itself has 50 tools). Now imagine all the blades are gold-plated platinum, and the inlaid mother-of-pearl handle is wrapped in leather from a Himalayan bald eagle. That's basically the GL."

At first glance against our six criteria -- Performance of Intended Function, Design Advancement, Engineering Excellence, Efficiency, Safety, and Value -- the Mercedes nails five of them. Value is, of course, the sticky wicket. But as stated earlier, when you start comparing apples to apples, the GL is no more expensive than the vehicles it directly competes against. And when you consider just how ahead of its class the big Benz is, you realize that the GL is indeed six for six. Impressively well done again, Mercedes.

Source: Motortrend.

Folks, time for this week's Care Care Tip: Fall Guide for your Blades!

Blades – If you’ve ever tried to scrape frost from your windshield by dousing it with washer fluid and running the wipers excessively, you know worn wipers can't clear your view. Driving through a snowstorm with frosty buildup eroding your visibility is a horrible feeling. Avoid it by replacing your wiper blades before the weather becomes nasty.

Source: Shop AutoWeek

Mercedes-Benz TV: Formula 1: A logistical challenge

Folks, check out our featured used car this week.

Stop by for a test drive or click here for details.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 45th Anniversary announced

See the full gallery on Posterous

 

Earlier this year Mercedes-Benz announced the 45^th anniversary edition of the SL 65 AMG and now they have prepared a similar version of the SLS AMG GT3. Wearing an exclusive matt paintwork, this special model rides on AMG light alloys in designo magno graphite.

What’s more important is that carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is used for the doors, boot lid, hood, mudguards, front/rear apron, rear wings, rear diffuser and front splitter. Moving on the inside, we find the steel roll-over cage that has the same finish as the exterior, while the center console and the dashboard feature a similar matt carbon fiber appearance.

Under the hood it’s the same AMG V8 6.3-liter engine that enables the race car to perform the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h).

Source: World Car Fans

Guys here's an easy car care tip for the fall!

 

Finally, the summer is over and fall is here! And whether the first cold snap is only weeks or still months away, this is a great time to take advantage of the milder fall weather by popping the hood and winterizing your car. A task that is critical to fall car care is cooling system maintenance.

A recent survey by the National Car Care Council showed that more than 70 percent of motorists do not winterize their cars in preparation for the colder months ahead. Perhaps that's why cooling system failure is the number one cause of engine-related roadside breakdowns. Follow these Fall Car Care Tips from AutoZone, and you'll be ready for whatever weather lies ahead.

Flush and fill your cooling system.

Performing a routine flush and fill is quick and easy, and it's cheap insurance against engine failure. The National Car Care Council recommends doing this every two years or 24,000 miles for most vehicles. Don't assume that simply draining your radiator is enough. To do the job right, you need to flush the system with a radiator flush product, not just plain water, to remove stubborn rust, grease, and sediment.

Source: News Blaze

Mercedes-Benz Navigation with Becker® Map Pilot

Folks, get 10% Off Maintenance Repairs; Ladies get a FREE manicure!

 

Click here to redeem your coupon TODAY!

Mercedes Makes a Bold Statement

 

Mercedes is making a bold statement here at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The German automaker is harnessing its F1-derived kinetic-energy recovery technology and blending it with electric drive technology to introduce the world's most powerful electric supercar, the SLS AMG Electric Drive

The specs are astonishing — 740 horsepower and a zero-to-62-mph romp of less than four seconds. But the most headline-grabbing fact is that this four-motor, all-electric supercar emits zero emissions. Tesla might have created the electric-supercar sector, but now Mercedes owns it.

This year, as if to support that amazing SLS EV, the company is also showing the B-Class Electric Drive. A near-production-ready model with a good range and enough shared with the mainstream car to keep the price low, it'll be Mercedes' alternative to the Nissan Leaf.

No Mercedes show stand would be complete without a far-sighted concept. This year, the S-Class Aesthetic S sculpture is that. It isn't actually even a car, just a sculpture that hints at the shape of the future S-Class.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Aesthetic S Sculpture

 

What is it? This isn't the new Mercedes S-Class, but merely a thought-provoking sculpture to preview the upcoming big Benz. That said, the new car will feature its fair share of tech when it eventually breaks cover, including cameras that scan the road ahead and adjust the suspension to suit.

What's hot? What can you tell from a generic swoopy shape? Not much. The new S-Class will get Benz's new signature double crease down its flanks, as seen on the A-Class and CLS.

What's not? It's a sculpture. Mercedes has a history of sculptures, with Aesthetics No. 1, Aesthetics No. 2 and Aesthetics 125. But come on, it could have at least given us something more to go on, even if it was just a clay model mock-up.

How much and when? The new S-Class is slated for a 2013 release, so expect a full-on launch at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January or, failing that, at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The current entry-level S-Class starts at $99.496; expect a marginal price increase for the new car.

Anything else I should know? On a quest for ever-greater efficiency, the S-Class is likely to use the same weight-saving technology — including the widespread use of aluminum — as the automaker's latest SL roadster. Don't be surprised to see a hybrid variant in the new car, including the 2.1-liter 201-horsepower turbodiesel engine and 27-horsepower electric motor combo from the current E300 Hybrid.

2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive

What is it? Remember the lurid yellow SLS AMG E-Cell concept released back in 2010? Well, this is the outcome of two years of more tweaking and honing. It's the production-ready SLS AMG Electric Drive, and it's no less impressive than the E-Cell concept.

 

What's hot? It's an electric-powered SLS, for crying out loud. It's awesome. Why? Because its four in-wheel electric motors make a combined 750 horsepower and 737 ft-lb of torque, a massive 258 ft-lb more than 6.2-liter V8 SLS AMG can muster.

What's not? Electric motors mean the lack of a rumbling, barking V8 soundtrack — one of the SLS's defining characteristics. Just push that throttle a little harder, however, and that colossal torque output will get all of your attention, and you probably won't worry too much about the lack of aural drama.

 

How much and when? The standard SLS AMG Coupe costs an impressively wallet-lightening $272,882 without options. The Electric Drive will set you back around $518,500. If you're thinking of putting your hard-earned down, it will be available in June 2013.

Anything else I should know? All that go means a zero-to-62-mph romp of 3.9 seconds, marginally slower than the 3.8-second offering from the standard V8-engined variant. A range of 156 miles isn't bad, either. Those sensational gull-wing doors remain, too, so you'll still look ultracool exiting the car in front of that restaurant, even if nobody will hear you coming.

 

Source: MSN Autos

Happy Monday Folks! This week's car care tip: The Key to a Long-Lasting Vehicle

 

Basic car care is the key to a long-lasting vehicle, improving its safety and dependability. 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best for the long haul:

1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
2. Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.
3. Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.
4. Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.
5. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.
6. Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.
7. Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.
8. Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.
9. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
10. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

Source: Carcare

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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT F1 Safety Car (2013)

The 2012 Formula 1 Grand Prix in Singapore this coming weekend is the first overseas race, wherein the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Official F1 Safety Car GT will be showcased. With an exclusive performance to 435 kW (591 hp), optimized transmission shift times and the new AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension, the Gullwing is perfectly prepared for the demanding role in the top class of motor sports.

Safety Car driver Bernd Maylander is excited about his new company car, and he says: “The SLS AMG Safety Car GT is the best that I’ve ever driven! The combination of increased performance, optimized transmission shift times and the new AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension takes the driving dynamics of the gull-wing model to an even higher level. I have now been driving the different Safety Cars since 2000, and with each new vehicle I notice a significant enhancement over the previous model. This is where the pursuit of high performance and precision, which is so typical of Mercedes-AMG, is clearly evident again”

The job of the Official F1 Safety Car is to help, that there is maximum safety for the F1 field in extreme situations. As soon as Race Control considers that the safe progress of the race may be hindering, it sends the Safety Car out onto the track. Poor weather conditions or accidents are the main reasons for its deployment. The new SLS AMG GT differs from the previous SLS AMG in terms of its increased driving dynamics, even better on-track performance and also new design features.

The Official F1 Safety Car weighs just 1620 kg (kerb weight), thanks to the dry-sump lubrication system, the V8 engine  has been installed very low down, giving the vehicle a low centre of gravity. And as a result of the engine’s positioning behind the front axle and the transaxle arrangement of the dual-clutch transmission on the rear axle, the car also has a favorable weight distribution ratio of 47:53 percent (front/rear). Custom on racing cars, is an aluminum double-wishbone axles, which ensures high cornering limits, precise turn-in characteristics, superb agility, as well as low mass inertia during sudden changes of direction.

See the full gallery on Posterous

The AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid-engine comes with a maximum output of 435 kW (591 hp) and 650 Newton metres of peak torque is also the series-production version, as are the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission with optimised shift times, with that the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension, the AMG high-performance ceramic composite brake system and the weight-reduced AMG 10-spoke forged light-alloy wheels are painted in matt black with a high-sheen finish. The one exception is the specially developed rear silencer, which also featured in the SLS AMG Official F1 Safety Car and generates an even more sensational V8 soundtrack to thrill Formula 1 fans watching at the circuit and at home, sounds alike. The SLS AMG GT races from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, and reaches the 200 km/h mark after just 11.2 seconds.

On a judging note, the SLS AMG GT can be distinguished from the SLS AMG by its darkened headlamps and tail lamps and the addition of “GT” to the AMG badge on the right-hand side of the boot lid. The wing-shaped cross fin is painted in a high-gloss black finish, just like the fins on the bonnet and wings. The AMG Performance steering wheel with its flat-bottomed rim and high-gloss black solid metal insert features grip areas trimmed in Alcantara and a red 12 o’clock mark at the top. The AMG instrument cluster comes with a black strip around the doorway housing the upshift indicator with its seven LEDs.

AMG has extensive experience in the design, development and deployment of the Official F1 Safety Car and Official F1 Medical Car. A C63 AMG Estate has been used as the Official F1 Medical Car since 2008, ready to provide swift emergency medical assistance in the event of an accident.

As for sales of the new SLS AMG GT, in the U.S., the SLS AMG will come exclusively in the new GT trim for 2013. First sales are scheduled to start in November.

Source: Speed Lux

Folks, happy Monday! It’s time for our weekly car care tip - Check your tires

 

For those of you who do not have hydrogen tires, changing temperatures can alter tire pressure. Make sure all tires are filled to their recommended tire pressure. Also check for tread wear. The National Highway Transportation Safety Board says you need at least 2/32" of depth to be safe. Tires play a huge role in how well your car handles in sloppy cold driving conditions, so pump 'em up.

Source: Shop Autoweek and Street Directory

Likely no vehicle represents the essence of Mercedes-Benz better than the E-Class. Check out KBB's review on this superb vehicle!

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Mercedes-Benz Concept B-Class Electric Drive Bound for 2012 Paris Auto Show

 

The Mercedes-Benz Concept B-Class Electric Drive joins a growing number of electric vehicles set for the 2012 Paris Auto Show.

A market launch of the EV is planned for 2014.

"The particularly family-friendly electric car is almost ready for series production," said Daimler in a statement on its Web site.

No word yet on pricing or whether the new EV is on tap for the U.S.

Mercedes-Benz previewed the Concept B-Class Electric Drive on Monday, saying is equipped with a 100kW electric motor and has a range of 124 miles. It features an "energy space" in the floor of the vehicle for the car's lithium-ion battery, thus providing more cabin space.

Daimler will also debut the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive and the smart Brabus electric drive at the Paris show.

Source: Insideline

It's time for some driving tips folks. This week's tip - How to parallel park.

To see it portrayed in movies and television, you’d think that parallel parking was the driving equivalent of brain surgery. While it may not be the most natural thing you’ll do when driving, the difficulty of parallel parking a car is greatly overstated. By following a few simple steps and getting a little practice, you’ll be parallel parking in no time.

Once you take the wheel, simply go through the following parallel parking steps:

• Find your parking spot. Don’t be afraid to seek out a spot that leaves you a lot of extra room, especially when you’re just getting started. A spot that’s 5 feet longer than your car should be perfect.

 

 

• Check your mirrors and blind spots. Figure out what’s going on all around you.
• Signal to the side of the space and get closer to the cars you’ll be parking beside. Slow down and come to a stop. If you see another car approaching from behind, just wait for the car to pass and wave the driver on if necessary.
• Position your car beside the vehicle you’ll be parking behind. Get close to its side, but not so close that you’ll have a hard time maneuvering without hitting it. The back of your front seat should be lined up with the back of the other car’s front seat

 

 

• Put your car in reverse and check your mirrors one more time before slowly starting to back up. Look over your right shoulder as you move backwards and give your steering wheel a hard turn in the direction of the curb.
• Continue to check all directions around your car. Don’t be afraid to stop and move back into your starting position if things aren’t going the way you had hoped. It’s much better to look a little silly than to hit another car.
• Once the back of your front door is lined up with the rear bumper of the car next to you, turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction (away from the curb). Think of the turn as an S-shape. This is the last part of that “S”. As you’re moving into the space, you want to be straightening out your car within the space.

 

 

• Continue moving backwards until you’re close to the car behind you, but not so close that you hit its bumper.

 

 

• Pull forward a bit to center yourself within the space.

 

 

Source:  Drivers Ed Guru