Mercedes-Benz shows compact cars direction

The Concept A Sedan show car at the Shanghai Auto Show indicates the style and design direction for Mercedes-Benz for its compact vehicles, writes Brian Byrne.

With a very smooth design, the company is suggesting that ‘the time of creases’ is over, and the Concept shows a coupe look for its future premium compact cars.

The company entered the compact segment in 2012, and the move lowered the age profile of Mercedes-Benz buyers as well as bringing the brand into a whole new arena.

A feature of the Concept is headlamps that are coated in UV paint and can glow in different colours for different light mediums.

Teasing the new S-Class again ahead of Shanghai

Mercedes-Benz has issued another teaser picture for the new S-Class, which will debut at the Shanghai Auto Show next Wednesday, writes Brian Byrne.

The car will showcase new assistance systems, new comfort features, and new engines as well as further pioneering technologies from the premium brand.

A show car ‘Concept A Sedan’ will also feature, presenting a first look ahead at the next-generation of Mercedes-Benz’s compact car family.

The new GLA on, and off, the road

A substantially revised GLA is on its way from Mercedes-Benz, with more engines, stronger style details, and improved interior design, writes Trish Whelan.

My report from Budapest appeared last week, but this morning we can show you a provided video on the car in action.

Revised S-Class will have more autonomous tech

Enhanced driver assistance systems will feature on a mid-life revision of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class due for reveal in the autumn, writes Brian Byrne.

The current car, launched in 2013, introduced elements of automated driving with a number of such systems, and these have been built on to extend the environments in which the car itself can take over various driving management functions.

These will include Active Distance Assist which takes cognisance of upcoming route features such as motorway exits, toll booths, and roundabouts. It will adjust cornering speeds depending on the route feature and the selected drive mode in the car.

Active Lane Change will be possible by simply nudging the indicator stalk, when the car’s systems will check whether it is safe to move into the required lane and when it is safe, will perform the manoeuvre.

In stop and go traffic, the S-Class will be able to handle stop periods of up to 30 seconds, inside which it will stop and go automatically in slow traffic.

Evasive Steering Assist will automatically apply extra torque to a turning manoeuvre in an emergency such as when a pedestrian is detected in the line of direction.

The revised S-Class will also brake and stop the car in its lane if it detects that there has been no steering wheel movement for a certain period of time, after giving the driver warning.

An improved instrument panel interface will keep the driver visually aware of the current status of all the DAS features, indicating such matters as when the driver should have both hands on the wheel.

The S-Class will also have Car-to-X Communication by which hazards encountered by cars with the system will be automatically transmitted to other cars on the route with similar systems.

Renewed GLA in Ireland this month

A substantially revised GLA is on its way from Mercedes-Benz, with more engines, stronger style details, and improved interior design, writes Trish Whelan.

Shown first at Detroit in January, I’m driving the car in Budapest today at the Hungaroring before it arrives in Ireland later this month at a starting price of €34,759, for the bestselling GLA180d model, which includes the brand’s current 10pc price reduction offer here.

The GLA is Mercedes-Benz’s smallest SUV, and was first launched in 2013. It has been most successful in key markets which include China, USA, Germany and Britain.

Depending on market, there are six petrol powertrains and five diesels.

The visual changes for 2017 include modified bumpers, new alloys choices, and the option of LED headlights which have been designed to provide a colour temperature similar to daylight.

Inside there are new seat trims, more chrome on controls panels, and new style to the main instrumentation. A new Comfort Exclusive package enhances the previous Exclusive package with the addition of SUV-specific black leather seats with buffalo-hide look, with Style and Urban versions also fitted with new seat cover fabrics. The boot lid can now be opened and closed with a foot movement. Optionally available is a 360deg camera that projects the surroundings of the car in full and split screen format.

Brake lights and indicators are controlled in three intensities. Full brightness by day, a medium level for driving during the night and a lower level when at a standstill during the night, so as not to dazzle other road users.

The GLA has Active Brake Assist as standard. It warns the driver if there is not sufficient distance to the vehicle in front and, if required, delivers situation-appropriate braking. If the system detects that the driver is reacting too late, it initiates autonomous braking in order to prevent the collision or minimise the consequences.

At the top end, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 4matic offers 4.4s sprint capability with a 381hp version of the turbocharged 2.0 petrol engine.

New E-Class Coupe arrives in Ireland

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe has now arrived in the brand's Irish showrooms, writes Brian Byrne. It is on sale from €52,310.

A 2.0 184hp petrol engine starts off the powertrain lineup currently available, which also include a 245hp version of the same engine, and a 333hp 3.0 V6. A new 2.0 194hp diesel is also available, from €52,995.

The car exclusively offers a choice of two light wood trim packages in open-pore and high-gloss finishes. Interior lighting makes use of LED technology, including optionally available ambient lighting with 64 colour variants.

The Coupe joins the saloon and estate already on sale, and the range will be extended later by a Cabriolet.

New E-Class Cabrio detailed

Mercedes-Benz has revealed details of its new E-Class Cabrio, the fifth model in the current generation of the model, writes Brian Byrne.

With the soft-top up, the profile is similar to that of the E-Class Coupe.

The car has a lowered suspension compared to the saloon, giving it a more sporty character.

The top can be opened or closed in 20 seconds, and this can be done at speeds of up to 50km/h.

Boot capacity is 385L with the roof up, and 310L with the top stowed.

An electric system to stop draughts, Aircap, and a neck-level heating system, Airscarf, are options available.

The new E-Class Cabrio is longer and wider than its predecessor, and has a longer wheelbase. It is also available with AWD for the first time.

To commemorate the launch of the first 300 CE-24 Cabriolet medium size Cabrio in 1992, Mercedes-Benz is to produce a 25th Anniversary model of the new car with special wheels, elmwood trim and unique colour and fabrics.

Mercedes-Benz main sponsor at FTA Conference

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has once again been confirmed as ‘Main Sponsor’ for the forthcoming annual Freight Transport Association Ireland Transport Manager Seminar, writes Trish Whelan.

At the event – which will take place on Thursday 30 March at the Johnstown House Hotel and Spa in Enfield, Co Meath – Mercedes-Benz will make a presentation focusing on its 50 years in the Irish truck market. The company will also exhibit a static vehicle display and manned trade stand.

With an expected attendance of some 150 delegates, FTA Ireland's Transport Manager Seminar is set to welcome a number of industry leading speakers to discuss the latest issues affecting the sector.

Further details can be found on the Freight Transport Association Ireland's website: www.ftai.ie

Surfing Mercedes-Benz style

Though iconically the preserve of battered old Volkswagen T2 vans, Mercedes-Benz has marked its interest in the world of the surfer, writes Brian Byrne.

The company took a stand for the first time at the world's largest aquatics exhibition, in Dusseldorf.

It featured in a 'Surfer's Village' with the centrepiece vehicles being the V-Class and the Marco Polo campervan.

The hall included a ten metre high static wave inviting visitors to try out indoor surfing. Beach bars, surfers' fashion and the latest board trends form the additional framework

Sonni Hönscheid, Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador and stand-up paddling world champion, provided her celebrity support as the patron of the indoor surfing events and surfing competitions.

M-B sculpture foreshadows new designs

Mercedes-Benz is teasing a new design language with this picture, which suggests elements for the next generation A-Class, writes Brian Byrne.

The picture is of a sculpture called 'Aesthetics A', and moves the brand style from the creases and edges which defined the A-Class launched in 2012 to a new 'sensual purity' design.

The designers employ sweeping surfaces at angles to each other to contour the body design with light and shadow and to emphasise the proportions.

We'll see a concept version in due course.

E-Class Coupe rolls off the line

The first unit of the new E-Class Coupe has rolled off the Mercedes-Benz production line in Bremen, writes Brian Byrne.

First customers will get their ordered car in the spring.

The car joins in the lineup of saloon, estate and all-terrain variants of the E-Class, the Irish Car of the Year 2017 in association with Continental.

The car is being produced on the same line as the C-Class Coupe and C-Class Cabriolet.

Most powerful E-Class ever in the spring

Mercedes-Benz will be launching the most powerful E-Class versions of all time during the spring, writes Brian Byrne.

The new generation E 63 4MATIC+ and E 63 S 4MATIC+ will take the dynamic driving limits of the performance saloon to a completely new level, according to the company.

Power will be from a 4.0 V8 biturbo with 571hp and 612hp in the respective models. Efficiency will be high thanks to the AMG intelligent cylinder shut-off system, yet a 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds is a new best in class performance for the car.

A newly developed AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive will allow torque distribution on the front and rear axles to be fully variable for the first time. Also the AMG multi clutch technology 9‑speed sports transmission is combined for the first time with a wet start-up clutch to enable more agile response times.

An E 63 S 4MATIC+ ‘Edition 1’ is an exclusive offering which will be available for a year after the launch. Special paint options and new AMG 20‑inch forged wheels in matt black will make it a more distinctive variant.

The range begins at €109,837 in Germany.

Freshened GLA leads Mercedes Detroit display

A revised GLA is leading the Mercedes-Benz charge at the Detroit Auto Show, where the company says it intends to expand its compact car line from five to eight models, writes Brian Byrne.

Head of Mercedes-Benz Dr Dieter Zetsche said at the show that the compact A- and B-Class ranges had successfully lowered the average age of Mercedes-Benz buyers.

In Europe, he said, the average age of the buyers in the segments is 13 years younger than  it was in 2011.

Mercedes-Benz teases upgrade to GLA

Mercedes-Benz will be sharpening up the GLA for this year, and will show the changes at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show, writes Brian Byrne.

A teaser photo shows a more aggressive treatment of the grille, and there are also changes to the lights.

There are not expected to be any significant powertrain changes in this mid-life upgrade.

The ultimate E-Class for Christmas

Maybe the present for the really keen car buff in your life? writes Brian Byrne.

It’s the ultimate Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Mercedes-AMG E63, the most powerful in the nameplate of all time.

There’s a choice of V8 engines, the more powerful shaving the 3.4s 100km/h performance by a second. All-wheel drive and a 9-speed sports-calibrated automatic both feature.

The car is differentiated from its normal siblings by wider wheel arches, a distinctive grille and a more aggressive stance.

You can order it here, with a guide price ‘in the region of €125,000’, according the Mercedes-Benz Ireland’s Ciaran Allen.

Yes, a special present indeed …

Mercedes-Benz and Annalise renew partnership

Irish Olympic silver medal winner Annalise Murphy has renewed her association with Mercedes-Benz in Ireland as she begins preparations for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, writes Trish Whelan.

As part of a ‘Tier One’ partnership arrangement that sees Mercedes-Benz retain its status as the only vehicle manufacturer supporting Annalise’s bid for further Olympic glory, the 26-year-old Irish sailing sensation will shortly take delivery of a 171 registered Vito Mixto van for use in transporting her team, herself and her equipment to events, here in Ireland and overseas.

Annalise says “The support of Mercedes-Benz, so valuable when preparing for the Rio Olympics,  ensures my plans to go one better in Tokyo are off to a great start.”

Set to be a familiar sight at Laser Radial sailing events, the new extra-long 119E Vito comes with five leather-covered passenger seats, chrome grille, automatic cruise control and speed limiter, reversing camera, and a spacious load-carrying interior. The most powerful unit in the Vito range, the 119E is driven by a 190hp CDI diesel engine.

Annalise's first Vito van from Mercedes-Benz, with its stunning graphics, is pictured below.

The arrangement with Mercedes-Benz includes provision to display its three-pointed star logo on Annalise’s sails and clothing. “This ensures there’ll be a star - not just in the boat, but on the boat as well,” noted Fergus Conheady, sales manager for Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles in Ireland.

Annalise is pictured at the announcement her ‘Tier One’ partnership with Mercedes-Benz. With her are Fergus Conheady, commercial vehicles sales manager, and Stephen Byrne, chief executive.

New E-Class Coupe detailed

A new E-Class Coupe has just been revealed by Mercedes-Benz to fly a heritage flag going back as far as 1968, writes Brian Byrne.

Previously known as the CLK, and before that the 'Stroke Eight Coupe', the car is based on the Irish COTY 2017-winning E-Class saloon, and adds a number of technological refinements to those of its predecessor as well as a beautiful shape.

The car will with the latest Mercedes-Benz 194hp 2.0 diesel, as well as 2.0 and 3.0 petrol engines with power outputs up to 333hp. Further engines and a 4Matic AWD variant will follow later.

The new E-Class Coupe offers interior space in all directions better than its predecessor, while the vehicle itself is longer, wider and has a substantially longer wheelbase.

All the connecting and safety technologies of the E-Class saloon and estate are available in the Coupe variant.

More information closer to the Irish launch.

New headlights system from Mercedes-Benz

A new headlights system developed by Mercedes-Benz will further develop the matrix LED technology to such an extent that it will be able to project symbols and words on the road ahead to give drivers more information about their surroundings, writes Brian Byrne.

The HD (high definition) technology uses a computer system which controls more than two million adjustable micro-mirrors in a pair of headlights to give ultra-precise control of the light beam.

Special algorithms receive detailed information about the surroundings from the vehicle sensors, such as cameras or radar, and the system can detect a pedestrian on the road and light up their body but leave their head in the dark, so that they are not dazzled. It can do this also for other cars and bicycles.

Mercedes-Benz is planning to launch the system in 2017, probably in an S-Class.

Busy year ahead for Mercedes-Benz

2017 promises to be another busy year for Mercedes-Benz in Ireland, writes Trish Whelan.

The German carmaker increased its sales here by 44pc this year.

Scheduled to arrive in Q1 will be a new 'dream car' in the shape of a new S-Class Cabriolet which will bring the joys of open-top driving to the premier S-Class range. Also in Q1, the E-Class range will gain an E-Class Coupe followed in mid-year by an E-Class Cabriolet, and a new E-Class All-Terrain model as well as a revamped GLA entry-level SUV.

In 2017, the company will advance developments already in the pipeline, including their entry into electric-powered motoring. It's expected that Q3 will see two especially exotic AMG models - a GTR and GTC.

Ciaran Allen, sales manager for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in Ireland said "Over recent years, as new models have become available, we have seen Mercedes-Benz expand its base in city and suburban driveways, in rural environments, and amongst younger drivers, male and female.

“As models due here in 2017 indicate, this new approach is now an embedded element in the unfolding Mercedes-Benz story as the company plots its course towards 2020 and the expected doubling of its market share globally” he said.

Pictured above is the Mercedes-AMG GTR – one of the exotic introductions planned by the German luxury carmaker for 2017.

Exclusive Mercedes-Maybach open-top at Los Angeles

Unveiled at a preview to today’s opening of the Los Angeles Auto Show, this is a new and limited edition convertible from the Mercedes-Maybach brand, writes Brian Byrne.

Just 300 copies of the €300,000 car will be produced and it follows the European premiere of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 shown at Paris recently.

The Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Cabriolet is based on the open-top S-Class and is powered by a 630hp 6.0 V12.

Special materials and Mercedes-Maybach badging will highlight the exclusivity of the car, for which all the options available in the S-Class Cabriolet come as standard.