STUTTGART, Germany — Mercedes-Benz may launch its next-generation A- and B-Class compacts in the U.S. in 2012 as part of a broader strategy to bolster its small-car portfolio in North America.

The plan has been under consideration for more than a year, and this week, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche told The Wall Street Journal in an interview that the company plans to sell one or more of its new compacts in the U.S. The new A- and B-Class lineup will be introduced in Europe in late 2011.

The smaller Mercedes models would compete against such European rivals as the Audi A3 and the BMW 1 Series.

The automaker also will decide in the next two months whether to shift some production of the C-Class sedan to its U.S. plant in Vance, Alabama, according to Automotive News. The industry journal is also reporting that a redesigned C-Class is due in 2013.

Mercedes is reshaping its small-car plans for North America even as U.S. sales of the Smart Fortwo subcompact have fallen well below expectations.

Smart sales totaled only 661 units in October, down more than 70 percent from October 2008 and the lowest for any month since the car made its U.S. debut. For the first time, Smart is offering cut-rate financing on the car in the hope of boosting demand.

The successor to the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing from the 1950s (and replacement for the SLR) has finally been officially revealed today with a new batch of high-resolution photos after months of drip-fed teasers, spy shots, and recently, leaked details and photos. Picking up the official title of SLS AMG–a nod to its exclusive development by Mercedes’ official in-house tuner, AMG–the latest model is set to grace the stands at next week’s 2009 Frankfurt auto show before going on sale early next year.

In true gullwing style, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG features a pair of vertically lifting doors that almost resemble wings once fully extended. These are bolted to a new aluminum spaceframe, which provides an almost perfect front-to-rear weight distribution of 48-to-52%.





Power comes from a revised version of AMG’s now-familiar 6.2L V-8 mated to an all-new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission mounted on the rear axle. Peak output stands at 571 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Changes to the engine include a new magnesium intake with eight separate velocity stacks, two electronically controlled throttle plates, a high-flow exhaust and a new dry-sump lubrication system.





The engine is located up front but is mounted behind the front axle for better weight distribution. The SLS AMG’s final curb weight is 3,571 pounds, 47% of which rests on the front axle, 53% on the rear. With the V-8 mill it’s claimed to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 197 mph. Fuel efficiency is 17.8 mpg in the European combined cycle.





As for the new dual-clutch gearbox, the unit was developed by AMG and boasts fast gear changes with no loss of tractive force. The driver has a choice of four different driving modes, ranging from comfortable to extremely sporty, as well as a ‘RACESTART’ function. The suspension set-up is equally advanced, with double wishbones and hub carriers made of lightweight forged aluminum. Stopping power comes from carbon-ceramic discs, and these are mounted within 19 inch light-alloy wheels.





The car’s dimensions have also been revealed, measuring in at 4.65 m in length, 1.95 m across and just 1.25 m in height. The wheelbase stretches just 2.7 m.





Standard features includes the COMAND APS, leather trim, an electronic parking brake, headlamp assist, keyless ignition, PARKTRONIC, rain sensors, heated seats, AMG floor mats, cruise control, sports pedals and THERMOTRONIC. Optional goodies include a 6-disc DVD charger, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG sound system, alarm, and several AMG paint schemes include the special Alubeam Silver.





AMG is also offering several performance modifications including a carbon-fiber bonnet, carbon side mirrors, carbon trim, stiffer suspension settings, forged 10-spoke wheels, sports bucket seats and a performance steering wheel finished in leather and Alcantara.





The starting price in Germany is set at €177,310 (approximately $257,232). U.S. pricing should be revealed closer to the car’s sales launch, pegged for early next year as a 2010 model.

I am the proud owner of a Mercedes Benz E-Class and recommend them to EVERYONE. I must admit the technology involved with keeping Mercedes on the road is invasive and often results in maintenance one might never experience with other vehicles, but it is well worth any minor inconvenience.

My ride quality is pillow soft even at speeds in excess of the century mark, craftsmanship is superb, and Mercedes doesn’t sacrifice speed and power for luxury. With my date alongside me, at the “Stop-Light Derby” I easily and gracefully crush those attempting to out accelerate me all the while my date doing her mascara in the vanity mirror.

Enough with my Mercedes “Romanticism”, onward to the newer, more sophisticated, and more brutish: 2010 E-Class!!! Slainte!!!

New for 2010: The Coupe

…beautiful girl, beautiful car…

Replacing the long-running CLK-Class coupe beginning with the 2010 model year, the Mercedes E-Class Coupe is a return to tradition for the German automaker. Based primarily on the E-Class platform, the E-Class coupe actually borrows some of its suspension from the smaller C-Class, though unlike the CLK, the majority of its structure is from the larger E.

Available in E350 and E550 versions, the E-Class coupe brings back a pillar-less coupe version of Mercedes-Benz’s bread-and-butter sedans, unlike the CLK, which looked vaguely like the E-Class but was built on a C-Class platform.

Unlike its predecessors, the E-Class coupe eschews the three-pointed star hood ornament for a prominent, grille-mounted replacement that, in the latest Mercedes-Benz design language, signifies “sport,” rather than luxury. Accordingly, the E-Class coupe has been tuned more towards performance than providing the coddling personal luxury-style accommodations of Mercedes coupes of yore.

Inside, that means you’ll find an angular dashboard lifted from the E-Class sedan, which boasts Mercedes’ latest COMAND software, but also a console-mounted automatic transmission lever, rather than the steering column stalk-mounted setup in the four-door.

The E350 features Mercedes’ 3.5-liter V6 engine, rated at 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque in this application, while the E550 is powered by the automaker’s 5.5-liter V8, which cranks out 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft. of torque. Both engines are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission that also includes steering wheel-mounted paddles for manual-style control.

Safety, both passive and active, is a priority for the E-Class coupe. Attention Assist, which monitors steering inputs to detect driver drowsiness, comes standard. The system uses front and rear-mounted radar sensors to estimate when a driver deviates from his line of course by taking into account lane drifting followed by rapid corrections.

The E-Class coupe also features a class-leading nine airbags active head restraints that move forward during a rear impact for added safety.

Both models offer an optional Distronic Plus with Pre-Safe braking, which charges the brakes when it detects and impending impact in order to limit the severity of the wreck as much as possible.

Several option packages are available line-wide. The Premium 1 package includes a navigation system, 450-watt harman/kardon premium audio system, Sirius satellite radio, a rear sunshade and heated seats. The Premium 2 package adds ventilated front seats, bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, adaptive high-beam assist (which can automatically dim high-beam headlights when it detects oncoming traffic) and keyless starting and entry.

A Sport Package upgrades the E350 to 17-inch wheels, a sports suspension and ventilated brake discs, all of which are standard on the E550. It adds sports seats, rubber-studded pedals and a unique trim package to both, while only the E550 gets an AMG-designed sport steering wheel.

The optional Distronic Plus package adds the aforementioned adaptive cruise control with Brake Assist Plus and Parktronic parking assist that can help guide the car into parking spots via a rear-mounted camera.

Individual options include full leather trim, a leather and wood-covered steering wheel and TeleAid emergency assist.

At the model’s introduction, the E350 is available with a special Launch Edition package that pairs unique Olivine Grey paint with a Natural Beige/Black interior, the Sports Package, Premium 2 Package and a wood and leather steering wheel.

The Sedan

Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class range has long been the automaker’s bread-and-butter lineup. A direct descendent of the rattly, yet long-lasting diesel sedans of the ’70s and early ’80s, the E-Class has seen considerable evolution over the years, leading to the highly refined vehicles of today.

The executive sedan received a complete redesign for the 2010 model year onward, representing a significant step up from its predecessor. In addition to an all-new interior and exterior, the E-Class packs a number of new or improved high-tech features, as is typical of Mercedes-Benz. Despite offering more in virtually every department, the new model will lists for $4,600 less than the prior version.

The the base E350 model lists from $49,475 — $4,600 less than the old E350’s price. The V8-powered E550 also saw a significant price reduction, listing for $5,400 under the old model at $57,175. All prices include destination.

The sedan’s all-new body doesn’t just look different, it also yields a number of functional improvements. Aerodynamics were a big focus of the redesign, and Mercedes was able to achieve a drag coefficient of only 0.25, making the car the most aerodynamic luxury sedan, the company claims. Moreover, the new body is 30 percent stiffer, resulting in more precise handling.

Engine performance and fuel economy has been improved, starting from the base model up. As before, the E350 offers 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the V8 E500 cranks out 382 hp at 6000 rpm and 391 lb-ft between 2800 and 4800 rpm. Both models will be offered with all-wheel-drive. Customers can also chose between the the six-cylinder E 350 CDI with an output of 241 horsepower and an even more efficient E350 BlueTEC, developing 211 horsepower and meeting EU6 exhaust emission standards planned for 2014. All the other engine variants in the new E-Class meet the EU5 limits.

High-tech features include: Attention Assist, which detects driver drowsiness based on 70 parameters; Adaptive Main Beam Assist, which adjusts the angle of the headlight for the best possible illumination without blinding other motorists; LED daytime driving lights, which use less power and enhance aesthetics; Blind Spot Assist familiar from the S-Class; and Lane Keeping Assist, which uses vibrations in the steering wheel to inform the driver if they’re veering out of their lane. An optional Speed Limit Assist , which recognizes speed limit signs as the car passes them, then displays the relevant speed limit in the speedometer.

As with other Mercedes models, Brake Assist Plus automatically calculates the braking pressure to prevent a collision in critical situations. When the brake pedal is depressed, the system immediately activates the calculated level of braking assistance. If the driver fails to respond to the warnings, the radar system first initiates partial braking, and if a collision is unavoidable, emergency braking is initiated.

The Maybach Landaulet was the response to customer requests

The Maybach name epitomises high-end luxury motoring. It stands for effortlessly superior automotive engineering at the very highest level, timeless and stylish elegance, and precision craftsmanship. Since approximately two-thirds of Maybach customers wish to tailor their cars exactly to their own tastes and ideas, Maybach is constantly expanding its exclusive range of customisation options.

The Maybach Landaulet was prompted by the clientele of Maybach. Experts understand the landaulet to be an automobile whose front section has a fixed roof, but whose rear has a folding top to allow the passengers to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Landaulets were formerly often used as parade cars in which the occupants could present themselves to the people at the roadside. However, security considerations have largely relieved the landaulet of this function today.

Of course, this has not detracted from the legends, which surround landaulet automobiles. Chauffeur-driven cars by nature, even today they still are ranked among the top products of the carmaker’s art. This applies to a particular degree to the Maybach Landaulet: innovative, high-grade engineering, exceptional comfort and a luxurious ambience clearly place this Landaulet a cut above even the luxury car segment. This is down in part to select, high-quality materials, large amounts of which specialists incorporate into the Maybach Landaulet with meticulous attention to detail and craftsmen’s skill. The vehicle displayed in Genevacomes with white Grand Nappa leather of highest quality and exquisite black granite as well as glossy piano lacquer for trim elements. The new Maybach Landaulet might best be compared to luxurious super-yachts – exquisitely beautiful and valuable masterpieces that combine sophisticated technology and exotic materials with a close-to experience of nature, which addresses all the senses, and take their owners far away from the conventional.

Large folding roof for the passengers in the rear

In technical terms the Maybach Landaulet is based on the Maybach 62 S – which can claim to be the world’s most powerful series-produced chauffeured saloon. Maybach technicians have removed the rear roof module in order to afford passengers an unobstructed view of the sky above. The side walls have been invisibly reinforced with an integral tubular steel structure. As these measures have not altered the silhouette of the luxury saloon, the generously dimensioned doors and the complete interior with reclining seats remain unchanged.

When closed, the black soft-top of the Maybach Landaulet rests on the roof frame and is wind and weather-proof. When requested by the passengers, the chauffeur operates a switch in the centre console. Fully automatically, electric motors then open the two locks which fasten the folding top to the roof frame; the top is folded and gently laid onto the parcel shelf in the rear, together with its integral rear windscreen made of single-layer safety glass. One hydraulic cylinder each on the left and right side open and close the top virtually noiselessly. The necessary driving power is furnished by an electro-hydraulic motor hidden away in the side of the boot. The opening and closing of the roof are choreographed to take place in less than 20 seconds. Of course, even with the top down the luggage compartment is always fully accessible.

The chauffeur is able to enclose the folded roof with a fine leather tonneau cover, which both conceals the roof mechanism from view and completes the overall picture of outstanding elegance. The tonneau cover comes in the same colour as the interior of the rear compartment, thereby creating a harmonious, organic link with the exterior. A logo reading “Maybach Landaulet” in the colour specified by the customer is embroidered onto the cover, where it is visible to following traffic. The model on show sports an elegant and discreet white-on-white logo: after all, Maybach saloons do not wish to achieve their effect with superficial stylistic features, but rather with the distinguished air of a first-class butler.

Exclusive workplace for the chauffeur, exquisite luxury for passengers

The Maybach Landaulet is a masterpiece of automotive engineering and comes with its very own exciting, yet distinguished, authentic style. The interior colour scheme of the model shown in Genevais another point, which illustrates that the Maybach Landaulet is conceived as a chauffeur-driven car. The passenger compartment in the spacious rear of the vehicle is styled a tasteful white, whereas the chauffeur’s area is entirely in black. Though this does make the respective roles quite clear, the seat behind the steering wheel of the Maybach Landaulet should certainly be one of the most coveted workplaces for a chauffeur. For here, too, only exceptionally high-grade materials are used.

The chauffeur’s area is modelled on the successful Maybach 62 S, but has been upgraded in a number of important ways. The centre console and all trim elements have black piano lacquer surfaces. And for the extensive leather appointments Maybach uses an exclusive, smooth black leather.

Generous spaciousness and first-class comfort

The passengers in the rear with its optional contrasting colour scheme enjoy their place in the sun. Theytravel on opulent reclining seats upholstered in exquisite Grand Nappa leather in an environment of utmost luxury and exquisite style. The basis for outstanding comfort is the generous spaciousness of the rear passenger compartment, which the Maybach Landaulet has adopted unchanged from the Maybach 62 S. Two superbly comfortable individual seats positively invite the rear passengers to sit back and relax. As a highlight, the elegant individual rear seats allow even tall passengers to enjoy a comfortable reclining position, which travellers would normally expect to find only in the first-class sections of modern passenger jets. Rear passengers can call up a pre-set reclined position at the push of a button, whereupon the backrest smoothly tilts backwards by up to 47 degrees whilst, simultaneously, a lower-leg support and footrest extend forwards. This means that occupants can enjoy the ride in an extremely relaxed reclined position. Of course, the seat can easily be adjusted to each passenger’s own particular comfort needs.

Seat comfort is further enhanced by pneumatically adjustable air cushions in the backrest and a program-controlled massage function. Pressing the “Pulse” button inflates and deflates the central air cushion in the lumbar region at precisely defined intervals and with varying intensity. As confirmed by orthopaedic experts, this pulsating action relieves stress in the back muscles and boosts the metabolism of the intervertebral discs. Each relaxing back massage lasts for five minutes and can be repeated as often as required.

Exquisite appointments

Highly skilled craftsmanship, unerring taste, the use of unique materials plus the very highest standards of quality played a decisive role in the design of the rear, and have produced an outstanding result. Maybach Manufaktur has fitted out the passenger compartment of the vehicle on show almost completely in exquisite Seychelles White Nappa leather.

A contrast is provided in the vehicle on show by inserts and decorative trim in black. But white and black is not the only theme: warm and cool contrasts also help to create atmosphere. Some surfaces in the rear passenger compartment feature glossy black piano lacquer, while several elements are made of Star Galaxy granite from India. This rare stone is deep black in colour, with numerous warm, gold inclusions. The standard specification of the new Maybach Landaulet comes with a choice of three leather appointment options, and a choice of two trim element finishes – black piano lacquer combined with carbon-fibre trim or fine anthracite poplar.

Designed specifically for open-top motoring

Maybach has adapted the luxurious rear compartment to the requirements of open-top motoring. For instance, the rear head restraints are slightly larger than on the saloon and effectively help reduce wind turbulence. Another slim wind deflector is automatically raised at speedsabove 70 km/h to further reduce the risk of any uncomfortable draughts. The deflector, which measures around five centimetres, can be activated manually at any time. The switch is conveniently positioned for rear passengers in the centre console.

The intercom in the passenger compartment is fitted with an additional handset in the centre console, allowing passengers to communicate with the driver while the roof is down.

Sophisticated integral system with crash-responsive backrests for outstanding safety

As well as being exceptionally comfortable, the reclining seats in the Maybach Landaulet offer an outstanding level of safety – in any position. The restraint system incorporating the belt tensioner, belt-force limiter and sidebag is integrated in the backrests, meaning that the rear passengers can enjoy optimal protection even when the seats are fully reclined. Further safety features include a crash-responsive backrest which is moved into an upright position in the event of a frontal impact and the tensioners on the belt buckles which also tension the lap belt in the event of an accident.

Partition with electric transparency control

Designed from the outset as a chauffeur-driven limousine, the Maybach Landaulet is equipped with a partition. The lower section of the partition consists of an aluminium sandwich structure. The upper section comprises an electro-transparent laminated glass panel that can be lowered by electric motor.

Two separate systems for a perfect climate all round

Driving enjoyment of the highest calibre is further enhanced by the climate comfort afforded by the Maybach Landaulet. To provide effective climate control in the spacious interior, Maybach equips the vehicle with two of the most sophisticated automatic climate control units currently available – one for the front compartment and one specially for the rear compartment. Thanks to its high performance capability and intelligent control set-up, the system allows the occupants in the front as well as the passengers in the rear to adjust and program the climate control system individually. The parameters of the climate control system have been adapted to the conditions in the Maybach Landaulet and ensure that open-air travel remains a pleasure even under adverse climatic conditions.

State-of-the-art entertainment and communications

The rear console is the centrepiece for entertainment, communications and travelling pleasure in the Maybach Landaulet. Numerous stowage compartments enable the rear passengers to tidy away both large and small items conveniently. The exquisitely designed interior door panels alone house ten stowage compartments whose lids open at the push of a button.

However, it is the multifunctional centre console between the seats that forms the heart of the stowage concept in the rear of the Maybach cars. This is where Maybach engineers have grouped everything relating to the entertainment and pleasure of the rear-seat passengers: a DVD player, six-disc CD changer, a cooler compartment with its own electric compressor and an intelligent system, which holds silver goblets and champagne bottle safely in position. The champagne flutes – specifically designed for the Maybach in high-grade sterling silver – are held by clips that automatically grip them above the base when they are put down. The clips are released as soon as the rear passenger picks up the flute again.

Top-quality fine paintwork

The Maybach Landaulet on show in Genevacomes with exclusive paintwork in Antigua White. This gleaming white paint finish is built up by specialists layer by layer ‑ almost twice as many layers as normally found on other high-quality automobiles. The new Maybach Landaulet is painted in Baltic Black or Nevada Silver in a sophisticated process that ensures the highest standards of quality.

Visual highlights are provided by 20-inch aluminium wheels, also available as an option at no extra charge painted in the vehicle colour or burnished to a high sheen in a special finishing process. These are shod in Michelin Pilot Sport high-performance size 275/45 R 20 tyres manufactured specifically for Maybach.

Individual appointments at no extra charge

As testimony to its exceptional customer focus, Maybach also meets many special Landaulet requirements at no extra charge for the customer. For instance, Maybach Landaulet clients can choose the individual appointments for their vehicle from the entire Maybach paint finish, leather and trim element range at no extra charge. An extra charge only applies to highly exclusive requirements such as special paint finishes based on the customer’s own specifications, select leather colours, trim elements in natural stone or the electro-transparent partition.

Engine and suspension

The Maybach Landaulet is powered by an uprated V12 engine which Maybach engineers have developed further for the Maybach 57 S and Maybach 62 S together with the specialists at Mercedes-AMG. Thanks to twin turbochargers and water intercooling, the V12 develops a maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp from a displacement of 5980 cubic centimetres. This is continuously available between 4800 and 5100 rpm, and the engine also delivers an impressive maximum torque of 1000 newton metres between 2000 and 4000 rpm.

In line with the Maybach approach, the twelve-cylinder biturbo engine is hand-assembled in the Mercedes-AMG engine workshops, or Manufaktur. The “One man, one engine” philosophy is reflected by the signature of the technician responsible on the characteristic model plate, which is attached to the engine cover of the V12 biturbo – a guarantee of the greatest care and highest quality.

Equipped with the AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) electronically controlled air suspension system and the Adaptive Damping System (ADS II), the Maybach Landaulet achieves an outstanding level of ride comfort whilst at the same time proving that even a prestigious automobile can display excellent agility and handling qualities.

In addition to large, internally ventilated brake discs – with twin callipers at the front – both the Maybach Landaulet and the Maybach 62 S are equipped with two electro-hydraulic Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC™) braking systems working in tandem. Together with ESP®, ASR, ABS and Brake Assist, this provides the Maybach Landaulet with the very latest in effective, high-tech handling control systems.