Mercedes-Benz
David Phillips / Special to The Detroit News
Biggest splash
Less wind turbulence. More sun. Lots of power. That sums up the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet to debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. With the cabriolet, there will now be four E-Class models; the others are sedan, wagon and coupe.
Unlike the retractable hard tops on the Mercedes-Benz SL and SLK roadsters, the E-class Cabriolet -- like the CLK before it -- uses a traditional soft top. Mercedes-Benz claims the top, which is just 0.9 of an inch thick, is extensively insulated to help keep the cabin warm in colder weather and to minimize noise intrusions. Mercedes says it's possible to have a hands-free cell phone conversation with the cloth top up at speeds in excess of 125 mph.
The new E-Class Cabriolet features a pair of technologies that will help keep passengers warm during open-air driving. Already available on the SL and SLK roadsters is a system that directs warm air toward a passenger's neck and shoulders. And AirCap -- a diffuser deployed above the windshield to direct airflow out of the faces of rear seat passengers -- is a new feature. For now, it will be available only on the E-class.
The soft top can be opened and closed fully automatically within 20 seconds even when it is being driven up to 25 mph.
What's new
In December 2009, the ML450 hybrid sport-ute went on sale with a full-hybrid system, with estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, and riding on 19-inch wheels. The ML450 hybrid is the byproduct of a three-way partnership between Daimler AG, General Motors Co. and BMW AG to develop two-mode hybrid technology. It sports combined horsepower of 335 between the two electric motors and the 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The ML450 hybrid shares similarities to the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and the new BMW X6 Active Hybrid.
The E-Class sedan has been redesigned for 2010. The 9th generation sedan features a standard panoramic glass roof. The E Class sedan and coupe will be available in six-cylinder (E350) and eight-cylinder (E550) models. New features include night vision, high beams that automatically adjust to avoid blinding oncoming traffic, and Attention Assist, which senses if the driver is getting drowsy. The hot-rod E63 AMG variant is equipped with a 518-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 and a 7-speed automatic transmission with an electronically-controlled mechanical clutch in place of the torque converter.
A station wagon version of the new E-Class will go on sale in the summer. It will be available only in V6-powered E350 all-wheel drive, or 4Matic in Mercedes-speak.
The GLK350 was new for 2009. For 2010, the baby SUV gets a premium leather steering wheel, a new tire-pressure monitoring system and Palladium Silver paint. New options include a tilting parking mirror, parking assist added to the optional rearview camera, Sirius Traffic and keyless start.
For 2010, the C-Class receives a new optional Dynamic Handling package available on rear-wheel-drive C300 and C350 models. It includes active damping suspension, speed-sensitive steering ratio, 18-inch wheels and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. New options for the 2010 C-Class include a rearview camera, keyless starting system, four-way power lumbar support and tilting parking mirror.
The diesel-powered R-Class 320 and M-Class 320 Bluetec models have been renamed the R350 Bluetec and ML350 Bluetec models.
Many Mercedes-Benz models receive an upgraded tire-pressure monitoring system for 2010.
Check it out
Mercedes is returning to its roots with its latest sports car. The 2011 SLS AMG may be a front-engine, two-seat, rear-drive sports car, but some will always call it the Gullwing. Its two roof-hinged doors are reminiscent of the 300SL "Gullwing" of the 1950s. The 6.2-liter V-8 motor pumps out 571 horsepower -- enough to turn the aluminum-intensive Gullwing into a land rocket.
The design is another issue -- some describe it as a hairbrush, others call it a clown shoe. But the SLS also doesn't look like the discontinued SLR, described by some as the Las Vegas of supercars. It goes on sale in April 2010 and as the new flagship for the 3-pointed star, should be a blast to drive.
Green factor
There are diesels and now hybrid powertrains sprinkled throughout the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The S-Class large sedan lineup gets greener for 2010 with the addition of the S400 mild hybrid model with 295 horsepower. Mercedes estimates that with the use of the world's first lithium-ion battery designed exclusively for automotive use, the S400 Hybrid should deliver an estimated 29 miles per gallon. And a turbodiesel version of the E350 BLUETEC joins the Mercedes lineup in January 2010.
Down the road
Like other luxury automakers coping with the new realities of the marketplace, Mercedes-Benz is planning to market a small sedan and possibly a hatchback in the United States. And it is in talks to bring on French automaker and small car specialist Renault SA to deliver it under budget. Expect more diesel offerings and smaller displacement engines across the lineup as Mercedes moves to meet new fuel economy rules coming in 2016.
Look for a concept car at the 2010 North American International Auto Show that previews Mercedes' new design direction that may debut on the next CLS sedan. The concept is reportedly long and exaggerated, according to new Mercedes design chief Gordon Wagener.
source: detnews
