2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover revealed ahead of Frankfurt motor show

 

Mercedes-Benz will show its new-for-2015 GLA -- its first-ever shot at the compact SUV class -- at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show in September. The GLA will arrive in U.S. showrooms in fall 2014.

The GLA is a sharp, muscular-looking little thing, measuring 173.9 inches long and 58.8 inches high. The little SUV, set to battle the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Range Rover Evoque, is the first Mercedes SUV available with the (optional) new-generation permanent all-wheel drive system (4MATIC) with fully variable torque distribution.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbo four developing 208 hp and 258 lb ft of torque, good enough for a 6.4-second sprint to 60 mph. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Stop-start is standard. Suspension is McPherson struts in front and multilink rear. 18-inch wheels are standard, 19 inchers are optional.

Mercedes promises high-quality materials inside, with a heavy emphasis on horizontal surfacing and tight gaps. You can choose aluminum or wood trim.

Of course there is safety equipment galore, including what Benz calls Collision Prevention Assist Plus: If potential for an accident arises and the driver doesn't respond, the system will brake the car at speeds up to 124 mph. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles up to 18 mph, and can prevent rear-end collisions at speeds up to 12 mph. You'll also find blindspot and lane-keeping assist and optional park assist.

There is also a long list of infotainment features, including full smart-phone integration, internet connectivity, applications such as Facebook and Twitter, and street view on the nav system.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4MATIC

With bold new styling, a fresh new cabin and refreshing efficiency, the 2013 GLK-Class delivers the spirited character of a Mercedes-Benz sport sedan in a capable, compact SUV.
The redesigned 2013 GLK-Class isn't just bold on the outside. Its muscular yet elegant body is merely the outward reflection of its innate Mercedes-Benz virtues. Rugged from its core and rewarding from behind the wheel, its standard 19-inch wheels, rear spoiler and dual exhaust reveal its race-bred soul.

Inner beauty for the upwardly mobile.

Dramatically redesigned and impeccably detailed, the GLK-Class cabin reaches new heights in style, while leaping to the forefront of technology. Vivid color displays, intuitive controls and advanced multimedia systems put a world of enjoyment at your fingertips, and put everyone aboard in the lap of luxury.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4MATIC looks damn good. I absolutely love the strong lines, aggressive front grille with the massive chrome Mercedes logo and the mock push bar (part of the standard AMG Sport Package). Just the right amount of chrome accents are thrown on the exterior to bump up the class factor. The almost-too-small rear spoiler and 20" five twin-spoke wheels add a touch of "sporty" to the overall look, as well.

Step inside the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4MATIC and that manly, assertive look continues. I immediately thought "military" the moment I sat in the 8-way power adjustable driver's seat. From the symmetrical, mounted buttons on the leather-wrapped steering wheel to the propeller-blade air vents to the button-loaded but oh-so-organized middle console, there's something extremely strict about the interior design - very German. Everything has its place, everything has its purpose and nothing is overdone. And I love it.

While I'm not a huge fan of the Mercedes-Benz COMAND entertainment and navigation system, it's not impossible to use and quite easy to get used to. I also found the placement of the control knob a bit uncomfortable. As I am on the shorter side of the spectrum, my seat has to be pushed farther forward than most, so in order to use the system control knob ahead the middle console arm rest I had to angle my elbow out as it would have met with the end of the seat and my hand would never reach the knob. And because of this, I was required to take my eyes off the road and look down each time I wished to use the knob while driving, just to make sure my arm was angled enough to reach it.

Other than that, the interior of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4MATIC is well-built and comfortable for long or short journeys. It also offers a fair amount of cargo space with 450 litres available in the trunk.

C-Class and M-Class get top marks in more stringent US crash test

Dubai, 24 February 2013 – Since the American crash test program US NCAP was made more stringent in 2010, only a few vehicles have achieved the highest assessment with five stars. These elite vehicles include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and M-Class. These both also achieved top marks in the European Euro NCAP rating and in the test by the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), thereby confidently mastering three of the most challenging international safety ratings. This underlines Mercedes-Benz's exceptional position as a pioneer in safety and a technical trendsetter.
The manufacturer-independent US NCAP rating (US New Car Assessment Program) is similar to its European counterpart Euro NCAP in many regards. However, the US program significantly tightened up many of the requirements in 2010, also including additional tests in the rating. This resulted in a dramatic decrease in the number of five-star results. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class and M-Class are among the few vehicles to have achieved the top result of five stars according to the new criteria which are based on real-life accident scenarios.
Unlike the Euro NCAP, the updated US rating uses a significantly heavier deformable barrier (1368 kg compared with 950 kg) for the side collision in order to comply with the increased average weight of modern American vehicles. Another example: A rigid barrier is constructed for the frontal collision instead of a deformable barrier. The vehicle also hits the barrier with a full overlap (40 percent in Euro NCAP). The test program has also been expanded to include a lateral angled pole impact.
The assessment criteria have also been made significantly more stringent. The probability of serious injury to the head (head injury criterion) and the strain on the throat, chest and femur of the driver and front passenger are evaluated. In order to get five stars, the probability of serious injury must be under five percent.
As well as in the challenging new US NCAP rating, the C-Class and M-Class also achieved five-star results in the Euro NCAP, just like all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars have for many years. The American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a private organisation led by various commercial vehicle insurance companies, also declared both Mercedes-Benz model series to be "Top Safety Picks" thanks to their outstanding test results.
Mercedes-Benz believes these national and international safety ratings to be very sensible. However, the safety experts for the premium brand with the three-pointed star will not settle for merely achieving rating targets; instead they work constantly and intensively on achieving a level of safety that exceeds the standards required by all the legislation worldwide.
Actual accident scenarios are therefore an important benchmark for their work. This is why they have been investigating thousands of specific accidents for several years. On this incorruptible basis, Mercedes-Benz has developed a safety concept which not only aims to prevent accidents but also minimize the consequences of them. The experts call the result of their work "Real Life Safety".
Based on this comprehensive safety philosophy, Mercedes-Benz has developed or initiated several modern safety systems that effectively support drivers. One example is the occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, launched ten years ago. It can activate safety measures for the passengers as a precaution, even before an impending crash. The aim is to prepare the occupants and the vehicle for an imminent collision, by, for example, ensuring that the seat belts and airbags can implement their full protective effect during an impact. PRE-SAFE® is now available in 14 model series right across the Mercedes-Benz model range.
As another indicator of its power of innovation when it comes to occupant protection, Mercedes is further expanding its protection for rear seat passengers with the active belt buckle and the beltbag. An electric motor automatically moves the belt buckle up and down as part of the active belt buckle. This allows belt slack in the pelvis and thorax regions to be reduced and passengers are better secured both laterally and longitudinally. The beltbag is an inflatable belt strap which can reduce the risk of injury to rear-seat passengers in the event of a frontal collision by reducing the forces exerted on the rib cage.

The "Real Life Safety" holistic approach pursued by accident researchers at Mercedes-Benz also increasingly leads to the fusion of comfort and safety, thanks to the implementation of intelligent assistant systems which Mercedes-Benz groups together under the name "Intelligent Drive". This includes systems which could, for the first time, prevent accidents with crossing vehicles or pedestrians, as well as an active lane keeping assist system which could also prevent accidents with oncoming traffic. Anti-dazzle permanent main-beam headlamps are also in development.

Assistance systems like these are not yet generally required by vehicle safety rating systems but various institutions are already starting to request them.
Mercedes-Benz is constantly increasing the performance of these assistance systems. The aim is all-round protection, not only for the occupants of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, but also for all other road users.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Black Series

 New Mercedes-AMG gullwing super sports car rages with rapturous Black Series performance

 ·        631hp and 635nm of torque

·        1550kg lightweight motorsport inspired construction

·        0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds

Affalterbach – Announced as though it has blasted past the chequered flag of its GT3 inspired design, roared off the track by its 631hp 6.3 litre V8 engine and onto public roads with tarmac shredding 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds performance, Mercedes-AMG has invoked the darkest fury of Affterbach into its thunderous gullwing to create the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series.

Making challengers pale in comparison, the fifth Black Series model from Mercedes-AMG harnesses the victorious motorsport mettle of its SLS AMG GT3 racing version to boast a menacing mix of breath-taking design, outstanding driving dynamics and uncompromising lightweight construction in accordance with the "AMG Lightweight Performance" strategy. Pairing its powerful engine packing 635 nm of twist with a DIN kerb weight of 1550 kilograms, the SLS AMG Black Series achieves a power/weight ratio of 2.45 kg/hp.

The coil-over AMG RIDE CONTROL performance suspension, the AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system and the weight-optimised forged AMG light-alloy wheels with newly developed sports tyres combine with the electronically controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission featuring uncompromisingly emotional shift and response times to raise the SLS AMG Black Series to a new level. The AMG Aerodynamics package is optionally available to further boost the vehicle's driving dynamics.

Black Series – a name that resonates with automobile experts and enthusiasts. Following on from the SLK 55 AMG Black Series from 2006, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series (2007), the SL 65 AMG Black Series (2008) and the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series (2011), the fifth exponent sees the Black Series entering a new dimension with the gull-wing model.

"The new SLS AMG Coupé Black Series is a perfect study in the one hundred percent transfer of technology and engineering from motorsport to the road. We have drawn inspiration from the worldwide success of the SLS AMG GT3 customer sport racing car on both a conceptual and a technological level. Boasting numerous lightweight components and fascinating driving dynamics, our fifth Black Series model guarantees pure, unadulterated 'Driving Performance'. The SLS AMG Coupé Black Series is the ultimate choice for fast laps and highly emotional driving experiences," says Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East & Levant said.

Bernthaler added: "The most dynamic gull-wing model of all time goes by the name of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series. Fans of high-performance super sports cars will be fascinated by its high-tech package. The basis for passionate performance and supreme driving dynamics is provided by numerous new developments in the area of the engine, power transmission, suspension and aerodynamics – also according top priority to our "AMG Lightweight Performance" strategy. Great efforts in the field of lightweight design have resulted in a DIN kerb weight of 1550 kilograms."

AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine a byword for thrilling driving dynamics

The uprated AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine is a byword for thrilling driving dynamics, making the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series the most powerful AMG high-performance automobile with a combustion engine at present. Only the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive with a maximum output of 740hp comes with greater power reserves.

The SLS AMG Coupé Black Series accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. The top speed stands at 315 km/h. The additional 60 hp of power in comparison to the 571 hp offered by the SLS AMG has been achieved by the following measures:

·        Increase in maximum engine speed from 7200 to 8000 rpm

·         Fully revised high-speed valve train with modified camshafts, adapted cam geometry and optimised bucket tappets featuring a special coating which is otherwise exclusive to racing vehicles

·        Modification of the intake air ducting: derestriction and adaptation to the new maximum engine speed

·        Adaptation of the engine application and increase in peak pressure

The engineers at Mercedes-AMG have further optimised the crank assembly in the interests of optimum stability in tough racing use. The measures carried out here include modified oil bores in the crankshaft, new crankshaft bearings, a new oil pump and high-strength screwed connections for the conrods. The entire water and oil cooling system for the engine and transmission has also undergone further optimisation. The AMG V8 engine in the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series is additionally provided with a special support system. A gas-filled strut braces the eight-cylinder engine on the body, effectively eliminating undesired load change reactions in highly dynamic driving on the race track. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine is hand-built at the AMG hand-finishing section in Affalterbach, according to the philosophy "one man, one engine". This hand-made quality is confirmed by the black AMG engine badge bearing the responsible engine fitter's signature which is a hallmark of the Black Series models.

The eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine installed as a front mid-engine behind the front axle boasts racing car-style response and livelier than ever revving ability. The powerful AMG V8 engine's race track aspirations are also apparent in its sound: the newly designed AMG sports exhaust system, produced in titanium for the first time, features distinctive centre and rear mufflers which provide for a more powerful and even more striking engine sound. The switch from steel to titanium has spawned substantial weight savings: at just under 17 kilograms, the new AMG sports exhaust system is around 13 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. The new system features the performance-enhancing fan-type exhaust pipes which have been in use to date.

The key data at a glance:

	SLS AMG Coupé Black Series
Displacement	6208 cc
Bore x stroke	102.2 x 94.6 mm
Compression ratio	11.3 : 1
Output	464 kW (631 hp) at 7400 rpm
Max. torque	635 Nm at 5500 rpm
Maximum engine speed	8000 rpm
Engine weight (dry)	205 kg
Fuel consumption, NEDC combined	13.7 l/100 km
CO2 emissions	321 g/km
Efficiency class	G
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	3.6 s
Top speed	315 km/h

The global market launch of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series will begin in June 2013, with Middle East dates to be announced later.

Oman off-road Mercedes-Benz SUVenture launches flagship new GL, G-Class and GLK

Unrivalled new Mercedes-Benz SUV range expands horizons in the luxury off-roader segment

·         Peerless capability

·         Fascinating technology

·         Space and refinement

·         GL, G-Class, M-Class and GLK

Dubai/Muscat, 11 November 2012 – Navigating rocky plateaus, wild wadis, drifting dunes and towering jebels, Mercedes-Benz Middle East has capped its ‘Year of the SUV’ strategy with an epic off-road ‘SUVenture’ across the majestic Omani landscape, demonstrating its ability to cater to the wants and needs of the modern Arab family. Attended by customers and media invited from throughout the region, the cross-country adventure showcased the unrivalled capabilities, fascinating technologies, space and refinement of the luxury German automotive manufacturer’s peerless SUV range in any terrain. The ‘SUVenture’ included the Middle East launch of the flagship new seven-seater GL, the highly dynamic all-purpose compact GLK, launch of the iconic new G 500, and first off-road driving experience for the spearhead of the Mercedes-Benz regional SUV strategy - the M-Class.

Taking centre stage was the media launch of the flagship new Mercedes-Benz GL. The award winning large size SUV occupies the top position amongst luxury off-road vehicles and is built around the modern Arab family with its seven seats, best in class engines, powerful performance, space, refinement and cutting edge technologies.

With excellent driving dynamics and high levels of ride comfort – both on the road and on difficult terrain – the GL pampers its occupants with the first-class comfort of a luxury saloon. Up to seven passengers enjoy an excellent amount of space and an optional ON&OFFROAD package for the new GL has six driving programs for optimising driving dynamics and handling safety, as the optimum drive system control is provided for an extremely wide range of on-road and off-road operating conditions. With the ability to travel almost 900 kms on just a single tank of fuel, numerous measures significantly increase the energy efficiency in the 435 hp GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY petrol model, with fuel consumption cut by about 18 percent.

Unveiling the new GL, Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East & Levant said: “The 2012 Year of the SUV strategy has been an overwhelming success, with three exciting launches achieving great success amongst customers. With the launch of the new 7-seater GL capping our unrivalled luxury off-road range, we now offer a stable of powerful, attractive, capable and intelligent SUVs that appeal to the tastes and sensibilities of a new generation of regional customers: Customers who question convention and seek only the very best for their families. All this has delivered a best ever year for Mercedes-Benz SUVs, with projected 2012 sales expected to record a 35% increase on 2011.”

Running for a month with each expedition lasting three days and covering over 720 kms, participants departed Almouj Golf Club in Muscat and crossed the Wahiba Sands to camp the first night in luxury Bedouin desert camps. Day two saw the convoy leave the dunes – known to be some of the highest in the Middle East – to cross the jebel and wadis and reach the world class Sifawy Boutique Hotel on the coast in evening, where guests enjoyed the warm, friendly hospitality characteristic of the Omani people. The final leg of the journey took in stunning views overlooking the capital, before concluding at the Almouj Golf Club.

All participants got a chance to experience each model as both driver and passenger to gain a first-hand understanding of what ‘The Best or Nothing’ really means when it comes to Mercedes-Benz SUVs.

Mercedes-Benz has an off-road heritage of over 100 years, and now boasts an unrivalled SUV family offering the widest range in the market, delivering peerless performance, fascinating technology, space and refinement across any terrain.

The flagship seven seater GL: Built around the modern Arab family

Comfort, safety, elegance, efficiency – the new GL from Mercedes-Benz demonstrates leadership qualities in all the decisive SUV disciplines, boasting value that makes it an easy choice for those wishing to invest in the very best for their families. Innovations such as the Crosswind Assist, the STEER CONTROL steering assistance system, the load recognition and the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA) increase the active safety.

Other new features to become available are assistance systems such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist, together with a parking package incorporating an automatic function for entering and exiting parking spaces. In 2013 a 360° camera will also be available.

Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East & Levant has it spot on when he describes the new generation as follows: “The new 7-seater GL occupies the top position amongst the luxury SUVs. With its comprehensive assistance systems it has a pioneering role where safety and comfort are concerned, and is on a par with an S-Class – even when off the beaten track.”

Even at first glance the 2012 GL is recognisable as a characteristic representative of the Mercedes-Benz Sports Utility Vehicle family. This new interpretation of the first generation impresses with its powerful dynamism and sporty elegance. In the front area the hallmark GL upright radiator grille with its central star and the clear, high-quality design of the headlamps with an LED flare dominate. The daytime running lamps featuring LED technology are integrated in a chrome insert in the bumper, and beneath the radiator grille the generously sized chrome-look underguard completes the self-confident appearance of the front.

With its balanced proportions (a length of 5120 mm, width of 2141 mm and height of 1850 mm) and the large wheelbase (measuring 3075 mm), the side view underlines the vehicle’s on-road emphasis. At the same time the short body overhangs at the front and rear, together with the large ground clearance, point to its off-road suitability. The hallmark-SUV high beltline with its high-quality trim, the feature line which rises dynamically and the chrome edging on the window surfaces highlight the vehicle’s effortlessly superior look.

As part of its standard specification the GL is shod with attractive 20 inch light-alloy wheels, and as an option wheels up to 21 inches are available. The tail end with two-piece LED tail lights featuring fibre optics, a large roof spoiler and the bumper with integrated exhaust system, delivering a sporty and aggressive appearance for the luxurious full-size SUV.

For GL customers who place particular importance on a sporty, dynamic appearance, an extensive AMG Exterior Sports package is now available for the first time. In addition to the hallmark-AMG front and rear apron, it also offers special wheel-arch flarings, which span over the 21-inch AMG 5 twin-spoke light-alloy wheels. Illuminated aluminium-look running boards also form part of the scope of supply, as do perforated brake discs and brake calliper covers with Mercedes-Benz lettering.

Emerging from the Mercedes-Benz Affalterbach performance division as the globe’s most powerful SUV, the GL 63 AMG blasts from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, hitting a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).  And in true Mercedes-AMG fashion, world leading performance is realised whilst combining compelling technologies with pure ride comfort, and striking, unmistakeable design with an extensive range of standard equipment. The GL 63 AMG will arrive in the region in Q1 2013.

The G-Class: An enduring off-road icon

High tech for the AMG off-road classic: the new G 63 AMG impressed with state-of-the-art drive technology and expressive design. All this is largely attributable to the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine delivering 544 hp and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission system. Even more exclusive is the new G 65 AMG: its 6.0-litre biturbo engine delivers 612 hp and reaches a maximum torque of 1000 newton metres – a record in the off-road segment.

Every new AMG high-performance vehicle offers an outstanding mix of “more power from less fuel” – and the G 63 AMG is no exception. The “strong man” in the AMG model range has been further enhanced with the state-of-the-art powertrain of the new ML 63 AMG. The design has been comprehensively reworked, so that, for the first time in the 33-year history of the G-Class, AMG customers can enjoy a raft of future-oriented systems: spray-controlled petrol direct injection, the ECO start/stop function and generator management. The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds, with a new top speed of 210 km/h (electronically limited).

The M-Class: Performance meets sophistication

Mercedes-Benz Middle East and Levant ignited its 2012 ‘Year of the SUV’ strategy with the launch of a completely redesigned and powerful new M-Class, setting a new benchmark in the premium segment. With dynamic AMG sports styling as standard, three potent engine options, unparalleled ride comfort, and cavernous, high-quality luxury interiors - the bold new M-Class confidently conveys intent to meet performance with sophistication, and has seen M-Class 2012 sales surge 24% year to date (January-September) compared to the same period in 2011.

A new generation of BlueEFFICIENCY petrol engines will be available across the region. The ML 350 comes with a V6 engine which delivers 306 hp and reaches the 100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds. The new ML 500 is equipped with a V8 bi-turbo engine boasting 408 hp that powers to the  100 km/h mark in just 5.7 seconds. Permanent all-wheel drive delivers excellent driving dynamics on both sand and tarmac, whilst innovative handling controls and a new chassis ensure excellent safety whilst leaving competitors seeing smiles in the M-Class’ rear view mirror.

For those craving the sonorous notes of Affalterbach’s sinister creations, a high performance 250km/h (electronically limited) ML 63 AMG variant is also available. Packing the fierce AMG 5.5 litre V8 bi-turbo engine made famous by the award winning CLS 63 AMG, driven by 525 horses and 700 nm of torque the ML 63 AMG thunders from 0-100km/h in a sports car beating 4.8 seconds. An optionally available AMG Performance package delivers a further 32 hp and 60nm, allowing the luxury sports SUV to harness 557hp and 760nm to rocket to a century in a blistering 4.7 seconds.

The compact new GLK: Comfortable in any situation

The new Mercedes-Benz GLK displayed its full credentials on- and off-road. Its claim to leadership of the compact SUV segment underscored by trailblazing assistance systems, engine matching efficiency with agility, a new design and an extended range of equipment.

The newly designed exterior lends the GLK added dynamism. The body combines classic elements of all-terrain vehicles with the design idiom of the current Mercedes-Benz models. The 306 hp GLK 350 4MATIC petrol-engine model featured the trailblazing engineering of the leading generation of V-engines deployed BlueEFFICIENCY technology to make its mark in terms of performance and fuel consumption. In addition to the ECO start/stop function that comes as standard, the GLK showcased its seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, low-friction axle drives, electric steering and tyres with low rolling resistance. A comprehensive range of equipment and appointments for the GLK includes details which are generally the reserve of higher classes of vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East and Levant marks 15,000+ sales milestone for segment leading E-Class

Dubai, 1 October 2012 - Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East and Levant has announced the major regional milestone of over 15,000 sales for the latest generation E-Class, which has achieved exponential popularity since its 2009 Middle East launch and shows no signs of slowing, currently on track for a record year, with year to date 2012 sales up 19% on 2011.

Lead by the V6 engine E 300 sedan - representing 54% of all sales since 2009 - E-Class enjoys wide appeal due to its availability in sedan, coupé or cabriolet variants, and represents an understated statement of success for ‘high flyers‘ the world over.

Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East & Levant said: “In tandem with our 2012 ‘Year of AMG and SUV’ sales strategy, the E-Class is and will remain a key pillar of growth for Mercedes-Benz in this region. We offer our customers an unparalleled range of products in this segment, encompassing a sedan, a coupe, and a convertible. At the same time, the E-Class is setting benchmarks not only for market success and our drive for a record year in 2012, but also with regard to safety, comfort, and efficiency.”

With the E-Class Sedan seen as the definitive Mercedes-Benz, it therefore goes without saying that the brand values of comfort, safety and reliability have all been ingrained into the core of the current W212 model series. The luxury executive car’s characteristics also make it a logical choice for many leading hotel and airline fleets, most recently signing contracts with Emirates Airlines First Class passenger chauffer service.

An internationally unparalleled combination of state-of-the-art assistance and protection systems make the E-Class the trendsetter in the field of safety. Around a dozen different assistance systems are available to customers, including the standard-fitted ATTENTION ASSIST system, which monitors more than 70 parameters to determine a driver’s level of concentration, enabling it to warn the motorist in time if he or she is suffering from fatigue. Just as unique is the optional Adaptive High-Beam Assist.

The E-Class also scores well among customers when it comes to value: It was declared the “2011 Value Champion” as a result of an assessment carried out by Auto Bild magazine and EurotaxSchwacke. According to the residual value forecasts of the market researchers, a four-year-old E-Class vehicle will have the lowest loss of value in the upper-range segment. The E-Class also consistently ranks at the top of driver satisfaction surveys, most recently the J.D. Power 2012 Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study (VOSS) - leaving all other competitors in its wake when it came to customer satisfaction in the Executive Luxury Car category – just as in the previous year.

The E-Class Coupé is the most sought-after coupé in the executive car segment - athletic, striking and passionate. The E-Class Coupé was built in the tradition of sporty and exclusive Mercedes-Benz executive coupés, and offers a very special combination of two attributes for which the Mercedes brand is known: fascination and efficiency.

With its classic coupé side aspect - no B-pillars and fully retractable side windows - the new two-door car is a particularly sporty interpretation of the E-Class's dynamic design. At the same time the most aerodynamic variant of the Coupé is the world's most aerodynamically efficient series-production car, and combines driving enjoyment and excellent handling with maximum comfort.

The E-Class Cabriolet from Mercedes-Benz makes an emphatic statement in the luxury convertible segment. Clear lines and distinctive forms are prevalent in the E-Class Cabriolet – from the dynamic, arrowed front to the muscular rear end giving the car impressive head-turning presence.

When driving with the roof closed, the soft top looks sleek and effortless while with the roof down, the stunning lines of the car are accentuated further, giving the passengers a truly regal feel. The sporty and elegant interior impresses with particularly high-grade materials and first-class workmanship as one always experiences from the brand with the three-pointed star. Luxurious comfort and an intuitive interior layout mirror the exterior’s attractive features perfectly helping to make the E-Class Cabriolet one of the most eloquent open air cars available.