Filed under: Spy Photos, Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz big bomber, the S-Class, is due for a mid-cycle refresh next year and we’ll probably see its official form no later than the Geneva Motor Show in March. Judging from this latest batch of spy shots, we may actually see it much sooner, possibly as early as the Paris Motor Show in October. The fundamentals of the S-Class clearly aren’t changing, but low investment parts like the grille, lower front fascia, mirrors and tail-lights get updates. The interior doesn’t appear to have changed much either, but based on the driver’s attempt to block the view, the S-Class may be getting a new COMAND system interface, which would be a welcome change. It’s not known if Mercedes will offer a new BlueTec diesel engine in the S-Class here in the States, although that is a foregone conclusion for Europe. One new model we’ll definitely see here is the S400 hybrid, which pairs the 3.5L V6 with a new mild hybrid system developed by Mercedes and BMW. The mild hybrid should also be the first mass produced automotive application of lithium-ion batteries.
[Source: EMercedesBenz.com]
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Filed under: Crossovers/CUVs, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill
While there is a mad rush for automakers to make smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles for the U.S. market, many of the vehicles we crave are already available to European customers. Mercedes sells A- and B-Class vehicles were deemed too small for U.S. consumption. One product Mercedes doesn’t have in either of its two biggest markets is a small crossover vehicle, but that could change in 2011.
Autocar is reporting that Mercedes is looking to rectify its small crossover position with the BLK, which will be positioned to take on the BMW X1 and Land Rover LRX. If Mercedes does build the BLK, it will likely be on an all-new FWD chassis that will also accommodate the next-gen A- and B-Class, as well as other like-sized models. The guys and gals on team Benz were looking to strike a deal with another automaker to platform share, but talks apparently came up empty. Mercedes is still looking to partner up with BMW on engine development, which would help drastically reduce engineering and development costs. BLK engine choices are rumored to be between 1.6- and 2.2-liters, with direct injection gasoline and diesel variants.
[Source: Autocar]
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Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz
Autobild is hardly a bastion of integrity on newsstands in Germany, so its cover story proclaiming it has “Exclusive Photos” of the new Mercedes-Benz E-class “without camouflage” needs to be taken with the appropriate grains of salt. However, based on the various reports we’ve seen over the past year, these images of the E-class are spot on, if not official pics from M-B.
The new front fascia is an interesting amalgamation of the C- and S-class’ front ends, with an upright grille framed by two-piece headlamps, a sculpted front bumper and LED indicators. The sides of the new E incorporate a C-class-inspired swage line, while the rear taillights wrap half-way around the fenders.
Autobild reports that the new E-class will be unveiled in March, so expect to get all the details from Geneva next year. Sales will likely begin in Europe next summer, with the U.S. model arriving shortly thereafter.
[Source: Autoblog.nl via BenzInsider]
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