The MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One Team is pleased to announce two new appointments as the team continues to strengthen its technical structure. Geoffrey Willis will join the team as Technology Director on 17 October and Aldo Costa will begin his role as Engineering Director on 1 December.


Aldo and Geoffrey will report to Technical Director Bob Bell. Aldo will be responsible for design and development, and Geoffrey will head the aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, control systems and simulation functions.

Geoffrey Willis worked at Brackley from 2001 to 2006, and was Technical Director at Red Bull Racing from 2007 to 2009, before taking a consultancy role with Hispania Racing in March 2010.

Aldo Costa previously worked as Technical Director at Ferrari, joining in 1996 after eight years at the Minardi team. Aldo won eight World Championships at Maranello, prior to his departure in May 2011.

Team Principal Ross Brawn said: “I am delighted to announce that Aldo Costa and Geoff Willis will be joining the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team. Geoff is a highly respected engineer with over twenty years of Formula One experience, and we look forward to his arrival next month. Having worked closely with Aldo for many years, I know that he will bring dedication and championship-winning expertise to the team when he joins in December. Building a winning team is an exciting challenge for us all as we work towards the competitiveness and standards that we aspire to as the Mercedes-Benz works team. With a strong technical structure led by Bob Bell, we are moving ourselves into the best possible position to achieve our ambitions.”

Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport commented: “Since MERCEDES GP PETRONAS was formed as a new team in early 2010, we have been putting in place the building blocks for success. Our technical organisation was strengthened by the arrival of Bob Bell and, working closely with Ross, he has identified the areas where we can improve still further. Aldo and Geoff will reinforce our technical management and bring the experience required to harness the talents of our people in Brackley; we have also recruited and invested at other levels in order to maximise our competitiveness under the Resource Restriction Agreement. Our goal remains to progress step by step in order to establish ourselves as a front-running team for the long term, in line with the tradition of the Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows.”

* Official photo and details courtesy of MERCEDES GP PETRONAS *

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

'Mercedes-Benz Perfume. The first fragrance for men' was launched on 19 September 2011 at the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes. The fragrance has been composed by renowned perfumer Olivier Cresp (Firmenich). Innovative and unique, it is the first men's fragrance from Mercedes-Benz and it combines woody notes with floral freshness. The cool top note features Calabrian bergamot, lemon essence and Italian mandarin. The middle note is a warm, spicy mix of bourbon pepper, nutmeg, violet and galbanum resin. The base note provides a spicy finish to the perfume and includes American cedar wood, vetyver grass and patchouli. The bottle design is masculine, modern and elegant. This distinctive perfume fits in with Mercedes-Benz's systematic expansion of its range of high-end accessories, which includes watches and eye wear.


'Mercedes Benz Perfume. The first fragrance for men' has been created in partnership with the INCC Group and it will be available from selected specialist retailers from the first quarter of 2012, as an eau de toilette, after shave, deodorant, shower and body gel.

The world of fragrance is not new to Mercedes-Benz: the company already offers exclusively developed perfumes for the atomisers in its Maybach models and in the Mercedes-Benz S 600 Pullman.

Source: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Preview: Ninth round of the 2011 DTM Season at Valencia

• The Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia is hosting its second DTM race

• Between 2006 and 2009, four DTM races were held at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, two of which were won by Mercedes-Benz (Jamie Green and Paul di Resta)


Comments on the ninth race of the 2011 DTM season from:

Bruno Spengler (28, Canada, Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG C-Class):
- started from the front row in Valencia last year
- finished second in the first DTM race in Valencia

“I like the Valencia circuit a lot. It’s extremely challenging and is especially demanding for the brakes. Like in Oschersleben, it’s very important to use the kerbs correctly. I’ve put my retirement from the last race behind me now – motor racing is unpredictable, and unfortunately you have to expect bad luck from time to time. I’m focused on the future when we may find that fortune smiles on us once again. I’ll be attacking in the last two races and going all-out to win the championship – there is still everything to play for. My team and I are not giving up.”

Jamie Green (29, England, AMG Mercedes C-Class):
- won the 2007 DTM race in Barcelona
- posted the second fastest lap of the 2010 race in Valencia

“The track in Valencia is still relatively new on the calendar, which makes it all the more important to help the engineers get the setup right during the free practice sessions on Friday and Saturday. The corners here have varying cambers, which makes the setup process a bit trickier. It’s a nice track. In 2010, I was driving a year-old car but still posted the second-fastest race lap. I’d like to build on that this year.”

Ralf Schumacher (36, Germany, Salzgitter AMG Mercedes C-Class):
- has completed numerous test laps around Valencia’s permanent race track in Formula One
- was in fourth position at Oschersleben when he was forced to retire and has finished in the points four times this season, including two podiums

“I have been to Valencia many times in my motor racing career, mostly testing Formula One cars. This track has a variety of corners which have to be taken at different speeds. It makes big demands on both the driver and the car, especially in terms of braking. This year, we are visiting the Circuit Ricardo Tormo for the second time in the DTM. I don’t have particularly fond memories of my DTM debut there after failing to finish. So it’s even more important to get a good result this year.”

Gary Paffett (30, England, THOMAS SABO AMG Mercedes C-Class):
- started from the second row in Valencia last year
- made up 14 positions at Oschersleben, driving skilfully in difficult conditions to finish fourth after starting from P18 on the grid

“I know the track in Valencia pretty well – we contested a DTM race there last year for the first time, but I’ve also put in plenty of test miles in a Formula One car. I had a good qualifying last year, but unfortunately things didn’t go too well in the race itself. After two consecutive fourth-place finishes, I’d like to pick up on my decent qualifying performance from last year and maybe get a first podium of this season.”

David Coulthard (40, Scotland, Deutsche Post AMG Mercedes C-Class):
- knows the Ricardo Tormo Circuit from numerous Formula One test sessions
- achieved his fourth Top Ten finish of the season at Oschersleben

“Valencia is a beautiful city, and the track is technically very demanding. In order to set a fast lap time, it’s important for the car to be well-balanced and for the driver to get into a good rhythm. I know the circuit from having completed so many test laps in Formula One here, and I’m looking forward to my second DTM race in front of the Spanish fans.”

Norbert Haug, Vice-President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport:
“In the last two races, things have not gone as we hoped and Bruno Spengler has lost 16 points relative to his main rival, Martin Tomczyk. On the first occasion, it was because the rain at Brands Hatch lasted longer than forecast, which meant that our setup was unsuitable; the situation was also not helped by Bruno starting from a lower grid position because of a penalty. Despite that setback, he was on course to re-take the championship lead for the first two-thirds of the subsequent wet race in Oschersleben, until one of his front shock absorbers failed, which cost him second place and eight points. In all honesty, our defeats at Brands Hatch and Oschersleben were self-inflicted and we missed out on points that we should have scored. Consequently, we’ll be battling all the harder in the last two races to recover Bruno’s nine-point deficit, which has come about because of our failures. It won’t be easy, but it is feasible. I’ve already seen a Formula One world championship where a 17-point lead going into the last two races wasn’t enough. We will push harder than ever and maintain our belief that we can win. If everybody else considers us to be the outsiders, that will only strengthen our determination.”

Source: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Shortly after the world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show, serial production of the new B-Class commenced at the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt factory and the first unit of the W 246 series has already rolled off the construction line. The assembly of the second generation of this successful MPV poses many challenges, as for the first time in history, it combines several premieres: a full lineup of new and efficient gasoline and diesel engines, a new 6-speed manual transmission and a new 7-speed automatic transmission and numerous state-of-the-art assistance systems and communication technologies that were once available only on cars from higher classes. In order to adapt the Rastatt plant for the arrival of the new compact-sized models, Mercedes-Benz has invested up to 600 million euros and increased the personnel up to 400 trained workers.


Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Mercedes-Benz Serbia and Montenegro signed a contract with the best tennis player of the world, the untouchable Novak Djokovic. After winning numerous tournaments and rewriting the history of the Serbian and world tennis, the best tennis player of the world and the most popular sportsman of Serbia became the brand ambassador of Mercedes Benz on the territory of Serbia and Montenegro this autumn. The contract undertakes to use the image and appearance of Novak Djokovic.


This cooperation was desirable and expected by Mercedes-Benz since the Serbia Open, as Mercedes-Benz was the official vehicle of the tournament.

Under its motto “The best or nothing”, Mercedes-Benz wanted only the best one to fill the role of the ambassador. ”We are more than happy that Novak Djokovic became the ambassador of our brand, especially in this year as Mercedes-Benz and the whole world are celebrating a big anniversary of the patenting of the first car in the world. Novak's appearance and tennis skills are fully representing all the values that Mercedes-Benz is underlying. We sincerely believe that this is only the beginning of a successful cooperation", said CEO of Mercedes-Benz for Serbia and Montenegro, Andreas Binder.

„I am pleased that we have achieved this partnership. This year is the best year of my career and I also know that this is specially significant for Mercedes. My family and I love Mercedes-Benz, which is the undisputed leader in the automotive industry, it has a fascinating history and unsurpassed technology and the character. I am pleased that this cooperation has been achieved in such a special year for both sides, "said Novak Djokovic.

On behalf of Mercedes Benz SCG the contract was signed by Mr. Andreas Binder, CEO MBSCG. In addition to Novak Djokovic the contract was also signed by Srdjan Djokovic, his legal representative and father.


Source: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

The Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL is making its mark thanks to an innovative concept and high-performance drive system. A fully functioning van for everyday applications, it has a maximum payload of around 900kg and a load compartment with no restrictions on use. This means it can assume all the usual transportation duties of a vehicle in its class and makes it an ideal choice for courier and parcel services.


Post Expo held for the first time in Stuttgart

Last year, the Vito E-CELL wowed experts at the Post Expo in Copenhagen, picking up the ‘Innovation of the Year Award’ as a transport for courier and parcel services.

The Post Expo is a major international trade fair for the logistics industry that takes place every year in a different location.

This year, the most innovative and cutting-edge logistics solutions can be seen at Stuttgart Exhibition Centre from 27 to 29 September. Mercedes-Benz is offering exclusive road tests in the Vito E-CELL so that potential customers can experience this pioneering technology at first hand.
Several package delivery companies have already included the Vito E-CELL in their fleets in Germany and are delighted with its performance.

State-of-the art drive technology, high-performance lithium-ion battery

The Vito E-CELL’s powerful, high-tech batteries are located in the underfloor unit, and so do not take up valuable load space. They have a combined capacity of 36 kWh, which is sufficient for a range of around 130 kilometres. The electric motor powering the Vito E-CELL has an output of 60 kW, with 280 Nm of torque. And because electric motors are able to deliver full torque right from the start, the Vito E-CELL can pick up speed incredibly quickly. The maximum speed is capped at 80 km/h in view of the vehicle’s typical applications and maximum range.

Vito E-CELL: electric drive for quiet, local zero-emission driving

The zero-emission drive system of the Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL, the first purely electric-powered van to be introduced ex works by any automobile manufacturer, makes it ideally suited to logistics applications in city centres and other environmentally sensitive areas.

The first Vito E-CELL vans have already been handed over to customers: by the end of 2010, a total of 100 had been delivered in Berlin and Stuttgart, and plans are in place for the staggered delivery of a further 2000 units across Europe. Providing a range of approximately 130 kilometres, the Vito E-CELL is capable of meeting typical customer requirements for vans making frequent short journeys. The load space can be used without any restrictions whatsoever, and with a maximum payload of around 900kg, the Vito E-CELL really is a fully functioning van for courier, express and parcel services.

High-capacity lithium-ion drive batteries

The batteries housed under the loading floor are durable, high-performance lithium-ion units. Thanks to intelligent technology, the charging times can be specified in accordance with how the vehicle is used. This means each Vito E-CELL can be charged at precisely those times when energy providers supply ‘green’ power or off-peak electricity. The batteries are also charged while driving through regenerative braking, which converts the vehicle’s braking energy into electricity.

Source: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Last week, the workers at the Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen facility proudly celebrated the advent of the 100,000th C-Class Limousine since the production of the new-generation model started in March this year. The milestone vehicle is a C 250 BlueEFFICIENCY in AVANTGARDE trim and Silvermetallic exterior paint finish. For an added touch of dynamism, the model is equipped with the popular AMG Sports Package and the exquisite panorama retractable all-glass roof. The 100,000th C-Class Limousine assembled at Sindelfingen has also been on display at the Mercedes-Benz stand at the IAA Frankfurt 2011.


Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton thrilled an estimated 40,000 Formula 1 fans in India today, as he drove his MP4-23 – the F1 car in which he won the 2008 Drivers’ World Championship – through the streets near Bangalore. The event, created by Vodafone, transformed a local street into a mini Formula 1 circuit, complete with grand stand and pit garage; giving local F1 enthusiasts a taste of what they can expect ahead of the country’s inaugural Grand Prix. The British driver said he was ‘overwhelmed’ by the number of people who attended on the day and how passionate F1 fans are in India, and said he is looking forward to returning next month for the Indian Grand Prix.

See more exclusive images from the event after the break!

Mercedes-Benz has injected some style into the compact class with the dynamic, sporty styling of the front-wheel drive Concept A-CLASS. All this becomes clear to see when the stunning concept car embarks on its UK tour later this week. The Concept A-CLASS is going on view for the first time in the UK as part of an exciting and interactive display that is set to capture the imagination and interest of the public.


Over the next month, the Concept A-CLASS will be shown in an engaging display that creates drama and excitement amongst weekend visitors to shopping centres in four major cities across the UK.

At each location, the car is initially tantalisingly hidden from view in a mirrored box, which is surrounded by a forest of interactive LED lights that react to sound – they change colours and patterns in response to the voices or movement of passers-by.

At regular intervals, a deep note will sound and the lights will pulsate around the box, accompanied by attention-grabbing music, that will build up to a full reveal of the car.

The Concept A-CLASS National Tour will visit the Bullring Shopping Centre, Birmingham (Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September); Westfield London (Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd October); Arndale Shopping Centre, Manchester (Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th October) and Braehead Shopping Centre, Glasgow (Friday 14th and Saturday 15th October).

For further updates throughout the tour, search twitter for #ConceptACLASS or visit www.ConceptACLASS.co.uk .

The vehicle will also be stopping off at around 70 Mercedes-Benz retailers around the country. To generate interest en-route to each location, it will be transported in full view in a transparent container on the back of The Clear Idea, a special Mercedes-Benz Atego display truck.

“Both visually and technologically, Concept A-CLASS provides an exciting insight into the potential future of the Mercedes-Benz compact car range, and a tantalising glimpse of some of the features that we’re confident would influence future customers in this highly-competitive sector,” said Gary Savage, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars.

“The Concept A-CLASS National Tour creates a unique experience for engaging with our potential customers ahead of some significant model launches next year, and it showcases the future direction of Mercedes-Benz in a truly eye-catching and enthralling way.”

Source: Mercedes-Benz UK

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

The introduction of the all new A-Class hatchback in 2012 will let Mercedes-Benz explore new grounds in the compact class. The restrictions of today will be forever forgotten after new niche and AMG models based on the upcoming A-Class/new B-Class are revealed in the next 2-3 years. One of the key flagships of this offensive is the future, high-end A 25 AMG sports model, which has been lately snagged during a test round on the Nurburgring. Inside information indicate the spicy hatch from Affalterbach will feature a newly-designed 4x4 platform and an outstanding supercharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine co-developed with Hyprex, rumored to produce around 320 hp-350 hp of maximum output. Look for this "little devil" to roll out on streets in early 2013.

Check out further spyshots of the new A 25 AMG after the jump!

A few weeks ago, several spyshots showcasing an unknown G-Class AMG test prototype were emerging on the interwebs. This caused a stir among fans who began wondering what delightful surprise does Mercedes-AMG has in store. Now, after looking at these fresh scoops, one conclusion becomes clear: the G 55 AMG will be subject to an important update for 2012.


The exterior changes will be minor and will eye body details such as the front air intakes, the radiator grille, the door sills and probably specific areas of the rear end, such as new quad exhaust pipes. The new G 55 AMG will also receive the well-known, aerodynamically-shaped mirrors with their distinctive arrow-shaped blinkers. However, the largest changes will be applied to the powertrain. AMG engineers will add some of the latest patented solutions in vehicle dynamics to the mighty Gelandewagen - so, expect a brand new set of brakes and suspensions as well as the 3-stage ESP. If you were wondering about the beast under the bonnet, the 5.5-litre V8 biturbo powerplant is bound to reach the new G 55 AMG. Peak output could be rated at 544 hp, although 525 hp like in the E 63/S 63 models sounds a tad more possible. Power transfer to all four wheels will be managed with the help of a 7-speed automatic gearbox, most likely the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT-7 sports transmission. The new G 55 AMG could be introduced towards the end of 2011, with the official premiere scheduled for NAIAS Detroit in January next year.

Approximately half a year after the introduction of the new GL-Class in mid-summer 2012, Mercedes-Benz will also release the potent GL 63 AMG version, the first generation of its kind since the large SUV was first revealed back in 2006.


From the spy shots we've seen so far, the muscular GL bred in the Affalterbach labs promises to be a looker in its class. But the appealing, beefy stance becomes the least important after you find out the future GL 63 AMG will benefit from the addition of a specially modified chassis with a new suspension/dampers system, which certainly ensures a drastically improved agility and unbeatable dynamics compared to other similar vehicles. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive powertrain will be retained, but will also be further tweaked by AMG engineers for a more RWD-oriented feeling and added on-road performance. The extensive technical package will also include the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which lets the driver visualize and change the SUV's set-up. To harmoniously complete the new GL 63 AMG, engineers will fit the car with the company's newest 5.5-litre, twin-turbo V8 powerplant in its best specification: 544 hp/800 Nm in basic version and 571 hp/900 Nm with the Performance Package installed.

From a recent Inside Line report, we learn the new Mercedes-Benz CLC compact 4-door coupe will celebrate its world premiere at next year's New York Motor Show in April.


In the same article, it is cited the information was confirmed by a company official during an interview, who also referred to the car as 'a true Mercedes'. Perceived as the little brother of the CLS, the new CLC will display a self-assured exterior styling, with a sloping roofline and bold, curvaceous surfaces. The engine lineup and the technical platform will be shared with the forthcoming A-Class and insiders claim a hardcore AMG version with over 300 hp and all-wheel-drive chassis is also possible in the next years.

However, caution is the best attitude when dealing with such rumors. There were several similar stories in the past when the facts mentioned never came true. The CLC-Class entered the development phase in mid-2011 under the internal codename 'C 117'; test prototypes are spread all over the world and still wear a good dose of outer camouflage, so it's decent to state the NYIAS 2012 may be a bit early in the calendar, also considering that period will be very busy and rich in premieres for Mercedes-Benz. Take for instance the unveiling of the new A-Class, which certainly has to happen before this niche model rolls out. And not to mention the new CLS Shooting Brake and possibly a new concept. The fleet of all new vehicles would be then too crowded and one might be in danger of not receiving the needed attention and thus passing relatively unnoticed by the media. To us, the Paris Motor Show would be the more likely stage for the reveal of the new CLC.

One tremendously sad news: if we are to believe what Auto Motor und Sport reports this morning, then the old luxury brand Maybach is facing a cloudy future after business discussions between Daimler and Aston Martin have not met their desired target. To put it straight, the main reason is the exaggerately high amount of cash infusions the British company requested in order to master the next generation of Maybach models, a point the Germans could not agree with. While this rumor is yet to be officially confirmed, there's some chance Maybach could become a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz, with the forthcoming lineup being developed completely internally.


Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

INTRODUCTION

First-Ever Mercedes-Benz Coupe in This Segment

For the 2012 model year, Mercedes-Benz is launching a new two-door coupe version of its highly successful C-Class, complete with bold AMG styling and a standard panorama sunroof. This marks the first time Mercedes-Benz has offered a traditional coupe in this market segment.


Major Sedan Redesign

At the same time, the popular four-door C-Class sedan has undergone a major restyling involving 2,000 new parts, including new bumpers, headlights, front grille, an aluminum hood, LED taillights and a redesigned interior. Interior design work focused on restyling the C-Class dash, its integrated display and the glove box, as well as introducing a new grain for the interior panels. The dash accommodates a new 5.8-inch display, color gauges and a new-generation telematics system. A prominent trim piece extends from the center vents across the front passenger area to the right-side vent, while trapezoidal air vents in the center and the round vents near the doors are accented with metallic trim.

More Convenience, More Safety

In addition, there are 13 new standard equipment features on the 2012 C-Class sedan and coupe line, as well as five new safety systems. Standard-equipment Attention Assist warns drivers when they get drowsy, and a new HOLD feature for the Adaptive Brake system keeps the car from rolling when stopped. Optional Blind Spot Assist provides a warning whenever a turn signal is activated with a car in a blind spot, while Lane Keeping Assist alerts drivers if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals on. Parktronic now incorporates a parking guidance system that can identify right-size parking spaces and provide helpful steering guidance in the instrument cluster.

Two Body Styles, Seven Models

Both the coupe and sedan are available in three different models: the C250, powered by a new direct-injection, turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (201 horsepower, 229 lb.-ft. of torque); the C350, with a new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 (302 hp, 273 lb.-ft.); and the high-performance C63 AMG model with a normally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 (451 hp, 443 lb.-ft.) and AMG's MCT multi-clutch transmission. With an optional AMG Development Package, power jumps to 481 hp. Lastly, the C-Class sedan is available as a C300, with standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive and the proven 3.0-liter V6 engine (228 hp, 221 lb.-ft.).

Sport Versus Luxury Personalities

While all C-Class coupes boast inherently sporty personalities, the C250 and C300 sedan models can be ordered with Sport or Luxury equipment. In addition to a grill-mounted star, the C-Class Sport sedans can be identified by AMG cladding - deeper front and rear aprons as well as under-door rocker panels. Inside, Sport models come with three-spoke steering wheels, rubber-stud pedals and aluminum trim (instead of the four-spoke wheel and burl walnut trim found on Luxury models). Sport sedans are also fitted with staggered-width wheels and tires and a stiffer sports suspension that rides 0.6 inches lower than Luxury models.

New Transmission

All 2012 models (except the C63 AMG with its MCT transmission) feature a new seven-speed automatic transmission with a more advanced torque converter lock-up clutch that provides even better fuel mileage, more responsive driving and increased durability. The new transmission is also designed to work best with a new type of low-viscosity ATF transmission fluid - tinted blue instead of the usual red. Together with new planetary gears, bearings and seals, the "FE-ATF" fluid provides less friction and improved fuel mileage.

Award-Winning MCT Transmission

Adapted from high-end V8-powered AMG models, the cutting-edge MCT transmission in the high-performance C63 AMG features a start-up clutch that replaces the torque converter. The seven-speed MCT sports transmission provides the direct feedback of a manual transmission with the total convenience of an automatic, offering impressive versatility and even faster shift times.

For C63 AMG owners who are serious about competing on the race track, an optional AMG Development Package features lightweight forged pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft with modified engine management that together provide an extra 30 horsepower, for a total of 481 hp. The AMG Development Package also includes two-piece brakes with red calipers, carbon-fiber rear spoiler and a higher speed limiter of 174 mph.

New-Generation Telematics

2012 models are equipped with a new 5.8-inch color display that includes a Bluetooth interface for wireless audio streaming and hands-free phone operation, an FM phase-diversity twin tuner, HD/AM/weatherband, an MP3-compatible CD drive and a USB port in the center console.

An optional COMAND system comes with a larger seven-inch color display, GPS navigation, rear-view camera, a ten-gigabyte music storage hard drive, an SD card slot, voice control and an in-dash CD / DVD player. The powerful navigation system offers many new features, including Sirius real-time traffic info, the ability to show alternate routes before choosing them and record routes while driving as well as a 3D city-map display and a compass overlay.

COUPE DESIGN

A Dynamic "Three-Box" Coupe Silhouette

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe is a two-door, four-seat car of classic proportions. Based on the highly successful sedan, the new coupe embodies bold, yet elegant exterior styling with a dynamic three-box coupe silhouette topped off with a standard Panorama sunroof. While its exterior dimensions are similar to the sedan, the coupe roofline is about 1½ inches lower.

Dominated by its radiator grille, the front end of the new coupe has a bold and resolute presence. Within the grille, two chrome fins on each side of the centrally-positioned star taper to the sides, emphasizing the raked horizontal lines at the front, and a black threedimensional mesh insert behind the fins enhances its sporty look.

Headlights Reminiscent of a High-Tech Camera

Below the front bumper, side air intakes and horizontal daytime running lights accentuate the coupe's bold stance, as do headlight assemblies contoured into the front fenders. Turn signals sit at the outer edges of the headlight modules, low beams in the middle and high beams to the inside. With optional bi-xenon headlights, the sense of stylistic depth is amplified. C-shaped positioning lights identify the car at night, and behind them, cornering lights extend toward the main light modules, while a wideband row of LED turn signals at the base underscore the look of both light assemblies.

An Unmistakably Raked Look

The new front hood emphasizes the new coupe's unmistakably wedged-shaped lines. Visually tying together the lights, grille and front bumper, the lines of the hood naturally lead the eye to the windshield, which is more sharply angled than on the sedan. From the side, the profile of the coupe is defined by its short overhangs, a long front hood, the raked windshield and an elongated roof line. The greenhouse begins at its long doors and extends behind the rear wheels to a relatively flat rear window.

A Short, Sporty Rear

The beltline, which sweeps upward toward the rear, intensifies the car's wedge shape and leads to the uniquely-coupe C pillars, which form a taut, angular signature line at the rear. All of these angles, plus a wide bevel at the top edge of the trunk lid, accentuate the shortness of the car's rear section, which helps define its sporty look.

Taillights positioned at the far corners emphasize the width of the rear. Visual depth was achieved by integrating the LED turn signals in the center of the taillight assemblies, so they appear to float over the recessed LED light strips. The overall effect is eye-catching, making the car recognizable, especially at night. At the base of the rear bumper, between the exhaust outlets, an air diffuser lightens the look of the rear, lending an additional sporty flair.

A Distinctive Look for the C63 AMG

With its deeper front apron, distinctive AMG daytime running lights and lower ride height, the new C63 AMG is easy to spot. A single wing-like slat in the grille and power domes on the hood are also unique to the new AMG model.

From the side, special touches include new, high-gloss AMG five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, a "6.3 AMG" badge behind each front wheel and deeper, more aggressive AMG door sills. An AMG rear apron features a striking black three-fin air diffuser and four exhaust outlets.

Inside, an AMG Performance steering wheel greets the driver. Both the top and bottom of the metallic-trimmed wheel are flattened, and the grip areas are covered in perforated leather. However, the most eye-catching difference in the C63 AMG interior is new AMG sport seats that feature integral head restraints and distinctive horizontal seams.

SEDAN DESIGN

The Most Extensive Restyling Ever

For the 2012 model year, the C-Class sedan boasts the most extensive restyling in Mercedes- Benz history. Other than the company's new-generation products, the 2012 sedan line features more new parts than ever before. This year's redesign involved 2,000 new parts, which includes several new safety systems and higher standard equipment levels.

A Cool Makeover

The front end restyling includes a recontoured hood and bumper as well as new headlights. The new aluminum front hood better accentuates the sweeping lines of the front end, especially around the grille and headlights. Design lines that begin from the middle of the bumper sweep around to the side, in a design sense, connecting the front and sides. In a similar way, air intakes in the sides of the bumper help make the car appear connected to the road.

As in the coupe, sedan headlights feature a clear-glass look, with turn signals at the outer edges, low beams in the middle and high beams to the inside. The optional bi-xenon headlights include C-shaped positioning lights that clearly identify the car at night, and behind them, cornering lights extend toward the main light modules, while a wide band of LED turn signals at the base underscore the look of both light assemblies.

An Elegant Profile

Viewing the sedan from the side, its elegant style is characterized by the interplay of striking lines and large contoured surfaces. A wide, muscular shoulder line visually supports the side windows, roof pillars and roof, forming one sweeping line from the front all the way to the rear and elegantly stretching the body. Complementing the shoulder line, a character line emerges organically from the front fender and rises toward the rear, forming a boundary between the convex and concave door surfaces - emphasizing light and shadow.

For all its elegance, the design of the C-Class emphasizes its sporty character with wide track, prominent fender lines and large wheel wells. The shoulder curve and C-pillar join to form a line that flows to the rear, and the character line below it flows into the trunk lid, visually shortening the rear overhang and helping to create a stylish, athletic rear end.

A Redesigned Rear

Like the front, the redesigned rear of the 2012 C-Class sedan includes a new bumper and LED lights covered in a smooth one-piece clear lens. In particular, the edge of the bumper is more steeply angled as it approaches the taillight assemblies, and a light-catching contour at the top of the bumper wraps around to the side, visually connecting rear to the sides and giving it a sportier character. Between the exhaust outlets, the bottom of the bumper recedes, making the rear of the car appear lighter.

Proceed to the following link in order to download the complete technical guide of the new C-Class Coupe and Sedan (PDF file):