Archive for November 2011

Say 'Hello' to the 2011/2012 winter season in sheer Mercedes-Benz style

In the northern hemisphere, winter is around the corner and every car owner is doing the usual preparations in order to avoid being taken by surprise in icy cold conditions. Careful as always, Mercedes-Benz has prepped an entire series of genuine accesories to help clients pass this season in true safety, practicality and style. The special edition releases also include parts specifically designed for the new B-Class and M-Class, such as the roof boxes for storing ski equipment and the wheel chains that improve grip while running on snow. Furthermore, the German constructor has initiated a number of events targeted on driving under winter conditions to help sharpen skills and reactions. The pinnacle of vehicle dynamics and high tractive power in low adhesion conditions at Mercedes-Benz is the multitalented and multi-awarded 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system, offered on no less than 49 different models bearing the Three-Pointed Star.

Learn more about Mercedes-Benz' dedicated winter customer care program by following the next links:

1. Winter time with Mercedes-Benz: Heading to the slopes (I)

2. Winter time with Mercedes-Benz: Heading to the slopes (II)



3. Winter time with Mercedes-Benz: Heading to the slopes (III)

4. Winter time with Mercedes-Benz: Heading to the slopes (IV)

5. Winter time with Mercedes-Benz: Heading to the slopes (V)

6. Permanent adhesive power: the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system from Mercedes-Benz (I)

7. Permanent adhesive power: the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system from Mercedes-Benz (II)

8. Permanent adhesive power: the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system from Mercedes-Benz (III)

9. Permanent adhesive power: the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system from Mercedes-Benz (IV)


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

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Permanent adhesive power: the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system from Mercedes-Benz (IV)

Superb THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control: Perfect climate aboard M-Class and E-Class

Carefully balanced control of the interior climate is especially important in the winter. This is why Mercedes-Benz offers the THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control system for the E-Class and M-Class. Apart from regulating the climate separately for the driver, front passenger and passengers in the rear, it allows individual pre-settings to be programmed too.



This system furthermore includes a pollutant sensor which automatically switches to air recirculation mode if it detects any sudden increase in the carbon monoxide or nitrogen oxide levels in the outside air – when driving through a tunnel, for instance. Another highlight of the THERMOTRONIC system is the residual heat function: pressing the “Rest” button heats or ventilates the passenger compartment for around 30 minutes when the engine is switched off.

THERMOTRONIC heats up the passenger compartment efficiently, even after a cold start on winter mornings. This is thanks to a heating output of eleven kilowatts, equivalent to the capacity of the central heating system in a modern family home. On the diesel models, a heat exchanger with six integral PTC heating elements (PTC = Positive Temperature Coefficient) is also activated when the outside temperature falls below a certain level in order to boost the effect of the main heat exchanger with an electrical output of around 1200 watts. The assistance from the PTC heater is necessary due to the high thermal efficiency of today’s CDI engines, which is precisely what makes them so economical and means that they dissipate considerably less heat to the coolant under partial load conditions than conventional engines. The E-Class and M-Class are equipped as standard with THERMATIC, a two-zone automatic climate control system.

To make long journeys or lengthy winter outings in the M-Class even more enjoyable, the centre console holds a little surprise in store: the tempered cup holders include a Peltier element that is capable of keeping drinks hot or chilled in a temperature range of 8° to 55° Celsius at the push of a button. So, a “take-away” coffee can be kept hot on the morning drive to the slopes, for example. Alternatively, with the cooling function activated, the thermal cup holders are able to stop chocolate bars from melting if a very high interior temperature has been set.

Source: Daimler AG

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

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Permanent adhesive power: the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system from Mercedes-Benz (III)

E-Class 4MATIC: stability pact for the winter: Gripping drive system for Saloon and Estate

The 4MATIC powertrain in the E-Class is one of the best-performing permanent all-wheel drive systems on the market. The basic design concept, with the engine installed longitudinally and the integral transmission and transfer case unit, produces a compact, lightweight arrangement that minimises frictional losses, heralding a number of benefits compared to other passenger car systems with a transverse power unit and selectable 4x4. As with the 4MATIC system’s set-up on a dry or wet road, handling stability and, therefore, active safety are paramount at all times when wintry conditions prevail, too.



The mechanical principle of the 4MATIC system, featuring a 45:55 torque split between the front and rear axles and a multi-disc limited-slip centre differential with a basic locking torque of 50 Nm, offers all the right ingredients. This basic design enables high levels of traction, as the dynamic shift in axle load toward the rear axle that occurs during acceleration is harnessed to deliver more drive torque to the rear wheels. However, the multi-disc differential lock is also able to shift the drive torque between the front and rear axles, varying the split between 30:70 and 70:30 as the road conditions dictate. Consequently, intervention by the ESP®, 4ETS or ASR electronic control systems can be delayed for as long as possible and the bulk of the drive torque converted into tractive power, even on slippery roads. All control system interventions go virtually unnoticed, yet drivers still know straight away if they are driving near the limit, as a yellow warning symbol will flash in the instrument cluster. This serves as a clear prompt to adapt the driving style to the road conditions.

The drive mechanism’s permanently engaged design offers key advantages over other systems that first need to diagnose a lack of grip before activating the 4x4 drive. The 4MATIC on the E-Class will have already made use of this valuable time to start transmitting drive torque via the wheels to the road. When pulling away in wintry conditions, the E-Class 4MATIC models are designed to develop maximum traction. To this end, certain road conditions are automatically detected and the interventions of the 4ETS electronic traction control system adjusted so as to achieve the greatest possible acceleration while minimising wheel slip, thereby ensuring optimum handling stability.

New petrol engines and an optimised powertrain make the 2011 Mercedes-Benz
E-Class the standard for efficiency in its segment. All of the petrol and diesel engines in the E-Class range now employ direct injection technology, with combined fuel consumptions of 6.8 - 7.0 litres and 8.9 litres per 100 km respectively for the new BlueDIRECT V6 and V8 units. The reduction in fuel consumption of up to 20 percent is also due to the standard ECO start/stop function and the improved 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission, which is now also available for the four-cylinder model variants.

E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC: First ever all-wheel drive E-Class with a four-cylinder diesel engine

The ECO start/stop function and 7G-TRONIC PLUS ensure a particularly high level of energy efficiency in the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC. The first E-Class with 4MATIC and a four-cylinder diesel engine has an output of 150 kW (204 hp) and stands out for its smooth drive characteristics coupled with impressive performance: it completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 238 km/h. In the process, the engine burns just 5.6 l/100 km on the NEDC driving cycle, making the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC the most efficient all-wheel drive diesel model in its power category in the executive class.















Source: Daimler AG

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Permanent adhesive power: the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system from Mercedes-Benz (II)

New chassis developments and innovative dynamic handling control systems: Relishing the winter with the M-Class

Outstanding safety and well-balanced ride comfort combined with impressive driving dynamics on dry, wet as well as wintry roads, plus superlative skills off the beaten track are some of the key strengths of the third-generation M-Class with permanent all-wheel drive. The premium SUV also makes its mark with new chassis developments and innovative dynamic handling control systems designed to increase both driving pleasure and active safety in winter.



The optional ON&OFFROAD package for the new M-Class uses six different driving modes to optimise driving dynamics and handling safety by providing the optimum drive control needed to cope with the wide spectrum of operating conditions encountered both on and off the road. Drivers have the choice of an automatic mode, two specially programmed off-road modes as well as three on-road modes – “Winter”, “Sport” and “Towing”.

The specific driving modes for all-wheel drive resolve a conflict of objectives that has previously hampered further development of 4MATIC and the 4ETS electronic traction system as well as ESP® and acceleration skid control (ASR). To take an example: on off-road tracks or snow-covered roads, it is important that the control systems respond very gently due to the low friction coefficients, but this makes a sporty set-up virtually impossible. Conversely, a sporty basic setup impairs performance abilities in off-road terrain and snow. In the past, excellent compromises were always found which worked brilliantly under all conditions. The new ON&OFFROAD package with its specific driving modes, however, enables driving dynamics and handling safety to be optimised almost as far as is physically possible under all operating conditions by maximising networking between the individual control systems.

In terms of “hardware”, the ON&OFFROAD package comprises an underguard, a two-stage transfer case with low-range ratio, an inter-axle differential lock and enhanced AIRMATIC functionality that allows a maximum ground clearance of 285 millimetres and a fording depth of 600 millimetres.

Winter driving mode: more fun, more safety

The driving mode is chosen using a rotary control on the centre console. To ensure the selected driving mode – in this case “Winter” – is clearly indicated, a special snowflake graphic appears in the instrument cluster, while the COMAND screen shows the M-Class in a wintry, snow-covered landscape.

The ON&OFFROAD package’s winter driving mode optimises handling on roads affected by snow, ice or freezing rain and when using snow chains, and offers drivers added safety with its well-defined, predictable reactions. The extensive fine-tuning work carried out focused on further increasing longitudinal traction, at the same time as improving lateral dynamics and handling safety. The development team was able to implement these specifications to impressive effect using targeted control mechanisms in the drivetrain:

- When pulling away with or without the steering turned, the inter-axle lock in the centre differential is triggered earlier in order to increase traction and reduce understeer when accelerating briskly. In parallel to this, the 7G-TRONIC PLUS switches to the “gentler” ECO mode and automatically engages 2nd gear when pulling away to avoid high wheel slip. Finally, a flatter response curve gives the driver more sensitive control over the accelerator pedal.

- Maintaining a locking torque that has been set in the centre differential for longer improves handling stability and helps the driver by making the self-steering characteristics more definite.

- Higher ASR slip thresholds when driving in a straight line result in high traction levels as well as safe operation with snow chains with outstanding tractive power.

- ASR slip thresholds lowered when cornering in order to ensure stable handling characteristics at all times as far as is physically possible.


ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM for safe fun in the snow at its very best

When the ON&OFFROAD package is combined with the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM (ACS), a specially programmed winter set-up guarantees dynamic driving pleasure while giving the driver excellent control over the vehicle for a high degree of handling safety. ACS uses active anti-roll bars at the front and rear axles to compensate for the roll angle of the body through bends, increasing agility and driving pleasure in the process. At the same time, the system is capable of giving the M-Class greater traction, especially in wintry road conditions with low grip levels.

The ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM “Snow mode” features two control strategies. Firstly, many of the parameters needed for driving on wintry roads are already incorporated into the basic functions, i.e. when the ON&OFFROAD package’s Automatic driving mode is activated. This means that the system’s reactions to the driver’s steering inputs will be less dynamic on slippery surfaces. External influencing factors, such as fluctuating friction coefficients on roads that are partially covered in ice or snow, are balanced out faster though. Thanks to this control strategy, the M-Class becomes far more docile, even if the vehicle switches between moderate oversteer and understeer.

Secondly, the system control for the winter driving mode includes a special control algorithm. In just the same way as the shaped skis thrill alpine skiers by closely following the desired line even through turns with a tight radius, the M-Class handles in tight bends in this mode. This control strategy produces increased traction on snow-covered road surfaces by dynamic displacement of the wheel loads. If the driver turns into a tighter bend while travelling at a constant speed or accelerating, the wheel load and, as a result, the traction will be increased at the front wheel on the outside of the bend. Doing so minimises the understeer that is otherwise typical in this driving situation. If the driver then reduces the steering angle when exiting from the bend while travelling at a constant speed or accelerating, the load at the rear wheel on the outside of the bend will be raised instead. This has the effect of increasing lateral support at the rear axle, so that the vehicle’s handling is stabilised in the same way as when entering the bend. This time though, it is the tendency to oversteer that is countered.

M-Class sets benchmarks in the world of SUVs

The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class excels above all with its outstandingly efficient use of energy. On average, the fleet consumes 25 percent less fuel than the predecessor models. The ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC is the fuel efficiency champion, consuming just 6.0 l per 100 km on the NEDC driving cycle (158 g CO2/km) and capable of covering up to 1500 kilometres on a single tank of fuel. Other key strengths of the premium SUV with permanent all-wheel drive include outstanding safety and well-balanced ride comfort combined with impressive driving dynamics both on the road and off the beaten track. A distinctive body design and a versatile interior that is highly conducive to its occupants' wellbeing further enhance the M-Class driving experience.

















Source: Daimler AG

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

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Permanent adhesive power: the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system from Mercedes-Benz (I)

Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC: the pinnacle of permanent all-wheel drive - The great 4x4 for the winter

All-wheel drive is still the top choice for enhanced mobility when road conditions turn wintry. 4MATIC, the permanent, electronically controlled 4x4 system from Mercedes-Benz, promises particularly impressive progress, as it boasts truly formidable performance capabilities on snow-covered and icy roads. High traction reserves, excellent directional stability, peerless safety and exceptional comfort levels are all among the drive concept’s highly persuasive benefits.



Not all 4MATIC systems are the same, though – Mercedes-Benz tailors the system to suit the operating profile. So, the new M-Class is equipped with a 4MATIC variant that delivers supremely assured handling on the road combined with top-class off-road technology, while the E-Class employs a system which is geared towards optimum on-road performance. One basic rule applies to all 4MATIC models in the winter, namely that the system can only work as effectively as the connection between the vehicle and the ground allows. In other words, suitable winter tyres are still indispensable.

Outstanding safety and well-balanced ride comfort combined with impressive driving dynamics on dry, wet or wintry roads are some of the key strengths of the third-generation M-Class with permanent all-wheel drive. The premium SUV also makes its mark with superlative skills off the beaten track, thanks to new chassis developments and innovative dynamic handling control systems designed to increase both driving pleasure and active safety.

The optional ON&OFFROAD package for the new M-Class uses six different driving modes to optimise driving dynamics and handling safety by providing the optimum drive control needed to cope with the wide spectrum of operating conditions encountered both on and off the road. Drivers have the choice of an automatic mode, two specially programmed off-road modes as well as three on-road modes – “Winter”, “Sport” and “Towing”.

The ON&OFFROAD package’s winter driving mode improves handling characteristics on roads affected by snow, ice or freezing rain and when using snow chains, and offers added safety. The extensive fine-tuning work carried out focused on further increasing longitudinal traction, at the same time as improving lateral dynamics and handling safety. The development team was able to implement these specifications to impressive effect using special control mechanisms in the drivetrain.

When the ON&OFFROAD package is combined with another optional feature, the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM (ACS), a specially programmed winter set-up offers dynamic driving pleasure while giving the driver excellent control over the vehicle for a high degree of handling safety. At the same time, the system is capable of giving the M-Class greater traction, especially in wintry road conditions with low grip levels. What’s more, this set-up boasts even greater directional stability in tighter corners produced by a special control algorithm that is programmed into the system.

E-Class 4MATIC: stable handling on snow and ice

As with the system’s set-up on a dry or wet road, handling stability and, therefore, active safety are paramount at all times when wintry conditions prevail too in the E-Class models with 4MATIC. The mechanical principle of the 4MATIC system, featuring a 45:55 torque split between the front and rear axles and a multi-disc limited-slip centre differential with a basic locking torque of 50 Nm, offers all the right ingredients for this.

This basic design enables high levels of traction, as the dynamic shift in axle load toward the rear axle that occurs during acceleration is harnessed to deliver more drive torque to the rear wheels. However, the multi-disc differential lock is also able to shift the drive torque between the front and rear axles, varying the split between 30:70 and 70:30 as the road conditions dictate. Consequently, intervention by the ESP®, 4ETS or ASR electronic control systems can be delayed for as long as possible and the bulk of the drive torque converted into tractive power, even on slippery roads. All control system interventions go virtually unnoticed, yet drivers still know straight away if they are driving near the limit, as a yellow warning symbol will flash in the instrument cluster. This serves as a clear prompt to adapt the driving style to the road conditions.

For the first time ever, an E-Class with 4MATIC and a four-cylinder diesel engine is being made available in the shape of the E 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY. This model has an output of 150 kW (204 hp) and stands out for its smooth drive coupled with remarkable performance. In the process, it burns just 5.6 l/100 km on the NEDC cycle, making it the most efficient all-wheel drive diesel car in its class.

M-Class and E-Class: perfect climate with THERMOTRONIC

Mercedes-Benz offers the THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control system for both the E-Class and M-Class. Apart from regulating the climate separately for the driver, front passenger and passengers in the rear, it allows further individual pre-settings to be programmed too. Another feature of the THERMOTRONIC system really comes into its own in the winter months: the residual heat function is activated by pressing the “Rest” button, and heats the interior for around 30 minutes when the engine is switched off.

THERMOTRONIC heats up the passenger compartment extremely efficiently at low outside temperatures, even after a cold start in the morning. This is thanks
to a heating output of eleven kilowatts, equivalent to the capacity of the central heating system in a modern family home. On the diesel models, a heat exchanger with six integral PTC heating elements (PTC = Positive Temperature Coefficient) is also activated when the outside temperature falls below a certain level in order to boost the effect of the main heat exchanger with an electrical output of around 1200 watts. To make long journeys or lengthy winter outings in the M-Class even more enjoyable, the centre console holds a little surprise in store: the tempered cup holders include a Peltier element that is capable of keeping drinks hot or chilled in a temperature range of 8° to 55° Celsius at the push of a button.

Mercedes offers 4MATIC in 49 passenger car models

The Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive line-up currently encompasses 49 passenger car models across ten model series for the German market, and offers an impressively wide choice. Besides the E-Class and the C-Class, which both come in saloon and estate variants, the 4MATIC portfolio is enriched by models from the S-Class,CL luxury coupé, CLS four-door coupé and R-Class touring SUV‑ranges too. These are joined by the third-generation M-Class that was brought out this year, the compact GLK and the GL full-size SUV. Still going strong after over 30 years in production, the G-Class truly comes into its own off the beaten track and continues to rank as one of the best cross-country vehicles in the world.


Source: Daimler AG

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

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Winter time with Mercedes-Benz: Heading to the slopes (V)

Winter training courses and events from Mercedes-Benz Driving Events: Good reasons to learn to drift

Black ice, emergency braking or sudden evasive manoeuvres on slippery surfaces – in critical situations in the winter it's crucial to keep a cool head and be fully in command of the vehicle. The winter training of Mercedes-Benz Driving Events prepares drivers specifically for the cold time of the year and practices intuitive, skilful reaction at the wheel. With the confidence that comes from being in the hands of experienced instructors, the participants explore their personal limits in the breathtaking winter scenery of Austria or Sweden with the vehicles from the Mercedes-Benz model range.



Here a survey of the various handling safety training and driving events of Mercedes-Benz Driving Events in winter 2012:

- Winter Training: In this two-day course in the Fahrtechnik Zentrum in Saalfelden, Austria, the participants learn in exciting exercises on the ice track (slaloming, braking during cornering, or sudden lane changes) to gain full control of their vehicles in typical hazardous wintertime situations. The drifting exercises convey even more driving pleasure and dynamism.
- Winter Training Perfection: Building on the Winter Training, in the two-day Winter Training Perfection course the participants approach the physical limits of driving. They go through the different drills at much higher speeds. Performing sudden lane changes or emergency braking during cornering again is designed to prepare the drivers for everyday hazards, such as when they encounter obstacles in the roadway or suddenly come upon the end of a tailback. Finally, driving enjoyment is the emphasis on the new 2.5 km handling course on ice: with spiked tyres the participants learn how to keep the car permanently drifting. Venue: the Fahrtechnik Zentrum in Saalfelden, Austria.
- Winter Drift Event: This one-day training course takes place on the ice track of the Fahrtechnik Zentrum in Saalfelden, Austria. With spiked tyres the participants learn how to keep the car permanently drifting.
- On- and Off-road Winter Training: 70% gradient, traversing ice and snow – in the quarry near Kitzbühel the participants in this two-day course learn to properly control a vehicle. The on-road exercises take place in the Fahrtechnik Zentrum in Saalfelden, Austria.
- Professional Driver Winter Training: On the ice track in Saalfelden professional drivers find ideal conditions for practicing the way they handle winter hazards. Emergency braking on road surfaces with patches of differing slipperiness, evasive manoeuvres to avoid hitting suddenly appearing obstacles, and regaining control of skidding vehicles on snow and ice are some of the training exercises, in which the participants simulate as realistically as possible the stress situations occurring in their everyday work. In addition, they can expect to be coached by police psychologists and special trainers with interesting occupation-specific theoretical contents and exercises.
- Winter Driving Event Perfection: During the five-day training event in Sorsele, Sweden, the participants spend more than 26 hours on the training grounds, partly even in individually occupied vehicles and with individual coaching by instructors. The various snow and ice tracks have many new challenges and surprises in store for them. The participants can look forward especially to practice driving in the darkness and the rally test. The driving data is recorded to help improve the participants' driving skills. The lap timer, for instance, automatically determines the lap times, and instructors and participants jointly analyse the progress by means of in-board cameras.


Further information is available at www.mercedes-benz.de/driving-events and at www.facebook.com/MercedeBenzDrivingEvents .
Source: Daimler AG

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

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Winter time with Mercedes-Benz: Heading to the slopes (IV)

Snow chains for the B-Class and M-Class: Sure to keep you on track

Laborious mounting with numb fingers in the cold – that's how it once was. Modern snow chains can be easily fitted and often do not require retensioning. That also goes for the two new snow chains which Mercedes-Benz carries in the accessories range for the B and M-Class models launched just recently.



For the B-Class the easy2go model of chain world market leader RUD is available. Its patented mounting device with permanent tensioning effect (PTD = Permanent Tensioning Device) makes manual retensioning of the chain unnecessary. To protect easy2go during transport or storage it is contained in a high-quality textile bag which is resistant to moisture and insensitive to dirt and at the same time saves space. Other advantages are simple fitting and removal while the car is at a standstill, and integrated wheel protection.

The high-quality RUD-matic comfort bow-type snow chain for the new M-Class offers perfect protection for light-alloy wheels and wheel trim with its tough plastic ring (Disc). Since the fastener is on the front side of the wheel, the chain is quickly fitted and removed. The chrome-manganese-alloyed micrograin stainless steel is visually adapted to the light-alloy wheels and meets highest standards also for appearance. Available for tyre sizes 255/50 R19 (8J x 19) and 255/55 R18 (8J x 18).
Source: Daimler AG

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

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Winter time with Mercedes-Benz: Heading to the slopes (III)

Accessories for the cold season: Protection against slush and peace and quiet in the back

Anyone who lives in areas where the snow stays put or who regularly heads for the mountains for winter sports appreciates the perfectly fitting Classic all‑weather mats available from Mercedes-Benz for most model series. They are made of robust, washable plastic designed for heavy-duty use, and with their deep sections and raised edges reliably protect fine foot well carpets. The mats are available in various colours and secured against slipping by the original fastening system.



The same protection, for example against the snow melting off ski boots, is offered by boot tubs made of impact-resistant polypropylene. They are also available for many model series from Mercedes-Benz and feature a honeycomb structure for locating the separately available stowage box. Some of the tubs also enable the practical Velcro-type fastening of the concertina load-sill guard. The guard protects the sill area from scratching during loading – and keeps dirt on the vehicle off one's clothing.

To make sure nothing gets out of place and order prevails in your luggage compartment on the way to your winter holiday destination, Mercedes-Benz offers different storage organising systems. New in the M-Class is a plug-in module with telescopic rod for flexibly dividing the boot to prevent cargo sliding around. Depending on model series and intended as a complement to the shallow boot tub there is the stowage box. It securely holds objects which might otherwise tip over or slide and can be divided into maximum four sections with adjustable partitioning elements.

For the Easy-Pack load-securing kit practical concertina bags are available. The folding, removable bags made of robust, washable nylon provide a secure hold for purchases or winter sports accessories. The bags simply are attached by clips to the side mounting rails of the load-securing system. The concertina bags can also be attached to the plug-in module with an extension.

Entertainment systems: arrive relaxed

A winter holiday trip sometimes can take time, testing the patience of children seated in the rear, which of course puts a strain on the nerves of parents. For aftermarket installation Mercedes-Benz offers various entertainment systems that will help make the time fly.

The very latest in mobile entertainment is the iPad Rear Seat Integration Plus: passengers in the back can very easily use the Apple iPad® as an entertainment centre in a great many models; internet access also is possible in vehicles with an InCar Hotspot. Watch films, while away the time with games or surf in the World Wide Web: a crash-proof mount for the Apple iPad 1® or the Apple iPad 2®, fitted behind the front head restraints, makes this possible. The iPad Rear Seat Integration Plus can be tilted and turned 90 degrees to each side. This comfortable docking station brings the Apple iPad® with all its usual functions into any Mercedes-Benz in an ergonomic way. All connections are accessible. Moreover, thanks to the connection to the on-board power supply the battery can be charged using the separate Apple data cable via integrated USB interface.

The alternative is the Rear Seat Entertainment System. The elegant DVD system puts DVD videos, your favourite pictures and video games on two brilliant 17.8 cm colour monitors without distracting the driver or restricting the view to the rear. Other storage media can be used via AV-IN port, USB interface and SD card interface. The monitors can be removed from their mounts with a click and can be used outside the vehicle too with the 230 V/12 V power supply unit delivered with them. The Rear Seat Entertainment System is delivered with two infrared headsets and radio remote control; it is also available as a single-monitor set. A separately available video cable enables the playback of video and image files from external sources. In the M-Class an individual program makes separate video playback (optional) on the two monitors possible – thanks to a separate DVD player.




Source: Daimler AG

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

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Winter time with Mercedes-Benz: Heading to the slopes (II)

Genuine roof boxes for Mercedes-Benz cars

Functionality and spacious transport volume have always been the mark of the genuine roof boxes from Mercedes-Benz. Now, together with the new M-Class, the "450" roof box with revised design comes on the market. The "dropping line" of the roof box takes up the current Mercedes-Benz design idiom. The "450" roof box is available in black metallic and matt silver. However, on request the customer can have his roof box painted in any available Mercedes vehicle colour by his Mercedes-Benz partner.



As an alternative to the "450" roof box, Mercedes-Benz offers the more compact "330" box. Depending on vehicle it leaves room on the roof for another ski and snowboard carrier, a bicycle rack or a second "330" box. This roof box is available in matt silver or titanium metallic. Here a brief description of the two Mercedes-Benz roof boxes:

- The Mercedes-Benz "330" roof box offers 330 litres of stowage space. With a length of 220 centimetres, the 60 centimetres wide and 41 centimetres deep container is tailor-made for skiing gear. For even better protection for winter sports equipment, a ski rack insert for up to three pairs of skis for this sport box can be ordered. As an alternative Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH offers a luggage set perfectly matched to the dimensions of the 14-kilogram container. It consists of four bags made from hardwearing, water-repellent polyester. Capable of carrying up to 50 kilograms, the transport box also is suited for heavy loads.

- The Mercedes-Benz "450" roof box has a capacity of 450 litres. Specially developed accessories make for optimum space utilisation and very secure loading. There is a ski rack insert for up to five pairs of skis or the practical made-to-measure luggage set with four travelling bags and two ski bags, each accommodating two pairs of skis. The roof box has a length of 220 centimetres, a width of 80 centimetres wide and a depth of 40 centimetres. Despite these dimensions it weighs only 19 kilograms. The maximum load capacity is 75 kilograms.


Simple fitting and practical details

The Alustyle basic carrier bar systems perfectly tailored to the bodies of most Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and the specific system for the SL and SLK Roadsters are the basis for fastening the luggage boxes. All new are the Alustyle Quickfix basic carrier bars for the new B-Class and the Alustyle Easy-Fix II carrier bars for roof rails for the new M-Class. They can be fitted in a jiffy without tools thanks to an innovative quick-clamping system.

Intelligent detail: the Mercedes-Benz roof box can be opened from either side, allowing the vehicle to be loaded from the kerbside instead of the road, or from the driver's side when the vehicle is parked with the front-passenger side close to a wall, as in a garage. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz roof boxes feature two straps with metal buckles to tie down all objects safely.

Another advantage: the three-latch system of the lockable transport containers affords effective protection against thieves. All roof boxes afford a high degree of safety also in accidents. They are German TÜV-tested and "city crash"-tested and additionally meet Mercedes-Benz requirements that go far beyond what is required by the law. For example, the tilting/sliding sunroof must open and close easily even when the roof box is mounted.

Space for up to six pairs of skis: New Alustyle ski and snowboard rack

An alternative for winter sports enthusiasts is the New Alustyle ski and snowboard rack, now also available for the new-generation B and M-Class. Mounted on the basic carrier bars or the carrier bars for roof rails, the rack has room for up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards, depending on the bindings, or four pairs of skis or two snowboards.



Source: Daimler AG

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