Showing posts with label 2014. Show all posts

Illustration: Autobild's Larson digitally imagines the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W 205)

By | Published Monday, 28 May 2012

Larson, the famous designer collaborating with Germany's Autobild magazine, is known worldwide for providing the most accurate computer rendering for future cars, at least in what Mercedes-Benz' forthcoming models are concerned. The latest CGI offers an insight into the exterior design of the next generation C-Class (205 series), bound to arrive during spring 2014.

The current styling language of the Stuttgart house will evolve in a remarkable way with the advent of the new C-Class lineup of mid-size premium vehicles. The inspirational image from above shows the W 205 will boast spectacular proportions and a confident stance, moving away from the current, toned-down wedge shape. Instead, the new Star in the Mercedes-Benz garage will feature a dynamic design, described by an imposing front end sporting an upright grille and a set of angry-looking headlights with LED technology creating intricate inner graphics.

The attributes defining the sides of the 2014 C-Class are "muscular, yet impressively clean and elegant". Gone are the fussy creases - we should now get a proper Benz with an evident, strong shoulder line making the most of the profile. The car will also receive new door handles and a pair of new, aerodynamically-adapted, blinker-equipped exterior mirrors, that reduce the drag coefficient (Cd) and improve the rear view thanks to the greater reflective surface.

In the absence of a rendition showcasing the back end of the C-Class, we can only speculate the final result will indeed help finish the entire design in a round and cohesive way. Expect some astonishing lamps with a cool effect courtesy of LEDs.

Now, please take your time to surf through the newest spy shots of the C-Class captured in Germany. Enjoy!





Image Credits: Autobild,Autowereld

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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smart continues its mobility concept further: market launch for the smart escooter in 2014

By | Published Thursday, 10 May 2012

smart will launch the escooter on the market in 2014. For smart, this is the next logical step in implementing its comprehensive concept for future urban mobility. “The decision in favor of the escooter has been made,” announced Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, on the sidelines of the international dealer meeting in Davos, Switzerland. “With this step, we are adding a further important component to our smart mobility concept for urban mobility in the future,” he added.

Back in 2010, smart unveiled a comprehensive portfolio of electric products for urban transport at the Paris Motor Show. In addition to the smart fortwo electric drive as a coupé and a convertible, it includes the smart ebike and the escooter. smart is now consistently turning this concept into reality: the smart fortwo electric drive will be launched on the market in summer 2012, and delivery to customers of the first ebikes is just beginning. The fully electric escooter will be premiered within the next two years. The design of the escooter study is being developed and refined further. With its many innovative and trendsetting features, the new product will be unmistakably a genuine smart. Just like the ebike, the escooter will also be available for customers who (as yet) have no driver’s license for cars as a smart on two wheels.

“Anyone who thinks of urban mobility has to think of smart,” says Dr. Annette Winkler, the head of smart. “We offer the perfect zero-emissions vehicle for every requirement, and with our products, electric travel is a lot of fun too.”

A number of external studies and the awards that the brand has recently won illustrate how much the ideas from smart are in tune with today’s demands for individual urban mobility.

“We are especially proud that the ebike received the red dot award, and that our comprehensive mobility concept won the 2012 iF product design award,” Dr. Winkler added.

The judging panel for the red dot awards gave the coveted “best of the best” predicate to the series production version of the 2012 smart ebike. This year, the iF product design award, which has been internationally recognised since 1953, singled out the smart mobility concept, consisting of the smart electric drive, the smart ebike, and the smart escooter, as an excellent overall concept for urban mobility.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Illustration: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA gets digitally rendered

By | Published Thursday, 3 May 2012

We have recently reported on decision of Mercedes-Benz to greenlight the all new compact crossover under the official name GLA. Set to arrive in late 2013, the X 156 project vehicle will feature a dynamic styling, inspired by the new A-Class hatchback and CLA executive coupe.

The future GLA-Class should be more practical and spacious compared to the other models in the lineup thanks to the taller SUV shape, even though the total length of the car won't exceed 4.5 meters. The basic variants get the front-driven MFA platform, while the all-wheel-drive traction will be available as an option. However, we expect the 4MATIC system to be offered as standard equipment in conjunction with the range-topping GLA 250 petrol version and the 7G-DCT automatic gearbox. As previously said, the X 156 will share the powertrain with the A- and B-Class, so the choice of engines for the GLA stays identical and comprises units with peak outputs starting from 109 up to 211 hp.

The new compact SUV from Stuttgart will also be a summit in terms of safety, as the latest Mercedes-Benz developments in this field will make their way onto the GLA as well. No less than seven airbags and an intelligent body with crash-studied structure are on the list. Not to forget: the Collision Prevention Assist and the ATTENTION ASSIST further enhance security and will likely become very helpful partners for the driver. Connectivity aboard the car will be made easier with the introduction of the COMAND Online internet-based infotainment system with extended smartphone integration.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class will celebrate world premiere at Geneva Motor Show 2014, with market launch in Europe and USA happening soon after. It's hard to foretell the entry price for this model, but to keep it attractive for younger clients, the Germans should request less than 25,000 euros / 30,000 dollars.

Image Credits: Autobild / Die Welt

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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REPORT: Future compact crossover from Mercedes-Benz to be called GLA

By | Published Tuesday, 1 May 2012

In accordance with the new nomeclature starting 2015, Mercedes-Benz has reportedly given a name to its future compact-sized crossover. Thus the GLA will be the fourth addition to the A-Class/B-Class lineup and will be developed on the new MFA platform, also used by the forthcoming CLA 4-door coupe. The initial serial production title of the X 156 project was GLC, but it looks that name is now reserved for the second generation of the C-Class based SUV, which loses the current name GLK.

The GLA is arriving late next year and will be launched on the market in spring 2014 both in Europe and North America. This new little SUV under the Three Pointed Star brand will be available in both front-wheel-drive and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive versions, while the entire engine lineup is to be shared with the A-Class and B-Class. There are no plans for building an AMG sports variant for the GLA at the moment, but we cannot phase out this possibility just yet. Production of the new Mercedes-Benz model will take place at Rastatt, Germany, and Kecskemét, Hungary. If you wonder about the looks, the GLA-Class will display the new progressive styling language as its compact brothers and we expect a concept car hinting at the finished product to be unveiled in the course of 2013, like in the case of the A-Class and upcoming CLA-Class.

Note: GLK model pictured.

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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REPORT: Mercedes-Benz approves SLC supercar for serial production

By | Published Wednesday, 25 April 2012

The frequently speculated mid-range supercar from Mercedes-Benz will become reality in 2014, after it got the greenlight for production under the name SLC. The news was separately revealed by Daimler boss Dr. Dieter Zetsche and by chief designer Prof. Gorden Wagener. As in the case of the SLS, the Mercedes-AMG division will also be in charge of the development programme of the new medium-sized hypercar.

Supercars are an essential part of the prestigious history of Mercedes-Benz. The ambitious SLS AMG project has been a market success since the model was premiered in 2009. The idea of a smaller performance coupe positioned below the Gullwing and boasting a lower purchase value has fuelled enthusiastic minds since 2010. Now that the SLC is really coming, things will start heating up as first road test prototypes will be released 'out in the wild'. Compared to the bigger SLS, this new supercar tamed in Affalterbach will display an even more dynamic, youthful and striking exterior styling that will certainly attract a lot of curious eyes.

The entry-level, baby SLS will be fighting for the crown of the class with the legendary Porsche 911, its main opponent. The SLC will feature a lightweight construction, with the chassis and components made up of aluminium, steel and magnesium alloys. The intelligent spaceframe will also allow for a perfect and balanced mass distribution between the two axles, now that it was announced the SLC will have a front-engine architecture and conventional doors.

The heart of the new supercar will likely be a new 4.0-litre V8 powerplant, carefully refined by the Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains specialists for maximum performance. We don't know anything about the peak output yet, but we predict at least 400 to 450 hp. Speculators insist there's also an increased chance a basic V6 unit with less than 400 hp and a smaller displacement will complete the engine lineup of the SLC AMG.

Note: SLS AMG pictured.

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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SPY: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W 205) scooped while at work

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Mercedes-Benz began the development programme of the future C-Class during winter 2011-2012. Intensively put to work on snow from the beginning, the W 205 prototypes became a familiar sight in Northern Scandinavia and spy shots never stood coming for a period. Now, the weather has warmed and spring time hit Europe, so the test vehicles are now back on German roads. A heavily disguised car has been recently spotted on the outskirts of Stuttgart, the natal city of the Three-Pointed Star brand.

The new C-Class will celebrate world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014 and goes on sale a few months later, during summer. According to latest hints from inside the factory, the mid-class premium limousine will have slightly altered dimensions to make room for the new CLA sporty executive coupe, set to arrive in November this year. The W 205 will have a more spacious and upscale interior and will launch a new, driver-oriented cabin architecture, inspired by the F 800 Style and F 125! research cars.

When unveiled, the new medium high-class sedan from the Star brand will certainly be the most powerful, most efficient and most secure automobile in the segment. Mercedes-Benz experts from the R & D department will certainly implement a consistent series of specially designed measures that substantially improve comfort, efficiency and safety aboard the upcoming C-Class. First of all, this model will sit on a new platform: the Mercedes Rearwheel Architecture for added dynamics and comfort. A load of assistance systems, such as the PRE-SAFE and ATTENTION ASSIST, will likely be offered in the standard package. A new range of gasoline and diesel engines with BlueEFFICIENCY technology and ECO start/stop function will be launched together with the new W 205, whereas alternative variants (hybrid, electric) are possible beyond 2015. As for the communication and entertainment, the future C-Class will be among the first Mercedes-Benz models to adopt the revolutionary @yourCOMAND infotainment system which promises man's best partner when at the wheel of the forthcoming W 205 vehicle series.





Image Credits: Autoevolution

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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SPY: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W 205) snagged in Germany

By | Published Wednesday, 4 April 2012

The fifth generation of the C-Class is planned to debut sometime during 2014. Dubbed W 205, the midsized premium limousine is a crucial model in the 2020 growth strategy that has been just recently adopted by Mercedes-Benz. A large volume of the series production for this vehicle will be moved at Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA, with the rest of the assembly facility remaining at the current location in Bremen.

Development for the future C-Class began during winter 2011/2012, so the prototypes could endure their first-ever cold weather programme, a vital part in the testing of any forthcoming Mercedes-Benz. Along with the rise in temperatures, the camouflaged cars are returning to the already sunny and pleasant Germany as a test vehicle has been lately spotted near company's R&D Center in Stuttgart.


With the new C-Class, Mercedes-Benz targets to deliver the best choice on the market. Styling is essential for any automobile, so the team conducted by reputed designer Prof. Gorden Wagener will take care to deliver an outstanding visual performance. Influence in sketching the lines of the W 205 comes massively from the F 800 Style Research Vehicle (see 1,2,3) premiered in 2010 at the Geneva Motor Show, so expect to see a self-assured, powerful and organic design. The 2014 C-Class will be slightly lengthier compared to the current generation and a lot more balanced. The large front bonnet, doubled by a short overhang, are contrasting the short tail hood and the long rear overhang and thus enhance the general, aerodynamical appearance by making the car look longer than it actually is.


For the cockpit, interior designer have prepared a spectacular, yet user-friendly architecture dominated by organic surfaces such as in the F 800 Style showcar. Little details are known at this moment, but given the fact the future C-Class is set to receive a new infotainment device, the revolutionary @yourCOMAND, the driver and passenger could easily like entering Enterprise space ship when stepping inside the sedan. The bigger exterior measures should translate in head and leg room for the cabin, which will further improve the comfort. Apart from the traditional upscale materials such as leather, sheer metal or fine-essence wood trims, we also expect some very attractive colour combos and, why not, a new type of clever, SF-looking upholstery to make you feel really hi-tech while travelling with the new C-Class. The all-time Mercedes-Benz quality will feel at home in the interior of the W 205, so the premium atmosphere is fully ensured.



The powertrain for the new generation will consist of the new Mercedes Rearwheel Architecture (MRA), which shall first make its official debut on the S-Class (W 222) this autumn. This will bring a substantial improvement in the dynamic capability of the car without affecting the well-known comfortable ride of any Mercedes-Benz model. To get the C-Class going, an entire lineup of frugal engines is specifically being developed at the moment. The brand new diesel-powered and gasoline-running units will feature displacements ranging from 1.8 litres up to 3.5 litre and will display I4 and V6 (and/or I6?) cylinder arrangements. Probably, most of the diesel powerplants will boast BlueTEC technology and a potent, high-end diesel engine is also possible. For the high-end C 350 petrol version, peak output should increase a bit from the current 306 hp. The top C-Class model will be the sporty C 63 AMG that is to use a further modified version of the current 5.5-litre biturbo V8, meaning it will also get an important upgrade in performance. If one is keen to save the planet, we would to like to inform him/her that the W 205 might premiere some plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell green variants, but only after 2015.


For the safety side of things, Mercedes-Benz researchers and engineers are preparing a consistent package of clever assistance systems that will surely make the difference between life and death in the event of a threatening situation. Alongside the well-known solutions such as PRE-SAFE or Collision Prevention Assist, the new C-Class could also be equipped with an optional autonomous driving system that uses a multitude of sensors, cameras and the fourth generation DISTRONIC PLUS radar to steer the car independent from the driver's action at speeds of up to 50 km/h. Moreover, the W 205 will also direct connectivity and communication means to a new level thanks to the addition of the Car-to-X technology, which enables a better interaction with the road, environment and the other cars and thus improves the flow of data and information to your own vehicle.









Photo Credits: Motor Authority

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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SPY: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz Vito/Viano has a nice surprise in store for us

By | Published Monday, 12 March 2012

The van offensive at Mercedes-Benz continues with the new generation of the Vito/Viano range, scheduled to arrive towards 2014. As said in the previous article, Volker Mornhinweg is keen to raise standards and offer an extensive lineup of attractive products for the commercial sector. After the new Citan and the facelift of the Sprinter, the Vito/Viano vehicles will receive a more dynamic and automotive-like fascia, in line with Merc's latest design language. Although hints are barely noticeable under the heavy cladding, one can tell the future mid-sized vans will display a powerful front end, dominated by bigger headlights and a classier grille.

Check out further spy shots after the break!








Image Credits: Autoevolution

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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REPORT: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLC AMG is one step away from becoming reality

By | Published Sunday, 12 February 2012

Reports indicate that Mercedes-AMG will soon approve the anticipated SLC supercar for serial production. Ola Kallenius, boss of the Affalterbach-based high performance brand, has admitted that the success of the SLS AMG fuelled the wish to develop a new supercar. He admits a market for this model already exists and there is enough space left in the range to slot the model below the Gullwing and not affect its sales. Once it is greenlighted, test prototypes might be out on streets by mid-2012 and the finished SLC AMG could be ready for a 2014 launch. Check out more information on this theme following the next links:

- REPORT: AMG official confirms plans to build new sub-SLS supercar
- Future Projects: New details on the upcoming SLC AMG supercar surface
- Future Projects: the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLC eyes supremacy in the hypercar segment


Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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SPY: Arctic adventure with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W 205)

By | Published Saturday, 11 February 2012

It seems Mercedes-Benz will play hard with the new C-Class. Prototypes have already reached the zone near the Arctic Circle and are already tried and tested up to their utmost limits in cold weather conditions. Early as it is, we'd like to mention the W 205 generation will likely grow in size to make enough room for the upcoming CLC compact 4-door coupe. The combination 'long hood - short front overhang' + 'short boot - long rear overhang' will certainly further enhance the visual effect of a lengthy limousine. The exterior and interior styling philosophy will likely follow the progressive-organic theme previewed on the F 800 Style research vehicle, which should add more dynamism, solidity and self-confidence to the C-Class's well-known elegant and classic look.

Check out more spy shots after the break!






Image Credits: WorldCarFans

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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SPY: 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W 205) - more shots + new insight

By | Published Wednesday, 1 February 2012

Surprinsingly, the first test vehicles used for developing the future generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class hit streets last week. Following the first scoop, new spy shots revealing a heavily camouflaged prototype have constantly emerged on the net since then. The last series reveal a pre-production car that underwent a "facial lifting".


Due in spring 2014 (according to internal sources), the new generation of the C-Class has a daring mission to accomplish: be ahead of every other competitor in the market segment of premium, medium-sized models. In order to do that, the Germans are determined to fight hard and build the best C-Class of all time. It was reported that the W 205 will follow the styling direction given by the impressive F 800 research car and will also be technically enriched with all the latest Mercedes-Benz innovations and technologycal advances.

The new C-Class will sit on brand new underpinnings: the revolutionary Mercedes Rearwheel Architecture, to be showcased on the forthcoming S-Class. The mid-sized limousine is expected to feature a complete engine lineup consisting of frugal petrol and diesel units, as well as alternative variants such as hybrid, electric and maybe fuel-cell. A new range of manual and automatic transmission, including the eagerly-awaited 9G-TRONIC to be premierly introduced on the 2013 S-Class, will transfer power to the rear wheels for the MRA or to all four wheels if 4MATIC traction is chosen. We guess efficiency figures might indicate values below 150 g/km - 100 g/km for CO2 emissions, while the targeted combined fuel consumption may well be lower than 6 litres/100 km. All of these will be possible with the help of the BlueEFFICIENCY package, available for all variants. On the other hand, performance figures could reach around 320-350 hp on the high-end standard versions, whereas the sensational C 63 AMG sports saloon is tipped to display a peak output of around 500 hp thanks to the addition of a twin-turbo V8 powerplant.

Inside, a whole new architecture is currently being mastered by Mercedes-Benz designers. Basic inspiration: the F 800, again. Instead of the interiors one is accustomed when talking about a model produced by the Stuttgart-based carmaker, the C-Class is rumored to boast a very dynamic and rather unprecedented dashboard, to attract new clients towards the brand. The new scheme will comprise new, quality materials and numerous attractive colour combinations and customization programmes. The new @yourCOMAND internet-based infotainment system will operate almost all the functions of the car and ensure a unique communication experience in real time. Besides that, safety will be at its highest possible level thanks to the complete set of airbags, the new generation of the PRE-SAFE crash anticipatory system, the DISTRONIC Plus, the ATTENTION ASSIST and the latest clever assistance systems developed by Mercedes-Benz engineers.
Image Credits: Auto Motor und Sport

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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SPY: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W 205) gets tracked down once again

By | Published Sunday, 29 January 2012

Just two days after the first scoops, a set of new captures of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W 205) test mule emerged on the interwebs. Given their dimensions, it's fairly easier to make a preliminary opinion based on the exterior styling of the medium-sized limousine. Although the prototype carries some elements of the outgoing generation, it appears the front fascia, hidden under the heavy black cladding, is pretty much the new one, as well as the tailgate area at the rear. The headlights display a teardrop shape and look similar to those seen of the F 800 concept; in addition, the radiator grille might adopt a more upright, solid design, to comply with the new EU safety regulations. The back end details are less visible to the naked eye, but some '4-door coupe' influence from the F 800 can somehow be depicted. We guess the final car could be quite close to this rendition created by Christian Schulte.

Check out more spy photos after the jump!


Image Credits: Motor Authority

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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SPY: First-ever shots of the future 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W 205)

By | Published Friday, 27 January 2012

These images come as a nice and unexpected surprise: Mercedes-Benz Research & Development Department have already started work on the future generation of the C-Class (W 205).


The vehicle you see in the spy pics is in fact a test mule for the new medium class model - even though the exterior body comprises parts of the current W 204 C-Class and some design cues of the next generation carefully hidden under camouflage, the underpinnings together with all the secret innovations installed underneath the bodyshell are certainly fully belonging to the W 205. As it's still early for the 2014 C-Class, details are scarce: we do know the new generation will mark a design revolution, heavily influenced by the F 800 Style showcar. General dimensions will go up a bit, to improve passenger comfort, versatility, luggage space and make room in the portfolio for the announced sub-C-Class models. Furthermore, technical novelties could include a new series of powerful and frugal engines, as well as a new rear-wheel-drive platform with better dynamic capabilities and more high-end communication and safety technologies, that are to be partly borrowed from the upcoming S-Class (W 222), expected for late 2012. We are guessing the whole development phase for the W 205 C-Class will take more than two years, so the new generation might be ready for launch in mid 2014.




Image Credits: Autowereld

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