2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Gets New Safety Tech!

The steady drip-feed of information about the upcoming Mercedes-Benz S-Class has continued today. Known for its innovation, it is no surprise that Mercedes-Benz is packing the latest technology into its flagship sedan.

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is expected to be the most advanced luxury sedan yet. Previous generations of the S-Class have debuted airbags and three point seatbelts. These days, innovation moves much faster and so, keeping the S-Class on the cutting edge has been a challenge for Mercedes-Benz.

Among the features which debut on the S-Class is a new E-Active Body Control suspension system. The optional package uses a 48-volt system, with control units which analyse the driving situation 1,000 times per second, to regulate the damping and spring forces individually at each wheel.

Road surface scan returns too, using stereo multi-purpose cameras to monitor the road surface. Curve driving mode is also available, carried over the outgoing model, which allows the vehicle to lean into bends.

A new pre-safe function adds “Impulse Side” which detects when a side impact might occur and raises the suspension within a few tenths of a second.

Inside, occupants are protected by the world’s first frontal airbag for passengers in the rear seat. Mercedes-Benz has illuminate the belt buckles too.

An internal MBUX Interior Assistant camera can now be used to detect a child seat and display a custom belt fastening message.

Rear-axle steering is something we have seen from other manufacturers. It makes its debut on the S-Class, reducing turning circle by up to 2 metres and improving agility.

Driver assistance is improved too. Active blind spot assist and active steering assist are too programs that have been upgraded.

Stay tuned for more information!

2020 Mercedes-AMG A35 Sedan: 5 Things We Like

We’ve had to wait a while, but we can test drive cars again. Recently I got a call from Mercedes asking if I wanted to drive the new A35 AMG Sedan. My first thought was, especially after driving the A 45 S AMG earlier this year, that this wouldn’t be much of an experience. That turned out completely different as we later came to find out…

What we know is that the A35 Sedan’s engine produces 306 hp together with 400 Nm of torque. Coupled to the 4MATIC four-wheel drive system, it manages a 100 km/h sprint of just 4.8 seconds. Nothing much to say about this new hot hatch except for the good things, but here are my 5 reasons why the A35 AMG Sedan is a really nice car.

The looks

In a way, being able to hide in traffic is always fun, but the sporty looks reveal the character of this car. Because of this, the car doesn’t escape the attention of the other drivers, which is pretty good. Small, sporty and attracting attention are 3 characteristics that go perfectly with the A35 AMG Sedan.

The sound

Car after car, model after model, AMG always brings out one of the best sounds cars can make. When accelerating and/or shifting down, it’s pure pleasure to the ears. Now, with all the EU restrictions going on it’s getting harder to make loud sports cars like before, but the aftermarket sector never fails us here…with an aftermarket exhaust the A35 AMG will sound just as good as the previous gen A45!

4Matic

What the 4Matic system does in the A35 Sedan is impressive. Even though 306 hp is reasonable when it comes to power, without all-wheel drive it would be a lot less pleasant to drive the A35 AMG, unless you are Honda…a good AWD system always comes in handy in a powerful hot hatch.

AMG Track Pack

This small option is a must have in any AMG. Unfortunately I couldn’t test the A 35 Sedan on track, but the fact that you have “your personal race engineer”, because that’s what Mercedes AMG calls it, makes you long for track days. Tracks days have been opening up slowly after a long lockdown period, and you can be sure to find some A35 (sedans and hatches) lapping around during weekends.

Seat Options

Good seats ensure a good sitting position, that’s about the most important thing when driving any car. Thanks to the seat options offered on this model, you can adjust the seat to suit your needs, fasten your seatbelt and enjoy! You have the choice of AMG Performance seats for those who want a sporty feeling and the Sports seats for those who want a comfort oriented feel, the latter comes with the more exclusive leather package. The whole point of this car is to suit sporty needs and touring needs as well. It’s a perfectly balanced package that meets most driving needs and tastes.

Pictures by Wouter Desmet

Upcoming Mercedes-Benz S-Class Leaks Online

Photos have been posted on social media, showing what looks to be the upcoming, next-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The photos show the car with minimal camouflage sitting in what looks to be a scrapyard. The photos are unverified at the moment, however, they clearly show the new S-Class in all its glory.

So what do the photos show? As you would expect, the German behemoth has not strayed from the tried and tested formula. The S-Class remains a large sedan, with an imposing front grille and a lavish interior.

The photos show that front grille grows in size with six chrome horizontal stakes. In the middle sits a large housing for various sensors. The S-Class is expected to go big on technology, in keeping with tradition. Mercedes-Benz has previously confirmed that the new S-Class will ship with level 3 autonomy.

Gallery: 2020 Mercedes-AMG A45 S

23 years ago the A-class was launched. After a multiple evolutions, the A-class is no longer what it once was, and certainly not after the it has passed through Affalterbach for the AMG treatment. This is the latest and most powerful version ever, the A45 S AMG, has a 421 hp making it the most powerful 4-cylinder engine in production.

What to Spec?

Exterior and interior colors are definitely a matter of personal taste but we think the new super hatch does look good in bright colors. Our car is finished in Sun Yellow.

AMG performance seats – combination between good comfort and solid seating during a sportive ride. The design of the seats is of course a plus point. The red belts together with the other red accents make the A45 S even more attractive.

Conclusion

What a car! It is almost unbelievable what AMG has done with the A class. The 4-matic system does an impressive job of keeping the car on the road. The competition is shaping up well and we can only be happy as these are good times for car enthusiasts.

2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe Review

One of our favorite SUVs is now also available with a Coupe body style. The GLE Coupe is being build in Tuscaloosa for the entire world along with the regular GLE and GLS models. On launch the available engine variants are limited to the 350d, 400d, AMG 53 4Matic and the plug-in hybrid 350de. We put three of them to the test.

Based on the new GLE, the new GLE Coupe looks a lot sleeker than the predecessor. The muscular front continues along the side with a strong shoulder line. The rear looks a lot better than the predecessor but is still not quite my thing. The triangular shaped rear lights look a bit out of place and the overall rear look is a bit boring.

The GLE Coupe has a 60mm shorter wheelbase than the normale GLE. This adds to better handling and a sportier character. And it has to be said, during our test drive from Innsbruck to the mountain village of Kühtai the GLE Coupe feels lighter and nimbler than you would expect from a car this size and weight. Even though the winter tires put a dampening effect on the car’s true driving dynamics it is clear that the GLE Coupe is among the sportiest SUVs out there.

Inside a modern cockpit awaits. The optional contour seats provide excellent support and comfort. The two large MBUX screens can be controlled with the touch pad in the center console – which I still need to get used to – or the two touchpads on the steering wheel. The car is packed with comfort, connectivity and convenience options. The only thing that really annoys me is the low position of the start/stop button as this is exactly where my right knee is.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe 400d

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d comes with a 2.9 liter inline six-cylinder engine internally known as OM 656. It is paired with a 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox. The R6 engine produces 330hp and no-less than 700Nm of torque. The torque is available from as low as 1,200 rpm which allows for effortless overtaking and a sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. Top speed is limited to 240 km/h.

The GLE Coupe 400d is the only model available at the moment with the excellent new E-Active Body Control suspension system. That alone should be a reason to consider the 400d variant of the GLE Coupe.

Mercedes-Benz GLE 350de

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de

The 350de combines a small 4 cylinder diesel engine with a electric powertrain with a capacity of 31,2 kWh. According to the NEDC emission cycle this is good for 106 full electric kilometers. Combined the 350de delivers 320hp and 700Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h sprint is done in 6.9 seconds. 80% charge is reached in 20 minutes.

The normal GLE plug-in hybrid was the first hybrid with more than 100 kilometers range and the GLE Coupe is the first car in this segment with such a significant all electric range. Thanks to its exceptional fuel economy and low CO2 emissions the GLE Coupe 350de will be an attractive buy in many European countries with high CO2 taxes.

Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe 53 4Matic

Brilliant Blue Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe

The sportiest GLE Coupe available from launch is the AMG GLE Coupe 53 4Matic. The 3.0 six-cylinder petrol engine packs 435hp and 520Nm with an additional 22hp and 250Nm of boost thanks to the 48V mild-hybrid system. 0-100 km/h is done in 5.3 seconds and the GLE Coupe 53 AMG has a top speed of 250 km/h. In Sport Plus the GLE Coupe 53 AMG provides some audible drama with enhanced engine sound in the cabin and some pops and bangs from the exhaust. Not as loud as a 63 model but still entertaining.

The suspension is firmer and the panamericana grill along with wider wheel arches, AMG sideskirts and an AMG exhaust express the sportiness of this AMG model that fills the gap between the regular line-up and the upcoming GLE Coupe 63 AMG. Inside you can find AMG specific trim and MBUX has been expanded with a AMG track pace function, even though I doubt many customers will use that in their GLE Coupes.

What to Spec?

Thanks to the new WLTP emission certification process there is are a lot less individual options for customers to chose when speccing their car. Because the weight and emission effects of all optional extras have to be calculated most car manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz grouped individual options in packages to significantly reduce the number of possible configurations. But there is still something to chose so here are our recommended things to spec on your new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe:

E-Active Body Control – Full active suspension system which recognized bumps and holes in the road and adjusts the suspension so that you don’t feel a thing. Nice gimmick is the ‘Curve’ setting which leans the car into the corner like a boat or skier. This suspension system is what sets the GLE truly apart from the competition.

Driver Assistance Package Plus – This package includes the most important safety and driver assistance systems including the latest version of Mercedes-Benz’s Adaptive cruise control with speed limit recognition and adaption, traffic jam assist and lane assist.

Energizing Package Plus – This includes the best seats Mercedes-Benz offers today including seat heating, seat cooling and massage function.

Keyless-Go Comfort Package – Once you had this in your car you never want to go back to using the key to open and close your car.

Parking Package with 360 degree camera – Due to the sheer size of the GLE Coupe and sloping roof line with a larger than usual black spot the 360 degree camera is a big help in narrow parking garages and inner-city streets.

Conclusion

The new GLE Coupe is a very attractive car. The coupe-style body gives it a sporty appearance but obviously limits its practicality compared to the normal GLE. The optional E-Active Body Control suspension is only available on the 400d but adds a whole new dimension to comfort and driving fun which makes it an engine variant worth considering. We are obviously eager to try the upcoming GLE 63 AMG but the GLE 53 AMG provides a good alternative for people with a somewhat smaller budget that still looking for fun. The GLE 350de with 100km full-electric range is very attractive for people looking for a car to commute in.

Official: Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR Concept Car unveiled at CES 2020

Avatar will be remembered in the hall of fame for movies, not only for its eye watering budget, Oscar haul or blockbuster earning, but also for its fresh and previously unseen take on sustainable mobility, the environment and the harmony between human, machine and nature.

Mercedes-Benz took notice of this and unveiled a concept car dedicated to a collaboration between the makers of the Avatar movie and the Germany automaker at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Dubbed the Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR, the ‘car’ takes inspiration from a plethora of elements from the film. AVTR translates to stand for Advanced Vehicle Transformation and embodies the vision of Mercedes-Benz designers, engineers and trend researchers for mobility in the distant future.

It cannot be argued that the exterior is striking, particularly the huge illuminated spheric-shaped wheels. They do not just look snazzy, but also serve a purpose: The Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR can move sideways by approximately 30 degrees given its ability to move the front and rear axels in the same or opposed directions. It is powered in a visionary way, too. Graphene-based organic cell chemistry has been used to build the batteries. This means they are totally recyclable.

As with recent Mercedes-Benz Vision Concepts, the interior is where the things get really funky. There is a ‘biometric connection’ between man and machine. Occupants do not use a conventional steering wheel; instead there is a multifunctional control element in the centre console that allows human and vehicle ‘to merge’. In addition gesture controls allow the driver to pick various modes that bring the outside world into the vehicle.

Aim is to increase awareness of the surroundings by showing beautiful animated visualisations of the surroundings you are travelling in. But this Fantasy-inspired concept car can do more than just bring the outside world in; lift your hand and pick Pandora-mode by closing the palm of your hand and you will be emerged in the world of Avatar.

Regardless of the tech or the details, it cannot be denied that this is a concept car that captures the imagination and would look at home in a movie such as Avatar. Surprisingly for such a comprehensive collaboration the Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR will not feature in the 2021 Avatar 2 movie. But Avatar and Mercedes-Benz fans alike can see the Vison AVTR at this year’s CES followed by the Geneva Motor Show 2020 in March and the Beijing Motor Show 2020 in April.

2020 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 Officially Revealed

Its been a while since Mercedes-Benz did something with the Mercedes-Maybach range. We have had the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 for some time now. It was joined by a limited edition Cabriolet quite sometime after, and a Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet. Today, a proper production SUV has arrived in the form of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600.

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 debuts this week in Guangzhou, China. As the name suggests, it sits on the basis of a GLS Class, with the top end touches of the Maybach name.

Design

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 uses the classic Mercedes-Benz star atop the bonnet. The Grille is replaced with a chrome Maybach-specific version which complements chrome air intake mesh and trim surrounds. The wheels are massive, multi-spoke 23-inch models.

The Maybach emblem is on display at the D-pillar. The rear gets plenty of chrome too, with Maybach-specific tailpipes. Truth be told, the look differs only slightly from that of the G Class. The look is enough to give it a high-class feel though. Plus it looks less ugly than the competition!

There are a few special touches too. The Airmatic suspension is programmed to drop the ride height of the SUV by 25mm when the door is opened. Running boards swing out from the underside to allow for easier access.

Power and Chassis

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 ditches the V12 powerplant. Sad times. In its place is the 4.0 litre V8, tuned to produce 558 hp and 730 Nm of torque. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h with a 100 km/h sprint time of 4.9 seconds. The power is delivered through a 9-speed automatic transmission.

It is combined with the 48-volt system, Mercedes call EQ Boost. The 48-volt system also operates an E-Active Body Control system which uses an electronic sway bar setup to counteract dynamic forces. For example, in Curve mode, the body lens by as much as 3 degrees.

The suspension is Mercedes’ Airmatic system with something called Adaptive Damping System Plus (ADS+) as standard. This is connected to double wishbones at the front with a four-link setup at the rear.

The Airmatic system is designed to keep the body at a constant level using sensors and algorithms to smooth the bumps. Ground clearance is lowered by 15 mm at high speed to increase aerodynamic drag and increase stability.

Interior

The Maybach is every bit as customisable as you would expect. There is a wide variety of wood, leather and rim options. The driver sits 25 cm higher than in an S Class. The rear seats are 120 mm further back than in the standard GLS.

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 also makes do with only two rows of seats. That second row is ultra-luxurious though, with a five-seat or four-seat option. With the front seat in chauffeur position, the rear passenger gets 1.34 m of legroom.

The GLS 600 uses the MBUX system with a Maybach-specific design. Even the climate system fans have been specially optimised on rubber bearings. Rear passengers get two 11.6 inch touchscreens.

Availability

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 will be available during the second half of 2020. Cost is yet to be announced, although the GLS 600 should be on offer worldwide.

Competition

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan. That’s the competition.

Of course, the Bentley Bentayga, the Lamborghini Urus, the Aston Martin DBX – all could be competitors. Yet none are quite so focused on pure luxury as the GLS 600.

Gallery