All posts in “Mercedes-Benz”

Mercedes-Benz Vision URBANETIC

Mercedes-Benz now shows off latest concept car, called Vision URBANETIC. The autonomous vehicle can ferry passengers, cargo, and goods at the same time. Therefore, it blurs the lines between transport and delivery.

Unsurprisingly, URBANETIC runs on an all-electric chassis that can switch bodies depending on its required use. In that regard, it’s basically like a huge skateboard you can attach bodies on top of. As a ride-sharing vehicle, it can accommodate up to 12 passengers. However, as a cargo module, it can carry up to 10 pallets.

Here’s how the company describes its newest notional ride:

“Vision URBANETIC is a completely new mobility concept for the smart city where widespread fully automated driverless transport will exist or where purely autonomous zones will be defined.” Its interchangeable modules, which primarily address commuting and delivery, will take a huge amount of pressure off city centers, according to Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

“Vision URBANETIC is part of a holistic ecosystem. The system analyses the transport needs of people and goods and compiles a highly flexible, needs-based fleet.”

URBANETIC is only one of a handful of concepts that flirt with the idea of modularity. Cars that can be swapped out with different parts to provide different services is very promising. Suppose Mercedes-Benz miraculously produces it, its impact on the broader transport industry is unimaginable.

Besides the features mentioned above, the car also boasts a dynamic communications system. Interestingly, this system apparently captures and processes data in real time. As a result, it can determine what vehicles people need, and where. Game-changing stuff, truly.

LEARN MORE HERE

Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

TopCar Gives Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe New Look

We’re always blown away by TopCar’s tuning projects. They have created some very high quality products in the past, based upon Porsche and Mercedes-Benz models. Their latest is based upon the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and sticks largely to the established script.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Inferno gets a 12 piece carbon fibre package. It consists of a carbon front bumper, a carbon bonnet with a power bulge, carbon side skirts, a huge carbon rear bumper diffuser, a carbon spoiler and small fender extensions finished in carbon too.

Finishing touches include a carbon fibre front grille and Inferno forged wheels measuring 21 inches. The body kit fits to all versions of the GLC Coupe. TopCar also offer custom paintwork for all elements of the Inferno package.

Parts can be ordered as a package at a cost of €13,950, or individually. Installation costs €2,590 with the forged wheel sets starting at €4,850.

2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Revealed

The Mercedes-Benz B Class has received an update fresh off the back of the A Class update earlier this year. The B Class is on display at the Paris Motor Show 2018 which is currently ongoing. It brings the ageing B Class into the modern Mercedes-Benz era and aligns it with the rest of the model range.

The B Class occupies that niche category between a hatchback and a full size people mover; the sub-compact executive MPV. Mercedes-Benz have promised dynamic handling and comfort with technology and features taken from the S Class and A Class models. Headlamps are H7 with LED daytime running lights. LED headlamps are an option.

The B Class features short overhangs which help maximise the interior space. The drag coefficient is 0.24, indicating that air flow has improved over the previous generation. The roof line is lower with a new face, similar in style to the A Class. The driving experience should feel completely different from the A Class as the driver sits 90 mm higher.

Inside, the architecture of the new A Class is clear. The instrument panel is split into two elements. The central cutout in front of the driver houses a free-standing display which comes in three different versions: with two 7-inch displays, with one 7-inch and one 10.25-inch display and, in the Widescreen version with two 10.25-inch displays. A head-up display is also available as an option.

The MBUX system which debuted in the A Class is also available on the B Class. The system includes touch screen control as standard, the widescreen display set up and augmented reality technology.

The seats are also all-new. Flatter and more comfortable than the outgoing version, they have a larger adjustment range. Seat climate control and massage function are also available for the new B-Class as optional extras.

The rear seats have a 40:20:40 split and the luggage compartment can swallow between 455 and 705 litres with the rear seats folded. This figure is similar to the outgoing model yet changes in the shape make it more useable. Up to 1540 litres of space is on offer depending on how good your packing skills are.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Interior

Driver assistance packages include semi-autonomous technology. For example, Active Distance Assist Distronic, part of the Driving Assistance package, is able to adapt to many route-specific situations, predictively and conveniently adjusting the speed. The B Class also gets Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Brake Assist and Pre-Safe.

A host of engine options will be available for launch. The B 180 will get 136 hp and 200 Nm of torque, the B 200 gets 163 hp and 250 Nm. The diesel options include the B 180 d with 116 hp and 260 Nm, B 200 d with 150 hp and 320 Nm and the B 220 d with 190 hp and 400 Nm.

Mercedes-Benz are expected to update the CLA and GLA very soon, together with the announcement of a new GLB. The B Class will be available to order from 3 December 2018, with deliveries due to begin in February 2019.

Mercedes-AMG One won’t challenge Nurburgring record lap time

In March, Autocar reported that Mercedes-AMG had investigated challenging the outright Nürburgring lap record. Mercedes was said to have studied the fastest two laps, both set by racing driver Stefan Bellof in a Porsche 956, with the intent of setting a new benchmark using the AMG Project One, which will now be called merely the AMG One. Apparently AMG believed it could be done, the hardest part being “finding the right driver.” AMG boss Tobia Moers still believes the One could win the day even after the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo obliterated the old mark by nearly a minute. But Moers quashed the attempt, telling Australian site Motoring, “Could we beat the Porsche’s ‘Ring time? We could, probably,” then adding, “I just don’t know what we’d do it for.”

Moers admits the Porsche run “was impressive,” and a One victory “would be close.” To give the One a chance at the title, engineers could rework the aero, yank out the air conditioning, and put on different tires. But Moers can’t see the point of a fully homologated production car challenging a race car that’s been upgraded beyond any legal race spec. “Theirs is a racing car that isn’t actually fit to race anywhere, in any class, anywhere. It doesn’t have any rules,” he said. At one point there had been rumor of a track-only version of the One, which might have made more sense to field, but such plans, if there really were any, were axed.

For a quick rundown of the figures, Bellof’s 35-year-old record stood at 6:11.13, set during qualifying for the Nürburgring 1000 KM race. The 956 produced 630 hp in its most powerful guise from a 2.5-liter, twin-turbo V6. The upgraded 919 Hybrid Evo put out not less than 1,160 hp from the combined efforts of its 2.0-liter V4 ICE and electric motor. Having had its aero tweaked and been stripped of its A/C, windshield wipers, and jack system, it averaged 147 miles per hour around the ‘Ring, hitting a top speed of 229 mph, to set a lap time of 5:19.55. We’re still waiting on final specs for the AMG One, but it’s expected to make more than 1,021 horsepower from its 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 and four electric motors, and post a top speed beyond 218 mph.

We can see Moers’ point. Now that the One’s been placed in the ring with the 919 Hybrid Evo, Mercedes takes the biggest risk. If the One doesn’t set a new best lap, it looks like the Mercedes-AMG hypercar lost, and explanations of the lopsided competition won’t get trumpeted as much as the mark in the L column. Every One is already sold, and has given new dimension to the brand a year before the first customer delivery.

And yet, we think the challenge is all the more worthwhile if Moers really believes the AMG One can do it. To have a fully homologated road car from the sporty division of a luxury car brand beat a dedicated, unrestricted effort from the legendary racing division of a legendary sports brand at the world’s most iconic lap-record track? We’d buy tickets to that show.

Related Video:

All New Mercedes-Benz EQC Revealed – Full Electric SUV

Mercedes-Benz is lifting the curtains on a new era of models tonight with the launch of the brand new Mercedes-Benz EQC. The EQC is the first model from the German manufacturers EQ brand which stands for ‘Electric Intelligence’. As you will probably have guessed, these vehicles are the first mass production, full electric models to come from the Mercedes-Benz brand.

As you can see from the photos, the EQC vaguely falls under within the SUV bodyshape. It is the designed from the ground up to be an electronic model. It gets large black panel surfaces which highlight the front facia.

The rear gets a lightbar which extends all of the way across the back of the SUV. The rear bumpers look surprisingly stark, in-keeping with the minimalist look we have come to expect from EV vehicles. Otherwise, the fuel filled cap is found in a familiar location and the design even features a set of gills at the side. In all, it isn’t that different from the familiar styling of other Mercedes-Benz SUV’s.

Under the bodywork sits two electric motors, one on the front axle, the other on the rear axle. Together they produce power of around 300 kW, approximately 400 hp. The EQC is capable of travelling around 450 km with a full charge which should make sure it is useable day-to-day. The power is stored in an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery which takes around 40 minutes to charge to 80 percent. Power is delivered instantaneously and torque is said to be in the region of 765 Nm. 0 to 100km/h takes 5.1 seconds and the top speed is 180 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz EQC Interior

To minimise the disconcerting noise that comes from an electronic powertrain, Mercedes-Benz fit rubber mounts are two points on the sub frame. The EQC should therefore achieve class leading sound isolation. Mercedes-Benz have also worked five driving programs into the powertrain, each with different characteristics: COMFORT, ECO, MAX RANGE, SPORT and an individually adaptable program.

The EQC will get MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) which gives details on the EQ functions, including range, charge, energy flow. It also optimises the navigation system, driving modes and charging current around the powertrain if required. As with most Mercedes-Benz models, the EQC is not short on technology, a pre-entry climate control is available together with a range of Driver Assistance packages.

Mercedes-Benz have been testing 200 prototypes for quite some time so, by the time production versions land on driveways in 2019, the technology should be fully sorted. There are also plans to offer the model in China. Pricing and availability are yet to be announced.

1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing Coupe On Auction

It’s a known fact among car collectors that German carmakers have produced some of the most desirable vehicles over the years. Now, Bonham’s is proud to offer a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe in their upcoming auction this month. What makes this one a rare piece is that this particular model only had two owners since its purchase.

Furthermore, it never underwent any restoration procedures, so everything you see and touch is original. With only 58,000 miles registered on its odometer, vintage beauties like these are almost virtually unheard of. Therefore, you must be willing to shell out some serious cash—since the auction house currently listed its estimated bid price at $1,250,000 to $1,500,000 [update: Sold for US$ 1,875,000 (£ 1,455,295) inc. premium]. Yet, due to its one-of-a-condition, there is a high probability that the amount could even exceed expectations.

The original racing version of the 300SL was a performance-driven piece of machinery that was up to the challenge. Its career is dotted with several podium finishes in races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, 1952 Mile Miglia, the Nürburgring, and much more.

It eventually caught the attention of Max Hoffman, an American importer of automobiles, who implored Mercedes-Benz to manufacture a production version of the coupe. Ultimately, his request gave us the road-legal model with the iconic gullwing doors.

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe

Photos courtesy of Bonhams

Millions of dollars of smuggled exotica crushed in the Philippines

Here at Supercars.net – in case you haven’t noticed – we love supercars.

That’s why this footage of millions of dollars worth of supercars, classic cars and other precious metal is so painful to watch.

More than 60 luxury and high performance cars and motorbikes were destroyed by Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte as part of an anti-corruption campaign.

The expensive metal had been smuggled into the country illegally in attempts to evade the country’s tax regime that makes buying and importing high value cars prohibitively expensive.

Any car costing more than 2.1 million Philippine Piso (around $39,550) is classified as a luxury vehicle, and hit with a PhP 512,000 tax, plus a further levy of 60% on any amount above PhP 2.1 million.

For something like a base model Porsche 911 Carrera, on sale in the US from $91,100, that would push its cost from the PhP 4.8 million price tag up to PhP 8.25 million – or $155,400 at today’s exchange rate.

The Philippines tax on luxury cars means vehicles like the Porsche 911 Carrera are significantly more expensive to buyThe Philippines tax on luxury cars means vehicles like the Porsche 911 Carrera are significantly more expensive to buy
The Philippines tax on luxury cars means vehicles like the Porsche 911 Carrera are significantly more expensive to buy

If you can’t bear to watch the footage then turn away – in the clip cars sentenced to a crumpled end by bulldozer include a Lamborghini Gallardo, a Porsche 911 Carrera S, a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Nissan 350Z and a Ford Mustang from what we can see.

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And this isn’t the first time Duterte has put on such a public display of automotive destruction in the name of combatting corruption. As the clip below attests, he has form for this kind of thing.

Beware – clip includes graphic footage of a C3 Corvette meeting its end.

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712hp for the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Estate by Wheelsandmore

For many, the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S is a dream car. Plenty of power and style yet enough space for the entire family. For one Wheelsandmore customer, the power aspect was simply not enough! With additional performance and some subtle tweaks from the style point of view, this particular estate is one of the finest E 63 A on the streets!

The 4.0 litre bi-turbo V8 engine comes shipped from the factory with 612 hp and 850 Nm of torque. Wheelsandmore offer a power package that adjusts the electronic parameters of the engine and unlocks as much as 650 hp and 920 Nm of torque with a stage I program or 680 hp and 960 Nm with a stage 2 program. For those that need the full potential of the engine, a stage 3 option increases power to a staggering 712 hp and 965 Nm of torque with a removed V-Max.

The modifications come with an unlimited warranty on engine and ancillaries for a period of 24 months. The nature of the modifications also mean that it can be reversed at any time. Wheelsandmore offer the stage 3 package at 4,999 euros which includes German VAT at 19%.

As the name suggests, tuning is not Wheelsandmore’s primary area of expertise. This particular Mercedes-AMG E 63 S sits flush on a set of 21 inch rims. The centre lock mechanism gives the car a race-ready look which is further emphasised by a lower ride height.

Outdoor Activities with the new Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster

Some people play Badminton in their leisure time. Some play ping pong, and some play chess. The Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster is for those who like to jet ski.

Bear with me on that analogy – with the GT S Roadster that Mercedes-AMG has just announced, you get all of the kicks of the AMG GT S coupe, but you get to enjoy them out in the fresh air.

Slotting in between the current lineup of the AMG GT Roadster (for those that enjoy lycra-ing up of a weekend and heading out on a road bicycle) and the AMG GT C Roadster (for full-on lunatics who enjoy bobsledding in their spare time), the GT S Roadster gets the same twin-turbo AMG 4-litre V8, though in this instance it’s tuned to produce 515hp at 6250rpm and 494 lb-ft of torque between 1900 and 5000rpm.

That means it’s got the edge on the 469hp, 465 lb-ft GT Roadster, though isn’t quite as ballistic as the 550hp, 502 lb-ft AMG GT C Roadster.
b Mercedes-AMG GT S

b Mercedes-AMG GT S
Like all the best AMG Mercs, the GT S should still be able to get slidey at will thanks to that power being sent straight to the back wheels via an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.

The driver will get the full cacophonous AMG soundtrack as we’ve come to expect, too, with the roof down-experience allowing the sound to carry direct from the performance exhaust system also offered on the AMG GT C to their ears – up to a certain point on the way to the car’s 192mph top speed at least before the wind does its thing.

0-60 is dispatched with in 3.7 seconds – which should be fast enough for those seeking thrills but not all-out speed. That time still brings it within a tenth of a second of the more speed-focused GT C Roadster, though.

Stopping power isn’t bad either, with that limited-slip diff combining with composite brakes – 15.2 inch fronts with six-piston calipers and 14.2 inch rears with single-piston calipers – that AMG say will provide exceptionally short stopping distances and an outstanding resistance to fading.

Aluminium has been used throughout the bodywork to keep weight to a minimum while ensuring rigidity, and the car’s centre of gravity is kept low thanks to use of a three-layered fabric soft top – for when the noise (or the weather) becomes too much for the occupamnts.

European order books are open now, but US customers will have to wait until later this year when the AMG GT S Roadster will reach US dealerships.

If you were seeking outdoor excitement from your V8 Mercedes, which Roadster would you pick? The GT, GT S or GT C? Let us know in the comments!

300hp Mercedes-AMG A35 Coming in 2019 Ahead of A45

The new Mercedes-Benz A Class has only recently been released. It’s a virtual certainty that a Mercedes-AMG variant will follow. Rumours are suggesting that an A35 variant may be the first to debut, followed by a replacement A45.

The news originates from British magazine Autocar who report that AMG boss Tobias Moers all but confirmed the news late last year. It reports that the A35 is slated to debut at the Paris Motor Show 2018 in October, with the A45 to follow in 2019.

The A35 is expected to use the same powerplant as the current A45. The turbocharged four-cylinder will be extensively reworked for the new generation with different pistons and bespoke software. Mercedes-AMG are said to be benchmarking performance to rival the Volkswagen Golf R so expect around 310 hp and a 4.5 second sprint time.

The A35 will be visually distinguished through a twin-exuast pipe system which will contrast the quad-system of the A45. It is also anticipated that it will have a softer ride, although it will likely retain adjustable damping.

The A45 which will follow in 2019, by contrast, will be much more powerful. Several sources are predicting a 100 km/h sprint time at around 4.0 seconds from a 2.0 litre unit that produces in excess of 400hp.

The A35 will target the Volkswagen Golf R and Ford Focus RS while the A45 will take aim at the Audi RS3 and BMW M2 Competition!

First Impressions: We Drive the All-New Mercedes-Benz G 550 and AMG G 63

We drove the new Mercedes G550 and AMG G 63 in southern France this week. It’s the first new version since the rugged machine launched in 1979. It’s had updates, of course, but this is the first time they really started over with it. Our full review will post next week, but here’s a quick taste to whet your appetite. – Eric Adams

Who It’s For: Depends on which model we’re talking about. If it’s the G 550, you’re into sunrises, long runs on the beach, and hard-core off-roading. If it’s the AMG G 63, you’ve never actually seen a sunrise, you go to the beach mostly to burn off a hangover, and you enjoy blasting past lesser machines on the highway at triple-digit speeds while towering three feet above everyone else.

Updates: Well it’s been 40 years so pretty much everything is updated. But the highlights are a new front axle design that improves stability both on-road and off, all the safety and driver-assist features the G-Class never had, and the barest hint of aerodynamic tuning to minimize the ever-present wind noise as much as possible without compromising the car’s signature look.

Verdict: Two thumbs up if you’re in the G550; two middle-fingers up if you’re rocking the AMG.

Key Specs
Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbochanged V8
Transmission: nine-speed automatic; front, center and rear locking differentials
Horsepower: 416; 577 horsepower
Torque: 450; 627 lb-ft
Price: TBA
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Finally Shows Its Face

After months of hints, teases and a slow trickle of information, Mercedes finally unveiled the new 2019 A-Class. Read the Story

Beijing 2018: Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury Concept

Auto China 2018 is well under way in Beijing and an outstanding highlight of the show is the Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury Concept. The evening before the show we were invited to have a look at the car is all its red and chrome majesty.

Thee three-box design concept car is a cross between a high-end saloon and SUV designed to mix comfort with the typical strengths of both body styles. This means the design concept benefits from having the raised seating position of an SUV and sensual aesthetics of a sweeping saloon.

The output from the powertrain is an astonishing 750 horsepower which is transferred to all four wheels via independent motors. The flat underfloor battery has a usable capacity of around 80 kWh, producing a range of over 500 kilometres. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. This is a clear statement of intent for the future of electric premium vehicles from Mercedes-Maybach which are yet to utilise any electric or hybrid powertrains.

For more on the Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury Concept click here for the official article and pics!

Official: 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe

AMG GT 53 Front

AMG GT 53 FrontMore exciting reveals came about in Geneva this week with Mercedes revealing their 4-door coupe to the world. Initially thought to be rumors, the sexy AMG GT 2-door coupe now will come with extra doors, which is good. Customers usually stuck with a Maserati Quattroporte, a Porsche Panamera, or the Aston Martin Rapide can now rejoice! There are more options for the oligarch in trouble of deciding.

It will still feature the usual Mercedes Benz accoutrements, with nice leather seats, fully-integrated instrument cluster and center console, and a V6 or a V8 engine choice. The 53 has a supercharged inline-6 while the 63 has the delectable bi-turbo V8 engine with outputs of 429 hp and 577hp, respectively. Step your game up to the GT 63S and you’ll get 639hp. AMG GT 53 Interior

AMG GT 53 Interior

We here at Supercars.net are big fans of the AMG GT and while the SLS AMG was a pioneer in creating a Mercedes halo car, it was a bit outlandish with the gullwing doors. As we mentioned earlier, there were rumours that the original SLS AMG was going to become a four-door. There were even hilarious patent designs that perhaps, to troll the automotive community. Just look at it,

SLS AMG Four-Door Concept

SLS AMG Four-Door Concept

What could have been, right? Thankfully, they went with their senses and the AMG GT 63 and 63S will be a heavily awaited release for the MY2019.

This Porsche 928 and Mercedes-Benz 500E Satisfies a V8 Fetish

“I was a bit skeptical about the color in the beginning, but I kind of like it now. It stands out, definitely,” says Torfi Sigurjonsson of his Speed Yellow 928. With a small list of cars to collect, the brightly-colored Porsche was actually #2. “On the top of the list was the E500, which I bought 2006, and this is a US model. I bought it in New Jersey.” Torfi’s day job? Airline pilot.

“I was hooked on aeroplanes since I was a small kid. Nothing else was an option, other than being a pilot. I’m quite lucky really, to have a job,” he says. “It’s a hard competition to get a job with the national carrier like Icelandair, but I made it there, I’ve been there for now 26 years.”

Torfi agrees that there’s a connection between fast aeroplanes and fast cars—least of which their aversion to the winter months. But he doesn’t own his vehicles for speeding, saying, “It’s a nice feeling just to drive around, not too fast. You know of all the power in there, and knowing that you have it is a good feeling. You don’t have to be going 200-plus [kph].”

With a busy working lifestyle and a dedicated hobby, no matter what, Torfi will always make room for the machines he loves. “I try to keep my life not too complicated, but I have this car fetish. V8 fetish. You only have one life, so I try to make the most out of it.”

First Impression: Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet

Well into its 38th year, the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen is more successful than ever. Originally conceived as a military vehicle, with the civilian version little more than an afterthought, it has become a fashion item par excellence, coveted by the rich and famous all over the globe.

MercedesG 650 Landaulet Press Test Drive South Africa 2017

It’s a tough act to top a G-Wagen (or G-Class, as the Daimler marketing guys insist). In fact, the only way it can be accomplished is by creating an even more extreme version of the same car. In 2013, the G63 6×6 AMG took away the auto community’s breath; well over 100 were built, far byond projections. In 2015, Daimler fitted the G500 with the new, AMG-GT-derived 4.0-liter V-8, and added the Unimog- and 6×6-inspired portal axles. But this year’s masterpiece, while devoid of a third axle, has set out to beat them all: Meet the Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet.

The model designation already gives away part of the story: The engineers stretched the wheelbase by 22.8 inches, took the portal axles of the aforementioned special editions, added the “first-class” rear compartment of the Maybach S-Class, and fitted an updated version of the power-operated fabric top that was purged from the regular lineup four years ago. The engine under the hood dwarfs both the G63 6×6 and the 4×4-square: This G-Wagen is fitted with the ultra-powerful 6.0-liter V-12 that powers the AMG G65.

Without doubt, this engine is one of the all-time pinnacles of engineering, rated at 630 horsepower at an earth-scorching 738 lb-ft, or 1000 Newtonmeters, of torque. The torque is served up on a lofty plateau that stretches from 2300 to 4300 rpm. Mated to a 7-speed automatic, this engine fires up like a gunshot, it emits a dark and menacing hiss, and it can hurl this 3.3-ton behemoth to 100 kph in less than 6 seconds. Top speed is governed at 180 kph, but we are assured the Maybach could reach around 250 kph. Which seems like a tempting proposition…

While the straight-line performance of this G-Wagen is impressive, its off-road capabilities are truly incredible. With 325/55 R22 tires and a clearence of a full 45 cm, there are plenty obstacles that you simply drive over. Like on every G, a low-range transfer case and three differential locks are standard.

And there is yet another area where this off-roader is second to none: We are talking about the rear seats, the ultimate lap of luxury. The “first-class” Maybach seats and the folding tables are a familiar sight from the Maybach S-Class, as are the massive, silver-plated champagne flutes by Robbe & Berking. On top of that, there are two glove compartments and a center console taken straight from the G-Wagen’s cockpit, an electrically operated partition that switches from transparent to opaque – and no less than eight handles to grab.

MercedesG 650 Landaulet Press Test Drive South Africa 2017

You will need them when you fold down the power top and stand up to scout your surroundings. The window frames are fixed – that’s what turns this G-Wagen into a Landaulet – but there is plenty of fresh air coming into the rear compartment. The cockpit, by contrast, is not exactly pedestrian – but it is almost identical to a regular G-Wagen, albeit , of course, a fully optioned one.

Four paint colors are available, three fabric top colors – and several distinct interiors. Daimler will make exactly 99 units; they could cost as much as a half million euros, and they will be delivered from this autumn onwards. If you want to secure an example of the most extreme G-Wagen ever built, we suggest you talk to your dealer sooner rather than later…

Photos: Andreas Lindlahr/Daimler

Sx-Z | Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series

VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series Caught On The ‘Ring

Sx-Z | Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series

Prototypes of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series has been spied here and there, but we’ve finally caught some video of the hardest SLS AMG the street-legal world will soon get to know.

No specifications have been leaked yet, but it is speculated to have a 6.2-liter V8, uprated to something beyond 600 horsepower from its current 563 through engineering and not forced induction. Car and Driver predicts the Black Series will lose 100 pounds or so.

VIDEO: Lamborghini Aventador Vs. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Presented by the Hennessey Performance team, the beat downs are quite comical in this instance. Even with head starts the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster gets eaten alive.

Sx-Z | Mercedes-Benz SF1 – Final Design Concept

Mercedes-Benz SF1 – Final Design Concept

The Mercedes-Benz SF1 concept car, designed by Steel Drake, made an appearance around the end of last year. The concept was not entirely finished, but do to all the attention, the designer decided to put more work into the futuristic concept design and can now present the final finished design.

Sx-Z | Mercedes-Benz SF1 – Final Design Concept

Sx-Z | Mercedes-Benz SF1 – Final Design Concept

Sx-Z | Mercedes-Benz SF1 – Final Design Concept

Sx-Z | Mercedes-Benz SF1 – Final Design Concept

Sx-Z | Mercedes-Benz SF1 – Final Design Concept

Sx-Z | Mercedes-Benz SF1 – Final Design Concept

Sx-Z | Mercedes-Benz SF1 – Final Design Concept

Sx-Z | Mercedes-Benz SF1 – Final Design Concept

Sx-Z | Mercedes-Benz SF1 – Final Design Concept

Sx-Z | Mercedes-Benz SF1 – Final Design Concept

Sx-Z | Mercedes-Benz SF1 – Final Design Concept

Sx-Z | Mercedes-Benz SF1 – Final Design Concept

Sx-Z | Mercedes-Benz SF1 – Final Design Concept

Sx-Z | Mercedes-Benz SF1 – Final Design Concept

Sx-Z | SLS AMG E-Cell Roadster

Is Mercedes Planning An SLS AMG E-Cell Roadster?

Sx-Z | SLS AMG E-Cell Roadster

Rumor has it that Mercedes-Benz is planning a roadster version for the SLS AMG E-Cell electric supercar that debuted at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

Said an undisclosed Mercedes-Benz representative, “We will see how great the demand becomes. We currently have no idea how many people are actually interested.” Sounds like Mercedes-Benz will see how the fully-electric gullwing supercar sells first and then make a decision as to whether or not there will be a demand for a roadster version.

To recap, the SLS E-Cell uses four electric motors to generate a combined 526 horsepower and 649 pound feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 time of four seconds.

Sx-Z | SLS AMG E-Cell Roadster

Sx-Z | SLS AMG E-Cell Roadster

Sx-Z | SLS AMG E-Cell Roadster

Sx-Z | SLS AMG E-Cell Roadster

Sx-Z | SLS AMG E-Cell Roadster

Sx-Z | SLS AMG E-Cell Roadster

Sx-Z | SLS AMG E-Cell Roadster

Sx-Z | SLS AMG E-Cell Roadster

Sx-Z | SLS AMG E-Cell Roadster

Sx-Z | SLS AMG E-Cell Roadster

Sx-Z | SLS AMG E-Cell Roadster

Sx-Z | SLS AMG E-Cell Roadster

Sx-Z | SLS AMG E-Cell Roadster