 The Stuttgart-based brand
The IAA
in Frankfurt will also serve as the backdrop for the world premiere of a
special European version of the new Mercedes-Benz
R-Class
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Mercedes-Benz at the International Motor ShowStuttgart - The new S-Class will be taking centre stage at the Mercedes-Benz presentation for the 61st International Motor Show in Frankfurt (15 to 25 September 2005).
Just as pioneering as the safety systems are the Mercedes innovations for ensuring the highest levels of long-distance comfort. These features include an all-new dynamic multicontour seat with massage function, the AIRMATIC air suspension and the newly developed automatic climate control system. In addition, Mercedes-Benz has further improved the Active Body Control (ABC), with which it achieves an unprecedented level of driving comfort and handling. The technological superiority of the new S-Class is evident at first glance, and the flagship model's design expresses its confident, powerful and simultaneously elegant nature, which makes every kilometre a consummate driving experience. The output of the S-Class engines ranges from 173 kW/235 hp to 380 kW/517 hp. Three of the four engines are new developments, offering up to 26 per cent more performance and up to 15 per cent more torque, while at the same time cutting fuel consumption by up to nine per cent. At its market launch in autumn 2005, the luxury saloon will initially be available with a new eight-cylinder (285 kW/388 hp) and a V6 petrol engine (200 kW/272 hp), which are among the most powerful and fuel efficient engines in their displacement classes. In the first quarter of 2006, the engine line-up will be rounded off by the new S 320 CDI and the top-of-the-range S 600. The six-cylinder diesel engine develops 173 kW/235 hp and generates a peak torque of 540 Nm starting at 1,600 rpm. This performance allows the saloon to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. The combined fuel consumption rating of the S 320 CDI ranges from 8.3 to 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres. 12 cylinders: Increased output and high-tech equipment as standard for the S 600 Sports car-like performance is offered by the flagship model of the new S-Class, the S 600. With its enhanced Mercedes 12-cylinder engine, with an output that has been boosted to 380 kW/517 hp, the saloon can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. Compared to the predecessor model, the engine's maximum torque has been increased from 800 to 830 Nm, which is available from 1,900 rpm. Despite the increase in power, the car's fuel consumption has been reduced by 0.5 litres to 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The V12 model is equipped with the very best technology as standard, including Active Body Control. Dimensions: More spacious car body for even greater comfort Compared to its predecessor, the brand's new top model has grown in every dimension. Two different body shells are available, measuring either 5,076 or 5,206 millimetres in length, which represents increases of 33 and 43 millimetres over the former S-Class. Likewise, the wheelbase has been increased by 70 and 80 millimetres to 3,035 and 3,165 millimetres, respectively. In addition, the body shell is now 16 millimetres wider and 29 millimetres higher than that of the predecessor. The new dimensions create the conditions for an interior layout that provides every passenger with first-class comfort. Interior parameters such as shoulder room and elbow width have increased by up to 39 millimetres, while headroom has been further improved by up to five millimetres. The effective legroom, which is a key factor for determining seating comfort, has been increased by five millimetres at the driver's and front passenger's seats, and by 24 millimetres for rear-seat passengers. In the long wheelbase version, rear-seat legroom has even grown by 52 millimetres. The boot capacity has meanwhile increased by 60 litres to 560 litres (VDA measuring method). Interior: Harmonious blend of colours, shapes and functions Exquisite fine wood and chrome trim, stylishly shaped aluminium controls and carefully coordinated colours provide the interior with an incomparable ambience in which drivers immediately feel at home and know their way about. Contributing to this user-friendly environment is the all-new operating concept, which was purposefully designed with a number of redundant features in order to allow the driver to quickly access frequently used functions. Depending on the driver's habits, he or she can operate the car radio, TV receiver, CD/DVD changer, car phone, navigation system and climate control by either turning conventional switches, pushing buttons on the multifunctional steering wheel, or using the enhanced COMAND system. The chief control element is the new COMAND Controller on the transmission tunnel. It is used to select the COMAND system's main and sub-menus and to activate the desired functions. If the car comes with a pre-installed car phone, the soft armrest behind the Controller can be opened to reveal the phone's keypad. The COMAND system's large, rotatable colour display is positioned at the same height as the instrument cluster and is therefore more in the fields of vision of the driver and front passenger alike.With its world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA), the new S-Class will succeed the predecessor model, which won numerous awards as the world's best car. This top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz remained the world's best selling upper-range saloon even in the last year of its production run. R-Class: Premiere of the European version of the Grand Sports Tourer The IAA in Frankfurt will also serve as the backdrop for the world premiere of a special European version of the new Mercedes-Benz R-Class. This car is 235 millimetres shorter than the recently unveiled long wheelbase version of the Grand Sports Tourer, which features a unique vehicle concept combining the advantages of several different automotive categories - such as the sport saloon, estate car, van and sport utility vehicle (SUV) - to create a new, distinct vehicle class focusing on design, dynamism and dimensions. The Grand Sports Tourer concept is the answer for contemporary-minded people looking for an automobile that is both versatile and agile. The Grand Sports Tourer also offers a spacious interior, unparalleled safety and the very best in comfort for up to six occupants in its European version, the new R-Class. In addition, this Mercedes-Benz model captivates passengers with its formal aesthetics, sumptuous nature and, last but not least, its dynamic driving pleasure. The body of the European version of the R-Class measures 4,922 millimetres in length, corresponding to that of a premium saloon, but significantly outperforming it in terms of its spacious interior. The latter is primarily the result of the advanced vehicle concept and its carefully conceived interior layout, which has been thought through down to the very last detail. The first and second rows of seats are 860 millimetres apart, for example, corresponding to the distance in a luxury saloon. But the European Grand Sports Tourer also stands out with regard to headroom, which amounts to 1,014 millimetres in the second row of seats and 935 millimetres in the third row. The width of the interior also exceeds that of other upper-range automobiles, with elbow room ranging from 1,550 millimetres at the front and 1,557 millimetres in the rear. In typical Mercedes style, the new R-Class satisfies the sport- and leisure-oriented families demanding a versatile car that can quickly and easily be modified to perform different transport jobs: The four rear seats fold down individually, allowing the loading space to be increased to a maximum of 1,950 litres (based on the VDA measuring system) -- considerably more space than that offered by estate cars. Cargo can be easily loaded and unloaded, thanks to the 1.98 metre-long level loading surface and the large EASY-PACK hatch with its optional remote-control operation. Engines: Six and eight cylinder engines ranging from 165 kW/224 hp to 225 kW/306 hp Powerful six and eight cylinder engines provide the kind of driving pleasure and comfort that is typical for Mercedes. The dynamic V8 drive can accelerate the R 500 from zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 245 km/h. The vehicle's engine programme also includes an all-new six-cylinder diesel with third-generation common-rail direct injection. Even at 1,600 rpm, the V6 engine delivers a maximum torque of 510 Nm, the highest value in its displacement class. The R 320 CDI has a combined fuel consumption rating of 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres. Meanwhile, the new V6 petrol engine (200 kW/272 hp) can propel the R 350 from zero to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and attain a top speed of 230 km/h. All of the engines work in tandem with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, which comes as standard equipment. Another special feature is DIRECT SELECT, an electronic gear-selection system that makes it possible for the Mercedes engineers to dispense with the usual automatic selector lever in the centre console and instead fit a transmission lever on the steering column. Additional steering-wheel gearshift buttons allow the driver to manually preselect the seven gears in order to fully exploit the capabilities of the six or eight cylinder engine in all driving situations. Permanent all-wheel drive, the electronically controlled 4ETS traction system and ESP® team up to offer peerless driving safety and keep the new R-Class safely on course, even when faced with very bad road conditions. These systems all make up part of the vehicle's standard specification, as does air suspension on the rear axle. Mercedes customers also have the option of AIRMATIC all-round air suspension, which is combined with the Adaptive Damping System (ADS) so that motorists can raise the car body by 50 millimetres when driving along bumpy roads. At speeds above 120 km/h, AIRMATIC automatically lowers the body by 20 millimetres to reduce wind resistance. ML 63 AMG: Taking the pole position in the off-road segment The Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG is the new benchmark for sporty off-roaders. With its 6.3-litre V8 AMG engine, the new top-of-the-range M-Class model is the front runner in its competitive field. The all-new Mercedes-AMG off-roader is the very embodiment of a sporty and dynamic automobile, and its exclusive range of equipment fulfills even the highest expectations. The ML 63 AMG will celebrate its world debut at the International Motor Show and be introduced to the market in the second quarter of 2006. Beneath the bonnet of the ML 63 AMG is a high-performance powerhouse: the new 6.3-litre V8 AMG engine. With an output of 375 kW/510 hp and a maximum torque of 630 Nm at 5,200 rpm, the drive unit is the world's most powerful series-produced eight-cylinder aspirated engine. It ensures sports car-like performance, accelerating the off-roader from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and giving it a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). Power is transmitted by an AMG SPEED-SHIFT 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with a DIRECT SELECT lever close to the steering wheel and shift programmes especially designed to conform to the AMG V8 engine's sporty capabilities. The permanent all-wheel drive of the ML 63 AMG is also very sporty in nature. To ensure maximum agility and cornering performance, the engine's incredible output is transmitted to the front and rear axles in a ratio of 40:60. A stronger drive train ensures optimum power transmission and the level of reliability typical of Mercedes-Benz. The AIRMATIC air suspension is equipped with AMG-specific spring struts and a specially tuned Adaptive Damping System (ADS). The self-levelling suspension automatically lowers the car body at high speeds. Polished 19-inch light-alloy AMG rims with a five-spoke design and wide tyres measuring 295/45 R 19 ensure the vehicle always has a firm grip on the road. AMG styling: Impressive appearance with wider fenders The new ML 63 AMG's unique standing is emphasized by its broad, powerful and crouching appearance. The high-performance off-roader's powerful design is characterised by the eye-catching AMG styling with front and rear aprons, an AMG-specific radiator grille, wider fenders, stainless steel side running boards, and dimmed tail lights. The vehicle's sporty nature is also apparent in the car's interior. The exclusive interior finishings include AMG sports seats with nappa leather upholstery; Alcantara inserts at shoulder level; heated multicontour seats; the ergonomic, leather-covered AMG sports steering wheel with gearshift buttons; AMG doorsills; and stainless steel sports pedals with rubber knobs. The look of the instrument cluster is just as dynamic, featuring distinct lettering, red needles and a 320-km/h speedometer scale. The ML 63 AMG also meets the most demanding safety requirements, and standard equipment includes the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®; the crash-responsive NECK-PRO headrests in the front seats; adaptive, two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger; sidebags for the front seats; windowbags; and seat-belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all seats.
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The motor show will see the world premiere of this
luxury saloon, which features around a dozen pioneering innovations that
will make it the benchmark for future passenger car developments. Other new
products which Mercedes-Benz will be presenting to the public for the first
time are the European version of the R-Class and the ML 63 AMG high-performance
off-roader. The new S-Class that will be hitting showrooms at Mercedes-Benz
dealerships and sales partners this autumn will boast unparalleled levels
of safety and comfort as its hallmarks. The saloon can be equipped with the
latest technology for accident prevention, including the anticipatory Brake
Assist PLUS, the DISTRONIC PLUS proximity-controlled cruise control and the
Night Vision system. Mercedes-Benz combines these innovations with the preventive
occupant safety system PRE-SAFE® to create a unique safety system, which
goes into action before a threatening accident has a chance to happen.