2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Grand Edition

A year after Mercedes introduced a ’Grand Edition’ model for the ML-ClassSUV, the German automaker is welcoming their second SUV that has been given the same ’Grand Edition’ badge.

This, of course, is the new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Grand Edition, an intimidating special edition SUV that has been given plenty of new exterior and interior features that emphatically promotes its exclusivity or, in Merc parlance, it’s "Grand Edition-ness".

Similar to the ML-Class Grand Edition, the GL-Class version packs plenty of wonderful new features on both its exterior and interior. All these additions should make up for the fact that despite its designation, the German automaker still opted to keep the powertrains untouched.

That’s a bit of a bummer, if you ask us. But if you’re prepared to let that slide, then all the aesthetic improvements given to the SUV should prove to be enough for this particular special edition GL-Class to warrant some serious attention.

The “Grand Edition” GL-Class comes with a number of engine options, namely a V6 and V8 version. For the entry level GL 350 BlueTec 4MATIC, the engine is a V6 diesel version with 211 horsepower and 398 lb/ft of torque at 1,600 RPM. For the GL 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, the V6 engine produces a more powerful output of 265 horsepower and 620 lb/ft of torque.

The two more powerful versions comes with gas V8 models, including a 4.6-liter V8 engine for the GL 450 that produces 340 horsepower and 340 lb/ft of torque with a 0-62 mph time of 7.2 seconds. Rounding out the engine options is a 5.5-liter V8 engine for the top-of-the-line GL 500, which comes with 388 horsepower and 390 lb/ft of torque with a 0-62 mph time of 6.5 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class "Grand Edition" will come in four special models each with its own price tag. Check out the list in the table below:

Model	Price
GL 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY	€80,206 ($112,335)
GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC	€81,396 ($114,000)
GL 450 4MATIC	€91,868 ($128,675)
GL 500 4MATIC	€99,127 ($138,852)

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Audi Challenges BMW, Mercedes and Lexus with new Ad Campaign

Audi of America has launched a new advertising campaign that will most likely generate a similar response from the competition in the premium segment. Under the tagline “Car Carrier”, the two Audi commercials feature a BMW owner that goes nuts when he sees a truck full of brand new automotive metal from Ingolstadt.

The driver gets out of his BMW 3-Series through the sunroof and jumps on the truck only to discover that the cars have already been claimed for by people like himself (i.e. desperate to get their hands on an Audi). Therefore, he has no choice but to settle for the passenger seat.

The voice in the ad explains the situation: “More people are leaving BMW, Mercedes and Lexus for Audi than ever before”.

Fact or marketing fiction (we incline towards with the latter), expect to see a reply in the form of a campaign from one of Audi’s rival brands in the very near future. But until then, scroll down to take a look at Audi’s TV spots.

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2012 Mercedes SLK New Design

Not surprisingly, it didn’t take long for aftermarket specialists to get their hands on the new Mercedes-Benz SLK. Piecha Design is if not the first, one of the first tuners to release a package for the compact German roadster. Named “Accurian RS”, the kit focuses on exterior enhancements.

A redesigned bumper fitted with a spoiler lip, new vents and LED daytime running lights dominates the front end of the car. Piecha Design's aerodynamic package also includes side skirts with LEDs that light the asphalt under the car.
At the rear end, Piecha designers fitted the SLKwith a new diffuser, available in two sizes, small or large. In addition to its functional role, the diffuser also acts as a frame for the quad tailpipes. Finally, a rear spoiler lip on the boot lid completes the aero package.
Piecha also offers 19-inch monoblock rims with a turbine-inspired design. The wheels are available in combination with 25 mm lowering springs.

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Mercedes-Benz B-Class after Accident in Kazakhstan

On January 30th, 2011, three Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell models set out from Germany to travel around the globe covering 30,000 kilometers (about 18,700 miles) in 125 days to demonstrate the technical maturity and reliability of the world’s first series production fuel cell vehicle.


The trip will take the fuel cell vehicles through 14 countries including France, Spain, Portugal, USA, Canada, Australia, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and back to Stuttgart, Germany in June.
For one of the B-Class F-Cell models, however, the trip turned nasty in Kazakhstan after it was involved in an accident on Wednesday. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the crash but Mercedes said that the B-Class F-Cell No3 could not complete the trip as is. The company added that it is currently examining the possibility of repairing the car at its next stop or replacing it altogether with a spare car.

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Mercedes-Benz Revises E-Class Engine Range

In tune with the times, Mercedes-Benz has announced a comprehensive suite of mechanical upgrades for the E-Class series, which result in significant gains in fuel economy. From now on, all models are fitted with the firm’s eco-friendly BlueEfficiency package, direct injection technology and start-stop systems. In addition, all automatic models are equipped with the improved 7G-Tronic Plus 7-speed transmission.
The V6 and V8 petrol engines in the E350 and the E500 have been heavily revised, with both featuring Merc’s third-generation direct injection system called BlueDirect. The naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, which had the V-angle reduced from 90 to 60 degrees for more refinement, receives a new air intake system and the direct injection system, resulting in a more power and greater fuel-efficiency.
The six-cylinder now develops 306HP (up from 292HP) and 370 Nm (272.9 lb-ft) of torque (previously 365 Nm). Fuel consumption has dropped by a whopping 20 percent, from 8.5 liters/100 km (27.7 mpg US) to 6.8 liters/100 km (34.6 mpg US) in the E350 sedan. CO2 emissions were also reduced by 20 percent, from 199 to 159 g/km. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 6.3 seconds, 0.5 seconds faster than before.
The V8 unit in the E500 model is brand new employs a twin turbocharging system to compensate for the reduction in displacement from 5.5 to 4.6 liters. It is rated at 408HP (up from 388HP) and 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) of torque (previously 530 Nm). Fuel consumption has been reduced by 17 percent, from 10.8 lt/100 km (21.8 mpg US) to 8.9 lt/100 km (26.4 mpg US), while CO2 emissions dropped from 253 to 209 g/km.
The four-cylinder diesel engines in the E 200 CDI, E 220 CDI and E 250 CDI also consume less fuel thanks to the Eco start/stop function and the 7G-Tronic Plus gearbox. Fuel consumption has been reduced by 2 to 16 percent across the range.
The four-pot gasoline engines in the E 200 and E 250 also post improved fuel-efficiency by up to 15 percent, especially on the versions equipped with the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic gearbox.
Finally, Mercedes has also revised the E 200 NGT BlueEfficiency version that runs on natural gas and petrol. Rated at 163 horsepower, it has the advantage of 50 percent lower fuel costs and 20 percent lower CO2 emissions in natural gas mode (in Europe). In petrol mode, fuel-economy has been improved by 13 percent to 8.1 liters/100 km (29 mpg), while in natural gas operation the car consumes 5.5 kilograms per 100 km, 0.6 kg less than before. CO2 emissions are rated at 149 g/km.

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