For the numbers

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Since the launch of the new 204 chassis (the C-Class) last year Mercedes Benz has reported over 500,000 have been delivered.  That shows how great the new C-Class is.  It also says a lot about how the “down economy” is spending their money (still buying Mercedes vehicles).  The sales of the C-Class have been a huge part of the success Mercedes has shown this year. 


With that said as the current 211 chassis is drawing to an end, Mercedes-Benz has reached a great mile stone in auto sales.  1.5 million E-Class sedans have been delivered since the launch in 2002.  During that span Mercedes has reintroduced the diesel to the USA.  First as the E320 CDI and now as the E320 BlueTEC.  The diesel not only provides excellent fuel economy, but ultra low emissions as well.  It was awarded the “2007 World Green Car of the Year” award in April last year. 


2009 is going to be  a great year for us.  We have the GLK in Janurary, and the new E sedan, coupe, and convertible in late spring/early summer next year.  We will see our first hybrids in the S-Class and the ML sometime in the fall.  Lots of great new vehicles to enhance the already great current line up. 


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GLK Hands On 2.0

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In “GLK Hands On 1.0” I gave an overall of my experience in the GLK vs the RDX and X3.  A couple of things I will touch on is under the hood, driver and passenger layout, cup holders, and the trunk.

Lets start under the hood…

X3 under hoodRDX under hood

GLK under hoodGLK hood latches

 

A few things to point out to you.  First off on the GLK and X3 no battery to be seen.  The RDX has it upfront on the drivers side…anyone want to guess where the #1 spot that is impacted when a front impact occurs?  Well if you guessed front left you guessed correctly.  With the battery placed there you could potentially have some problems if the front is compromised.  First battery acid leaking out?  Second there could be a potential for a spark?  Lastly what happens if your vehicle looses power from the battery…cant unlock power door locks, hazard lights don’t operate, can’t roll down power windows, I can go on and on.  I am sure you get the idea.

Next thing we are looking at is the hood pins or latches.  The RDX has one (that’s required by law).  The X3 has 3 like us, the difference is ours are spaced a little further out to the edges of the hood.  It gives us a little better hold when the hood is closed.

Thirdly I will point out our use of dual bulkheads.  The X3 and RDX have a single bulkhead.  To simplify it even more, if you look around our engines you see weather stripping to help with aerodynamics (less air under the hood) and it seals off the engine from dirt and debris.  Also, it reduces engine noise and any potential odor from under the hood.

The last item I will mention here that you can’t see here is the finish of the under belly of the vehicle.  The only reason I am mentioning it here is if you were to look down through the engine bay on the RDX you will see the asphalt the X3 for the most part is finished from front to rear of the vehicle, just not to the extent of the GLK.

Moving on…

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SL63 “Best of what’s new award”

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Popular Science has given the award to the newly developed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. During the “Best of what’s new Awards”, the innovative power transfer of the SL 63 AMG high-performance Roadster achieved first place in the “Automotive” category.

The AMGSPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission is a newly developed and unique power transfer unit that is used exclusively in the new Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG. It combines the best of both worlds: the sporty, direct and agile responsiveness of a manual transmission and the maximum comfort of an automatic transmission. Equipped with seven gears, four driving modes, a double-declutch function and a RACE START function, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission excels with previously unattained flexibility. MCT stands for Multi-Clutch Technology, and indicates that gearchanges are executed solely by the clutch components.

If you haven’t driven the vehicle let me tell you it is truly amazing to drive.  Let me know if I can be of assistance.

Adam

www.mybenzguy.com

Wax on…wax off

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There are more detail products on the market than ever before.  It can be difficult to navigate through all the different marketing tactics. It all basically breaks down to two main ingredients, carnauba or polymers.  So what is the real difference between carnauba and polymers?

Carnauba comes from the carnauba palm and grows only in Northeastern Brazil. There are two types of carnauba,  white and yellow. White is from the younger plants and is more brilliant and more expensive. Polymers are synthetic and are created in a lab. There are specifically engineered to bond to paint. Carnauba provides a little bit deeper shine but it has a very low melting point of 180°F where polymers melt at 350°F. Cars in the sun can range from 200°F – 250°F. So why carnauba provides a deeper shine it simply cannot provide adequate protection….for long. Polymers are much easier to apply and remove. I am very partial to polymers and will only recommend carnauba for show cars.

 

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Jeff Scordino

www.concours-exteriors.com

 

 

GLK Hands On 1.0

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Wow, where do I start? Well I guess if you want the short story so you can go about your business then think new C350 (204 chassis) in SUV format.  For details continue reading.

The event started with a very in depth walk around of the GLK, starting at the front and working our way around and into the GLK.  I have to say this lines, wheels, and styling ques were amazing.  You see the press photos and it doesn’t do it any justice.  We had 3 different colors today; white, steel gray, and capri blue.  All optioned out differently.  Appearance package, Muti-Media package, Lighting package, Rear Seat Entertainment, and Premium 1 package.  I was able to see the upgraded wheels and the upgraded body kit(front/rear bumper and rear spoiler).

After the walk around was complete we went on to the competitive comparison.  On hand we had the Acura RDX and the BMW X3.  Looking at both of them side by side and comparing them we had a lot of laughs.  The Acura RDX is considered in the same class, I guess because it is considered a luxury car (see my post luxury vs premium luxury).  I think of it as more of a CRV in a dress suit.  The BMW…well it’s out dated.  I have had experience with the X3 in the past and just don’t remember it being so dated? 

The last part of the event was the ride and drive, as if the GLK wasn’t already shining brightly this was the icing on the cake.  The first vehicle I drove was the GLK, followed by the RDX and lastly the X3.  I really thought the X3 would give a similar or better ride due to BMW’s sporty design philosophy, it did, but the GLK out shined it.  The RDX, well it’s Japanese.  Not a bad thing just not in the same ball park as a Mercedes-Benz (German engineering).  Think of it as driving a in can vs driving a tank.

Here is the best part…what we have all been awaiting for.  Is that a drum roll I hear?  PRICING: Base MSRP $35900 for the GLK350w4.  That means you can have a very nicely equipped GLK for right at $40k or just a bit more depending on options.  Late spring/early summer 2009 we will see a GLK350w2 for about $2k less.

Summary of the 3 vehicles today.

GLK- 3.5L V6 engine, 268hp, 7 speed transmission, estimated fuel should be around 17/22.  Base MSRP $35900

X3- 3.0L I6 engine, 260hp, 6 speed transmission, est. fuel 17/24.  Base MSRP $39400

RDX- Turbocharged 2.3L I4, 240hp, 5 speed transmission, fuel 17/33.  Base MSRP $33695.

Without getting into more details tonight (I am exhausted), If you are looking at a base MSRP vehicle doesn’t it make since to get the GLK?  $2k more than the RDX and $4k less than the X3.  Please check back for GLK Hands On 2.0 for a little bit more in depth review.

Did I mention we are now taking orders? Please contact me at here for availability

www.mybenzguy.com

2009 G-Class Update

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Just got wind today that the 2009 G Wagon will start shipping this week.  The facelifted G-Class includes several significant enhancements, starting with the engine.  The MY09 G550 boasts the 5.5-litre V8 engine, with a 30% increase in horsepower, more torque, and significantly better acceleration than last year’s model.  Both models benefit from a new front grille and grille guard, active ventilated front seats, new multicontour passenger seat control, new telematics headunit (including 6.5” display, Bluetooth interface, and all other enhanced media functions – like our other MY09 SUVs), new ESP generation, new interior lighting, and new rim designs. The G55AMG also gets a +1” wheel upgrade and Alcantara roof liner.

Pricing:

G550: $100,250

G55AMG: $119,450

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