Mercedes-Benz is once again Germany’s strongest brand in the ADAC AutomarxX study

• Mercedes-Benz takes first place in the Safety category and overall
• Significant improvement in the CO2-ranking: Star brand moves up 11 places 
• Mercedes-Benz the most successful brand since the introduction of AutomarxX, capturing first place a total of 13 times

Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz has once again defended the top position in the ADAC AutomarxX study, making it Germany’s strongest automotive brand. Mercedes-Benz is the most successful brand since AutomarxX was introduced in 2001, capturing first place a total of 13 times and beating its competitors in more than half of all the rankings. The ADAC AutomarxX study assesses the automotive brands sold in Germany in six categories: Brand Image, Market Strength, Customer Satisfaction, Product Strength/Vehicle Quality, Environment, and Safety. The results reflect the current capabilities of all automakers that are of relevance in Germany. A winner is ascertained for each category and out of this the overall winner is determined.

“We’re very pleased that we once again are ranked first in the ADAC AutomarxX study,” says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The result confirms our ambition to deliver our customers the very best. Our first place finish demonstrates that Mercedes-Benz continues to be the strongest brand. This also includes Mercedes-Benz being a pioneer in the development of active and passive safety systems. We also want to set benchmarks when it comes to continuous improvement of our vehicles’ efficiency. The significant improvement in the CO2-ranking shows we are successful in this as well.”

Taking the number four slot, Mercedes-Benz moved up 11 places in the CO2-ranking, far ahead of its competitors in the premium segment. The improvement was mainly due to the introduction of new, highly efficient engine variants in high-volume models such as the new-generation C-Class. The new engines, the enhanced 7G TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, and the ECO start-stop function reduce fuel consumption by up to 31 percent compared to the figure for the predecessor model.

The main factors in the Safety category are availability of active and passive safety systems and the fact that the systems are fitted as standard. The new-generation C-Class, for example, impresses not only as a result of its greater efficiency, but also because of its many new assistance systems. Thanks to features ranging from the ATTENTION ASSIST fatigue detection system to DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control, the C-Class reaches a new level of safety.

The evaluation for the Brand Image category incorporates the results of the ADAC Motorwelt image survey of 4,000 German respondents as well as an assessment of vehicle residual values. In the image survey, the participants were primarily interested in maximum quality and the highest-possible safety standards. Not only did Mercedes-Benz take first place in both of these areas; the people surveyed also ranked the brand at the top with regard to automotive research and development.

Mercedes-Benz awarded a pair of fleet world honours

• Four-in-a-row for Sprinter
• Fleet World Honours hat-trick for S-Class Saloon 

Mercedes-Benz landed a stunning ‘winning double’ in the 2011 Fleet World Honours automotive awards, to reaffirm its leadership of the sector’s luxury car and light commercial vehicle segments.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Saloon and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van took top honours in their respective categories – both retaining titles they already held.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Saloon

The S-Class won for the third time in as many years, while the Sprinter has gone one better, triumphing for the fourth consecutive year.

Both coveted awards were being presented at a special ceremony held at the Royal Automobile Club on London’s Pall Mall today (Wednesday 11th May).

The Fleet World Honours are presented annually to those motor manufacturers, service companies and individuals who have, in the opinion of the judges, achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector.

Fleet World Editor Steve Moody, who also chaired the judging panel, said: “The S-Class continues to set the benchmark in luxury car motoring: it is incredibly composed on any road surface and is unparalleled in terms of refinement and comfort, while the upgraded Euro 6 standard 350 BlueTEC diesel engine moves it ahead of its competitors in all-round environmental impact.”

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

And Van Fleet World Editor John Kendall said: “The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter was the first to offer an automatic engine stop/start system on a van, helping to reduce fuel consumption in urban traffic for a modest option price. Mercedes was also among the first to introduce Euro-5 compliant diesel engines for the Sprinter, helping to take a lead in reducing emissions. Similarly, it was one of the first vans to be fitted with ESP electronic stability control and a front bulkhead as standard, helping to improve safety.

“The largest Sprinter van offers 17m3 of load space, but it’s hard to believe that you’re driving such a large vehicle, such is the standard of road holding, handling and ride comfort, combined with low noise levels. It’s hardly surprising that it has become so popular both as a van and a conversion.”

Widely acknowledged as the world’s finest luxury car, the legendary Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been garlanded with awards over many years. The latest models include revisions such as the ECO stop/start function and the advanced 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, meanwhile, is recognised as the van industry benchmark for reliability, safety, driver appeal and overall running costs, while its excellent fuel economy and low exhaust emissions – and the presence in the range of the petrol/gas hybrid Sprinter NGT version – make it a winner with environmentally-conscious operators too.

Launch of the SL 350 & GL 500: Setting new benchmark in Luxury Motoring

Delhi: Mercedes-Benz India today launched the SL 350 and the GL 500 4MATIC,  further re-iterating their position of offering the widest product portfolio for the Indian luxury car market. The SL-Class, one of the most legendary cars in the Mercedes-Benz stable, derives its DNA from the legendary 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ and has always been a favourite among automobile aficionados across the globe. The GL 500 is amongst the most powerful SUV in Mercedes-Benz’s portfolio and it strengthens the company’s presence in the increasingly popular SUV segment.

Mr Peter Honegg (Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India)
at the National launch of the SL 350 and GL 500 in New Delhi on 3^rd May, 2011. 

The SL 350

The SL 350 features a high-revving 3.5 litre V6 sports engine that produces a power of 315Hp and torque of 360Nm giving an enhanced performance & reduced fuel             consumption. The SL 350 features the Direct Steering with Variable Servo Assistance which is available as standard. The Direct Steering incorporates the speed-sensitive power steering coupled with added sportiness. The steering features an all-new rack with a steering angle-sensitive ratio that reduces the need to turn the wheel and increases agility.

The SL-Class offers "Sports package" which comes as standard, is one-of-its kind in its segment. Under this package, the interior features the exclusive silver-coloured          contrasting topstitching on the Exclusive NAPPA leather seats and aluminium prism trim among others.  The SL-Class has Multi-Contour climatised seats ensures a perfect     balance between sportiness and excellent seating comfort for its passengers.

Further the instrument cluster sports attractive dial graphics, 3D dial surrounds and   hanging needles. The SL 350 also sports a three-spoke steering wheel with matt chrome decorative inserts along with silver paddle shifters. The cockpit is superbly styled and gives a commanding feel to the driver. The AIRSCARF neck level heating maintains neck level temperatures even on colder days to ensure a comfortable ride. The Mercedes-Benz SL 350 also features a high resolution 6.5 inch colour display COMMAND with DVD changer and media interface with extended functionality and improved menu navigation. The Intelligent Light System also available as standard in the SL offers improved illumination while driving. Other standard features include:  KEYLESS-GO and Harman Kardon® Logic7® sound system with Dolby Digital 5.1 with 10 high-performance loudspeakers.

The interiors are matched by top-notch enhancements in its exteriors. The SL 350  roadster sports a unique design idiom which is a part of the current Mercedes-Benz design philosophy. The front grille has been radically revised to grab one’s attention and the prominent louver on the radiator grille gives it an even wider and dominant look. The power domes adorning the bonnet and Gill-like trim panels are reminiscent of the SL’s history. The front end has a more prominent V-shape. Besides this the SL sports attractively designed main and auxiliary headlamps.

As a part of the SL-Class’s “sports package” the exteriors flaunts attractive 18 inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels; front brake callipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering, darkened tail lights; headlamps with dark surrounds and Sports air filter among others.

The New GL 500 4MATIC

The GL 500 4MATIC one of the most powerful SUV’s in the world featuring a 5.4 litre V6 engine produces a power of 388hp along with a staggering torque of 530Nm. This mammoth accelerates from a standstill to a 100kmph in just 6.5seconds all thanks to its light weight construction resulting in improved engine smoothness and higher torque in the mid-engine speed range.

The GL 500 comes with the 7G TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission as standard,   allowing adept engine speed at all times, in turn cutting down fuel consumption. The shorter gear shifts make the ride smooth and also reduce the noise levels. It also has manual gear shift paddles on the steering to further enhance driving please when needed. The 4MATIC all wheel drive system in the GL 500 provides excellent traction and enhanced driving stability even on poor road conditions. Additionally the GL-Class comes with the unique off-road pro engineering package that is a boon for those interested in having some serious off-roading and the AIRMATIC suspensions make sure that ride quality is not compromised even on the harshest terrains.

The GL 500’s intimidating size is further complimented by the brilliant silver coloured louvers in the radiator grille that impart a striking appearance to the car. The LED tail lights add a distinguishing feature to the rear view of the car which is further enhanced by the stainless steel, chrome look underguard. The LED day time running lights combined with the Intelligent Lighting System regulate the headlamp range and light distribution of the car, making night time driving easier than ever. The 20-inch alloy wheels further add to the sporty appeal of the car.

On the interior front, the GL 500 4MATIC has a luxurious feel that further compliments its spaciousness. The steering wheel has elements of wood and leather that combine to add a rich feel to the interiors. The NAPPA leather seats further enhances the luxury quotient of the car. The front seats have memory package, so that each driver can set up the   seating as per convenience.

Another new feature of the GL-Class is its electrically folding third row seats, a first in its segment. The GL 500’s rear seat entertainment system with its 8-inch colour screens and Harman Kardon system is ideal for a back seat movie viewing or gaming experience.    Although the GL’s size is intimidating, parking it is one of the easiest tasks as it comes equipped with PARKTRONIC and COMAND system with Linguatronics and a reversing camera that help manoeuvre the car easily in tight parking spaces. The THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control helps maintain different temperatures for the driver, front and rear passengers giving each their own comfort zone. Third row passengers can also enjoy the comfort of fresh air, as the third row comes with rear   electrical vent windows.

Mr Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India: “The SL 350 and the GL 500 are two of the most popular offerings in our portfolio. Both the cars have unique USP’s. The SL-Class with its styling, performance and handling abilities has won hearts globally. We are glad to introduce the SL-Class which is sportier, aggressive and of course packed with benchmark Mercedes-Benz safety features and technology. On the other hand the GL 500 being one of the most powerful SUV’s in the world, is ideal to suit the tastes of the growing number of off-roading afficionados in India. I am confident that both the vehicles will woo auto enthusiasts, critics, customers & media alike.”