Mercedes-Benz wins The Plus X Award

Mercedes-Benz honored as the world’s most sustainable automobile manufacturer

Mercedes-Benz was honored with a total of five awards at the presentation of the world’s biggest innovation prize for technology, sport and lifestyle in Cologne.

Not one but two vehicles won the prestigious Plus X Award: the new A-Class in the category “Innovation, High Quality, Design and Ease of Use” and the new E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID in the category “Innovation and Ecology”. In addition, both vehicles received seals of approval as the “Best Product of 2012”; the A-Class as the best compact vehicle and the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID as the best luxury vehicle. Furthermore the jury of the Plus X Award honored Mercedes-Benz with a special award as the world’s most sustainable automobile manufacturer.

The jury honored the diversity of the pioneering drive concepts from Mercedes-Benz as well as the strong and successful commitment to the development of new concepts for urban mobility, in particular the car sharing solution car2go, with the “Plus X Award for Sustainability” special award.

The Plus X Award, now in its ninth year, is the world’s biggest innovation prize for products from the technology, sport and lifestyle sectors. The Plus X Award seals of approval are awarded in seven different categories – Innovation, High Quality, Design, Ease of Use, Functionality, Ergonomics and Ecology. The “Best Product of the Year” honor goes to a product that garners more seals than the other products in its product category.

Leading up the Automotive Scene

Aggressive Looks, Enhanced Dimensions, Refined Performance and Green footprint: The New M-Class from Mercedes-Benz sets a new benchmark among luxury SUVs in India

Now in its third generation, the M-Class is the most popular SUV from the Mercedes-Benz stable with over 1500 units already sold in India. The new M-Class with its aggressive looks, larger dimensions and green footprint has raised the bar for luxury SUVs in India. The best in Class SUV with Active Parking Assist, Airmatic Air Suspension, 20 inches AMG Body styling & Alloy wheels, Easy pack Tailgate, Designo Leather Interiors and Mini Spare wheel included in the standard fitments

Power packed with technology and gadgets the new M-Class introduces several concepts into the SUV segment for the first time- like Attention assist, Eco start stop, Reversing Camera etc. Legendary Mercedes technology, safety and robustness earned it the Euro 5 star rating from EURO NCAP

Mercedes-Benz India introduced the powerful, agile and luxurious new third generation M-Class, sporting the Mercedes-Benz new design language, to the market. The New M-Class stays true to the lineage of its predecessors and drives into the future with better fuel efficiency, new look and superior performance. The New M-Class exemplifies Mercedes-Benz’s philosophy of the ‘Best or Nothing’ being the engineering marvel that it is. 

Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India explains: “At the start of this year we had promised to introduce exciting new models into the market. We are proud to present today the New M Class, built to perform with the highest precision and follows the Mercedes-Benz new design language. We are confident that the quality of drive and the luxurious experience it can deliver will be a big hit with the customers and it will be warmly received.”

Aggressive design language:  The design of the M-Class is a trailblazing further development of the SUV concept. The unmistakable style makes the W166 series instantly recognizable as an M-Class. The horizontal lines at the rear emphasize the vehicle's on-road character. These lines are picked up in the cockpit, with its compelling combination of ergonomic, practical design and the use of high-grade materials.

What’s New?

This new edition of the M-Class, now in its third generation, sets new benchmarks in SUV design, technology and performance. The NEW M-Class sports powerful exterior and interior design featuring high – quality details, following the interpretation of a contemporary SUV. 

The vehicle leads the field in safety, comfort, quality feel over its competitors. The pinnacle of comfort and load compartment capacity offering ease of handling,  on and off-road.

Keeping true to the new design language, the new M-Class has been envisioned with a much sleeker frame as compared to its predecessor. Though the vehicle is significantly larger it does not make it look bulkier. There is an overall increase in the length and width of the car.

 A true off-roader,  the New M-Class has been fitted with technology that would help customized settings for engine performance, automatic transmission, anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Electronic Traction System all at the touch of the off-button on the console.

Safety is a primary mover for Mercedes-Benz; the New M-Class is packed with safety technology. It has nine strategically located airbags that ensures the safety of its passengers upon collision / accident. Additionally it is built with a PRE-SAFE technology that helps prevent such instances.

Protection of the environment is a key task of every individual; the New M-Class has been built with this thought in mind. The vehicle has been built with the ECO start-stop function, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions- by automatically switching off the engine during traffic jams or traffic signals.

Making the drive more pleasurable is the technology that has been packed into the new generation such as ATTENTION ASSIST, that alerts the driver on detection of drowsiness on longer trips; an Active Parking Assist with integrated PARKTRONIC technology, and a new rearview camera that increases comfort and provides a real safety plus.

The NEW M-Class sets the bar higher for a Luxury SUV in driver’s delight, passenger convenience and overall safety, a testimony of which is the prestigious EURO NCAP 5 Star rating awarded to the vehicle.

The Third Generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class Launch

Presenting the Third Generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class – For Those in Control

When your eyes see only empty road for miles ahead and your heart is fluttering like the wind rushing by, you know that the best part of the journey has begun. And you are in control.

It is by far the most advanced SUV created by Mercedes-Benz and is in the 3^rd generation. The individuality that it projects, the style statement and the adventurous spirit of an explorer is what makes this car so magnificent. The New Mercedes Benz M-Class truly is a car ‘For those in Control’.

Here are the extra-ordinary features of the all new Mercedes-Benz:

• The new M-Class comes with a standard with the ECO start/stop function which reduces fuel consumption and emissions by automatically switching off the engine (for example in traffic jams or at traffic lights)

• The AMG Exterior Sports package (20” AMG alloys & AMG body styling) as well as exclusive appointments (like Designo exclusive 2-Tone leather upholstery) further enhance the sportiness rugged looks and comfort of the M-Class.

• Extensive safety features that are unique in this segment include the PRE-SAFE® system & 9 airbags

• PRE-SAFE: includes preventive belt tensioner, positioning function for front passenger's seat with Memory package, closing function for sliding sunroof and side windows.

• Most comprehensive standard equipment in the segment in terms of restraint systems with 9 airbags- front (2), front side (2), driver kneebag (1), front/rear windowbags (2), rear sidebags (2)

• Innovative assistance systems, such as ATTENTION ASSIST, Active Parking Assist, etc

• COMAND Online system with a bigger 17.8 cm color display, 10 GB MUSIC REGISTER, SD slot for memory cards. Playback of audio CD and DVD audio/video possible, amongst others. Search for music titles with LINGUATRONIC (voice operated control)

• THERMOTRONIC 3-zone luxury automatic climate control with selectable climate modes (FOCUS, MEDIUM and DIFFUSE).

• High traction: 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with 50:50 power distribution ideal for off-road use. Downhill speed regulation via engine and transmission control.

• AIRMATIC package  incl. air suspension, all-round level control and ADS II adaptive damping system with selectable "Sport" and "Comfort" (button name: "COMF") modes at the touch of a button. Even more flexible handling on the road for enhanced comfort and dynamics.

• 7G-TRONIC PLUS fitted as standard with further decrease in torque converter slip and optimized efficiency. Improved damping of rotational eccentricities and vibrations at the same time makes for even greater comfort, faster gear changes and more durability.

• The first in new M-Class is the Easy pack tailgate which ensures excellent loading convenience with the press of a button.

• The all new reversing camera in the new M-Class increases comfort & provides a real safety plus by not only make parking easier, but also maneuvering in difficult terrain.

• Euro NCAP ratings: Five star rating for excellent occupant protection.

• The New M-Class is longer & wider than the outgoing predecessor by + 23mm & +15 mm respectively while the height is reduced by -19mm making the new M-Class more aerodynamic.

• Off-road driving program with off key: helps the driver to off-road trips with customized settings for engine performance, automatic transmission, anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Program ESP ® and Electronic Traction System 4ETS . It is activated via the off-button on the center console.

2012 Spanish Grand Prix – Preview

Formula One's European season starts next week with the Spanish Grand Prix taking place at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. A familiar testing venue, the 4.655 km circuit plays host to Round Five of the 2012 World Championship.

• The race has been won from pole in nine of the last 10 years; the exception was 2011, when Vettel won from P2
• At 730 metres, the run from the start-finish line to the apex of the first corner is the longest of the season
• Spain was one of just two races won on a four-stop strategy last season; the other was the Turkish Grand Prix

Michael Schumacher

“After completing our testing programme in Mugello, we are now heading to the start of the European season in Barcelona next week. The positive thing about the test was that we could really concentrate on the developments we were aiming to work on. This should give us a good basis for further developments, even if maybe not for the next race to come. Barcelona is a track we have driven extensively on, and this is why we know that its characteristics do not exactly play fully into our hands. But then, we will definitely go there and try our best and at the same time keep on working for the things to come.”

Nico Rosberg

“I am really looking forward to next weekend and racing in Europe again. It's quite unique to come to a track where we have done so many laps in winter testing, however the race weekend will be a completely different challenge. The test in Mugello this week was very positive for us, and I believe we will arrive in Barcelona with a much better understanding of the tyres and how we need to set our car up. Despite the familiarity of the track, there will still be a lot of work for us to do, and it should be a good challenge.” 

Ross Brawn, Team Principal

“After a hectic start to the season with four races and the test in Mugello, we are all looking forward to the European season getting underway and the familiarity that brings. The team had a good week in Italy for the test this week where we were able to work both on challenges that affected us during the initial races of the season, and evaluate a number of new developments planned for the forthcoming races. Spain plays host to the first European race, and although the Circuit de Catalunya is a very familiar venue for the team and our drivers, the weekend will bring its own challenges. I feel confident that we are continuing to make progress, and we will of course be working hard to continue that trend.”

Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport

“The first four races of the 2012 season have offered great, thrilling sport for all fans of Formula One. Eight drivers from six teams on the podium in four races - one more driver than in the entire 2011 season - and four winners from four races for the first time in nearly 30 years; you couldn't ask for more in terms of on-track excitement and unpredictability. No team has yet produced winning form at more than one event and achieving this consistency will be key. Our MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS team has registered a positive trend: after two difficult races at the start of the season, we were competitive and won in China then, in Bahrain, we were the third-fastest team on race day. We have been hard at work since then to further improve the competitiveness, consistency and reliability of our car. The Circuit de Catalunya will present a very different challenge next weekend to the ones in the first four races with track temperatures likely to be very different and with new developments on the cars. We will approach the race weekend in a focused manner in order to maximise our team performance with both drivers.”

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is the new DTM Safety Car

A further highlight of the 2012 DTM season in addition to the spectacular new Mercedes-AMG C-Coupé will be the DTM Safety Car: right from the off, C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series will be providing the necessary safety for the world's most popular touring car series. With a maximum output of 380 kW (517 hp), this two-seater is the most powerful C-Class of all time. The German Touring Car Masters (DTM) gets underway at the Hockenheimring on 29 April 2012.

The Safety Car is deployed under the direction of the German Motorsport Association (DMSB), which is responsible for implementing safety measures, ensuring compliance with safety standards and discharging the attendant official sporting functions in accordance with the DTM rules. The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series Safety Car driven by racing driver Jürgen Kastenholz (44) is intended to ensure maximum safety for racing drivers, spectators and track marshals in case of dangerous situations, such as extreme weather conditions, accidents or other incidents. In response to a radio message from the race organizers, the Safety Car enters the track and leads the DTM field around the circuit until normal racing can be resumed.

The most powerful C-Class of all time stands for spectacular design, technology transfer from the field of motorsport and driving dynamics of the very highest caliber. As such, the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series only required modification to a few points of detail for deployment as the DTM Safety Car. The most striking feature distinguishing it from the series production version is the aerodynamically optimized light bar on the roof. Energy-efficient, fast-response LEDs in green and orange keep the DTM racing drivers informed of the current situation.

DTM Safety Car provided by Mercedes-AMG since 2000

Mercedes-AMG has been providing the Safety Car ever since the beginning of the "new" DTM in 2000, alternating with Audi from race to race – and since 2012 with BMW also. In the Formula 1 World Championship, an SLS AMG is deployed as an Official F1 Safety-Car and a C 63 AMG Estate serves as an Official F1 Medical Car.

Victory in DTM Debut Race

Gary Paffett (THOMAS SABO Mercedes AMG C-Coupé) wins season opener at Hockenheim in first race of new DTM era

• First win in first race for DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé
  
• 100th one-two victory in the DTM for Mercedes-Benz
• 166th victory in 343 DTM races for Mercedes-Benz
• Mercedes-Benz scoops 65 of the 101 points available with five C-Coupé drivers in the Top 8
• Sixth Hockenheim victory (opening and closing races of season) in succession for Mercedes-Benz

Gary Paffett (THOMAS SABO Mercedes AMG C-Coupé) won the 2012 DTM season opener at Hockenheim from sixth place on the grid with a 4.7- second lead on Jamie Green (Mercedes AMG C-Coupé). It was Paffett’s 18th Victory in the DTM and his fourth at Hockenheim. It was the British driver’s 26th podium in the 82nd DTM race of his career and his seventh in a DTM race at Hockenheim. With 18 wins and a winning rate of 22%, Paffett has achieved the greatest number of victories among those drivers currently contesting the DTM. Paffett and Green secured the 100th one-two victory for Mercedes-Benz in the DTM since 1988.

It was the sixth consecutive Mercedes victory at their home race in Hockenheim (opener and finale), and their third win in a row at a DTM season opener (Paffett 2010 and 2012, and Bruno Spengler, 2011). Overall since 1988, Mercedes-Benz has won 32 of 65 DTM races at the Hockenheimring. During the same period, Mercedes-Benz drivers were victorious 166 times in 343 DTM races.

Paffett’s victory was the first success in the new DTM era in the three-way battle between the three premium brands Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz and the first victory for the new DTM Mercedes AMG C Coupé, the successor to the AMG Mercedes C-Class, which is the most successful vehicle in the history of the DTM with 85 victories in 159 races.

Christian Vietoris (Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG C-Coupé) advanced from 15th on the grid to finish fourth. Ralf Schumacher (Mercedes AMG C-Coupé) and David Coulthard (DHL Paket Mercedes AMG C-Coupé) were also amongst the points, finishing seventh and eighth respectively. Susie Wolff (TV Spielfilm Mercedes AMG C-Coupé) and Robert Wickens (stern Mercedes AMG C-Coupé) ended the day in twelfth and 14th positions. DTM rookie Roberto Merhi (Junge Sterne Mercedes AMG C-Coupé) was forced to retire from the race.

Jamie Green set the fastest lap with a time of 1:34.901 minutes – the sixth time he has done so at Hockenheim. It is also the 36th time in 65 DTM races at this venue that a Mercedes-Benz driver has posted the fastest lap time. Nine of the last ten fastest laps here were set by a Mercedes-Benz driver.

A total of 142,000 fans attended the DTM opener at Hockenheim this weekend (Fri, Sat, Sun). Some 71,000 spectators were at the track for Sunday’s first race of the new DTM era.

SLS AMG lets loose on the race track

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG sets the fastest lap time on the Buddh International Circuit.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is as much a sight to behold as it is a thrill to drive. There are not many cars on the road that can match its looks and the performance leaves everything else in its dust. But few have actually witnessed the true potential of the SLS AMG. It is capable of going toe to toe with the finest racing cars in the world.

Recently, the SLS AMG gave undeniable proof of that fact.  The lucky participants of the AMG Driving Academy held at the Buddh International Circuit were able to see the car in its true element when it set the lap record for the circuit at 2.1 minutes. The F1 track that not too long ago hosted its first Grand Prix had its fastest time blown away by the Roadster with AMG Driving Academy instructor, Norman Simon, behind the wheel.

The AMG Driving Academy at the Buddh International Circuit is a first of its kind in India. The first session of the AMG Driving Academy got a rousing response with the participants grasping the idea of cornering and braking at race pace. At the end of the day, they left with a sense of awe and accomplishment.

The SLS AMG is certainly making waves, not only on the road but on the race track as well.