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2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550, Choose Options and Colors at FleetRates.com MSRP: $118,815 Member Price: $109,975 Call 800-851-9000

2011-02-09T21:06:00Z

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4MATIC

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2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic Review
Consider the 2011 CL-Class to be a fairly extensive mid-cycle refresh. The most striking visual differentiator is the reworked V-shape grille. The headlights are also much wider and there are two de rigueur LED running light strips. The hood has been resurfaced to appear more cut and less blobular. There's a rear apron fitted with what looks like a diffuser between the reworked quad exhaust pipes. The reverse lights have been separated from the taillights and now reside on the trunk lid. Not much has changed on the side of the car except for new 20-inch wheels and the badging. The CL 550 4Matic gets "BlueDIRECT" badges while the CL63 receives "V8 Biturbo." A big Mercedes-Benz coupe wouldn't be a big Mercedes-Benz coupe if it weren't loaded up to the sliding glass sunroof with the latest and greatest in electronic whizbangery. The big news for 2011 is actually two systems: Adaptive Blind Spot Assist and Adaptive Lane-Keeping Assist. The blind spot system works in three stages. First, if another vehicle is detected in the CL's blind spot, a red triangle illuminates in the appropriate wing mirror. If the driver ignores the warning and puts his/her turn signal on, the car beeps. If the driver still ignores the warnings and tries to merge into the detected object, the brakes on the opposite side of the car bite in an attempt to pull the CL away from the impending accident. I never tried to pit maneuver myself, but I can report that the beep when you signal and someone's in your blind spot works as advertised.

Walkaround
The interior is rather splendid, especially on the CL550 4Matic. Almost every surface is covered in glossy wood or rich leather. My favorite attribute is the fact that despite more onboard systems than an aircraft carrier, the CL is relatively button-free. Most of the gizmos are buried within the Command menu, leaving the really important stuff out in the open but still basically hidden. Take, for instance, the button to switch the suspension into Sport. It's right in front of you, to the left of the navigation screen. But it's smartly disguised in black trim and therefore doesn't call attention to itself. Devoid of ill-placed buttons, the CL550's wooden center console resembles an antique jewelry case or humidor. In the CL63s, the wood had been swapped out for optional carbon fiber, a much less tasteful choice.

Summary
The real news is what lies under the long, luxuriant hood. In the CL550 resides a totally new 4.7-liter twin-turbo direct-injected V-8 that puts out 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. This is a significant increase in output compared to the 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of the old 5.5-liter V-8. But that's not all. The new M278 motor also gets 10% better fuel economy than the outgoing M273, an estimated 15 city and 22 highway. Not great, but for a 4650+ pound car that can hit 60 mph in an estimated 4.8 seconds, not terrible. Of course, the above numbers (which, we must point out, would have been exotic supercar figures just a few short years ago) pale in comparison to what Mercedes' in-house tuner AMG has cooked up for its new CL63.

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First Look: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

2010-10-03T01:32:00Z

Mercedes Revamps its Swanky Coupe

This is the Mercedes that even other Benz owners covet. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is an opulent throwback to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Great Gatsby era of luxurious peregrination -- that’s travel to you and me.

So successful has this exclusive four-seat coupe been as a standard bearer for the company that its gestation into its second generation has been gentle. "It's a bit of teeth whitening rather than a face lift," commented one Mercedes official. "It's just got a nicer smile."

Part of the readjustment of the CL's pearly whites is the introduction of LED fog lamps on the front and a slight tightening of the hood lines. At the rear, the reversing lights have been replaced by LED units and moved from side lamp clusters onto the trunk lid. These are not major changes and in the later case, and not particularly flattering, either. For the rest of the coachwork, the curvaceous lines look unchanged as is the car's low, long roof line, windshield rake and high belt lines.

It's hardly surprising, as under the pressed steel skin, old and new CL models share exactly the same underbody apart from a nominal amount of bracketry to accommodate the really new stuff about this new car, which goes on sale this November in the U.S.

The CL550 4Matic gets a new engine option, and the lineup gets many of the recent technical innovations (which we motoring hacks call, 'the toys') first seen on the current S-Class. Interestingly, the CL also gets the lane-keeping assistance system, plus the infra-red night vision system, which is now in its second generation.

Let's do the engine first. The brand-new, 4.6-liter, 429 horsepower V-8 unit is fitted with two turbochargers and direct fuel injection and goes under the hood of the CL550 4Matic. It manages the remarkable trick of being not only 12 percent more powerful than its predecessor, but with a peak torque output raised by 32 percent from 391 to 519 pound feet, it's also gutsier. At the same time it's between 10 and 15 percent more fuel efficient and produces 23 percent less carbon dioxide greenhouse gas. Oh, and it moves the car from 0 to 60 in 4.9 seconds.

How do they do that? The combustion precision afforded by the spray-guided direct-injection and piezo-quartz injection timing is largely responsible for this superlative performance and economy. "You put the fuel where the air is," said one Mercedes engineer.

At the top end of the CL range for the moment until the updated AMG big boys arrive is the CL600, which continues to be powered by Merc's single cam, three-valve, 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-12, for those Gatsby types for whom those extra four cylinders say so much. There's not much in it for outright go between this and the new 4.6-liter, but this big old 510 horsepower, 612 pound-feet slugger punches out more torque and motors to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Benz's excellent seven-speed transmission can't handle this amount of torque so you'll have to slum it with a five-speed, although with that amount of twist, we highly doubt anyone buying the CL600 will be all that bummed about two less gears.

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

2010-10-03T01:06:00Z

A Four-Season Cavorter

Bet you didn't know the origin of the word "cabriolet." In the horse-and-buggy era, the word was applied to lightweight open carriages pulled by two horses and used primarily for pleasure rides in fair weather. The word was pinched from the French verb "cabrioler," meaning "to cavort" -- move about carelessly, playfully or boisterously -- or "to cut a caper." The next installment in Mercedes-Benz's long line of "cavorters" isn't exactly lightweight, but it promises to extend pleasure driving well beyond the traditional fair-weather season, thanks to a new innovation dubbed Aircap.

Aircap is engineered to work with the headrest-mounted neck-warming Airscarf to make top-down driving comfortable in the chillier weather that prevails in the U.K., Germany, and other northern climes where convertible sales are strongest. The challenge presented to engineers was to provide a largely draft-free top-down driving experience for all four passengers, ruling out those mesh screen gizmos that render the rear seat unusable. They started work in the 1990s and developed several solutions that were functional but aesthetically unpalatable.

The decade-plus spent developing this concept will finally pay off on the 2011 E-Class. The solution consists of a discreet piano-black panel that normally lies flush along the top of the windshield header. When deployed, it rises 2.4 inches, erecting a nylon screen fence similar to those used by some sunroof wind deflectors. Another screen bridging between the rear head restraints simultaneously moves up into place at the touch of a button. About 50 percent of the air hitting the front screen flows through it, slowing down by about 30 percent. This helps create a laminar (smooth) airflow that nearly traces the profile of the convertible top, with calm air below, and turbulent air above. This calm air zone can be heated in winter or cooled in summer.

To demonstrate the system, Mercedes parked a new E-Cab in its historic full-size wind tunnel (dating to 1939, it was the first in the world) and invited me to sit in the front and back seats and assess the cockpit turbulence with and without Aircap at speeds ranging from 48 to 87 mph. At all speeds the difference with and without the system is remarkable. From the front seat, at any speed the system feels every bit like those rear-seat-killing mesh windblockers, rendering the front seat calm, quiet and comfy. Hair will be mussed in the rear seat with or without the system, but Aircap makes 86 mph feel like 48 mph without it, and it makes 72 mph top-down driving tolerable (it's really unpleasant without it). Sadly there is no Airscarf for rear passengers, owing to tight packaging between the seatback and the rollover protection system.

Aircap is integrated into the Pre-Safe crash protection program, which lowers the header panel instantly if an impending accident is sensed. Aircap will be standard in the U.S., but because it's optional in Europe, provisions are in place for a traditional mesh screen backstop, which will be offered by dealers here as well (it's a waste of money).

Some conditions demand top-up driving, and when those prevail the lid can be raised at the touch of a button at speeds below 25 mph. When in place, the new seven-layer "aero-acoustic" top provides near steel-top coupe levels of quiet with no possibility of "ballooning" (the outer layer is tethered to each cross-bow. The fabric top looks classy as well, and registers a 0.28 drag coefficient, down slightly from the coupe's record-setting 0.24 Cd. Incidentally, top down and windows up, the drag increases to 0.33, and with the Aircap in place, that figure climbs to 0.38.

Seating comfort in front and back feels essentially identical to that of the coupe, meaning the sport contoured buckets may strike broad-beamed riders as a bit confining. Rear-seat occupants sit considerably inboard of their front-seat compatriots, placing shoulders rather close, but it's completely comfortable for sub-six-footers.

Sales start in May 2010, and there's no official word on U.S. pricing, but expect a slight bump up from CLK Cabrio pricing, meaning that, as usual, only well-heeled cavorters need apply.

First Look: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG and CL65 AMG

2010-10-03T00:57:00Z

Large and Unquestionably In Charge

If the CL-Class is the Mercedes-Benz that other Mercedes-Benz owners covet, the CL AMG cars are the ones that they would sell their souls for. Wouldn't you? After all, world-class luxury and mind-altering performance aren't things one turns a nose up at.

Leading the charge is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG. Yes, we know. It didn't make sense to call it "63" when the engine actually displaced 6.2 liters and it makes even less sense now that it displaces only 5.5 liters. Still, there's a lot of cachet in the 63 moniker, so it stays. With this kind of performance, you really won't care anyway.

It may sound like we're talking about the 382-horspower 5.5-liter V-8 in the old CL550, but that isn't even close. This new mill straps on a pair of turbos that pump up to 14.5 psi of boost into the engine, creating up to 563 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. We say "up to" because that output is not only optional, but it will cost you extra. Mercedes won't yet say how much extra, but if you don't pop for the optional AMG Performance Package, your CL63 AMG will get only 536 horsepower and 590 pound-feet.

Opt for the less expensive model and you'll still hit 60 mph in a claimed 4.4 seconds on the way to a limited 155 mph top speed. Double down on the Performance Package and you'll get there a bit quicker, hitting 60 mph in a claimed 4.3 seconds on the way to a limited top speed of 186 mph. That's up to 0.3 seconds quicker than the claimed 0-to-60 mph time of the previous CL63 AMG and on par with the last CL65 AMG.

You also get better efficiency to go with all your extra performance. Integrating the turbochargers into the exhaust manifolds keeps lag down and increases efficiency to the point that Mercedes did away with the blow-off valve, relying instead on a vacuum-operated waste gate to manage pressure. "Pulsation holes" in the crank case even out air pressure to reduce pumping losses while variable cam timing can infinitely adjust both the intake and exhaust cams up to 40 degrees each for maximum performance or economy. A two-mode oil cooling system helps get the engine up to temperature quickly and catalytic converters integrated into the exhaust just after the turbos scrub the exhaust the instant it leaves the turbines.
The result is a claimed reduction in CO2 emission of 30 g per kilometer and 27-percent better fuel economy. Based on EPA numbers for the previous model, that equates to CO2 emissions of 1.14 pounds of CO2 per mile, down from 1.46 pounds per mile. More importantly to most consumers, that means fuel economy could be as high as 14 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, up from 11 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. All in all, not too bad for a car believed to weigh over 4700 pounds.

Helping that trick new engine out is Mercedes' tried-and-true seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While enthusiasts will appreciate its rev-matching on downshifts and refusal to upshift automatically while in "Manual" mode, the average owner will likely better appreciate the new Controlled Efficiency, or "C" mode. In C mode, the computer will soften accelerator response and start the car in second gear to minimize fuel burn. In fact, drive it gently enough and you'll be in sixth gear by 37 mph with the computer relying on the engine's massive torque to keep things smooth. What's more, C mode also automatically enables a new Stop/Start function that will turn off the engine while at a stop, so long as the engine temperature, battery charge and your interior climate settings are all where they're supposed to be. As soon as you take your foot off the brake, the engine will fire back up. Sport and Manual mode both deactivate the feature, and it can be switched off in C mode as well. Combined with an alternator that only charges on overrun and braking and you've just squeezed a bit more efficiency out of your car.

The CL65 AMG's updates aren't quite as involved. The massive 6.0-liter V-12 gets a new set of turbos that now crank out up to 22 psi of boost, ramping up the power from 604 horsepower in the last model to 621 horsepower in the new car. Torque is still limited to 738 pound-feet even though the engine is capable of producing 885 pound-feet, which is simply too much for the drivetrain to handle. In fact, the CL65 AMG must continue to make-do with Mercedes' Speedshift five-speed automatic transmission because the seven-speed dual-clutch box can't handle the power.

Those 17 extra ponies are good for an extra 0.3 seconds in the sprint to 60 mph, running it in a claimed 4.2 seconds before topping out at a limited 186 mph. Refinement in the engine and tricks like the alternator that only charges on overrun and braking help the CL65 AMG increase its fuel economy an unspecified amount while dropping CO2 emissions by 3.5 percent.

Both cars get the full bag of tricks from the new CL-Class. That means Direct Steer, a lighter, more direct steering system, Torque Vectoring Brake, which can brake the inside rear wheel to kill understeer, and Automatic Crosswind Stabilization are all standard. The AMG cars also pick up the CL-Class' Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Night View and Drowsiness Detection systems along with Active Body Control.

To make them more sprightly than the standard CL-Class, the AMG cars also get a sport-tuned suspension that will stiffen even further in Sport mode and even lower the car 0.6 inches between 40 and 62 mph to improve aerodynamics. Throw in up-sized 15.4-inch front and 14.4-inch rear brake discs behind AMG wheels specific to each model and you've got yourself a serious grand tourer.

The revision above the hood is equally muted. Both cars receive the CL-Class' latest styling, which pulls all of the body's curves into tauter, straighter lines for a more aggressive look. Both AMG models get slightly revised front and rear fascias with the top-dog CL65 AMG being distinguished by chrome accents on the front splitter and rear diffuser. The update also includes new LED daytime running lights, new taillights, the appropriate "V8 BiTurbo" and "V12 BiTurbo" badging and an AMG performance exhaust with unique chrome tips.

Inside the cars, each is updated with leather AMG sport seats that are both heated and ventilated. Also on the build sheet is a leather-wrapped AMG steering wheel and a Racetimer function for recording lap times. To distinguish the top-shelf CL65 AMG, it also gets exclusive wood trim and diamond-patterned top-quality leather on the seats, doors and more.

Mercedes-Benz hasn't announced pricing on the new models yet, but a modest increase is expected. We'd estimate a CL63 AMG coming in around $150,000 to start and the CL65 AMG running about $215,000 before options. In addition to the precious few options packages, Mercedes' Designo customization feature will upgrade the car in just about any way you're willing to pay for. Expect to see the new CL AMG cars on showroom floors in November.

2012 Merceds-Benz CLS-Class

2010-10-03T00:32:00Z

Ready to Defend the Class it Invented

Mercedes-Benz struck styling gold with the first generation CLS-Class, creating a new segment that sent rival automakers scrambling back to their design tables. Things are different the second time around, as the new 2012 CLS steps into a market suddenly littered with so-called 'four-door coupes,' with more on the way from Stuttgart's German rivals Audi and BMW.

With the 2012 Mercdes-Benz CLS-Class the automaker has focused on improving the one area that defines its existence: design. The side of the car feature much more pronounced sculpting that starts with the front wheel well and ends at teh fresh set of LED tailights. Love it or hate it, this is one four-door that at the very least will turn heads.

Not surprisingly, LED daytime running lights make an appearance, but the 2012 CLS has full LED headlights, as well. The 71 individual LEDs enhance visibility and frankly, they just look cool.

Inside the CLS' cabin, a wraparound dash makes the cockpit feel tailored, while a high-gloss analog clock adds an upscale touch. Design, Mercedes-Benz points out, is only have the story inside. Material quality has been upgraded in a further effort to distinguish the CLS from other segment players. Semi-aniline leather is just 1.6 millimeters thick and has an especially soft feel, according to the automaker.

Look to the dash and you'll see matte galvanized air vents and a hand-sewn leather dashboard. High-gloss brown burl walnut and black ash wood trims are standard equipment, but for a bit more cash, Mercedes will be happy to fit your CLS with black piano lacquer or carbon fiber instead. That black piano trim, by the way, is handcrafted and has up to seven layers to make sure it has the right high-gloss look.

The CLS remains a four-passenger car and we're eager to see first-hand how that sloping rear roofline affects rear seat headroom. Perhaps that's a trivial concern for most CLS buyers compared to powertrain options. Mercedes-Benz has been silent on this front, but we expect the CLS to retain a V-8 engine as its bread-and-butter powertrain in the U.S.

Currently, the base 2011 CLS550 is powered by a 5.5-liter V-8 producing 382 horsepower mated to a seven-speed automatic. While that engine may carry through to the 2012 model, we wouldn't be surprised to see the automaker's new 4.6-liter twin-turbo V-8 under the hood of the 2012 CLS. Producing 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque in the 2011 CL coupe, an engine that powerful could finally leave room for a direct-injected V-6 option in the States, which has been rumored. Expect Mercedes-AMG's new twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-8 to power the coming high-performance AMG variant.

So is Mercedes-Benz worried about its newfound four-door coupe rivals? On the contrary, the German automaker thinks its experience with this market niche could help, going forward.

"The new edition of the CLS also benefits from the fact that we are a whole generation ahead of the competition with our four-door coupe," says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, member of the board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales & Marketing.

Premiering at the Paris Motor Show in October, the CLS helps bridge the sizable pricing gap between the E- and S-Class sedans. Until that happens, call the CLS a coupe or a sedan as long as you call it Mercedes-Benz's most stylish four-door. Expect to see the new CLS hit U.S. Mercedes dealers by the middle of next year.

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2010-05-26T19:08:00Z

2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 Coupe

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2010 Mercedes E-Class Review
As Mercedes-Benz expanded its lineup to some 15 separate nameplates, not counting the AMG models, it resulted in mass confusion on the showroom floor and significant marketing challenges in promoting individual models. Things needed to get simpler, and now they have. The replacements for Mercedes mid-sized CLK-class coupe and cabriolet models will henceforth be identified as part of the E-class family. (The CL coupes will also become part of the S-class lineup.) The new E coupe has more suspension and powertrain bits in common with the E than the C, according to Mercedes-Benz USA product manager Bernhard Glaser. Dimensionally, however, the E coupe is much closer to the compact C than the mid-sized E, sharing the 108.7-inch wheelbase of the C-class, and the exterior dimensions remain within an inch or two of the C even given the wider, longer, and lower bodywork. Compared with the E-class sedan, however, the E coupe has a three-inch-lower roof and five fewer inches of wheelbase, and is about 200 pounds lighter, seven inches shorter, and a whopping five-and-a-half inches narrower.

Walkaround
Mercedes clearly wants the E coupe to be seen as an E, and so it adopts the sedans design cues, including quad headlamps and the Ponton-inspired rear quarters. Few pieces are actually shared, however; look closer and you'll notice that the fender contours are ever-so-slightly exaggerated compared with those of the sedan and that the low-beam headlamps are unique, which also describes the grille treatment, featuring two bars bracketing the three-pointed star, whereas the sedan has three or four grille slats with a vertical hood ornament. Most distinct, however, is the roof line, which like that of the CLK, remains pillar-less (that is, if you don't count the mullion that forms the little rear quarter window). Wheels start out at 17 inches in diameter, with 18s optional on the E350 and standard on the E550. All E coupes get a full-length, partially retractable moon roof as standard equipment, the light from which is particularly appreciable from the snug rear bucket seats. In the front row, the low-mounted seats ensure a sporty driving position, and settling in is made easier as the seat belts are presented upon start-up by motorized arms. The driver faces a dashboard that recalls the sedans retro-inspired, angular cabinetry without copying it outright; differences include a subtle V-shape that helps reduce the designs imposing squareness, while a conventional console-mounted transmission shifters found on the C-class stands in for the sedans column-mounted electronic gear stalk.

Summary
The driver faces arguably one of Mercedes best-ever gauge clusters, which combines five Porsche-like intersecting circles with clear, crisp displays. All E-classes feature Mercedes COMAND infotainment system that bundles secondary controls into a reasonably sensible screen-based interface, and E550 coupes add navigation as standard. Other options include front seat ventilation, pneumatically adjustable seat bolsters, and a five-channel surround sound stereo.

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2010-05-26T18:56:00Z

2011 Mercedes-Benz SL63

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2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SL63 AMG REVIEW

The class-leading 2011 SL63 AMG hardtop roadster takes driving dynamics to an entirely new level: its Race Start function enables the 2011 SL63 AMG driver to call on maximum acceleration, while ensuring optimum traction of the driven wheels. OPTIONS The 2011 SL63 AMG sets new standards in the open-top sports car segment, and comes packed with technological innovations. For the first time, the all-new, innovative AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT-7-speed sports transmission is the central component of the driving experience, enabling the most responsive automatic gearbox from AMG to date. This, together with the double-declutching and RACE START functions featured in the 2011 SL63 AMG, guarantees a dynamic driving experience unlike any other. Summary Luxury Cruiser and legitimate sports car: that's the 2011 SL63 AMG in a nutshell. This class-leading roadster is powered by an AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine developing 518 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque which makes it the most powerful model with a V8 natural aspirated engine in it class.

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2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster Goes Topless!!!

2010-04-08T18:07:00Z

Expected to make it's world premiere during the 2010/2011 auto show season, the 2011 SLS AMG Roadster will probably go on sale late next year. The Roadster won't differ mechanically from it's recently released sibling, the coupe, featuring the same 6.3L roaring V8 engine with 571HP and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque, but it is expected to gain more popularity.

The SLS AMG will most likely get a folding soft top, and enthusiasts will be happy to know that the SLS's performance credentials won't be compromised by a lot of additional weight, while less dedicated buyers might wonder why they shouldn't just get an SL with its fully retractable hardtop.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster will abandon the iconic gullwing doors of the coupe in favor of a more traditional front-hinged door setup, which is more appropriate for a convertible. Other than the switch to more conventional door hinges, the SLS roadster looks exactly like its coupe counterpart. That means a long wheelbase, giant 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, and a 571-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. A dual-clutch seven-speed automated manual transmission will send the power to the rear wheels, while a fully independent suspension with dual-wishbone control arms both front and rear will support the all-aluminum chassis. However, the extra weight from the body strengthening might add a tenth or two to the roadster's test times.

Mercedes-Benz AMG couldn't have been comfortable with only producing their high-strung super cars (like the SL65 AMG Black Series) while Ferrari and Lamborghini turned up the heat, and as we see now, AMG set their sights on such an exquisite combination of elegance and power that really speaks volumes for where they are headed. The U.S. price tag, not surprisingly, is considerably lower than the retail sticker in Europe. When Mercedes began accepting orders last fall after the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, it pegged the price at roughly $201,000 — or $240,000. However, recently leaked numbers from Mercedes reveal a much lower starting price for the U.S. at around $183,000.

The 2011 SLS AMG represents the very best that AMG has yet produced. In fact, this is the first “clean sheet” AMG car in the 40 years of AMG's existence, meaning it was not based on any current platform.Volker Mornhinweg, the chairman of Mercedes-AMG, explained with passion at the press launch: “Our aim with this interpretation is to create the classic car of the future and put the most beautiful sports car of the 21st century on the road. Another of our goals is to create a new design icon that will help shape the incomparable story of our brand. At the same time, the new SLS is a harbinger of the design philosophy of future Mercedes-Benz sports cars.”

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2010-02-03T15:35:00Z

2010 Mercedes-Benz G550

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is no curvy crossover in the latest idiom. Based on a design built for the Shah of Iran's military, the G-Class has evolved only slightly in the two decades or more since it was first engineered. It's one of the most capable sport-utes on the planet-and one of the most expensive. With a base price of more than $100,000, the G- Class is a cult object and a celebrity magnet, with its only real competition being the Land Rover Range Rover or, possibly, the Lexus LX 470 and HUMMER H2.

Walkaround
The 2010 G-Class certainly stands out from the crowd. Its design is based on military vehicles, and as such it can seem very basic. The sides are flat, the windshield is very nearly vertical, and the overall shape is strikingly boxy in an age where even pickup trucks have gone aero. The interior's more of the same, with rugged shapes, flat door panels, and lots of tall glass areas-but it is decked out in leather and chrome in abundance, to justify the G-Class' extreme price tag. For 2010, buyers will see light cosmetic touches like new side trim and chrome accents, with a leather-padded dash inside. Two G-Class models are defined by their powertrains. The 2010 G550 sports Mercedes' widely used, smoothly stalwart 382-horsepower V-8 engine coupled to a seven-speed automatic. The 5.5-liter, 500-hp G55 AMG adds an intercooled supercharger and upgrades to a beefier five-speed automatic to push the barn-door body through the atmosphere. The G550 accelerates to 60 mph in about 8 seconds; the G55 AMG pounces more brutishly to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, while gulping gas to the tune of 11/13 mpg. The smaller V-8 manages 12/15 mpg.

Summary
There are many luxury conveniences fitted to the G-Class. Both G-Class models sport Bluetooth connectivity, a sunroof, a navigation system with 40GB of hard drive space for maps and music, a six-DVD audio system, satellite and HD radio, real-time traffic, an iPod interface, a wood- and-leather heated steering wheel, and heated and cooled leather seats in front, with heated second-row seats standard as well.

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2009-09-17T21:30:00Z

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2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350

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2010 Mercedes GLK Review
One of the few hot vehicles in a cold market is the premium compact crossover SUV. Known as crossovers because their SUV-look bodystyles sit atop passenger-car chassis, the segment is bursting with cool vehicles, led by the BMW X3, Land Rover LR2, Acura RDX, Infiniti EX and, soon, the Volvo XC60, Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK. These vehicles make more sense for most families than full-size SUVs. They boast just about every luxury, performance and safety component once offered only on the car side of the dealership, and several of them also have the scrappy toughness to brush aside most off-pavement challenges. Mercedes joins the fray in January with the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350, which hits showrooms with a base price somewhere north of $35,000. Tick all the options boxes and a fully equipped Mercedes GLK will run into the mid-$40,000 range. However, price is less important in the premium game than fulfilling the grand promise, and the GLK delivers the Mercedes message in a way the original Mercedes M-Class did not, combining luxury and performance in an enticingly practical package. The GLK350 enriches Mercedes-Benz's portfolio at a critical entry point into the premium segment, and it also gives car buyers even more reason to visit the crossover SUV section at the dealership.

The Engine
At launch, there will be nothing new under the hood of the Mercedes GLK, but that's good news because the familiar 3.5-liter V-6 is a peach. And it answers the performance question asked by diehard V-8 fans with enough torque to propel the GLK350 from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 143 mph. The claimed 17 city/23 highway mpg is no better than average, but there are few engines out there that combine strength, smoothness and fuel efficiency so seamlessly. Power is sent to all four 19-inch wheels through an equally polished seven-speed automatic transmission. Crisp and efficient, the gearbox is a reminder that Mercedes-Benz has been doing this sort of thing for a long time. Comfort and sport shift modes alter both the shift strategies and accelerator angle depending on whether you're in a red or blue mood. We can't leave this section behind without mentioning our drive of the GLK320 CDI diesel during the launch of the Mercedes GLK350. Imagine 295 lb.-ft. of torque at just 1,400 rpm and over 40 mpg, and you'll understand why we'd like to see it come to America right away. A Mercedes spokesperson said the company was studying it, but we'd guess there will be a BlueTec diesel GLK on the lots within a year of the gasoline model's debut.

Summary
Though it's built on a platform shared by new Mercedes C-Class sedan, the GLK's outward demeanor is all SUV. With styling cues borrowed from the company's full-size GL sport-ute and from the iconic Gelandewagen off-road giant, the effect is striking, though it's hard to agree with the Mercedes executive who called the GLK "sexy." To us, the GLK looks more like a hard-drivin' semi punching holes through the air with brute force. Powerful, yes. Sexy, no. Despite its daunting looks and sophisticated technologies, the 2010 Mercedes GLK is as friendly to drive as any passenger car and so should be a hit with both sexes.

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2009 Mercedes Benz CL63 New $25K Rebate All Colors Options Worldwide Delivery 1-800-851-9000

2009-07-17T14:53:00Z

2009 Mercedes Benz CL63
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2009 Mercedes CL63
The high-and-mighty car market is small, and Mercedes intends to exploit every possible scrap, a strategy reinforced by the introduction of the AMG editions of the company's range-topping CL-class coupe and S-class sedan. Like other offerings from the Mercedes in-house tuning shop, the CL63 and S63 add an extra measure of sporty character to a pair of cars that already rank among the best in the business. Unlike other AMG specials, though, the key difference isn't a matter of extra muscle. There's certainly plenty of that518 horsepower, 465 pound-feet of torque, thanks to a new 6.2-liter V-8, an engine designed, developed, and produced in-house by AMG.

But the 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-12 of the CL600 and S600 almost matches the horsepower of the V-8, trumps its torque with a prodigious 612 pound-feet, and likely beats the straight-ahead hustle of the CL63 and S63 by a small margin, even though Mercedes estimates a 0-to-60-mph time of 4.5 seconds for all of them. That's pretty quick for cars weighing well over two tons.

But what sets these AMG editions apart is a level of athleticism and nifty footwork that's absent in their more mainstream counterparts. This shows up in a near-total absence of body roll in hard cornering, and quicker responses in a series of linked turnsmountain switchbacks, for example. AMG achieved this partly by employing harder suspension bushings, a time-honored tuning trick, but mostly by retuning the computer-controlled profile of the ABC active suspension system, which is pure 21st century. Sticky Yokohama tires lend extra grip and high-speed stability, oversize brakes exploit the added adhesion, and AMG-specific bucket seats lend a much higher level of lateral support. But the most instantly tangible element in the AMG editions is steering that clearly communicates with the driver, a striking contrast with the lifeless helms of the other CL- and S-class offerings. With most Mercedes-Benz models, the AMG massage makes the subject vehicle the most expensive member of a particular model line. And that's still true for the 604-hp CL65 and S65 AMG versions which cost almost $200,000.

Summary
But these second AMG offerings in the CL- and S-class replace the old supercharged CL55 and S55 and maintain their relative price positioning below the CL600 and S600. Those prices are expected to start at about $130,000 for the CL63 and $126,000 for the S63 when they go on sale in June. Does that sound like a lot of money? Maybe. But it's less than the CL600 and S600. Bargains sometimes come in very fancy packages.

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2009-06-05T19:13:00Z

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2009-05-10T13:53:00Z

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FleetRates.com the Ultimate Online Asset for Accurate Low Mercedes Benz Pricing.
FleetRates.com offers low member prices when you buy or lease your new 2009 Mercedes Benz. Our factory authorized certified Mercedes Benz dealer network honors our low member Mercedes-Benz prices and lease payments we set online. We help thousands of consumers get quick and easy low Mercedes Benz prices and lease terms on the exact new Mercedes they are looking to buy or lease. We have FleetRates.com certified fleet managers at some of the highest volume Mercedes Benz dealerships nationwide, allowing us to save our customers thousands of dollars. Our staff constantly researches the market place for the most up-to-date and competitive pricing available. We offer all Mercedes Benz models including C-Class, C230 Sport, C280, C300, C300 Sport, C300 Luxury, C350, C350 Sport, E -Class, E350, E-350 4-matic, E320 Bluetech, E550, E55 AMG, E63 AMG, SL-Class, SL550, SL55 AMG, SL63, SL65 AMG, SL600, S-Class, S550, S550 4Matic, S600, S63, S65 AMG. CLK-Class, CLK350, CLK550, CLK63 AMG, SLK-Class, SLK280, SLK350, SLK55 AMG, SLR McLaren Supercar, all new CL-Class, CL550, CL600, CL63, CL65, CLS-Class, CLS550, CLS63 AMG, Mercedes Benz Certified Preowned, all SUV's including the R-Class, R350, R500, R63 AMG, ML-Class, ML350, ML500, ML550, ML320 Bluetech, ML63 AMG, GL-Class, GL450, GL320 G550 and nationwide delivery.

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New 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK300 SLK350 Low Prices Lease Payments FleetRates.com 1-888-861-8080

2008-05-30T17:58:00Z

2009 Mercedes SLK300
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Since 1996, Mercedes-Benz has sold over a half million SLKs, making it best-selling luxury roadster in the world, bar none. To keep the competition at bay, Mercedes has tweaked all three grades of its retractable-hardtop hottie. But first, let's look at the lineup: For 2009, all models get new shoes and a nose job -- trimmed back a bit, with the wings fleshed out for a more Formula 1 look. Larger mesh in the grille and redesigned foglamps round out the front-end revisions. The back has been cleaned up, too; taillamps are now tinted, exhaust tips are squared off, and the accent lines have been rubbed out. The lower valence has been styled to look like a diffuser. Interior changes are even harder to spot: Redesigners freshened up the instrument cluster and head unit, which has also been updated with Mercedes's next-generation NTG 2.5 electronics system. There's also a new three-spoke steering wheel, which now controls Benz's new Direct Steer system, but we'll get to that in a moment.For individual models, there are few additional changes. The 2009 SLK280 nameplate goes away, replaced by SLK300, even though Mercedes made no change to the 3.0-liter, 228-horsepower V-6. At least its naming convention for its mildest roadster is now consistent. Pricing hasn't been released, but Mercedes informs us it'll stay near 2007 levels.At the extra-spicy-crispy end of the spectrum, the SLK55 AMG remains essentially unchanged, aside from the aforementioned tweaks. Affalterbach's hot-rodster still packs 5.4 liters of V-8 heat, detuned to 355 horsepower and paired with the same paddle-shiftable seven-speed automatic transmission. Additional AMG treatments include sexier aero parts, 18-inch alloys, beefier 325mm brake discs, a sportier flat-bottom steering wheel, and a 200-mph speedometer.The middle-child SLK350 gains the biggest improvements in the form of a significantly modified 3.5-liter engine. Changes include lighter pistons, stronger valves, and conical valve springs, as well as a redesigned intake manifold and higher compression ratio (11.7:1 versus 10.7:1). Camshaft position has also been advanced five degrees on both the intake and exhaust sides. All told, these changes have resulted in gains of 32 horsepower and 7 lb-ft, torque, to 300 and 265 respectively.So with all these changes, is it possible to feel the difference from the driver's seat?No, not really.Don't get me wrong, both the $50,000ish SLK350 and $65,000esque SLK55 AMG are fine-driving vehicles. It's just that, with the top down, who can discern a 32-horsepower improvement? Everything feels fast and sounds good -- particularly when the V-6 sings lustily near its 7200-rpm redline and barks a bit on the seven-speed transmission's throttle-blipped downshifts.Ditto for the 55, though its tone is less tenor and more bellicose baritone; jump off the gas and hear that back-pressure burble. It's positively fearsome when you're top-down and wide open in tunnels and canyons.What you can feel is a decided improvement in the steering feel. Mercedes implemented its new Direct Steer system on the SLK and it's a throwback -- a mechanical solution in the age of complicated electronics and algorithms. The problem Direct Steer attempts to address is the balance between freeway-cruising comfort and canyon-carving sharpness. The heart of this variable ratio system is a steering rack with specially shaped and spaced teeth. A standard pinion gear rides on top, but as it turns the steering ratio can change dramatically and instantly because it's all done mechanically (with hydraulic power assist, of course).Mercedes claims the number of turns from lock to lock has been reduced by 25 percent, and on the road, the SLKs felt noticeably sharper, without that dead spot on-center. More important is that the system is natural and progressive, free of that disconnected, artificial feel many of the steer-by-wire systems have. It's not perfect, but it is a definite improvement.Not a bad a way to sum up the 2009 SLK line.

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2008-05-27T14:22:00Z

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The Mercedes SL debuted in 1957 and has been an object of lust ever since. A two-seat, rear-wheel-drive roadster, the SL is the classic sporting Mercedes. Like the original, today's SL boasts outstanding performance. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has matured in every way over its six generations, quicker and faster on the one hand, more beautiful and more luxurious on the other, to the point where it lacks absolutely nothing, from its array of powerful V8 and V12 engines to its powerful stereo to its active suspension system to those all-day bucket seats. It is a marvel of automotive technology, featuring a folding steel convertible top. For 2009, the SL models feature a whole new look, though underneath they retain the same basic platform. Also new is the 2009 Mercedes SL63 AMG, sporting a powerful normally aspirated V8 engine. Speaking of which, each of the four models that comprise the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is designed around a different engine. Each has its own character. Each has its own charms, but all are fast. There's no such thing as a slow SL, not in the current lineup. The SL550 is plenty, trust us. Its 5.5-liter V8 engine emits an uncharacteristically barbaric growl for a Mercedes. Boasting 382 horsepower, it's ready and willing to accelerate at all rev ranges, and it comes with the latest in transmissions, a seven-speed automatic with a manual shiftgate. Overall, the SL550 is a sporty roadster with quick steering and nimble moves. Compared with the other models, the Mercedes SL550 seems like the deal of the century for $95,900 MSRP. The SL600 has a more immediate power than the SL550, yet the engine is considerably quieter. Our advice: Don't drive a Mercedes SL600 unless $136,100 is burning a hole in your pocket because you might fall in love with it. Fast and comfortable, there's lots to love here. Its butter smooth twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 is time-tested and produces 517 horsepower. More noticeable and oh so wonderful is its gobs of torque, a bottomless well of power available when cruising along: specifically, 612 pound-feet of torque from 1900 to 3500 rpm. The V12 comes with a five-speed automatic that can also be shifted manually. With its heavier V12 engine, the SL600 is less nimble and more of a tourer than a pure sports car. But as a touring car, say driving from L.A. to Vegas, the SL600 is pure joy. Since the beginning, the SL's laurels have been raised by performance models, and two AMG versions are available in the current lineup. The 2009 Mercedes SL63 AMG uses a normally aspirated 518-hp 6.2-liter V8 mated to a new seven-speed automated manual transmission called the AMG Speedshift MCT 7. The SL63 AMG is a meaner version of the SL550. It's the sportiest SL and, arguably, the sportiest car Mercedes-AMG has ever built. The SL 63 AMG is brutally quick and fast when the throttle pedal is pushed into the carpet, yet it is still quiet enough, and docile enough to use as a commuter car in heavy traffic every day. Stand on the gas and it's even louder than the SL550. The SL65 AMG has a twin-turbocharged V12 that puts out 604 horsepower. It is a torquey beast that delivers a rush of power bested only by exotics and pro drag cars. It's a lot of car, perhaps too much for an unskilled driver as its immense power can make it hard to handle. Like the SL600, the SL65's V12 is quieter than the V8s. And like the SL600, the SL65 is heavy (it is the heaviest SL), so it isn't as tossable as the V8 models. Tossable often equates to fun. Not surprisingly, no SL gets good fuel mileage. The SL550 is EPA rated at 14 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, and it gets worse as you move up the model line. As a result, every SL is saddled with a Gas Guzzler Tax by the federal government. Inside, the SL is a model of fine German luxury. Leather upholstery is standard, and the seats have plenty of adjustments to make just about anyone comfortable. The view from the driver's seat is largely unobstructed, even with the top up. Navigation system, a high-quality, it's all here. Cargo space is about average for this class, meaning it's minimal. These cars are about hauling something other than luggage.

Model Lineup
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class comes in four models: The SL550 ($95,900) has a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability via the gearshift or available steering wheel paddles. Standard equipment includes leather upholstery; heated 12-way power-adjustable seats with lumbar adjustment; dual-zone automatic climate control; interior air filter; navigation system; Tele Aid assistance system; power tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; cruise control; memory for the driver's seat; exterior mirrors, and steering wheel; heated power mirrors with driver's side auto-dimming and passenger side tilt-down back-up aid; power windows and power door locks; remote keyless entry; Harman/Kardon AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer; auxiliary audio input jack; Sirius satellite radio with six-month subscription; Bluetooth wireless cell phone link; trip computer; auto-dimming rearview mirror; universal garage door opener; heated rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers; automatic headlights; power-retractable hardtop; wind deflector; theft-deterrent system; adaptive bi-xenon headlights; front and rear fog lights; Active Body Control adjustable suspension with level control; and P255/40ZR18 front and P285/35ZR18 rear tires on alloy wheels. Note the SL550 is saddled with a $1300 Gas Guzzler Tax. The SL63 AMG ($132,000) comes with a 518-hp 6.2-liter V8 mated to a new seven-speed automated manual transmission called the AMG Speedshift MCT 7. The SL63 adds to the SL550 uprated brakes, massaging multicontour seats, carbon-fiber interior trim, alcantara headliner, Bose AM/FM/CD player, 6CD changer, sports suspension, 255/35R19 front tires, 285/30R19 rear tires. The SL600 ($136,100) comes with a 517-hp 6.0-liter V12 and a five-speed automatic with manual shift capability. The SL600 also gets upgraded leather upholstery; massaging multicontour seats; wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel; alcantara headliner; keyless access and starting; front and rear park assist; panoramic roof; and a power trunk closer. The SL600, SL63 AMG and SL65 AMG have a $2600 Gas Guzzler Tax. The SL65 AMG ($190,700) adds to the SL600 uprated brakes; leather-wrapped steering wheel; ventilated seats; carbon-fiber interior trim in place of wood trim; sports suspension; and P255/35ZR19 front and P285/30ZR19 rear tires. Options include a Premium package for the SL550 ($3750) and SL63 AMG ($3050) that includes ventilated/multicontour seats, keyless entry and starting, Airscarf heating, power trunk closer. A Wheel package for SL500 and SL600 ($1950) adds ventilated rear brake discs, sport steering-wheel with shift paddles, unique exterior trim, 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires. An AMG Performance package for SL63 AMG ($14,220) includes a limited-slip rear differential; 15.4-inch diameter two-piece compound ceramic brakes; performance tires; unique alloy wheels; and 186 top-speed limiter. The SL550's Trim package ($1510) adds a wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and upgraded leather upholstery. Front and rear park assist is optional ($1140) for SL550 and SL63 AMG. Illuminated door sills are available for SL500 ($700), Adaptive Cruise Control is optional for all ($2230), and the Panorama glass roof is optional for SL500 and SL63 AMG ($1950). Special paint options are available. Safety features include dual front airbags, side-impact airbags, driver knee airbag, pop-up roll bar, tire-pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, traction control, and electronic stability control. Front and rear park assist are standard on SL600 and SL65 AMG and optional for SL550 and SL63 AMG.

Walkaround
The Mercedes SL-Class is restyled for 2009, with a more aggressive V-shaped nose, new multi-element bi-xenon headlamps, new fender shapes, new fender gills and hood power domes, and larger side mirrors. The only parts carried over from 2008 are the door skins. The new grille is deeper, wider and taller, with sharper corners than previous grilles, with a big air intake underneath. The front fenders are longer. The new rear end features a diffuser-style rear bumper, new trapezoidal exhaust outlets, and new taillamps. The platform, or basic structure, stays the same, however. The 2009 SL has the same aerodynamic performance and the same weight distribution front-to-rear as the outgoing car, namely a 0.29 drag coefficient and a 51/49 percent balance. The restyled hood has a two raised ribs, each about a foot off center. Like the previous model, the hood on the 2009 model has twin air intakes at the back, just in front of each passenger, and these are decorated with three fins apiece. The hood leads into redesigned headlights that take on a cat's eye look and move away from the rounded, dual headlight theme Mercedes has used for years. The available Intelligent Lighting System automatically aims the lights into corners as the driver turns the steering wheel. The center grille opening on the 2009 models is slightly larger than on the 2008 models, with one chrome bar instead of three surrounding a large central Mercedes logo. Fog lights flank the reworked lower fascia, which features a shape that mirrors the grille opening. Along the sides, the breathing ducts behind the front wheels change from two horizontal to three vertical gills on the 2009 SL550 and SL600, bisected by a chrome horizontal accent piece. The gill design now extends into the front of each door. The line that starts at the bottom of each gill extends into a rising character line that wraps around the car and gives the SL a forward-leaning rake. The SL600 has a V12 logo beneath the gill on each side. At the bottom, the rocker panel design is reworked as well. The rear design is very similar to that of the previous model. The only notable change is a restyled rear fascia with a ribbed, diffuser-style lower portion. The SL63 and SL65 come with a unique hood, front fascia with larger cooling intakes, and a black grille. The hood has a noticeable power bulge in the center that replaces the two raised ribs. The bi-xenon headlights have black surrounds and the fog lights have round instead of elliptical shape. On the sides, the AMG models have additional intake ducts just in front of the wheels and the side gills are replaced by E-shaped inserts in matte silver; the SL63 has lettering that says 6.3 AMG, and the SL65 has V12 BITURBO lettering. At the rear, AMG models have a lip spoiler, deeper side sills and a rear fascia that houses a pronounced black rear air diffuser and two pairs of chrome tailpipes. All SL roadsters have a power retractable hardtop that opens or closes in 16 seconds. Unlike some convertible tops, the SL's does not open or close if the car is in motion, even at low speeds. The available panorama glass top gives an open-air feeling even with the top up. The SL is a beautiful car with the top down and the sleek roof makes it look even better with the top up.

Interior Features
Inside, the SL is a picture of German luxury. Leather upholstery is standard and even the padded dash is covered in hand-stitched leather. The speedometer and tachometer have the appearance of fine watch faces, with black centers and numbers, white rims and red needles. They are shrouded and are always easy to see. The trip computer can be set so temperature, trip odometer, selected gear, and numerous other readouts can appear in those black centers. Water temperature and fuel gauges flank the two main gauges. The COMAND operating system has a new look for 2009 and additional functions. It comes with a 6.5-inch color screen and an SD card slot, and it incorporates the radio, six-CD changer, and telephone controls. The radio preset buttons are arranged in a phone-like pattern on the right side of the screen. While the COMAND system has a lot of buttons, it is pretty easy to use after some acclimation. Comand now includes a universal media interface in the center console that accepts not only iPod but also USB sticks and most other popular portable music players, and can display the music information on the screen and speedometer face. Optional is COMAND APS, which adds a 40-gigabyte hard drive that holds navigation map information and music files. Mercedes says that only four gigabytes are devoted to music, which is enough for about 1000 songs. COMAND APS also has voice activation and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround. The Harman/Kardon surround-sound system uses 10 speakers and packs 510 watts of sound power. Mercedes trumpets the quality of this sound system. We found it to be good, but we've heard better in cars costing much less; great sound is hard to achieve in small, two-seat sports cars. The SL has seating for two, but both occupants are sure to be comfortable thanks to 12-way standard adjustments. The view from the driver's seat is unobstructed with the top down and is good even with the top up, unlike with many convertibles. Getting in the SL requires a step down and getting out requires some torso strength to pull yourself up. You won't want to drive your grandmother around in the SL. Airscarf is an optional neck-level heating system designed to expand the times you can drive with the top down. The system incorporates heating vents into the headrests. We could only feel a little warm air on our necks, and we didn't find Airscarf to be effective enough to allow driving with the top down in, say, 55-degree weather. Like the last model, the 2009 SL has a pop-up roll bar and a wind blocker behind the seats. The wind blocker works well, redirecting air around the passengers and allowing for a quieter cockpit. The roll bar is covered in leather and the driver can opt to put it up whenever he/she wants. Cargo room and small items storage is in short supply, though we know that's part of the deal with a sports car. Both the center console and the glove box are small. There are no convenient trays in which to drop a cell phone or the like. There are two cupholders and they are both over-engineered units that pop out beneath the COMAND screen. Unfortunately, the cupholders only accept soda can-sized containers, and when used your beverage blocks the COMAND controls. The trunk offers 10.2 cubic feet of cargo room with the top up, but that shrinks to 7.2 cubic feet with the top down. That said, there is enough room for two small suitcases even with the top down. So pack light for that weekend in Vegas and you can drop the top for an evening drive through the desert.

Driving Impressions
Each of the four models comprising the Mercedes SL-Class has its own personality. The SL550 weighs less than its siblings and is nimble and tossable, though it's more of a touring car than a pure sports car. Its 5.5-liter V8 puts out 382 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 391 pound-feet of torque from 2800 to 4000 rpm. The V8 emits a barbaric growl that is uncharacteristic for a Mercedes. The engine provides willing power at all rev ranges, and motivates the SL550 from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The transmission is a seven-speed automatic with a manual shiftgate and available steering wheel shift paddles. It has Comfort, Manual and Sport settings. The Comfort setting shifts up quickly to save fuel, which means immediate power won't always be on tap. The Sport setting holds gears longer to keep power ready, and upshifts and downshifts can sometimes feel abrupt. The Manual mode gives the driver the option of picking the gears. Gears can also be selected manually in the other modes. The SL600 is more refined than the SL550 but not as sporty. It has a lot more immediate grunt, but is much more subtle in announcing its presence. The SL600's V12 engine puts out 510 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 612 pound-feet of torque from 1900 to 3500 rpm (221 more than the SL550). It has a five-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoother than the SL550's seven-speed. The SL600 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, a benefit of its torque. The heavier engine, however, makes it less nimble than the SL550, making the SL600 even more of a tourer versus the sporty nature of the SL550. It'll easily best the SL550 in a straight line, but will lose ground in the turns. The new SL63 AMG offers the best combination of power and handling. It is a meaner version of the SL550 in terms of power and is even better when it comes to handling. It cranks out 518 horsepower at 6800 rpm and 465 pound-feet of torque at 5200 rpm. The SL63's 6.2-liter V8 barks like the biggest dog on the block at startup, under acceleration and during downshifts, and emits a constant background rumble while cruising. A freer revving engine, the 6.2 hits its redline at 7200 rpm, which is pretty high for a large V8. It comes with a new seven-speed automated manual transmission that Mercedes calls the Sportshift MCT 7. MCT stands for Multi Clutch Technology, and the multiple clutches allow this transmission to shift gears with no interruption in power delivery. The new AMG transmission has four driving modes, Comfort, Sport, Sport-Plus and Manual. Sport shifts 20 percent faster than Comfort, Sport Plus shifts 20 percent faster than Sport, and Manual shifts another 10 percent faster than Sport Plus, or 50 percent faster than Comfort. In Manual, shifts take only 100 milliseconds. The MCT also features multiple downshifts, from seventh to fourth or fifth to second, for example, with double-clutching, throttle blipping and perfect rev-matching in between; the Sport Plus program works like a skilled driver might to keep the engine in the power band for hard driving. It downshifts readily when you get off the gas, such as in a long sweeping turns, so maximum torque is on tap when you're ready for the power again. Mercedes quotes a 4.4-second 0-60 time for the SL63, and we believe it. The SL65 AMG has a twin-turbocharged V12 that makes an astounding 604 horsepower from 4800-5100 rpm and a stump-pulling 738 pound-feet of torque from 2000-4000 rpm. Like the SL600, it is more subtle about its performance capabilities, issuing a subdued turbine-like hum. The SL65's 0-60 mph time is 4.2 seconds, and it feels even quicker. With just a 0.2-second difference in 0-60 times, you might think there wouldn't be much difference between the SL63 and the SL65. You'd be wrong. While the SL63 is a grunty, torquey beast, the SL65 delivers a rush of power that throws you back into your seat and feels like a jet taking off. It also has an unfortunate tendency to stand up and go, making the front end feel light and lessening the driver's sense of control. The feeling is similar to the clumsy feeling you get with torque steer in a front-drive car, only the SL is rear-drive. The SL65 is not the right choice if you're looking for pure sportiness, as the heavy engine makes it more nose heavy and less willing to cut through corners. However, for a pure rush of power and adrenaline, the SL65 is one of the fastest cars on the market today. The price for all this power is poor fuel economy. Like the prices of these cars, if you have to ask, then you probably don't want to know, but we'll tell you anyway. The SL550 is EPA rated at 14 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, and the SL600 and SL65 burn premium gas at the rate of 11 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. The numbers weren't in for the SL63 at press time, but we're betting they won't be good. Steering, handling and ride quality, on the other hand, are quite good. Every SL offers a pleasant ride that is surprising given how sporty these cars are. Even the AMG models, with their 19-inch wheels and stiffer suspension settings, are comfortable. Every SL also gets Mercedes' Active Body Control (ABC) suspension that has four-wheel level control, driver-selectable ride height settings, and automatic lowering at speed. ABC uses hydraulic, electronic and mechanical components to reduce body roll by a claimed 68 percent. Punch the button for ABC Sport mode and Mercedes says it reduces roll by 95 percent and tightens shock damping. In either mode, the SL exhibits little body roll. Raising the car will help you prevent it from scraping over curbs and when entering raised parking lots. The automatic lowering feature helps give the SL stability at speed. The new Direct-Steer system works mechanically, providing variable assist based on steering wheel position. Direct Steer does in a purely mechanical way what BMW, Cadillac and others are trying to do with complex computers, algorithms, and pumps. The ratio is 15:1 in a straight line, such as on the highway. The ratio gets quicker as the wheel is turned, providing noticeably faster response when the steering wheel is turned 90 degrees and beyond. The yaw gain goes up quickly between 0 and 42 mph, then drops off markedly all the way to maximum velocity, so that the car remains stable at high speeds, but is quick to maneuver at parking speeds and in accident-avoidance maneuvers. In the real world that means smaller steering inputs are needed in tight turns, which makes the SL more stable and more nimble in the twisties. We drove several SL models with it and found it worthwhile, but it won't be available until later in the model year or for the 2010 models. The brakes are adequate for everyday driving, but the SL550 and SL600 don't have the brakes to handle track time or long jaunts on mountain roads. We found the brakes began to smell after an hour or two on California's mountain switchbacks. Those who want a track worthy car will want an AMG model. The brakes on the SL 63 AMG are monstrous in size and thickness and we found them fantastic in terms of power, response, and freedom from overheating and fade. The car's substantial 4200-pound weight holds no problems for these brakes, no matter what the conditions.

Summary
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class models are a joy to drive. With the deployable steel convertible top, you get a completely weatherproof coupe for cold or wet days, and a wide-open convertible for sunny or play days. Going up through the model line, each is faster than the last. Tires, suspension, and brake and steering options are improved on the 2009 models. The SL550 is relatively agile and delightful to drive. The SL600 is more luxurious and gives its driver a wonderful feeling of power. The SL 63 AMG is brutally quick and fast when the throttle pedal is pushed into the carpet, yet it is still quiet enough, and docile enough to use as a commuter car in heavy traffic every day. The SL 65 is the ultimate ultra-performance touring car with more power than anyone needs. Then again, the SL has never been about need. We love these cars.

Mercedes-Benz Diesel SUVs To Be Available in All 50 U.S. States

2008-03-14T19:37:00Z

STUTTGART, Germany — Mercedes-Benz on Thursday announced that it is "continuing its diesel initiative in the U.S." with the debut of the 2009 GL320 Bluetec, ML320 Bluetec and R320 Bluetec. The trio will go on sale in the fall in all 50 states.

The news means that everyone in the U.S. will soon have access to a Mercedes-Benz SUV equipped with a diesel engine.

"These vehicles now have a urea injection [called AdBlue] which makes them 50-state [compliant]," Rob Moran, Mercedes-Benz USA spokesman, told Inside Line. "Bluetec enables a diesel to be as clean as a gas engine, in simple terms. For 2009, those SUVs become available in 50 states and become Bluetec, not CDI models. CDI is the 2008 model that is only available to be registered in 42 states."

Moran said the Bluetec versions will "get about the same fuel economy as the CDI versions.... The engine is the same, but there are exhaust system and software changes," he noted. "They have a reservoir of fluid in the trunk which is injected into the exhaust and causes a chemical reaction, making it clean. That fluid is now certified by the EPA. That is the big news here."

The three Bluetec diesel SUVs are powered by a 3.0-liter V6 that delivers 211 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. The engine is linked to a 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes-Benz said the GL320 Bluetec returns 17 mpg in city driving and 23 mpg on the highway. The ML320 Bluetec and R320 Bluetec return 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Moran said pricing on the Mercedes-Benz Bluetec SUVs will be announced in September.

What this means to you: More people in the U.S. will now be able to get their hands on a Mercedes-Benz diesel SUV.

New 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL550 $3000 Dealer Cash Incentive Low Prices Low Lease Payments 1-888-861-8080

2008-03-11T19:41:00Z

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In France, the term "haute couture" is protected by law. The phrase is reserved for those fashion designers whose custom-made designs set trends around the world and grace runways from Paris to Milan. But who could resist applying that term to the trend-setting 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class? From the fashion and design house of Mercedes-Benz, this haute couture large luxury coupe arrives in three variants: the anything-but-base CL550, the V12-powered CL600 and the racy CL63 AMG. The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class has been fully redesigned this year and is based on a modified S-Class sedan platform. The CL's exterior styling remains true to the coupe's legendary predecessors by retaining important design cues such as the reverse-taper roof pillars that harken back to the 220 SE coupe of the 1950s. Immediately apparent on the new CL550 is its increased size: 3 inches longer, a half-inch wider and 3/4-inch taller. From the front, the CL exhibits a wider grille opening, three horizontal slats instead of the previous four and a long, taut hood surface with flush, clear-lens headlights. From the side, the CL's shoulder line emerges from its muscular front fenders. As with the previous-generation car, the new CL panoramic side-window openings span the entire side of the car, giving the hardtop coupe an open-air look and feel. These expansive windows invite the eye inside, where the CL's generous use of wood trim contrasts nicely with the metallicized switches and aluminum trim. The CL's interior is one of the finest in the industry, with exceptional materials and the best fit and finish of its class. Overall, the new generation CL550, CL600 and CL63 AMG sets the international standard for large luxury coupes with its superb blend of opulence and technology. Although the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is once again too heavy to be much of an athlete, we expect that just about everyone who takes a test drive will be smitten by its quiet, luxurious confines. But on the odd chance that the CL isn't for you, less expensive alternatives like the BMW 6 Series, Jaguar XK and Porsche 911 or (more expensive) exotics like the Aston Martin DB9, Bentley Continental GT and Ferrari 612 Scaglietti might be worth a look.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options
The four-passenger 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL550 large luxury coupe comes extremely well-equipped. Standard equipment includes the Mercedes-Benz COMAND interface, a hard-drive-based navigation system, a six-disc in-dash CD/DVD changer and standard Sirius Satellite Radio. There's also Bluetooth connectivity, 14-way power heated front seats and a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system. Option packages on the CL550 include the appearance-altering AMG Sport Package and the Premium I and II packages. The Premium I Package includes the convenient Keyless Go system, and heated and ventilated front seats to keep backsides warm in the winter and cool in the summer. In addition to everything on the Premium I Package, the Premium II Package features a nighttime vision assist system and upgraded multicontour front seats. Finally, Distronic Plus, a radar-based adaptive cruise control system, automatically accelerates and brakes (up to 40 percent of the CL550's braking capacity) based on vehicle traffic, making routine driving much more relaxing and stop-and-go commuting less stressful. To offset its big price tag, the V12-powered CL600 includes all the aforementioned options as standard equipment. The CL63 AMG is equipped more like the CL550 but focuses on performance with unique exterior enhancements, a sport-tuned suspension, high-performance brakes and AMG multicontour leather sport seats finished in special cross piping.

Powertrains and Performance
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL550 is powered by a 5.5-liter V8 delivering 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. It drives the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission. The CL600 comes with a surprisingly quiet twin-turbo V12 engine that generates 510 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque. The V12 engine provides effortless thrust with turbine-like smoothness, developing peak torque at just 1,800 rpm. Mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, the V12 launches the CL600 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, according to Mercedes-Benz. The high-octane CL63 AMG delivers a more visceral experience with its AMG-developed 6.3-liter normally aspirated V8 that produces 518 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a sport-tuned version of the CL550's seven-speed automatic transmission and boasts 0-60-mph acceleration equal to the CL600.

Safety
In addition to the expected level of passive safety devices including front, seat-mounted, curtain and driver's knee airbags, the CL ushers in a new era of safety technology with the debut of PreSafe "Brake." Like the previous version, the PreSafe system utilizes the adaptive cruise control's range-finding ability to monitor the car's positioning. If an accident is imminent, PreSafe automatically preps the car for impact. PreSafe Brake goes a step beyond by applying up to 40 percent of the vehicle's braking capacity automatically to reduce the likelihood of an accident in the first place. In addition, on the CL600, adaptive brake lights flash rapidly during emergency braking to help prevent rear collisions. Antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control, stability control and adaptive headlights round out the list of active safety features.

Interior Design and Special Features
Decadent, luxurious and lavish easily describe the CL's memorable interior. The cabin design is carried over directly from the S-Class sedan, with the kind of clean, elegant furnishings you would expect. There's not a single piece of trim that doesn't look and feel like it belongs in a $100K coupe, and you can upgrade it further with Alcantara trim and custom colors. Like the S-Class, the CL's transmission shifter is now just a small stalk on the steering wheel, making for less clutter and a decent set of cupholders. There's an iDrive-like interface, but the menus are clearer and the controller is easier to use. Although the doors are big, they open easily and with none of the previous model's complex hinges. The standard seats feature plenty of adjustment, and of course there are optional versions with heating, ventilation and massage functions. There's more room in back, too. Adults can sit in the rear without worrying about how they're going to pry themselves out later. Trunk space has also increased slightly for a total of 17.4 cubic feet, more than enough room for a weekend's worth of baggage and golf clubs.

Driving Impressions
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class delivers a serene driving experience with plenty of performance to wake up passengers who might have otherwise been lulled to sleep by the car's super-quiet cabin and comfortable seats. Standard across the lineup is Mercedes-Benz's Active Body Control (ABC), an advanced active suspension system that reduces body roll in corners, squat under acceleration and dive during braking. The open road is one of the few settings where the CL feels light on its feet, as it glides over rough pavement without feeling overly soft. This is the kind of driving this big coupe was made for. However, when you stretch the CL's legs, ABC's ability to keep the vehicle planted becomes a bit of a two-edged sword. Because ABC is capable of reducing body roll by 45 percent, the big coupe barely tilts a degree or two, even when the tires are squealing. Sitting dead flat makes it easier to keep your bearings in tight turns, but without the physical sensation of leaning over, it's hard to tell when you're getting close to the limits. The CL's weight is also obvious in these situations. On long, sweeping turns the grip from the standard 18-inch wheels and tires runs out quickly, and when you transition from one tight corner to the next, even the sophisticated four-link aluminum suspension can't always make it feel graceful. Faring much better are the four-piston front brakes, with their drilled and ventilated rotors providing plenty of bite with little fade.

What's New
Mercedes-Benz's line-topping coupe, the CL-Class, is completely redesigned for 2007. The company will initially offer the 5.5-liter V8-powered CL550 and twin-turbo V12-equipped CL600. They will be followed up by the performance-oriented CL63 AMG during the summer of 2007.

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2008 Mercedes Benz E350 Low Lease Payments Wholesale Lease Money Factors Nationwide Delivery 1-888-861-8080

2008-02-28T21:54:00Z

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The Mercedes-Benz E-Class features more powerful engines for 2008, along with subtle styling changes, new interior elements, and a few tweaks for handling and safety. The E-Class in many ways epitomizes the Mercedes-Benz brand. It's the company's best selling line worldwide and one of the best-selling Mercedes models in the United States. The E-Class describes a full line of big, roomy sedans that are solid, safe, practical, comfortable, luxurious, and fast. Yet the cost of operating the popular E350, in terms of fuel consumption and maintenance, can be quite reasonable. The E-Class features some of the industry's most advanced safety technology, and it expresses what most people think of when they think of Mercedes: status in elegant, understated fashion. Since a frame-up overhaul for model year 2003, the E-Class has expanded steadily and now includes six variants (more if you count the all-wheel drive E350 4Matic sedan and wagon and E550 4Matic sedan as separate models). The E-Class has sedans that seat five, wagons that seat seven, power from a V6, two V8s and a turbocharged V6 diesel, optional weather-busting all-wheel drive and screaming super-performance models from supertuner AMG. For 2008, there are changes in E-Class nomenclature, thanks to new engines. The E500 sedan has become the E550 sedan, the new badge indicating it's powered by the 5.5-liter V8 that first appeared in the 2006 S-Class. The E550's double overhead cam V8 generates 382 horsepower compared to the 302 horsepower from the single overhead cam V8 it replaces, yet with a seven-speed automatic transmission, the E550 achieves the same estimated mileage as its less powerful predecessor. The E550 4Matic sedan retains its five-speed automatic. The E350 benefits from a V6 that was upgraded last year and is offered as a sedan and a wagon. Meanwhile, there is no better example of how far passenger car diesel technology has advanced than the new E320 Bluetec sedan, which replaces the E320 CDI. The impressive common-rail direct-injection turbodiesel engine comes with a more sophisticated exhaust system that makes it the only diesel-powered passenger car available in the U.S. during the 2008 model year. It's not only more powerful than the outgoing E320 CDI with 210 horsepower and a muscular 388 pound-feet of torque, but it also returns the outgoing CDI's excellent EPA-estimated fuel mileage of 27 city/37 highway mpg. Also new for 2008 are the E63 AMG sedan and wagon. It's hard to conceive of a faster, sportier team of luxury cars than the outgoing E55 AMGs, but the completely new 507-hp 6.2-liter V8 that replaces the E55's 469-hp supercharged V8 makes the E63s the fastest E-Class models ever built. And though capable of monstrous acceleration (0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds) and a top speed of 180 mph (were it not for electronics that limit top speed to 155 mph), the AMGs boast the touches of luxury expected at the upper end of the market. The Mercedes E-Class is an icon, a benchmark in its class. The mid-life freshening for 2008 helps the E-Class keep pace with such outstanding luxury sedans as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Acura RL.

Model Lineup
The Mercedes E-Class lineup can seem daunting and complex, yet there is only one primary choice: four-door sedan or wagon. From there, it's a matter of choosing the engine and whether you want 4Matic all-wheel drive. The E350 models come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The E350 sedan ($51,325) comes with a seven-speed automatic while the all-wheel-drive 4Matic ($53,825) has a five-speed automatic. E350s are available in Sport or Luxury trim. The E320 Bluetec ($52,325) is equipped identically to the E350 Luxury version, but features the turbodiesel engine. The E350 4Matic wagon ($56,475) is equipped comparably to the sedan. A power liftgate and cargo organizer are standard, along with a folding third seat that increases passenger capacity to seven. Standard features include fully automatic dual-zone climate control, 10-way power front seats with leather seating surfaces and memory, real burl walnut trim, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a nine-speaker surround-sound stereo, power windows with one-touch express up and down, auto-dimming mirrors and rain-sensing windshield wipers. New standard equipment for 2008 includes a glass sunroof, six-disc CD changer, harman/kardon Logic 7 premium audio and, in the wagon, a power liftgate. Luxury trim comes with 17-inch wheels, comfort suspension, green-tinted glass and burl walnut wood trim. Sport trim includes 18-inch twin-spoke wheels, a sport rear bumper with dual exhaust pipes, lowered sports suspension, blue-tinted glass, black bird's eye maple wood trim, white gauges, and a matte chrome gearshift surround. Options include the Premium 1 package ($2,390) with phone pre-wiring, DVD navigation, Sirius satellite radio, power rear window sunshade and heated front seats. Premium II ($4,290) adds headlamp washers, a bi-xenon active light system, cornering fog lamps, and Keyless Go to that list. Also optional: a panorama sunroof ($1,000), electronic trunk closer ($520), split/folding rear seats ($300), radar-controlled Distronic adaptive cruise control ($3,160); a wood/leather steering wheel ($540); five-spoke chrome 17-inch wheels ($1,200); and Parktronic obstacle warning ($1,110). The E550 ($59,775) and E550 4Matic ($62,275) sedans are powered by the 382-hp V8, and it offers more standard equipment than the E350. Upgrades include a four-zone climate control system and Airmatic variable air suspension. Options include the Premium I package ($2,840), which adds active ventilated seats to the E350's similar package, while Premium II ($4,740) is identical in content to the E350's. The E63 AMG sedan ($85,375) and wagon ($86,175) include the 507-hp V8, a seven-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles, massive 18-inch tires and wheels, performance brakes, a lowered chassis and an aggressively tuned air suspension. They're distinguished by unique body touches and interior trim, deeply sculpted sports seats and AMG markings. Options are similar to those on the other E-Class models. Safety features that come standard on all models include eight airbags: dual front airbags, side-impact airbags for front and rear passengers, and head-protection curtains that run the length of the cabin on both sides. The airbag management system employs multiple impact sensors designed to more precisely control the timing and rate of deployment. The system accounts for the weight of a front-seat passenger and controls seatbelt pretensioners according to the force of impact. Active safety features start with anti-skid stability electronics and the latest evolution of ABS. Safety is further enhanced by the Pre-Safe system, which was engineered to recognize critical situations as they develop and prepare both the passengers and the car for the crisis. If braking deceleration exceeds a certain level or the vehicle threatens to skid, the system tensions the front seatbelts, adjusts the position of the passenger seat for optimum positioning relative to deployment of the airbags, and closes the side windows and sliding sunroof, leaving only a small gap. In the event of a rear collision, the front head restraints move forward nearly two inches and upward by more than an inch, helping to support the head and reduce whiplash injuries.

Walkaround
Before the launch of the gorgeous CLS sedan/coupe, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class was widely considered to be the most successful design among the company's current sedans. For 2008, a slightly increased overall length and wider front and rear tracks does nothing to dispel the car's suave look. The four-headlight theme introduced on the previous-generation E-Class is now the company standard, but it has been refined further in the mid-life freshening of the 2008 car. Up front, the bumper and radiator grille now have a pronounced V-shape, the spoiler is lower, and, for a striking effect, the twin headlamps sport transparent louvers over their top sections. A finishing touch is the white LEDs used for the parking lights. The front end's new look for 2008 is carried to the rear along deeper side skirts to a new rear bumper and taillight configuration. Along with the new, more aerodynamically shaped single-strut rearview mirrors, the changes keep the E-Class looking fresh and youthful, yet elegant. The current E-Class design introduced many innovations not necessarily apparent to the eye. This was the first Mercedes sedan to use aluminum body components extensively, starting with the hood, front fenders, trunk lid, front crossmember and front subframe. Aluminum is lighter and stronger but more expensive than steel. Aluminum amounts to 10 percent of the body's weight. About 37 percent of the total is modern high-strength steel alloys. From the aerodynamic perspective, the E-Class is one of the slipperiest sedans extant. Its 0.27 coefficient of drag, identical to the 2006 model, is a benchmark for sedans and helps minimize wind noise and maximize fuel economy. The E-Class wagon, this year available only in E350 and E63 AMG versions, will never be mistaken for anything but a wagon. Nonetheless, it is impressively sleek, and some critics find the tear-drop taper of the rear roof more aesthetically pleasing than the trunk deck on the sedans. The exterior revisions on the sedan apply to the wagon. The wagon has been fitted with a larger center brake light. The wagon's added cargo-passenger flexibility is welcome. If the E350 wagon is too stodgy for your taste, there's always the new E63 AMG wagon. The E63 AMG sedan and wagon look meaner than the other E-Class cars. With their lower body cladding and 18-inch wheels, the E63s look racy and aggressive. As is often the case, the body add-ons add slightly more drag, if you can call a super slippery 0.28 Cd more drag. The aerodynamic aids are for downforce, to improve grip in fast corners.

Interior Features
We really enjoy the Mercedes E-Class interior. Like its exterior styling, we consider the E-Class cabin to be some of the marque's best design work, with a successful mix of attributes. The E-Class sedan delivers plenty of passenger space, yet it maintains some level of intimacy. It's luxurious, yet functional, and loaded with features without being excessive. The E-Class has all the traditional Mercedes interior cues, starting with its standard dark stained burl walnut trim. The cabin is conservative in some respects, daring in others, and impressively executed throughout. New for 2008 is a more elegant look, distinguished by sweeping curves, soft surfaces and effective use of chrome trim. A handsome four-spoke steering wheel with elliptical thumb-operated buttons is new, along with revised controls for the automatic climate system and additional interior color choices. The dashboard sweeps from each side and blends into the doors and center console. The wood trim is complemented by splashes of chrome. Plastic panels are generally rich in appearance and have a soft-touch finish. All are sprayed with a polyurethane coating that delivers impressively consistent color. The instrument cluster uses black script on white gauges with LED lighting. There's a big speedometer in the middle, with a menu-operated display for diagnostics, feature selection, ambient temperature, date and other information in its center. To the left sits a large analog clock, to the right the tachometer. On either end of the cluster are neat bar gauges that resemble thermometers, displaying fuel level and coolant temperature. A cluster of switches between the visors on the headliner controls cabin lighting and the Tele-Aid SOS call button. The panel also includes a switch to operate the sunroof. HomeLink buttons are located on the bottom of the rearview mirror and can be programmed to control garage doors, house lighting, gates, etc. Redundant controls on the steering wheel hub operate the phone, radio and information display. A single row of switches at the bottom of the center stack operates door locks, flashers and seat heaters. The main audio, telephone and navigation controls are located in a Comand module, spread around a 16:9 ratio LCD display screen. The system is a big improvement over Mercedes' previous control center, and while it still requires some learning, it probably takes less time to master than the menu/joystick system in many E-Class competitors. The new CD changer is located behind a flip-up switch panel in the center of the dash panel, which, at the touch of a button, opens for access to the changer. It can play audio CDs and MP3s, and an auxiliary input plug in the glove box allows personal audio devices to be played through the 12-speaker sound system. An optional kit connects the Apple iPod to the audio system and provides information in the center display while allowing control via the multi-function steering wheel. Mercedes is learning that people who drive cars carry stuff with them, at least Americans do. This E-Class has less storage space than some of its competitors, but acres more than any Mercedes did five years ago. The center console has a funky pop-up cupholder and a large storage bin (two bins if you don't order the telephone package). Storage bins are also located in each door along with map pockets on the front seatbacks. The 10-way adjustable front bucket seats are firm enough for good support when driving fast, but not hard on the back when cruising. They grip bodies of various sizes nicely, and there's more than enough adjustment via Mercedes' patented door-mounted seat controls to accommodate just about everyone. The sport seats have enough bolstering to keep a bronze bust in place. But if you don't dive into corners like Stirling Moss, you probably don't need them. They make getting in and out a little more difficult. We especially enjoy the Active Ventilated seats in the E550 and E63 AMG models on hot days, when they provide a welcome measure of comfort. Gripes? We didn't like the previous model's outside mirrors, which were too small, no doubt in deference to sharp styling and good aerodynamics, but the mirrors on the 2008 models are shaped better for viewing to the rear, and they're even more slippery in the wind. More significant is the cruise control. Mercedes' system still is managed with a stalk on the left side of the steering column, above the turn signals. At some point, no matter how long you've driven the car, you are going to hit the cruise control when you intend to turn on the blinker. Mercedes engineers insist that theirs is the most effective cruise-control operation going. We've yet to meet anyone who prefers it. The E-Class was one of the first cars to feature ambient cabin lighting. These strips of soft, low-level lighting in the headliner remain on during darkness, like a fancy nightlight in the bathroom. It's disconcerting while driving at night, at least initially, because we're used to nothing but the instrument lights. The distraction goes away as you become accustomed, but we're not sure the benefit of being able to see around the cabin outweighs the perceived loss of night vision and focus on the road. Ambient lighting is convenient for passengers who want to be able to see inside the cabin, however. A power glass moonroof that tilts and slides comes standard, but the Panorama roof can be ordered that offers twice the glass surface area. It features continuous glass that slides along the top of the body from the windshield to the rear window. The back seat has all the comforts of home. Separate air vents for both sides, a fan-speed switch and separate temperature adjustments help keep rear passengers comfortable. A 12-volt power point, reading lamps, and a wide, fold-down center armrest with cupholders and divided storage are provided. Headrests are provided for all three rear seating positions, yet the driver can retract them with the press of a button when there's no one riding in back for a greater range of rearward vision. The optional split/folding rear seat adds utility; get it if you haul stuff. The trunk is one of the largest in the class, with nearly 16 cubic feet of space. The trunk floor is as long as it is wide, with load height just above the bumper. The E-Class wagon offers 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats and 69 cubic feet with all the seats folded down. That's nearly as much volume as the Mercedes M-Class, and with its lower load height, the space in the E-Class wagon is much easier to reach than it is in an SUV. The folding third-row seat will accommodate pre-teens without complaint, but most adults won't like it back there.

Driving Impressions
All of the 2008 Mercedes E-Class cars are enjoyable to drive. Smooth, serene and quiet are the dominant impressions at the wheel of any E-Class, unless you have the accelerator floored. There's very little vibration anywhere in the cabin, and almost no wind noise. Improvements to the geometry of the front suspension for 2008 give the E-Class a crisper, quicker turn-in while cornering, perceptibly increasing the sporty nature of the car's handling. All of the E-Class cars corner responsively and provide a smooth, if slightly firm, ride, a balance we like in luxury sedans. The four-link front suspension is similar to that under the expensive S-Class models, and the five-link rear suspension does a superb job of controlling unwanted wheel movement, which is crucial to handling and ride quality. The Sport models are tuned for those who like to feel in closer touch to the pavement, as it's fitted with shorter springs for a slightly lower ride height, stiffer shocks and low-profile performance tires on 18-inch wheels. The available Airmatic Dual Control suspension replaces the standard steel coil springs with air springs. This computer-managed system adjusts the air pressure to the spring at each wheel, based on road conditions or driving style, to slightly soften or firm the ride and to add or decrease body roll (lean) in corners. In combination with electronically adjusted shock absorbers, the air suspension can automatically improve ride quality or handling or optimize the balance of the two, depending on where the car is traveling and whether the driver is cruising or driving quickly. The system works automatically, without switching suspension settings between sport and comfort. The variable-power steering system was improved for 2008 with a 10-percent quicker ratio for more precise control of front wheel direction. The system provides more boost for easy turning at low speeds and less for more progressive steering response and feedback at higher speeds. With 2.6 turns lock-to-lock compared to the previous system's 3.3 turns, we found the new steering makes maneuvering through crowded parking lots easier and more pleasant, and far more responsive in the corners. One of our gripes with the 2006 models was the braking system. All of the E-Class cars came with Sensotronic Brake Control, commonly called brake-by-wire, because the connection between the brake pedal and reservoir of brake fluid is electronic, not mechanical. Although we found them to be excellent in terms of performance, with stops straight, true and short, repeatedly, with virtually no brake fade, we didn't care for the way they engaged, which we felt was too abrupt, especially in commuter crawl mode. They do, however, have their advantages. The electronic system can apply brake force to each wheel independently, helping to keep the car traveling straight and true during panic stops, even on bumpy, uneven roads. It will also keep the brakes on full in an emergency situation, as measured by sensors, even if a driver inadvertently eases off the brake pedal. And if it's raining, the system periodically, lightly, applies the brakes to sweep them dry. Still, the brake-by-wire had its quirks. Several testers found them difficult to modulate in everyday driving, making smooth braking around town a challenge. In short, we didn't really like them. For 2008, the Sensotronic control has been removed from the brake system, which is essentially unchanged except for the now ultra-smooth grasp of the binders, even at slow speeds. Each E-Class model has progressively larger brake rotors and more complex piston designs to complement the engine's power and corresponding speed potential. The E-Class wagons give up almost nothing to the sedans in performance, fuel economy or handling dynamics. The E350 comes with a 3.5-liter engine introduced for 2006, which was the first Mercedes V6 with dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. The 3.5-liter V6 generates 268 hp and it matches well with the high-tech seven-speed automatic transmission that comes standard. The E350 is as responsive as any V6-powered car we've driven. The 3.5-liter V6 has fully variable valve timing, delivering an impressive amount of torque from idle all the way to redline. The E350 responds immediately, no matter how fast it's already traveling when the driver dips the gas pedal. The 3.5-liter engine is also appreciably smooth, particularly at high rpm. And thanks to the seven-speed automatic, it delivers decent fuel mileage. The new E320 Bluetec diesel gets vastly superior fuel economy, however. It's expected to deliver 27 city/37 highway mpg. With predominantly highway travel, this gives it a range of 600-700 miles per tank. The Bluetec replaces the diesel-powered E320 CDI, which was an impressive car, but the new diesel is better and cleaner. It's designed to run on the ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel introduced into the U.S. starting October 2006. Mercedes' first V6 diesel, the Bluetec features all the latest high-tech goodies, including turbocharging, a variable nozzle turbine, four valves per cylinder, exhaust gas recirculation and a third generation of CDI, the common-rail direct-injection system that delivers fuel to the engine at an incredible 23,000 psi (compared to 100-250 psi in a typical gasoline engine). Yet the technology matters less than the results. The diesel V6 puts out a modest 208 hp, but is backed up by a resounding 400 pound-feet of torque that begins as early as 1600 rpm. In other words, this baby hauls. There's no smoke to be seen or smelled. Four after-treatment units in the exhaust stream help make the Bluetec V6 the cleanest diesel powerplant in the world. (Initially, it will be sold in 45 states only, but Mercedes-Benz expects that a further evolution of Bluetec will allow diesel Mercedes to be sold throughout the United States in 2008.) We drove the E320 Bluetec sedan through the deserts and mountains surrounding Las Vegas, and it exhibited all the attractive traits of the gasoline-powered Benzes, and more. As well as being as smooth and quiet as any of the world's luxury sedans, Bluetec comes with a powerful character all its own, owing to the massive yank of torque that pulls the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds, only a tenth of a second behind the gas-powered E350 sedan. In other words, forget everything you know about diesel-powered cars built in the 1970s, '80s or '90s. Slow starting? Not anymore. Like all diesels, the E-Class version still needs electric glow plugs to heat the combustion chambers before starting, but we never noticed. Unpleasant odors? You'll still experience that oily diesel smell at the truck stop when you fill the E320 Bluetec's tank, but once the filler cap is back on and the car is running, there will be no unpleasant fumes inside or out of this E-Class. Excessive engine noise? At idle, during warm-up, we heard the rapid tick-tick of diesel noise more loudly than anything coming from the gasoline-powered E350's engine, but once underway, there was zero difference in the amount of engine noise reaching the cabin compared to other E-Class models. That extra bit of noise is more than offset by the Bluetec sedan's excellent benefits.With 400 pound-feet of torque, more even than the E550 boasts with its V8, the turbodiesel V6 makes a winner of the E320 Bluetec in almost any stoplight derby. The 3,860-pound sedan, though no lightweight, jumps forward quickly enough to spin the back tires just by jabbing the right pedal, if you've switched the traction control off. Its turbocharger also provides a level of immunity from the power-robbing effects of high elevation, as we discovered in our climb up Mount Charleston northwest of Las Vegas. And on one quiet desert road, we reached the electronically limited top speed of 130 mph without breaking a sweat. That said, there's nothing like the E550's V8 power for smooth, exhilarating acceleration. This V8 is sweet from idle to the 6000-rpm redline, and with 382 hp and 391 pound-feet of torque (up from 302 horsepower and 339 pound-feet in the E500), the E550 flies. From a stoplight or from 70 mph, there's a deep well of torque underfoot and plenty of acceleration, good enough to take it from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Throughout our first drive of the E550, on the high-speed autobahns of Germany and over the twisting roads of the Bavarian Alps, it provided a stellar combination of performance and luxury, sharp handling and passenger comfort. In short, the Mercedes E550 is as nearly perfect a sports sedan as has been developed by anyone. The seven-speed automatic transmission improves acceleration, performance and response, but it also enhances fuel efficiency when compared to a more common five-speed automatic. Gear changes are barely noticeable, especially in the higher gears. This transmission allows significantly quicker acceleration for highway passing situations. And it doesn't have to go through every gear: Step on the gas and the transmission will skip down to the appropriate gear, switching from seventh to fifth, for example, and from there directly to third, meaning two downshifts instead of four. Both of the transmissions also offer three individual driver-selectable shift programs to alter the shifting characteristics from comfort to sport to full manual gear selection. The 2008 E63 AMG sedan and wagon operate on another plane entirely. Their race-bred naturally aspired 6.2-liter V8, which is being offered in a variety of Mercedes models, delivers 507 hp and 465 pound-feet of torque, compared to 469 hp and 516 pound-feet of torque in the outgoing E55 AMG. The previous models got their power courtesy of an intercooled Lysholm screw-type supercharger, which helped rocket them from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, but the new, big V8 makes the cars even faster: 4.3 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. Plus, the new V8 emits less harmful emissions than the supercharged engine and weighs 55 pounds less. The 6.2-liter V8 is the first Mercedes engine to be totally engineered and built at the AMG facility, and the firm put every bit of its long motorsports experience into it. The all-aluminum engine features four valves per cylinder, a variable intake manifold made of magnesium, variable camshafts and a special low-friction cylinder wall treatment, but the most important part is it performs and growls like a big V8. The five-speed automatic in the E55 AMG has been replaced by a more efficient seven-speed automatic with AMG-tuned Speedshift programming. Like the five-speed, it shifts quickly up or down (though without the throttle blip of some manu-matics), doesn't hunt back and forth for the right gear, even in hilly terrain, and it rarely shifts unless the driver changes the angle of the gas pedal, which is good. When the driver prefers, an auto-manual shift mechanism allows a high level of control over gear selection. Either by toggling the shifter left or right or using the paddles on the steering wheel, the transmission shifts quickly up and down at the driver's discretion. The system will hold the selected gear indefinitely just below the 6000-rpm redline, but it won't let you bump the engine off its rev-limiter without shifting up a gear. Should the mood strike, a driver can run through the gears or challenge a curving stretch of road almost as if it was a fully manual transmission. Drivers who like that sort of thing might gripe about the lack of a blipped throttle during downshifts like some other transmissions of this type deliver, but that's a minor point that will be moot to almost everyone else. Most of the time, we simply put it in Drive. Even the high-performance E63 AMG is so quiet that the driver forgets just how powerful and fast it is until the throttle is opened up.

Summary
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers a wide range of choices, but all have the attributes that have made them a benchmark among luxury cars. Every model delivers a combination of safety, luxury, practicality, performance, status, and cost of operation that's difficult to match. This remains an iconic car in a market segment crowded with good cars.

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2008-02-27T22:13:00Z

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The Mercedes-Benz CLK feels right in just about any role. It's good looking, stylish, sporty to drive and personal, yet it will work for two couples during an evening on the town. Those who prefer understated, buttoned-down elegance will like CLK Coupe. Extroverts and sun worshippers can choose the one-button convertible top on the CLK Cabriolet. For 2008, the V8-powered CLKs have new engines. The CLK550 gets the latest-generation Mercedes V8, with variable valve timing and 27 percent more power than the engine in the 2006 CLK500, yet the same EPA mileage ratings as before. The new CLK63 AMG has a race-inspired V8 built start-to-finish by one technician at the company's AMG high-performance subsidiary. The new engines mean a slight change in model nomenclature, but the CLK lineup really has not changed. There's still a coupe and convertible, with either a V6 or V8 engine. The super-fast AMG model is available only as a convertible. The CLK has rear-wheel drive in a class increasingly populated by front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive cars, and it has a sporting flair some mid-size luxury cars lack. In general, the CLK is one of the sportiest cars in the Mercedes lineup. Most buyers will be quite happy with the CLK350 and its 268-horsepower V6. With its seven-speed automatic, the CLK350 delivers a fine balance of spirited acceleration, quiet cruising and decent fuel mileage. Drivers who demand more performance can choose the CLK550. Its new V8 generates 382 hp and an even more impressive 391 pound-feet of torque. (Torque is that force that launches the car from intersections and propels it up hills.) Measured by acceleration and engine response, the CLK550 meets just about any standard of high performance. The CLK550 transmits a feeling of being more stuck to the road than the CLK350 does, with sharper handling and better high-speed stability. The limited-production CLK63 AMG goes a couple of magnitudes better. It will out-accelerate, out-brake and out-corner all but a handful of four-place cars anywhere. Yet around town it's incredibly docile and belies its 475-hp AMG engine. On the open road, the CLK, no matter the model, is satisfying, responsive and exceptionally stable at high speeds. It inspires confidence on twisty roads and bears up well in a spirited drive. It's also easy to live with. Its ride is firm, but not intrusive. Its relatively small size makes it easy to park and maneuver in crowded city centers, but its back seat is roomy enough for two adults. In a word, the CLK is balanced. Its stylish design and elegant interior make it a pleasant place to spend time, and it delivers Mercedes cachet that works in almost any circumstance.

Model Lineup
What's new for 2008: More powerful engines for the V8 models. The CLK550 replaces the CLK500, with a new 5.5-liter engine generating 27 percent more power than the previous 5.0-liter V8. The ultra-high-performance CLK63 AMG Cabriolet replaces the CLK55 AMG, with a hand-built 6.2-liter V8 producing 475 horsepower. Also new for 2008 is a Sport Appearance Package ($490) for the CLK350. It includes a firmer sport suspension, cross-drilled brake rotors and 10-spoke, 17-inch aluminum wheels. The Mercedes-Benz CLK is available as a coupe or convertible. Three models are distinguished by engine size, and all come with a seven-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually with buttons on the steering wheel. The CLK350 Coupe ($46,200) and Cabriolet ($54,200) are powered by a 3.5-liter V6, which develops 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Standard features include leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control with pollen and dust filter, 10-way adjustable power seats with three memory settings and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Black-stained ash wood trim is standard, and more traditional burl walnut is available as a no-charge option. The Cabriolet features a fully automatic, heavily insulated convertible top. The CLK550 Coupe ($54,900) and Cabriolet ($62,900) get the new-generation V8 introduced in the big S-Class sedan. This dual-overhead-cam 5.5-liter engine generates 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The CLK63 AMG ($89,200) is available only as a cabriolet. Its 6.2-iter V8 is built by a single technician at Mercedes' AMG racing subsidiary, with 475 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The CLK63 also gets sporting upgrades to its brakes and suspension, and comes with a longer list of ultra-luxury features. Options are grouped in three packages: Premium I, II, and III. Exact content and price vary with the model. On the CLK350 Coupe, Premium I ($2,530) includes auto-dimming mirrors, a programmable built-in garage door opener, a premium harmon/kardon stereo with six-CD changer and a glass sunroof. Premium II ($3,630) adds turning bi-xenon headlights with washers and a heated windshield washer system. Premium III ($4630) includes everything in PI and PII, plus ventilated seats. Stand-alone options include a navigation system combined with on-screen control for the stereo and air conditioning ($2,270); Sirius satellite radio ($510); hands-free telephone communication ($925); wood and leather steering wheel ($540); heated front seats ($700); electronic trunk closer ($520); and Keyless Go push-button starting ($1,100). For that extra special touch, designo Silver Edition and Graphite Edition trim packages are available ($7,050). Safety features that come on all CLKs include multi-stage front-impact airbags. Coupes get front passenger side-impact airbags that protect the torso, and curtain-style head protection airbags for both front and rear passengers. The convertibles combine both torso and head protection in the same side-impact airbags. The also feature pop-up rollbars that automatically deploy if the electronics sense a pending rollover. TeleAid accident notification is standard. Side-impact airbags for the rear passengers are optional ($390). Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Control are standard. The Extended Mobility package ($200) includes run-flat tires and a tire pressure warning system. 4Matic all-wheel drive adds a measure of safety in slippery conditions.

Walkaround
The Mercedes-Benz CLK is beautiful, no arguing that, and its beauty lies in its symmetry and balance. The CLK looks forceful, but also elegant and sophisticated, and it blends form and function nicely. Under the rear half of its sweeping roofline is a back seat with room for two adults, not the parcel shelf that passes for a seat in some high-end coupes. The CLK is a fairly compact car, based on a lengthened version of the same chassis used for the small Mercedes C-Class sedans. Yet the designers have successfully infused it with the presence and bearing of a much larger coupe like the big Mercedes CL. The coupe aesthetic starts with the profile. The CLK dispenses with a center roof pillar, so the roof sweeps uninterrupted from the base of the windshield to the trunk lid. The rear windows lower completely below the sill, emphasizing the smooth, open flow, and the effect is enhanced by the absence of any visible antenna for the radio, telephone or navigation system. The CLK replaces a conventional steel trunk lid with a composite panel that allows the antennas to be imbedded the lid's structure. The second, unmistakable coupe element is the CLK's front end. This Mercedes forgoes the traditional hood ornament in favor of a lower, much larger three-pointed star embedded in the wide, three-slat grille, which greets the world with just a hint of a sneer. On first impression, it seems the CLK has four headlights, but a closer look confirms a single ellipse-shaped cluster on each side. And there's more to the headlights than slick design. The optional bi-xenon lights swivel to point into curves and are equipped with high-pressure washing jets; they also change beam angle as the CLK moves up and down with road imperfections, keeping the high-intensity light below the sight line of the drivers in oncoming cars. When its fabric top is closed, the CLK Cabriolet is nearly identical in silhouette to the coupe, with only a hint of a break in the roofline where it meets the trunk lid. The fabric top is fully lined and insulated, and opening or closing it is a one-button operation. Roughly 30 seconds after the driver hits the button, the top tucks neatly under a hard cover behind the rear seats. Rollover protection hoops are integrated in the rear-seat headrests, allowing the same clean look when the top is down. In the event of an imminent collision or rollover in the cabriolet, two roll bars deploy and lock in place within 0.3 seconds. Details distinguish the CLK models. The CLK350 has neutral-tinted glass and gray vanes in its grille, while the CLK550 gets blue-tinted glass, high-gloss black vanes with chrome trim on the grille, and a short rear spoiler. The hotrod CLK63 AMG sports a front valance with three separate sections, mesh grillwork and flared rocker panels between the wheels. The CLK350 and CLK550 come with 17-inch wheels, slightly wider with fatter tires in back, to create the staggered-wheel look of a race car. The wheels on the CLK350 are a light-alloy five-spoke design. Those on the CLK550 feature an AMG-styled monoblock design. The CLK63 AMG has 18-inch wheels in a highly polished double-spoke pattern with lower profile Z-rated tires. What's New for 2008: The optional Sport Appearance Package for the CLK350 is easy to spot, thanks to unique 10-spoke aluminum wheels. This option includes a sports suspension that lowers the CLK slightly, and cross-drilled brake rotors that are visible through the wheels. The brake calipers are painted with Mercedes script.

Interior Features
The Mercedes-Benz CLK is a fairly compact car, but there is enough space and seat adjustment inside to accommodate very tall people in front. Generally, the cabin has the look and feel of success. While we've had quibbles with the fit and finish inside some Mercedes models the last several years, those don't apply in the CLK. Materials are very good throughout. Soft polyurethane sprayed onto the dashboard provides an attractive appearance and a luxurious feel. Black-stained ash wood trim and black carpet is standard, though traditional burl walnut is available at no charge. Nice touches of wood and gathered leather on the door panels make for a very attractive cabin. When front passengers close the doors, an electric arm on each side of the CLK extends to present the seatbelts, making it easier to reach the belts. The belt presenters retract once the belts are buckled. It works well, though we've seen passengers startled by them, fearing the return of the motorized mouse. Most controls and switches, including climate adjustments and audio, are stacked in the center of the dash above the console. They're easy to locate and big enough to adjust without a lot of concentration. Standard features include digital dual-zone temperature control with a sun sensor to optimize air distribution. The rain-sensing wipers are operated with a stalk on the right side of the steering column. Storage options have improved by Mercedes standards, but come up short when compared with other cars. The two-tiered glove box is large, but the optional CD changer will take up one of the shelves. The center console has two cup holders and a storage bin. The gauge cluster is a mix of traditional analog gauges and LED graphics. A large round speedometer and tachometer dominate the center, flanked by two smaller, thermometer-like gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. It's both attractive and effective, with crisp illuminated script that's easy to read at a glance, though at first you may confuse full and empty on the gas gauge. The CLK steering wheel is one of our favorites: just the right size, thickness and firmness for this car, and power-adjustable for tilt and reach. Rocker buttons on its spokes allow operation of several systems, including stereo, climate and telephone. These buttons also manage an LED information display in the center of the gauges. There's a wealth of information available, including trip functions such as average speed and distance to empty, but it takes a bit of concentration to scroll through and find what you're looking for. Access to the rear seats is easier than it is in many coupes, but that's mostly because there is more room than in many coupes. The front seats help by tipping and sliding forward with a quick-release lever. If the front passengers don't have their seats moved too far rearward, there's enough room for two adults in back. At least for traveling to dinner and a show, if not a cross country trek. The rear seat folds down with 60/40 split, and that's good. With 10.4 cubic feet of space in the trunk, the CLK will hold a load of luggage for two, but its trunk is smaller than typical in a sedan of its size. The fold-flat rear seat helps a bit with oversized items. You won't lose much rear seat space with the CLK Cabriolet, but you will lose a lot of storage in the trunk, even when the convertible top is up. With the top up, there's enough space for four to six bags of groceries. When the top is down, it cuts the trunk space almost in half. Nonetheless, the top is thickly insulated and beautifully lined, and it's almost as pristinely quiet in the CLK Cabriolet as it is in the coupe, when the top is up. What's New for 2008: Interior features and options are essentially unchanged on V6 and V8 models.

Driving Impressions
Once underway, the Mercedes-Benz CLK offers a balance of virtues. It's luxurious and comfortable, but also energetic. Its rigid structure contributes to its smooth, quiet operation, lack of vibration, and balance of ride quality and handling capability. A rigid chassis does not mean a stiff ride, however. The CLK suspension absorbs bumps without fanfare. The only disturbance comes from the crack of tires over potholes, and it's heard more than felt. The CLK is comfortable, but not numbing, so the steering feeds good information back to the driver about how well the front tires are gripping. This balance of smoothness and road feel means you might be driving the CLK harder than you realize in fairly short order. When the straight, flat roads of the city give way to twisty two-lanes in the hills and countryside, the coupe handles curves with the grace of a thoroughbred. It maintains a nice, flat attitude through sweeping bends and won't bob or weave with frequent application of the brakes. We like the way Mercedes has refined its electronic stability program, which can help the driver maintain control by reducing skidding. In the CLK, the system is virtually transparent, intervening unobtrusively to prevent wheel spin, but without the heavy-handed reduction in power that marred some of its early applications. Engine performance is satisfying in all models. The 268-hp V6 in the CLK350 has all the power most drivers need, accelerating with authority from a stoplight and moving the car smoothly through the gears. Acceleration times for the V6 match those for the typical V8-powered luxury car of the late 1990s, and there's a reserve of power that makes passing on two-lane roads a stress-free process. Nonetheless, the new 5.5-liter V8 in the CLK550 is a significant, noticeable step up, from both the CLK350 and the previous CLK500 models. With 382 horsepower and nearly 400 pound-feet of torque, acceleration here is thrilling. Capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds, the CLK550 is high performance by nearly any definition. Slam the accelerator at any speed and what follows, almost instantaneously, is a satisfying, muted growl from the exhaust and a whoosh of speed. Both the CLK350 and CLK550 are equipped with the seven-speed automatic, and we like this transmission. Beyond the extra gears, its control program works better than that on the Mercedes automatics of previous years. This one doesn't slack off when you need it most, kicking down to a lower gear fast, sometimes three gears at once, if you slam the accelerator hard. Alternate shift buttons, which allow selection of a specific gear, are located on the back of the steering wheel hub, right where fingers wrap around the spokes. The touch-shift manual mode works nicely. The AMG model also gets a seven-speed automatic, labeled the AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic. Its internal parts are beefed up to reduce shift times in manual mode and handle the power generated by the CLK63 AMG V8 engine (465 pound-feet of torque). Previously powered by a 5.5-liter V8, the previous AMG CLK was merely fast. With the 6.3-liter engine and seven-speed automatic, it's blindingly quick. Throttle response is instantaneous, automatic downshifts nearly so, and the manual control electronics are better programmed to hold a gear near the engine's redline, allowing high-rev, low-gear driving enthusiast drivers enjoy. The CLK63 AMG we tested had a fluttering sound in the idle that was a bit annoying by Mercedes standards, but when we recalled it was a 475-hp engine, practically a race motor, it seemed a little less so. The CLK Cabriolet AMG was already one of the most drivable cars in Mercedes' inventory, and with the new engine it's more so. It's not equipped with the Active Body Control or variable air suspension used on Mercedes ultra-luxury models, just good suspension tuning, good steering feel and crisp turn-in. Some Mercedes-Benzes will dutifully go along for the ride when driven hard, behaving quite predictably as they go. The CLK63 likes to be pushed, and when the driver finishes a go through an empty canyon, the CLK is ready for more. The brakes on the CLKs stop the car with authority, and deliver a nice, easy-to-modulate pedal feel that's distinctly lacking on some Mercedes models. The CLK63 AMG Cabriolet is equipped with multi-piston brake calipers and larger rotors that kick everything up a notch, virtually eliminating the possibility of brake fade anywhere this side of a race track. The AMG is also equipped with something called Racetimer, which can record acceleration, top speed or lap times and store them for retrieval at the driver's request. With its smooth aerodynamics, generally quiet manners and excellent anti-skid electronics, the rear-drive CLK Coupe is suitable for all-season use, in our view. Snow tires would remove any reservation, even in regions with lots of snow. If you love top-down motoring, there's no real reason to pass on the CLK Cabriolet. With the top up it's almost as snug and quiet as the coupe. With the side windows up and fold-up windblocker in place, you could motor top-down on sunny days when the temperature is in the 40s. Best of all, there is no serious degradation in that tight, solid feeling that characterizes the CLK Coupe. Extensive use of high-strength steel alloys and liberal structural re-enforcements maintain the torsional stiffness and help minimize vibration. Mercedes claims the stiffness of the cabriolet's body is equal to that of the coupe, and we find no reason to challenge that assertion. Of course, those structural re-enforcements add weight to the Cabriolet, so owners are likely to see a slight reduction in fuel economy compared to the coupe.

Summary
The Mercedes-Benz CLK is a rare blend of style, luxury and sporty driving performance. It's elegant, tasteful and engaging inside and out, and its design should wear well with time. There's room inside for two couples during an evening out. Both the coupe and convertible will work as all-season cars in most locales. The V6-powered CLK350 will satisfy most owners, while the CLK550 V8 delivers high performance by nearly any measure. The CLK63 AMG is strictly for enthusiast drivers. The CLK550 so good in most respects that those less committed are not likely to appreciate what the CLK63 adds for its $26,000 price premium.

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2007-11-15T20:24:00Z

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The 2008 E350 Sedan

Stunning. Powerful 268-horsepower V-6 engine, dual-zone climate control, leather seating inserts, leather-trimmed steering wheel, Burl Walnut wood interior trim, driver-adaptive 7-speed automatic transmission (5-speed automatic transmission with optional 4MATIC™ all-wheel drive).

$579/mo. for 24 month lease
$4,224 Total cash due at signing
3.9% APR financing up to 48 months

The 2008 E350 4MATIC Sedan

Uncompromising. Standard 3.5 liter V-6 engine with Burl Walnut wood interior trim, 5-speed automatic transmission, and the convenience of 4MATIC™ all-wheel drive.

$589/mo. for 24 month lease
$4,234 Total cash due at signing
3.9% APR financing up to 48 months

The 2008 R350 Crossover SUV

Adventurous. The R350 2WD changes the way you think of travel, with its 268-horsepower V-6 engine, 7-speed automatic transmission, 2-wheel drive, brown Birdseye Maple wood trim, luxurious individual seating for up to six adults, MP3-compatible 6-disc CD changer, and 18-inch 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels.

$499/mo. for 33 month lease
$4,044 Total cash due at signing
4.9% APR financing up to 48 months

The 2008 ML350 SUV

Dynamic. Inspired 268-horsepower V-6 with 4MATIC™ 4-wheel drive, revolutionary 7-speed transmission, projector-beam headlamps, luxurious five-passenger cabin, and 19-inch 5-spoke wheels.

The 2008 GL450 SUV

Rugged. The 335-horsepower V-8 engine takes on any adventure effortlessly. It's the only vehicle in its class to come with a standard 7-speed automatic transmission for smoother cruising and immediate response when accelerating and passing.

$699/mo. for 33 month lease
$5,144 Total cash due at signing

Additional special APR financing available on the 2008 R320 CDI, the 2008 ML320 CDI, and the 2008 ML550.

The 2008 CLK350 Coupe

Magnetic. Spirited V-6 power, 10-way power seats with memory, digital dual-zone climate control, Burl Walnut wood trim, 7-speed Touch Shift automatic transmission, and 17-inch wheels.

$499/mo. for 27 month lease
$4,344 Total cash due at signing
3.9% APR financing up to 48 months

The 2008 CLK350 Cabriolet

Thrill-seeking. Energetic 268-horsepower V-6, 7-speed Touch Shift automatic transmission, 17-inch wheels, 10-way power seats with memory, and digital dual-zone climate control.

$599/mo. for 27 month lease
$4,444 Total cash due at signing
3.9% APR financing up to 48 months

Additional special APR financing available on the 2008 CLK550 Coupe, the 2008 CLK550 Cabriolet, and the 2008 CLS550 Coupe.

The 2008 SLK280 Roadster

Provocative. The 228-horsepower V-6 engine, satisfying short-throw 6-speed manual transmission (optional 7-speed automatic transmission), and dramatically detailed cockpit all add up to a car designed first and foremost for driving pleasure.

$499/mo. for 27 month lease
$4,344 Total cash due at signing
3.9% APR financing up to 48 months

2008 Mercedes Benz November Incentives Now $18,000 OFF MSRP Wholesale Lease Money Factors Nationwide Delivery 1-888-861-8080

2007-11-03T00:21:00Z

New 2008 Mercedes SL550
New Incentives $18,000 OFF MSRP
Discount Mercedes Prices Low SL550 Lease Payments
All Colors Options Available Nationwide Delivery

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class of two-seat roadsters has been significantly upgraded for 2007. These were wonderful cars before, and they're even more wonderful for 2007. For 2007, all SL models get revised styling, with new front, rear, and side sheetmetal along with new interior decor. The entry-level model, now called the SL550, gets a bigger, more powerful engine, and a new seven-speed automatic, giving it a big boost in performance and a sportier sound. The SL55 AMG gets more power as well. The steering and active suspension have been upgraded on all the 2007 models, sharpening the handling. At the same time, these cars provide grand touring intimacy, for quiet conversation or unimpeded stereo performance. New upholstery materials give the cabins a richer appearance. Drop the top and they deliver comfortable, top-down motoring, putting the wind in your hair, and whisking your troubles away. Buffeting is well controlled, so you don't even have to put up with much wind. Few sports cars can boast a continuous 50-year history like the Mercedes-Benz SL can. First offered as a two-seat 300SL roadster in 1957, the SL-Class brought heart-stopping good looks, fuel injection, independent front and rear suspension and disc brakes to the sports car party, and has been in the Mercedes-Benz lineup ever since, leading the applied technology in the sports car segment with things like the disappearing steel top, radar, sonar, active hydraulic suspension and composite brakes. Today we have the safest, quickest, flattest-handling and prettiest SL-Class cars in half a century. The SL-Class comes in one body style, a two-seat roadster with a steel retractable hardtop. The SL550, SL600, SL55 AMG, and SL65 AMG deliver varying levels of performance, however, ranging from fast to faster. The SL models compete in the luxury sports car segment with the BMW 6 Series convertible, the new Jaguar XK, the Porsche 911 Turbo cabriolet, and the Aston Martin V-8 Vantage.

Model Lineup
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class comes in five distinct flavors, starting with the most popular model, the SL550 ($94,800) with its new 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 engine and new seven-speed automatic. The SL600 ($132,000) features a 510-hp 5.5-liter V12 engine. Since this is the 50th anniversary of the SL, there will be a limited run of 550 50th Edition SL550s, all with brown leather interior, pewter paint, and black ash wood trim, a handful of special options made standard, special trim and matching 50th Edition luggage. The high-performance SL55 AMG ($128,800) features a supercharged 5.5-liter V8 and special tuning by AMG. The SL65 AMG ($186,000) is powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12, rated at 604 horsepower and a staggering 738 pound-feet of torque. Both AMG versions, in addition to their special front, rear, side, and interior trims, sport seats, and AMG alloy wheels, have a new dashboard information display that includes for the first time a RaceTimer feature that will track lap times, lap length, average speed, and top speed. The SL65 AMG gets an electric trunk closer, aluminum steering-wheel-mounted shift levers, a complete carbon fiber interior, and a center high-mount stop lamp in white instead of red. The safety package leaves nothing out. All SL-Class models comes with ABS with huge disc brakes, ESP electronic stability control, traction control, ABC automatic body control suspension, front and side air bags, and an automatic deployable rollover hoop behind the seats. Options include a comfort package, wood-and-leather trim package, AMG Sport package, hands-free communication package, bi-xenon headlamps, Distronic cruise control, Parktronic park assist, run-flat tires, the Keyless Go entry and starting system, and the Panorama roof option, all at about the same prices as the 2006 model.

Walkaround
For 2007, the Mercedes SL-Class sports a more aggressively styled front air dam, a new front grille and chrome-trimmed fog lights.The SL550 (which will still be called the SL500 in most other markets) has the least body adornment within its bolder, sportier new design envelope. The designers have given the SL550 a much more aggressive front-end appearance, a new lower air dam, new front lamps, a bigger grille, and new sill plates inside the doors. The taillamps are new, with white rather than red lenses, as are the 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels (alternate 18- and 19-inch wheels and tires will be optional). The SL600 and SL65 AMG will carry front fender badges reading V12 Biturbo, while the SL55 will be badged V8 Kompressor. The two AMGs will share body panels, noses and sills, while the SL550 and SL600 share design details.All of them are absolutely gorgeous.The folding and disappearing power top raises or lowers in just 16 seconds.

Interior Features
The designers have increased the level of luxury inside this already beautiful interior for 2007, by specifying more expensive leathers, woods and carpeting throughout. The main instrument cluster has been redesigned, with new chronometer graphics and additional leather stitching on the binnacle. New aluminum trim panels are coordinated with a new burr walnut wood trim. New, softer leather is used on the seats and panels, and new colors, black and red, have been added. Cockpit comfort in the SL550 as well as the other models is superior, with a huge range of seat and steering wheel adjustability, and the seats are supremely comfortable and containing. This is a two-seat sports car, however, and there's still that wall behind the seats that restricts seat travel and may make taller drivers fidget around, looking for the best compromise in seating comfort. All of the controls are in the same places as on the 2006 model, albeit surrounding by more aluminum trim, and they're easy to use, including the COMAND system and the navigation screen. With the steel top up, you have the kind of grand touring intimacy you want with your driving partner. In 16 seconds, you have the open-air cruising mode, and with the side windows up and the conversation panel flipped up behind the seats, you can converse with your partner in a normal voice, or listen cleanly to the stereo right up to about 100 mph when the wind noise will win out. Sirius Satellite Radio with six months of free service has been made standard equipment on all models. The in-car hands-free communication system can use either Bluetooth connectivity (to use with your Bluetooth-compatible cell phone) or a multi-handset interface, each of which is sold separately from the car through dealerships. An electric trunk lid opener button has been added for 2007. A power trunk lid closer will be added but won't be on early 2007 models. The luggage cover, which keeps luggage from interfering with the stowed top, is now removable, to add more luggage space in the tiny trunk. If you're planning on carrying more than a weekend's worth of luggage for two, though, you're out of space already. The SL offers 10.2 cubic feet of trunk space with the top up, 7.3 cubic feet with the top down. The folding and disappearing power top raises or lowers in just 16 seconds.

Driving Impressions
You can't argue with more horsepower, more torque and more gears to put them through. Not in this segment, you can't. The larger, more powerful V8 engine that comes in the 2007 Mercedes SL550 rips through the gears in the new seven-speed automatic at a furious rate, if you want it to. When you prefer to cruise, it just sits back and relaxes, upshifting and downshifting silently. The new V8's exhaust system has been re-engineered to give a much more throaty, sporty sound at wide-open throttle. It settles into a nice burble at cruising speeds. While most German cars are limited to 155 mph by an industry agreement, how quickly you get there is another matter entirely, and the SL550's V8 will get you from rest to 60 mph much quicker, in about 5.5 seconds. Every chance we got, we mashed the throttle pedal down into the carpet at stop signs and traffic signals, and the electronic systems allowed about two turns of the tires before taking over control and keeping the car pointed straight ahead, every time, like launching a rocket. Very confidence-inspiring. In terms of steering and handling, the 2007 SL has even more chops. The steering ratio has been quickened up so that left-right transitions happen more quickly, there is more feel in the system at the steering wheel, and it tracks better. The second-generation Automatic Body Control (ABC) active suspension system, now standard equipment, has been altered radically, so that it controls body roll, pitch, dive and yaw about 60 percent tighter than the original system, and makes fast driving on challenging roads a very rewarding experience, without beating up the two occupants with a rough ride. We've also driven the silky smooth S600 with a 510-hp V12 that packs 612 pound-feet of trip-shortening torque as well as the SL55 AMG with a V8 also rated at 510 horsepower, but with a mere 531 pound-feet of torque. Which model? The SL600 is the one we would buy if we could afford it and justify its price. Its quiet, smooth demeanor, the refinement of the ride, along with its incredible performance (0-60 in the low 4-second zone) and brilliant handling make it the ultimate of luxury sports car. Its turbocharged 5.5-liter V12 engine boasts 510 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with the heavy-duty five-speed automatic to handle the huge torque output of the engine. The SL55 AMG, with supercharged power, lightning shifts with or without the manual shifter paddles, completely different ABC suspension calibrations, bigger, more powerful brakes, and huge tires, is rougher-riding than either the 550 or the 600, with 0-60 times of about 4.5 seconds, louder at the exhaust tips, but oh, so much fun to drive, so much more masculine looking, and more agile than the other two versions on a country two-lane road. The supercharged 5.5-liter V8 engine gets more power for 2007, to 510 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque.The SL65 AMG is the quickest SL of them all, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just over four seconds flat. It uses the 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 engine, rated at 604 horsepower and a staggering 738 pound-feet of torque. Regrettably, we have not driven the new SL65 AMG. The sensible SL to buy, if buying an SL can be sensible, is the SL550. It delivers plenty of performance. Its new 5.5-liter double-overhead-cam, 32-valve V8 engine delivers 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. That's 80 additional horsepower and 52 foot-pounds more performance than the previous SL500, a car that was already quick. And the more expensive, more powerful models don't get the SL550's new seven-speed automatic. All the versions we drove had enormous acceleration, but they also had huge brakes with ABS, EBD, ESP and traction control, enough braking power to pull down small buildings with a single stomp, with excellent pedal modulation and linearity. Over the years, we have driven every version of the SL including restored 1957 models, the square-topped Pagoda models of the Sixties, the fixed-roof and removable roof 450 SLs of the Seventies, and down through the rest of the line, and enjoyed every one. These are beautiful, beautifully made, stately luxury sports cars made in small volumes for customers who tend to be repeat buyers. Today, we have the safest, quickest, flattest-handling and prettiest SLs in half a century, and MBUSA is trying hard to keep the lid on the luxurious prices.

D.J. Says

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New 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class low prices, models from $509/month! Save thousands on your new 2008 ML350 or ML550

2007-09-06T16:24:00Z

INSTALLED OPTIONS:

CD CHANGER (REQ: P01 P1 Pkg, P02 P2 Pkg Or P03 P3 Pkg) Code: 819
FULL LEATHER SEATS (REQ: 318 Leather Seating Pkg) Code: 2__
HEATED FRONT SEATS Code: 873
IPOD INTEGRATION KIT (PIO) Code: 057
LEATHER SEATING PKG -inc: Full Leather Seating, Burl Walnut Wood Trim, Premium Interior Lighting, Front Console Tray, Wood & Leather Steering Wheel (N/A W/922 Interior Appearance Pkg, 9__ MB Tex W/Alcantara Inserts, 323 Heating Pkg) Code: 318
METALLIC PAINT Code: ___
P1 PKG -inc: Pwr Liftgate, DVD Navigation, Harman/kardon Logic7 Audio System, Sirius Satellite Radio, Hands-free Communication System, Rearview Camera, Rear Seat Audio Controls *Hands-free Communication System Requires Multi-handset Or Bluetooth Interface* Code: P01

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2008 Mercedes Benz M-Class Information

The M-Class SUV might be the Swiss Army Knife in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. It isn't so large that it's cumbersome or hard to park, but it comfortably seats five and carries plenty of stuff. As daily transportation, it doesn't feel like a truck, and it won't beat its driver or passengers up. Yet it has the potential for some fairly serious off-road adventuring, and it can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The M-Class is more than powerful enough in any of its variations, with the safety equipment, luxury accoutrements, style and smooth finish expected of a Mercedes-Benz. For 2008, the M-Class line features two new, very different models that will further broaden its appeal: The fuel-efficient ML320 CDI diesel and the ultra-high performance ML63 AMG. With the ML320 CDI, you can forget just about everything bad you knew about diesels. It gives up nothing to the standard, gasoline-powered ML350. It's equipped identically, except for its diesel engine. The 3.2-liter diesel V6 generates 398 pound-feet of torque, comparable to a large-displacement V8, and brings a substantial improvement in fuel economy. The ML63 AMG features a hand-built V8 that generates 503 horsepower with AMG tuning and enhancements to match all that power. Though considerably more expensive than other M-Class models, the ML63 AMG is a true high-performance machine. Its 6.2-liter V8 is hand-built by a single technician. It bursts from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, according to Mercedes, with top speed electronically limited at 155 mph. Plus, it comes with the full load of luxury features. The original M-Class helped make luxury SUVs a familiar part of the automotive landscape. Completely redesigned for the 2006 model year, this second-generation M-Class is better than the original in every way. It's roomier, more comfortable and more car-like in its bearing. Its wheelbase is almost four inches longer, and its body three inches wider, all to better accommodate larger Americans inside. In the bargain, the coefficient of drag, or Cd number, has dropped from brick-grade to a sylphlike 0.34, on par with many passenger cars that are much lower to the ground. This means quieter highway travel and better fuel economy. In place of the original body-on-frame, truck-style design, this latest-generation M-Class has welded unibody construction with isolated front and rear subframes, a technique that emphasizes rigidity, decreased vibration and lower weight. The unibody also reduces its overall height, making it easier for families to get in and out. The M-Class has given up any pretense to being a large-family vehicle. The optional side-facing rear seats from the old model are gone (they weren't very good anyway), so the M-Class is strictly a five-seater. You'll want to look at the GL-Class for seven-seat SUV accommodations. The new look and larger size come with a new double-wishbone front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension, emphasizing sedan-style dynamics. Yet with a two-range transfer case on most models, and a sophisticated control program for the fulltime all-wheel-drive, the M-Class can get its driver through some fairly tricky off-road situations. M-Class buyers will pay a premium over many other comparably equipped luxury SUVs, but those who appreciate the cache and engineering strengths of the Mercedes brand will find plenty to like here. New for 2008 are three significant options: A dual-screen rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a rearview camera that shows the area behind the vehicle when reverse is engaged, and a Bluetooth interface for cell phones that provides integrated, hands-free operation without docking the handset.

Model Lineup
2008 brings two new models that expand the Mercedes M-Class line to four. Each is equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission and electronically managed 4ETS fulltime all-wheel drive. The primary distinguishing feature is each model's engine. The ML350 ($42,680) is powered by Mercedes' latest-generation 3.5-liter gasoline V6, generating 268 horsepower. It comes with vinyl upholstery, automatic headlights, power seats, and an eight-speaker stereo with CD. The ML320CDI ($43,680) is equipped similarly but with the 215-hp 3.2-liter diesel V6 rated at 398 pound-feet of torque. The ML500 ($49,200) gets a three-valve, twin-spark 302-hp V8 and more standard features. These include heated, leather covered front seats, rain-sensing wipers and Tele-Aid emergency communication. The ML500 also includes more potent brakes and an upgrade from 17-inch to 18-inch alloy wheels. The ML63 AMG ($85,500) features a 6.2-liter V8 that generates 503 hp along with an AMG transmission, AMG shocks and suspension tuning, high-performance P295/40ZR20 tires on 20-inch wheels, AMG brakes, an air dam and other aerodynamic aids, AMG instruments, harman/kardon Logic7 CD6 audio with 12 speakers, and leather upholstery. Options include Distronic radar-managed cruise control ($3,150), Parktronic obstacle warning ($760), the DVD-based navigation system ($1,650), dual-screen rear-seat DVD entertainment system ($2,800), Keyless Go starting ($1,100), iPod integration kit ($365), CD6 changer ($440). Three packages are available, designated Premium I ($2,800), PII ($5,800), and PIII ($8,600), with exact content tied to the model. Drivers who want the racy look and sportier handling of the ML63 AMG, but not the high-power engine, can order the AMG Sport Package ($4,550) on any M-Class model. Safety features on all models includes two-stage front airbags for the driver and front passenger, side-impact airbags front and rear (torso protection) and curtain-style head protection airbags. A rollover sensor can activate both the seat-belt tensioners and curtain airbags if the vehicle senses an imminent rollover. An Electronic Stability Program comes standard along with advanced anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution. A tire pressure warning system is also standard.

Walkaround
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class generates more physical and visceral excitement than its predecessors, the pre-2006 models. From the emotional perspective, its front end is bolder, more interesting and more aggressive, with ventilated grille bars, a power-dome hood design and wild-looking integrated headlamps. In profile, the wheel arches loom large and prominent. There's an unmistakable character line rising front to rear, and a forward-slanting C-pillar that frames trapezoidal rear side glass. On the practical side, the M-Class body is much more aerodynamic. Its drag coefficient, or Cd, measures 0.34. That's closer to the average sedan than the typical slab-sided SUV. The lower the number, the less noise generated as air flows over the vehicle, and the less power required to move the ML at a given speed. Some improvements aren't readily apparent to the eye. A new-fangled scratch resistant paint, embedded with thousands of flecks of ceramic, is standard. It should be welcomed by those owners who actually decide to challenge overgrown trails, or those who share their garages with kids, toys and bicycles. There's an optional power liftgate operated with the key fob, and several cargo organizing devices available as accessories. New for 2008 is the ML63 AMG, and it is readily distinguished from other M-Class models. If its 20-inch spoke rims aren't a dead giveaway, check the ML63's more aggressive front and rear aprons, unique grille, flared fenders and deeply sculpted AMG side skirts. The ML63 also features unique tinted taillights and two sets of twin-chrome exhaust tips.

Interior Features
Inside the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the dashboard, door panels and seats compliment the aggressive exterior design nicely. Wood, leather, plastic and metal finishes are generally top-drawer, as they should be at this price. Four huge, round air vents spread across the dash panel, which is dominated by a deeply hooded instrument cluster with sharp graphics and prominent chrome trim around the tachometer and speedometer. A central information window between the gauges can be programmed to supply about as much driving and maintenance information as one driver can stand to absorb. The steering wheel has a nice, thick rim that's reassuring when driving off road. We're fond of the optional wheel, finished with the top half in wood and the bottom half in leather. The center hub houses four sets of controls for information, telephone, navigation and entertainment systems. Wipers are stalk-mounted to the left of the column, while primary climate and audio controls are in the center stack above the console. The center stack is dominated by the elements of the COMAND system and a 16:9 LCD display which incorporates entertainment, telephone, and navigation displays. The M-Class features an electronic gear selector that's making its way into all Mercedes models. It's an easy-to-reach short stalk on the right side of the steering column, with simple up-down movement for reverse and drive. Alternate shift buttons, which allow selection of a specific gear, are located on the back of the steering wheel hub, right where fingers wrap around the spokes. It's a good system, and eliminates the conventional gear selector from the center console, making more room available for elegant design and function. The power seat controls have been relocated from the door to the outboard side of the seat bottom. We can fathom no reason for this change except the cost trimmed by eliminating the remote switches. It's certainly a less convenient arrangement. Still, the front seats themselves (even the base seats in the ML350) are all-day comfortable. The rear seat isn't as supportive as the fronts, but it's much roomier than before. Most of the newly created space in this second-generation M-Class translates into more knee and legroom for rear seat passengers. The rear seat folds fairly easily, and is split 60/40, to expand storage space from 29.1 to 72.4 cubic feet maximum. The load height in back is SUV high, but M-Class offers nearly as much cargo-hauling room as the typical, full-size truck-based SUV. The new 2008 ML63 AMG has heavily bolstered sport seats upholstered with Nappa leather and an Alcantara insert across the shoulder bolsters. Its entire dashboard is wrapped with leather. The ML63 also features a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, unique instruments with AMG graphics and stainless-steel pedals with rubber studs.

Driving Impressions
In any variant, the Mercedes M-Class will do just about anything the typical owner demands, on road or off. Acceleration ranges from better-than-adequate, even with the new diesel engine, to oh-my-gosh! with the new ML63 AMG. Ride quality on pavement is never rough, even in the more stiffly suspended ML63, which features Mercedes' automatic AirMatic air suspension as standard equipment. New for 2008 is the available 3.2-liter diesel V6. This is the state of the art in diesel engines and we really like it. It's as clean as the ML's gasoline engines and gets much better fuel economy, yet it is not available in California and four other states. With this engine, there is no black soot, no sulfur smell and no loud, clattering noise. At idle the diesel in the ML320 CDI is nearly as quiet as the gasoline engine in the ML350, and that's when you're standing outside next to the vehicle. Inside, a driver is hard pressed to tell any difference between the gas and diesel engines, measured by noise or vibration. The only obvious difference is that the diesel shifts to a higher gear under full-throttle acceleration sooner than the gas engine to take advantage of its torque. There's no decrease in performance, either. Mercedes reports identical 0-60 mph times of 7.9 seconds for the both the ML320 diesel and the ML350. Yet that doesn't tell the whole story, because in short bursts the diesel actually accelerates more quickly. Its whopping 398 pound-feet of torque (compared to 258 lb-ft for the ML350) comes across as a neck-whipping burst of acceleration. And for this the diesel buyer gets a fuel economy improvement of 30 percent or more in real-world driving. We're perfectly happen in the ML350, but if diesel were readily available on our appointed rounds, we would choose the ML320 CDI over the ML350. During several days of hard driving in the south of France, we found the ML500 a hoot. The 5.0-liter V8 engine will take this 2.5-ton SUV from 0-60 mph in less than seven seconds flat, and then settles down to a background burble by the time you reach seventh-gear overdrive. The seven-speed automatic offers a manual-shift mode, and it's the best automatic Mercedes has built. It's flexible, in that it kicks down to a lower gear more quickly than its predecessors, and it almost always keeps the engine in the most productive part of its power band. Yet its overdrive top gear makes for quiet high-speed cruising and better fuel economy. The suspension is good at keeping the ML nice and flat in high-speed corners, and it smoothes dips and potholes better than we'd expect a truck to do. The optional AirMatic suspension we tested in France can be downright supple, which trucks aren't supposed to be. The larger standard 18-inch wheels and tires with the 5.0 V8 and the power rack-and-pinion steering deliver a nice feel of the road, and quick reactions when necessary. At high speeds through mountain passes, the ML500 leans over a little, takes a set, and then grabs the ground and turns the corners. Critics have complained with some justification about the electronically actuated and modulated Sensotronic brake system that Mercedes-Benz has been feeding gradually into all of its models over the last few years. We're getting used to them, and they'll stop the M-Class right now without much pedal effort. They've also improved considerably since they were first introduced. Yet they still don't have the smooth, linear feel of the best mechanically actuated brake systems. Nice smooth stops can be tricky without practice. We prefer the brakes in the Mercedes cars that do not have Sensotronic. Off road, the ML500 and ML63 AMG have two significant added features: a Downhill Speed Regulation software control that won't let you and it go any faster than about 7 mph downhill, and a Start-Off Assist that keeps the vehicle from drifting backward in Drive or forward in Reverse on steep hills. Very handy, indeed, and easy to learn to use. All M-Class models are rated at a significant 5000-pound towing capacity with the optional Class III towing package. We have little doubt that three of the four, including the new M320 diesel, would be up for the job (the diesel generates as much torque as a large displacement V8). We'd have some doubts about the gasoline V6 in the ML350, however. If towing a substantial load were a regular part of our routine, we'd look at the ML320 CDI or the ML500. New for 2008 is the 6.2-liter V8. We've driven the ML63 AMG and it certainly has appeal: a people hauler to do battle with Porsche 911s in the stoplight derby or blast through big sweeping curves much faster than decorum or good sense might suggest. The ML63 is fast, dashing from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds, and, with the torque of a large V8 and the high-revving character of a sports car engine, it can be fun to drive. But it's also big and heavy, so don't think sports car. Through the twisties where we sampled it, changing directions quickly and often, the ML63 AMG is not exactly fun. Its massive tires mean plenty of grip. The steering is fairly quick for such a hefty machine, but also quite light, and the package conspires to feel twitchy, almost unsettling.

Summary
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class offers a nice balance. It's not as stiff and unforgiving as some SUVs, nor as mushy on and off road as others. It has reasonable off-road capability and good towing capacity, but it's never a chore to drive during the more mundane daily tasks most drivers will undertake. Its choice of four engines is a plus, allowing owners to tailor priorities from high mileage to high performance.

New 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 has arrived! FleetRates.com can save you thousands on this this brand new full size SUV.

2007-09-06T16:15:00Z

INSTALLED OPTIONS:

Black Leather Interior
IPod Integration Kit
Illuminated Door Sills
Iridium Silver
Keyless Go
Rear-Seat Entertainment-Dual Screen/Source With DVD Player

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2008 Mercedes Benz GL550 Information

You'd sooner expect to see a moose on the streets of McCall, Idaho, than a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550. Sure, this little town on Payette Lake in the Rocky Mountains has been suitably gentrified as a resort playland, but let's face facts. The nearest full-service car wash is more than a hundred miles away in Boise, and it's hard to believe that a Mercedes would stray so far from convenient cleanliness.But maybe that's the point. Even as high-powered sport-utilities like the Mercedes GL look ever more out of place in the drive-thru lane at your local Starbucks, they're still exactly what you want out here in vacation America, even in places where you're likely to get a little dirt on the fenders.So the 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V8 that's now doing business in the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 might be just the right thing for America after all.

Get on Board the Vista Cruiser
All this comes to us as we're cruising along U.S. 95 next to the Payette River, whispering effortlessly down the two-lane blacktop at 85 mph in the GL550. It's morning, and you can look far off across the basin and see the cattle rousing in the little patches of fog still hovering over the wet grass. Beyond, there's a steep ridge of mountains covered in timber, just as there seems to be almost everywhere you go in Idaho.This isn't the sort of landscape you see every day. And if you think your fellow Americans are packing themselves into some kind of stripped-down Camry with roll-up windows so they can drive all the way out here and see this, then you're sadly deranged.The Mercedes GL is this generation's answer to the 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser station wagon, a vacation platform that will carry the whole darn family, which is likely to include three generations these days (so the demographers tell us).

Just-in-Time Production
The Mercedes-Benz GL550 is actually a little late to the party, as it's supposed to take its place next to ultrafast sport-utilities, vehicles like the BMW X5 4.8i, Cadillac Escalade and Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged.Asked to deliver a strong message of style, the Mercedes designers have once again got themselves into a lather and the GL550 displays the overheated results ? chrome flashing, running boards, fender flares, 21-inch AMG wheels and a three-bar grille with a graceless Mercedes star the size of a family-style pizza.All the conventions of sport-utility style have been hyped here, but fortunately the GL still has a sense of understated elegance that can withstand this assault by the Mercedes stylists.

When in Doubt, Choose Horsepower
The centerpiece of the new GL550 is a 5.5-liter version of the same 4.6-liter V8 introduced for the all-new GL last year. The larger-displacement 32-valve DOHC V8, which is also used in the E550 and S550 sedans, produces 382 hp at 6,000 rpm, a 14 percent improvement in output. Torque climbs to 391 pound-feet at 2,800 rpm, a 15 percent improvement.As before, the GL's powertrain does business through a seven-speed automatic that is more notable for its impeccably smooth-shifting performance than for its whizbang specifications. The GL550's fuel economy is EPA-rated at 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway, and compares nicely with the GL450's 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway.Once you choose the GL550 over the GL450, there aren't many other choices to be made, as the uprated engine brings with it uprated feature content. The GL550 incorporates nearly all of the GL options as standard equipment, including leather upholstery, three-zone climate control, a DVD-based navigation system and a Harman Kardon Logic 7 audio system.As you'd expect, the exhaustive features list carries the GL550's price into some pretty rarefied air, as it climbs from the 2007 GL450's $55,675 all the way to $77,750.The same thinking also has been applied to the new 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550, which Mercedes says delivers a 5.6-second time to 60 mph. It comes loaded only and stickers for $53,175.

The Driving Vacation
Along the upper reaches of the Salmon River, U.S. 95 winds back and forth along the riverbank in a canyon so narrow the sky is little more than a lightning bolt of blue. It's the kind of road that can bring out the worst in a big sport-utility, especially one that weighs 5,434 pounds and measures 200.6 inches from bumper to bumper.But there's not a hint of the bounding body motions that can make fast driving in a big sport-ute as turbulent as a bad landing in a jetliner. The GL's unit-body chassis rides on independent suspension both front and rear, so it's like some great big crossover, and it combines good body rigidity and controlled ride motions.Even when we found ourselves dicing with logging trucks on narrow roads alongside trout-fishing streams, the GL550 made us believe it was a far smaller vehicle. It's even profoundly quiet, and you frequently look down at the speedometer to discover that you're driving 20 mph faster than you thought.A lot of the GL's poise comes from the 295/40R21 Continental ContiCrossContact VHP tires, which combine plenty of cornering grip with plenty of steering precision. We're not sure such a low-profile tire will deliver a comfortable ride on a metropolitan freeway, but that said, the three-position damping control for the GL's air-spring suspension does a fine job of controlling body motions.

Looking Out the Windows
There's nothing like big windows when you're gawking at the landscape, and the GL lives up to its VistaCruiser heritage as we emerge from the mountains into the wide-open Camas Prairie, once the homeland of the Nez Perce and now an immense ocean of golden grain.As you'd expect, the GL promotes a luxury experience, yet the interior materials are tough enough to stand up to the dirt and debris a sport-utility should be expected to encounter in America. The center console even incorporates two huge wells for 32-ounce, Big Gulp-style refreshment (or even one 44-ounce container), long-overdue acknowledgement by the Germans that cups actually exist.The GL550's practicality also encompasses three rows of seats (actual adult humans can fit in every row), with three zones of air-conditioning. The third seat folds flat into the floor electrically with the push of a button, leaving 43.8 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second-row seat; and when both rear-seat rows are folded flat, there are 83.3 cubic feet of cargo space.Safety is also part of a passenger-friendly vacation experience. There's a typically Mercedes-like selection of effective but unobtrusive dynamic safety measures, and it includes not only the usual front and side airbags for the front-seat passengers, but also side airbags for the second-row passengers, not to mention third-row side curtain airbags.

Practical Luxury
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 takes its place next to all the specialty luxury sport-utilities that have appeared just as the supply of cheap gasoline has finally dried up. Yet because of its fundamental practicality as a passenger package, the GL550 might have a more secure future than the SUV-style sports cars. The GL doesn't sacrifice the very things that make sport-utilities uniquely useful ? passenger comfort and capacity, cargo volume, recreational utility and all-weather mobility.There's plenty of cost built into this equation, of course, but think about the price of airplane tickets for summer and winter vacations, plus the GL's ability to take you places where no airplane can fit.This Mercedes invites you to take a driving vacation out there in America. Like an Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser station wagon, it even makes you want to stop at the Gas 'N Go in Grangeville, Idaho, and buy some wacky tourist decals to stick in the rear window. Heart of the Camas Prairie! Home of Idaho's Oldest Rodeo!

Lease a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 for thousands less than the 2007 model. New 2008 models starting from $699/Month @ FleetRates.com

2007-09-06T16:08:00Z

INSTALLED OPTIONS:

IPod Integration Kit
MB-Tex Upholstery
P1: Premium I - DVD COMAND Navigation, Rear View Back-Up Camera, Parktronic, Power Passenger Seats With Memory, Auto-dimming Driver And Power Folding Mirrors, Power Driver Seat & Steering Column With Memory Pakage, Power Steering Column And Memory Seat Function, Hands-Free Communication System, Glass Sunroof, Power Telescoping & Tilt Steering Column, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Harman/Kardon LOGIC7® System, Power Rear Qtr Windows & Double Sunvisors, Power Liftgate And Cargo Net
Trailer Hitch

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2008 Mercedes Benz GL450 Information

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL 450 is the auto maker's first full-size sport utility vehicle. This all-new GL-Class of SUVs features three rows of seating and can seat up to seven passengers. Large and luxurious, the GL is built in the United States alongside the M-Class mid-size SUV and the R-Class touring wagon. The GL is designed to appeal to Mercedes-Benz sedan owners who want the off-road, four-wheel-drive, seven-passenger and 7500-pound towing capabilities that come with a full-size SUV along with the luxury and safety features they have in their other Mercedes vehicles. While their names sound similar, don't confuse the new GL-Class with the venerable G-Class or Gelandewagen. The GL shares nothing in common with the utiliarian G-Class, which will remain part of the Mercedes model lineup. Initially available in one form, the Mercedes-Benz GL 450 is large and capable off road yet feels surprisingly car-like on the road. That car-like feeling comes in part because this is the first full-size SUV built around a unibody architecture instead of traditional body-on-frame construction. Mercedes says the GL is strong enough to tow a 30-foot boat, a trailer carrying three horses, or a good-sized Airstream travel trailer.

Model Lineup
The GL-Class launches with a single model. The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL 450 comes with a 335-hp V8 engine similar to the one in the new S-Class sedan. Additional models will be coming, starting early in calendar year 2008 with the GL 320 CDI, which comes with a diesel engine. Later, the GL will be available with Mercedes' breakthrough BlueTec diesel powertrain. The Mercedes-Benz GL 450 ($54,900) comes with a 4.6-liter V8 engine, seven-speed automatic transmission, the 4MATIC four-wheel drive system, and the Airmatic air suspension system. It comes with seating for seven and with a third row that powers up or down at the touch of a button. Options include Distronic radar-controlled cruise control; a rear-seat entertainment system with two screens; Keyless Go, which allows the car to be started as long as the key is inside the vehicle; Parktronic, which uses sonar to detect obstacles near the vehicle; a power rear tailgate; Harman/Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system; and DVD navigation. Safety features that come standard include eight airbags, including side airbags for all four outboard first and second-row seating positions as well as side curtain airbags that protect occupants in all three rows. It comes with active front head restraints, LATCH tethers for child safety seats, and three-point safety belts for all seating positions; make sure everyone in the vehicle always wears those seat belts because they're your first line of defense in a crash. Active safety features (to help you avoid a crash) include an Electronic Stability Program, anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist Plus, and four-wheel electronic traction control. Optional safety features include Parktronic and a rear-view camera, each of which can help alert the driver obstacles or people, including children, behind the vehicle.

Walkaround
The GL carries the styling cues seen in newest generation of Mercedes' mid-size M-Class (ML), but applies them to a larger package and adds some strong, perhaps even masculine touches. For example, both in front and at the rear, a metal skid plate (designed to protect underlying mechanical parts from damage when driving off pavement) is a prominent feature that underscores the GL's image of strength. The GL's face looks much like that of the ML, except for the use of round fog lamps instead of oval-shaped accessory lights. Like the ML, the hood features what Mercedes calls a pair of power domes. Seen in profile, the GL's nicely raked windshield and large, 18-inch wheels (with 19- and even 20-inch wheels available) and bulging wheel arches help balance what is basically a tall and long vehicle. But even being tall and long, the GL doesn't look as bulky as, say, General Motor's full-size SUVs, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, and even with the squared-off rear edge of its D-pillar, the GL doesn't look as boxy as DaimlerChrysler's other full-size, three-row SUV, the Jeep Commander. Viewed from the rear, the GL presents a formidable obstacle. It's tall and wide, with a large rear hatch opening, large tail lamps and all of it sitting above a substantial skid plate bracketed on either side by large, rectangular exhaust pipes. Compared to the ML, the GL is nearly a foot longer and also an inch wider in track (the axle width including wheels), though it is less than half an inch wider overall and not quite an inch taller. Despite their similar styling, the Mercedes SUVs share only their front doors; otherwise, each has unique sheetmetal. As large as the GL may appear, it's 2 inches shorter than the R-Class touring wagon, which also has three rows of seating, though with room for only six occupants. The GL is built using unibody construction rather than the body-on-frame design that full-size pickups and SUVs traditionally use. Mercedes notes that because of this architecture, the GL-Class weighs in at anywhere from 300 pounds to 600 pounds lighter than its full-size competitors. To make sure the GL class is strong enough, 60 percent of the vehicle structure is made from special high-strength steel.

Interior Features
While the GL may look sleeker than its competitors, Mercedes brags that the 2008 GL 450 offers both best-in-class interior room as well as ease of entry and exit. With all seats in their upright position, there's still 14 cubic feet of storage between the third-row seatbacks and the closed rear hatch door. A power folding feature for the third row is standard equipment on the GL with controls near the rear hatch and next to the right-side second-row passenger's seat. Power down those third-row seats, and cargo capacity expands to 43.8 cubic feet. Fold down the 60/40-split second row seats and the GL provides as much as 83.3 cubic feet for cargo. There's also room under the cargo floor for a full-size spare tire. Standard equipment includes eight-way power front seats, 14 air conditioning outlet vents, eight cup holders, air vents, and reading lamps. The interior layout is familiar to Mercedes drivers, with either faux or real leather trim for the seats (Mercedes notes that not all luxury car buyers want real leather seating surfaces), wood trim and metal rings around gauges, air vents, and cup holders. The second-row seats provide ample legroom. When occupied by only two people, the back of the center section can be folded down as an armrest and storage tray. We climbed into the third row and found room for two adults to ride back there, each in a separate seat. The room is enhanced by foot wells for your feet so you don't sit with your knees at chest level, and even the third-row seats are thickly padded to provide comfort. Fears of claustrophobia back there evaporate quickly thanks to the standard sunroof that extends over the third row. The GL can be equipped with a 440-watt, 11-speaker harmon/kardon Logic 7 sound system, with Sirius Satellite Radio and with a DVD video entertainment system with screens mounted in the rear of both front-seat headrests and with a 6CD changer.

Driving Impressions
Driving the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL 450 doesn't feel at all like driving the typical full-size sport utility vehicle. While this is a substantially sized vehicle, it is not truck-like. The Mercedes has a much more car-like dynamic. The 335-hp V8 engine can propel the GL 450 from a standing start to 60 miles per hour in a car-like 7.4 seconds. This powerplant, with four valves per cylinder, is part of a brand new family of V8 engines from Mercedes-Benz. A standard, seven-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine operating in the sweet part of a power band that provides maximum torque from 2700 rpm all the way up to 5000. Mercedes notes that the GL is the only full-size SUV offering such a seven-speed gearbox. The 4MATIC four-wheel-drive system features front, center and rear differentials. The sure-footed 4MATIC system is designed to maintain mobility even when only wheel has traction. In normal driving, the system distributes power equally to front and rear wheels. The system includes DSR, a sort of cruise control for regulating downhill speed, and Hill-Start Assist, which keeps the GL from rolling backward when launched after being stopped on uphill slope. 4MATIC also adjusts anti-lock brake controls to provide quicker stops on slippery and unpaved surfaces when off-roading. Airmatic is an air suspension system that uses air bladders instead of coil springs to adjust ride height by as much as three inches as well as ride firmness and body control parameters, so the driver can select from comfort and more aggressively sporty settings. The system automatically lowers the vehicle to enhance handling and aerodynamic efficiency at speeds of 77 mph or higher. Those serious about venturing far from pavement can opt for a special off-road package that includes special wheels and tires, a two-speed transfer case, locking center and rear differentials, adaptive dampening and with ground clearance height-adjustment options of as much as 12.4 inches, compared to the standard 7.9 inches of clearance. We did our driving on freeways in and out of San Francisco's airport and on roads through Napa Valley wine country. Steering feedback was consistent, brakes (14-inches in diameter on the front wheels and 13 inches on the rear) were responsive and consistently predictable and the GL 450 offered nice balanced dynamic capabilities when hustled through the curves on the narrow, hilly roads that wind through the vine-covered hillsides.

Summary
The full-size Mercedes-Benz GL 450 is larger than the mid-size ML and offers a much more family-friendly package than the G-Class. The GL provides more car-like dynamics than the traditional, full-size, body-on-frame SUVs from other automakers, yet can tow big trailers.

New 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has arrived! Save Thousands on your new 2008 E350, 2008 E350 4MATIC, E550 or E550 4MATIC @ FleetRates.com

2007-09-06T16:04:00Z

INSTALLED OPTIONS:

10-way Pwr Front Seats W/3-position Memory, Adjustable Lumbar Support, Pwr- Adjustable Active Head Restraints
3.5L DOHC 24-valve V6 Engine (2008)
7-speed Automatic Transmission (2008)
Harman/kardon Logic7 Digital Surround Sound System (2008)
M-B TEX UPHOLSTERY (STD) Code: 1__
METALLIC PAINT Code: ___
PREMIUM PKG 1 -inc: Hands-free Communication System, DVD Navigation, Sirius Satellite Radio, Pwr Rear Window Sunshade, Heated Front Seats *Hands-free Communication System Requires Multi-handset Or Bluetooth Interface* Code: P01
VOICE CONTROL Code: 396

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2008 Mercedes Benz E350 Information

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Why pay more for a diesel? Save thousands on your new 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI BLUETECH @ FleetRates.com 1-888-831-8080

2007-09-06T15:58:00Z

INSTALLED OPTIONS:

M-B TEX UPHOLSTERY (STD) Code: 1__
STANDARD PAINT (STD) Code: ___
PREMIUM PKG 2 -inc: hands-free communication system, DVD navigation, Sirius satellite radio, pwr rear window sunshade, heated front seats, Bi-Xenon headlamps w/active curve illumination system, heated headlamp washers, Keyless Go *Hands-free communication system requires multi-handset or Bluetooth interface* Code: P02
PARKTRONIC PARKING ASSISTANT Code: 220
SPLIT FOLDING REAR SEATS Code: 287
WOOD & LEATHER STEERING WHEEL Code: 289
VOICE CONTROL Code: 396
PWR TRUNK CLOSER Code: 881

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2008 Mercedes Benz E-Class Information

It's no secret that most Americans are less than fond of diesels. Past U.S.-market diesels have been clattery, smoky and painfully slow compared to gas-powered counterparts, and U.S. diesel fuel has been sticky, stinky, harder to find, and little (if any) cheaper than gasoline. Unless they've traveled to Europe lately, where quicker, quieter and nearly smokeless modern diesels have become more popular than gas burners due to their higher fuel economy and lower fuel taxes, they've had little reason to change that opinion. Until now.Two important things are about to start changing it: First, 80 percent of U.S. diesel fuel by law will contain less than 15 parts per million of sulfur (vs. the previous 500 ppm), by this Oct. 15. Second, Mercedes-Benz will take advantage of this new ultra-low-sulfur fuel beginning the very next day by marketing a version of its 2008 mid-range 320 sedan powered by an all-new 208-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 (replacing the previous in-line six) with "BLUETEC" exhaust-cleansing technology. M-B BLUETEC diesels will then spread to other markets and models, including a diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee and other Chrysler products. Mercedes says this new E320 BLUETEC provides "outstanding driving dynamics, unprecedented efficiency and impressive environmental compatibility." With its prodigious 388 lb-ft of torque, it offers owners the rare combination of V-8-like performance (zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds), four-cylinder economy and up to 700 miles of range - better on all counts than a similar-size gas V-6 - while showing little overt evidence of dieselness. BLUETEC is a concept that Mercedes says will clean diesel emissions enough to meet more advanced diesel regulations taking effect for the 2008 model year. Including the Bluetec's catalytic converters, the system also uses particulate filters and a new system that treats nitrogen oxide emissions enough to meet the more stringent standards. All this gets the '07 E320 BLUETEC into EPA's "BIN 8" emissions category, clean enough for 45 states in 2008 but not for California and those four pesky northeastern states that insist on emulating California's standards. The next step needed to satisfy their tougher "BIN 5"requirement (which will be the 50-state federal standard in 2009) will be an additional module involving injection of liquid urea, called AdBlue, into the process, reducing nitrogen oxide emissions another 80 percent. The AdBlue system will require regular fill-ups of fluid, likely to be done at the same time the car has an oil change. The EPA is working with automakers to determine how to ensure that diesel owners do refill their urea tanks as needed - perhaps by mandating greatly reduced performance by the engine, or even preventing the engine from starting when the urea tank is empty. To our knowledge, M-B will be the only OEM offering (45-state) passenger car diesel engines in the U.S. until this issue is resolved. Other than offering America's best (and, for a while, only) diesel passenger-car engine, the E-Class is modestly upgraded for 2008. Most significantly, it debuts M-B's first extensive use of lightweight aluminum body panels and chassis components in volume production, including the hood, front fenders, deck lid, front and rear subframes, and more.The frontal look is mildly restyled, more aggressive, and more aerodynamic, while the interior gets a new steering wheel and shift lever and a nicely revised layout for the automatic climate control. The drag coefficient improves to 0.27 vs. the previous 0.29. New standard equipment includes a glass sunroof, a Harman/Kardon Logic 7 premium audio system with a six-disc CD changer and (for the wagon) a power liftgate. The rain-sensing wipers follow separate patterns to maximize the area cleared, their blades are hot-air heated when parked, and the washer fluid is electrically heated. Optional bi-xenon headlights rotate slightly with the steering to better illuminate curves.The E320 BLUETEC drives through M-B's seven-speed adaptive transmission, which allows manual gear selection by moving the lever slightly left to downshift or right to upshift (there's no separate gate). We questioned the usefulness of this normally much-appreciated feature, however, given the diesel's relatively narrow torque band. To protect the engine from over-revving, it won't downshift above about 2000 rpm, and it won't hold a gear while accelerating. Instead, it merrily upshifts whenever it pleases. Our test car's transmission also was reluctant to downshift from second to first to take advantage of that strong diesel torque to shoot a gap in traffic, a shortcoming worsened by the turbo's substantial low-speed lag. We found the chassis dynamics well up to M-B standards and slightly improved over previous E-Class sedans, partly due to quicker response (2.8 turns lock-to-lock vs. the previous 3.3) from the speed-sensitive power rack and pinion. The standard ten-way power front seats were supportive and comfortable throughout a long day's drive. Standard safety features include M-B's "PRE-SAFE" system - which senses an impending crash, tightens the belts, repositions the front passenger seat to a more favorable position, and even closes the sunroof - plus eight airbags, active front head restraints, rollover protection, and "Tele Aid," which locates the car via GPS and calls emergency response in case of a severe collision. The biggest surprise of all, given this sophisticated new diesel V-6's inherent higher cost and all its expensive emissions-cleansing hardware, was the E320 BLUETEC's modest $1000 premium over a comparably equipped gas-powered E-Class sedan. Its starting price of $52,325 is hardly trivial, but it's a flat-out bargain for what it is. We're guessing it's substantially subsidized to make it more attractive until its U.S.-market reputation is assured.

Lease a New 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 For Less Than the 2007 Model! FleetRates.com offers America's largest discount on all Mercedes-Benz models!

2007-09-06T15:52:00Z

INSTALLED OPTIONS:

LEATHER INTERIOR (STD) Code: 2__
STANDARD PAINT (STD) Code: ___
P1 PKG -inc: DVD navigation, hands-free communication system, active ventilated front seats w/heating feature, pwr rear-window sunshade, pwr trunk closer *Requires multi-handset or Bluetooth interface* Code: P01
AMG SPORT PKG -inc: 18
VOICE CONTROL Code: 396

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2008 Mercedes Benz CLS550 Information

The CLS has frequently been called one of the most beautifully crafted Mercedes-Benzes ever. We won't challenge that observation. It has the look of a coupe. Yet it has four doors. And in terms of interior comfort, the CLS makes for a great four-passenger sedan. The Mercedes CLS is roughly the same size as the E-Class sedan, with which it shares a number of major components. Yet the CLS-Class features fewer variants than the E-Class and it occupies a higher range on the price scale, with more standard luxury equipment. What distinguishes the CLS most readily from other Mercedes sedans is its four-seat cabin and gorgeous exterior styling. It comes in two varieties: powerful and crazy powerful. For 2008, the CLS line features new V8 engines. The baseline is now the CLS550, powered by a 5.5-liter V8 introduced in the full-size S550. This engine is considerably more powerful than the one it replaces (in last year's CLS500), yet without a decrease in fuel-economy ratings. The super-fast 2008 CLS63 AMG gets a new, hand-built 6.2-liter V8. With 507 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque, the CLS63 is one of the most powerful four-door cars available. For 2008, the CLS63 also gets a new seven-speed automatic transmission, replacing the five-speed previously used in AMG cars. While both CLS models offer performance, it's styling that distinguishes the CLS. Technically, the CLS is a sedan because it has four doors. Mercedes calls it a four-door coupe, and that's a good description. The swoop-roof, pillar-less CLS has the graceful, sensuous, feel of a coupe with the rear-seat access of a sedan. Whatever it's called, it may be the most visually appealing four-door on the market. Those great looks come with a slight penalty in terms of interior space, of course. The CLS only has four seats with four seat belts, while the E-Class cars have five. In terms of technology, however, the CLS gives up nothing. Its air-spring suspension automatically gets firmer or softer depending on road conditions. A vast array of Mercedes safety features come standard, including rear-passenger side-impact airbags and one of the most advanced skid-management systems in production. More than 70 percent of the steel in the body and frame is galvanized, high-strength alloy, and even the paint is advanced. The clearcoat layer is impregnated with tiny ceramic particles, increasing resistance to scratches by 300 percent compared to conventional finishes, according to Mercedes. The CLS is unique among luxury sedans. It's a must-see for drivers willing to exchange a rear center seat for a load of curb appeal.

Model Lineup
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 ($66,900) is powered by a 382 hp 5.5-liter V8. The CLS550 comes with leather seats with three-position memory, four-zone automatic climate control, a 12-speaker harman/kardon audio system and hand-rubbed wood trim. Options include the Lighting Package ($1,240) with headlight washers and bi-xenon headlamps that swivel when the steering wheel is turned. The Premium Package ($4,740) adds heated seats with active ventilation, DVD-based navigation, a six-CD changer and power rear-window sunshade. Stand-alone options include Distronic radar-guided cruise control ($3,150), Parktronic park-assist warning ($1,100), the navigation system ($1,260), and Keyless Go ($1,090) one-touch starting. The CLS63 AMG ($92,200) comes with a 6.2-liter V8, air suspension tuned for sharper response and flatter cornering, larger Z-rated tires, and more powerful brakes. Its seven-speed automatic features Speedshift paddle shifters that allow it to work like a manual transmission without the clutch pedal. The AMG Sport package ($5,000) adds the handling and braking and looks of the CLS63 to the CLS550 without the big engine. Safety features that come on all CLS models include front multi-stage airbags, side-impact airbags for front and rear passengers, front and rear curtain-style head protection airbags, seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, ABS with Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program, a roll-over sensor, low-tire warning system and Tele-Aid emergency telematics.

Walkaround
The Mercedes-Benz CLS has been labeled both coupe and sedan. It's a four-door car with the ambience of a coupe, and a beautiful coupe at that. This is one of the most striking four-passenger cars anywhere. The sedan quality derives from one obvious characteristic. It has four large, conventionally hinged side doors that allow unfettered access to both the front and rear seats. Its coupe-ness is harder to define, but it's this quality that makes the CLS so interesting and attractive. And it's not just its long, low-slung profile. It's the frameless side windows, the lack of a visible center roof pillar, and the descending slope of the rear pillar, which blends into muscled rear fenders. A pronounced shoulder line sweeps back from the front wheel arch, creating a wide, tall-waisted stance, as though the car has been stretched by the wind. It's hard to believe that a tilt/sliding glass sunroof will fit within the arching roofline, but it does. The front of the car thrusts visually forward with prominent grille slats, a deeply wedged hood and fenders that dive steeply into the distinctive headlamp clusters. A deep bumper forms a coupe's characteristically muscular rear, braced by two chromed exhaust pipes. The CLS features details that reduce noise when cruising at high speed. Look closely and you'll discover things like plastic deflectors in front of the front wheel arches to improve airflow across the front axle links, aerodynamic cladding on the rear axle spring links, and mini-spoilers in front of each wheel to reduce dynamic pressures at the tires and improve airflow around the wheels. Even the wiper arms were refined in the wind tunnel. These aerodynamic wipers feature a mounting system and integrated spoiler for better wiping with less noise. We're not sure we love the looks of the aggressive lower body cladding on the CLS63 AMG. It's just not as pretty as the CLS550. The staggered-width, 19-inch five-spoke AMG wheels look fantastic. The deep front and rear aprons and sculpted doors sills are anything but ugly, yet they get in the way of the graceful shape. The AMG version rides a half-inch lower than the standard CLS, but both models cut a fairly slippery profile. A drag coefficient of 0.31 is low for such a sculpted four-door car. This aerodynamic efficiency contributes to overall fuel efficiency and reduces wind noise at high speeds.

Interior Features
Inside, the Mercedes-Benz CLS has the bespoke quality of some of the world's most expensive sedans. This richness flows from good, clever design as much as from the materials used. A driver feels successful at the wheel of the CLS, much as a rear passenger feels in the back of one of Mercedes' mighty Maybach sedans. The view forward is filled by an expanse of burr walnut that stretches between round vents in the far corners of the dash, finished in a silk matt rather than the high-gloss familiar in many Mercedes. The walnut surface is broken by recessed center air vents, the climate control switch cluster and the main instrument cluster, which features three chronometer-style gauges and two LCD bar graphs for fuel level and coolant temperature. Each gauge is ringed with chrome, as is the cluster as whole. The graphics are crisp, and covered with a special mineral glass that virtually eliminates glare. Fit and finish is good, and the custom-tailored feel is enhanced by the design. Note how the front passenger airbag door blends perfectly into the upward sweep of the walnut panel. Note how the chrome-and-walnut theme carries down through the center console, with a ring surrounding the transmission shift lever, and into the rear cabin, with a separate walnut panel and chrome trim for the rear-seat climate controls. Note how the curve of the center rear console is reflected in the reverse curve of the outboard armrest. All four seats are covered in leather, with a thicker, richer Nappa finish in the CLS63 AMG. The standard front seats are adjustable 10 ways, using Mercedes' patented seat-shaped switches. There are three memory storage settings, and they can be matched to the remote key fob. Most switches are conveniently placed. A color display screen incorporates audio controls, navigation system and most other functions into a single set of switches. It takes time to learn, but I prefer it to the point-and-click devices in many luxury cars. The standard harman/kardon Logic 7 stereo sends 480 watts of audio through 10 speakers, including two in the rear self. Digital processing allows the driver to tailor sound to his or her taste, or to create a surround effect for any seating position. The CLS stereo sounds good. If it doesn't match the best currently available, it's light years better than those in Mercedes-Benzes just 10 years ago. In the rear seats, the sexy exterior styling results in a decrease in headroom, compared to a Mercedes E-Class. As part of our familiarization with the CLS, we were chauffeured across Rome so that we might see how the rich and famous do it. Tough job. My six-foot frame was comfortable on winding city streets, but passengers much taller may step out of the CLS with a crick in the neck. There's no problem with trunk space, however. With 15.9 cubic feet of volume, the CLS trunk offers exactly the same space as the E-Class sedan, and not much less than the larger S-Class sedan. In terms of interior comfort, the CLS makes for a great four-passenger sedan.

Driving Impressions
The Mercedes CLS550 is generally a joy to drive. Its 382-horsepower V8 delivers a wad of acceleration-producing torque at any speed. Its computer-managed air suspension scoffs at whatever the road serves up, delivering that classic Mercedes balance of ride comfort and predictable handling. This car is rock steady and inspires confidence at speeds that could earn you a nice set of handcuffs, courtesy of the highway patrol. The CLS is loaded with technologies, but they can be a double-edge sword. Two drive-by-wire systems, the throttle/accelerator and brake controls, work to different effect. Both use sensors and servo motors in place of cables, virtually eliminating mechanical parts. The electronic throttle control is fantastic. It delivers instant engine response and integrates with the transmission and cruise-control system for smooth shifts and seamless operation, and it can actually improve fuel economy. The drive-by-wire brakes, on the other hand, are not so satisfying. They will stop the CLS right now, and repeatedly, with no noticeable degradation in performance. Yet the engineers haven't quite figured out how to make these brakes more pleasing to the senses. The electronic brakes lack the steady pedal feel of the best mechanical systems. It's more difficult to modulate the pedal consistently, and smooth stops befitting a car of such grace can be a challenge. Electronics aside, the CLS63 AMG stops like a sports car, and goes with almost as much enthusiasm as a race car. Its 6.2-liter V8 is a welcome improvement. Previously powered by AMG's supercharged 5.5-liter V8, this car with was fast. With the new 6.2-liter V8, it's blindingly quick but it's also super smooth. With 507 horsepower, the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 delivers slightly more power than the supercharged engine it replaces. The 6.2-liter engine gets racing-style features such as dry sump lubrication, which ensures proper oiling under extreme g-forces. This is the first AMG engine matched with the Mercedes seven-speed automatic transmission. Called, the AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic, it pairs with the 6.2-liter V8 to form one of the most impressive powertrain combinations from Mercedes in years. Throttle response is instantaneous, automatic downshifts nearly so. The manual control electronics, which allow a driver to shift the transmission like a manual using either the shift lever or paddles on the steering wheel, are excellent. Speedshift allows the driver to hold a gear right at the 6.2 V8's 7200-rpm redline, where it's much silkier than the previous supercharged engine. There's a nice burbly exhaust tone at part throttle, and something more like a rebel yell when you floor it. In the CLS63, the air suspension is tuned with a bias toward the handling side of the equation, or more firmly than some owners might like. It's also fitted with larger, Z-rated tires. In our view, it's not uncomfortable, and the payoff in improved response is worth it. Most Mercedes-Benz cars will go along for the ride when pushed, behaving predictably. The CLS63 AMG likes to be pushed. Think of it as a more willing participant in a spirited drive. SCCA Trans-Am champion Tommy Kendall gave took us on a couple of laps around the fast 2.5-mile Willow Springs International Raceway and quickly showed that that CLS63 worked at the limit of its tires very well at high speeds. Kendall had little trouble changing direction with a quick lift of the throttle while sliding the CLS63 through the turns.

D.J. Says

FleetRates.com 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK Lease Specials Save Thousands On Your New CLK350/CLK550 Coupe or Convertible

2007-09-06T15:47:00Z

INSTALLED OPTIONS:

10-way Pwr Front Seats W/easy Entry System, 3-position Memory
3.5L DOHC SMPI 24-valve V6 Engine
7-speed Driver-adaptive Automatic Transmission-inc: Touch Shift, Optimum Gear Programming, Comfort Mode
Automatic Dual-zone Climate Control-inc: Dual Digital Temp Controls, Electrostatic Dust/pollen/active Charcoal Filters, Sun/humidity/dewpoint Sensors, Rear Air Vents, Tunnel Mode W/(1) Touch Closing Of All Windows
IPOD INTEGRATION KIT Code: 057
LEATHER INTERIOR (STD) Code: 8__
P1 PKG -inc: CD Changer, Sunroof, Harman/kardon Logic7 Sound System, Auto-dimming Mirrors, Garage Door Opener, UHI Pre-wiring Code: P01
STANDARD PAINT (STD) Code: ___

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2007-09-06T15:38:00Z

INSTALLED OPTIONS:

14-way Pwr Front Adjustable Bucket Seats W/3-position Memory, Pneumatic Lumbar Support (2008)
5.5L DOHC 32-valve V8 Engine (2008)
7-speed Automatic Transmission (2008)
AMG SPORT PKG -inc: 19'' AMG 5-spoke Wheels, High-performance Tires, AMG Front & Rear Bumpers, AMG Side Skirts, Dual Chrome Exhaust, Steering Wheel Mounted Shift Buttons Code: 321
Active Body Control (ABC)-inc: Coil Spring & Electronically Controlled Hydraulic Cylinder W/gas-pressurized Shock Absorber At Each Wheel, Automatic All-wheel Level Control, Driver-selectable Ride Height Control, Automatic Speed-sensitive Lowering (2008)
HEATED STEERING WHEEL Code: 443
P1 PREMIUM PKG I -inc: Active Ventilated Front Seats W/heat Feature, Keyless Go Code: P01
Pwr Tilt & Sliding Tinted Glass Sunroof W/(1) Touch Express-open & Close, Memory

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New 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Is Here - C300 Sport Models From $389/Month C300 Luxury C350 Sport Low Prices Low Lease Payments

2007-09-06T15:25:00Z

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2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport Information

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class brings all-new versions of these entry-luxury sedans. Longer and wider than last year's models, they accommodate four or five occupants with much more interior room than before. They also offer improved performance and better fuel economy than last year's models. The small family sedan that started out as the "baby Benz" in 1982 and morphed into the C-Class has matured through three generations into the company's most popular model worldwide, with more than 6 million units sold. This latest generation of the smallest Mercedes-Benz sedan marks a big step in its maturation. The C-Class comes in two distinctive personalities: Sport and Luxury. Each gets its own exterior styling and interior design. The C300 and C350, which replace the previous C280 and C320, indicate their more powerful V6 engines. And 4MATIC all-wheel drive is available. The 2008 C-Class is now much closer in size, looks, and behavior to the larger E-Class, yet with a lighter touch and feel all its own. We found the 2008 Mercedes C350 Sport feels strong but light, zippy but substantial. Handling is crisper than with the previous models. It feels sportier, less plush than before. And these cars are quick. Mercedes says the C300 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 7.2 seconds, which is quite zippy, while the C350 can reach 60 from a standstill in just 6.2 seconds, which is quite quick. We found the C350 Sport comfortable, with seats that were containing when cornering. The layout of the controls is very good, without a lot of learning labor involved in operating the car. And the available Harman Kardon stereo sounds fantastic. Initially, the U.S. market will get only these two sedan models, and in due course, the U.S. model range will expand to include diesel-engine versions, 4Matic all-wheel-drive versions, and a high-performance AMG model with a V8 engine. No coupe version is planned, and there will be no station wagon version for the U.S. market. An AMG Sport package of exterior and interior trim items, wheels and tires will be available as an option when the car reaches the U.S. market in August 2007.

Model Lineup
The entry-priced 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 comes with a 2.8-liter V6 and a choice between a seven-speed automatic and a six-speed manual. The C350 uses a 3.5-liter V6 with the seven-speed automatic. The C300 4MATIC features a full-time all-wheel-drive system. Standard wheels and tires are 17-inch, with 18-inch wheels optional. Options include leather upholstery, Thermotronic automatic climate control, navigation, Panorama roof, AMG Sport package, Adaptive Light System, Advanced Agility Control, bi-xenon lamps, Bluetooth, Comand APS with storage for up to 1000 music tracks, the Intelligent Light System, Keyless Go, multi-contour seats, Parktronic, TeleAid emergency communications, twin-sunroof Panorama roof, and 18-inch AMG split-spoke alloy wheels. Package P1, standard on the C350, contains the satellite radio, heated seats, autodimming lamps, folding mirrors, a garage door opener and rain-sensing wipers. Package P2 adds bi-xenon headlamps, cornering fog lamps, a split folding rear seat for cargo versatility, and a rear sunshade. The Multimedia package adds Comand navigation with a larger seven-inch screen, a six-disc DVD changer with a PCMCIA slot, Harman Kardon Logic7 surround sound system and voice controls. An Advanced Agility Package features variable shock absorbers and revised transmission shift points. Safety features include seven airbags: two adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag for the driver, two sidebags in the front seat backrests and two large windowbags which extend from the A to the C-pillar during a side impact. The driver, front passenger and outboard rear seats all have belt tensioners and belt force limiters. The standard head restraints operate on the Neck Pro system. During a rear-end collision, the padded surfaces are pushed forward to support the heads of the driver and front passenger, reducing the risk of whiplash. Active safety equipment that comes standard includes ABS, traction control, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and an Electronic Stability Program. An Adaptive Brake system primes the braking system in panic situations, and, whenever the windshield wipers are on applies light, continuous contact to dry the brake discs.

Walkaround
The fourth-generation, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class looks sporty, with all-new styling. The new C-Class is wider and longer than the outgoing model, a tauter, sportier design, addressing complaints that it was just too small for many Americans. With an overall length of 180.4 inches, the sedan is more almost four inches longer than its predecessor. Body width has increased more than an inch and a half to 69.7 inches, overall height increased almost one and a half inches, and the wheelbase has increased 1.8 inches to 108.4 inches. Two completely fresh grilles are used, one for the Luxury model with the traditional horizontal bars and hood-mounted star, one for the Sport version with a large, surrounded star in the grille. The Sport will have six- or seven-spoke alloy wheels and staggered tires (the rears larger than the fronts), and will carry a decklid spoiler. The Luxury version will have the same size tires all around, riding on five-spoke alloy wheels. The bold new front ends are amplified by a striking, rising line in the bodyside sheetmetal from front to back, flowing directly into a set of new and more aerodynamic taillamps. Even in this larger size, the drag coefficient of the new C-Class is a mere 0.27, among the best in the world. Improved safety comes via the new bodyshell, 70 percent of which is high-strength and ultra high-strength steel. Compared to the previous series, Mercedes-Benz has larger deformation zones and improved energy flows. The front-end structure of the new C-Class has four independently acting impact zones, which enable forces to be distributed over a wide area around the passenger cell. The hood, fenders, and decklid are aluminum. According to Mercedes-Benz, the static weight balance of the new C-Class is 52 percent front and 48 percent rear, awfully close to the magic 50/50 spread. The body is 13 percent stiffer in torsion and 12 percent stiffer in bending than the old car, and the chassis features a new rear axle and suspension design. The 2008 C-Class is the first car in history to be designed, engineered, developed, and tested on Mercedes-Benz's proprietary virtual and digital design and engineering system. That includes every single part, component, and system in the car as well as the interior and exterior design, the complete powertrain, and the chassis. The time saved in development on the computer was devoted to additional real-world testing, to the tune of 24 million kilometers, three times more than the previous model had accumulated. So these cars should be fully sorted.

Interior Features
The interiors of the '08 C-Class are all-new as well. Front shoulder room has increased by 1.6 inches. Trunk space has grown by a cubic foot. For 2008, the Mercedes C300 and C350 come with a revised instrument package design, a new steering wheel with two sets of auxiliary controls on the horizontal spokes, and a new center stack that includes a pop-up five-inch screen on the dashtop that displays all the necessary vehicle, navigation and entertainment system data. The Sport version has a three-spoke steering wheel, aluminum metallic trim panels, aluminum floor pedals with black rubber studs, and black birdseye maple trim with special stitching on the upholstery, while the Luxury version has a four-spoke steering wheel, traditional burl walnut interior trim and more traditional interior colors. The cabin of the C350 Sport is more elaborate than before, with a new standard power sunroof and standard power eight-way driver and passenger seats, with a power lumbar support on the driver's seat. The door panels have more brightwork, and it is tasty. A console-mounted push-and-twist wheel controls all of the display functions for navigation, entertainment, climate and communications. The dual-zone climate control is located at the bottom center of the dash, easy to read, understand and use. Whether the three-spoke or four-spoke steering wheel, both have a new layout, with two large multi-function controllers and two smaller buttons to control 12 different functions. The instrument pod itself, newly dressed up in aluminum trim with a white-on-black color scheme, houses a 4.5-inch information display inside the speedometer that can be changed at the touch of a button. The center stack features a hooded, retractable five-inch color display at the top center as the main display unit for the Comand system, big enough to see and shaded from the sun's rays. Other electronic features include a standard eight-speaker sound system with six-CD and MP3 player, a standard auxiliary plug-in spot for your iPod, and standard Bluetooth connectivity for your cell phone. The Harman Kardon digital 5.1 surround sound system that came in our C350 Sport featured 450 watts of power and 12 speakers, and it was nothing short of fantastic in reproducing the familiar sounds we brought along on our iPod, with automatic volume control and excellent imaging.

Driving Impressions
On our initial test drives over a couple of days on the highways and mountain roads surrounding Valencia, Spain, we could feel a new edge of precision and sportiness that the old C-Class simply didn't have. The new C-Class is altogether sharper, more precise, and quicker in terms of handling and steering. The ride is more controlled and sporty and less plush, all of which we liked. The brakes are extremely powerful and the pedal is nicely progressive.The steering of the new C-Class is more direct than the previous model's. The standard Agility Control suspension controls the shock absorber forces according to the driving situation. When driving normally with low shock absorber inputs, damping forces are reduced, with a noticeable improvement in ride comfort. In faster driving, maximum damping forces come into play.Mercedes-Benz has developed an Advanced Agility Package that offers the driver a choice of two programs, Sport and Comfort. The shock absorber for each wheel has infinitely variable electronic control. A new speed-sensitive steering with a more direct ratio, variable centering, and adaptation to acceleration and automatic transmission shift points will be included.

Summary
After 25 years, 6 million cars, and a lot of lessons learned, Mercedes-Benz has gone the extra mile with the new 2008 C-Class to provide American buyers with more room, more style, more standard content, more performance, and more substance in a pretty package at what we expect will be reasonable and competitive prices. If the quality holds up, this should be a winner.

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2007-07-09T15:23:00Z

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2007 Mercedes Benz CLK350 Coupe
MSRP: $ 46,975 Sale: $ 41,875
Monthly: $ 459

INSTALLED OPTIONS:

10-way Pwr Front Seats W/easy Entry System, 3-position Memory 3.5L DOHC SMPI 24-valve V6 Engine 7-speed Driver-adaptive Automatic Transmission-inc: Touch Shift, Optimum Gear Programming, Comfort Mode Independent 3-link Front Suspension W/coil Springs Over Gas-pressurized Shock Absorbers, Antidive Geometry Mercedes-Benz Maintenance System Plus Display-inc: Distance Remaining To Next Maintenance, Type Of Service Due, Reminders PREMIUM LEATHER INTERIOR (STD) Code: 8__ Rear Center Folding Armrest W/slide-out Dual Cup Holders Tele Aid Global Positioning System (GPS) Satellite System-inc: Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Remote Door Unlock Service, Automatic Alarm/collision Notification Variable-focus Halogen Headlamps-inc: Polycarbonate Lenses, Driver-selectable Light-sensing Headlamps, Automatic Lamp Substitution

2007 Mercedes Benz CLK350 Convertible
MSRP: $ 56,875 Sale: $ 50,475
Monthly: $ 549

INSTALLED OPTIONS:

17'' X 7.5'' Front/17'' X 8.5'' Rear 5-split Spoke Aluminum Wheels 3.5L DOHC SMPI 24-valve V6 Engine 7-speed Driver-adaptive Automatic Transmission-inc: Touch Shift, Optimum Gear Programming, Comfort Mode Electrohydraulic Insulated All-season Convertible Soft Top W/flush-bonded Glass Rear Window P1 PKG -inc: CD Changer, Harman/kardon Logic7 Sound System, Sirius Satellite Radio, Auto-dimming Mirrors, Garage Door Opener, UHI Pre-wiring Code: P01 Tele Aid Global Positioning System (GPS) Satellite System-inc: Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Remote Door Unlock Service, Automatic Alarm/collision Notification Variable-focus Halogen Headlamps-inc: Polycarbonate Lenses, Driver-selectable Light-sensing Headlamps, Automatic Lamp Substitution

2007 Mercedes Benz CLK550 Coupe
MSRP: $ 56,675 Sale: $ 47,975
Monthly: $ 499

INSTALLED OPTIONS:

10-way Pwr Front Seats W/easy Entry System, 3-position Memory 5.5L DOHC SMPI 32-valve V8 Engine 7-speed Driver-adaptive Automatic Transmission-inc: Touch Shift, Optimum Gear Programming, Comfort Mode, Gearshift Paddles AM/FM/weatherband Radio W/CD Player-inc: Fiber-optic Communication Among Components, Automatic Speed-sensitive Volume Adjustment AMG Dual Polished Chrome Exhaust Finishers AMG-designed Front Air Dam W/mesh Air Intakes, Side Skirts, Rear Apron Leather-trimmed 4-spoke Pwr 4-way Tilt/telescoping Steering Wheel-inc: Memory, Audio/multifunction Display Controls, Shift Paddles Pwr Automatic Height Adjustable Front Head Restraints W/manual Adjustable Fore-aft Variable-focus Halogen Headlamps-inc: Polycarbonate Lenses, Driver-selectable Light-sensing Headlamps, Automatic Lamp Substitution

2007 Mercedes Benz CLK550 Convertible
MSRP: $ 64,675 Sale: $ 55,375
Monthly: $ 579

INSTALLED OPTIONS:

5.5L DOHC SMPI 32-valve V8 Engine 7-speed Driver-adaptive Automatic Transmission-inc: Touch Shift, Optimum Gear Programming, Comfort Mode, Gearshift Paddles AM/FM/weatherband Radio W/CD Player-inc: Fiber-optic Communication Among Components, Automatic Speed-sensitive Volume Adjustment AMG Dual Polished Chrome Exhaust Finishers AMG-designed Front Air Dam W/mesh Air Intakes, Side Skirts, Rear Apron Audible/message Reminders-inc: Open Door, Exterior Lamp Failure, Low Fuel/ Engine Oil/coolant/washer Fluid, Parking Brake/headlamps On, Remove Key From Ignition Electrohydraulic Insulated All-season Convertible Soft Top W/flush-bonded Glass Rear Window Independent 5-arm Multilink Rear Suspension W/separate Coil Springs, Gas- Pressurized, Shock Absorbers, Antisquat/alignment Control

The Mercedes-Benz CLK feels right in just about any role. It's good looking, stylish, sporty to drive and personal, yet it will work for two couples during an evening on the town. Those who prefer understated, buttoned-down elegance will like CLK Coupe. Extroverts and sun worshippers can choose the one-button convertible top on the CLK Cabriolet. For 2007, the V8-powered CLKs have new engines. The CLK550 gets the latest-generation Mercedes V8, with variable valve timing and 27 percent more power than the engine in the 2006 CLK500, yet the same EPA mileage ratings as before. The new CLK63 AMG has a race-inspired V8 built start-to-finish by one technician at the company's AMG high-performance subsidiary. The new engines mean a slight change in model nomenclature, but the CLK lineup really has not changed. There's still a coupe and convertible, with either a V6 or V8 engine. The super-fast AMG model is available only as a convertible. The CLK has rear-wheel drive in a class increasingly populated by front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive cars, and it has a sporting flair some mid-size luxury cars lack. In general, the CLK is one of the sportiest cars in the Mercedes lineup. Most buyers will be quite happy with the CLK350 and its 268-horsepower V6. With its seven-speed automatic, the CLK350 delivers a fine balance of spirited acceleration, quiet cruising and decent fuel mileage. Drivers who demand more performance can choose the CLK550. Its new V8 generates 382 hp and an even more impressive 391 pound-feet of torque. (Torque is that force that launches the car from intersections and propels it up hills.) Measured by acceleration and engine response, the CLK550 meets just about any standard of high performance. The CLK550 transmits a feeling of being more stuck to the road than the CLK350 does, with sharper handling and better high-speed stability. The limited-production CLK63 AMG goes a couple of magnitudes better. It will out-accelerate, out-brake and out-corner all but a handful of four-place cars anywhere. Yet around town it's incredibly docile and belies its 475-hp AMG engine. On the open road, the CLK, no matter the model, is satisfying, responsive and exceptionally stable at high speeds. It inspires confidence on twisty roads and bears up well in a spirited drive. It's also easy to live with. Its ride is firm, but not intrusive. Its relatively small size makes it easy to park and maneuver in crowded city centers, but its back seat is roomy enough for two adults. In a word, the CLK is balanced. Its stylish design and elegant interior make it a pleasant place to spend time, and it delivers Mercedes cachet that works in almost any circumstance.

Model Lineup
What's new for 2007: More powerful engines for the V8 models. The CLK550 replaces the CLK500, with a new 5.5-liter engine generating 27 percent more power than the previous 5.0-liter V8. The ultra-high-performance CLK63 AMG Cabriolet replaces the CLK55 AMG, with a hand-built 6.2-liter V8 producing 475 horsepower. Also new for 2007 is a Sport Appearance Package ($490) for the CLK350. It includes a firmer sport suspension, cross-drilled brake rotors and 10-spoke, 17-inch aluminum wheels. The Mercedes-Benz CLK is available as a coupe or convertible. Three models are distinguished by engine size, and all come with a seven-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually with buttons on the steering wheel. The CLK350 Coupe ($46,200) and Cabriolet ($54,200) are powered by a 3.5-liter V6, which develops 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Standard features include leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control with pollen and dust filter, 10-way adjustable power seats with three memory settings and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Black-stained ash wood trim is standard, and more traditional burl walnut is available as a no-charge option. The Cabriolet features a fully automatic, heavily insulated convertible top. The CLK550 Coupe ($54,900) and Cabriolet ($62,900) get the new-generation V8 introduced in the big S-Class sedan. This dual-overhead-cam 5.5-liter engine generates 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The CLK63 AMG ($89,200) is available only as a cabriolet. Its 6.2-iter V8 is built by a single technician at Mercedes' AMG racing subsidiary, with 475 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The CLK63 also gets sporting upgrades to its brakes and suspension, and comes with a longer list of ultra-luxury features. Options are grouped in three packages: Premium I, II, and III. Exact content and price vary with the model. On the CLK350 Coupe, Premium I ($2,530) includes auto-dimming mirrors, a programmable built-in garage door opener, a premium harmon/kardon stereo with six-CD changer and a glass sunroof. Premium II ($3,630) adds turning bi-xenon headlights with washers and a heated windshield washer system. Premium III ($4630) includes everything in PI and PII, plus ventilated seats. Stand-alone options include a navigation system combined with on-screen control for the stereo and air conditioning ($2,270); Sirius satellite radio ($510); hands-free telephone communication ($925); wood and leather steering wheel ($540); heated front seats ($700); electronic trunk closer ($520); and Keyless Go push-button starting ($1,100). For that extra special touch, designo Silver Edition and Graphite Edition trim packages are available ($7,050). Safety features that come on all CLKs include multi-stage front-impact airbags. Coupes get front passenger side-impact airbags that protect the torso, and curtain-style head protection airbags for both front and rear passengers. The convertibles combine both torso and head protection in the same side-impact airbags. The also feature pop-up rollbars that automatically deploy if the electronics sense a pending rollover. TeleAid accident notification is standard. Side-impact airbags for the rear passengers are optional ($390). Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Control are standard. The Extended Mobility package ($200) includes run-flat tires and a tire pressure warning system. 4Matic all-wheel drive adds a measure of safety in slippery conditions.

Walkaround
The Mercedes-Benz CLK is beautiful, no arguing that, and its beauty lies in its symmetry and balance. The CLK looks forceful, but also elegant and sophisticated, and it blends form and function nicely. Under the rear half of its sweeping roofline is a back seat with room for two adults, not the parcel shelf that passes for a seat in some high-end coupes. The CLK is a fairly compact car, based on a lengthened version of the same chassis used for the small Mercedes C-Class sedans. Yet the designers have successfully infused it with the presence and bearing of a much larger coupe like the big Mercedes CL. The coupe aesthetic starts with the profile. The CLK dispenses with a center roof pillar, so the roof sweeps uninterrupted from the base of the windshield to the trunk lid. The rear windows lower completely below the sill, emphasizing the smooth, open flow, and the effect is enhanced by the absence of any visible antenna for the radio, telephone or navigation system. The CLK replaces a conventional steel trunk lid with a composite panel that allows the antennas to be imbedded the lid's structure. The second, unmistakable coupe element is the CLK's front end. This Mercedes forgoes the traditional hood ornament in favor of a lower, much larger three-pointed star embedded in the wide, three-slat grille, which greets the world with just a hint of a sneer. On first impression, it seems the CLK has four headlights, but a closer look confirms a single ellipse-shaped cluster on each side. And there's more to the headlights than slick design. The optional bi-xenon lights swivel to point into curves and are equipped with high-pressure washing jets; they also change beam angle as the CLK moves up and down with road imperfections, keeping the high-intensity light below the sight line of the drivers in oncoming cars. When its fabric top is closed, the CLK Cabriolet is nearly identical in silhouette to the coupe, with only a hint of a break in the roofline where it meets the trunk lid. The fabric top is fully lined and insulated, and opening or closing it is a one-button operation. Roughly 30 seconds after the driver hits the button, the top tucks neatly under a hard cover behind the rear seats. Rollover protection hoops are integrated in the rear-seat headrests, allowing the same clean look when the top is down. In the event of an imminent collision or rollover in the cabriolet, two roll bars deploy and lock in place within 0.3 seconds. Details distinguish the CLK models. The CLK350 has neutral-tinted glass and gray vanes in its grille, while the CLK550 gets blue-tinted glass, high-gloss black vanes with chrome trim on the grille, and a short rear spoiler. The hotrod CLK63 AMG sports a front valance with three separate sections, mesh grillwork and flared rocker panels between the wheels. The CLK350 and CLK550 come with 17-inch wheels, slightly wider with fatter tires in back, to create the staggered-wheel look of a race car. The wheels on the CLK350 are a light-alloy five-spoke design. Those on the CLK550 feature an AMG-styled monoblock design. The CLK63 AMG has 18-inch wheels in a highly polished double-spoke pattern with lower profile Z-rated tires. What's New for 2007: The optional Sport Appearance Package for the CLK350 is easy to spot, thanks to unique 10-spoke aluminum wheels. This option includes a sports suspension that lowers the CLK slightly, and cross-drilled brake rotors that are visible through the wheels. The brake calipers are painted with Mercedes script.

Interior Features
The Mercedes-Benz CLK is a fairly compact car, but there is enough space and seat adjustment inside to accommodate very tall people in front. Generally, the cabin has the look and feel of success. While we've had quibbles with the fit and finish inside some Mercedes models the last several years, those don't apply in the CLK. Materials are very good throughout. Soft polyurethane sprayed onto the dashboard provides an attractive appearance and a luxurious feel. Black-stained ash wood trim and black carpet is standard, though traditional burl walnut is available at no charge. Nice touches of wood and gathered leather on the door panels make for a very attractive cabin. When front passengers close the doors, an electric arm on each side of the CLK extends to present the seatbelts, making it easier to reach the belts. The belt presenters retract once the belts are buckled. It works well, though we've seen passengers startled by them, fearing the return of the motorized mouse. Most controls and switches, including climate adjustments and audio, are stacked in the center of the dash above the console. They're easy to locate and big enough to adjust without a lot of concentration. Standard features include digital dual-zone temperature control with a sun sensor to optimize air distribution. The rain-sensing wipers are operated with a stalk on the right side of the steering column. Storage options have improved by Mercedes standards, but come up short when compared with other cars. The two-tiered glove box is large, but the optional CD changer will take up one of the shelves. The center console has two cup holders and a storage bin. The gauge cluster is a mix of traditional analog gauges and LED graphics. A large round speedometer and tachometer dominate the center, flanked by two smaller, thermometer-like gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. It's both attractive and effective, with crisp illuminated script that's easy to read at a glance, though at first you may confuse full and empty on the gas gauge. The CLK steering wheel is one of our favorites: just the right size, thickness and firmness for this car, and power-adjustable for tilt and reach. Rocker buttons on its spokes allow operation of several systems, including stereo, climate and telephone. These buttons also manage an LED information display in the center of the gauges. There's a wealth of information available, including trip functions such as average speed and distance to empty, but it takes a bit of concentration to scroll through and find what you're looking for. Access to the rear seats is easier than it is in many coupes, but that's mostly because there is more room than in many coupes. The front seats help by tipping and sliding forward with a quick-release lever. If the front passengers don't have their seats moved too far rearward, there's enough room for two adults in back. At least for traveling to dinner and a show, if not a cross country trek. The rear seat folds down with 60/40 split, and that's good. With 10.4 cubic feet of space in the trunk, the CLK will hold a load of luggage for two, but its trunk is smaller than typical in a sedan of its size. The fold-flat rear seat helps a bit with oversized items. You won't lose much rear seat space with the CLK Cabriolet, but you will lose a lot of storage in the trunk, even when the convertible top is up. With the top up, there's enough space for four to six bags of groceries. When the top is down, it cuts the trunk space almost in half. Nonetheless, the top is thickly insulated and beautifully lined, and it's almost as pristinely quiet in the CLK Cabriolet as it is in the coupe, when the top is up. What's New for 2007: Interior features and options are essentially unchanged on V6 and V8 models.

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FleetRates.com is a new and innovative way of buying or leasing your new Mercedes Benz. Our factory authorized certified Mercedes Benz dealer network honors our low member Mercedes Benz prices and lease payments we set online. We help thousands of consumers get quick and easy low Mercedes Benz prices and lease terms on the exact new Mercedes they are looking to buy or lease. We have FleetRates.com certified fleet managers at some of the highest volume Mercedes Benz dealerships nationwide, allowing us to save our customers thousands of dollars. Our staff constantly researches the market place for the most up-to-date and competitive pricing available. We offer all Mercedes Benz models including C Class, C230 Sport, C280, C350, E Class, E350, E-350 4-matic, E320 Bluetech, E550, E55 AMG, E63 AMG, SL Class, SL550, SL55 AMG, SL65 AMG, SL600, S Class, S550, S550 4Matic, S600, S65 AMG. CLK Class, CLK350, CLK550, CLK63 AMG, SLK Class, SLK280, SLK350, SLK55 AMG, SLR McLaren Supercar, all new CL Class, CL500, CL600, CLS Class, CLS550, CLS63 AMG, Mercedes Benz Certified Preowned, all SUV's including the R Class, R350, R500, R63 AMG, ML Class, ML350, ML500, ML320 Bluetech, ML63 AMG, GL Class, GL450, GL320 and nationwide delivery. |

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A. Browse our website, click New Specials and select A. Mercedes. B. Choose the New Mercedes models, equipment options, and colors desired. C. Fill out the online form and press the submit button and call our toll free number, or simply reply to one of our online Mercedes Benz Specials. Easy buying process. Requests are routed to our accredited FleetRates.com Certified Internet Managers who have been trained to provide online consumers with courteous, quick service, usually within 24 hours, and a low, competitive, haggle-free Mercedes price.

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All advertised lease payments are based with 10% capitalized cost reductions plus standard drive off fee's. Typical terms are 48-63 months with A tier one credit and are based on between 10-12K miles per year. Payments shown don't include taxes or registration fee's and are subject to credit approval. All advertised prices and payments include all factory rebates and incentives and are subject to qualification. Photos shown are vehicle stock photos and are for demonstration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on color, options and trim level selected. Prices may vary by region depending on market conditions.

New 2007 Mercedes Benz Model Year End Closeout Sale Save Thousands On New 2007 C230 C280 and C350 Models @ FleetRates.com 1-888-831-8080

2007-07-06T20:49:00Z

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View More Mercedes Benz Vehicle Specials @ FleetRates.com

	2007 Mercedes C230 Sport MSRP: $ 30,425 Sale: $ 26,175 Monthly: $ 279 10-way Adjustable Front Sport Seats W/pwr Height & Recline, Lumbar Support 2.5L DOHC SMPI 24-valve V6 Engine AMG Front Air Dam W/front Mesh Air Intakes Black Leather-trimmed 3-spoke 4-way Tilt & Telescoping Adjustable Sport Steering Wheel-inc: Raised Thumbgrips, Audio/multifunctional Display Controls Electrically Heated Rear Window W/auto Shut Off Based On Time & Exterior Temp Independent 3-link Front Suspension-inc: Coil Springs Over Sport-tuned Gas- Pressurized Shock Absorbers, Antidive Geometry M-B Tex Upholstery Variable-focus Halogen Headlamps-inc: Polycarbonate Lenses, Light-sensing Auto-on Headlamps, Automatic Lamp Substitution
	2007 Mercedes C280 4MATIC MSRP: $ 36,655 Sale: $ 31,475 Monthly: $ 339 3.0L DOHC SMPI 24-valve V6 Engine 4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS) 5-speed Automatic Driver-adaptive Transmission-inc: Touch Shift, Optimum Gear Programming, Comfort Mode Automatic Dual-zone Climate Control-inc: Dust/pollen Filters, Tunnel Mode W/(1) Touch Closing Of All Windows, Upper & Lower Temp Sensors, Dash-top Diffuser Vent Front Center Armrest-inc: Dual Enclosed Storage, 3-way Lid, Air Vents At Rear Of Console M-B Tex Upholstery Metallic Paint Variable-focus Halogen Headlamps-inc: Polycarbonate Lenses, Light-sensing Auto-on Headlamps, Automatic Lamp Substitution
	2007 Mercedes C280 Luxury MSRP: $ 34,175 Sale: $ 29,175 Monthly: $ 319 3.0L DOHC SMPI 24-valve V6 Engine 7-speed Automatic Driver-adaptive Transmission-inc: Touch Shift, Optimum Gear Programming, Comfort Mode AM/FM/weatherband Stereo W/CD Player-inc: MP3 Capability, 6-speakers, Automatic Speed-sensitive Volume Adjustment, Fiber-optic Communication Among Among Components Chrome Trim-inc: Bumpers, Rub Strips, Side Window Sills Hand-polished Laurel Wood Trim Leather-trimmed 4-spoke 4-way Tilt & Telescoping Pwr Adjustable Steering Wheel-inc: Audio/multifunctional Display Controls, Memory, Easy-exit Feature M-B Tex Upholstery
	2007 Mercedes C350 4MATIC MSRP: $ 41,175 Sale: $ 34,175 Monthly: $ 389 10-way Pwr Front Seats W/3-position Memory, Lumbar Support 3.0L DOHC SMPI 24-valve V6 Engine 4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS) 4MATIC All Wheel Drive Chrome Trim-inc: Bumpers, Rub Strips, Side Window Sills Hand-polished Laurel Wood Trim Night Security Illumination Variable-focus Halogen Headlamps-inc: Polycarbonate Lenses, Light-sensing Auto-on Headlamps, Automatic Lamp Substitution
	2007 Mercedes C350 Luxury MSRP: $ 39,375 Sale: $ 32,475 Monthly: $ 359 10-way Pwr Front Seats W/3-position Memory, Lumbar Support 3.5L DOHC SMPI 24-valve V6 Engine Dual Aero-blade Windshield Wipers W/heated Washer System Dual Front Map Lights Dual-stage Resonance Intake Manifold Electrically Heated Rear Window W/auto Shut Off Based On Time & Exterior Temp Independent 3-link Front Suspension-inc: Coil Springs Over Gas-pressurized Shock Absorbers, Antidive Geometry Leather-trimmed 4-spoke 4-way Tilt & Telescoping Pwr Adjustable Steering Wheel-inc: Audio/multifunctional Display Controls, Memory, Easy-exit Feature Variable-focus Halogen Headlamps-inc: Polycarbonate Lenses, Light-sensing Auto-on Headlamps, Automatic Lamp Substitution
	2007 Mercedes C350 Sport MSRP: $ 38,775 Sale: $ 31,875 Monthly: $ 349 10-way Pwr Front Sport Seats W/3-position Memory, Lumbar Support 3.5L DOHC SMPI 24-valve V6 Engine Black/silver Leather-trimmed Sport Shift Knob Chrome Trim-inc: Bumpers, Rub Strips, Side Window Sills Dual Chrome AMG Exhaust Tips Independent 5-arm Multilink Rear Suspension-inc: Antisquat Geometry, Alignment Control, Separate Coil Springs, Sport-tuned Shock Absorbers Nano-particle Clearcoat Technology Paint

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2007-07-05T16:12:00Z

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2008 SLK280 Roadster
With a 228-horsepower V-6 engine, a satisfying short-throw 6-speed manual transmission, and a dramatically detailed cockpit, the SLK280 adds up to a car designed first and foremost for driving pleasure.

2008 E350 Sedan
Powerful 268-horsepower V-6 engine, power glass sunroof, PRE-SAFE® advanced safety system, and 12-speaker Harman Kardon LOGIC7® digital surround-sound system.

2008 R350 SUV
The R350 SUV elevates the art of travel with its 3.5 liter V-6 engine, 7-speed automatic transmission, standard 4MATIC™ 4-wheel drive, dual-zone climate control, optional Panorama roof, and seating for up to six.

2008 ML350 SUV
Experience the 268-horsepower V-6 with standard 4MATIC™ 4-wheel drive, revolutionary 7-speed transmission, projector-beam headlamps, luxurious five-passenger cabin, and 17-inch 7-spoke wheels.

2008 GL450 SUV
A 335-horsepower V-8 engine takes on any adventure. Features include 7-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels, power-folding theater-style third-row seating, and 83.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.

Qualified customers only. Available only at participating authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers through Mercedes-Benz Financial. Must take delivery of vehicle by September 4, 2007. Subject to credit approval by lender. See your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for complete details on special lease offers on select models.Special lease rates may not be reflected in lease calculator prices shown on MBUSA.com. Please see your dealer for final pricing.Special lease rates may not be reflected in prices shown on MBUSA.com. Please see your dealer for final pricing.

FleetRates.com and Google Launch Nationwide Automotive Radio Campaign

2007-06-19T18:25:00Z

FleetRates.com has teamed up with Google on a major new radio advertising campaign. In the past week, FleetRates.com launched several nationwide radio clips targeting major cities in the United States. So keep an ear out and remember, FleetRates.com has offices on both the East and West coasts to better serve our clients nationwide. Call us today for you new Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, BMW, Land Rover and more.

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FleetRates.com Posts A Record 244% Increase In Site Traffic

2007-06-19T17:59:00Z

FleetRates.com is proud to announce that our Alexa rank is posting an 81% increase in the last 90 days and a 244% increase in the last 30 days alone. Out of 7 million websites worldwide, FleetRates.com is ranked 18,716. That makes us not only one of the top Automotive websites in the world, but one of the top websites, period. With so much recognition, just imagine what a great deal we can get you on your dream car. We offer the best prices on Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Land Rover, BMW, Exotics and more. So don’t waste time at a dealership, come directly to one of the top Automotive websites in the world, FleetRates.com.

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Alexa stats for: fleetrates.com
Time Range	Rank	Rank Change	Reach	Reach Change	Page Views	Page Views Change
3 month	107,169	-78,060	8.05	+71%	0.77	+108%
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Link To Alexa Traffic Information For FleetRates.com

New 2008 Mercedes Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series Coming Soon - Pre-Order at FleetRates.com 1-888-861-8080

2007-05-14T14:23:00Z

First Impressions:
Track-worthy modifications take the CLK63 AMG to a whole new level

Featured Specs

500-hp 6.2-liter V8
7-speed automatic transmission
19-inch forged alloy wheels
$135,000 asking price

Ever want to lead the pack in a Formula 1 race? Then you want the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series — a 500-horsepower, street-legal version of the official F1 safety car. This is the successor to the SLK55 AMG Black Series introduced exclusively to the German market without much hoopla last year, a badass coupe that introduces AMG's new line of track-ready cars to America. Tobias Moers, AMG's development boss, openly admits that the sublime Porsche 911 GT3 is the inspiration and performance benchmark for AMG's latest creation. As its name suggests, the Black Series begins with the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG, the coupe version of which isn't sold in the U.S. But while the two Benzes share the same name and basic driveline package, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 Black Series is a completely different animal, a pure high-performance car.

Battle of the Bulge
One fleeting glimpse is enough to tell you that this is no ordinary Mercedes-Benz. Sporting a dirty front spoiler that's designed to ramcooling air into an enlarged radiator while simultaneously dialing out aerodynamic lift, the Black Series instantly appears more menacing than the standard CLK63 AMG, itself hardly backward in signaling its performance potential. The CLK63 Black has the look — stylized air vents in the carbon-composite front fenders, chiseled rocker-panel sills, a deep rear valence that incorporates a cooling element for the differential and a carbon-fiber spoiler. The body's bulging wheel arches are part of the body, not simply tacked on as in AMG's earlier CLK DTM coupe, and they enclose lightweight 19-inch forged alloy wheels that weigh just 24.3 pounds each, some 6.6 pounds lighter than the CLK63 AMG's standard wheels. This crucial reduction in unsprung weight is just one of the secrets to the Black's more responsive nature, says Moers. The lightweight racing-style makeover is carried into the interior, where carbon-fiber trim has been used for the door inserts and center console, giving the Black Series a pared-down look without making it appear too tacky in the process. It's the tactile bits that really make the Black's interior unique, though. You might expect the small-diameter, flat-bottom steering wheel and forged-aluminum shift lever, yet there are also racing-style AMG bucket seats upholstered in flame-resistant nylon velour. (Side airbags are deleted.) If you're really hard-core, AMG will even ditch the rear bench seat, replacing it with two trimmed wells suitable for soft luggage.

More Powerful V8
We can't remember ever thinking that the CLK63 AMG's 6.2-liter V8 has ever been short on power. With 478 horsepower, it produces 58 hp more than the Audi RS 4's 4.2-liter V8 and even the forthcoming BMW M3's 4.0-liter V8. Still, the power brokers at AMG are a hard lot to please. Predictably, they've upped the output for the Black Series by 25 hp, giving this high-revving, 32-valve DOHC lump a solid 500 hp at 6,800 rpm. The engine's torque output remains 465 pound-feet at 5,250 rpm. The engine is noticeably more responsive due to the adoption of remapped electronics, a new inlet manifold with larger ducts and a reworked exhaust system with equal-length pipes that reduces back pressure. The exhaust note is great, a subdued V8 rumble at low revs that builds into a deep industrial-grade roar through the midrange before erupting into an all-guns-blazing blare of intake and mechanical noise until the rev limiter cuts in at 7,400 rpm.

Bye-Bye RS 4
As with the standard CLK63 AMG, power is channeled through Mercedes-Benz's 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission. Fettled with AMG's Speedshift electronics for faster gearchanges, it swaps up smoothly under light loads, surfing the prodigious torque curve to provide seamless progress. Bury the throttle and the CLK63 Black responds beautifully, banging through the cogs with rifle-bolt precision. The 7G-Tronic is no substitute for a proper manual gearbox, but you can call up gears at will via aluminum paddles mounted on the steering wheel. As a signal of its purposefulness, the transmission refuses to shift up in manual mode, holding onto the selected gear right to the redline. Just two shift modes are provided: Sport and Manual. Corralling all the power is a limited-slip differential, which gets its own oil cooler and electric pump to keep temperatures in check. It provides 30 percent lock under load and 10 percent on a trailing throttle to ensure optimal traction. In addition, the rear-axle ratio is 7 percent shorter than before at 2.82:1 for quicker acceleration. Add it all up and the Black Series goes faster, feels faster and sounds faster than the standard CLK63 AMG. How fast? Mercedes-Benz claims the 0-60-mph time has dropped by 0.3 second to just 4.1 seconds. And remember, the German carmaker is notoriously conservative when it comes to quoting acceleration, so expect independent tests to reveal it to be even quicker off the line. Top speed is limited to 186 mph. "It is capable of more," Moers tells us, "but the tires are not."

Meats the Road
For all the added pace of the CLK Black Series, it's the handling that really steals the show. No Mercedes-Benz model — SLR included — offers such rabid response or poise at the limit as this car. It's reflected in Moers' claim that the Black Series can lap the Nürburgring in just 7 minutes, 52 seconds. By way of comparison, the Porsche 911 GT3 is said to be capable of 7 minutes, 47 seconds in the right hands. As the substantial wheel arches suggest, there have been some major revisions underneath the car, with the front track widened by 3.0 inches and the rear track increased by 2.6 inches, largely a function of the wide wheel rims. The C-Class-based suspension has been heavily reconfigured, and screw-type adjusters for the springs afford adjustable ride height, while the dampers have adjustable compression and rebound. The front suspension permits camber adjustment, while both front and rear track can be slightly changed as well. Sturdy strut braces front and rear also contribute a useful amount of chassis rigidity. It's a track setup, really, adapted largely from Mercedes-Benz's F1 pace car but with some special attention given to items like the front wheel bearings, which will also be incorporated into the forthcoming C63 AMG. On the road, the ride harshness tells you immediately that the spring rates are much stiffer, yet there is sufficient wheel travel to ensure you are not banged about too badly on pockmarked bitumen. There are 265/30ZR19 Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires under the front fenders and even wider 285/30ZR19s in the rear — R-type rubber that's designed for ultimate grip. Spearing through some tricky switchbacks in the mountains on the outskirts of Los Angeles, the new AMG coupe proves remarkably agile. The steering is massively improved — a little slow coming off the center as you turn in, but possessing a crisp feeling of detail from the road surface that makes the steering of just about every other Mercedes-Benz seem prosaic. The wider track helps, Tobias Moers says, effectively making the power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering around 8 percent quicker. Such confidence-building dynamics and prodigious purchase on the pavement allow you to carry big speed into corners and then plant the throttle early for romping exits. Meanwhile, an array of driver aids, including a specially calibrated ESP, are nowhere near as intrusive as they are in the standard CLK63 AMG, so it's possible to provoke lurid oversteer in the right conditions. While the appeal of the standard CLK63 AMG depends largely on its heroic engine, the Black Series has the dynamics in the corners to back up its straight-line speed. Unlike so many track-ready cars, the Black Series makes you look forward to a lot more time behind the wheel.

Time To Get in Line
The bad news is, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series will do a $135,000 dance on your checkbook, a $45,025 premium over the CLK63 AMG Cabriolet. In fact, you could buy both an Audi RS 4 and the new fourth-generation BMW M3 for the same price. Madness, you say. Perhaps, but Mercedes-Benz is adamant there is a market for the car, and a production run of 700 cars has been planned. Mario Spitzner, AMG's marketing manager, says he has already taken 300 orders for the car from U.S. customers, and only 350 examples of the CLK63 AMG Black Series are allotted to North America. We're telling you, get in line right now.

2007 Mercedes SL550 April Incentives Now $6K Below Dealer Invoice

2007-04-04T20:18:00Z

2007 Mercedes Benz SL550 MSRP $98,725 Now $899/mo $86,468

FleetRates.com

Phone: 1-888-861-8080 1-888-831-8080

Invoice MSRP
Options: $2,930 $3,150
Destination: $775 $775
Vehicle: $88,164 $94,800

Advertising $600
Total: $92,468 $98,725

Selected Model and Trim

Invoice MSRP

SL550 $88,164 $94,800

Selected Option Packages

P1 Package (Option Code01)
Smart card / smart key automatic, includes central locking, includes ignition starter, includes memory seat adjustments and includes memory steering wheel position
Card key power locks
Driver and passenger active/massage ventilated seat climate controlled
Bi-Xenon headlights
High pressure headlight cleaners
Cornering lights/curb illumination
Headlight control active
$2,930 $3,150

Destination & Delivery Charge

$775

Advertising $600

Total Cost*
$92,468 $98,725

*Total Cost may not include additional fees that may affect the final cost or payment such as tax, title, registration or other fees.

Standard Features

Exterior
Bumpers
Body color front and rear bumpers
Paint
Metallic paint

Interior
Convenience
12v power outlet: cargo and 1
Hands-free cellular phone
Remote control remote trunk/hatch release
Memorized adjustment with three settings on door mirror position, rearview mirror and steering wheel position with six driver's seat positions, six passenger seat positions and head restraint
Cruise control
Front seats cigar lighter
Front ashtray
Delayed/fade courtesy lights
Front reading lights
Illuminated entry system
Cargo area light
Illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirror
Automatic door closing
Navigational systems : information type: full map and voice and knobs/touch buttons controls DVD and color
Online information system
Garage door opener
Smart card / smart key manual, includes memory seat adjustments and includes memory steering wheel position
Coming home device
Telematics 240 and 12
Interior Trim
Luxury trim alloy & leather on gearknob, wood & leather on doors and wood & leather on dashboard
Floor covering: carpet in load area
Floor mats
Seats
Leather seat upholstery with additional leather
Front seat center armrest
Bucket heated electrically adjustable driver and passenger seat with height adjustment, lumbar adjustment, thigh support, six adjustments and tilt adjustment
Storage
Lockable glove compartment
Door pockets/bins for driver seat and passenger seat
Front seats cup holders pop out
Full dashboard console , full floor console with covered storage box
Ventilation
Ventilation system with recirculation setting, micro filter and active carbon filter
Passenger seat secondary ventilation controls
Air conditioning with climate control

Electronics
Audio
Eight speaker(s)
Element antenna
Bose audio system with satellite and CD player
Steering wheel mounted remote audio controls
Audio anti-theft protection: code and integrated in dash
Instrumentation
Dashboard
Service interval indicator
Automatic drive indicator on dashboard
Tachometer
Oil pressure warning light
External temperature
Door ajar warning
Low fuel level warning
Low washer fluid level warning
Clock
Computer with average speed, average fuel consumption and range for remaining fuel
Compass
Low tire pressure indicator
Lights
Projector beam lens Xenon bulb headlights
Headlight control with time delay switch-off and dusk sensor
Front fog lights
Rear fog lights
Day time running lights
Door entry light

Safety
Visibility
Automatic operation rear view mirror
Driver power heated body color door mirrors with automatic operation indicator lights , passenger power heated body color door mirrors indicator lights
Fixed rear window with defogger
Tinted glass on cabin
Windshield wipers with automatic intermittent wipe and rain sensor
High pressure headlight cleaners
Front power windows with two one-touch
Heated washer
Safety
Driver and passenger front airbag with occupant sensors and multi-stage deployment
Front side airbag with occupant sensors
Two height adjustable electric adjustable active head restraints on front seats
3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners integrated

Warranty and Fixed Charges
Charges
Charges: gas guzzler tax: 1,700
Fixed delivery charges: 775
Warranty
Full car warranty: duration (months): 48 or distance (miles): 50,000
Powertrain warranty: duration (months): 48 or distance (miles): 50,000
Anticorrosion warranty: duration (months): 48 or distance (miles): 50,000
Road-side assistance warranty: duration (months): unlimited or distance (miles): unlimited

Technical Specifications

Version
Trim level: SL550
Two-door convertible body style
Seating: two seats

Engine
5,461 cc 5.5 liters V 8 front engine with 98 mm bore, 90.5 mm stroke, 10.7 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder
Emission control level California

Engine Performance
Performance: maximum speed (mph): 155 and acceleration 0-60 mph (secs): 6.1
Power: 285 kW , 382 HP SAE @ 6,000 rpm; 391 ft lb , 530 Nm @ 2,800 rpm
Fuel economy EPA highway (mpg): 22 and EPA city (mpg): 14

Transmission
Rear-wheel drive
Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
Automatic 7-speed transmission with mode select, lock-up, electronic control, manual mode, shift lever on floor, 4.38:1 first gear ratio, 2.86:1 second gear ratio, 1.92:1 third gear ratio, 1.37:1 fourth gear ratio, 1:1 fifth gear ratio, 0.82:1 sixth gear ratio and 3.42:1 reverse gear ratio automatic with manual mode and 0.73
Stability control

Wheels
Front other tires with 255 mm tire width, 40% tire profile and W tire rating official brochure tyre size , rear other tires with 285 mm tire width, 35% tire profile and W tire rating official brochure tyre size
Front alloy wheels with 18 inch rim diam and 8.5 inch rim width , rear alloy wheels with 18 inch rim diam and 9.5 inch rim width
Inflatable alloy rim internal spare wheel

Brakes
Four disc brakes including two ventilated discs
Four-wheel ABS
Electronic brake distribution
Brake assist system

Steering
Leather covered electrically adjustable multi-function steering wheel with tilt adjustment and telescopic adjustment
Vehicle speed proportional power steering

Fuel
Multi-point injection fuel system
Premium unleaded fuel 91
21.1 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank

Weights
Weights: curb weight (lbs) 4,065

Dimensions
External dimensions: overall length (inches): 178.5, overall width (inches): 71.5, overall height (inches): 51, wheelbase (inches): 100.8, front track (inches): 61.4, rear track (inches): 60.5 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 36.2
Internal dimensions: front headroom (inches): 37.7, front hip room (inches): 53.9, front leg room (inches): 42.9, front shoulder room (inches): 54 and interior volume (cu ft): 57.8
Cargo capacity: all seats in place (cu ft): 10.2

Introduction
Debuting 50 years ago, the Mercedes-Benz SL roadster has long been the darling car of celebrities and millionaires. Timeless styling, a comfortable cockpit and confident performance are the traditional hallmarks of this premium two-seater. And with the most recent generation, one can add extremely fast to those attributes. For 2007, the base (for lack of a better word) Mercedes-Benz SL is now called the SL550, with the new numbers indicating the installation of a new 382-horsepower, 5.5-liter V8. That's an impressive increase of 80 hp over last year's SL500, giving the SL550 a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds, according to Mercedes. Other changes for this year include a revised, more direct steering system, new wheels, thicker bars in the grille, a deeper front airdam, a clear-lens taillight insert and slight power increases for the SL55 AMG and SL600 AMG versions. This generation of the SL-Class, which debuted four years ago, has always impressed us with its ability to function as both a sport- and luxury-themed convertible. A lot of credit goes to the car's active suspension system that helps keeps the car flat during aggressive cornering, without sacrificing ride quality during normal driving. The SL's handling is simply stunning, especially so when considering the car's considerable 2-ton mass. Another source of enjoyment is the SL's retractable hardtop, which provides the security and comfort of a coupe when raised and the thrill of open-air motoring when powered down under the rear deck lid. All is not perfect, however, with the 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class roadster. The audio and navigation systems operate through the fussy COMAND interface screen, and trunk space is reduced to just 7.3 cubic feet when the top is stowed. But considering all the engaging positive traits of the SL, we could easily live with those minor annoyances. In the upper-crust segment of six-figure, two-seat luxury convertibles, there are a couple of other valid options, such as the Cadillac XLR, which also has a retractable hardtop but lacks the Benz's overall polish, and the handsome but unproven Jaguar XKR convertible. If you want to know how strongly we feel about a certain car, see if it made our list of "Editors' Most Wanted" vehicles. This is where our editors pick the cars they would choose to put in their own driveways. It should be no surprise that the SL-Class has made the list for four of the last five years. Regardless of which version you consider, rest assured the SL will provide world-class levels of performance, luxury and style.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class family of retractable-hardtop roadsters consists of four members: the SL550, SL600, SL55 AMG and SL65 AMG. The V8-powered SL550 comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, leather seating, power seats, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, automatic dual-zone climate control and a high-powered audio system. The twin-turbo V12-powered SL600 adds napa leather seating, keyless entry/starting, a heated/wood-trimmed steering wheel, heated/ventilated/massaging seats and a power trunk closer. The AMG versions -- the supercharged V8-powered SL55 and twin-turbo V12-powered SL65 -- come with performance enhancements that include even more powerful engines, sport-tuned suspensions, recalibrated transmissions, upgraded brakes, 19-inch wheels and various styling tweaks (such as mesh lower grilles and carbon-fiber interior trim). For the SL550 and SL600, one can order the optional AMG Sport Package. It adds 18-inch AMG wheels, high-performance tires and lower body sculpting. Park assist, adaptive cruise control and adaptive, massaging seats are available. The SL55 AMG is eligible for the AMG Performance Package, which provides Formula One-style compound brakes, 19-inch wheels, firmer "N?rburgring" suspension calibrations and the deletion of the 155-mph governor, a change that allows the car to hit its 186-mph top speed.

Powertrains and Performance
The SL550 has a 5.5-liter V8 (382 hp, 391 pound-feet of torque) while the SL600 sports a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V12 (510 hp and 612 lb-ft). The SL55 AMG has a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 (510 hp, 531 lb-ft) while the top dog, the SL65 AMG, has a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 that makes astounding power (604 hp and 738 lb-ft.). All transmissions are automatics, and they send engine power to the rear wheels. The SL550 has a seven-speed automatic, while all the other trims have a five-speed. Across the board, performance is stunning, with 0-60-mph times ranging from 4.2 seconds (SL65) to 5.3 seconds (SL550).

Safety
Every modern safety feature is standard on the 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL line, including stability control, a pop-up roll bar, a driver's knee airbag and side curtain airbags (rare on a roadster). There is also active body roll control (known as ABC) that enhances both performance and safety by minimizing body sway while cornering.

Interior Design and Special Features
A power-operated retractable hardtop is standard on all 2007 Mercedes SL-Class convertibles, and it offers the integrity, insulation and security of a coupe when raised, along with the full al fresco experience of a roadster when powered down. Maximum cargo capacity with the top up is a respectable 10 cubic feet. A choice of three wood trims (Walnut, Chestnut, Black Ash), depending on upholstery color, are available in the SL550 and SL600, while the AMG versions feature carbon-fiber accents. The dual-zone climate control is easy to use, but unfortunately the same can't be said for the complex COMAND audio and navigation interface.

Driving Impressions
Apart from the electronically controlled brakes that feel a bit touchy at first, the current SL roadster offers the driver a rewarding experience behind the wheel that rarely grows tiring. Handling is exceptional when the SL is pushed hard, with almost no body roll and excellent grip. Performance of the muscular SL550 should be more than enough for anyone. But those who want a supercar need not leave the Benz showroom -- the rest of the SL lineup can keep pace with the world's top exotics.

What's New
In addition to more powerful engines, slightly quicker steering and various styling tweaks (that include a revised grille, front airdam and taillights), the 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class lineup is graced with the introduction of a 50th Anniversary Edition SL550 to celebrate five decades of this classy roadster.

Pro
Seductive style, quick-folding retractable hardtop, powerful V8 and V12 engines, impressive handling doesn't come at the detriment of ride quality.