Would You Go For A Mercedes CLS Class?

November 1st, 2009

Safety wise, the Mercedes CLS 550 and 63AMG and equipped stability control, an anti lock brake system, the Lower anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system, front head restraints and the only place I didn’t see an airbag was the floor.

Another thing is that if and when the sensors detect an imminent collision, the seat belts tighten, passenger seats revert to a safer/optimal position to maximize airbag protection and the sunroof closes.

For security, a panic button or alarm, an anti theft alarm system, vehicle theft tracking and notification system, keyless entry and remote trunk release to mention a few are standard for the CLS class.

After seeing, feeling, driving and riding in the Mercedes CLS 550, my final verdict on the car and for that matter the entire class is that like a foreign, exotic cuisine, it’s an acquired taste.

Or perhaps I can also say that like some people you meet, at first you don’t like them but they grow on you.

Same thing with this car; at first sight you think to yourself “okay, what is it?”

Then you take a tentative step closer, admiring the fine lines and its “unique fastback profile” (I didn’t want to use the word coupé).

Then you look inside and take in the wood trims, the fine leather upholstery and the advanced electronics.

Suddenly you forgive the fact that there isn’t much headroom at the back or the doors aren’t that wide brushing these off as” minor concerns”.

After all, you’ll be behind the wheel and that is all that matters.

And to get behind the wheel for a test drive, the swing by the Mercedes Dealership in Dallas.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • MySpace

Trying Out A Mercedes CLS 550 At The Mercedes Dealership

October 19th, 2009

While out trying for the first time a Mercedes CLS 550, my friend/dealer suggested that I try the Sports mode.

I currently had the computer set to comfort mode and the Airmatic semi active suspension to full soft.

After making the change but maintaining the suspension at full soft, I heard the engine come to life, emitting a sound that only a V8 can make.

It’s like hearing a big cat purring then all of a sudden it wakes up.

The gas pedal became ultra sensitive, giving me a hint of the 382 horses that it can unleash.

My friend explains to me that the 391lb-ft torque has a response range from 2800-4800 rpm, and that I can make use of it no matter what mode it is in.

Next I try setting the Airmatic semi active suspension to full stiff, and I must say that the difference was noticeable.

The ride was still smooth and when I took a curve at speed I felt the stability and very little body roll.

We then decide to pull over for a quick cup of coffee.

Parallel parking was a dream especially with the Parktronic system assisting me.

Ultrasonic sensors mounted both at the front and rear bumpers detect objects and obstacles within its range.

The system then emits audible signals and an illuminated display located in the rear view mirror and instrument cluster helps you avoid scraping the curb and/or hitting anything in the way.

You can try out a Mercedes CLS 550 at one of the Dallas Mercedes Dealerships.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • MySpace

Sport, Trim, Performance Or Premium?

October 12th, 2009

Aside from Distronic Cruise Control and Parktronic sensors, three other optional packages are available for the CLS 550:

The AMG Sport Package, Premium Package and Trim Package.

Upgraded leather interior and premium wood accents make up the $920 Trim Package while the $4,760 Premium Package consists of keyless ignition, iPod and MP3 access, electronic trunk closure, adaptive headlights and washers, and a rear sunshade.

At the top of the “I want” list would be the AMG Sport Package-Special five spoke wheels, sport steering wheel, paddle shifters and AMG exterior styling cues.

For the CLS 63AMG, the AMG Performance Package can be had for only $9,000.

The package consists of: Sterling silver finished wheels, high performance tires, carbon fiber or wood interior trim, sportier suspension tuning and an increase of top speed from 155mph to 186mph.

For safety, PRE-SAFE helps prepare passengers for a possible collision even before it occurs.

In conjunction with the Brake Assist PLUS, it warns the driver if and when the distance between the S Guard and the car in front gets critical.

The system will also calculate the optimal braking power required so even if the driver stomps on the brakes, the system will only use the necessary braking power needed in order to safely decelerate the vehicle.

If collision is imminent, PRE SAFE immediately closes all windows, tightens seat belts and reverts seats to a safer position thus minimizing the effects of the crash.

The system also detects if and when there is a risk of skidding due to rapid deceleration.

PRE SAFE then proceeds to:
increase tension in the front seat belts and inflate air cushions in the multicontour seats in order to provide support and keep the driver, front and rear passengers in place.

To see which Mercedes AMG package is best for you and get the lowest ricing available then you should swing by your Dallas Mercedes Benz Dealership.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • MySpace

Would You Like To Be One Of The 5000?

August 26th, 2009

Mercedes C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition
The Mercedes C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition is a limited edition of only 5000 units. The Prime Edition comes equipped with a new 2.2-Liter diesel power plant which is capable of propelling the C-Class from 0-62 mph in just 7.0 seconds and hitting a top speed of 155 mph. But what really is different and unique about this new C250/engine is that it consumes only 45mpg or 5.2 liters/100km. Some of the highlights of this new engine are:
• 200 bar maximum ignition pressure;
• Dual stage Supercharging;
• A variable water pump and larger, variable oil spray nozzles;
• The camshaft drive is positioned at the rear;
• A fourth-generation common-rail technology with a rail pressure increased by 400 bar to 2000 bar;
• A new piezo-injector concept with direct nozzle needle control for greater flexibility in injection timing, which leads to smoother running of the engine.
Another thing is that it can be installed either lengthways or sideways in the other model series, and several power rating variants will be made available. Considering its impressive output/performance data, the new engine could quite possibly replace higher-displacement engines in the heavier vehicles thus effectively reducing fuel consumption. Incidentally, this new engine will indeed replace four of Mercedes’ existing diesel power plants and will be/is installed in E, GLK Class and the much awaited E-Class Coupé.
In order to further improve on consumption, the C 250 has:
• A newly developed gearshift display on the dashboard that informs him of the optimum time to shift gears in order to better save on fuel;
• An instrument cluster that shows the precise current rate of fuel consumption;
• Smooth under body cladding;
• Airflow enhancing exterior mirror housings;
• Newly developed tires that reduce rolling resistance by as much as10 percent;
• An effective energy management system with adaptive power steering which, with the help of an additional valve, shuts the flow of the power steering pump when not needed.

CHeck in with you rDallas Mercedes Dealer for more details.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • MySpace

Is Your Mercedes Safe Enough?

June 25th, 2009

The Mercedes E Guard is the latest addition to the Mercedes’ special protection vehicle series.

Though not as armored and as powerful as its bigger brother, the S 600, the E Guards’ VR4 (formerly B4) level armor is capable of stopping 9mm, .357, and .44 Magnum rounds , 12 gauge shotgun slugs and hand grenade shrapnel.

The intended clientele are wealthy businessmen and celebrities who may have to fend off the occasional mugger, carjacker and/or overzealous paparazzi.

The new E Guard was intentionally designed to look almost exactly like its standard non-armored sibling so as not to give the bad guys a chance to plot against you.

Weighing in at a hefty 4717lbs, the E Guard is 860lbs heavier than the unarmored version.

To cope with the additional weight of the protection features, the suspension and brake system had to be redesigned.

The E Guard now comes with a special level II AIRMATIC air suspension system for the front axle and a multi-link independent suspension, anti-squat and anti-dive, stabilizer for the rear.

17 inch wheels with run flat tires are also standard. Electronic control and restraint systems designed to assist the driver in critical situations have also been recalibrated.

Aside from the above, the E Guard can also boast of hitech systems:

• Adaptive Brake – Replaced the reportedly unreliable SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) system.

• Direct Control – Brings more driving comfort, accurate and easy steering manipulation.

• Intelligent Light System – The Intelligent Light System adapts itself to the weather and driving conditions and increases the visibility by up to 50 meters.

• NECK-PRO head restraints – This systems improves safety after a rear-end collision by moving the latter forward by 4 centimeters and 3 centimeters upwards.

• PRE-SAFE – The preventive emergency system called PRE-SAFE cooperates with the Brake Assist PLUS in order to warn the driver if the distance between him and a car in front gets critical.

This is possible thanks to radars installed on the front of the car.

The PRE-SAFE system also calculates the most effective braking, so even if the driver jams on the brakes, the car automatically uses as much brake power as required for safe deceleration.

]If a crash is inevitable, the PRE-SAFE system tightens the seat belts, automatically closes windows, and the seats’ positions are adjusted in order to minimize the effect of the crash.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • MySpace