German Car Forum

Merc1 · 07-19-2007, 07:32 AM

The C-class is the best selling Mercedes-Benz, so an all-new car is a big deal for the manufacturer. The new C-class is available as a C300, C350, or the AMG-tuned C63. The C300 is available with two distinct front end treatments - the Luxury has a traditional Mercedes grille and upright hood star, the Sport has a more aggressive front fascia and a grille with an integrated logo. The C300's 3.0-liter V-6 can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic transmission, and produces 228 hp and 221 lb.-ft. The C350 Sport is, ironically, automatic-only, and its 3.5-liter V-6 makes 268 hp and 258 lb.-ft. If you're brave enough to climb into the C63 AMG, you'll have 451 hp and 442 lb.-ft. of torque available from a 6.2-liter V-8.

The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system available on the C300 has been improved for greater fuel economy, and C300 models are now flex-fuel capable, which means they can burn E85 in addition to gasoline.

The CL was never lacking for power, since last year's CL550's V-8 made 382 hp and the CL600 made 510 twin-turbocharged ponies from its V-12. Now Mercedes has introduced two more models for customers with more money who want even more power. The CL63 AMG's 6.2-liter V-8 is rated at 518 hp and 465 lb.-ft., and the CL65 AMG's twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 clocks in at a tire melting 604 hp and 738 lb.-ft.

Those who choose the CL65 can opt for the 40th Anniversary Edition, which will coat their V12-powered beast in special Liquid Metal paint and bespoke interior appointments.

If the CLK63 convertible is a little bit crazy, than the new race-inspired CLK63 AMG Black Series coupe is downright insane. Along with a long list of tweaks and changes to the "standard" CLK63, it adds 25 ponies to the already plentiful 475 hp V-8. When we got behind the wheel earlier this year, we were blown away - more than just a big motor in a little car, the Black Series represents a top-to-bottom re-engineering effort from AMG.

You don't mess with success - or a gorgeous coupe-like sedan - so Mercedes isn't altering the formula for the CLS. Both the 382-hp CLS550 and 507-hp CLS63 AMG remain available for 2008. The only difference is that satellite radio is now standard, along with new eighteen-inch seven-spoke wheels.

The big news last year with the E-class was the available BLUETEC diesel engine. The E320 BLUETEC sedan continues to be offered for 2008, along with the gasoline powered E350, E550, and E63 AMG sedans and E350 4MATIC and E63 AMG wagons.

There is a new AMG sport package available for the E350 and E550 sedan, which includes an AMG steering wheel with shift paddles, distinctive body panels, dual chrome exhaust, and of course, eighteen-inch wheels. 4MATIC all-wheel drive is also available on the E350 and E550 sedans.

Mercedes' flagship sedan has been well received since it went on sale about a year ago, so not much has changed for 2008. There is a new V-8 model available, the 518-hp S63 AMG, which joins the S550 and the V-12-powered S600 and S65 AMG.

Not much will change for the SL in the new model year, and that's fine by us. The complete SL line, which ranges from pretty fast to crazy fast, is still available. To freshen your memory, you can choose between two V-8s (the normally aspirated SL550 or supercharged SL55 AMG) and two twin-turbo V-12s (the SL600 or SL65 AMG).

The SL550 has new eighteen-inch wheels as standard.

This Mercedes roadster is still available as the SLK280, SLK350, or SLK55 AMG. For the ten-year anniversary of the SLK350, you can get the Edition 10 package. Checking this box gets you an automatic transmission, seventeen-inch wheels, red trim throughout the interior, and special badges.

Last year, the Mercedes-McLaren SLR supercar's big news was a special version, the 722 Edition. This year, there's a new droptop. The roadster has the same 617-hp V-8 as the coupe, and in less than ten seconds, the semi-automatic fabric roof opens up to reveal the inside of the fastest convertible in the world.

There is nothing quite like the G-class; it is one of the most recognizable cars on the road, and Mercedes knows better than to fiddle with its image. Changes for 2008 concentrate on the truck's interior - both the G500 and G55 AMG receive updates to the steering wheel and instrument cluster. There is also a new rear-view camera and hands-free cell phone system.

While the G500 gets Mercedes' seven-speed automatic transmission, the G55's supercharged might still makes its way to the ground through the old five-speed auto.

The GL-class sport-utility was released last year as a brand new vehicle. It was available as the 335-hp GL450 and 210-hp GL320 CDI diesel. This year we also get a new version, the GL550. The GL550's 5.5-liter V-8 makes 382 hp, 391 lb.-ft. and will stand out from less powerful versions with fender flares, twenty-one-inch wheels, and a new grille that houses an enormous Mercedes star.

For 2008, the ML500 is replaced by a ML550; the ML320 CDI, ML350, and top-of-the-line ML63 AMG continue on. Six-cylinder models now have standard nineteen-inch wheels, a chrome grille, and a sunroof. The ML550 stands out with running boards along with standard AMG body panels and wheels.

Also, the ML350 is available with the Edition 10 package, to celebrate the truck's ten-year anniversary. This option adds upgraded trim pieces and a two-tone interior.

The 503 hp ML63 is unchanged for 2008.

The V-8-powered R500 and R63 AMG are dropped for 2008, leaving the R320 CDI and the R350, which are now upgraded with AMG body pieces and eighteen-inch wheels.

Both cars now have optional seven passenger seating with a new three-seat second row. The R350 is also now available with either rear- or all-wheel drive.

2008 Mercedes-Benz Models - Latest News, Features, and Reviews - Automobile Magazine

M

PHYBENZ · 07-19-2007, 01:01 PM

WOW no R550 or R500 that is very interesting. and there is also a 2WD option.

cawimmer430 · 07-19-2007, 02:45 PM

R550 and R63 AMG were gas-guzzlers and POINTLESS.

ateekt · 07-19-2007, 04:18 PM

Nice info, CLK-63 AMG Black Series is a great entry indeed

...!

I've driven both, American & German versions of Mercedes-Benz but I feel German versions better

...!

07-19-2007, 07:32 AM	#1
Merc1 Contributor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Plano, TX USA Garage: 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Cabriolet Posts: 17,153 Thanks: 6,140 Thanked 10,650 Times in 4,456 Posts	In Brief, the 2008 U.S. Mercedes-Benz Lineup The C-class is the best selling Mercedes-Benz, so an all-new car is a big deal for the manufacturer. The new C-class is available as a C300, C350, or the AMG-tuned C63. The C300 is available with two distinct front end treatments - the Luxury has a traditional Mercedes grille and upright hood star, the Sport has a more aggressive front fascia and a grille with an integrated logo. The C300's 3.0-liter V-6 can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic transmission, and produces 228 hp and 221 lb.-ft. The C350 Sport is, ironically, automatic-only, and its 3.5-liter V-6 makes 268 hp and 258 lb.-ft. If you're brave enough to climb into the C63 AMG, you'll have 451 hp and 442 lb.-ft. of torque available from a 6.2-liter V-8. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system available on the C300 has been improved for greater fuel economy, and C300 models are now flex-fuel capable, which means they can burn E85 in addition to gasoline. The CL was never lacking for power, since last year's CL550's V-8 made 382 hp and the CL600 made 510 twin-turbocharged ponies from its V-12. Now Mercedes has introduced two more models for customers with more money who want even more power. The CL63 AMG's 6.2-liter V-8 is rated at 518 hp and 465 lb.-ft., and the CL65 AMG's twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 clocks in at a tire melting 604 hp and 738 lb.-ft. Those who choose the CL65 can opt for the 40th Anniversary Edition, which will coat their V12-powered beast in special Liquid Metal paint and bespoke interior appointments. If the CLK63 convertible is a little bit crazy, than the new race-inspired CLK63 AMG Black Series coupe is downright insane. Along with a long list of tweaks and changes to the "standard" CLK63, it adds 25 ponies to the already plentiful 475 hp V-8. When we got behind the wheel earlier this year, we were blown away - more than just a big motor in a little car, the Black Series represents a top-to-bottom re-engineering effort from AMG. You don't mess with success - or a gorgeous coupe-like sedan - so Mercedes isn't altering the formula for the CLS. Both the 382-hp CLS550 and 507-hp CLS63 AMG remain available for 2008. The only difference is that satellite radio is now standard, along with new eighteen-inch seven-spoke wheels. The big news last year with the E-class was the available BLUETEC diesel engine. The E320 BLUETEC sedan continues to be offered for 2008, along with the gasoline powered E350, E550, and E63 AMG sedans and E350 4MATIC and E63 AMG wagons. There is a new AMG sport package available for the E350 and E550 sedan, which includes an AMG steering wheel with shift paddles, distinctive body panels, dual chrome exhaust, and of course, eighteen-inch wheels. 4MATIC all-wheel drive is also available on the E350 and E550 sedans. Mercedes' flagship sedan has been well received since it went on sale about a year ago, so not much has changed for 2008. There is a new V-8 model available, the 518-hp S63 AMG, which joins the S550 and the V-12-powered S600 and S65 AMG. Not much will change for the SL in the new model year, and that's fine by us. The complete SL line, which ranges from pretty fast to crazy fast, is still available. To freshen your memory, you can choose between two V-8s (the normally aspirated SL550 or supercharged SL55 AMG) and two twin-turbo V-12s (the SL600 or SL65 AMG). The SL550 has new eighteen-inch wheels as standard. This Mercedes roadster is still available as the SLK280, SLK350, or SLK55 AMG. For the ten-year anniversary of the SLK350, you can get the Edition 10 package. Checking this box gets you an automatic transmission, seventeen-inch wheels, red trim throughout the interior, and special badges. Last year, the Mercedes-McLaren SLR supercar's big news was a special version, the 722 Edition. This year, there's a new droptop. The roadster has the same 617-hp V-8 as the coupe, and in less than ten seconds, the semi-automatic fabric roof opens up to reveal the inside of the fastest convertible in the world. There is nothing quite like the G-class; it is one of the most recognizable cars on the road, and Mercedes knows better than to fiddle with its image. Changes for 2008 concentrate on the truck's interior - both the G500 and G55 AMG receive updates to the steering wheel and instrument cluster. There is also a new rear-view camera and hands-free cell phone system. While the G500 gets Mercedes' seven-speed automatic transmission, the G55's supercharged might still makes its way to the ground through the old five-speed auto. The GL-class sport-utility was released last year as a brand new vehicle. It was available as the 335-hp GL450 and 210-hp GL320 CDI diesel. This year we also get a new version, the GL550. The GL550's 5.5-liter V-8 makes 382 hp, 391 lb.-ft. and will stand out from less powerful versions with fender flares, twenty-one-inch wheels, and a new grille that houses an enormous Mercedes star. For 2008, the ML500 is replaced by a ML550; the ML320 CDI, ML350, and top-of-the-line ML63 AMG continue on. Six-cylinder models now have standard nineteen-inch wheels, a chrome grille, and a sunroof. The ML550 stands out with running boards along with standard AMG body panels and wheels. Also, the ML350 is available with the Edition 10 package, to celebrate the truck's ten-year anniversary. This option adds upgraded trim pieces and a two-tone interior. The 503 hp ML63 is unchanged for 2008. The V-8-powered R500 and R63 AMG are dropped for 2008, leaving the R320 CDI and the R350, which are now upgraded with AMG body pieces and eighteen-inch wheels. Both cars now have optional seven passenger seating with a new three-seat second row. The R350 is also now available with either rear- or all-wheel drive. 2008 Mercedes-Benz Models - Latest News, Features, and Reviews - Automobile Magazine M __________________ *Merc1 Allstars: SLS, SL63, S65, E63, CL63, R8 5.2, S5, LP560, LP670, M3, 550i, 750i, Mulsne, Brook, DBS, GT500, GT S, 911, X6M, Z4, VYR GS, XFR, XKR, ZR1, CC, GTI, CTSV, 458i, 599.*

07-19-2007, 01:01 PM	#2
PHYBENZ Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2005 Garage: 1963 Mercedes 220Sb Posts: 1,572 Thanks: 308 Thanked 1,310 Times in 446 Posts	Re: In Brief, the 2008 U.S. Mercedes-Benz Lineup WOW no R550 or R500 that is very interesting. and there is also a 2WD option. __________________ My website: New, Videos, Pictures on Professional Miami Hurricanes: procanes.com

07-19-2007, 02:45 PM	#3
cawimmer430 The Photo Phanatic Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Munich, Germany Garage: '08 BMW 118i Posts: 13,521 Thanks: 11,392 Thanked 10,151 Times in 3,543 Posts	Re: In Brief, the 2008 U.S. Mercedes-Benz Lineup R550 and R63 AMG were gas-guzzlers and POINTLESS. __________________ CWPhotography

07-19-2007, 04:18 PM	#4
ateekt Aficionado Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Connecticut - U.S.A. Garage: 2011 Nissan Maxima - 2006 Nissan Altima Posts: 3,205 Thanks: 348 Thanked 1,354 Times in 738 Posts	Re: In Brief, the 2008 U.S. Mercedes-Benz Lineup Nice info, CLK-63 AMG Black Series is a great entry indeed ...! I've driven both, American & German versions of Mercedes-Benz but I feel German versions better ...! __________________ ///M-Power... Mean Power!

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German Car Forum

In Brief, the 2008 U.S. Mercedes-Benz Lineup