We’ve showed you the first ever images of the undisguised all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class last month, but here our spy photographers caught another glimpse of the S-Class, still with a bit of camouflage but nevertheless great images that tell us a bit more about those little details up close.

Just like the current model, the new S550 will get its power from a twin-turbo V8, and the S600 will feature a twin-turbo V12. For the AMG line, the S63 and S65 will also be released after initial launch, along with diesel and hybrid models. A diesel-electric plug-in hybrid variant may also be in the works.

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Posted in: Mercedes-Benz, Spy Photos

Mercedes-Benz has announced that more than 20 new models will be introduced in the next few years, with one of them being the baby SUV from Stuttgart, named GLA. The heavily camouflaged prototypes that are caught testing in various locations throughout Europe (at the moment) suggest that the production version will have a front end quite similar to the current A-Class. Our spy photographers managed to snap a few photos of the performance version of the model, the GLA 45 AMG testing at the famous Nürburgring circuit, in Germany.

No surprises engine-wise are expected for the GLA 45 AMG, as it will feature the same 2.0l, 360hp engine as seen in the A 45 and CLA 45 AMG that were introduced this year. Nothing less is expected, as Audi has upped the competition with the also recently introduce RS Q3, even though there are no rumours about a performance variant of BMW’s successful mini-SUV, the X1.

Source: [CarPix]

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Posted in: Mercedes-Benz, Spy Photos

[UPDATE: Official Interior Photos Added]

Recently, at the Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche confirmed that the next-generation, 2014 Mercedes S-class would be revealed at a special event in Hamburg, Germany on May 15th.

Fortunately, and thanks to our very skilled spy photographers, we’re able to debut the 2014 Mercedes S-class TWO months early! Here’s the S-class in final showroom trim, during an official photo shoot!

Given the sedate look of the moderately camouflaged prototypes that have been recently spied, we weren’t quite expecting the 2014 S-class to be a stunning car. However, now that we see the final product, as it will appear at the official debut, we’ve got to hand it to the Mercedes-Benz camouflage engineers as they’ve done a commendable job hiding what a handsome car the new S-Class has turned out to be.

Overall, the new Mercedes-Benz seems quite a bit more streamlined and smoothed out than the current S-class. An enormous grille, reminiscent of the one on the F700 concept, is gracing the 2014 model, along with some LED-bedazzled headlights. An equally impressive set of LED tail lights grace a much sleeker looking rear end.

Another big difference we see is the departure of the large, awkward-looking fender flares found on the current S-class.

Other details that jump out are the sculpted doors, with two strong character lines, a large glass roof, cross-drilled brake rotors and some very slim, integrated exhaust tips.

Just like the current model, the new S550 will get its power from a twin-turbo V8, and the S600 will feature a twin-turbo V12. For the AMG line, the S63 and S65 will also be released after initial launch, along with diesel and hybrid models. A diesel-electric plug-in hybrid variant may also be in the works.

In addition to the sedan in our photos, an S-class coupe and convertible will be offered. In an effort to replace the now defunct Maybach brand, an extended-wheelbase, high luxury S-class Pullman model will also join the lineup.

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Posted in: Mercedes-Benz, Spy Photos

Not long ago, Mercedes-Benz facelifted the E-Class range, ground-breakingly announcing, at the same time, that the new E63 AMG would be offered with an optional AWD system, or 4-MATIC, as Mercedes-Benz calls it. It’s certainly not the first all wheel drive AMG, as this tradition started with the ML, but it’s the first sedan and touring AMG model to be offered with AWD.

The million dollar question is “is the AWD system worth it”? We are sure that MB had some good reasons to offer AWD, but until we find a way to get our hands on one, we can watch C&D’s Basem Wasef, who test drives on in some back roads in Spain. Watch the video and join our discussion about the all new E63 (link).

Source: [YouTube]

Posted in: Mercedes-Benz, Videos

Just a few weeks before the most waited automotive event of the year, the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz dropped a bombshell, in the name of the A45 AMG. That’s a normal A-Class, that comes with a 2.0l turbocharged 4 cylinder engine that develops 360hp and 450Nm at 1.8bar of boost pressure, an AWD system (5th generation Haldex) and enhanced looks.

As it’s supposed to be a direct competitor to the M135i and the upcoming RS3, the M133 engine is currently the most powerful four cylinder engine in production in the world, developing a maximum output of 265 kW (360 hp) and up to 450 Newton metres of torque. That’s a stunning 181hp per litre of displacement! Coming under the BlueDIRECT family of engines, the M133 features spray-guided direct petrol injection via piezo injectors positioned centrally in the four combustion chambers, as well as a gravity-die sandcast all-aluminium crankcase, weight-optimised crank assembly with forged steel crankshaft and forged pistons with friction-optimised piston rings, NANOSLIDE cylinder wall technology, air-water charge air cooling, generator management and ECO start/stop function. This combination improves fuel utilisation and increases thermodynamic efficiency substantially, leading to lower exhaust emissions.

The issue with the throttle response, or lag, with the high-boosted turbocharged engines, is resolved by using a twin-scroll turbocharger, aiming for a  maximum derestriction of the exhaust system and implementing an innovative injection strategy. Finally, the, familiar from the SLK55, exhaust system features large pipe cross-sections and an automatically controlled exhaust flap. As far as the engine cooling is concerned, a low-temperature circuit is additionally deployed for air-water charge air cooling, coming straight from the SLS. Cooling of the transmission oil is integrated in the water cooling circuit for the engine.

The familiar AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission is directly flange-mounted on the transversely installed M133 engine, featuring a dual clutch, seven gears, three driving programmes, a double-declutching function and a launch control function. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive comes as standard. According to MB: “The power flux to the rear powertrain is provided by a compact power take-off unit (PTU) which is fully integrated in the 7-speed sports transmission. It does not possess an oil circuit of its own. Instead, it is supplied with lubricant from the oil circuit of the sports transmission”.

For more details, please visit our official thread (here) or click more, to read the complete press release and see our photo gallery!

Source: [Daimler AG]

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Posted in: Mercedes-Benz

Who said that the horsepower war was over? Well, whoever it was, he is wrong, as Mercedes-Benz just unveiled the C6 Edition 507. As the name suggest, this special C63 comes with 507hp (373kW), a 50hp increase over the previous model. The torque is also increased by 10Nm, reaching 610Nm which results in a 0-100km/h time of 4.2sec (for the coupe and sedan version, or 4.3sec for the estate) and an electronically limited top speed of 280km/h. The increased power also comes with AMG’s composite braking system featuring red calipers as standard.

The C63 Edition 507 comes with the familiar M156 naturally aspirated 6.3l V8 engine with the technology originating from the C63 Black Series, in the form of forged pistons, connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft, which result in a weight reduction of 3kg. The hood with the two distinctive openings for heat expulsion also originate from the Black Series model, while the new light-alloy cross-spoke wheels with 235/35 tyres in the front and 255/30 in the back are exclusive to the Edition 507.

The C63 Edition 507 will be officially shown in the Geneva Motor Show, from March 5, 2013, with the sales releasing scheduled for April 8 and market launch in Germany for June 2013. The price is not yet announced, but it will include a voucher for attendance of a driver training session at the AMG Driving Academy. For more details, you can find MB’s full press release and photo gallery after the jump.

Source: [Daimler AG]

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Posted in: Mercedes-Benz