SLS Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, ML450 Hybrid And F-Cell Coming To L.A. Auto Show

[HighestOfHigh]

The 563 horsepower Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar, the fuel-sipping E350 BlueTEC and ML450 Hybrid, and the advanced hydrogen powered B-Class F-Cell will be making their respective North American debuts at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show next month.

Whether you think it's a ridiculous retro-themed waste of sheet metal, a classy homage to a classic car, or you sit somewhere in between, the new SLS AMG will undoubtedly be the highlight of the automaker’s stands. The car is about to go on sale in Europe and its U.S. release should be announced at the upcoming Los Angeles event.

Also on show will be Mercedes’ new Splitview technology in the S-Class. Splitview is a single display screen that allows the driver and front passenger to view two different programs at the same time. For example, the driver can view the navigation system, while on the very same display screen, the front passenger can watch a movie.

Another important debut will be that of the B-Class F-Cell fuel-cell vehicle. The environmentally friendly vehicle has better performance than a 2.0-liter gasoline model but with a zero-emission drive system that achieves the equivalent of 71 mpg of diesel and a range of 240 miles. Deliveries in the U.S. are expected to start early next year.

Finally, there’s the E350 BlueTEC diesel and the ML450 Hybrid gasoline-electric hybrid. Both cars offer very different powertrains but are aimed at helping to reduce fuel consumption. The E350 BlueTEC diesel, for example, offers 30% better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine, while the ML450 Hybrid is 46% more efficient than the comparable ML550 V-8.

- Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, ML450 Hybrid And F-Cell Coming To L.A. Auto Show - MotorAuthority

 

[tennmb]

The ML450 hybrid is a JOKE. We just had our training, and this vehicle is a humongous waste of time. there will be 1,700 and they can only be leased. The batteries are 20k to replace, so MB is not leaving anything to chance. This is the biggest mistake I've seen MB make in a while. They want to have a hybird just to say they have a hybrid.

one nice thing is the hood on the hybrid. A major improvement that should be standard on the ML. Doubt that will happen. Changes the whole look of the front of the vehicle. Very nice, and agressive. of course MB only did it to make room for hybrid components.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

^Yea, I was wondering why they would only allow it to be leased. 20K batteries...wow. Have you gotten any customers who are interested in the Hybrid model?

 

[Merc1]

Clearly the ML450 is a "me-too" product. Look for it to vanish before the new ML arrives. Next time with up to date battery tech.

M

 

[Shining Star]

It's a shame we dont' get to see anything new at LA...I'll enjoy seeing the SLS again but I don't really care about the ML Hybrid or the F-Cell...

 

[HighestOfHigh]

It's a shame we dont' get to see anything new at LA...I'll enjoy seeing the SLS again but I don't really care about the ML Hybrid or the F-Cell...

I know exactly what you mean. The Washington DC Auto Show didn't even bring the new E-class. They showed up with the old E-class. It's almost an insult. Another issue I have is that Mercedes always gives us some crap about not being able to turn on their cars (leaving the battery running not actual on of course). BMW and Lexus always have their cars on so you can actually see the tech features and how they work. Very Annoying!

 

[Shining Star]

I know exactly what you mean. The Washington DC Auto Show didn't even bring the new E-class. They showed up with the old E-class. It's almost an insult. Another issue I have is that Mercedes always gives us some crap about not being able to turn on their cars (leaving the battery running not actual on of course). BMW and Lexus always have their cars on so you can actually see the tech features and how they work. Very Annoying!

Yes... I wanted to fiddle around with the multicontour seats on an S class at NYIAS but I couldn't...and I hate MB is introducing models now...the S-Coupe should've shown up at IAA...and now it's not even going to be at LA...it seems like MB pays the least attention to LA out of the 3 major auto shows each year...

 

[SCOTT27]

Because LA is in a position between the major shows of that Autumn either Paris or in 2009's case the IAA and the opening NAIAS in January.
That for european manufacturers LA is seen as a show for introducing US Market models after their World Premiere in The Autumn show.
Although major European manufacturers are keeping their upcoming premieres for Geneva in March.
Geneva is the most important Autoshow.

 

[Shining Star]

I don't think they're even holding a press conference...


December 2, 2009 (All times are PST)
9:35 am - 10:00 am Chevrolet
10:05 am - 10:30 am Volkswagen
10:35 am - 11:00 am Toyota
11:05 am - 11:30 am Mazda
11:35 am - Noon Hyundai
12:10 pm - 12:35 pm Porsche
12:40 pm - 1:05 pm Ford
1:10 pm - 1:35 pm Honda
1:40 pm - 2:05 pm Kia
2:15 pm - 2:40 pm Audi
2:45 pm - 3:10 pm BMW
3:15 pm - 3:40 pm MINI
3:45 pm - 4:10 pm Mitsubishi
4:20 pm - 4:45 pm Rolls-Royce

December 3, 2009 (All times are PST)
9:00 am - 9:25 am "Green Car of the Year" Award
9:30 am "Green Cars/LA Auto Show Ride and Drive" begins
9:40 am - 10:05 am Hyundai
10:10 am - 10:35 am Buick
10:40 am - 11:05 am Subaru
11:15 am - 11:40 am Fisker
11:50 am - 12:20 pm Saab
12:25 pm - 12:50 pm Yokohama
12:55 pm - 1:15 pm Spyker
1:15 pm - 1:25 pm Morgan
1:25 pm - 1:35 pm Allard
1:35 pm - 1:55 pm SMS Supercars
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Design Los Angeles


Don't see MB on the list...

 

[Shining Star]

 

[HighestOfHigh]

^Looks like that guy is excited about the rims. Even dropped his papers.

 

[Shining Star]

MB didn't have a lot going on in LA...I'd have wished to see the S coupe...and I don't think MB even had a press conference...

 

[Yaz]

Hey, at least we'll get to see it at NYIAS then

Didn't they say splitview wasn't available in the US spec S-Class?

And they're probably testing the water with the F-Cell B there.