Passion and thrill of Mercedes-Benz
Updated: 2012-04-22 07:36
By Zhuan Ti(China Daily)
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The Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG SUV will make its Asian debut at the Beijing Auto Show. The company has declared 2012 to be the 'Year of the SUV'. Photos Provided to China Daily |
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The new B-Class hatchback, which will debut at the auto show, offers plenty of space combined with impressive dynamic performance. |
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The locally-produced GLK Grand Edition will be launched at the Beijing Auto Show. |
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smart's Dragon edition, which will be unveiled in Beijing this week, conveys the spirit of the Year of the Dragon with a red and gold design. |
Strength in all car segments on show with impressive lineup of 34 models
There's nothing that really matches the thrill and excitement that a premium auto can inspire. Mercedes-Benz brings that excitement to a new level with car designs that provoke strong emotional responses, technology that fascinates, and above all an amazing driving experience that makes the heart pound.
Mercedes-Benz delivers all these elements to China with its entire portfolio of products, and adds that extra flair with special editions tailor-made for the China market.
The Mercedes-Benz brand icon has become a more familiar sight on the streets of cities in China, and the three-pointed star also led the way on the racetrack with the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team in this month's F1 China Grand Prix in Shanghai.
Watched by millions of people worldwide, F1 represents the pinnacle of technology in motorsports. The new Shanghai circuit in the shape of the Chinese character shang really marks China's coming of age in auto sports and delivers the F1 experience directly to a very enthusiastic audience.
The Mercedes-AMG F1 team with drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg thrilled viewers by locking out the front row of the grid in qualifying, with Nico driving a perfect race with a flawless strategy on race day to take the checkered flag and bring their first victory to the team.
The Mercedes-AMG F1 engine, the most powerful on the circuit, is also the driving force behind two other F1 teams including McLaren-Mercedes.
The engine propelled all three top finishers onto the podium at Shanghai in a convincing show of superiority over the competition.
High-performance cars are great examples of the leading-edge design and technology of Mercedes-Benz autos, but the brand attributes of fascination and perfection are present in every model in the portfolio.
The broad range of models is an ideal match for the diversity of tastes in today's China market, allowing Chinese customers to enjoy the driving pleasure of the luxury car of their choice and express their individuality to the fullest extent.
World premieres
Visitors to the Beijing Auto Show that opens on April 23 will be able to see for themselves the Mercedes-Benz strength in all car segments with an impressive line-up of 34 models in a 2,400-square-meter booth at Hall W4.
Not only is Mercedes-Benz bringing its entire lineup to China, many models have enjoyed their debut in China, and this year is no exception with four world premieres and two Asian premieres.
"All of these models combine superb design with great technology to provide exactly what our discerning customers are looking for here in China," said Klaus Maier, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd.
"We're going to continue to bring new models to China to ensure that the 'The best or nothing' is fully appreciated for years to come," Maier said.
The world premiere of the Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupe marks another breakthrough in avant-garde design and a discerning Chinese audience will be the first to see this remarkable model.
The new generation G 500, new G 63 AMG and G 65 AMG also make their world debuts in a continuation of their 33-year history, an acknowledgement of the appeal of this iconic off-road vehicle in China.
New SUV generation
As a representative of the new adventurous spirit in China, the SUV has really enjoyed a warm welcome in China. Mercedes-Benz recognized the appeal of premium SUVs very early on.
With the 1997 launch of the M-Class as the first luxury SUV, the model was years ahead of its time. Since then, the M-Class has been setting the standard in both on and off-road performance and leading the premium SUV segment.
Recently launched in China as the third generation, the M-Class is characterized by its drivability as "master of all surfaces". It features an authentic SUV experience with the unparalleled luxury and dynamic driving of a sedan, providing the driver with innovative control on any road condition.
The optimized off-road performance together with the significantly improved on-road characteristics of the mid-sized M-Class SUV provides the perfect combination of drivability, luxury and comfort.
Rugged enough for off-road use, the M-Class is also easy to drive on regular roads and offers a level of comfort, luxury, and spaciousness that makes it ideal for everyday family use.
The M-Class continues to be the SUV trendsetter with this new third generation, setting the standard for both on and off-road performance.
The M-Class has strong appeal not purely for its special off-road functionality, but also for the complete package the M-Class offers, including dynamic on-road handling, a high level of comfort and safety, as well as individuality.
With the ML 350 and Asian debut of the ML 63, AMG's presence at the auto show perfectly demonstrates that Mercedes-Benz is "master of all surfaces".
The complete Mercedes-Benz SUV family members will be present at the show.
The locally produced GLK 300 Grand Edition further satisfies the anticipation of Chinese customers with the launch of three competitive models - the GLK 300 Grand Edition Dynamic, GLK 300 Grand Edition Style and GLK 300 Grand Edition Luxury.
The R-Class, perfect for both business and family, continues to add new customers in China with its versatility.
The GL-Class carries the banner of the full-sized SUVs, and the classic profile of the G-Class will also be evident in Beijing with the new generation G-Class world premiere and a range of AMG high-performance models on show.
Trendsetter for sedans
The flagship S-Class has been warmly embraced by Chinese customers.
At the forefront of its segment with China as its largest market, sales of the S-Class in the country grew 74 percent year on year, delivering 13,400 units in the first quarter of 2012.
The new S-Class Grand Edition, developed directly in response to Chinese customer demands and preferences, features enhanced luxury and comfort, as well as new business-oriented features to suit the busy, "on-the-go" lifestyles of elite professionals:
'Best Mobile Office concept'
Recognizing that the Internet has become an indispensable tool for business and entertainment today, Mercedes-Benz has designed the S-Class Grand Edition as the first model in the luxury sedan segment to adopt a "Best Mobile Office" concept.
The vehicle comes equipped with a wireless hotspot function as standard in its entire lineup, providing passengers with stable, high-speed Internet access for multiple devices even when traveling at high speeds on the road.
Enhanced luxury
The new S-Class Grand Edition offers a more grandiose profile. The Grand Edition badges prominently adorned on both exterior and interior of the car lends an extravagant touch and highlights the S-Class owner's exclusive identity.
Enlarged rims with a new design add to the vehicle's dynamism.
Other attractive highlights include a foldable table, a wood steering wheel, and a memory package front.
Despite the numerous added features, prices of the S-Class Grand Edition lineup remain unchanged.
Further exclusivity
To further meet customer demands for a vehicle that matches their exclusive lifestyle, Mercedes-Benz is also delivering the S600 Grand Edition designo, the limited edition model that features higher and more sensational specifications.
The S600 designo's paint with two color options gives a unique visual impression of "hard as satin" on the vehicle exterior.
All the seats are enveloped by luxurious porous aniline leather, and even the vehicle roof is covered by lush Nappa leather, which further underlines the world-class craftsmanship and flagship status of the S-Class.
New compact era
Substantially more agile and efficient, but as comfortable and spacious as ever, the new B-Class from Mercedes-Benz is a winner on all fronts.
Heralding a new era in the compact class, it offers plenty of space combined with impressive dynamic performance.
The characteristic lines of the exterior design indicate a new sportiness - the car's front and rear sport a width-emphasizing design, with a wide, prominent grille and headlamps extending along the sides at the front.
The roof features an emphatic line that lends the vehicle a longer appearance. The pronounced wheel arches offset by dynamic feature lines under the beltline are a sporty interpretation of the current design line from Mercedes-Benz.
Refined details such as the exquisitely designed headlamps with the new spotlight element confirm the brand's unmistakable premium credentials that also shine through in the compact segment.
New spaciousness
The vehicle's lower height and more upright seat position provide for a first impression that hints at the compact sports tourer's dynamic credentials.
The most striking aspect is the reduced height as the new model crouches almost five centimeters lower on the road than its predecessor.
The seat height in relation to the road has also been reduced to facilitate boarding, while maintaining a clear overview of the vehicle's contours.
With maximum headroom at the front, the B-Class is among the most spacious cars in the compact segment.
The ergonomically expedient more upright sitting position in combination with a lowering of the vehicle's floor leads to a segment-leading degree of legroom at the rear.
Quality interior
High-quality materials and finely structured surfaces, stylish details, precision workmanship and a new spaciousness, the interior of the B-Class defines a whole new benchmark in the compact segment. Four equipment packages - Chrome, Sports, Exclusive, and Night - enable individualization according to personal tastes.
Classic and sporty
The Mercedes-Benz sports car family has models for every lifestyle in China.
Already considered a design icon, the all-new CLS-Class sports sedan combines the elegance and dynamism of a coupe with the comfort and functionality of a 4-door sedan.
Featuring innovative technologies and a striking, masculine design, the CLS distinguishes itself as the car of choice for modern business elites who lead an exclusive lifestyle, have superior taste, and want a premium car that is a combination of performance and individualistic style, perfectly reflected by its refined sportiness.
Featuring more power and greater agility, the new CLS is also more efficient, with up to 25 percent lower fuel consumption than its predecessor.
New BlueDirect engines and the use of lightweight aluminum ensure enhanced performance, whilst radically reducing fuel consumption.
The new CLS sets a benchmark in its class through innovative new technologies, including all-LED headlamps with dynamic functions.
For those who prefer to take an exhilarating ride along the curves and bends of scenic coastal roads with the freedom of open air driving, the striking new SLK takes driving pleasure and open-air enjoyment to a new level, offering a more powerful performance, without compromising on fuel efficiency.
Featuring new innovative technologies, namely Magic Sky Control and Airguide, as well as advanced safety systems, this roadster promises drivers a safe and enhanced driving experience.
Custom-built smart
As the ideal solution for urban mobility, the smart range of models is perfect for Chinese cities and the modern commuter.
Their smaller size makes them more suited to city traffic, and the energy-efficient innovations are very popular with a more environmentally conscious customer.
The highly individual identity also allows smart owners to express their individuality in a very positive way.
Mirroring the strong tradition of Chinese zodiac elements, and following the launch of both Tiger and Rabbit Editions in 2010 and 2011, the smart Dragon edition embodies the dynamism of the Year of the Dragon with a red and gold design, also symbolizing the wealth and honor of China and of its people.
This is also for the first time smart China has directly developed the Dragon edition in cooperation with Brabus, another luxury brand. Badged with the Chinese character for a dragon, there's no mistaking this special edition limited to just 700 smarts.
The Beijing Auto Show showcases another unique member of the smart family as an Asian premiere, with the smart for-us concept vehicle, which successfully translates the conventional concept of a pick-up to the reality of 21st century urban traffic.
With the trademark smart feature of spaciousness in a compact car - despite looking small on the outside - the smart for-us fits two people more than comfortably and even has additional space for two smart e-bikes behind, once again proving its status as a trendsetter and innovation icon.
AMG in China
AMG is the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz and brings fresh designs to their model lineup as well as more powerful engines.
As part of bringing the entire scope of the Mercedes-Benz experience closer to Chinese consumers, auto enthusiasts who want to enjoy the exhilaration and sheer driving enjoyment of an AMG for themselves can visit the new AMG Performance Center in the heart of China's capital, Beijing.
Bringing yet another first to China, the beautifully designed building is the first stand-alone AMG center worldwide, emphasizing the importance of China for high-end autos and makes the best gift and tribute to the brand's glorious 45-year legacy.
At the Beijing show, an impressive lineup of AMG models will give visitors ample opportunity to appreciate the unique AMG design lines and get a feel for the extra power packed into the AMG high-performance engines.
The C63 AMG Coupe will be displaying its Performance Package, as the 4-door CLS 63 AMG competes for attention as the definitive sports sedan.
SLS AMG super luxury sports car will be proudly displaying its unmistakable gull-wings to appreciative admirers.
Rounding out the AMG line will be the SUV family with the Asian debuted ML 63 AMG, and the G 63 AMG and G 65 AMG making their world debuts.
zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn
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Some of the Mercedes-Benz lineup (from left): S-Class Grand Edition, smart for-us concept car, CLS-Class sports sedan, SLK two-seater roadster and SLS AMG super luxury sports car. |
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(China Daily 04/22/2012 page4)