©2005 May not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the author. This includes publishing at other websites.
Tank vs. Mercedes C-Class
The 40 ton Leopard tank didn't pay attention as it rolled down the road during the Battel Griffin NATO exercise in central Norway.
The driver of the Mercedes pulled over all the way to the snow bank when he saw the tank, but neither the driver of the tank, nor the commander, was paying attention so they rolled over the car.
Nobody got hurt, but the driver of the new Mercedes had to lean over the passenger seat as the roof was squashed in over him.
World's Quickest 4-Door
CHICAGO Mercedes-Benz debuted the world's quickest four-door sedan during news media activities preceding the opening of the 2005 Chicago Auto Show. The new S65 AMG melds the whisper-smooth luxury of the top Mercedes-Benz four-door sedan with the astonishing power of AMG's six-liter twin-turbo V12 engine. The AMG engine produces 604 horsepower and an unbelievable 738 lb-ft of torque, for a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds.
AMG is the renowned high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz that combines its ingenuity and quality with the global resources of Mercedes-Benz to take engine, braking and handling performance technology to the highest level.
The new S65 AMG joins the S-Class sedan line, which includes three V8 models the S430, S500 and S55 AMG as well as one other V12-powered car, the S600. The S65 AMG sedan is equipped with ABC active suspension that uses special AMG spring struts with firmer damping. Reworked ESP stability control and ASR traction control systems complement the enhanced chassis setup. As on all Mercedes-Benz models, a standard ABS anti-lock brake system helps maintain directional stability in emergencies, while Brake Assist can reduce braking distances in "panic" stops.
To handle the high speed potential of the AMG twin-turbo engine, the front brakes of the AMG V12 model are equipped with high-performance eight-piston calipers and compound brake rotors. Staggered-size AMG twin-spoke wheels 8.5 x 19 up front and 9.5 x 19 at the rear carry high-performance tires 245/40 ZR 19 in front and 275/35 ZR 19 at the rear.
AMG V12 Engine Rewrites Sedan Performance
While the S65 AMG can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, its supersmooth V12 power plant is also ideally suited for relaxed cruising as well. The twelve-cylinder engine of the S65 AMG is hand-assembled at the AMG engine facility using the "one-man, one-engine" approach to guarantee the highest standards of quality and workmanship, each engine is assembled start-to-finish by one AMG engine specialist. This philosophy is symbolized by an unusual plate mounted on the engine that bears the signature of the craftsman who assembled the engine.
The S65 AMG's twin-turbo engine features a number of high-tech modifications over the standard V12 powerplant: a precision-balanced crankshaft with a longer stroke, larger-bore forged pistons and an upgraded system for oil-spray cooling and bearing lubrication are but a few of its technological highlights. The newly designed engine cover is made from deep-drawn aluminum and carbon-fiber reinforced plastic.
Stopping Power To Match Go Power
For the design of the AMG high-performance braking system, engineers drew on their extensive racing experience acquired through more than three decades of motorsports competition. The internally ventilated and perforated front discs measure 15.4 inches in diameter and are fitted with eight-piston fixed calipers. The S65 AMG front brakes use two-piece rotors and hubs made from cast iron and aluminum. Compared with conventional brake systems, this compound technology allows for expansion of the brake discs and offers a weight saving of some 20 percent, while the brakes' increased capacity to handle thermal stress measurably increases durability. The rear brakes use 13.7-inch internally ventilated and perforated discs with four-piston fixed calipers.
Design Distinguishes AMG
Especially in light of the design awards bestowed on the current S-Class since its launch in 2000, the primary task facing AMG designers was to make subtle enhancements to the S65 AMG body while remaining true to the car's fundamental design. First, an AMG front apron with a large cooling air intake and the integral front clear-lens fog lamps gives the vehicle a distinctive appearance.
The dynamic side view of the S65 AMG is emphasized by AMG side skirts, which follow the line of the front apron, and by a chromed "V12 Biturbo" badge on each front fender. The powerful lines of the AMG rear apron is finished off by two sets of AMG chrome twin tailpipes, and attractive 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with twin-spoke design complement the overall appearance.
ABC Active Suspension
Mercedes-Benz was the first automaker to develop active-suspension technology for production cars. Today, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, CL-Class, and SL-Class model lines offer one of the world's most advanced active suspension systems, and the new S65 AMG comes with firmer AMG spring struts.
Reconciling the conflicting goals of dynamic handling and ride comfort, ABC active suspension uses high-pressure hydraulics, sophisticated sensors, and powerful microprocessors to adjust suspension response to current driving conditions with split-second accuracy. ABC active suspension virtually eliminates body roll in cornering, squat under acceleration, and dive during braking.
While active suspension technology has the potential to actually bank a car into every turn (like a motorcycle or airplane), Mercedes-Benz engineers use its interplay of hydraulic, electronic and mechanical parts to reduce body roll by 68 percent, ensuring that the suspension still provides the driver with feedback through the vehicle chassis, and a switch on the console allows the driver to further reduce body roll by 95 percent.
Safety Innovation
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class makes use of up-front crash sensors to help determine impact severity and deployment speed of the two-stage front air bags with higher precision than ever. A sensor in the front passenger seat classifies occupant weight and also helps to vary front air bag deployment accordingly.
Although frontal collisions are by far the most common type of accident, side impacts are more likely to cause serious injury. All S-Class sedans come with head-protection curtain side air bags that span both sides of the car, as well as a side impact air bag mounted in each door. The curtain air bags deploy like an air mattress to protect the head and shoulders in a side collision, and work in conjunction with the door-mounted side air bags, which provide protection for the chest and hip area.
Innovation in Luxury, Too
The overall design theme of the S-Class interior conveys warmth and comfort, from its standard full leather upholstery to the sweeping lines of the instrument panel. Wood trim is standard, with burl walnut accompanying dark interiors and chestnut with lighter interior colors. The S-Class comes with standard pneumatic door- and trunk-closing assists, while an electronic trunk closer is optional.
Active ventilated seats circulate air through the seat cushion to reduce perspiration in hot weather. The climate seat also features an active lumbar mode in which air chambers built into the seatback can be programmed to breathe, inflating and deflating fully about twice each minute. This slight movement has proven to be an effective orthopedic way to relax the spine and back muscles.
Few
MBUSA will import only about 400 of these magnificent cars.
S350
For the 2006 model year, Mercedes-Benz USA has added the S350W Short Wheelbase Sedan to the S-Class lineup.
Until the 2000 model year, S-class sedans came in long and short wheelbases. Americans crave "Bigger is better," so only the long wheelbase models were imported, with no V-6s, just V-8s and V-12s. But to fill the gap between the E-Class and the S-Class MBUSA has announced the S350W. This surprisingly nimble vehicle, produced in limited numbers, provides a unique opportunity. Customers who might otherwise consider purchasing a Lexus LS430 or Jaguar XJ8 are now presented with the amazing possibility of owning an S-Class, our flagship sedan.
The price will be released later this month.
The engine is the 3.7L V6 currently used in the 2005 ML350 offering 241 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. When the 2007 model S-Class comes out, the new series of engines will include a 3.5 liter engine, hence the 350 designation instead of the more logical 370.
Equipment level is unchanged from the S430V with the exception of the rear window sunshade.
The S350 has ample legroom, on a par with the E-Class sedan
(but wider seats).
E350 Sedan and Wagon
New-Generation V6 Engine Provides More Power, Better Fuel Economy
MONTVALE, NJ The award-winning Mercedes-Benz E-Class line now features the new 2006-model E350 sedan and wagon, both powered by a new-generation 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower a 20 percent increase over the 3.2-liter engine. The 2006 E350 sedan and wagon will replace the previous E320 models and join the rest of the 2005 E-Class line in dealership showrooms.
The New-Generation E350 Engine
The 3.5-liter V6 features four valves per cylinder, double-overhead camshafts and variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust valves. This powerplant represents the first time Mercedes-Benz has used double-overhead camshaft technology on its V6 engines.
One of the most powerful engines for its size, the 3.5-liter all-aluminum V6 produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with maximum torque available from 2,400 rpm all the way up to 5,000 rpm. At only 1,500 rpm, the new V6 already develops 87 percent of its maximum torque.
Variable valve timing requires separate camshafts for the intake and exhaust. Valve timing is controlled by electrohydraulic vane-type actuators on the end of each camshaft that, with the help of integral hydraulic valves, can vary intake and exhaust valve timing through a range of 40 degrees. At low load or part throttle, the exhaust valves remain open for a short time as the intake valves are already opening, creating internal exhaust gas recirculation by allowing exhaust gas to enter the intake ports to reduce exhaust emissions and boost fuel mileage.
To boost mid-range torque, this valve overlap is automatically reduced at higher loads, when the throttle is open further, and at mid-range engine speeds. At high engine speeds, the intake valves open and close even later for optimal air flow and volumetric efficiency.
The Long and the Short of It
While variable valve timing gets much of the credit for the engine's broad torque curve, a two-stage intake manifold plays a key role as well. Long spiral intake passages are cast into the super-lightweight magnesium intake manifold, and flaps (one for each cylinder) force intake air to take this relatively long route through the manifold and build up pressure waves, which boost the intake process and improve low- and mid-range torque.
Above about 3,500 rpm, the flaps open, allowing intake air to take a shortcut a more direct route to the cylinders for maximum high-speed power and efficiency. The electronic engine control unit determines precisely when the flaps are open and closed.
Tumble Flaps Improve Fuel Efficiency
The new-generation engine is also equipped with tumble flaps in the intake passages near the combustion chamber. The tumble flaps open under part load, improving combustion by creating additional turbulence around the intake valves and in each combustion chamber. During higher engine loads such as full throttle, the tumble flaps are completely recessed in the wall of the intake manifold. Better combustion helps improve engine torque, but the primary purpose of the tumble flaps is to further increase fuel economy, and tests show that the tumble flaps indeed boost fuel mileage by about two percent.
The E-Class Lineup
The current E-Class is the world's most successful luxury car line and represents about 25 percent of total Mercedes-Benz sales in the US. For much of 2005, the E-Class lineup includes the E320 CDI diesel sedan, the V8-powered E500 sedan and wagon, and the limited-production E55 AMG all 2005 models as well as the 2006 E350 sedan and wagon. The E500 features a 5.0-liter 302 hp V8, while the E55 AMG sedan boasts an award-winning supercharged V8 that makes a whopping 469 horsepower!
Better Fuel Mileage Better Performance
Equipped with the latest innovative diesel technology, the E320 CDI boasts 201 hp and 369 lb-ft. of torque, enough to propel the car to 60 mph on the test track in just 6.6 seconds. With surprisingly good performance, low exhaust emissions, great fuel economy and low noise levels this latest generation of electronically injected CDI engines is changing consumers' dated perceptions about diesel engines.
Like all diesels, the E320 CDI gets great fuel mileage and has increased cruising range over a comparable gasoline-powered car. What's more important, the E320 CDI will do that without sacrificing performance. The E320 CDI gets 27/37 EPA estimated mpg for city and highway driving, respectively, (compared to the E320 gasoline engine's fuel economy of 19/27) while virtually equaling the acceleration of the gasoline V6. Thanks to its CDI electronic fuel injection, even the usual diesel engine sound is muted. From inside the vehicle at idle, the E320 CDI registers just 44 decibels. For comparison: An average doorbell produces about 75 decibels.
CDI diesel technology will help expand the company's already broad product portfolio in the U.S. market. In addition, Mercedes-Benz' pioneering role in modern diesel engine development is likely to play a key role in the company's future products that could include hybrids, advanced piston engines and fuel cells.
Seven-Speed Automatic Transmission for E350 and E500
The E350 and E500 rear-drive models come equipped with the world's first seven-speed automatic transmission. The seven-speed transmission improves acceleration from 0 to 60 mph by up to 0.3 seconds and allows significantly quicker acceleration in highway passing situations. At the same time, shifting is even smoother than with the previous five-speed.
Using seven gears allows the individual gears to be spaced closer together allowing the engine to run in its most favorable rev range more often. The seven-speed automatic transmission is always able to select the optimum gear for any given situation and offers a larger overall spread between the lowest and highest gear. Selecting from seven gears also means the transmission's electronic control has greater flexibility in adjusting shift points for lower average engine speeds a clear plus in terms of both reducing fuel consumption and minimizing noise.
When the driver shifts down rapidly through the gears (kickdown), the seven-speed transmission does not always select the individual gears in strict order. Instead, the transmission will skip a particular gear if necessary, switching from seventh gear straight down to fifth, for example, and even from sixth to second, skipping three gears at once.
All 4MATIC sedans and wagons as well as the E320 CDI sedan retain the 5-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift control.
Sportier Than Ever
An AMG Sport package is available for the rear-wheel drive E350 and E500 sedans as well as the rear-wheel drive E350 wagon. The AMG package includes an AMG-design sculpted front air dam and rear apron, dual polished chrome exhaust tips, staggered-width 18-inch (8J x 18 front, 9J x 18 rear) AMG ultra thin-spoke monoblock wheels with high-performance tires in size 245/40 ZR 18 in front and in size 265/35 ZR 18 on the rear axle.
An Appearance Package for the E350 and E500 sedans and wagons includes sculpted side skirts, front and rear aprons, bi-xenon headlights with Active Curve Illumination and headlamp washers, blue tinted glass, LED brake lights, and 17-inch sport wheels. Other equipment in the package varies the E350, for example, gets leather seats, the Airmatic DC air suspension as well as the larger 245/45 R 17 tire size, which are already standard on the E500.
Stronger and Safer Than Ever
The E-Class offers the full array of Mercedes safety technology, including ABS anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, straight-line traction control ASR and ESP stability control. Innovative safety technology includes the electrohydraulic braking system from the Mercedes SL roadsters and sophisticated restraint systems employing eight air bags.
Underneath the sleek, elegant E-Class exterior is an exceptionally strong body structure that provides a solid foundation for occupant protection. Mercedes employed a number of techniques to achieve greater strength without adding excess weight. Compared to its predecessor, the body structure of the latest E-Class has larger crumple zones at the front for even better energy absorption in a collision, and government crash tests ratings underline the success of this strategy. While the E-Class has more standard safety and luxury equipment than ever, lightweight materials help keep it within 50-100 pounds of the previous model.
The E-Class is the first high-volume Mercedes-Benz model to make extensive use of aluminum, which accounts for 10 percent of the car by weight. Aluminum parts include the hood, front fenders, trunk lid, as well as the front subframe and bumper cross members. In comparison to the previous generation the amount of high-strength steel has been nearly doubled, from about 20 percent of vehicle weight to about 37 percent.
Advanced Restraint Systems
All E-Class models come with adaptive dual-stage front air bags, and new crash sensors determine the correct inflation rate of the front air bags. In a less severe impact, only the first stage of the adaptive front air bags deploys, while the inflation of both stages is reserved for more serious collisions. The inflation rate of the front passenger seat air bag is further dependent on the passenger's weight classification, as determined by sensors in the seat. If a front passenger seat occupant is classified as a small child, the sensors in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) automatically prevent deployment of the front passenger air bag.
New crash sensors also help determine the activation of seat belt tensioners. In more severe collisions that exceed the deployment threshold, the seat belt tensioners can remove belt slack sooner. Later in the collision sequence, belt force limiters can reduce peak forces exerted by the seat belt, to reduce chest loads and shoulder injuries. All E-Class models are equipped with a rollover sensor that can deploy the window bags and belt tensioners if it detects an imminent rollover.
Active Cornering Headlamps
Optionally available on the E-Class with bi-xenon headlights is an active cornering headlight system jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and Hella.
The heart of the system is a microcomputer integrated into the electronic data network of the vehicle, which is supplied with real-time information from the steering-angle and speed sensors. Each bi-xenon module is equipped with its own electronics unit and an electric motor, which turns the light left to right. The active cornering headlights operate in both low and high-beam mode, adjusting their direction in response to the speed of the car and steering angle. While the headlights react quickly to changes in steering wheel angle when the vehicle is moving rapidly, the headlights shift more slowly when the vehicle is moving at lower speeds.
The active-cornering xenon headlights are designed to increase illumination of the road ahead in curves by as much as 90 percent, compared to fixed halogen lights. Active headlamps are available as part of the optional lighting package available on the E350 sedan and wagon, E500 sedan and wagon, and the E55 AMG sport sedan.
S-Class Derived Dual-Control Air Suspension
The E-Class combines cornering abilities that befit a sports sedan with the superb ride comfort of a luxury car. The double-wishbone front suspension is similar to that of the S-Class, and its patented five-link rear suspension provides unparalleled wheel motion control.
A version of the air suspension from the S-Class, called Airmatic DC (for Dual Control), is standard on the E500 and E55 AMG models, and optional on the E350 models. Airmatic suspension uses sensors that monitor road conditions, driving style and cornering forces to ensure that the system always chooses the best air spring and shock absorber settings. The system can switch between different damping profiles in a fraction of a second, and the driver can also select from four preset suspension response programs.
Even Greater Luxury
The E-Class interior features a sweeping dashboard and center console, soft-touch trim surfaces, elegant wood and chrome trim elements and a full array of power amenities. The E350 comes equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, while the E500 features standard four-zone climate control that allows different temperature settings for the rear outboard passengers as well as the driver and front passenger.
The E-Class comes equipped with a long list of standard equipment including power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power windows with one-touch up/down operation and auto-dimming mirrors. A power flip-down panel in the center console opens to reveal extra storage space or the optional six-disc CD changer.
The standard COMAND display, which can be fitted with an optional DVD-based navigation system, also includes a nine-speaker audio system with surround sound. An optional harman/kardon LOGIC7 system takes high performance audio to a new level with seven-channel digital surround sound, 420 Watts of total output and 12 high-end speakers.
First-Class Seating
Driver and front passenger comfort is assured by standard 10-way power seats, and optional multicontour seats use adjustable air pressure to custom-tailor seat comfort and also feature a massage function. To help to cool the driver and front passenger quickly on hot days, optional active ventilated seats are available, while heated seats and heated steering wheel are optionally available to provide cold-weather comfort. Optional Dynamic Drive seats automatically increase air pressure in the outside seatback bolster during fast cornering.
The E-Class sedans offer a power tilt/slide glass sunroof or a Panorama sunroof as options. The latter creates the look of an all-glass roof and has a much larger opening than the conventional sunroof. Special glass in the Panorama sunroof filters out excessive sunlight, which can be further reduced by power sunshades.
Several high-tech options can further enhance convenience
and safety: The Keyless Go system allows the driver to unlock the car simply
by touching the door handle, and to start the car by touching the gearshift
knob. The Parktronic parking assistance system uses ultrasound waves to
detect obstacles in front of or behind the car, and warns the driver of
detected objects.
Miscellaneous Ravings
Wanna Ride in My Mercedes with Genuine Cloth Seats?
BERLIN (Reuters) - Mercedes-Benz has agreed to offer "leather-free" versions of all its luxury cars to pacify an animal rights group that says thousands of cows are slaughtered each year for leather car seats and interiors.
After complaints from the German chapter of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, DaimlerChrysler said its Mercedes subsidiary will offer fabric or synthetic leather as options. Daimler spokeswoman Ursula Mertzig-Stein said that far from wanting leather-free cars, "our customers ... are more likely to want even more leather at the premium end. But we'll make cars without leather on demand." (GERMANY ONLY)
PETA officials, who had threatened protests at the carmaker's Stuttgart headquarters, said they were delighted.
"When you consider that the skins of four to 15 cows are needed for each car this means thousands of cows will be spared," said PETA researcher Edmund Haferbeck. "This is a huge victory for animal rights."
Actually, it's a huge victory for MB Public Relations. They've always made cars for Europe with cloth seats, even S600s. Does PETA actually think that those 15 cows won't be killed? Cows aren't killed for their hides. They're killed for steaks, etc. Don't they know how many naugas are killed for MB Tex? They're not complaining about that. When is the SPCN going to start picketing?
Quotes
"When in doubt, observe and ask questions. When certain, observe at length and ask many more questions."
George Patton
"Strict gun control is an absolute necessity. Without it you just can't hit what you're aiming at."
anonymous
Angry Letter
This came in the e-mail, unsigned except for the return e-mail address, which I'll omit to protect the writer . I have censored it as well. "Subject: You are full of ____!!
I don't know what Benz thinks of your ____, but the facts are as follows: The ML350 is a 3.7 ltr V6, not 3.5 ltr. All AMG 55 models have a 5.4 ltr V8, not 5.5 ltr. What other misquotes have you posted? I suggest you do a little research (preferably with the auto manufacturer) first before you print this misleading nonsense (aka bull____).)"
Perhaps you should take your medication. You must have a miserable life. I do feel sorry for you and hope your life improves.
Now, having said that, the new ML350 does, indeed, have a 3.5 liter engine, 3,498 cc. The only mention I found of 3.5 liters was in the December, 2004 issue referring to the new engine (and straight from a MBUSA press release). I don't think I ever said the old one had a 3.5 liter engine, but with 1600 items in the website, I'm not going to search. If it's there, stuff happens.
The AMG V8s displace 5439 cc. Engine manufacturers have been rounding up or down to suit themselves all of my life. If this were a racing engine, it would be ineligible for a class limited to 5.4 liters and would have to run in a 5.5 liter class. The only 5.5-liter mention I found was taken straight from a MBUSA press release. I can only conclude that MB wants to call it 5.5 liters.
FAQ
Q. "The right mirror won't go down and in when I put the car in reverse. I know you set that up to work when we took delivery. Do I need an appointment to get that fixed?"
A. Before you make an appointment, push the button selecting the right mirror. In the cars with steering wheel controls the feature must be turned on using the multifunction steering wheel controls, and the right mirror must be selected. In the ML the right mirror must be selected.
Most Interesting Dilemma of the month
A customer e-mailed complaining that the tires on the left side of his ML were mounted backwards. I explained that the tires we put on MLs are not directional. He replied that these had directional arrows. I went looking at the tires on new MLs. They're Dunlop SP 5000s. The Dunlop insignia looks a little like this: D> . It does look like a directional arrow, and on tires mounted on the right side, it matches rotation. On the left it looks backwards. But the tires are correctly mounted.
Speaking of engine sizes:
The C240 currently has a 2.6 liter engine. The C230 has
a 1.8 liter engine. The 600 has a 5.5-liter engine. The 65s have 6 liter
engines. Now both of you that care about that have had the record set straight,
and I can move to more important subjects, such as cats.
Dog and Cat Theology
A dog says, you love me, you feed me, and you take care of me. You must be God.
A cat says, you love me, you feed me, and you take care of me. I must be God.
Curt Rich March 2005
Online Exclusive, not in the snail-mail newsletter:
Mercedes-Benz B-Class Makes Global Debut
B-Class Compact Sports Tourer Unveiled at Geneva Show
Note: This vehicle was unveiled for the European Market.. That's EUROPE ONLY
GENEVA - The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class is celebrating its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. With its new Compact Sports Tourer vehicle concept, Mercedes-Benz is starting another trend and preparing the way for another promising market segment.
The new B-Class takes the advantages of several vehicle types and blends them into one distinctive vehicle - a sharp-looking, sporty and versatile vehicle that's equally at home on long trips or short runs to the shopping mall. The new B-Class will go on sale in Europe starting in summer 2005, and a U.S. launch is not planned at this time.
One of the major advantages of the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class is its sandwich construction concept. Thanks to the space-saving location of its engine and transmission, angled partly in front of and beneath the passenger cell, the new B-Class offers the interior space of larger sedans and wagons, despite its compact outside dimensions. The body is only 168 inches long, about the size of many compact cars. Inside however, the new Mercedes model offers more shoulder-room, legroom and headroom than other cars of comparable size. Its 109-inch wheelbase provides rear seat occupants with knee room rivalling many luxury sedans.
The B-Class also sets new standards for flexible cargo loading. Thanks to a height-adjustable cargo floor and a split fold-down rear seat, the new B-Class has the versatility of an SUV. Depending on the number and position of the seats, its load capacity can go from 19 cubic feet up to 60 cubic feet (with rear seats down), which equals the load capacity of many sport utilities. The maximum load length is more than 6 feet.
Innovative Electric Power Steering and More
Innovations in the field of suspension technology have contributed greatly to a successful combination of agility, safety and comfort - with all these attributes enjoying equal importance. An all-new parabolic rear axle makes a major contribution to the stable, sporty and precise handling, as well as the excellent ride comfort of the new B-Class.
A new electromechanical power steering system generates power assist with an electric motor, varying it as a function of road speed. This means power assist is greater at low speeds than at high speeds, providing light steering when parking or driving slowly but better steering feel at higher speeds.
As a special standard feature, the B-Class suspension has a new selective damping system which adapts shock absorber response to the current driving situation. A soft shock absorber configuration ensures a high level of ride comfort during normal driving, but switches to maximum damping force when taking bends at speed, to give the B-Class maximum stability.
Sandwich Design Helps Provide Mercedes Safety
The unique sandwich concept is the centerpiece of the B-Class safety concept. Locating the engine and transmission at an angle in front of and partly beneath the passenger cell makes a greater effective front end length available for crash deformation. What's more, in a severe frontal impact, the drive unit is not moved backwards toward the interior, but slides downwards under the angled floor panel. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the B-Class provides the level of occupant safety typically found in much larger vehicles.
Adaptive two-stage front airbags, belt tensioners in the front and on the outer rear seats, adaptive belt force limiters, active head restraints, and newly developed head/thorax sidebags complete the standard occupant protection system.
B-Class Interiorvery Mercedes