Mercedes Basks In Frankfurt Limelight

Shades of James Bond! The Mercedes SLS AMG makes its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Perhaps the most important show for Daimler AG, the owner of Mercedes-Benz, is the one held in its own backyard — the Frankfurt Motor Show. A biennial event, the 2009 show comes to an end this Sunday after a successful eleven day run.

To be sure, Mercedes is no slacker when it comes to auto show debuts, having used a variety of venues to showcase its new models down through the years. Indeed, in November 2008 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Mercedes took the veil off of its GLK-Class crossover, an all new model that went on sale with the new year.

At Frankfurt, Mercedes dazzled both press members and general audiences alike. One has to think that Mercedes has one eye on the future as it also deals with present realities.  This means that the German automaker must take into account buyer hesitancy today while understanding that “this too shall pass” and prepare for the future when buyers will be in a more receptive mood.

Among the debuts at Frankfurt were the following models:

• The SLS AMG — An all new model slated for release in Spring 2010, the SLS brings gull-wing goodness to its fans.  The long hood and short trunk give this classical SLS its good looks, a coupe that captures the imagination of James Bond enthusiasts everywhere. Indeed, Mercedes is calling the car the “spiritual successor” to the 300SL which was last produced in 1963. An EV version is slated to appear in 2013.

• Vision S500 PHEV — A plugin hybrid electric vehicle, the Vision S500 will complement the already on the market S400 hybrid if and when it is brought into production. Currently a concept vehicle, it may not be until 2012 when this car or something like it hits the market.

• E63 AMG Estate — Combining the best of performance and wagon utility, this AMG model will make hesitant station wagon buyers hurry to Mercedes showroom when they discover the car goes from zero to sixty in just 4.6 seconds.  Yes, that’s a 6.3L V8 under its hood!

• Concept Fuel Cell Vehicles — Demonstrating that Mercedes is giving some serious thoughts to as well as funding for a fuel cell vehicles (FCV) program, the automaker introduced both the Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-cell and Mercedes-Benz B-class F-cell models. The E-cell model is all-electric while the F-cell is hydrogen powered, however it also utilizes an electric battery to start the vehicle as well as assist the hydrogen fuel cell as it delivers power to the electric motors.

Clearly, Mercedes is blending classical styling with its SLS while having an eye to the future with its E-cell and F-cell models. Even the AMG estate wagon is a bold move, signifying that M-B hasn’t given up on giving customers the raw power that they crave.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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BMW X1 Headed To The US In 2011

BMW’s newest model is the X1, a small crossover utility vehicle that will be officially introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. But that doesn’t mean that BMW doesn’t want some buzz now for its upcoming offering, as the German automaker has released photographs of X1 in advance of its official debut.

Along with the release of the X1’s photos and specs, BMW announced that the CUV will head to the states in 2011 and will be available in rear and all wheel drives. BMW has one gasoline and three diesel variants for its X1, but hasn’t said if the diesel engines will be included in that mix.

BMW is pleased with the X1’s performance particularly in the area of fuel efficiency. The automaker reports that the CUV hit 45.2 mpg in a European test cycle, numbers that only a diesel variant could reach. Given that much stricter fuel economy ratings are being mandated, I believe that at least one diesel model will be made available in the states.

The smallest of BMW's crossover vehicles is coming to the US. BMW announced last week that its all new X1 model will be made available in the 2011 calendar year to American drivers.

The BMW X1 features a special body structure designed from the outset for maximum occupant safety. Standard features include three-point inertia-reel seat belts all round, frontal and side airbags as well as head airbags at the side, adaptive Brake Lights and daytime driving lights. Xenon headlights, Adaptive Headlights and a High-Beam Assistant are all available as an option.

Modern drivetrain technology gives the BMW X1 superior performance and supreme efficiency all in one. Depending on the model variant, the driver benefits from powerful, economical and low-emission gasoline and diesel engines, BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology, as well as a wide range of BMW EfficientDynamics features including Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop, and a gearshift point indicator. The BMW X1 sDrive18d with rear-wheel drive and average fuel consumption to the EU standard of 5.2 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 54.3 mpg imp) and a CO2 rating of 136 grams/ kilometre offers the highest standard of efficiency all round.

The elevated seating position, a generous feeling of space, the wide range of storage options and the variable interior offer ideal conditions for enjoying the BMW X1 both in an urban environment and beyond, with agility, spontaneity and versatility of the highest calibre.

The interior of the BMW X1 is characterised by clear function and trendsetting, modern style. The driver orientation so typical of BMW is additionally accentuated by the forward-pushing lines within the cockpit area. Sophisticated materials and natural colours accentuate the youthful and dynamic flair of the vehicle.

Source: BMW North America

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