Mercedes-Benz Accessories at the Frankfurt Auto Show

Another Frankfurt Auto Show update. It is not all about cars! Well, yeah, these accessories still has something to do with Mercedes-Benz cars, but surely, these items are something that you can buy instantly without thinking much of the price. They would also be good souvenir and collection items and if you already have your Mercedes-Benz car, the additional gadgets could pimp it!

Stuttgart/Frankfurt – Trendsetting ideas for the modern digital lifestyle, providing fun and entertainment for people on the go, are being introduced by Mercedes-Benz through its Genuine Accessories range at the IAA in Frankfurt. The Apple iPhone® can be fully integrated into the control and display system of vehicles bearing the three-pointed star, using a special app to exploit the capabilities of the hippest premium smartphone on the market. Entertainment on the move, plus access to the internet, are made possible by an ingenious head restraint mounting for the Apple iPad®. New wheel designs are a further highlight on show at the IAA. The new items from the Mercedes-Benz Collection can now also be ordered from the comfort of your own home: the Mercedes-Benz Shop is going online, just in time for the IAA.

The Apple iPhone® is synonymous with fuss-free access to the digital world and to the wide range of attractive possibilities available there. And not only is it hip, it is also considered the most multi-talented smartphone around. With its iPhone® Interface Plus concept, Mercedes-Benz is able to enhance significantly the functionality of the communication and information system already installed in the vehicle, using the iPhone® as, amongst other things, an external media centre. At its heart is a control unit developed by Mercedes-Benz, which is neatly concealed in the glove compartment and fully integrated into the vehicle electronics. This means that the iPhone® screen can be seen on the display screen of the audio system, the audio signals are played through the car’s loudspeakers and the smartphone itself can be controlled through the car’s rotary pushbutton – a perfect example of successful integration. And of course all the time the iPhone® is connected to the control unit, it will automatically be recharging. The Mercedes-Benz app for the system is designed to be used safely and without causing distraction while on the move. Developed by Mercedes-Benz specifically for the in-car user, the app features a larger display that is ideally suited for use in the car, as well as numerous functions that make the most of the many capabilities of the trendy smartphone. The app offers:

• Holistic integration of social networking throughout the product with features including “Like currently playing media” and “Share your current destination via Facebook and Twitter”
• Ability to route to a destination with a click of a button, be it a Facebook event or a Google Local Search result or your Friends-on-Map
• Always be on top of latest posts from Facebook and Twitter via text-to-speech
• Seamless selection from on-board media using Cover Art and intuitive access to Personalized Radio or thousands of Internet Radio channels
• Easy access to all contacts from phonebook and other social media sources including Facebook and Twitter
• Access on-board media and your personal playlists
• “Car Finder”, which guides you back to where your car is parked,
  even in an unfamiliar town

The Mercedes-Benz iPhone® Interface Plus can be retrofitted from summer 2012. The free app will be available for download from the App Store at the same time.

On-the-road entertainment

Rear seat passengers will in future have a very easy way of using the Apple iPad® as an entertainment centre with internet access. Watching films, whiling away the time by playing computer games or simply browsing the web will all be possible thanks to a crash-proof holder for the Apple iPad®, mounted on the back of the front head restraints. The iPad Integration Plus system for rear seat passengers can be tilted, or turned through 90°. This convenient docking station is an ergonomic solution that makes it possible to use the Apple iPad®, with all its familiar functions, in your Mercedes-Benz. All connection points are easily accessible. The battery can also be recharged, using a separate Apple data cable that links into the vehicle’s on-board electricity supply via an integrated USB interface. Available from 28 September for the iPad or iPad 2. The price: 329 euros* (plus fitting, incl. 19% VAT).

Wheel appeal

Also being shown at the IAA are the new wheel designs from the Mercedes-Benz Genuine Accessories range. For the M-Class, Mercedes-Benz is showing at the IAA a 5-twin-spoke wheel in palladium silver with high-sheen elements. The contrast between the bare metal surface and the painted finish gives the vehicle a stylishly distinctive and highly individual flair. Available from autumn 2011, 434 euros* (incl. 19% VAT) per wheel.

Fine miniatures

There’ll be a gleam in the eye of every collector when they spot the new model cars being sold exclusively at the IAA and through the IAA Shop. The special limited-edition models of the new SLS AMG Roadster are available in a scale of 1:87 (limited to just 500 pieces) or 1:18 (limited to 125 pieces). Both miniature models are painted matt black with applications in pure orange (wheels, fins, brake callipers, roll-over bar and various interior details). A few discreet touches of silver are added by the three-pointed star on the radiator grille and boot lid, the slats of the radiator grille and the fuel filler cap. 25 euros* (incl. 19% VAT) for the scale 1:87, 249 euros* (incl. 19% VAT) for the scale 1:18 model.

Online ordering

Just in time for the IAA, the Mercedes-Benz Shop will be opening online on 13 September 2011. It provides an attractive platform for the presentation of a selection of items from the Mercedes-Benz Collection, with changing highlights. Alongside model cars, covering a spectrum from the very latest models like the SLS AMG through to spectacular classic models such as the 300 SL Gullwing, in a variety of different scale versions, there are all sorts of interesting accessories and items for classic car aficionados, the trend-conscious, motorsport enthusiasts and cyclists, plus collectors’ items for all fans of Mercedes-Benz. Website address: http://shop.mercedes-benz.de

Sporty luxury – INSPIRED BY MOTOR RACING

Mercedes-Benz and TAG Heuer – an unbeatable pairing of two pioneers of design. TAG Heuer remains to this day the first watch manufacturer to have succeeded in developing luxury chronographs with unrivalled precision to a tenth, hundredth and thousandth of a second. In recognition of the values shared by the two brands – innovation, elegance and sportiness – and of the many years of cooperation between them, TAG Heuer and Mercedes-Benz Style have developed an exclusive watch, available in a limited edition, which reflects the high design standards of both partners. At the heart of the meticulously thought-through design and sophisticated technology of this chronograph, characterised by its sleek and elegant lines, is ensconced a sophisticated TAG Heuer Cal. 16 (ETA 7750) automatic movement, set in a stainless steel case with a diameter of 43 millimetres. The Arrow Silver finish of the dial is particularly eye-catching and features the logos of both Mercedes-Benz and TAG Heuer. The tachymeter scale and start/stop button pick up on the jade green shade used as the special anniversary highlight colour to mark 125! years of innovation. The hands are in polished steel.

The back of the watch is made of glass, allowing one to see into the automatic movement, and shows the Mercedes-Benz star as well as the Mercedes-Benz Style name. The chronograph is water-resistant up to a depth of 100 metres and features a scratch-resistant, specially treated anti-reflective sapphire glass face. An anthracite-coloured crocodile leather strap with a stainless steel folding clasp gives the final touch to a true collectors’ item, produced in a limited edition of 125. Available from specialist stores from March 2012. Price 3950 euros* (incl. 19% VAT).

Engineering skill par excellence: design concept spectacles to mark 125th anniversary

As the global franchise partner for Mercedes-Benz Style spectacles, Rodenstock brings more than 130 years of experience and expertise in the field of spectacle lenses and frames to the partnership – so adding yet another facet to one of the world’s most well-known brands. At the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (IAA), Rodenstock and Mercedes-Benz are presenting a unique design study as a highlight of their successful cooperation: an exceptionally light pair of sunglasses in an unusual design, hand-made in pure titanium as a one-off exclusively for this occasion. Inspired by the design of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, this is a very special addition to the Mercedes-Benz Style Eyewear Collection. The defining stylistic feature of the sunglasses is the Mercedes-Benz star mounted on the sidepiece, produced in an elaborate coin-minting process. This characteristic is to be found on all spectacles in the Mercedes-Benz Eyewear Collection. The earpieces are finished in jade green, the special anniversary colour to mark 125! years of innovation. In addition to this stunning design study, six further pairs of sunglasses and correction-lens spectacles from the current Mercedes-Benz Style Eyewear Collection are being shown at the IAA. From a pair of sporty, curved-look sunglasses and some very stylish aviator shades with screw detailing, to an exclusive half-rimmed pair of spectacles in pure titanium, the range on display demonstrates the unique quality, at the very highest level, of this successful premium cooperation. A pair of sunglasses based on the design study should be available from specialist stores from the autumn of 2012. Further information about the Eyewear Collection from Mercedes-Benz Style is available online: www.rodenstock.de/Mercedes-Benz

*all prices valid in Germany

Source: Daimler AG

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Video; Mercedes-Benz B-Class

The safety features of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class is unmatched. As the head of development for Mercedes-Benz, Thomas Weber said, “No model change in the history of Mercedes-Benz has ever seen so many new developments introduced in one fell swoop.”

This video will show you purely Mercedes-Benz B-Class' beauty over that 1600cc unit gas engine that powers up to 120HP. Diesel engine, meanwhile produces 110HP in B180 model and 136 HP for the B200CDI.

Watch the Mercedes-Benz B-Class in pure beauty.

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Mercedes-Benz B-Class Officially Launched

The three point star brand has launched the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class.

The new car is deemed to be more agile and efficient yet it remains comfortable and even more spacious. The vehicle will have a 4-cylinder gasoline engine with direct injection, other than that the vehicle has six-speed manual transmission and a dual-clutch gearbox and with a lot of assistance features.

“Future B-Class customers will benefit from this quantum leap in terms of exemplary low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions combined with driving pleasure, plenty of space and the highest standard of safety that has ever been available in this class,” said Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management for Group and Research and Head of Development.The car will have its premier at the Frankfurt International Motor Show and will start delivery in European dealerships in November 2011.

Read the press release for the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, from BenzInsider.com:

The exterior design: perfect space in a most attractive guise

The new B-Class is a typical Mercedes sports tourer, offering plenty of space combined with impressive dynamic performance as a hatchback saloon. The characteristic lines of the exterior design indicate both of these attributes: front and rear sport a width-emphasizing design, with a wide, prominent grille and headlamps extending along the sides at the front while the rear end features a wide rear window, two-piece tail lights with horizontally offset meander and a large tailgate with low loading sill.

The new sportiness and the outstanding aerodynamics are particularly evident in the side line: the bonnet flows seamlessly into the A-pillar and the roof line descends sleekly to the striking roof spoiler. The roof features a swage line which 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. The bottom edge of the body features dynamic side skirts which add a light touch to the vehicle’s appearance. Refined details such as the exquisitely designed headlamps with the new spotlight element confirm the brand’s unmistakable premium credentials which shine through in the compact segment, too.

Outstanding aerodynamics: astounding cd value despite station wagon rear end

An outstanding drag coefficient of cd = 0.26 places the new B-Class at the forefront of its market segment. Apart from the aerodynamic exterior design, numerous optimisation measures on points of detail such as the air flow around the front wheels, the underbody design and the cooling air flow are also crucial contributory factors to this excellent aerodynamic performance. Patents are pending for innovative details such as the serrated wheel arch spoiler. With the optional ECO Technology package which will be available in due course, the B-Class is even on a par with the world-class aerodynamic credentials of the E-Class Coupé, attaining a drag coefficient of cd = 0.24 which is nothing short of sensational for a vehicle with a station wagon rear end.

New concept: lower overall height but more space inside

The new vehicle concept underscores the dynamic aspirations of the new B-Class. The most striking aspect is the reduced height: at 1557 millimetres, the new model crouches almost five centimetres lower on the road than its predecessor. The seat height in relation to the road has also been reduced (minus 86 mm) in order to facilitate boarding, while maintaining a clear overview of the vehicle’s contours.

In response to requests from many customers, the sitting position is more upright, however. At the same time, the headroom has been further improved. With maximum headroom of 1047 mm at the front (without sliding roof), the B-Class is among the most spacious cars in its segment in this discipline, too. The ergonomically expedient more upright sitting position in combination with a lowering of the vehicle’s floor at the rear leads to a segment-leading degree of legroom (976 mm) which even surpasses that of the S- and E-Class.

The B-Class is optionally available with the so-called EASY-VARIO-PLUS system. This enables simple reorganisation of the interior so as to enable the transportation of bulky items. Features of the EASY-VARIO-PLUS system include fore/aft adjustment of the rear seats by up to 140 millimetres (thereby increasing the luggage compartment volume from 488 to 666 litres) and a front passenger seat whose backrest can be folded forward onto the seat cushion.

The interior design: superior quality in a new dimension

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.

Many features have been the reserve of higher classes of vehicle to date and embody Mercedes-Benz’s special definition of quality and aesthetics. The dashboard is optionally available in ARTICO man-made leather finish and features stitching, for example. Four equipment packages (Chrome, Sports, Exclusive and Night package) enable individualisation according to personal tastes.

In the interior, the large, three-dimensional trim covering the entire dashboard first strikes the eye. It is available in four variants, covering a broad spectrum from modern through sporty to classic. Common to all versions is a high-class appeal combining an attractive look and feel with easy care and durability.

The three large round vents in the middle and their uniquely designed cruciform nozzles add a sporty attribute to the interior’s emotional design idiom. The display, which is available in two sizes (5.8- and 7-inch) appears to hover over the vents. With its stylish design – the trim frame with galvanised finish contrasting with the piano black of the front panel – and slender lines, the colour display (TFT) is a highly attractive feature in the cockpit.

The 3-spoke steering wheel, which always incorporates a silver chrome insert in the middle spoke, the instrument cluster with four analogue round dials and suspended pointers in 6 o’clock position and the seats with contrasting stitching underscore the sporty character.

The drive: designed for maximum efficiency

The new B-Class features new petrol and diesel engines as well as new manual and automatic transmissions. All transmissions and engines have been developed in-house, with production taking place at the plants in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim and -Hedelfingen, Rastatt/Baden, Gaggenau/Baden and Kölleda/Thuringia. The simultaneous development process enabled perfect coordination of engines and transmissions, e.g. with regard to implementation of the ECO start/stop function which features as standard on all B-Class models.

Common features of the new drive systems are the use of state-of-the-art technologies for maximum efficiency, very smooth running, high tractive power right from low revs, sustainability in terms of impending emissions standards and low weight. For the purposes of transverse installation the engines, all of which are turbocharged, and the two transmissions are very compactly designed, providing the B-Class with an exemplary small turning circle for a front-wheel drive vehicle of eleven metres. The engine and transmission suspension disposes of a four-point mounting system comprising engine mount, transmission mount and two self-aligning supports. This
suspension system has been designed specifically to meet the requirements of the high-torque engines with regard to minimum noise levels. The hydraulic damping integrated in the transmission mount is a key contributory factor to the exceptionally high ride comfort.

The new four-cylinder petrol engines (internal designation M270) mark the launch of a completely new engine series. The combustion process is based on the third-generation Mercedes-Benz direct injection system which was introduced last year with the BlueDIRECT V6 and V8 engines. Its use in the B-Class marks this technology’s debut in the compact segment. The new four-cylinder engines have been designed for both transverse and longitudinal installation. In the new B-Class they are initially available with a displacement of 1.6 litres, as the B 180 rated at 90 kW (122 hp) and the B 200 with an output of 115 kW (156 hp). Their maximum torque of 200 and 250 Nm respectively is available from an engine speed of 1250 rpm.

The new four-cylinder diesel engine is a further development of the OM651 deployed in the C- to the S-Class, a common rail direct-injection engine of the third generation. With its displacement scaled down to 1.8 litres and numerous optimised points of detail, this is the first time that the compression-ignition engine has been mounted transversely in a Mercedes-Benz car. The B 180 CDI generates 80 kW (109 hp) of power, while the B 200 CDI has an output of 100 kW (136 hp). The maximum torque stands at 250 Nm from 1400 rpm for the 80 kW variant and 300 Nm from 1600 rpm for the 100 kW variant.

Another Mercedes-Benz premiere is the new 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission in the
B-Class. This transmission is extremely compact, extremely variable with regard to adaptation of the engine speed thanks to seven gears, features an electric oil pump for start/stop capability, shifts gear without any interruptions in tractive power and combines the comfort of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual transmission.

The new 6-speed manual transmission designed along similarly compact lines as a three-shaft transmission is a close relative of the DCT. Extremely easy gear shifting, low shift forces, low internal friction and a low weight are among its most important characteristics.

The chassis and suspension: refined sportiness now for the sports tourer, too

“Fascinatingly agile” is the assessment of all test drivers who have put the new B-Class through its paces to date. Three factors are instrumental to the substantially enhanced dynamic performance in comparison to its predecessor, which does not come at the cost of any compromises on comfort: the lowered centre of gravity, the new four-link rear axle and the upgraded ESP® Electronic Stability Programme. A sports suspension is optionally available for further enhanced agility. The centre of gravity has been lowered by a further 20 mm and the suspension additionally features sports dampers with amplitude-selective damping and a Direct-Steer system to emphasize the car’s sporty character.

Steering: mechanical with electric assistance

The electromechanical steering of the B-Class has been redesigned. The electric motor of the servo assistance system is now located directly on the steering gear as a dual pinion EPS system, thereby optimising the package as a whole. A Direct-Steer system is available in combination with the sports package. The steering ratio becomes noticeably more direct at greater steering angles, enhancing the vehicle’s handling and agility substantially.

The electromechanical steering system makes an important contribution to the vehicle’s overall efficiency, as the steering assist function only requires energy when steering actually takes place.

New assistance and braking system reduces the risk of rear-end collisions

As a world first in the compact segment, the B-Class features a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist as standard, which lowers the risk of rear-end collisions. The COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system outputs a visual and acoustic warning to alert a possibly distracted driver to identified obstacles, and prepares Brake Assist for the most precise possible braking response. This is initiated as soon as the driver emphatically operates the brake pedal.

In contrast to systems currently on the market in the compact class, the new COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST brake assist feature is not merely a system intended to minimise minor damage in urban traffic. Rather, this innovative solution is aimed at protecting motorists from typical rear-end collisions in dangerous traffic situations. Mercedes-Benz expects the new safety system to have a significant positive effect on accident statistics.

The democratisation of safety also encompasses an array of other assistance systems which have been adopted into the B-Class from the larger model series. These include:

• Adaptive Headlamp Assist

• Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist

• ATTENTION ASSIST (standard)

• Speed Limit Assist (speed limit sign recognition)

• Active Parking Assist

• Brake HOLD function (standard with 7G-DCT)

• Hill Hold function

• LINGUATRONIC

• Reversing camera

• DISTRONIC PLUS

Premiere in the compact class: PRE-SAFE® available for the first time

The PRE-SAFE®preventive occupant protection system which features in the
B-Class is available for the first time in this vehicle category. This represents a further step in the ongoing democratisation of this innovation, which was premiered in the S-Class in 2002. Core features of PRE-SAFE®are reversible belt tensioning, the closing of side windows and sliding sunroof in case of critical lateral dynamics and adjustment of the fully electric front passenger seat with memory function to an ideal position for maximum effectiveness of the restraint systems. PRE-SAFE®is always activated in response to critical longitudinal and lateral dynamics and may also be triggered upon intervention by certain assistance functions.

The scope of restraint facilities takes special account of the B-Class’ use as a family car. Great importance has been attached to the safety of the rear occupants. Belt tensioners, belt-force limiters and belt height adjusters come as standard on the outer seats. Rear sidebags are optionally available. Integrated child seats and automatic child seat recognition are available as in the predecessor. Driver and co-driver are provided with new pelvis bags which are able to cover the pelvis and the entire upper part of the body. For head protection, a windowbag is fitted as standard.

COMAND Online multimedia system with internet access

Internet access, the convenient LINGUATRONIC voice control system, two navigation solutions tailored to different budgets, connection for mobile audio devices and an intuitive operating concept – the information and communication systems in the
B-Class offers excellent user-friendliness and a superior level of functionality which has been the reserve of higher categories of vehicle to date. It is the new multimedia generation from Mercedes-Benz which delivers these standards. The operating concept featuring the turn/push control in front of the armrest and the control knob on the head unit is also familiar from other Mercedes model series.

The COMAND Online multimedia system offers internet access. Customers can either surf the web as they wish while the car is stationary or call up a Mercedes-Benz app whose particularly fast page loading and simple operation make it suitable for use while driving. Integrated apps include Google™ Local Search and Weather, and the facility for downloading a route which has previously been configured on a PC using Google Maps and transmitted to the car.

All set for the future: modular “Energy Space” concept

The modular “Energy Space” concept means that the new B-Class is already designed to accommodate versions with an alternative drive: appropriate interfaces in the body shell enable the main floor panel to be modified and a step to be produced for the versions with alternative drive. An underfloor compartment covering part of the area under the rear bench seat offers space for alternative energy accumulators.

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