Mercedes-Benz Showcases New Gl-Class, Restyled GLK, SL65 AMG and smart fortwo at New York Auto Show +VIDEO

NEW YORK - April 4, 2012: Some flash, some dash, and a splashy presentation set the stage for several Mercedes' presentations at the 2012 New York International Auto Show.

Watch highlights of the Mercedes Press Conference at the New York Auto Show

The All-New 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class - First-Class Treatment for the New Full-Size SUV

Mercedes-Benz GL Class

Comfort, safety, elegance, efficiency - the all-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is the leading luxury full-size SUV. New innovations like standard COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA), Crosswind Stabilization, self-leveling air suspension and electromechanical steering all increase active safety. Also new are assistance systems like Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, as well as PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist and the Surround View camera. With benchmark performance and ride characteristics both on-road and in rugged terrain, the GL-Class cradles its occupants with the first-class comfort of a luxurious sedan. The all-new GL is perfect for large families with ample space for up to seven passengers, while a host of efficiency measures delivers a substantial improvement in fuel economy. The 2013 GL-Class goes on sale in the U.S. in September 2012.

Its balanced proportions (length 201.6 inches, width 84.3 inches, height 72.8 inches) and generous wheelbase (121 inches) reaffirm the on-road comfort of this vehicle. At the same time, the short overhangs front and rear, as well as substantial ground clearance are clear indications of its off-road capabilities.

The typically high SUV waistline with a distinctive chrome strip, the dynamic sweep of the character line and the chrome edging around the windows all add to the refined look of the all-new GL. The standard wheels on the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 are 19-inch twin five-spoke alloys, while the GL550 comes with 21-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels. 20-inch 10-spoke alloys are available as options on the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450.

Split LED taillight clusters feature light guide technology, and a large roof spoiler and bumper in the modern "wing" design with a large chrome skidplate complete the impressive exterior.

For GL customers who value a more sporty, dynamic look, illuminated brushed aluminum running boards are standard on the GL550 and available as an option for the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450. Also available for the GL450 is the Appearance package with 20-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, illuminated running boards and dual chrome-tipped exhaust outlets.

Fresh New Look for 2013 GLK Entry-Level SUV

Mercedes-Benz GLK Class

With a fresh new design, exclusive equipment, pioneering assistance systems and efficient and agile engines, the restyled 2013MY GLK-Class reaffirms its leadership in the entry-level SUV segment. The newly designed exterior provides an even more dynamic character, combining classic SUV styling with the design language of the current Mercedes-Benz sedans. High-quality materials, new equipment, fully redesigned trim and new infotainment systems - nearly 1,000 new parts in total - are all part of the new GLK driving experience. The 2013MY GLK impresses with a range of state-of-the-art assistance systems and comprehensive efficiency features such as the ECO stop/start function, which is standard equipment. In addition, the BlueTEC diesel emission control system makes its debut in the GLK line on the GLK250 BlueTEC. "In the GLK, we have a dynamic lifestyle SUV offering a winning combination of intelligent technology and character in abundance," says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Cars. "It will further bolster our SUV portfolio, making a vital contribution to Mercedes-Benz's global growth in this market segment." Assembled in Bremen, Germany the 2013MY GLK350 will be in U.S. showrooms this summer, followed by the GLK250 BlueTEC in early 2013.

The GLK offers outstanding driving dynamics, excellent safety and superlative ride comfort. In addition to the rear-wheel drive version, the 4MATIC model with permanent all-wheel drive delivers phenomenal grip even in the most adverse conditions - both on and off-road. Like all SUVs from Mercedes-Benz - if it says "G" on it, then there's "G" in it. In fact, the forefather of all modern-day Mercedes-Benz SUVs - the GClass - is now in its 33rd model year and is also undergoing a significant restyling.

New interpretation of the characteristic GLK design
The exterior gives the GLK an even more athletic look. The body combines classic offroad elements with the design language of the current Mercedes-Benz sedans. Tight lines, taut surfaces and the smooth, well-proportioned front and rear ends blend perfectly with the GLK body design that clearly identifies it as a functional SUV. These include short overhangs, an upright front end, slender roof pillars, a steep windshield and taut roof line. The body design is not simply a matter of styling; it takes the features of classic all-terrain vehicles and applies them to the entry-level SUV class. Key off-road details, like approach and departure angle and ground clearance make the GLK fully capable of mastering hostile terrain. Its compact body and good all-around visibility combine with an excellent seating position to enhance everyday usability and relaxed driving.

Beneath the newly-designed headlamps, both models feature LED daytime running lights framed in chrome. The radiator grille with two louvers and the Mercedes-Benz star at the center reflects the design language of current passenger car models. The louvers are painted silver with chrome inserts. The headlamps are a reinterpretation of the signature Mercedes lighting design. The standard automatic headlamps feature LED daytime running lights and locator lighting, while the optional Lighting Package comes with bi-xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, Active Highbeam Assist and a headlamp cleaning system. The redesigned roof rails enhance the side profile of the 2013MY GLK-Class.

The rear bumper gives a bold, sporty character to the GLK's rear end, styled to emphasize breadth and incorporating a sophisticated tail light design. The new chrome skidplate and chrome-plated tailpipe trim are further visual enhancements. The tail lights have been completely redesigned in both appearance and function. Light guides and LEDs give the rear end of the GLK a unique and characteristic night design, which is further enhanced by new LED lights for the license plate.

Brushed aluminum running boards with rubber studs and a power panorama sunroof are both available as standalone options, delivering further premium appeal and functionality to the GLK.

As part of the restyling, the designers have also developed new 5-triple-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/50 R 19 all-season tires as standard equipment. The Appearance package offers 20-inch 5-twin-spoke wheels.

The AMG Styling Package for the GLK
A further wheel option is available with the AMG Styling Package for customers who appreciate that extra shot of sporty elegance. The 20-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke alloys are complemented by AMG front and rear skirts, AMG grille with two chrome louvers, AMG LED daytime running lights and aluminum roof rails.

Freshened 2012 smart lineup features coupe or cabriolet and choice of gasoline or electric drive

A redesigned line of smart fortwo cars makes its U.S. debut in May 2012. The new lineup features a larger front grille, bolder front apron, muscular side skirts and a modified rear apron. The smart logo is now front and center in the grille, while a new design for the optional LED daytime running lights bracket a bold, lower-bumper air inlet. Even sportier three-spoke alloy wheels are also optionally available.

While an exterior facelift is the focus of the new line, interior changes include new optional crystal grey leather package that features a leather/fabric combination for the seats and simulated leather on the dash, and door panels. Contrast stitching is included on the seats, dash and doors.

Three Distinct Models
The smart fortwo lineup is comprised of three versions - the pure coupe, the passion coupe and the passion cabriolet. The pure model is the least expensive smart fortwo, the passion coupe offers more standard equipment, and the passion cabriolet adds the exhilaration of top-down, open-air driving.

A Choice of Gasoline or Electric Drive
The smart fortwo coupe or cabriolet can be ordered with either a three-cylinder, 70- horsepower gasoline engine or an advanced-technology electric drive system. Rated at 38 mpg in EPA highway tests, the conventionally powered smart fortwo is the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered non-hybrid in the U.S. To take up as little space as possible, the engine is mounted crosswise in the rear.

The smart electric drive looks just like a normal fortwo and the battery fits right where the fuel tank usually goes, in the underfloor area between the front and rear wheels, while its electric motor replaces the conventional engine between the rear wheels.

High-Torque Electric Motor
Because electric motors produce instant high torque, the car uses a single gear instead of a multiple-gear transmission. As a result, there's no need for shifting - a major advantage in dense city traffic. To back up, the electric motor simply runs in the opposite direction. Its 55-kilowatt magneto-electric motor provides 35 kilowatts of continuous power. In its kickdown mode, the EM-motive motor (joint venture between Bosch and Daimler) makes peak power of 55 kilowatts for about two minutes, which translates to 96 pound-feet of torque. This power provides acceleration from zero to 60 mph in less than 13 seconds, and a top speed of 78 mph.

New BRABUS Sport Package
Available for the gasoline-powered smart fortwo models, an optional BRABUS sport package includes even sportier front, side and rear aprons, six-twin-spoke alloy wheels, a sport exhaust system and sport suspension. Inside, the BRABUS sport package includes sport pedals, BRABUS floor mats and black leather seats.

"SHARPRED" Special Edition
The smart line for 2013 model year also includes an eye-catching sharpred special edition that arrives in the summer. With only 120 of the limited-production model earmarked for the U.S. market, the sharpred features a striking contrast of red and black - the tridion safety cell and mirror housings are red, while the rest of the car, including the alloy wheels, are finished in black. Available as a coupe or cabriolet, the sharpred package features an exclusive interior design with black leather and red contrast stitching, exclusive floor mats, black simulated leather covered dash and door panels with red contrast stitching.

The New Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG “45th ANNIVERSARY” - 45 Years of AMG - Performance and Style

Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG “45th ANNIVERSARY” arrives right on time to celebrate an AMG milestone. The V12 roadster delivers an exclusive combination of stunning design and equipment features. Production of the special anniversary model is limited to just 45 units worldwide. To mark its 40th birthday, AMG introduced a limited-edition model – 40 of the CL65 AMG “40th Anniversary” Edition were built in 2007 and today are still coveted as valuable collector items. Founded in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, AMG established itself as a world-renowned producer of exclusive high-performance automobiles.

Watch the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG video news release

“To celebrate the 45th birthday of AMG, we are presenting a very special anniversary model limited to 45 units in the shape of the SL65 AMG ‘45th ANNIVERSARY.’ The refined V12 roadster with exclusive equipment is the perfect embodiment of our brand claim ‘Driving Performance’”, says Ola K�llenius, Managing Director of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The designers have created a new paint finish exclusively for the SL65 AMG “45th ANNIVERSARY” called designo magno graphite. With its silk-matte finish, the gray color reaffirms the powerful character of the refined V12 roadster. The matte paint enhances beautifully the contours of the aluminum bodyshell.

Stunning contrast is set by carefully selected applications in polished chrome. These include the new twin-blade grille with two blade-like fins, the surrounds of the AMG LED daytime running lights and the side fins on the fenders and hood.

Exterior Carbon Package in Matte Finish
Reserved exclusively for the SL65 AMG “45th ANNIVERSARY” is the Exterior Carbon Package in matte finish. The horizontal bar in the front skirt, the exterior mirrors and the spoiler lip are made from genuine carbon-fiber with a silk-matte surface finish. The AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine has the same look – the premium engine cover is made from matte carbon and aluminum.

The AMG sports exhaust delivers a characteristic engine sound. The outer skin of the dual end pipe is finished in black chrome, while the insert retains its polished chrome surface. The effect is rounded off perfectly by the AMG forged multispoke wheels painted in matte titanium grey with polished rims. The tires from the AMG Performance Studio measure 255/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 20 at the rear.

Exquisitely designed and fully equipped interior
Inside the interior of the SL65 AMG “45th ANNIVERSARY” is carefully matched to the designo magno graphite paintwork – anyone sitting in the highly exclusive AMG V12 roadster is surrounded by a composition of exquisite materials and exceptional craftsmanship combined with an extensive array of standard equipment.

A distinctive flavor is set by the upholstery in STYLE Exclusive designo leather in titanium grey pearl/ginger beige. The sumptuous diamond-stitched upholstery with AMG V12 graphics graces not only the electrically adjustable AMG sports seats, but also the door panels. The AMG crests pressed into the seat backs are as much a feature as the designo premium leather headliner in ginger beige and incorporating AMG V12 diamond stitching.

The AMG performance steering wheel sports an AMG logo on its lower metal Page 25 spoke and offers a two-tone grip in titanium grey pearl/ginger beige. In keeping with the Exterior Carbon Package in matte finish, the AMG trim is also designed in carbon matte. A plate with the “45th ANNIVERSARY – 1 OF 45” logo is a reminder of the 45th birthday of the AMG performance brand and documents the exclusive character of this very special SL65 AMG.