Nearly all Mercedes-Benz Vehicles have a fully independent suspension, and many Mercedes-Benz models make wide use of a double wishbone suspension in the front and a patented five-member multi-link layout at the rear.

This state-of-the-art combination, along with the solidity and integrity of an extremely stiff body structure, helps provides responsive, safe handling and a smooth, well-damped ride at the same time.

This unusual dual personality has prompted some journalists to characterize Mercedes as “a sports car disguised as a limousine.”

The S-Class and E-Class sedans as well as the CLS, CL coupe, SL coupe/roadster and new SLS AMG gull-wing coupe use a variation of the double wishbone in which each lower wishbone is split into two transverse links to provide better noise isolation, crash performance and kinematics. The Mercedes-Benz R-Class, GL-Class and M-Class have double wishbones at the front and a four-link suspension in the rear.

The SLK roadster, E-Class Coupe and E Class Cabriolet as well as C-Class sedans use 3-link front suspension and five-link rear suspension. The three-link front suspension feature control arms that are split into two transverse links, which contributes to kinematics, low noise and energy absorption in a collision.

The G-Class is an exception to the rest of the Mercedes line in that it uses rigid axles at the front and rear for maximum off-road durability.

Mercedes-Benz Front Suspension

The double-wishbone design used on many Mercedes-Benz models provides precise wheel location and steering response, as well as low tire noise and vibration. Ride comfort is optimized because the shock absorber does not have to help locate or hold the wheel in place, and can therefore be “softer.”

The upper wishbone is mounted relatively high, and the lower one positioned at the lowest possible point so that locating points are spread far apart for sturdiness. Pivots for the two wishbones are offset to provide anti-dive characteristics. Front suspension geometry includes stabilizing caster and positive steering axis offset for good straight-line stability, neutral cornering and precise steering response, as well as a relatively small turning circle.

Mercedes-Benz Rear Suspension

Currently used on most Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, the patented multi-link independent rear suspension is the result of analysis and testing which initially evaluated 77 different versions of eight basic types of suspension. Half of these went on to be tested in experimental models, but only one passed final road testing – the five-link design.

To evenly distribute all forces on the rear wheels, four of the links are transverse, while the fifth – the track rod – is longitudinal.

SL Class Suspension

The five-link suspension locates the drive wheels accurately to help ensure that the wheels point straight throughout their vertical range of travel and to help prevent unwanted rear wheel steering effect. This suspension design also uses the principles of kinematics and elasto-kinematics to take advantage of the tuned flex in the bushings of the five-link layout. Slight wheel angle movements produced by driving and braking forces are actually used to neutralize unwanted throttle steering. Its suspension geometry provides both anti-lift and anti-squat characteristics.

The five-link design requires little space, providing maximum trunk capacity and room for an ample fuel tank. In addition, it is one of the lightest suspension systems in current use, since only the lower transverse link must be beefy enough to handle bending stress. The other four links are subject only to stretch and compression forces, so they can be light, yet strong. Liberal use of aluminum alloy also helps keep unsprung weight to a minimum.

[source: Mercedes-Benz]

Mercedes-Benz – 100 Years Of Super Cars

August 06, 2010 – Pebble Beach, CA

Eight Iconic Mercedes-Benz Autos at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Showcase a Tradition of Supercar Leadership

Mercedes-Benz celebrates its super sports car heritage with eight iconic vehicles on display at the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance weekend including a privately owned 1902 Simplex that is being driven 1,500 miles to Pebble Beach and a 300SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupe” from the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.

From August 12-15, 2010, the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge also showcases the entire line of E-Class vehicles, a Sony Gran Turismo 5 gaming sled, and Maybach display in addition to SLS AMG test drives and a selection of Mercedes-Benz Classic Center vehicles that are available for purchase.

Eight Super Sports Cars Span 108 Years of Mercedes-Benz History

Starting with a 1902 Mercedes Simplex, the lineup of super sports cars includes a 1929 SSK; 1952 W194 300SL; 1955 W196 300SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupe;” 1956 W198 300SL; 1970 C111-II; 2011 SLS AMG; and the 2011 SLS AMG GT3 that is expected to hit race circuits later this year.

The Mercedes Simplex, first launched in 1902, quickly became the leading high-performance vehicle of its day, competing and winning numerous hill climbs and road races. With three horsepower ranges – 20, 28, and 40 – the Simplex was enjoyed in competition and leisure. The 1902 on display at the Star Lounge is fitted with a 28 horsepower engine and is the oldest known Simplex on the road today.

Built from 1928 to 1932, the Mercedes-Benz SSK, short for Super Sport Kurz, was loud and fast. Known as the “White Elephant” for its brute force, the SSK had a commanding presence and dominated road races due to its shorter wheelbase, Roots blower, and large displacement 300 horsepower motor, which boasted an impressive top speed of 120 miles per hour.

The 1952 W194 300SL, built in just nine months, marked the debut of the SL moniker, meaning “Sport”and “Light.” While many chassis components were derived from a sedan model, its rigid tubular spaceframe forced developers to create its iconic ‘gullwing’ doors.

The 1955 300SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupe,” named after Mercedes-Benz chief engineer, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, was a closed roof version of the famous 300SLR racecar, designed to provide the most comfort for demanding long-distance races. Only two Uhlenhaut Coupes were ever built as it debuted the same year that Mercedes-Benz discontinued its racing program.

The 1956 W198 300SL is the standard production version of the 1952 W194 racecar. Insipired by the race car’s unique styling and impressive performance, the 300SL ‘Gullwing’ coupe was brought to market through the efforts of USA-based Mercedes-Benz distributor Max Hoffman who guaranteed an order of 500 units. Built from 1954 to 1957, only 1400 300SL ‘Gullwing’ coupes were produced and today are one of the most sought after collectible vehicles.

Over a period of ten years from 1969-1979, Mercedes-Benz developed multiple C111 concept and experimental vehicles representing the future of Mercedes-Benz sports cars – where comfort, luxury and performance were not mutually exclusive. The C111 vehicles were a technological tour-de-force and claimed nine speed records. Several technical and safety innovations made their deput on the C111s ranging from ABS, advanced front suspension later integrated into the S-Class, and turbo diesel engines.

2011 SLS AMG

The tradition of developing super-sport cars throughout Mercedes-Benz history and setting new standards along the way continues with the 2011 SLS AMG, the first supercar produced entirely by AMG.

The SLS AMG is a modern super sports car with exceptional comfort and timeless style with all of the luxury and safety features expected in a Mercedes-Benz. Its aluminum space-frame body, front-mid engine and rear-mounted transaxle provides a low center of gravity and race-car-like handling. The carbon-fiber driveshaft is mated to a 563-horsepower AMG V8 engine capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. The performance is combined with luxury designo styled interior, full COMAND system and iconic gullwing doors, ushering in a new era of supercar leadership.

Displayed alongside the US spec street version will be the 2011 SLS AMG GT3 racing version, which has been conceived as a customer sport vehicle for participation in race series based on FIA GT3 regulations. Meticulous lightweight construction and optimized chassis, brakes and aerodynamics, deliver uncompromising dynamics.

Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge

Positioned on the third fairway at Pebble Beach, the elegant Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge, a grand display distinguished by its transparent front entrance, provides a striking view of the Pebble Beach course and offers an interactive luxury experience for all ages. For those who want to continue driving a classic, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center had five elegant examples for purchase including: a fire engine red 1955 300SL Gullwing, a graphite grey 1956 300Sc Cabriolet with a dove grey interior, a strawberry red 1957 300SL roadster, a dark green 1966 230SL, and a moss green 1958 180D.

About the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

First conducted in 1950, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® (www.pebblebeachconcours.net) has grown to be the world’s premier celebration of the automobile. The most beautiful and rare cars are invited to appear on the famed 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links®, and connoisseurs of art and style flock to see these masterpieces. Charitable donations raised by Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® now total over $13 million. Related events include Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance™ presented by Rolex, Pebble Beach RetroAuto™, and Pebble Beach® Auctions presented by Gooding & Company. Pebble Beach®, Pebble Beach Golf Links®, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance™, and Pebble Beach RetroAuto™ are trademarks, service marks and trade dress of Pebble Beach Company. All rights reserved.

[source: Mercedes-Benz]

The new Mercedes-Benz CLS class has been unveiled, with the 2012 redesign that captures everything we might expect in the world’s first four-door coupe.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS captures the high-performance and sportiness of a coupe and merges it seamlessly with the luxury of a sedan. The aggressive lines of the 2012 CLS capture everything about high-performance.

The new CLS will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show beginning in October 2 -October 17 2010.

Check out these amazing photos and the entire press release from Mercedes-Benz below.

The New CLS – the New Design Icon from Mercedes-Benz

World premiere at the 2010 Paris motor show

The CLS brings refined performance to life

Embodiment of the Mercedes-Benz brand values

Athletic proportions, strong design language

Expressive front design features central star in the grille

Dynamic character line flowing back towards the rear

Elegance with handcrafted details in the interior

A generation ahead: The CLS-Class created a new vehicle category in 2003 by combining the elegance and expressiveness of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a sedan. The CLS delighted the public, astounded the competition and created a new style icon: for years the CLS has endured as the only four-door coupé in its class, and since October 2004 it has been the car of choice for around 170,000 buyers worldwide. “Customers all over the world benefited from our bold move to launch a completely new vehicle concept onto the market”, explains a delighted Dr. Joachim Schmidt, member of the board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales & Marketing. “And with its exciting design, the new edition of the CLS also benefits from the fact that we are a whole generation ahead of the competition with our four-door Coupé.”

Celebrating its world premiere at the Paris motor show (October 2 – 17, 2010), the 2012 CLS-Class builds on the pioneering role of its predecessor with a fresh new interpretation. “The new CLS points the way forward for the future perceptible design idiom of Mercedes-Benz”, explains Professor Gorden Wagener, head of design at Mercedes-Benz. “At the same time it takes its inspiration from the great tradition of stylish, refined sportiness which has always been a feature of Mercedes coupés.”

Exterior: classic Coupé styling with distinctive front

The proportions remain as spectacular as ever: long hood, tightly-styled frameless side windows and a dynamic roof sweeping back at an angle towards the rear. The four-door Coupé from Mercedes-Benz immediately made its mark in 2003 as a new style icon. Though the proportions are the same, the second generation of this design trendsetter has a completely new look.

What immediately strikes the eye is the innovative front design, which is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Visually, the radiator grille is not integrated into the hood but formed separately. This further highlights the long, sporty hood. The grille is dominated by the large central star, which unites the car with other Mercedes-Benz coupés and also enhances brand identity. The large, elongated dark air inlets with black grilles also add to the vehicle’s athletic appearance.

Design brings high-tech features to life

Another distinguishing feature comes in the form of the full LED headlamps, which are the world’s first to offer all of the dynamic light functions using LED technology. This innovation boasts an impressive design – inside they are divided into three arrow-shaped layers from top to bottom: the upper layer contains an LED indicator, beneath which is a striking LED side light offers LED low beam functions. The side light can also be seen when the high beam is activated, thereby creating a unique night-time design. The lowest level of the headlamp houses the main beam and nightview functions. A total of 71 LED’s provide an unmistakable appearance as well as a significantly enhanced view of the road compared with previous systems.

A distinctive and muscular sports car-like shoulder line above the rear axle highlights the athletic character of the 2012 CLS. The flared wheel arches resemble the powerful thighs of a feline predator waiting to pounce.

The side profile is rounded off with wide wrap-around tail lights featuring LED technology — a linking element to the rear of the vehicle. The shape is emphasized by the broad shoulder line, which is clearly visible from behind and supports the flat roof. A wide metal insert adds a further visual highlight at the rear.

The interior: design brings quality to life

The interior of the 2012 CLS-Class is also distinguished by a timeless design which combines discreet elegance with innovative details and handcrafted perfection. The eye-catching cockpit features a wrap-around dashboard sweeping from the driver’s door over the instrument panel support and across to the front passenger door. The central display has also been integrated seamlessly into the upper part of the instrument panel.

The CLS also lives up to its role as a design icon thanks to the innovative nature of the materials used, including a mixture of satin and high-gloss finishes used on the metal surfaces. Highlights also include matte galvanized air vents which ideally compliment a high-gloss-trimmed analogue clock.

Handcrafted perfection is reflected in details such as the stitched seat covers and dashboard. The individual parts of the leather dashboard are sewn together by hand in a process which takes several hours, after which they are fitted and upholstered with high-quality padding. Prior to this process, the leather is also heated to preshrink it, so that it will retain its shape even after extreme exposure to direct sunlight.

Around four animal skins are processed for each CLS. The particularly exclusive 1.6-millimetre thick semi-aniline premium leather meets the highest standards of both look and feel. The natural pore structure remains intact thanks to a light pigmentation, and the leather has an especially warm and soft feel to it. Premium leather requires a very precise manual selection process and therefore a high amount of raw leather.

The refined interior of the CLS is further reflected in the generous use of high-quality trim elements, located on the instrument panels, center console and door linings. Customers can choose between high-gloss brown burl walnut or high-gloss black ash. The wood has been perfectly fitted around difficult contours for a masterful handcrafted finish, and the wood trim has been matched according to grain as part of an sophisticated selection process to create a consistent overall impression.

For an even more progressive look, black piano lacquer or carbon fiber trim elements are also available. Handcrafted as well, up to seven layers are applied and polished for the piano lacquer trim until the high-gloss finish is achieved.

[source:mbusa.com]

Mercedes-Benz G Class Is Not Afraid Of Getting It’s Hands Dirty

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz G Class is rugged and iconic – a rough and rugged composition which began life as a vehicle developed for the military. The G Class, with an uncompromising off-road ability is agile and competent.

The G Class tough outer shell protects its soft and supple handcrafted interior.

The G Class was built to conquer mountains as afterthoughts. The three locking differentials give it unparalleled capability to maneuver through challenging off-road encounters. This isn’t just a four-wheel drive vehicle, it does that on its off days.

Vehicles built for the military had to endure significant stress and abuse in order to be reliable for traveling to where rough terrain and questionable passage were not permitted to disrupt transportation. These vehicles like the G Class had to deliver as promised, and for over 30 years they’ve done just that.

An experience behind the wheel of the G Class will inspire confidence and at a level of quality unmatched by any other contender. This is the ultimate off-road vehicle that brings with it the integrity and luxury Mercedes-Benz. This is like getting the best of both worlds all rolled up into one.

Download G Class Technical Data pdf

In light of the recent news from Mercedes-Benz about the new changes in the CL class for 2011, one that stands out is the CL 550 4MATIC.

Mercedes-Benz V8 Gets a Boost

The Mercedes-Benz CL 550 comes with standard all wheel drive and has undergone some improvements to its braking system and a few cosmetic changes along the bottom edges for a more stylistic and edgy look.

The CL 550, which came with a normally aspirated V8 in previous models steps into the ring with this powerful and enlightening turbo technology.

This will surely enhance the feeling off the line as all wheel drive and turbochargers go together like cake and ice cream.

Mercedes-Benz Vehicle Technology

Aside from the obvious enhancement engine wise, the CL class is getting up to speed on technology as well. If one opts for the CL class driver assistance package they will get an active lane keeping assist which warns the driver via cameras should it wander into the next lane.

New Mercedes-Benz Driver Assist – Going Too Far with correcting the driver?

Vehicles today are being integrated more and more with features that will parallel park your car for you automagically, but when is it considered invasive to the driving experience? Leave a comment in here if you agree or disagree with this technology

Blind Spot Assist

This system has both a passive alert and an emergency countermeasure that overrides the drivers decision to change lanes.

The active blind spot assist displays a red triangle on the outer mirrors when it has detected a vehicle in an adjoining lane that is within distance of a potential conflict if you were to change lanes.

In the event the driver attempts to change lanes when there is an active alert, the vehicle will begin shifting braking capability to the opposite side so that the vehicle is pulled away from the danger zone.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL 550 4Matic is priced at the base of $105,100. Jumping up to the CL 600 and you looking at starting out somewhere in the $150,000 range.

Mercedes-Benz AMG is taking the CL Class to another level with the 2011 CL63 adding a pair of twin turbos to the 5.5L already aggressive V8 sports car pushing the horsepower to 563 and torque to a choking 664 ft pounds.

If you have an infatuation with horsepower and never feel fully satisfied then this will likely make you think twice about when enough is enough. For most who enjoy having the potential for power regardless if they willingly take part in testing it, this vehicle will likely suit just about any appetite.

Driving a turbocharged vehicle in today’s age is nothing like you’ve ever experienced in terms of excitement. Years ago, many used to prefer a supercharged engine over turbocharged because of the lag that used to be prominent in turbo vehicles.

Now things have changed, and this no longer exists. We can thank modern engineering for that, and getting a taste of what turbos can do nowadays will make you a believer.

Even if you aren’t really interested in how the mechanics of the engine work when turbochargers are added, the basic idea is simply turbos make torque, and that’s the feeling you have when you get pulled into the seat as they spool up and you launch.

To read the details of the CL in depth Download the 2011 AMG CL Class pdf which has over 20 pages of information.

Mercedes-Benz Quality

USA Today featured a story about how Mercedes-Benz is closing in on Lexus and BMW for the top luxury brand vehicle.  Mercedes-Benz has seen a 25% sales growth this year, while Lexus has been around 19%. There’s no doubt that the recall has had a significant impact on the Lexus brand, but it’s also worth noting that Mercedes-Benz was recently rated number one in a survey conducted nationwide by women drivers who indicated Mercedes-Benz was the overall best in their handling of sales, and other key factors.

Mercedes-Benz still has to catch up to BMW, which is the number one selling luxury brand worldwide. It seems that Mercedes-Benz will be able to catch up based on the satisfaction of its new owners, the confidence that when compared side-by-side with BMW and Mercedes-Benz clearly has a higher level of quality and craftsmanship, but most of all it’s the lifestyle and interests of its owners that Mercedes-Benz is doing very well at understanding.

There’s so many new features and benefits that owning a Mercedes-Benz is beginning to feel like one belongs to a prestigious country club where every amenity is provided with ease. The technology integration of mbrace is like having your own personal assistant riding along taking notes about how the day’s agenda will be completed. This virtual concierge type technology makes life’s smaller tasks almost unrecognizable by having mobile integration and in anticipation of your needs being met, a solution.

With all the new applications, mobile devices connected via bluetooth, computer technology, we have more demanding lives that rely on intuitive design and technology to help us, and Mercedes-Benz is providing quality and reliable solutions.

Aside from work and focusing on new ways to solve our everyday problems with technology,  sometimes the simplicity and smoothness of a scenic drive is all it takes. This is why quality and craftsmanship make such a difference, because when we want to experience it –  it should deliver every time.

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Check out the E Class Cabriolet and the much anticipated 2011 E350 Bluetec that will start production in September with a delivery expected in October to November of 2010.

Car dealerships are proud of their reviews. They realize the influence and power that testimonials bring, and now more than ever, people are relying on others to get an unbiased review of the product before purchasing. This is primarily because its easier and quicker to scan reviews to see if there are consistencies or recurring issues that are resolved.

Most importantly though, it’s the manner in which communication begins at the moment a customer enters the car dealership.

For this particular study from a consumer review website called women-drivers.com – women buyers are the only ones conducting the survey of each experience, the results are as follows:

They rate on a scale from 0 to 5, five being the highest.

The scores represent four categories that include overall, purchasing, browsing, service.

Overall

Mercedes-Benz scored a 4.68 on overall, the highest by far over second-place jeep at 4.41 and Lexus at 4.37.

Purchasing

The purchasing came in as a tie between Mercedes and Dodge at 4.83 just beating Lexus at 4.78.

Browsing

The browsing came in with Mercedes again leaving well above the rest with 4.52 over Mazdas 4.15.

Service

Service however was taken by Acura and Mercedes-Benz tying BMW for second place with a 4.57, slightly under Acuras 4.80.

In addition the study points out that 50% of vehicle purchases are made by women, and at least 80% of all purchases have women being involved in the initiating or influencing of the transaction.

Men seem to have more of a interest in the actual vehicle stats, what it can do performance wise, and the overall look and stance.

Women seem to have more of a qualification type approach, where they judge the vehicle first on a purpose basis such as having room for the kids, and what features it has integrated.

Women also seem to be more in touch with overall safety ratings and the reputation behind the brand, especially if they are trusting it to protect their children in the case of an accident.

Mercedes-Benz has realized that it’s more important to understand the needs and purposes for these vehicles, with design and engineering being the icing on the cake.

Side-by-side comparisons with vehicles like BMW clearly favor Mercedes-Benz for quality and craftsmanship any day of the week. This is why many Mercedes-Benz owners are happy to remain loyal, because they are proud of the product and always confident about it’s ability to perform and exceed expectations.

Checkout the blog by Anne Fleming for some interesting information geared to women drivers at: http://women-drivers.com/blog/

[original source: www.media.mbusa.com]

Mercedes-Benz continues to dominate the JD Power survey’s, most recently the APEAL study where Mercedes-Benz ranked fourth overall moving up two positions.

The APEAL surveys customers within 90 days of purchasing their new vehicle to judge the overall appeal of their new car. In other words, this study reveals just how much each customer is passionate about his or her new car. In addition Mercedes-Benz has three vehicles that are ranked in the top 10 of this study more than any other manufacturer.

For the fourth year in a row Mercedes S-class has the highest vehicle rating in the entire industry.

Mercedes-Benz customers are quite obviously pleased with their choice. The happiness they have upon purchasing their vehicle is clearly dictated and as a result of these surveys, making the decision for others easier when deciding on which luxury car to buy.

Purchasing a new car is an experience one should enjoy and look forward to. It’s quite clear that Mercedes-Benz agrees with this and is going out of their way to ensure to their customers that this level of satisfaction is continually met.

So whether you’re considering a BMW, a Porsche, or a Jaguar you may wish to consider selecting a vehicle that puts the customer experience at its number one priority.

So if you live in Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania then come to one of the best this area has to offer with Mercedes-Benz dealers like Mercedes-Benz of Hagerstown.

You’ll find the best prices, best service, and friendly staff. Whether you’re looking for a S-class, E-class, or C-class, your Mercedes dealer located in Maryland has everything you’ll need.

Mercedes-Benz of Hagerstown is proud to present the 15th annual Meritus Open Golf Tournament.

This year the event is being held on September 23, 2010 at the Penn National Golf Club & Inn.

Please come out and enjoy a great game of golf while supporting a great cause.