Mercedes-Benz
“Mercedes-Benz Raises “Mercedes-Benz Raises the Bar for 2005” the Bar for 2005”
New models, and revisions to existing models, add excitement to the Mercedes-Benz lineup for the 2005/2006 model year.
From the time of the company's birth, in the independent workshops of Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler 119 years ago, Daimler, Benz, and Mercedes-Benz automobiles have pushed the limits of automotive development. Here is a brief look at the Mercedes-Benz automotive perspective for 2005.
BY CHRIS BROWN & JOHN VASQUEZ
C-CLASS
Launched in mid-2004 to improve its visual appeal and overall driving experience, the redesigned 2005 C-Class lineup is the most sporty and luxurious yet. The new C55 AMG marks the return of V-8 power to the C-Class, delivering 362 horsepower and 376 lb.-ft. of torque for 0-60 mph in an estimated 4.9 seconds. The C-Class sport sedans are identified by 17-inch five-spoke wheels introduced with mid-year updates to the 2004 model, and now also feature standard AMG body styling. The luxury models receive richer wood trim with multi-contour front seats that include a new, adjustable lumbar support for the driver. The C320 is powered by a normally aspirated V-6, while the C230 Kompressor sport sedan features a supercharged and intercooled 189-hp, 1.8-liter engine. Both sport sedans feature a standard sixspeed manual transmission. A driver-adaptive five-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift is standard on the C240 and C320 luxury sedans as well as the C240 luxury wagon (and optional on the sport sedans). Consistent with Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, the C-Class features four-wheel disc brakes with a standard four-channel ABS
2005 C230 Sport Sedan
anti-lock braking system. The C55 AMG comes with giant 13.6inch ventilated discs in front and 11.8-inch ventilated rear discs. The C-Class suspension blends several innovations with proven Mercedes-Benz engineering triumphs. At the front, the C-Class combines two separate lower links with a strut, coil springs, twintube gas shocks and a stabilizer bar. At the rear, the proven multilink independent suspension has been engineered to ensure optimum predictability while driven hard. All 2005 C-Class vehicles also feature increased track width and suspension enhancements that further improve vehicle handling and responsiveness.
70
AUTOMOTIVE FLEET 500 / 2005
Showroom2005
2005 C55 AMG
Wheelbase (in.): 106.9 Overall Length (in.): 178.2 (C240 & C320 luxury sedans), 178.9 (C240 luxury wagon), 171.2 (C230 & C320 sport coupes), 178.4 (C230 & C320 sport sedans), 181.8 (C55 sport sedan) Overall Width (in.): Overall Height (in.): 68.0 55.1 (C240 & C320 luxury sedans), 56.7 (C240 luxury wagon), 55.4 (C230 & C320 sport coupes), 55.6 (C230, C320 & C55 sport sedans) Base Curb Weight (lbs.): C230 Engine: C240 Engine: C320 Engine: C55 AMG Engine: Transmission / Drive: 1.8L DOHC I-4, 189 horsepower 2.6L SOHC V-6, 168 horsepower 3.2L SOHC V-6, 215 horsepower 5.5L SOHC V-8, 362 horsepower 6-speed manual (C230 & C320 sport sedan/sport coupe); 5-speed automatic / RWD, Optional AWD (C240 & C320 luxury sedans, C240 luxury wagon) Fuel Tank Capacity (gals): Cargo Space (cubic feet): 3,240 - 3,540 12.2 (C240 & C320 luxury sedans), 25.2 (C240 luxury wagon), 9.9 (C230 & C320 sport coupes), 12.2 (C230, C320 & C55 sport sedans) 16.4
2005 S500 Sedan
S-CLASS
Lauded by many critics as “the best car in the world,” the Mercedes-Benz S-Class enters the 2006 model year with continS430 Engine: S500 Engine: S55 AMG Engine: S600 Engine: Transmission / Drive: 4.3L SOHC V-8, 275 hp 5.0L SOHC V-8, 302 hp 5.5L SOHC supercharged V-8, 493 hp 5.5L SOHC turbocharged V-12, 493 hp 7-speed automatic (S430, S500); 5-speed automatic (S55 AMG, S600) / RWD, AWD (S430, S500)
ued innovations in performance, comfort and safety. The S-Class is equipped with an automatic seven-speed transmission (fivespeed automatic transmission on 4MATIC models, S55 AMG and S600), a standard DVD navigation system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. This year, 4MATIC, the innovative all-wheeldrive system, is offered at no additional cost on the S430 and S500 Sedans. The next big step in occupant safety, called PRE-SAFE, continues as standard equipment on the S-Class, while Distronic adaptive cruise control comes as an option. The S430 Sedan uses a 275-hp, 4.3-liter V-8, while a 302-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 powers the S500. The S600 Sedan delivers 493-hp in a twin-turbocharged V12. The S55 AMG Sedan is powered by a hand-assembled, supercharged 493 hp 5.5-liter V-8 engine that does 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds—and is still certified as a low emissions vehicle.
Wheelbase (in.): Overall Length (in.): Overall Width (in.): Overall Height (in.): Base Curb Weight (lbs.): Cargo Space (cubic feet): Fuel Tank Capacity (gals): 121.5 203.3 73.0 56.9 (S430, S500), 57.1 (S55 AMG), 57.0 (S600) 4,160 - 4,610 15.4 23.2
AUTOMOTIVE FLEET 500 / 2005
71
E-CLASS
The award-winning Mercedes-Benz E-Class will soon feature the new 2006-model E350 sedan and wagon, replacing the E320 models. The new E350 models are both powered by a new-generation 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 268 hp—a 20 percent increase over the 3.2-liter engine. The E350 and E500 rear-wheel drive models come equipped with the world's first seven-speed automatic transmission. All 4MATIC sedans and wagons and the E320 CDI diesel sedan retain the five-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift control. The E55 AMG Sport Sedan is equipped with a fivespeed automatic transmission with SpeedShift programming to provide faster gear changes. The electronically-injected E320 CDI boasts surprising performance, low exhaust emissions, great fuel economy and low noise levels. The E-Class offers the full array of Mercedes safety technology, including ABS anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist and ESP stability control. Innovative safety technology includes the electro-hydraulic braking system from the Mercedes SL roadsters and eight air bags. The body structure of the latest E-Class has larger crumple zones at the front for even better energy absorpE350 Engine: E500 Engine: E55 AMG Engine: E320 CDI Engine: Transmission / Drive: 3.5L DOHC V-6, 268 hp 5.0L SOHC V-8, 302 hp 5.5L SOHC supercharged V-8, 469 hp 3.2L DOHC I-6 turbocharged diesel, 201 hp 5-speed automatic (E320 CDI, E55); 7-speed automatic (E350, E500) / RWD, Optional AWD (E350 sedan & wagon, E500 sedan [AWD standard on E500 wagon])
2006 E350
tion in a collision, while new lightweight aluminum materials help keep it within 25 pounds of the previous model. All E-Class models come equipped with adaptive dual-stage front air bags. Additional safety systems include a rollover sensor that automatically deploys the window air bags and belt tensioners if it detects an imminent rollover.
Wheelbase (in.): Overall Length (in.): Overall Width (in.): Overall Height (in.): 112.4 189.7 sedans / 190.9 wagons 71.7 57.0 sedans / 58.3 wagons
Base Curb Weight (lbs.): 3,703 - 4,231 Cargo Space (cubic feet): 15.9 sedans / 24.4 wagons Fuel Tank Capacity (gals): 21.1
M-CLASS
The original M-Class started the trend toward SUVs with a more car-like ride by combining a welded steel box frame with a front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension. The result swept across the entire auto industry. Scheduled to go on sale in spring 2005, the all-new 2006 M-Class reaffirms that tradition with a strikingly aerodynamic exterior and an all-new unibody platform, as well as a new suspension. The second-generation MClass offers improved on-road performance and comfort with a standard seven-speed automatic transmission, an even more effective full-time four-wheel-drive system and optional features such as height-adjustable Airmatic air suspension. A revised four-wheel traction control system now incorporates functions such as a downhill speed regulator and a hill-holder function. The ML350 is powered by a new-generation 3.5-liter, four-valve-per-cylinder V6 engine delivering 268-horsepower and 258-lb.ft. of torque. The
ML350 Engine: ML500 Engine: Transmission / Drive: Wheelbase (in.): Overall Length (in.): Overall Width (in.): 3.5L DOHC V-6, 268 hp 5.0L SOHC V-8, 302 hp 7-speed automatic / AWD 114.7 188.5 75.2
2006 M-CLASS
ML500 has a higher level of standard equipment, including a fiveliter V-8 engine with 302-horsepower and 339-lb.ft. of torque. An optional off-road package will be available later in 2005.
Overall Height (in.): 69.8 (ML350 without roof rails) / 71.5 (ML500 including roof rails) Base Curb Weight (lbs.): 4,623 - 4,743 Cargo Space (cubic feet): 72.4 (with rear seats lowered) Fuel Tank Capacity (gals): 25.1
72
AUTOMOTIVE FLEET / 2005
2006 CLS500
CLS-CLASS
CLS500 Engine: CLS55 AMG Engine: Transmission / Drive: Wheelbase (in.): Overall Length (in.): 5.0L SOHC V-8, 302 hp 5.5L SOHC supercharged V-8, 469 hp 7-speed automatic (CLS500); 5-speed automatic (CLS55) / RWD 112.4 193.0
Mercedes-Benz unveils a new and totally distinctive model series in the CLS-Class. Greeted with widespread enthusiasm at the 2003 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, the four-door newcomer blends the stylistic inspiration and infectious emotional charisma of a coupe with the comfort and functionality of a sedan. Fitted with a 5.0-liter V-8 engine delivering 302 hp, the CLS500 is a match for full-blooded sports cars in terms of power output, while also offering the eight-cylinder comfort of a top-class sedan. The overall design brings out the best in normally conflicting characteristics such as dynamics and spaciousness, power and elegance, aesthetics and functionality. Luxurious individual seats offer impressive freedom of movement, while 35.0 inches between the front and rear seats and 56.3 inches of elbow room provide more space than many sedans.
Overall Width (in.): Overall Height (in.): Base Curb Weight (lbs.): Cargo Space (cubic feet): Fuel Tank Capacity (gals): 73.7 54.7 3,992 - 4,069 15.9 21.1
R-CLASS
Showcased as a concept vehicle at the Chicago Auto Show, the Grand Sports Tourer Vision R combines the distinct advantages of several disparate vehicles—the comfort and style of a luxury vehicle, the performance and handling of a fine sports sedan, along with the versatility and all-weather traction of a sport utility. The longwheelbase of the Grand Sports Tourer Vision R is designed as a roomy vehicle with space for six adults—three pairs of comfortable single seats finished in leather and boasting an impressive 34 inches between the first and second seat rows. The Vision R show car comes with a five-liter V-8 producing 302 hp, full-time 4MATIC four-wheel drive, a seven-speed automatic transmission and air suspension. The Vision R is finished in the newly developed ALU-BEAM paint, which looks more like polished aluminum than traditional silver paint. Mercedes-Benz is the first automaker worldwide to use this (All information is preliminary) innovative process.
Grand Sports Tourer Vision R
Standard Engine: Transmission / Drive:
3.5L V-6 / 5.0L V-8 7-speed automatic / AWD
2005 SLK350
SLK-CLASS
The original SLK shook up the small roadster market when it was introduced in 1997, and the debut of the 2005 SLK
SLK350 Engine: SLK55 AMG Engine: Transmission / Drive: Wheelbase (in.): Overall Length (in.): 3.5L DOHC V-6, 268 hp 5.4L SOHC V-8, 362 hp 6-speed manual (SLK350); 7-speed automatic (available on both models) / RWD 95.7 160.7 SLK350 / 160.9 SLK55
Coupe/Roadster promises to do the same. Stronger, sportier and more aggressive, the 2005 SLK marks the arrival of a new hightech engine family from Mercedes-Benz. The 2005 SLK Coupe/Roadster is powered by a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, with four valves per cylinder, double-overhead camshafts and variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust valves. Additional improvements include an all-new, more precise sixspeed manual transmission, 17-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels and an available lowered sport suspension. The automatic retractable hardtop of the original car set the SLK apart from its competition. The roof of the new SLK goes up and down even more quickly, now 22 seconds. The rear window of the new SLK pivots to match the curvature of the top, providing nearly three more cubic feet of trunk room.
Overall Width (in.): Overall Height (in.): 70.4 SLK350 / 70.6 SLK55 51.1 SLK35 / 50.0 SLK55
Base Curb Weight (lbs.): 3,231 - 3,397 Cargo Space (cubic feet): 9.8 (top up); 6.5 (top down) Fuel Tank Capacity (gals): 18.5
AUTOMOTIVE FLEET / 2005
73