Walk On Trends

I start the article with a brief history of the brand, namely Mercedes-Benz is a German manufacturer of cars, buses and trucks. The first car produced under the Mercedes Benz name was produced in 1926 following the merger of Karl Benz’s and Gottlieb Daimler’s companies into the Daimler-Benz company. Over time Mercedes cars were noted by the quality and durability of their machines.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class competes with the world’s best entry-level luxury sedans in every category. Described in this 2010 Mercedes Benz C Class review, this class consists of six cars : the C230 Kompressor Sports Coupe, C240 Sedan, C240 Sport Wagon, C320 Sedan, C320 Sport Wagon, and the C32 AMG.

Fans of ultra-high performance have been thrilled by the AMG versions, which boast blistering acceleration and tenacious handling along with tastefully sporty styling accents.

Invariably, the C-Class is cross-shopped with its German rivals, the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. While the 3 Series is traditionally the most sporting of the trio and the A4 the more luxury-themed, the Benz offers a little of both personalities, along with superior technology features and more prestige for those concerned about such things.

The 2010 Mercedes C-Class family is packed with innovative extras and sporty details. The foglamps, integrated with the front air dam, create a slightly different take on the C-Class face. Hard- finished laurel wood trim graces the interiors of the C-Sedans and the Sport Wagon. Rich wood is also a new interior option for the Sports Coupe, in which textured aluminum trim is standard. An optional panorama sunroof lets light into the Sports Coupe. And every internal control and switch is carefully placed, so you can concentrate on driving.

One 2010 Mercedes C Class part that stands out above all of the rest is, of course, the powerful engine:

• The C320 Kompressor Sports Coupe comes standard with a 1.8- liter intercooled, supercharged DOHC 16-valve inline-4 engine that delivers 189 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and produces 192 pounds-per-foot of torque at 4,000 rpm.
• The C240 Sedan and C240 Sport Wagon come standard with a 2.6-liter 18-valve V-6 engines that deliver 168 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and produce 177 pounds-per-foot of torque at 4,700 rpm.
• The C320 Sedan and C320 Sport Wagon come standard with a 3.2-liter 18-valve V-6 engines that deliver 215 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and produces 221 pounds-per-foot of torque at 4,600 rpm.
• Lastly, the C32 AMG comes standard with an AMG-built, intercooled, supercharged SOHC 3.2-liter, 18-valve, V-6 engine that delivers 349 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and produces 332 pounds-per-foot of torque at 4,400 rpm.

2010 Mercedes CL Class

The new 2010 Mercedes CL-Class is both luxurious and sleek. Available in four models the CL-Class is a two door grand touring coupe, with seating for four. The CL550 4Matic, CL600, CL63 AMG, and CL65 AMG all include Active Curve Bi-Xenon headlights, sunroof, and a Harman Kardon LOGIC7 audio system. The CL550 4Matic is powered by a 382 hp 5.5-liter V8 engine and seven-speed automatic transmission with Touchshift manual shift control. The CL600 includes a 510 hp bi-turbo 5.5-liter V12 engine and five-speed automatic transmission with Touchshift manual shift control. The high-performance CL63 AMG uses a 518 hp 6.2-liter V8 engine and seven-speed automatic transmission with AMG Speedshift manual shift control. The CL65 AMG coupe includes a potent 604 hp bi-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with AMG Speedshift manual shift control. Standard safety features include front, side, and side curtain airbags, stability control, and traction control.

CL-Class performance:

• The CL500 Coupe comes standard with a 5.0-liter, 24-valve V-8 engine that delivers 302 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and produces 339 pounds-per-foot of torque at 4,250 rpm.
• The CL55 AMG comes standard with AMG-built, 5.5-liter, 24-valve, V-8 engine that delivers an unbelievable 493 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and produces 516 pounds-per-foot of torque at 4,000 rpm.
• The CL600 Coupe comes standard with a monstrous 5.5-liter, 36-valve, V-12 engine that delivers 493 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and produces 590 pounds-per-foot of torque at 3,500 rpm.
  

2010 Mercedes CLS Class

The CLS Class is Mercedes-Benz’s youngest class, consisting of the CLS550 and CLS63 AMG. The CLS features it’s trademark coupe silhouette incorporating four doors. The CLS550 comes with a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 engine teamed with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The more aggressive CLS63 AMG has a 507-hp V8. Both models come with Mercedes-Benz’s Pre-Safe system, which will automatically close the sunroof and move the front seats to the safest position if an impending collision is detected. More traditional safety features such as side-curtain airbags and anti-lock brakes also come standard. As expect from Mercedes, luxury appointments abound. With features like power front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, 6-disc satellite surround sound audio, and doors that shut themselves if you forget to, comfort and convenience are everywhere.

2010 Mercedes E Class

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is redesigned with freshened styling, new features, and a new body style. Mercedes-Benz sedan was synonymous with quality, durability and superior engineering. The trademark qualities of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, such as vaultlike solidity and leading-edge technology, have also contributed to the E-Class’s great popularity among luxury sedan and wagon buyers.

A few sprinklings of aluminum are present in the front fenders, hood, radiator support, and steering column bracket, but the E-class remains a steel-intensive vehicle. Not surprisingly, overall weight is expected to increase from the 3740 pounds the company claimed for the previous E350. However, Mercedes is quick to point out that the E’s new structure passes future crash legislation and enjoys a 30-percent improvement in structural rigidity. Over the road, the structure feels silent and quiver-free, but the same could be said of the previous model.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, front side airbags, rear side airbags, hip-protecting side airbags, and a driver knee airbag. Mercedes’ driver-adjustable air suspension is standard on the E550 sedan. Among the new features available on the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class are adaptive high-beam headlights, which include a camera designed to recognize oncoming traffic and adjusts lamp intensity between low and high beams. Also new for the E-Class are a night-vision system and Mercedes active multi-contour seats with massage function. Other options available on most models include a navigation system, rearview camera, electronic trunk closer, keyless access and engine start, and adaptive cruise control.

Engines are familiar to fans of the last version, but a seven-speed automatic, revised steering, and a new suspension give the E-Class a lighter, more precise feel. The E350 drives into the new model year with a 268-horsepower V-6 that injects a bit more growl in the cabin than you’d expect, and the simmering 382 hp of the V-8 E550 broadcasts its intentions. It sounds purposeful and runs effortlessly up to a 130-mph top speed. While either engine pulls cleanly and quickly to those triple-digit speeds, the new suspension setup maintains a steady sensation. Mercedes “Agility Control” uses a mechanical valve to set V-6 cars into a firmer suspension feel under sporty driving; the V-8 car uses an AIRMATIC air-shock suspension to do the same.

2010 Mercedes GL Class

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is the auto maker’s large seven passenger SUV and is meant to provide all the luxury and capacity demanded by the American market.

Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes w/Brake Assist, traction control, stability control w/roll control, eight airbags, Tele Aid SOS system, PRE-SAFE, trailer stabilization control and a security system.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL350 Bluetec features a 3.0-liter diesel-powered turbocharged V6, which features 50-state-legal “clean diesel” technology. This engine produces 210 hp and more importantly, 400 lb-ft of torque. Like all GL-Class models, it is attached to a seven-speed automatic transmission and “4Matic” all-wheel drive. Though we haven’t tested the latest GL diesel, we estimate it will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 9 seconds. Fuel economy for the Bluetec is 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined.

The Mercedes GL450 gets a 4.7-liter gasoline-powered V8 good for 335 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. It went from zero to 60 mph in a rapid 6.7 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 13/17/14.

Bumping up to the GL550 brings with it a 5.5-liter V8 that produces 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. It goes from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while estimated fuel economy is 12/17/14.

2010 Mercedes R Class

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class is the brand’s crossover vehicle, created for buyers seeking the driving dynamics of a luxury sedan with the space and functionality of a sport utility. It can accommodate up to seven passengers in comfort, with three rows of seating, four conventional doors and a top-hinged rear liftgate for easy access to the cargo area.

The standard features of the Mercedes-Benz R350 Base include 3.5L V-6 268HP engine, 7-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), side seat mounted airbags, curtain 1st, 2nd and 3rd row overhead airbag, rear side-impact airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, Thermatic automatic, 19″ AMG alloy wheels, cruise control, ABS and driveline traction control, and a 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

2010 Mercedes S Class

As Mercedes‘ largest sedan, the S-Class offers the most room for rear-seat passengers, making it a favorite of wealthy dads and heads of state alike. The sport luxury sedans are blessed with all the modern technology today offers. Speed, prestige, and luxury all wrapped into one lovely package from Mercedes Benz.

The new technologies found in the 2010 S, include much of the stuff introduced with the recently redesigned 2010 E-class. That means adaptive high-beams, the addition of pedestrian detection for the night-view assist, a lane-keeping system, and the attention-assist system. Interior changes to the new S-class include a new steering wheel and ambient lighting that is now selectable to one of three hues instead of one. The 2010 model also gets updated Bluetooth functionality, an SD card reader in the dash, an iPod/media interface in the glove box, and HD radio.

The current Mercedes-Benz S-Class is distinguished by aggressive fender flares and a wedgelike profile that’s emphasized by a rising character line. The cabin has a multifunction COMAND controller (similar to but easier to use than BMW’s iDrive setup) mounted between the seats, which reduces the number of buttons on the dash. There are five trim levels: S550 (382-horsepower V8), S550 4Matic (S550 with all-wheel-drive), S600 (510-hp twin-turbo V12), S63 AMG (518-hp V8) and S65 AMG (604-hp twin turbo V12). All S-Class trims are equipped with an automatic transmission (seven speeds in all but the V12 versions, which have a five-speed unit).

Luxury feature highlights include a navigation system, hands-free cell phone communication, a Harman Kardon audio system and of course, rich leather and wood trim. The AMG versions add 20-inch alloy wheels, an active suspension, larger brakes, sport seats and specific interior and exterior styling tweaks. Optional features for the V8 models, such as adaptive cruise control and an infrared night vision system, are almost all standard on the V12 models.

2010 Mercedes SL Class

The SL-Class comes in four models: The SL550, SL63, SL600, and SL65. SL550 has a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 engine. SL600 and SL65 have twin-turbocharged V12 engines of 5.5 liters and 510 hp and 6.0 liters and 604 hp, respectively. The SL63 has a 518-hp 6.2-liter V8. SL63 and SL65 are tuned by Mercedes’ AMG performance division. V8 SL-Class models have a 7-speed automatic transmission. V12 versions use a 5-speed automatic.

Some of the car’s standard safety features include:

• Dual stage driver and passenger airbags
• Driver side knee bag
• Seatbelts with Emergency Tensioning Devices
• Brake Assist
• ABS
• ESP
• ASR Traction Control
• High-strength steel, pop-up roll bar

2010 Mercedes SLK Class

The new 2010 Mercedes SLK Class offers real beauty, real luxury, and exhilarating performance. As rewarding to own as they are to drive, the three models of the SLK Class remain as captivating a collection of performers as ever. Currently, the SLK Class consists of three distinct models: the SLK230 Roadster, the SLK32 AMG, and the SLK320 Roadster.

The standard specification includes a list of major milestones in automotive technology: Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC – the electrohydraulic brake system which now incorporates convenience functions such as Tailback Assist and Anti-stall Assist – as well as load-adaptive self-levelling rear suspension, adaptive front airbags, two-stage belt force limiters and large windowbags, to name just a handful of the 20-plus innovations that form part of the standard package.

The SLK230 Roadster comes standard with a 2.3-liter, 16-valve, inline-4 engine that delivers 192 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and produces 200 pounds-per-foot of torque at 5,000 rpm. The SLK320 Roadster comes standard with a 3.2- liter, 18-valve, V-6 engine that delivers 215 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and produces 229 pounds-per-foot of torque at 4,600 rpm. Lastly, the SLK32 AMG comes standard with a AMG-built, intercooled supercharged SOHC 3.2-liter, 18-valve, V-6 engine that delivers 349 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and produces 332 pounds-per-foot of torque at 4,400 rpm.