Mercedes-Benz is celebrating no less than two world premieres in the “Dream Cars” category at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. The new GLS luxury large SUV and the iconic SL Roadster are having their debut in the Californian sun. Mercedes-Benz is reinforcing its ongoing model initiative with the US premieres of the S-Class Cabriolet and the C-Class Coupé, which are also in the limelight in L.A. in the guise of high-performance AMG versions.
The 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show opened today with positive signals from Mercedes-Benz. Firstly, the brand has once again achieved record-breaking sales success in the US market. Unit sales for the Mercedes-Benz brand increased by 6.5 percent compared with the same period last year, and compared with 2014 the performance brand Mercedes-AMG increased its sales by no less than 35.6 percent. “A look at the figures for last month shows that we were able to achieve the highest third-quarter sales in our history,” says Stephen Cannon, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. Secondly, Mercedes-Benz is opening a new chapter in its success story in L.A.: “In the coming twelve months we will be launching at least nine new models in the market,” Cannon continues, referring to the ongoing Mercedes model initiative in the USA.
The new GLS: the S-Class among SUVs
The new GLS is taking the limelight at the Los Angeles Auto Show as the first of four new Mercedes models. The successor to the GL, a particularly successful model in the USA, is the concluding highlight in the “Mercedes-Benz Year of the SUV”, in which the inventor of the automobile has presented a total of four new off-roaders. The “S-Class among SUVs” once again raises the bar in its segment. The only full-fledged seven-seater in the European premium SUV segment boasts ample spaciousness and combines luxury with impressive levels of comfort, agile dynamics and also best-in-class safety. Whether put to everyday use or venturing off the beaten track – the GLS meets all requirements effortlessly and comfortably. Compared with its predecessor, the new generation features improved efficiency, extended DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, the latest evolutionary stage of the air suspension system AIRMATIC with enhanced damping system ADS, the nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, state-of-the-art assistance systems and the latest telematics generation with internet access.
More power, more dynamics and more equipment are also offered by the new Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC. With a peak output of 430 kW (585 hp), model-specific suspension and the revised AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission, it represents the pinnacle of the GLS model series. Features which come as standard include the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes which provide optimum flexibility and the rear-biased AMG Performance all-wheel drive. The GLS 63 4MATIC also shows strength of character with its updated design featuring the AMG brand look and high-quality interior.
An icon in the fast lane: the legendary SL now even more dynamic
The Mercedes-Benz SL is the top performer in a wide variety of disciplines: an elegant roadster for relaxed, comfortable cruising or a dynamic coupé for sporty cornering; an all-year-round vehicle which is completely suitable for everyday use or a dream car for couples to enjoy those special occasions – including long journeys.
“The SL Roadster has had an iconic status in Los Angeles and southern California for decades, just like the sunshine and palm-trees,” says Stephen Cannon. “Following its Hollywood roots, it has played major roles in countless movies and TV shows.”
The Mercedes-Benz SL as an automotive legend will be available from April 2016 with marked technical and visual improvements: more powerful engines, the automatic transmission 9G-TRONIC, DYNAMIC SELECT with five transmission modes and Active Body Control with the curve tilting function all take the SL to a new dynamic level. The high suitability for everyday use has been enhanced with the soft top, which can now be operated at up to 40 km/h, and the automatic boot separator.
Visually the front end in particular has been made sportier. As a result the bonnet, bumper and headlamps, among other features, are all new. The standard, unique diamond radiator grille extends downwards. Two powerdomes accentuate the long, drawn-out bonnet. Also adding to the unmistakable new appearance of the SL is the new standard-fit LED Intelligent Light System with headlamp housings extending far to the outside. The sporty silhouette is emphasised by the enlarged cosmetic air outlets with wing-like chrome inserts in the dynamic, broad vehicle wings and the exterior mirrors positioned on the beltline. The sculpted shape of the radiator grille harmonises perfectly with the now standard AMG bodystyling.
The model range now comprises the SL 400 with V6 engine uprated to 270 kW (367 hp) and 500 Nm (additional 25 kW/35 hp and also 20 Nm) as well as the SL 500 with the powerful 335 kW (455 hp) V8 engine. As standard the power transfer is handled by the new 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission. With DYNAMIC SELECT the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted in seconds at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the setup of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering at the driver’s behest. Also available are the two Mercedes-AMG models, the SL 63 and SL 65: the V8 Roadster develops 430 kW (585 hp), the top-of-the-range V12 model 463 kW (630 hp).
The new C-Class Coupé:seduction of the heart and mind
The new C-Class Coupé is yet another dream sports car bearing the Mercedes star. Athletic and sporty, the vivid, sensuous design of the new Coupé cuts a fine figure on the road and embodies modern luxury. At the same time, its interior elevates beauty and style to a sporty level. A dynamically configured chassis, with optional air suspension, forms the basis for a high level of suspension comfort, low road roar and tyre vibration, agile handling, and driving pleasure. Lightweight construction to reduce weight, excellent aerodynamics and high-performance, efficient engines likewise play their part. A host of assistance systems provides safety of the very highest calibre. With its high-class appeal and generous interior, the new C-Class Coupé sets new standards in its segment.
Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupé as the most sporty C-Class of all time
Mercedes-AMG is setting a further landmark in the brand history: the new C 63 Coupé is the most sporty C-Class of all time, and the next step on the way to yet more technical and visual distinctiveness.
“The new C 63 Coupé embodies our conception of progress: It offers impressive longitudinal and lateral dynamics at an extremely high level along with improved fuel economy,” says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “In addition, we are making a bold visual statement with the muscular design. Our customers can therefore experience the progress with each of their senses: seeing, hearing, feeling and, above all, driving!”
The profound design modifications are evident at first sight: strikingly flared front and rear wheel arches, a wider track and larger wheels give the Coupé a muscular look while at the same time providing the basis for highly agile longitudinal and lateral dynamics. The brand’s famous driving performance is taken to new heights with the C 63 Coupé. The AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine rated at 350 kW (476 hp) or 375 kW (510 hp) is just as much a completely in-house development from Affalterbach as, for example, the sophisticated AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, the set-up of the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, the rear-axle limited-slip differential or the dynamic engine mounts.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet: open-top luxury
The new Cabriolet is the sixth variant of the current S-Class family, and the first open-top luxury four-seater from Mercedes-Benz since 1971. This dream car offers a distinctive, sensual and exclusive design, the cutting-edge technology of the S Class and a comprehensive warmth and wind protection concept which includes intelligent climate control for convertibles. Mercedes-Benz lays claim to building the world’s most comfortable convertible. When it comes to climate comfort, the enhanced automatic wind protection system AIRCAP, the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, the heated armrests and the seat heating also in the rear ensure that this is indeed the case. In contrast to conventional systems, the climate is controlled fully automatically. This means that the driver does not need to select a mode for closed or open top, nor is it necessary to save a temperature setting for these driving conditions.
For the first time in the history of the company, Mercedes-AMG now also has a luxury convertible in its model range. The 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine of the new S 63 4MATIC Cabriolet delivers an output of 430 kW (585 hp) and peak torque of 900 Nm, accelerating the open four-seater from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The S 63 features AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque split as standard for the dynamism that is a hallmark of the brand.
