2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350

On my walk through the parking lot stands a beauty with a powerful soul, the Mercedes-Benz SLK350 2012 version. Exotics in India has covered the previous version of the Mercedes-Benz SLK350, however the 2012 version looks fantastic than its previous versions.

The 2012 version of the SLK350 illustrates a striking new Mercedes-Benz brand look by featuring an eye-catching radiator grill emphasizing on the well-proportioned long hood which creates a close visual link with the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG gullwing.

Professor Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz Cars says "The SLK continues the illustrious roadster tradition of Mercedes-Benz, and excitingly takes it into the future. The design idiom accentuates its lively, athletic presence, and is also sculptural. It expresses personality and sensuality. The same applies to the interior. High-grade materials, lovingly crafted details and a very exclusive finish characterize the essentially very sporty atmosphere."

Stocked with a 3.5L V6 engine, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 easily puts out a massive 302hp and torque of 273ft. lbs. This beauty takes just 5.6 seconds to accelerate from 0-100 km/h and hits a top-speed of 250 km/h.

As standard equipment the SLK350 includes, AIRGUIDE, ATTENTION ASSIST, 7-G TRONIC, PRE-SAFE system, Bi-xenon headlamps, PARKTRONIC, Intelligent Light System with bi-xenon headlamps; LED daytime running lamps to identify a few.

Mercedes-Benz divides their vehicle safety language “integral safety concept” into 4 phases,

1. Safe Driving: During the journey, the vehicle helps the driver to identify critical situations promptly and handle them safely.

2. In Critical Situations: In the event of danger, numerous preventive measures can be activated to reduce the risk of injury. In the event of an accident,

3. During an Accident: The occupants can benefit from effective, individualised protection provided by the comprehensive range of passive safety systems.

4. After an Accident: The phase after an accident, when for example the hazard warning flashers are automatically activated to reduce the risk of new accidents.

For the 2012 SLK350, Mercedes-Benz offers genuine accessories like the MercedesSport rear spoiler, the chromed fin attachments for the bonnet and the light-alloy wheels in various designs and sizes.

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Exotics in India caught the all new 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, which had been presented for a campaign at one of the famous shopping mall in Bangalore. With its new technology and safety features the E-Class is likely to become another industry trend-setter.

The new Cabriolet joins the E-Class lineup of Mercedes-Benz making the carmaker a full range of cabriolet, wagon, sedan and coupe models. The E-class Cabriolet debuted last year as the ninth generation of the company’s highly successful model range.

The cabriolet feature:  The two-door, four-seat Cabriolet boasts a fully electric fabric top which consists of three layers of weather-resistant material and provides exceptional insulation throughout the year, even in poor weather or in the car wash. The convertible top can be opened or closed in 20 seconds even at speeds of up to 40 km/h. The roof opens or closes electrohydraulically at your finger tip and also infrared function on the key.

The E-Class Cabriolet literally tames the air as said by Mercedes-Benz with it’s the new AIRCAP system which works at push of a button to reduce noise, drafts and air turbulence for all four occupants. The new AIRCAP technology functions like an ingenious system consisting of a wind deflector on the roof frame and a special draught stop extends the flow curve over the passenger compartment.

Fitted as standard, the innovative Aircap system incorporates an electrically operated wind deflector above the windscreen and a draught stop between the rear headrests. When driving the new E-Class Cabriolet with the top down, simply hit a button on the centre console and the Aircap deflector is activated, channeling the flow of air over and away from the cabin. As a result, occupants are spared the turbulence and noise so often associated with top-down motoring. (Mercedes-Benz)

Mercedes-Benz pursues a comprehensive safety philosophy: the integral safety concept. At its core lies the vision of accident-free driving: numerous measures that support the driver in critical situations and can help to prevent an accident.

Forestalling this to safety philosophy, the Merc has introduced safety innovations like:

“Attention Assist”, which detects drowsiness. This is done by the sensors which analyses the driving behavior and compares the changes in driving with the driver profile individually determined previously.

“Intelligent Light System”, which ensures the best possible visibility in every driving situation with its four automatic settings.

“LED tail lights and adaptive brake lights”, The tail and brake lights and the third brake light employ LEDs. In comparison with conventional lights they are significantly faster and emphasize the sporty design.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is an absolutely excellent two door, four seat, open-top car. However I feel very suspicious if it could go with the Bimmer’s M3 convertible, well, the standard 3-Series convertible and the Infiniti G Convertible can be thought about.

Mercedes-Benz GL 350 Spotted

Have you ever seen a “Hulk”? Not the movie, but an SUV which does not limit its styling, but is a true-blue Hulk’s competitor.

Mercedes-Benz GL 350 is a full-size crossover SUV - from the family of the GL-class, which debuted in 2006. It is the 7-passenger counterpart of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class making it the only similarly-sized rival up against Audi's Q7.  

The GL-Class demonstrates excellent off-road capabilities and environmental compatibility. The GL is a seven-seater, which offers excellent handling both on and off-road driving conditions. It is extremely spacious and provides the comfort of a luxury saloon. The GL 350 is powered by a CDI BlueTec 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine pumping 215hp of raw power. The hulk also accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210 km/h. Mercedes has also introduced the PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system, a world first in this market segment. 

Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, says, “The new GL-Class combines freedom with luxury, power with elegance and size with a sense of responsibility. This makes the GL-Class a symbol of good style in every respect. Its low emission engine underlines its strong character. The high quality materials and the high sheen chrome trim adorn a vehicle that is difficult to beat where size and flexibility are concerned. The GL-Class is a vehicle that takes luxury to a new dimension”.

Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG spotted

We spotted the Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG on the stadium road. The G55 AMG was released from Bangalore's Merc showroom the day before.

The Benz G55 AMG is also called as the G-Wagen or Gelandewagen (it's official name!). The vehicle was actually built for the German armed forces, designed to take on the harshest of terrain and rugged roads. However, a civilian version was introduced in 1979 which also displayed the same level of ruggedness.

The Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG is said to be the fastest among the SUV segment in India and is priced at a jaw-dropping 1.10 Crore. The vehicle displays immense power on the tarmac when you let loose the beast within! It's got a 5.5-litre V8 engine where it's heart should be and has the might to pump out 507bhp at 6,1000rpm with 700Nm at 2,750rpm! The most interesting part is its ability to rocket from 0-100 (what?) in 5.5 seconds.

The AMG engineers have put their sweat in producing world-class engines, and this beast has the greatest of them. The G55 doesn’t have any direct competitors; however if you want one - you could compare it to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Land Rover, Range Rover etc…

Mercedes-Benz Viano Spotted

Photos by Naveen

We spotted the Mercedes-Benz Viano today at Castle Street, Bangalore. The Viano is a multi-purpose vehicle (sold as the V-Class in some markets) and is based on the popular Mercedes-Benz Vito commercial panel van.

The Merc Viano is powered by a 2.2-litre CDI engine; producing 150bhp of raw power to get this beast started. It reaches 0-100km/h in just 9.1 seconds and hits a top speed of 180 km/h.

Photos by Naveen

Standard equipment includes two head-on airbags and with front window airbags available as an option. Higher trim levels include front side airbags as standard. Safety features include Electronic stability control (ESP), traction control system (TCS), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBV) and brake assist (BAS). If BAS is activated, the hazard lights flash to warn following motorists that the Viano driver is undertaking an emergency braking manoeuvre.

The Viano is a comfortable people carrier, with lots of space and can accommodate 8 individuals without any hassles. It also has adequate space to carry your bags for a month's vacation. The rear seats can be folded, creating useful table tops, or a larger work table can be created for passengers to picnic. Irrespective of the seating configuration you choose, this MPV provides you with a pleasurable ride. You will feel as if you were in the air rather than the road, as Auto car states, 'Still more van than MPV. Airport transport.'

The Mercedes Viano has received a facelift for 2011, and comes with more striking and distinctive looks, with revised front and rear bumpers and lights. The interior has also been improved with upgraded materials and new technology.

The Automobile Association says, 'Image is everything in the world of business and it should come as no surprise that the Viano is the big cheese in the executive travel world.'

Photos by Naveen

Photos by Naveen

Mercedes Benz CLS350

We spotted the Mercedes Benz CLS350 on Museum Road, Bangalore. The CLS350 is an executive sedan that is based on the E-Class platform. For Mercedes-Benz the CLS350 is a revolutionary change – a vehicle that is tough and very sleek. Although it is referred to as a coupe, it has four doors.

Under the hood of the CLS350 is a flexible 3.5 litre V6 engine producing 272hp. It is linked with a 7-speed automatic, manually adjustable transmission that delivers brilliant acceleration. Capable of completing 0-100km/h in around 7.0 seconds, the CLS350 has a top speed that is close to 250 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz has included all its latest safety features into the CLS-class. In addition to the front airbags, there are side-impact airbags in the front seats and side curtain airbags throughout. The car features a "smart" sensor system for the seatbelts and airbags that can detect and react to accident severity. An optional Pre-Safe system predicts an impending collision; when the system is activated, the seatbelts tighten, the front passenger seat adjusts to crash positioning, and the sunroof closes automatically. Mercedes-Benz engineers describe the feature as a human-like reflex system.

Other features include: self-cleaning bi-xenon HID headlamps, distronic radar-guided cruise control, power sunroof, keyless go, drive authorization system and Parktronic parking sensors. Available electronics include: COMAND control system, GPS navigation and surround sound audio. The eye-catching feature in the CLS350 is when you open the door, the window drops down by an inch allowing an easier close and as soon as you close the door the windows are back into reverse action. However, this feature is limited and a few are available on the Mercedes-Benz CLS350.

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has astonished the car enthusiasts in India with its head turner looks and performance. 

2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class spotted

We spotted the stylish, sharp, powerful hardtop Mercedes-Benz SLK, whose production dates back to 2008.

The 2008 SLK class is a two-passenger roadster that features a powerful retractable hardtop. It also includes bi-xenon headlamps, navigation system, 380-watt surround-sound audio system, glovebox-mounted CD changer, satellite radio, and an Airscarf system that directs heat through vents in the head restraints.

The SLK is powered by a 3.2-litre V6 engine, which produces 218bhp and is capable of reaching a top speed of 245 km/h. The car can do 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, which is slightly more than a Porsche Boxter S.

The SLK competes with the BMW Z4, Nissan 350Z and Porsche Boxster.

According to Edmunds.com, Mercedes-Benz isn't typically known for building true drivers' cars, but the SLK is an exception. It delivers solid performance in acceleration, braking and handling.