Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Follow us :  

Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube

New on the Tarmac: Meet the sexy new E-Class Cabriolet and Coupé

vuyi on March 9, 2021

We have always made automotive dreams come true, and the E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet facelift take this to the next level.

– Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars

Back in 1991, Mercedes-Benz debuted an elegant cabriolet at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. A four-seater with a fabric top, it was initially known as the 300 CE-24, and revived a long tradition of four-door open-top vehicles in company’s brand history. It was renamed the E-Class in 1993, launching a range that has become amongst the most emotionally appealing in the Mercedes-Benz stable. 

 

Fast forward to 2021, and Mercedes-Benz has just launched a comprehensive facelift for its already stunning E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet. Upgrades include a healthy facelift, with the front sections, in particular, being given a fresh look; a good dose of new technology, including the next generation of driving assistance systems and the MBUX infotainment system; and a range of electrified, more efficient, petrol and diesel engines.

“We have always made automotive dreams come true, and the E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet facelift take this to the next level. We have resharpened the brand identity and we are continuing to drive forward the revision of our entire E-Class family successively,” says Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars.

 

The emotive appeal of these two dream cars has been further reinforced by the model upgrade

– Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars.

“The emotive appeal of these two dream cars has been further reinforced by the model upgrade. The E-Class Cabriolet with the classic fabric top offers spaciousness and comfort on long journeys for up to four people, while the new E-Class Coupé combines the beauty and classic virtues of a grand tourer with state-of-the-art technology.”

South African customers will initially have two models available at launch. The E200 offers a 2 litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 145 kW and 320 Nm of torque. This results in a 0-100 time of 7.5. The E300 has the same engine, which is tweaked to deliver 190 kW and 370 Nm, with a 0-100 time of 6.4 seconds. 

The E-Class Coupé models at a glance:

    E 200 E 300
Transmission automatic
Engine   4/in-line 4/in-line
Displacement cc 1991 1991
Output kW 145 190
at rpm 5500-6100 5800-6100
Peak torque Nm 320 370
at rpm 1650-4000 1800-4000
Fuel consumption, combined[1] l/100 km 6.6-7.0 6.6-7.1
CO2 emissions1, combined g/km 151-161 151-161
Acceleration 0-100 km/h s 7.5 6.4
Top speed km/h 237 250
Retail Price   R1 036 000 R1 131 000
 

The E-Class Cabriolet at a glance:

    E 200 E 300
Transmission automatic
Engine   4/in-line 4/in-line
Displacement cc 1991 1991
Output kW 145 190
at rpm 5500-6100 5800-6100
Peak torque Nm 320 370
at rpm 1650-4000 1800-4000
Fuel consumption, combined1 l/100 km 6.8-7.2 6.9-7.4
CO2 emissions1, combined g/km 155-165 158-168
Acceleration 0-100 km/h s 7.8 6.6
Topspeed km/h 234 250
Retail Price   R1 164 000 R1 268 000
 

The Mercedes-AMG E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet at a glance:

  Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Coupé Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet
Transmission AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G  AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G 
Engine 3.0-litre 6-cylinder in-line enginewith exhaust gas turbocharger andelectric additional compressor 3.0-litre 6-cylinder in-line enginewith exhaust gas turbocharger andelectric additional compressor
Displacement 2999 cc 2999 cc
Output 320 kW at 6100 rpm  320 kW at 6100 rpm 
Add. output with EQ Boost 16 kW 16 kW
Peak torque 520 Nm at 1800 – 5800 rpm 520 Nm at 1800 – 5800 rpm
Add. torque with EQ Boost 250 Nm 250 Nm
Drive AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution  AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution 
Fuel consumption, combined 8.9-8.6 l/100 km* 9.2-8.8 l/100 km*
Combined CO2 emissions 204-198 g/km 209-202 g/km
Acceleration 0-100 km/h  4.4 s 4.6 s
Top speed 250 km/h** 250 km/h**
Retail Price R1 618 000 R1 756 000

New on the Tarmac: Meet the new look Mercedes-Benz E-Class

vuyi on March 9, 2021

The E-Class has proved extremely successful, with more than 1.2 million customers around the world

– Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars

With over 14 million units delivered since 1946, the E-Class is the bestselling model series in the history of Mercedes-Benz, with many regarding it as the ‘heart of the brand’. 

Produced in the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen plant, the new E-Class comes off the same line as the Mercedes-Benz CLS and the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupé. 

Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars, says customers of the E-Class are among the most loyal fans of the Mercedes star: Eight out of ten customers of the E-Class Sedan remain loyal to Mercedes-Benz when buying their next vehicle.

“The tenth generation of the E-Class set styling trends in 2016 with its clean, yet emotionally appealing design and an exclusive, high-quality interior.

Together with the wealth of innovation in areas like driving assistance systems, it proved extremely successful, with more than 1.2 million customers around the world buying a current-generation E-Class Sedan,” said Fritz. “Our latest extensive facelift builds on that platform to deliver the most advanced E-Class Sedan yet.”

The facelifted front end, with increased chrome content, shows the new E-Class means business, with two chrome louvres and vertical high-gloss black struts providing a sporty and elegant appearance. The designers also updated the Sedan’s rear end with a new bumper, split tail lamps and a new boot lid. 

Inside, there’s even more comfort in the interior, including a new steering wheel with touch controls, large display screens as standard (2 x 10.25 inches), and the latest generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system. MBUX incudes the now-familiar ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control and augmented reality that displays additional information, such as house numbers, in the video image of the surroundings.

The new E-Class features Urban Guard, which offers all-round surveillance of the parked vehicle. This includes functions like warnings for collision damage warning, tow-away protection and ant-theft.

Other innovations include:

  • Active Tailback Assist, which can substantially assist the driver with lane-keeping and maintaining a safe distance at speeds up to around 60 km/h, with a high degree of availability.
  • Active Blind Spot Assist, which lowers the risk of a collision with other road users, like passing cyclists. It also monitors the blind spot when at standstill, and can warn the driver of approaching vehicles, motorcycles or bicycles when opening the door.
  • Parking Package with 360° camera: Side View gives the Parking package a new function that keeps an eye on the entire side of the vehicle. The extended side view makes it easier to manoeuvre alongside nearby, parallel obstacles such as kerbs and garage walls.

The Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ offers not only outstanding performance and vehicle dynamics at the highest level

– Selvin Govender, Marketing and Sales Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars.
Energizing comfort control 

Energizing seat kinetics is another new feature in the E-Class. It supports beneficial changes in seated posture by means of minute movements of the seat cushion and backrest when on a journey. Energizing comfort control networks various comfort systems in the vehicle, and uses musical and lighting moods plus a number of massage modes for a wide range of feel-good programmes. The aim is for passengers to feel well and relaxed even during demanding or monotonous journeys.

At the heart of the new Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ lies a 4.0 litre V8 biturbo engine with twin-scroll turbochargers, which delivers 450 kW and a maximum torque of 850 Nm. This is enough to complete the 0- 100 km/h sprint in 3.4 seconds, with combined fuel consumption of 11.9-11.6 l/100 km. 

“Thanks to our efficient V8 engine and the fully variable all-wheel drive, the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ offers not only outstanding performance and vehicle dynamics at the highest level, but significantly increased comfort while retaining the hallmark AMG character. In conjunction with the extensive design update, we’re offering our customers an even more attractive package,” said Selvin Govender, Marketing and Sales Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The job of stopping the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ effectively is taken care of by the AMG high-performance brake system, which is reliable, quick and fade-resistant, even under high loads.

The AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension ensures the hallmark Mercedes E-Class comfort, combined with the high levels of precision and driving dynamics of the AMG brand.

And now, for a personalised experience

With up to six DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs – Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual and RACE (standard in the S version), the characteristics range from efficient and comfortable to very sporty. The modes modify key parameters, such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering. 

Independently of the DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, the driver has the option of switching directly to manual mode, in which gearshifts are executed exclusively using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. 

The E-Class Sedan at a glance:

  E 200E 220dMercedes-AMG E63 S 4MATIC+
Transmission 9G TRONIC automatic9G TRONIC automaticAMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G 
Engine 4/in-line4/in-line4.0-litre V8 with direct injection and twin turbochargers
Displacementcc199119503982 cc
OutputkW145143 450 kW 
atrpm5500-61003800-3800 5750-6500
Peak torqueNm320400850 Nm 
atrpm1650-40001600-28002500-4500
Drive   AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution
Fuel consumption, combined1l/100 km6.9-6.54.9-4.7 11.6
CO2 emissions1, combinedg/km158-149130-123267
Acceleration 0-100 km/hs7.47.43.4
Topspeedkm/h240235300
Retail Price R920 000R984 000R2 423 000

Mercedes-Benz is once again South Africa’s top-selling luxury car brand in 2020

vuyi on January 25, 2021

In 2019, Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars, said he was optimistic about the brand’s prospects in South Africa for 2020

In 2019, Mercedes-Benz claimed a string of awards, including the coveted SA Car of The Year award for the new A-Class Hatch, ‘Coolest Motor Vehicle’ as awarded by the Sunday Times Gen Next, and ‘Top Brand’ accolade from Sunday Times.   

In addition to those accolades, the German automaker closed off 2019 as the top selling premium car brand in South Africa, despite challenging market and economic conditions that saw an overall decline in premium vehicle sales due to pressure on consumers’ disposable income and fragile business and consumer confidence. 

Also in 2019, Mercedes-Benz ended the year as global leader in the luxury car brands category and achieved its ninth consecutive record year of sales.

Fast forward to the end of 2020 and Mercedes-Benz has retained its position as the top selling premium car brand in South Africa; this in a year that saw a considerable overall decline in the market due to COVID-19. Globally, Mercedes-Benz ended 2020 as number one among the luxury car brands. 2020 saw the Stuttgart-based brand sell a total of 2 164 187 units (-7.5%) with China and Europe regions contributing most considerably to the overall number.

Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars, said that our number one position can be attributed to the consolidated effort of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and the agent network in these challenging times.

The large number of new models introduced across the Mercedes-Benz Range including the all-new GLA, GLB, GLE Coupe, GLS and G 400d SUV Models also had a very positive impact. Additionally the E-Class Family received a Facelift with updates to the Sedan, Coupe and Cabriolet derivatives.

Mercedes-Benz GLB, galaxyblau Mercedes-Benz GLB, galaxy blue
    • Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé 2019, designo hyazinthrot metallic, Outdoor Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé 2019, designo hyacinth red metallic, outdoor

    • Mercedes-Benz GLS, 2019, smaragdgrün Mercedes-Benz GLS, 2019, emerald green
    Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d mountaingrau magno; Leder – macchiatobeige/schwarz;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 4,9-4,7 l/100 km; CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 129–123 g/km Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d mountain grey magno; Leather – macchiato beige/black;Fuel consumption combined: 4.9-4.7 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 129-123 g/km
 

On the High-Performance front, the brand launched the Mercedes-AMG A & CLA 35,  both of which received an outstanding welcome into the market, giving customers a head turning entry into the Mercedes-AMG brand. The Mercedes- AMG A & CLA45’s were also launched in 2020 as well as the GLC 43 & 63s rounding off the Mercedes-AMG Line-up.

“More than ever before, there are challenges which lie ahead of us as we constantly strive  to provide customers with the utmost convenience when it comes to their mobility solutions, which is why in 2020 we launched an online platform called Mercedes-Benz Online Store, enabling customers to start and complete their online buying journey from  the comfort of their homes.” concluded Fritz.

“This new Generation C-Class, which is also built in South Africa, follows a R10 billion investment in the East London Plant, and will contribute valuably to the South African economy”.

Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars

Globally, Mercedes-Benz was again named as one of the top ten ‘Best Global Brands’ in 2020 by renowned US brand consultancy Interbrand, and defended its position as the world’s most valuable luxury automotive brand for the fourth consecutive year. In South Africa, the Mercedes-Benz brand also maintained its position in 2020 as the ‘Coolest Motor Vehicle’ as awarded by the Sunday Times Gen Next, and earned yet another ‘Top Brand’ accolade from Sunday Times. The newly introduced Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d 4Matic was selected as the Top Premium SUV for 2020 by the Autotrader Car of The Year judging panel.

Mercedes-Benz continues to strive towards providing the best Premium Customer Experience and Customer Satisfaction remains a top priority in 2021.

  • Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+; jupiter rot; Leder, titanium grau / schwarz;;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 8,3-8,1 l/100 km; CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 189-186 g/km* Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+; jupiter red; Leather, two-tone – titanium gray pearl / black;;Fuel consumption combined: 8.3-8.1 l/100 km; Combined CO2 emissions: 189-186 g/km*

  • Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC, Sonnengelb;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 7,3-7,2 l/100 km; CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 167-164 g/km* Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC, sun yellow;Fuel consumption combined: 7.3-7.2 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 167-164 g/km*

  • Bildwelten zur Geländefähigkeit, Design und Onroad-Performance und greifen Naturelemente, wie Fels- und Lavaformationen, sowie Wasser auf, die wie die G-Klasse „stronger than time“ sind. Die Tonalität der Kampagne spiegelt den Charakter der Offroad-Legende wieder: starke Botschaften in beeindruckenden Bildwelten. Image worlds of off-road capability, design and on-road performance, and take on natural elements such as rock and lava formations, and water, which are like the G-class “stronger than time”. The tonality of the campaign reflects the character of the off-road legend: strong messages in impressive picture worlds.
 

Fritz said the product offering continues into 2021 with the launch of our brand new C-Class sedan, which will continue to set the benchmark for the midsize sedan segment. “This new Generation C-Class, which is also built in South Africa, follows a R10 billion investment in the East London Plant, and will contribute valuably to the South African economy”.

Speaking of Benchmarks, 2021 sees the introduction of the all-new Flagship S- Class, the pinnacle of technology and elegance in the industry. In addition, 2021 will see the arrival of three extremely special models in the S-Class Maybach, the GLS Maybach and finally the highly anticipated AMG GT Black series, which sets an all-new standard for performance road vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz is committed to making 2021 a great year for our customers and we are confident that we will once again raise the standard of automotive mobility with these exciting new products launches.