Mercedes-Benz South Africa Archives Page 2 of 2

At a Glance: Meet the Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d Coupe, a Coupe for heightened standards

vuyi on November 18, 2020

Mercedes-Benz has launched the latest GLE 400d Coupe, a burgeoning SUV and our Editor, Vuyi Mpofu attended the media presentation. She shares a bird’s-eye-view of what the vehicle has to offer.

The new GLE Coupé combines the modern luxury, elegance and sportiness of a coupé with the robustness and technology of the latest large premium SUV models.

South African customers will initially only have one model available in 2020: the GLE 400 d 4MATIC Sports Coupe, which offers a powerful 3.0 litre six-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 243 kW and 700 Nm of torque. This results in a brisk 0-100 time of 5.7 seconds at a combined fuel consumption of 7.4-6.9 l/100 km.

“With the renewal of the premium-SUV family, Mercedes-Benz is also putting the GLE Coupé on a new technical footing, says Selvin Govender, Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa. “The GLE 400d Coupé combines the impressive power of an off-road vehicle with the emotively appealing sportiness and elegance of a coupé,” says Govender.

Exterior design: powerful presence

The new GLE Coupé is 4939 mm long and 2010 mm wide (39 mm longer and 7 mm wider than its predecessor). The front view combines the characteristics of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family with clear coupé attributes such as the diamond grille with its single horizontal louvre.

The dynamism of the coupé line is especially evident in the rear-end design. A broad muscle in the vehicle flank beneath the C-pillar, that starts in the rear door and envelops the tail lamps, gives the GLE Coupé its powerful, ready-to-pounce appearance. Together with the elongated tail lamps, it highlights the width of the rear end. The lamps are specific to the coupé, but fit the characteristic day and night design of the Mercedes-Benz SUVs outline.

The GLE 400d Coupé combines the impressive power of an off-road vehicle with the emotively appealing sportiness and elegance of a coupé.
– Selvin Govender, Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa

Interior design: sporty, with particular design touches

The interior of the new GLE Coupé shares numerous features with the other models in the new premium-SUV family and clearly emphasises the sporty aspect. A familiar sight is the modern cockpit with two large 12.3-inch /31.2 cm screens. The strikingly styled instrument panel, horizontally divided by a trim tier, transitions seamlessly into the door panels. The sporty emphasis comes courtesy of the standard sports seats and the new sports steering wheel with nappa leather trim. The SUV touch, meanwhile, is added by the tall centre console with the dominant grab handles.

Enjoy the pleasure of being served: the Mercedes-Benz User Experience

The GLE Coupé offers the latest generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system with a host of functions for connectivity, entertainment and operating comfort. They include intuitive voice control and the learning capability of MBUX, as well as a large range of apps that can be integrated into or controlled with MBUX.

Driving assistance systems: even better support in all situations

The new GLE Coupé has the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems, which results in an especially high level of active safety. As standard, the new GLE Coupé boasts Active Brake Assist, which can help prevent rear-end collisions and collisions with crossing pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.

Some Intelligent Drive functions can be ordered as additional options. They include the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adaptation, which allows the vehicle to react to information from Live Traffic, even before the driver or the radar and camera sensors can perceive a traffic obstruction. When a traffic tailback is detected, the speed is reduced to approx. 100 km/h as a precaution unless the driver specifically decides otherwise.

The technical data of the new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé:

		GLE 400 d 4MATIC Coupé
Model/Number of cylinders/Arrangement		Diesel/6 in-line
Displacement	cc	2925
Rated output, combustion engine	kW/hp at rpm	243/330 at 3600-4200
Rated torque, combustion engine	Nm at rpm	700 at 1200-3200
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	s	5.7
Top speed	km/h	240
Consumption, combined	l/100 km	7.4-6.9
CO2 emissions, combined (AMG Line as standard)	g/km	210-202

Image courtesy of Motorpress

Priced from:

GLE 400 d 4MATIC Coupé: R 1 814 000

At a Glance: Meet the Mercedes-Benz GLS: The S-Class of SUV’s

vuyi on November 16, 2020

At the recent media presentation of the SUV range from Mercedes-Benz, our editor Vuyi Mpofu briefly interacted with the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Here is a bird’s-eye-view of what the luxurious vehicle has to offer.

Mercedes-Benz’s largest and most luxurious SUV to dates now available in South Africa, offering more space, more comfort and more luxury than ever before. The new Mercedes-Benz GLS is even larger than its predecessor, with a 60 mm longer wheelbase that provides increased interior spaciousness, and combines striking looks with outstanding comfort, agile handling and a high degree of off-road capability.

South African customers will be able to choose from the new Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d 4M and Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4M, which marks the world première of a new electrified V8 petrol engine with 48-volt on-board electrical system and integrated starter-generator.

“The new GLS is the S-Class of premium SUVs. It embodies luxury, confidence and intelligence like no other vehicle. In addition, it is the market leader in its segment – just like the S-Class Sedan,” says Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa.

The GLS 580 4MATIC’s new electrified V8 petrol engine has a displacement of four litres and produces an output of 360 kW and 700 Nm of torque, with another 250 Nm of torque and 16 kW of additional output temporarily on tap via EQ Boost. Combined fuel consumption is around 10.1-9.8 l/100 km. The GLS 400 d 4MATIC produces 243 kW and 700 Nm of torque, with combined fuel consumption of 7.9-7.6 l/100 km.

In both variants, power is transmitted by the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission.

The new GLS is the S-Class of premium SUVs. It embodies luxury, confidence and intelligence like no other vehicle.
– Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa

A new standard feature is the Carwash function, which moves the suspension to the highest position, folds in the exterior mirrors, closes the side windows and the sliding sunroof and switches the climate control to air-recirculation mode. It deactivates automatically when the driver drives out of the carwash and accelerates to a speed above 20 km/h.

Video credit: Opak Media

Exterior design: powerful presence

The front section of the new GLS exudes presence and power, with a striking appearance emphasised with an upright radiator grille and distinctive headlamp design.

Interior design: luxuriously elegant and powerfully progressive

The interior combines the comfort of a Mercedes-Benz luxury sedan with the robustly progressive detailing of an SUV. There are three fully electrically adjustable seat rows

The centre console offers a wireless-charging compartment for smartphones (Standard in the GLS 580) and standard additional USB ports. Rear passengers are further indulged with the optional Rear Comfort Package plus which includes luxury head restraints with additional cushions and the rearward-extended centre console between the front seats with cup holders.

The GLS combines modern luxury with the character of an off-roader. It combines powerful highlights of off-road design & capability with an elegance reminiscent of a classic luxury sedan.
– SELVIN GOVENDER, MARKETING DIRECTOR FOR MERCEDES-BENZ CARS SOUTH AFRICA

The Rear Comfort package Plus also includes removable 7-inch Android tablet in its own docking station in the second row’s larger luxury centre armrest, coupled with wireless charging in the rear. The tablet allows touch control of all the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) comfort and entertainment functions from the rear seat rows, such as access to radio, media, phone and web browser. It can also be used to control the Rear Seat Comfort package and the five-zone automatic climate control for the rear seats. The driver can assume control of all options and features from his or her seat at any time.

Driving assistance systems: even better support

The new GLS is equipped with the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with route-based speed adaptation allows the new GLS to recognise and respond to tailbacks or slow-moving traffic before the driver becomes aware of the hazard. When a traffic jam is detected on the highway (and if the driver does not choose a different response), DISTRONIC reduces the speed to around 100 km/h as a precaution. Once the tailback clears, the GLS accelerates back up to the pre-set speed.

Trailer Manoeuvring Assist is available as an option for drivers not familiar with towing trailers, or more experienced drivers towing longer trailers.

Suspension: AIRMATIC air suspension as standard

The GLS comes with the enhanced AIRMATIC air suspension system with Adaptive Damping System Plus fitted as standard. In addition to this, the air suspension keeps the car at the same level, regardless of the load on board. The off-road functions include recovery mode when coupled with the optional Off Road Engineering package.

If the GLS has become bogged down in a sand dune, for example, the suspension level is automatically raised and lowered several times, which changes the ground pressure of the tyres and therefore improves traction – the GLS rocks itself free. Individual wheel actuation allows the level at each wheel to be individually adjusted via the touchscreen of the media display, thus improving the vehicle’s alignment on rough terrain when one wheel is stuck in a ditch or a wheel spring is fully contracted, for instance. This also helps to increase traction and the torque at the wheel.

This is how the two GLS models compare:

	GLS 400 d 4MATIC	GLS 580 4MATIC
Number of cylinders/arrangement	6/in-line	V8
Displacement (cc)	2925	3982
Rated output (kW)	243	360
at rpm	3600-4200	5500
Extra output from EQ Boost (kW) on take-off	–	16
Rated torque (Nm)	700	700
at rpm	1200-3200	2000-4000
Add. torque from ECO Boost (Nm) on take-off	–	250
Fuel consumption combined (l/100 km)	7.9 – 7.6	10.0 – 9.8
Combined CO2 emissions(g/km)	208 – 201	229 – 224
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)	6.3	4.7
Top speed (km/h)	238	250

Image courtesy of Motorpress

We will be in a better position give a more in-depth overview of the GLS once we get it on test.

Pricing:

Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d – R1 842 000
Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 – R2 025 000

New entry-level Mercedes-AMG range set to attract lifestyle conscious drivers

vuyi on September 2, 2020

…the new Mercedes-AMG 35 4MATIC range is an extremely attractive offer for a young, active and lifestyle conscious target group…
– Selvin Govender, Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa

Mercedes-AMG has taken the wraps off its new Mercedes-AMG 35 4MATIC range. The new range offers an attractive entry point into the AMG stable for younger target groups looking for a high level of performance and style. The A 35 4MATIC will be available in South Africa in hatch, sedan and CLA 35 4MATIC formats.

“With its iconic design and agile driving dynamics, the new Mercedes-AMG 35 4MATIC range is an extremely attractive offer for a young, active and lifestyle conscious target group. These customers define their requirements very clearly: They expect exciting design from their vehicle alongside superior performance and inspiring handling characteristics. The new Mercedes-AMG 35 4MATIC range embodies just this attitude to life – and enables stepping into the fascinating world of AMG Driving Performance in a particularly emotional way,” said Selvin Govender, Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa.

Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress

Magnificently designed inside and out

The design of the new range draws unmistakable influences from motor racing, adding characteristic AMG elements to the design idiom of the A-Class.

The interior of the Mercedes-AMG 35 4MATIC range features a combination of sporty design and sophisticated details, including the MBUX multimedia system, with its innovative operating and display concept. MBUX replaces the previous COMAND systems, and creates an even closer connection between the vehicle, driver and passengers.

Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress

Technology

Needless to say, the Mercedes-AMG 35 4MATIC range also comes with trailblazing voice control, activated with the words “Hey Mercedes”. Thanks to artificial intelligence, MBUX recognises and understands nearly all sentences from the fields of infotainment and vehicle operation, even if they are expressed indirectly.

Driving Modes

On the road is where the new range comes into its own. Dynamism, agility and performance – these three attributes characterise the standard all-wheel drive of the new Mercedes-AMG AMG 35 4MATIC range. The variable AMG Performance combines the best possible traction with lots of driving fun, with torque distribution infinitely variable to suit the dynamic handling requirements.

Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress

The five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs – Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport + and Individual enable a wide range of vehicle characteristics from comfortable to dynamic. They change relevant parameters, such as the response of the engine and transmission.

Race Track Ready

For those who fancy themselves on the racetrack, AMG TRACK PACE is also available as an option for the new Mercedes-AMG 35 4MATIC range. The virtual race engineer is part of the MBUX multimedia system and permanently records more than 80 vehicle-specific data points while driving on a race track. On top of this lap and sector times are displayed, as well as the respective difference for a reference time. After putting in some fast laps, the driver can use the data to analyse and, if necessary, improve their driving skills.