Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Mercedes-Benz South Africa announces introduction of five full Battery Electric Vehicles

By H&H Admin

Through the introduction and inauguration of Mercedes-EQ to the South African market – the all-electric world of Mercedes-Benz and the brand which represents all electric powered vehicles, Mercedes-Benz has provided further proof that the age of electric mobility has arrived.

Five new models from the global Mercedes-EQ range will be launched during the course of 2022 in South Africa as part of a clear strategic push to position the brand as a global and local leader in the electric vehicle market.

The range for 2022 includes the EQA SUV, the family-sized SUV EQB, The mid-sized EQC, based on the GLC platform, the electric business sedan EQE and the luxury sedan EQS. These fully electric vehicles from the Mercedes-EQ family are part of a transformation that’s gaining momentum rapidly.

Mercedes- EQS world premiere with Alicia Keys

Leading in electric drive and digitization is a key pillar of the Mercedes-Benz strategy that was announced by Mark Raine, newly appointed President of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa.

The new strategy aims to leverage the brand’s strengths in the luxury space, while unlocking the full potential of its unique speciality brands, namely AMG, Maybach, and EQ.

From L-R : Selvin Govender, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Mark Raine, President of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa
Market and network readiness

Raine is confident that South Africa will see a strong uptake and growth in the luxury electric vehicle market in the next 12-24 months. “Technology is the key to engineering a sustainable future. As the leading premium luxury automotive brand, we are once again leading the way into the future of the automobile and mobility as a whole”.

Raine announced that Mercedes-Benz Cars will collaborate with Grid Cars for public charging, and that every EQ customer will additionally receive a complimentary Mercedes-EQ wall charger, installed at a location of their choice.

Raine added that 36 of its Agent partners across South Africa have been appointed as Retail and Service partners for Mercedes-EQ, which will add to the public charging grid and also provide highly trained professionals both at sales and aftersales levels to help overcome any reservations around issues like range anxiety.

The new Mercedes-EQ range

Selvin Govender, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, stated that the “Mercedes-EQ range will provide benchmark performance for South African’s in the EV space. The EQ-design language of “sensual purity” combined with “progressive luxury” is highlighted by the specific exterior and interior design elements, and are completed by an EV-service ecosystem”.

EQA: all-electric dynamic sports SUV 

The EQA is a dynamic, all-electric sport SUV. A close relation of the GLA, it delivers all the characteristics of that vehicle, combined with an efficient electric powertrain.

The EQA 250 derivative will be available for the South African market, with a power output of 140KW, a range of up to 412km (WLTP) and a combined electrical consumption of 17.7kWh/100km.

The EQB: all-electric family size SUV 

The new EQB is an iconic electric SUV which incorporates the square forms of Mercedes-Benz off-roaders and projects them into the future. Whether it’s for a large nuclear family (7-Seat option available) or a small extended family, the new EQB offers space for many family configurations and a wide variety of transport needs. This gives it an exceptional position among compact electric cars.

This all-electric compact SUV will be available in the form of the EQB 350 4MATIC derivative. This all-wheel drive model offers a power output of 215KW, a range of up to 419km and a combined electrical consumption of 17.4kWh/100km.

EQC: all-electric mid-sized SUV

The EQC was the first car to be produced by Mercedes-Benz in the line of the new generation of the Mercedes-Benz EQ family with a battery electric drivetrain. It marked the start of the transfer of Mercedes-Benz towards future electric mobility.

This all-wheel drive model offers a power output of 300KW, a range of up to 437 km*(WLTP) and a combined electrical consumption of 21.3kWh/100km *(WLTP).

The EQE: all-electric business sedan

The new EQE offers all the essential functions of the range topping EQS in a slightly more compact format. The EQE’s interior dimensions even exceed those of today’s E-Class, carrying the concept of the business sedan into the future.

The EQS: all-electric luxury sedan

The first all-electric premium sedan from Mercedes-EQ, the EQS redefines the luxury vehicle segment. The innovative and holistic design is based on a new vehicle architecture which fuses technology, design, functionality and connectivity, delighting both drivers and passengers.

With ranges up to 780 kilometres and an output of up to 385 kW. The first models to come onto the market are the 245kW EQS 450+, with combined electrical consumption of 18.9-16.2 kWh/100 km.

We will share pricing and other details once it is made available to us

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is here and it offers a new kind of comfort

By H&H Admin

A new type of comfort zone is here to challenge the status quo. The 6th generation C-Class boasts minimalist design, luxurious comfort and innovative assistance systems. 

The new C-Class, which reaches local showrooms from December 2021, is manufactured in the Mercedes-Benz Cars plants in Bremen, Beijing and East London. 

Mark Raine, Co- CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa says the fact that East London is one of three global manufacturing plants for the new C-Class is a ‘massive success story’ for the local industry.

Mark Raine:Co- CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa Image: Going Places/Malaysia Airlines
Bigger, better, sleeker

“The new C-Class is a sportive incarnation of luxury. It combines dynamic proportions with reduced design lines and sculptural surfaces. I have no doubt that the new C-Class will excite current and future customers with its wide range of high-tech features derived from the flagship S-Class”, said Mark Raine, Co- CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa. 

Considerably larger than its predecessor, with a length of 4751 mm and a width of 1820 mm, the wheelbase of the incoming C-Class has been increased by 25 mm to 2865 mm.   It features a dynamic exterior design and a sumptuous interior that borrows heavily from the flagship S-Class. 

“The new C-Class is being launched into the South Africa market initially with the C200 and C220d engine derivatives, both sporting four-cylinder units from the current modular FAME (Family of Modular Engines) Mercedes-Benz engine family,” said Selvin Govender, Director of Marketing and Sales for Mercedes-Benz Cars. 

The C200 boasts power delivery of 150kw and 300Nm of torque, while the C220d delivers 147kw and 440Nm of Torque. The C220d achieves a combined fuel consumption of 4.6l/100km and the C200 achieves a combined fuel consumption of 6.6l/100km. 

Govender added, “The C200 is also available at launch in a limited debut edition known as Edition 6, which has numerous visual accents which underlines its exclusivity. Edition 6 will be limited to 400 units. 

Technical view at a glance:

  C 200C 220 d
Displacementcc14961993
OutputkW150147
atrpm5800-61003600
Add. output (boost)kW1515
Peak torqueNm300440
atrpm1800-40001800-2800
Add. torque (boost)Nm200200
Combined fuel consumption[1]l/100 km6.6-6.24.6-4.3
Acceleration 0-100 km/hs7.37.3
Top speedkm/h246245
Total fuel consumption WLTPl/100 km7.2-6.35.2-4.4
Retail Price R849 000R908 500

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

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

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

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 enginekW/hp at rpm243/330 at 3600-4200
Rated torque, combustion engine Nm at rpm 700 at 1200-3200 
Acceleration 0-100 km/h s5.7 
Top speed km/h240 
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

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 4MATICGLS 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-off16 
Rated torque (Nm) 700 700 
at rpm 1200-3200 2000-4000 
Add. torque from ECO Boost (Nm) on take-off250
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

…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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.