2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG First Drive

The modern-day Mercedes-Benz G-Class is loaded with contradictions. It's an incredibly capable off-roader, but few ever see so much as a dusty trail. Relatively inefficient, truck-based SUVs are a dying breed, but the G-Wagen just had one of its best sales years ever in 2011. And given its utilitarian origins and mission, models like the 2013 Mercedes G63 AMG we just hustled around continue to make very little sense, but remain a heck of a lot of fun.

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Every AMG model in the stable has been getting a heart transplant, and the new G63 AMG (replacing the G55 AMG here in the U.S.) deploys a version of AMG's new 5.5-liter V-8 twin-turbo tuned to make 544 hp and 560-lb-ft in the G63. The engine is mated to an AMG-optimized version of Benz's seven-speed automatic. Also like the other AMG models, the G63 gets a stop/start system to help it gulp a smidge less gas. The G550 is also still available and continues with the naturally aspirated 382-hp, 5.5-liter V-8, fitted to a seven-speed automatic. There's also a V-12-powered G65, but that one isn't coming to the U.S.

To serve as a reminder that this is still an incredibly capable vehicle, Benz also rolled out a G-Class Professional model -- the bare-bones version sold to peacekeeping organizations and adventurers -- for us to evaluate on a tight trail before we got busy with the G63 out on the twisty country roads. Both models utilize the same four-wheel-drive system and three locking differentials (one of the G's hallmark features) but the Professional doesn't get all the fancy electronics. It's set up to appeal to buyers who want their G-wagens to be as uncomplicated as possible. And no, it isn't sold in the U.S., either. Predictably, the Professional G excelled off-road and easily conquered mud, off-camber sections, and bulky rocks.

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While the G63 and the Professional have the same basic underpinnings, it's probably best to avoid conquering rocks in the AMG version (wouldn't want to scratch it!). The G63 has a nasty, deep engine growl, and makes this big, blocky body-on-frame truck genuinely fast. AMG quotes a 5.3-second 0-60 mph time, plenty quick for a vehicle approaching three tons. The engine is equipped with a start/stop system thatkills and starts up the engine surprisingly well, and the transmission responds quickly, making it feel lighter than it is. The ride is compliant, but there is no question you're driving an old-school truck.

Driving the G63 back-to back with the Professional highlighted the difference in interior amenities. The most noteworthy new design features inside are the steering wheel and seven-inch HD screen. There's also an upgrade to the COMAND system that changes the look of the center stack. More significantly, Mercedes has fitted the G-Class with a new electronics architecture that allows the inclusion of new-to-the-G features like blind-spot assist, Distronic Plus, and Parktronic. Both the G550 and G63 receive electromechanical steering and hill-start assist. On the outside, there are new LED daytime running lights, a new grille, and a red brake caliper option for the G63.

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Mercedes worked hard to add new features to a platform with origins that predate the crash and emissions standards that exist today, while maintaining the right balance of capability and luxury. At first it may seem amazing that people spend six figures on a vehicle like this when they know they're never going off-road, but when you shut the vault-like doors, hear the rumble of the big V-8, and then the mechanical "clack" of the power door locks as you accelerate, it suddenly makes sense.

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Sport Sedan

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Active Lane Keeping Assist Vehicle Safety Technology

Mercedes-Benz GLK Photo Gallery and Overview

 

17 May 2012 | JDavis

Following the world premiere in April 2012, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK is displaying its full credentials on- and off-road. Its claim to leadership of the compact SUV segment is underscored by trailblazing assistance systems, engines matching efficiency with agility, a new design and an extended range of equipment and appointments.

The newly designed exterior lends the GLK added dynamism. The body combines classic elements of all-terrain vehicles with the design idiom of the current Mercedes-Benz models. Stringent lines, expansive surfaces and the smooth-surfaced, volume-emphasizing front and rear areas harmonise with the hallmark GLK body features which are typical of classic, functional all-terrain vehicles. Apart from the attendant benefits in off-road terrain, this design also offers concrete advantages in day-to-day use. The high seat position provides a commanding view of the traffic situation, with the body lines also designed for excellent visibility.

The designers at the Centre of Competence for Interiors have undertaken a thorough makeover of the dashboard, for example: a wide trim in aluminium or optionally in wood spans the entire width of the dashboard. The new round vents and additional trim elements in silver shadow also catch the eye. A high-end colour display is optionally available for the instrument cluster. A three-spoke sports steering wheel, new upholstery colours and seat designs plus indirect ambient lighting featuring LED fibre-optic technology, which is available on the GLK for the first time, further enhance the feel-good atmosphere inside the car.

Clean machines: the GLK engine range

The range of engines provides for drive comfort and attractive performance in all GLK models in conjunction with low emissions and fuel consumption. In all, there is a choice of six diesel models and one petrol engine. The GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC features a four-cylinder diesel engine generating 150 kW (204 hp) of power and 500 Newton metres of torque from a displacement of 2143 cc. Despite its formidable performance, this model is extremely frugal when it comes to fuel consumption: on average, the compression-ignition engine consumes 6.1 to 6.5 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (159 – 169 g CO2/km, NEDC combined mode).

The two rear-wheel-drive models GLK 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with six-speed manual transmission are even more fuel‑efficient. Both versions get by on 5.5 – 5.6 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres (143 – 147 g CO2/km, NEDC combined mode). The top performer among the diesel versions is the GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY. Despite the 25 kW (35 hp) power increase, the top diesel model runs on around 17 percent less fuel, at 6.9 – 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres (179 – 183 g CO2/km, NEDC combined mode). The GLK 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY petrol-engine model featuring the trailblazing engineering of the leading generation of V-engines deploys BlueDIRECT technology to make its mark in terms of performance and fuel consumption.

The excellent fuel economy of all GLK models is underpinned by a comprehensive package of BlueEFFICIENCY measures as well as by this state-of-the-art engine technology. In addition to the ECO start/stop function that comes as standard, these measures include the seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. Low-friction axle drives, electric steering and tyres with low rolling resistance also play their part in reducing fuel consumption.

Exemplary safety as standard

Assistance systems familiar from the S- and E-Class feature as standard to enable a further improvement in active safety and driver-fitness safety and take the compact SUV to the top of its market segment. Electric steering with STEER CONTROL, which supports the driver in unstable driving conditions by triggering an impulse which can be felt on the steering wheel, prompting countersteering by the driver in the correct direction, Brake Assist (BAS), which provides additional brake power when emergency braking is detected, and ADAPTIVE BRAKE featuring Hill-Start Assist, HOLD function, brake drying in the wet and priming of the brake system all support the driver. The high standard of active safety is ensured by the AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system, the ESP® Electronic Stability Program with integrated trailer stabilisation and tyre pressure loss warning and, on the 4MATIC models, by permanent all-wheel drive and the 4ETS electronic traction system.

Optional equipment includes the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system and the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory safety system. Additional assistance systems, including active variants, are optionally available. One example here is Active Parking Assist, enabling automatic manoeuvring into and out of parking spaces. To facilitate manoeuvring when visibility is poor there is a backup camera with guide lines or – for the first time from Mercedes-Benz – a 360° camera. Additional systems are optionally available as individual items or in special packages. The Driving Assistance package Plus comprises DISTRONIC PLUS including BAS PLUS, PRE-SAFE® Brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist. The Parking package combines the described 360° camera including Active Parking Assist and PARKTRONIC. The Lane Tracking package includes Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist. Another new development is the Offroad Engineering package in combination with the Intelligent Light System (ILS). Offroad Light is available here for trips in difficult terrain. Specific headlamp settings provide for better off-road orientation by more widespread illumination of the field of vision.

The revamped GLK-Class incorporates the integral safety concept in keeping with Mercedes-Benz’s brand philosophy, which is based first and foremost on real accident scenarios. The GLK’s highly robust occupant cell provides an effective basis for occupant protection in conjunction with the front and rear deformation zones. The GLK comes with numerous standard-fit items of equipment to protect its occupants. In addition to airbags, pelvisbags and sidebags for driver and front passenger, there are also windowbags for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers as well as a kneebag for the driver. The crash-responsive pedals and the crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints for driver and front passenger further bolster the level of protection. An active bonnet serves to reduce the risk of injury for the more vulnerable road users.

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Mercedes-Benz brings the power with newly redesigned SLK 350

Who needs a double espresso when you’ve got this angry little tyrant? The recently redesigned Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 convertible may not fit the bill for big and tall motorists – that’s why Goddess made Mustangs – but its 3.5 liter, 6-cylinder, 7-speed transmission engine provided plenty of ferocity during a recent test up to New Paltz, New York. There, I carved corners, stepped on it when the coast was clear, spun the car’s racy flat-bottom steering wheel left and right to my heart’s content and dug its 11-speaker, 500-wattharman/kardon surround sound system. 

The SLK-350 comes with three different engines – a 4-cylinder turbo, a V-8 and my tester, a V-6.  Prices start at $54,800 for the base engine, and naturally rise from there as you move up in power. The list of SLK goodies is long and luxurious, too. Smart-looking 18-inch wheels, fine interior wood trim, LED daytime running lamps, adaptive bi-xenon headlamps, heated seats, keyless start, leather seats, 8-way power sports seats all come with.

And where to visit, once in New Paltz? Mohonk Mountain House.  One doesn’t merely arrive at this turreted seven-story structure, stretching nearly 1/8 of a mile and surrounded by more than 28,000 acres of state park land and private preserves. One instead wafts gently out of 2012 into 1869, when the property was first built. Horses clip-clop past the front entrance. Guests row boats and paddle canoes and kayaks on the lake around the back of the building.  Mohonk’s architects, bricklayers and first guests have long since departed the building but their work lives on, and it is masterful. There is much to do and things to see as well as specials galore, and they got that internet, too. www.Mohonk.com

When you’re done visiting your castle, will you be revving the SLK 350 through a snowstorm, helping a pal move a pool table, or lugging a set of drums to a gig? No. But that’s not the point when your top comes down in a mere 20 seconds and you’ve got crisp metallic trim on your gauges, controls and air vents reminiscent of Benz’s SLS AMG supercar.  This is a here-now car – or, rather, here and gone.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/mercedes-benz-brings-power-newly-redesigned-slk-350-article-1.1078434#ixzz1uxy6RYp6