Motor Authority - blog Category: GL Class

It's easy to blame the economy or the consequent poor car market for the delay of diesels from Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Nissan and Toyota, but that hasn't kept the Germans at BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen from turning up the wick on oil-burners. In fact, it's quite the opposite.

The Germans owe their leading position in U.S. diesels to their premium positioning and European provenance - it's easier to absorb the extra cost of a diesel vehicle when you can charge more for it and share the cost with volume production elsewhere.

The Japanese and American carmakers don't have those luxuries, producing primarily... It's easy to blame the economy or the consequent poor car market for the delay of diesels from Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Nissan and Toyota, but that hasn't kept the Germans at BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen from turning up the wick on oil-burners. In fact, it's quite the opposite. The Germans owe their leading position in U.S. diesels to their premium positioning and European provenance - it's easier to absorb the extra cost of a diesel vehicle when you can charge more for it and share the cost with volume production elsewhere. The Japanese and American carmakers don't have those luxuries, producing primarily mainstream vehicles and without substantial European diesel programs for the most part. But that doesn't mean the Germans won't be taking advantage of their position. Diesel fuel is more energy-rich than gasoline, and it recently dropped in price to be more affordable as well. Combined with modern emissions technology and low-sulfur diesel fuel, the solution is about as green as the average hybrid. And diesels do all of that for a cost of about $3,000-$8,000 per car, according to Automotive News. That's a substantial savings over the cost of many hybrid systems. Diesel engines also remain torquey and eminently drivable under a wide range of real-world conditions. On the other hand, hybrid versions carry more popular recognition and more 'street cred' as green machines. So as the cost-benefit analysis keeps the Americans and Japanese from returning to the U.S. market with their diesel engines, the Germans, particularly the luxury-segment marques, will be forging ahead, building their reach with little if any direct competition. One potential thorn in the diesel luxury car's side could be Lexus and its line of hybrids, including the first-ever dedicated hybrid luxury sedan, the 2010 HS 250h. Given that car's expected entry-level luxury positioning and performance, however, it's unlikely to challenge the BMW 335d. The SUV market is equally devoid of significant competition, with Lexus offering only the RX hybrid to do battle with the larger and more luxurious ML-Class and GL-Class BlueTec diesels and the Audi Q7. Read More

It wasn't so long ago that the superior fuel efficiency of diesel-powered vehicles could be rationalized away due to the higher per-gallon price of the fuel compared to gasoline. Now, however, a dip in the price of diesel has pushed it below gas, and lit sales on fire in the process.

The price difference is significant, especially when taken in light of the stronger fuel efficiency of most diesel engines. According to the Department of Energy, the average price for a gallon diesel as of June 22 is $2.61, while the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $2.69. If your car requires premium, that'll be another $0.25 or so -... It wasn't so long ago that the superior fuel efficiency of diesel-powered vehicles could be rationalized away due to the higher per-gallon price of the fuel compared to gasoline. Now, however, a dip in the price of diesel has pushed it below gas, and lit sales on fire in the process. The price difference is significant, especially when taken in light of the stronger fuel efficiency of most diesel engines. According to the Department of Energy, the average price for a gallon diesel as of June 22 is $2.61, while the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $2.69. If your car requires premium, that'll be another $0.25 or so - but you already knew that. So now that it's not just more efficient, but also cheaper, to drive a diesel, it's no surprise that Americans are flocking to the few carmakers that offer them. In fact, Volkswagen saw a rise of 71% in sales of the Jetta TDI between April and May, reports AutoWeek. They are expecting to do just as well or better in June. Mercedes-Benz is also benefiting hugely from the sales trend, in part because it offers both the M-Class and GL-Class SUVs with diesel powertrains, in addition to the R-Class crossover. Between the three, Mercedes has sold about 15,000 diesels so far this year in the U.S. BMW could also see some benefit from the lower fuel prices thanks to its offering of the 335d and X5 xDrive 35d. Those vehicles, along with the Volkswagen and Mercedes models, are also eligible for a tax break of between $900 and $1,800 under a provision of the Lean Burn bill. Read More

The 2010 model year is likely to be a bit of a letdown across the industry as companies back off product plans to weather the weak economy. But Mercedes-Benz has some plans for the model year, including its all-new lithium-ion powered S400 hybrid.

The S-Class hybrid will be the single largest mechanical update for the new model year, bringing what is billed as the first widely-marketed lithium-ion battery in a hybrid. The new hybrid will come with the rest of the S-Class in August of this year.

The standard S-Class sedans will also get a few updates, including new standard wheels, new driver assistance systems including Attention Assist,... The 2010 model year is likely to be a bit of a letdown across the industry as companies back off product plans to weather the weak economy. But Mercedes-Benz has some plans for the model year, including its all-new lithium-ion powered S400 hybrid. The S-Class hybrid will be the single largest mechanical update for the new model year, bringing what is billed as the first widely-marketed lithium-ion battery in a hybrid. The new hybrid will come with the rest of the S-Class in August of this year. The standard S-Class sedans will also get a few updates, including new standard wheels, new driver assistance systems including Attention Assist, Nightview Assist PLUS and Lane Keeping Assist. Other key changes include a renaming of the firm's diesel offerings from GL320, ML320 and R320 to GL350, ML350 and R350. The numbers typically indicate displacement, but in this case the name change doesn't appear to come with an engine upgrade - the same V6 turbodiesel lies under their hoods. GL-Class cars also get a facelift, POST-SAFE post-accident safety system, new options and two new paint colors: palladium silver and steel grey. M-Class cars get a hybrid addition in December in the form of the ML450 Hybrid, while the rest get standard burl walnut trim, tire pressure monitoring and upgraded steering wheels, along with the same new color options as the GL-Class. The vast majority of the rest of Mercedes' lineup goes on sale as 2010 models starting in August, with the GLK-Class already on sale, the E-Class jumping the gun in June, the CLS-Class starting in September, and the SL-Class, SLK-Class and G-Class waiting until October.2010 Mercedes-Benz E-class Coupe Official2010 Mercedes Benz S-Class facelift2010 Mercedes Benz S63 and S65 AMG sedans Read More

Mercedes Benz has some big plans for this week’s New York Auto Show, with no less than three world debuts planned, as well as the as the U.S. debuts of the 2010 model year E-Class Sedan and Coupe, and an early look at the 2010 model year facelift for the S-Class. The three world debuts include the unveiling of the all-new E63 AMG performance saloon, the production ML450 Hybrid and now the 2010 model year facelift for the GL-Class SUV.

On display is the renamed GL350 BlueTEC diesel and GL450 petrol model, both of which feature a restyled grille, new bumpers, wheels and new lights with LED accents. The GL350 BlueTEC, in particular,... Mercedes Benz has some big plans for this week’s New York Auto Show, with no less than three world debuts planned, as well as the as the U.S. debuts of the 2010 model year E-Class Sedan and Coupe, and an early look at the 2010 model year facelift for the S-Class. The three world debuts include the unveiling of the all-new E63 AMG performance saloon, the production ML450 Hybrid and now the 2010 model year facelift for the GL-Class SUV. On display is the renamed GL350 BlueTEC diesel and GL450 petrol model, both of which feature a restyled grille, new bumpers, wheels and new lights with LED accents. The GL350 BlueTEC, in particular, replaces the current GL350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and is claimed to offer 20-30% better fuel economy than the comparable petrol model. The seven-seat SUV also boasts an impressive cruising range – up to 600 miles at highway speeds. Other models in the range boast up to 5% lower fuel consumption than their predecessors, and the entire model family now meets the EU5 emissions standard. The interior of the GL-Class will accommodate up to seven passengers with more than ample space and comes with a mix of leather and Artico man-made leather seats with contrasting stitching as part of the new model year. The standard specification of the flagship GL 500 includes Nappa leather appointments. All the models feature new instrumentation, a multifunction steering wheel in Nappa leather and crash-responsive Neck-Pro head restraints for the driver and front passenger.2010 Mercedes Benz GL-Class SUV Read More

As further evidence that the sky isn't on as fierce a downward trajectory as some would have you believe, Mercedes-Benz is working on a planned $290 million Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant expansion. The new 200,000 sq ft addition will produce SUVs and other new models for American tastes.

Mercedes hasn't been immune from the global economic downturn in its sales or profit figures, but it continues to plan for the future. And that future includes more M-Class and GL-Class vehicles, and their successors, the company told the Tuscaloosa News.

“There is no doubt that we are going through the most historic times in our work lives," said Matt... As further evidence that the sky isn't on as fierce a downward trajectory as some would have you believe, Mercedes-Benz is working on a planned $290 million Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant expansion. The new 200,000 sq ft addition will produce SUVs and other new models for American tastes. Mercedes hasn't been immune from the global economic downturn in its sales or profit figures, but it continues to plan for the future. And that future includes more M-Class and GL-Class vehicles, and their successors, the company told the Tuscaloosa News. “There is no doubt that we are going through the most historic times in our work lives," said Matt Kendrick, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International's (MBUSI) general counsel. "So what is this company doing? We are not asking for a bailout." A bit over half the money - around $150 million - will go into a new body shop, with the rest spread around the facility's paint shop and assembly line. "We are investing with confidence in the products that we make," Kendrick continued. "We are confident the economy will come back, so we took this effort to put almost $300 million into the facility so we will be competitive with the Big Three, the other [foreign] transplants and even our sister manufacturing plants,” Even in the struggling economy, the U.S. continues to be one of the most important markets for luxury carmakers everywhere. So continuing to prepare for the future - even one that might not see a quick return to volume of 17 million vehicles per year - makes good business sense. Read More

It’s safe to say the Lagonda Concept from last week’s Geneva Motor Show for most would have been a major let down. The concept was designed by the same artists that pen cars like the Aston Martin DBS and One-77 supercar, but somehow it looked more like the deformed half-brother of the Lincoln MKT crossover rather than a bespoke luxury cruiser worthy of the storied Lagonda badge.

Of course its designers will say it was built that way to create controversy, but at the end of the day the Lagonda Concept is just plain ugly. Have faith, as a second, more polished concept is expected to be revealed as early as this May.

David... It’s safe to say the Lagonda Concept from last week’s Geneva Motor Show for most would have been a major let down. The concept was designed by the same artists that pen cars like the Aston Martin DBS and One-77 supercar, but somehow it looked more like the deformed half-brother of the Lincoln MKT crossover rather than a bespoke luxury cruiser worthy of the storied Lagonda badge. Of course its designers will say it was built that way to create controversy, but at the end of the day the Lagonda Concept is just plain ugly. Have faith, as a second, more polished concept is expected to be revealed as early as this May. David Richards, the chairman of one of Aston Martin’s major investors, Prodrive, has confirmed the development of a second Lagonda concept car to Le Blog Auto. He explained that the Geneva car was developed purely to gather feedback and is not a direct indication of what the actual production Lagonda will look like. The second concept will be completely different, he assured. Aston Martin has pointed out that the Lagonda brand will feature models with a completely different character to its own range of sports cars so expect to see some kind of crossover or sedan concept unveiled in May. You can also bet that it, like the GL-based Lagonda Concept, will be built on an existing Mercedes Benz platform.2009 Aston Martin Lagonda Concept Read More