Tag: Mercedes

Mercedes-Benz New MBUX Technical Details

Post author By Uygar Kilic
Post date July 25, 2020

Mercedes-Benz recently revealed their next-generation user interface system for the upcoming S-Class. I didn’t have a chance to try the system, so my assumptions are based upon what I have observed from press releases and others’ experience.

Since the Tesla Model S was launched, there has been a trend to remove all buttons from the dashboard, instead of replacing all controls via a touchscreen glass panel. On paper, it is a great way of minimising the clutter of buttons on the dashboard, whilst upholding a current on-trend aesthetic that is technologically savvy. Undeniably, it also looks great from a design perspective; who doesn’t admire Bauhaus (form follows function)?

By removing all necessary physical buttons and replacing them with a touch screen also created a new source for vehicle accidents; I crashed while I was trying to adjust the climate control temperature.

This problem is ousted by Mercedes-Benz’s voice-activated technology. The system assumes that people will say something and the car will simply understand; wishful thinking? There are so many accent and sentence structures, it is extremely challenging for a computer to understand what we want. You can also control everything from the interior buttons and knobs whilst driving, therefore it is very easy and safe.

Of course, Mercedes-Benz didn’t simply release a funky user interface. They introduced probably the best navigation system launched yet. By implementing augmented reality into the front screen, the navigation system will show arrows and provide direction directly from the windscreen, placing them at the correct points, instead of telling you ‘turn right after 200 meters’.

I loved the augmented reality navigation system and, likely, other manufacturers and brands will soon follow suit. Admittedly, though, I am not in favour of buttonless dashboards. These will only act to increase accidents and distract people. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if operating a touch screen dashboard is a violation of traffic law. Yes, we need touch screens but not for everything. A hybrid approach would be more optimal than a smartphone approach. What is essentially copying and pasting a smartphone experience into a 2-tone metal object that can travel up to 250 km/h is not the way to move forward.

Here is the technical details of the MBUX (next generation S-Class W223):
Display: 1888 x 1728 resolution, 12.8-inch and 200-ppi (pixel-per-inch) (Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max: 458-ppi)
Storage: 320 GB SSD
Memory: 16 GB RAM with 41,790 MB/sec (bandwidth)
Over-the-air updates

Images // Daimler AG

Tags MBUX, Mercedes, S-Class, W223

Cars

The New Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223) Leaked

Post author By Uygar Kilic
Post date May 29, 2020

Exactly seven years ago, Mercedes-Benz S-Class press photos were leaked around this time (I have the actual date on my Facebook memories). But this time, it is not a press photo but an Instagram photo. The notorious Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/cochespias/) for finding leaked car photos managed to find the images of the upcoming S-Class (W223). Sadly though, this is the next model! It looks like a Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan on steroids, and it has finally had its ultra-serious look removed. Yet unfortunately, the upcoming look of the S-Class reminds me of a ‘this look sells more cars’ face.

I am sure that many people will buy the new S-Class, there is no doubt about that. It is the critical player in this segment. But the interior is a bit disappointing. The new steering wheel is touch-capacitive capable, with Mercedes-Benz opting to use the touch screen features of a smartphone on the steering wheel and assumes that this is a good idea. While it means they don’t need moving buttons, this type of design will increase accidental taps and makes the learning curve too steep.

The centre console is a disaster. All touch screen trends started with the Range Rover and Audi caught this terrible virus. Now it is time for Mercedes-Benz. All touch screen centre consoles are pointless and silly – you can’t have button feedback, and you have to stop all the time to adjust the aircon temperature, or the seat heating, or whatever that can be done quickly using knobs and buttons.

Mercedes-Benz’s defence will, in all likelihood, be that it is a new technology and that the driver can use voice control. Voice control in cars has historically been rubbish and never works. Drivers need physical buttons and feedback to control basic controls while driving; otherwise they have to look at the central console to adjust minor things and stop looking at the road. This technology will work in level-5 autonomous vehicles, but we are not there yet! In the meantime, we still need physical buttons on the central console.

I think everyone agrees with you on this. So, what do you think about the buttonless touch only central consoles?

Tags Mercedes, S-Class, W223

Cars

Beautiful Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600

Post author By Uygar Kilic
Post date December 2, 2019

Following much anticipation, Mercedes-Benz has revealed its Maybach SUV, a vehicle that has been in the pipeline for nearly a decade. Just a few days ago, the Maybach GLS 600 SUV which is based on its existing GLS model.

Interestingly, the launch of the Maybach GLS 600 was timed to perfection. The GLS 600 may not be the most attractive of the luxury SUV market fleet, but from a behavioural economics perspective, we judge everything based on a reference point and the luxury SUV market hosts a more limited range of vehicles. Starting with the Bentley Bentayga, the Rolls Royce Cullinan and the Aston Martin DBX (that looks akin to a Ford Focus SUV despite Aston Martin not being affiliated with Ford). Owing to the competitors’ sense of design the GLS 600 does favourably well in terms of aesthetics and style.

The GLS 600 offers state-of-the-art technology that somewhat supersedes the existing S-Class (the S-Class will have a re-vamped model next year). The Mercedes-Benz technological capabilities are superior to the BMW brand and the VW Group, therefore you can enjoy the tech and added comforts bestowed by luxury brands such as Bentley or Rolls-Royce.

Regrettably, as seen on some of the press images, there are some less aesthetically appealing parts to the interior including some plastic trims. Admittedly, the slightly ridiculous front perspective of the car is not a selling point, but when compared with its rivals in this market, the other alternatives are not much improved. Interestingly, the GLS 600 is the only luxury SUV that offers a central differential lock and a low range gearbox, though this has not been officially confirmed as yet.

Unfortunately for Mercedes, the GLS 600 does not offer the 6-lt V12 engine that you can find inside the Mercedes-Benz S600. The GLS 600 featured a 4-lt V8 bi-turbo engine that is available on AMG models, however, failing to offer the V12 engine means that the GLS will lag behind the Bentley and Rolls-Royce.

Ultimately, the Maybach GLS 600 is a captivating vehicle for this market. Personally, I would not choose to purchase one, however, it will undoubtedly capture the market of Bentley Bentayga as well as penetrating the boundaries of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan market.
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Photo Credit // Mercedes-Benz

Tags Maybach GLS 600, Mercedes, Mercedes-Maybach

Cars

Why Mercedes-Benz Ended S65 AMG?

Post author By Uygar Kilic
Post date November 15, 2019

A couple of months ago, Mercedes-Benz finalised the SL65 AMG model – the legendary torque monster 6-lt V12 (Internal code M275). I still remember the day when I read about SL65 AMG being unveiled to the public – it was around 2005. The engine output looked insane, going as quick as 100 km/h just like the Ferrari F430 (3.9-sec to 100 km/h)! SL65 AMG was producing 612 HP and 1000 Nm of torque, but it was reduced to avoid destorying the transmission.

This engine was based on the existing V12 engine that was introduced in 1998 (Internal code M137). I can’t say the engines were the same, but they were very similar.

A V12 petrol engine with a bi-turbo was mind-blowing in those years. The Bugatti Veyron was still in the production phase, but it was failing all the time. Ferrari and Aston Martin were producing moderate engine outputs, but Mercedes-Benz came out from nowhere and upped the game.

In the following years, Mercedes-Benz introduced CL65 AMG, S65 AMG, G65 AMG (Yes, they made this for a very short period of time), Maybach 57S and 62S. All of these models were ready to burn some rubber.

As the years passed, the world changed, and the V12 bi-turbo engine became more efficient, kind of. Sadly, the emission restrictions and the lack of demand for this engine forced it out of production.

As people preferred the 63 models (they were much better at delivering power to the wheels), demand was drying out. Mercedes-Benz didn’t make a serious revision to the engine and instead kept using the outdated single overhead camshaft (SOHC) technology. We can’t ignore the weight imbalance when you place a massive V12 engine at the front of a car; it has a negative impact on braking and acceleration.

Unfortunately, 65 models struggled to deliver such enormous power to the road. Aside from the G65 AMG, the rest of the range had a layout of rear-wheel drive, which wasn’t the best set-up to deliver 1000 nm of torque to the road.

The torque problem was so serious that the last S65 AMG models were letting automatic transmission slip on the first two gears to keep the transmission in one piece. Otherwise, it would be shredded into pieces.

This year, Mercedes-Benz decided to stop making 65 models and introduced the S65 AMG Final Edition. It was limited to 130 vehicles, and the legendary V12 was producing 630 HP and 1000 Nm of torque. I am pretty sure this car will be a future ‘classic’ when looking back!

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Tags Mercedes, S65 AMG

Cars

Should Daimler AG Cut Cost for Mercedes-Benz?

Post author By Uygar Kilic
Post date May 6, 2019

There has been much discussion in the news recently about Daimler’s decision to cut costs with Mercedes-Benz due recent financial quarters indicating that it is underperforming. They are planning to make redundancies within Mercedes-Benz and are implementing new cost cutting measures.

This cost cutting is of particular interest. In 1997, when Mercedes-Benz revealed the M-Class SUV, it was a ground-breaking product that pioneered the SUV segment. The M-Class SUV was a beautifully designed vehicle; however, its production quality was terrible. There were noticeable exterior and interior gaps between the parts, so much so that you could easily put your finger between them. Such gaps are always a clear indication of a poor quality automotive.

This poor quality was also seen in the E-Class and other models, except for the S-Class. The E-Class and SL-Class released in 2002 were generally just problem cars. They had serious issues with the SBC brake systems, parts were failing and, whilst I am not saying this for dramatic effect, I remember a moment when a brand new E-Class’s spare tyre compartment lever fell off as soon as the customer tried to open it; it was just a plastic lever. The E-Class also had serious electronic problems; the horn was activating windscreen wipers; signals were flashing the fog lights – the story goes on.

During those years, Daimler decided to cut costs and rely on their heritage to sell cars. It was effective however when a car’s brakes fail, it is not something you can easily recover from. As a result of the problems of E-Class, M-Class, SL-Class, C-Class and others, Daimler invested heavily to restructure their quality and improve customer confidence in the brand. This was a very expensive decision.

Unfortunately, Daimler is heading in the same direction again. With the implementation of new cost cutting measures, it is inevitable that we will witness more electronic problems in the upcoming Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Whilst I hope this won’t happen, today’s vehicles are heavily reliant on electronics. When you cut costs or cut corners with electronics, the consequences are catastrophic. Especially during this era where the automotive industry is highly competitive and there is less consumer demand for cars.

Daimler’s decision to cut costs to satisfy investors will not go well. Sooner or later, they will have to invest heavily again to recover the damage they have caused. However, this time, the damage will be broadcast across social media, having a truly emphatic negative impact on the brand name; much more so than in 2000 when social media was less influential.

We all hoped that Daimler would adopt a more conscious cost cutting measurement this time around, but it seems they may not have learnt their lesson.

Photo Credit // Mercedes-Benz

Tags Automotive Industry, Daimler, Mercedes

Cars

Saying Goodbye to Mercedes SLC (aka SLK) Final Edition

Post author By Uygar Kilic
Post date February 27, 2019

Mercedes-Benz have announced the Final Edition for the SLC (aka SLK), with the initial yellow that was revealed in 1997. I was sad to learn that the SLC will no longer be produced. Nowadays, everyone wants to own an SUV, like the MPV trend a decade ago. During the last decade, people have moved away from sports cars and even sedans to SUVs. As the SUV market has become more saturated, there is an SUV for any taste.

People like the practicality of an SUV and assume that an SUV can be sporty. The demand for the sports car started to decline. This happened slowly but, when we look at recent years, people don’t really buy sports cars anymore. Just SUVs!

This trend is the most evident in the premium market; we still see Ferraris, Aston Martins, and Bentleys. However, we don’t really see BMW Z4s or SLCs like the old days. As I have understood, Mercedes-Benz pushed as far as possible to keep the SLC on the production line, but it didn’t manage to survive.

SLC was a ground-breaking car when it was revealed in 1997! With a metal roof and a very attractive design, it was the most iconic car of its era. However, the metal roof is a serious additional weight and people generally want more space. Also, most importantly, buying an SLC is not cool or trendy anymore. People usually buy this type of car to show that they are trendy and cool. They are not buying it for its features! As being trendy moved from SLC to GLC, people started to avoid the SLC.

This shockwave has reached the SL as well. Hopefully, Mercedes-Benz will keep the SL in production, even though it will make a loss. Their strategy is to keep an iconic product in the production line. Like the S-Class, the SL is an important asset of Mercedes-Benz and makes it distinctive from other manufacturers. People might be buying other Mercedes-Benz products while being influenced by the SL.

Long story short, the SLC is going to end soon, but it will be remembered in the future. I am sure the same will happen to SUVs, as it happened to MPVs. Sooner or later, we will see a reduction in the SUV range.

Photo Credit // Mercedes-Benz

Tags Mercedes, SLC, SLK

Cars

The New Mercedes-Benz GLE

Post author By Uygar Kilic
Post date October 16, 2018

Mercedes-Benz recently revealed the fourth generation GLE (otherwise known as the ML or M-Class). The first generation was recognised as entirely ground-breaking when it was first revealed in 1997. Prior to it being unveiled, the SUV did not exist; Mercedes-Benz created a new market. They did quite well with a half-baked vehicle. Despite this problem, it was a really good-looking vehicle.

Then the second generation of M-Class arrived. Despite the widespread improvements across every dimension of the car, the design did not benefit from the revamp, resulting in the M-Class becoming known as the most boring SUV.

The third generation failed to escape the boring reputation and was simply an average SUV. I, personally, couldn’t find a single reason to own one. One addition to the third generation that was interesting, however, was that Mercedes-Benz dropped the rear-differential lock and made it a proper soft off-roader. Additionally, the facelifted ML became the GLE!

We are now graced with the presence of the fourth generation of this historic brand and the design reached a different level. It looks hilarious and it kind of resembles the early sketches of the M-Class in the mid-1990s. Despite its melted LEGO design, it has some good tech underneath. Now, if you lose traction, the suspension system increases the pressure on the wheels to increase the traction, which is a brilliant trick! Unfortunately, Mercedes-Benz has yet to outline whether the new GLE has the rear differential lock or not.

Keep in mind, if you buy a 4-cylinder version, it will contain the old 4MATIC system. If you buy the larger engines, you will benefit from the new 4MATIC system that, currently, very little is known about.

Worth to buy? Kind of! The BMW X5 looks like an estate car and the Audi Q7 looks quite interesting. The Range Rover is being a Range Rover. Literally, it is up to you.

Photo credit // Mercedes-Benz

Tags GLE, M-Class, Mercedes

Fashion

Mercedes-Benz London Fashion Week Street Style 2017

Post author By Uygar Kilic
Post date April 20, 2017

The London Fashion Week with a delay. I know it has been ages since the London Fashion Week took place. However, it is never too late for the London Fashion Week Street Style. Here are the nice catches from the Street Style that emerged during the London Fashion Week.

You can also see the sneaky Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the background. MB is the official sponsor. :)

Mercedes-Benz London Fashion Week Street Style 2017

Photo Credits | Mercedes-Benz UK

Tags London Fashion Week, Mercedes

Cars

Mercedes-Benz Maybach G 650 Landaulet

Post author By Uygar Kilic
Post date February 22, 2017

Mercedes-Benz did it again! They created a sub brand and then stuck it to every Mercedes-Benz in existence. The iconic (this is very questionable) G-Wagon is ruined, first by offering the AMG, secondly with the G63 AMG 6×6, thirdly with the G63 AMG 4×4 and, finally, the Maybach.

From the outside, the Mercedes-Benz Maybach G 650 Landaulet looks fine, and it also has some retro touches from the past Mercedes-Benz models. However, the G-Wagon design is outdated and now preferred by people who want to show off. Also, in the meantime, the G-Wagon is not as well built as the old days, and the proof is here.

The main issue why I have with this G-Wagon is that the Maybach extension is too much for it. I drove this car, and was not comfortable ride at all. You are still driving on a ladder frame chassis and leaf springs at the rear-axle. Despite these facts, Mercedes-Benz did a great job with the car. I really love the rear seats and the final touches.

Do my comments matter? Actually, no. This car will be produced with a number of 99, and I am sure those cars are already gone. Mercedes-Benz has a very strong emotional bond with customers and it won’t be a struggle to sell all them. However, stretching a brand like Maybach sometimes can create uncomfortable situations like this.

What about the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class? My suggestion: go buy one! Seriously, buy it! It offers the best price for the best features. I really loved the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class; however extending the Maybach sub brand to other ranges is still questionable. Existing SUVs are not offering up-to-date features and the comfort to match the promises of Maybach comfort and quality. Anyway, this G-Wagon will be a collectors’ item in future.

Performance? Mercedes-AMG V12 biturbo, which delivers a maximum output of 463 kW (630 hp) with a peak torque of 1000 Newton-metres!

Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, W 463, 2016

Photo Credit | Mercedes-Benz

Tags G 650, Maybach, Maybach G 650 Landaulet, Mercedes

Cars

I Tried to Love the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R

Post author By Uygar Kilic
Post date September 7, 2016

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R is a proper McLaren and Porsche competitor, but I would never fancy one. This is because it is a Mercedes-Benz and I would never ever buy a Mercedes-Benz over a Porsche 911! Despite this fact, Mercedes-Benz is doing really well with the AMG GT and recently introduced the AMG GT R to reduce the monotony of the AMG GT’s design.

To be fair, I like the design of the AMG GT R. It looks really appealing and is probably marvellous to drive. However, when I think about a Porsche 911, it stops my day dreaming.

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R is a great car. I would never ever complain about its performance, but it lacks the emotional bond. On the other hand, the Porsche 911 has been an icon for more than a half century. It is really hard to convince the Porsche 911 lovers to love a Mercedes-Benz.

Der neue Mercedes-AMG GT R: Entwickelt in der „Grünen Hölle“

AMG GT R im Windkanal; 2016 ; AMG GT R in the wind tunnel; 2016;

AMG GT R im Windkanal; 2016; aktives Aerodynamik-Profil im Unterboden (geschlossen) ; AMG GT R in the wind tunnel; 2016; active aerodynamics profile in the underbody (closed);

AMG GT R im Windkanal; 2016; aktives Aerodynamik-Profil im Unterboden (offen) ; AMG GT R in the wind tunnel; 2016; active aerodynamics profile in the underbody (opened);

AMG GT R im Windkanal; 2016 ; AMG GT R in the wind tunnel; 2016;

AMG GT R; 2016; Rennstrecke; Interieur: Leder Nappa/Mikrofaser Dinamica Schwarz, Carbon Zierteile ;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 11,4 l/100 km, CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 259 g/km AMG GT R; 2016; race track; Interior: nappa leather / DINAMICA microfibre upholstery, carbon-fibre trim parts; Fuel consumption, combined: 11.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions, combined: 259 g/km

AMG GT R; 2016; Landstraße; Exterrieur: AMG Green Hell magno; neuer AMG Panamericana Grill ;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 11,4 l/100 km, CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 259 g/km AMG GT R; 2016; country road; Exterior: AMG Green Hell magno, new AMG Panamericana radiator grille; Fuel consumption, combined: 11.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions, combined: 259 g/km

AMG GT R; 2016; Detail; starrer Heckflügel ; AMG GT R; 2016; detail; fixed rear aerofoil;

AMG GT R; 2016; Detail; AMG Performance Schmiederad exklusiv für AMG GT R ; AMG GT R; 2016; detail; AMG performance forged wheel exclusive for the AMG GT R;

AMG GT R; 2016; Detail; Heckleuchten in LED-Technik ; AMG GT R; 2016; detail; LED tails lights;

AMG GT R; 2016; Detail; Luftauslass Vorderkotflügel ; AMG GT R; 2016; detail; air outlet at the front wings;

AMG GT R; 2016; Detail; 4,0-Liter-V8-Biturobomotor; 430 kW, 700 Nm ;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 11,4 l/100 km, CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 259 g/km AMG GT R; 2016; detail;4.0 liter V8 biturbo engine; 430 kW, 700 Nm; Fuel consumption, combined: 11.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions, combined: 259 g/km

AMG GT R; 2016; Design; Exterrieur: AMG Green Hell magno ;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 11,4 l/100 km, CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 259 g/km AMG GT R; 2016; design; Exterior: AMG Green Hell magno; Fuel consumption, combined: 11.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions, combined: 259 g/km

AMG GT R; 2016; Design; Exterrieur: AMG Green Hell magno; neuer AMG Panamericana Grill ;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 11,4 l/100 km, CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 259 g/km AMG GT R; 2016; design; Exterior: AMG Green Hell magno, new AMG Panamericana radiator grille; Fuel consumption, combined: 11.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions, combined: 259 g/km

AMG GT R; 2016; Landstraße; Exterrieur: AMG Green Hell magno ;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 11,4 l/100 km, CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 259 g/km AMG GT R; 2016; country road; Exterior: AMG Green Hell magno; Fuel consumption, combined: 11.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions, combined: 259 g/km

AMG GT R; 2016; Landstraße; Exterrieur: AMG Green Hell magno ; Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 11,4 l/100 km, CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 259 g/km AMG GT R; 2016; country road; Exterior: AMG Green Hell magno; Fuel consumption, combined: 11.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions, combined: 259 g/km

AMG GT R; 2016; Rennstrecke; Exterrieur: AMG Green Hell magno; neuer AMG Panamericana Grill ;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 11,4 l/100 km, CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 259 g/km AMG GT R; 2016; race track; Exterior: AMG Green Hell magno, new AMG Panamericana radiator grille; Fuel consumption, combined: 11.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions, combined: 259 g/km

AMG GT R; 2016; Rennstrecke; Exterrieur: AMG Green Hell magno ;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 11,4 l/100 km, CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 259 g/km AMG GT R; 2016; race track; Exterior: AMG Green Hell magno; Fuel consumption, combined: 11.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions, combined: 259 g/km

AMG GT R; 2016; Rennstrecke; Exterrieur: AMG Green Hell magno ;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 11,4 l/100 km, CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 259 g/km AMG GT R; 2016; race track; Exterior: AMG Green Hell magno; ; Fuel consumption, combined: 11.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions, combined: 259 g/km

Der neue Mercedes-AMG GT R: Entwickelt in der „Grünen Hölle“

Photo Credit | Mercedes-Benz

Tags AMG, Mercedes, Mercedes AMG GT R