Tag: Mercedes

Apple Maps Vans in Birmingham, England

Post author By Uygar Kilic
Post date July 28, 2015

Apple Maps vans in Birmingham, England. You may have noticed Apple vans on the news. They are out scanning the roads and paths of the whole of the UK for Apple Maps to generate street view feature. Basically, when these Apple Maps vans finish their job, you will be able to go around most of the cities of the UK, the USA and the EU. It is the same concept as Google Street View.

In addition, these vans will improve the Apple Maps, which does have a very bad reputation in terms of accuracy. When Apple Maps was first revealed, searching for London will end up with you in Canada instead of in England!

Anyway, what I want to share today is that I spotted one of these vans in Birmingham city centre in England. It was a total surprise and very many other people noticed the vehicle as well. Actually, it is really hard to avoid the Mercedes-Benz Vito van with its Apple Maps stickers and laser scanners, cameras and other measurement sensors.

So it was something that was quite exciting for me.

Tags Apple, Apple Maps, Birmingham, Mercedes

Cars

Mercedes-Benz GLC Facts and Photos

Post author By Uygar Kilic
Post date July 1, 2015

Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4MATIC (X 253) 2015, CITRINBRAUN MAGNO, Artico/Stoff Espresso, Offroad Line Exterieur

Mercedes-Benz GLC was known previously as GLK. If you live in a country where you drive on the left hand side of the road, you will probably never heard of one or never seen one. GLK was never introduced as a right hand drive version due to engineering and manufacturing costs. However, Mercedes-Benz has now decided to offer the GLC with right hand drive as well.

Why GLC?

Mercedes-Benz decided to rebrand their whole product range and make it sounds more logical. Now GL means that it’s an off-road vehicle and C means that it is based on the C-Class. So you can understand what the product is initially related to. GLC is basically an off-road version of the C-Class.

Also, in the GLC, Mercedes-Benz offers the latest driving assistance and pre-crash system. The GLC is now capable of semi-autonomous driving, in that it can drive by itself up to 60 km/h! Also, radar-guided cruise control now manipulates the steering wheel to keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane. The GLC can also stop by itself if a crash is inevitable. Also, it can also detect cross-traffic and breaks by itself. With these driving assistance systems, GLC has become the safest vehicle on its class! This will be the case until BMW improves the X3.

Suspension?

For the first time, this class offers air suspension. Now you can order your GLC with Air Body Control (Don’t know the difference between the AirMatic ). This system enables the driver to raise and lower the vehicle and improve the ride in off-road conditions.

Off-Road?

GLC is trying its best to offer an off-road option. Similar to the Land Rover Discovery Sport, the GLC Off-Road Engineering package offers five different driving modes for different terrains. It will definitely help you to battle with adverse road conditions, but don’t expect a lot!

The new GLC is ‘way better than the previous GLK. It offers a really high quality interior, and the Mercedes-Benz latest technology. In terms of off-road capabilities, it will do its best, but don’t go for GLC if you are keen on heavy off-road experiences. Is it better than the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5? Yes! Better than the Land Rover Discovery Sport? Yes, as well.

	GLC 220 d 4MATIC	GLC 250 d 4MATIC	GLC 250 4MATIC
Output, kW/hp	125/170	150/204	155/211
Torque, Nm	400	500	350
Fuel consumption (l/100 km)	5.0 – 5.5 (6.1 – 6.5)	5.0 – 5.5 (6.1 – 6.6)	6.5 – 7.1 (7.5 – 7.9)
CO2 g/km	129 – 143 (159 – 169)	129 – 143 (159 – 169)	152 – 166 (173 – 180)
0-100 km/h	8.3 (8.5)	7.6 (8.0)	7.3 (7.9)
Top Speed km/h	210 (205)	222 (210)	222 (215)

Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4MATIC (X 253) 2015, CITRINBRAUN MAGNO, Artico/Stoff Espresso, Offroad Line Exterieur

Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC, EDITION 1, (X 253) 2015, SELENITGRAU met, Designo Leder Nappa Platinweiß, AMG Line Exterieur

Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4MATIC (X 253) 2015, CITRINBRAUN MAGNO, Artico/Stoff Espresso, Offroad Line Exterieur Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC, EDITION 1, (X 253) 2015, SELENITGRAU met, Designo Leder Nappa Platinweiß, AMG Line Exterieur — Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4MATIC (X 253) 2015, CITRINBRAUN MAGNO, Artico/Stoff Espresso, Offroad Line Exterieur
Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC, EDITION 1, (X 253) 2015, SELENITGRAU met, Designo Leder Nappa Platinweiß, AMG Line Exterieur

Mercedes-Benz GLC (X 253) 2015, Windkanal

Photo Credit | Mercedes-Benz

Tags GLC, GLK, Mercedes

Cars

Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Facelift

Post author By Uygar Kilic
Post date May 8, 2015

Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G63; Exterior: galactic beam

The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon has received a minor facelift. And it was revealed just few hours ago. In case you have no idea about the G-Wagon, it is Mercedes-Benz’s oldest off-road vehicle and never changes in style. Until the mid 2000s, it was only used by off-roading enthusiasts and people who really loved them. After 2005, celebrities started to prefer the G-Wagon to look cool and avoid getting papped at the gym due to the G-Wagon’s uber utilitarian characteristics.

Despite the G-Wagon’s unchanged look, it has received some facelifts over the years. And the latest facelift is literally impossible to spot except for Mercedes-Benz’s new brand strategy of placing ‘d’ on the diesel engines like in the old days. Now it is called the G 350 d. This 3-lt diesel engine now produces 245 HP and 600 nm of torque. The G 500 now features the latest 4-lt turbo petrol engine with 422 HP and 610 nm of torque.

What about the AMGs?

G 63 AMG is now making 571 HP and 760 nm of torque and the enormous V12 G 65 AMG is producing 630 HP and 1000 nm of torque. And these models will probably be the best choice for anyone who wants to look cool.

Interior

The interior has received a minor revision that is really impossible to spot and also looks more modern; the pointers and dials have been tweaked. Regarding the exterior, restyled bumpers and AMG flared wheel arches are the places that make this facelift unique!

The G-Wagon still offers a low-range gearbox, three differential locks and chassis that can cope with the toughest terrain conditions.

If you’re hesitating over buying a G-Wagon due to its current popularity, go for the G 350d model. Its diesel engine and torque level gear this model towards off-road enthusiasts, rather than celebrity fans!

Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G 63; Exterierur: designo mysticbraun bright; exterior: design mystic brown bright — Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G 63;
Exterierur: designo mysticbraun bright;
exterior: design mystic brown bright

Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; G 500 Interieur: designo Nappaleder hellbraun interior: designo nappa leather light brown — Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; G 500
Interieur: designo Nappaleder hellbraun
interior: designo nappa leather light brown

Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; G 500; Exterieur: obsidianschwarz metallic exterior: obsidian black — Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; G 500;
Exterieur: obsidianschwarz metallic
exterior: obsidian black

Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G 63; Exterior: AMG solar beam — Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G 63;
Exterior: AMG solar beam

Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G 63; Exterior: sunset beam — Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G 63;
Exterior: sunset beam

Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G 63; Exterior: aliengreen — Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G 63;
Exterior: aliengreen

Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G 63; Exterior: tomatored — Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G 63;
Exterior: tomatored

Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G63; Exterior: galactic beam — Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G63;
Exterior: galactic beam

Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G 65; Exterieur: tenoritgrau metallic exterior: tenorite grey metallic — Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G 65;
Exterieur: tenoritgrau metallic
exterior: tenorite grey metallic

Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G 63 "Edition 463" Exterieur: palladiumsilber metallic exterior: palladium silver metallic — Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G 63 “Edition 463”
Exterieur: palladiumsilber metallic
exterior: palladium silver metallic

Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; G 350 d Exterieur: tenoritgrau metallic exterior: tenorite grey metallic — Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; G 350 d
Exterieur: tenoritgrau metallic
exterior: tenorite grey metallic

Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G 63 "Edition 463" Interieur: designo Nappaleder schwarz/porzellan, Zierteile AMG Carbon interior: designo nappa leather black/porcelain, AMG carbon trim parts — Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G 63 “Edition 463”
Interieur: designo Nappaleder schwarz/porzellan, Zierteile AMG Carbon
interior: designo nappa leather black/porcelain, AMG carbon trim parts

Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; G 350 d

Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G 65; Interieur: designo Nappa Leder schwarz/sand interior: designo nappa leather black/sand — Mercedes-Benz G-Class (BR 463) 2015; AMG G 65;
Interieur: designo Nappa Leder schwarz/sand
interior: designo nappa leather black/sandz

Photos Credits | Mercedes-Benz

Tags G-Wagon, Mercedes

Cars

New Mercedes-Benz GLE Review

Post author By Uygar Kilic
Post date March 30, 2015

The new Mercedes-Benz GLE (Facelifted ML), also known as ML (M-Class). If you are a bit confused, Mercedes-Benz has decided to revise its SUV branding strategy and henceforth, each SUV will be named based on its sedan model and start with GL! ML or M-Class is now called as GLE. This means GLE is represents the SUV version of E-Class. But let’s finish this boring conversation and move on to the good bit.

The new GLE is the face lifted version of the ML and you can easily understand this from the design resemblance. Personally, GLE’s exterior design looks like a teddy bear. Despite the lovely exterior design, its interior design is quite Mercedes-Benz in style. This means the interior design is ergonomically perfect but conservative to preserve the design language.

Engines

With the new GLE, a new product is also introduced, the GLE 500 e 4MATIC. The tiny ‘e’ means plug-in hybrid and it is part of the new branding strategy of Mercedes-Benz. The GLE 500 e is powered by a 3-lt V6 BlueDIRECT petrol engine with 333 HP and 116 HP of electric power. The combination brings 442 HP and 650 nm of torque. It can drive up to 130km/h with pure electricity. However, the engine is coupled with the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic gearbox and it is a bit old!

Safety

The safety features of the GLE have really improved! Unlike the previous M-Class vehicle, Mercedes-Benz decided to feature all their pre-crash safety systems and driving aid features on GLE. This means; DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian protection, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE® PLUS. Basically, with these features the GLE is more competitive with the BMW X5, new Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90.

New Gearbox, 9G-Tronic

The 9G-Tronic is now available with the diesel powered GLE models. The 9G-Tronic is the latest 9-speed automatic gearbox from Mercedes-Benz and thankfully, you can order the off road package with this transmission as well. The 9G-Tronic offers more efficiency and thanks to a new torque convertor, the power loss to drive train is reduced. Mercedes-Benz emphasises that the 9G-Tronic is impressive on the gear change, but I will reserve judgment until I have tried it for myself.

Offroad

The GLE offers some off-road ability. The Off-Road Engineering pack offers a reduction gear (low range) and a 100% lockable centre differential. Locking the central differential may help on off-road but you need to lock the rear differential for a perfect experience.

Additionally, the Active Curve System that is available with the S-Class Coupe is now available with the GLE. Basically, this feature provides a better driving experience through the adjustments of active anti-roll bars on each axle. Of course, you can still order the legendary AIRMATIC suspension for the best off-road and on-road driving experience.

In my opinion; the GLE is a really really good car. Unlike previous models, Mercedes-Benz did not deprive it of pre-crash and driving aids. Also, the plug-in hybrid model is an important achievement. However, the GLE still looks a bit normal or conservative and may not captures the interest of different tastes. Despite this fact, it will offer a really good driving experience for longer journeys and also, gives you the option of an off-road experience.

Tags GLE, M-Class, Mercedes

Cars

The New Mercedes-Benz G 500 4×4² (Square)

Post author By Uygar Kilic
Post date March 12, 2015

Last year, Mercedes-Benz extended and raised the existing G-Wagon and created a G63 AMG 6×6 version. Then they decided to shrink the unoriginal 6×6 G-Wagon and created 4×4 G-Wagon. Basically, Mercedes-Benz created a vehicle that already existed and took a very long path to create it again. And called this old new or new old, whatever it is, the G 500 4×4².

What is G 500 4×4²?

Essentially, the G 500 4×4 Square is a raised and shortened version of the unoriginal G 63 6×6 AMG. But the G 500 is powered by a 4-lt V8 turbo petrol engine (422 HP), not by an AMG engine. And the situation is getting worse. Whilst Mercedes-Benz is trying to make the G-Wagon cooler, they are ruining its heritage and identity bit by bit. Despite this DNA mutation, I really loved the extremely raised G 500 4×4 Square, because it does offer 45-cm ground clearance, epic suspension, travel to anywhere off-road with a petrol engine. The main reason I loved this version is its off-road capabilities. Higher ground clearance and larger wheels will definitely help you to play around in untouched terrains. However, powering this vehicle with a hungry V8 petrol engine is this model’s failing.

Unfortunately, the G500 4×4 Square will not be purchased by off-road enthusiasts, it will be purchased by celebrities or people who want to show off their wealth. By the way, this monster is capable of satisfying Euro 6 emission levels! I am sure some customers are really impressed with this fact.

Mercedes-Benz’s epic efforts to make the G-Wagon a cool vehicle have worked well. According to results from Daimler AG, the G-Wagon achieved a 17.6% increase in its sales figure when compared to last year. But I still miss the days when the G-Wagon was purchased by real enthusiasts, not by celebrities.

Photos Credits | Mercedes-Benz

Tags G-Wagon, Mercedes

Cars

Mercedes-Maybach S600 vs Rolls Royce Ghost II

Post author By Uygar Kilic
Post date January 21, 2015

Mercedes-Maybach S600 vs Rolls Royce Ghost II. Basically, Rolls Royce Ghost II is the main rival of the Maybach. Maybach once failed to compete with Rolls Royce and during that time, Maybach was trying to compete with Rolls Royce Phantom. Whilst Maybach was based on a very old S-Class!

Now Mercedes learned the mistakes and they used the Maybach as a product variation similar to AMG. And that was very cleaver decision. Now, Maybach is clearly based on the S-Class that resembles with Rolls Royce Ghost. Why? Because, Ghost is based on BMW 7-Series. Now the game is fair!

Mercedes-Maybach offers state-of-art technologies that are available with any S-Class. The main advantages of having Mercedes-Maybach is the latest pre-crash systems, Pre-Safe. Pre-Safe technologies can identify cross traffic, pedestrians, cyclists, rear-end collisions. In addition, Mercedes-Maybach offers reclining seats that are amazing. Honestly, that’s main reason why I loved Maybach. You can have a seat like a bed inside a car. However, Rolls Royce Ghost can adjust the softness of the suspension based on the seat are on!

Also, Rolls Royce Ghost II offers the coolest rear hinged doors! That cannot be ordered with a Mercedes-Maybach. Despite the coolest features of the Ghost II, it does have a drive shaft tunnel, which you can find with the Mercedes-Maybach as well.

Another advantage of the Mercedes-Maybach is being under the radar. Whichever Mercedes models you purchase, people perceive it as a Mercedes. Even if you have Mercedes-Maybach, people will say that’s a S-Class. However, when you purchase a Rolls-Royce, all eyes on you. Even if, the car is from second hand market with 100.000-km on dial. It doesn’t matter, you still have a Rolls-Royce and you are a mega rich. Mercedes-Maybach will be the most luxurious under the radar vehicle.

My personal preference is for the Mercedes-Maybach, because it offers better technology than the Ghost II. However, we may see new technologies with Rolls Royce Ghost II after the 7-Series facelift. Also, you don’t need to ask engineers at Rolls-Royce to have a reclining seats, Maybach offers them as a standard. Despite the advantages of the Maybach, it is still a Mercedes. It cannot provide you the experience and the exclusivity of a Rolls-Royce. And the unforgettable experience of owning of a Rolls-Royce!

Photos Credits

Mercedes and Rolls Royce

Tags Ghost II, Maybach, Mercedes, Mercedes-Maybach, Rolls Royce

Cars

Mercedes-Benz C11 | Schumacher’s Group C Car

Post author By Uygar Kilic
Post date January 17, 2015

At Autosport International 2015, there was a very iconic racing car, Mercedes-Benz C11. C11 was Michael Schumacher’s car for the Group C racing during the 1990. C11 was one of the very important racing cars at Schumacher’s career and it was the first time I had the chance to see it. During 1990s, Schumacher was a very young driver and we didn’t know him well. I can only remember his face with C11 through black and white photographs.

I feel really lucky to see this car!

The C11 was powered by a 5-lt V8 with twin turbos and generating 950 HP. The engine was coupled with a sequential 5-speed gearbox.

Tags Autosport International, Autosport International 2015, Mercedes, Schumacher

Cars

Mercedes-Maybach S600 is Revealed!

Post author By Uygar Kilic
Post date November 21, 2014

Mercedes-Maybach S600 is revealed now. Even though, I am not a fan of S-Class’s design but I really liked the Mercedes-Maybach. The brand sounds a bit funny, Mercedes-Maybach but this is a result of the Mercedes’s branding strategy, Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach. Anyway, people will call it Maybach S600! And the branding issue will be resolved.

The new Maybach seems to offer better exterior and interior design than the previous Maybach. However, it is still is not as high as the Rolls Royce Phantom! Therefore, I may consider the Mercedes-Maybach as a true competitor of Bentleys and Rolls Royce Ghost.

Maybach will benefit from the Mercedes’s high-tech gadgets and also it will be the next under the radar car for rich people who don’t wish to create an impression of being rich! At the end of the day, it is a Mercedes (Most people will think like this).

Last note, Mercedes-Maybach does share the same interior design, however Maybach model offers more luxurious details than the standard model. Similar to standard more and Mercedes-AMG model.

Photos Credits

Mercedes-Benz

Tags Maybach, Mercedes, Mercedes-Maybach

Cars

Is Mercedes G-Wagon Cool?

Post author By Uygar Kilic
Post date November 9, 2014

Is Mercedes G-Wagon cool? Is G-Wagon the best SUV? Shall I buy a G-Wagon? These questions go forever. However, people who are asking these questions were not aware of the iconic G-Wagon ten years ago and they would be considering it, uggghhh what is that!

Unfortunately, G-Wagon’s AMG model, G55 AMG preferred by the celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Hillary Duff, some Victoria’s Secret models and celebrities of Los Angeles. And the interesting fact, in Los Angeles, you would never need a serious off-road vehicle like the G-Wagon. But most of the celebrities are usual lack of taste and when they see something unusual, they found it cool and ruin the product by consuming.

The same happened to Mercedes G-Wagon! G-Wagon was designed for one purpose, off road! From the chassis to climate control buttons, everything designed for off-road not for the pavements of Los Angeles or London. Therefore, Mercedes G-Wagon is a painful car to drive on on-road. Steering-wheel is heavy, doors are heavy, the rear-suspension is a heavy-duty suspension. The aerodynamic efficiency of the G-Wagon is quite similar to Windsor Castle’s aerodynamic efficiency!

Basically, G-Wagon is designed for the off-road but due to its unusual popularity by the people who has no idea regarding to G-Wagon’s heritage. This SUV became uncool. I am really unhappy to see an iconic utilitarian vehicle became so uncool by the consumers.

However, G-Wagon is still cool because it is rough and tough. It will never give a proper ride on the road and hopefully, the celebrities and wanna-be celebrities will shift to Range Rover and leave the G-Wagon to us :)

Despite the negative image of the G-Wagon, I still love it! But I would never buy an AMG version of the G-Wagon or with 22-inch wheel! Simple is the best with G-Wagon. Steel wheels, no leather seats. Just you and the rough terrain!

Lastly, I really wonder, if %1 of the G-Wagon owners ever used the differential locks?

Pictures are from Mercedes-Benz Instagram account http://instagram.com/mercedesbenz

Credit to http://instagram.com/GFWilliams

Tags G-Wagon, Mercedes

Cars

New Mercedes C63 AMG is Cool and Uncool

Post author By Uygar Kilic
Post date September 26, 2014

Mercedes revealed the new C63 AMG unfortunately. Why this is an unfortunate incident? The main reasons are, C63 AMG is extremely loud and with this model, Mercedes offers louder exhaust than ever, C63 AMG is not well-known for its handling due to engine power that cannot be transferred to road and lastly, I couldn’t find another reason. These things make the C63 AMG uncool but there are some cool things as well!

Despite the uncoolness of C63 AMG and it will be destroying our ear drums, Mercedes featured two new cool features. First one is the adaptive engine mounts. This technology can be found at Porsche 911 Turbo and minimises the adverse effects of engine while cornering. This improves handling! The other cool thing is the three stage ESP control (On, Sport, Off). All these three stages are connected with rear-differential lock to improve cornering. Also, Mercedes got ride of the 6.3-lt heavy engine and replaced it with a 4-lt turbo one! And I cannot ignore the fact that, the interior of C63 AMG is really good.

When you consider the new technologies packed under the Mercedes C63 AMG, I can admit that C63 AMG is getting better. When it will be a cool car? When Mercedes AMG realises that exhaust noise is something annoying!

Tags C63 AMG, Mercedes