The 2013 SL550 “Edition 1″ will celebrate the introduction of the all-new sixth generation SL-Class. This limited production special edition features exclusive features inside and out, include a unique exterior paint which is only available for this model. Additional details include contrast stitching throughout the cabin and a full designo treatment, including upholstery, trim and headliner.

These special edition vehicles will only be available at launch and most dealerships will only receive one! Now is the time to act if this is the car you want!

2013 SL550 Edition 1 Launch Package

• designo Crystal Silver paint
• designo Classic Red Exclusive Leather
• designo Black Piano Lacquer Wood
• Premium 1 Package
• Driver Assistance Package
• Illiminated Door Sills
• Black Dinamica Headliner
• 19″ AMG 5-Spoke Wheels with special finish

* two-tone steering wheel is not on the US version

A few years ago Mercedes-Benz switched from Tele-aid to mbrace for our in-vehicle service provider. At the time there was not a huge difference in the services provided but we knew that, down the line, Hughes Telematics would have more to offer. Those new features will begin to appear in the 2013 SL-Class this spring in the new mbrace2. Visit the mbrace sneek peek at MBUSA.com for more details about the system including…

• Mercedes-Benz Apps
• Remote Access Services
• Remote Vehicle Diagnostics
• mbrace Concierge

• mbrace Mobile App

Automotive News is reporting that MBUSA CEO, Steve Cannon, confirmed the arrival of a diesel engine for the 2013 GLK-Class! The engine is expected to arrive as a 2013 model, at the same time the GLK-Class gets its’ mid-cycle refresh in the fall of 2012! The GLK-Class is already made with a variety of diesel engines in other markets. Most articles I have read are suggessting the US bound diesel GLK-Class will be the GLK250, a 4-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 369 lb/ft of torque but this is not confirmed.

Thank Mercedes-Benz! We love diesel!

“No rational person can make an argument for buying a 525-hp SUV. The fact that AMG offers a performance package that bumps the power up to 557 hp makes me believe there aren’t a lot of rational people responsible for building them, either. Have we mentioned we love AMG?”

“Even with a 40/60 front/rear power split, the stability control won’t allow you to drive the car with the throttle. Once things start to get out of shape, the electronics call a timeout and reel things back in. It is amazing just how hard you have to push to find those limits, and the idea of any rational person finding them is unlikely.”

“Interior quality took a major leap forward in the redesigned ML, and the AMG version takes it another step farther. Material quality is luxurious and attention to detail abounds in spots only contortionists would be able to see. Even the doorjambs look as though they spent time in the design department to match the clean, uncluttered aesthetic.”

“Herr Kallenius boasts that the new ML 63 AMG is the most powerful SUV for sale today. In the same train of thought, he also says the AMG biturbo V-8 is among the cleanest engines for the power output. “AMG is a test lab for new technology that will trickle down into lower segments at Mercedes.”"

Read the full Motor Trend article and view the photo gallery here.

I watched the 30 minute video on the Mercedes-Benz Facebook page as well, but this short video from the Mercedes-Benz.tv site is a pretty good summary!

Pricing for the all-new 2013 SL-Class was announced today! $105,500 plus destination and delivery will get you the latest Mercedes-Benz roadster just in time for the summer convertible season!

Packages:

Premium 1 Package – $4900

• Rearview Camera
• Parktronic with Active Park Assist
• Active Ventiallated Front Seats
• Airscarf
• Active Multicontour Seats
• Keyless Go
• Power Trunk Closer

Driver Assistance Package – $2950

• Distronic Plus with Presafe Brake
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist

Sport Wheel Package – $2000

• 19″ AMG 5-spoke Wheel
• Sport Brake System

Options:

• 19″ Twin 5-spoke Wheel – $500
• Illuminated Door Sills – $350
• Analog Clock on Dash – $250
• Wood Steering Wheels – $590
• Magic Sky Control – $2500
• Active Body Control – $4090
• Bang & Olufsen Sound – $6400
• Soft Close Doors – $850

You can visit the Future Models section at MBUSA for some more pictures and details.

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detriot on Monday, January 9th. You can see it live on the Mercedes-Benz Facebook Page. The countdown has begun!

Mercedes-Benz Product Management has just announced that the 2012 E-Class sedan and wagon can now be built with mix-and-match designo paint, leather and trim.

Click on thumnails to enlarge!

designo Paint: $2300

designo Magno Matte Paint: $3950

designo Interiors: $4500 for all E350s, $3800 for E550, $3100 for E63 AMG sedan and wagon

designo Trim:

The BlueEFFICIENCY badge has been showing up on many of our 2012 models and it has generated a lot of interest. In general, BlueEFFICIENCY is anything that Mercedes-Benz does to be more fuel efficient or environmentlly friendly. The diesel vehicles have been badged this way for a few years and many of the 2012 models earned the badge as a result of the new direct injected engines.

In short – Blue is the new Green!