The Dealer Ordering Guide for the 2010 GL-Class was recently updated with some good pictures of the new bumpers and details on the packages and pricing. We expect Mercedes to release the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 in September and the GL550 in August.


New in the GL:
Facelifted front and rear bumpers
LED taillamps and daytime running lamps
Chrome roofline and windowsill molding
Chrome loadsill for scratch protection
Ambient lighting
3D instrument cluster (?)
Ventilated seats available for the GL350 BlueTEC/GL450 - standard on GL550
Parking support passenger mirror returns in Premium 1 Package
Burl Walnust wood replaces Birdseye Maple as standard
Palladium Silver and Steel Grey paint available
Light Burl Birch wood available

Packages:
Premium 1 Package: GL350 BlueTEC/GL450: $3,950 - GL550: Standard
Auto Dimming Mirrors
COMAND with Hard-Drive Navigation
Voice Control
Gracenote Media Database
HD Digital Radio
iPod/MP3 Media Interface
Memory Driver Seat
Power Folding Mirrors
Power Tailgate
Power Steering Column
Rear View Camera
Sirius and Sirius Traffic
115V AC Power Outlet
4GB Hard-drive for Music Register

Premium 2 Package: GL350 BlueTEC/GL450: $5,950, GL550: Standard
All of Premium 1
harman/kardon Logic 7 Surround Sound
Keyless-Go

Full Leather Package: GL350 BlueTEC/GL450: $1,900 - GL550: Standard
Ambient Lighting
Confort Headrests
Premium Interior Lighting
Leather Upholstery

Lighting Package: GL350 BlueTEC/GL450: $970 - GL550: N/A
Bi-Xenon Headlamps with active curve illumination
Headlamp Washing System
LED daytime running lamps

GL Appearance Package: $1410 GL450, GL350 BlueTEC/GL550: N/A
Brushed aluminum running boards with rubber studs
20" twin 5-spoke alloy wheels with all-season run flats

Stand alone options:
Parktronic - $790
Wood Steering Wheel - $580
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats - $560
Heated Steering Wheel - $220
Trailer Hitch (7500 lbs) - $540
3-Zone Climate Control - $1430
Crossbars in Chrome - $310
Running Boards - $660
Rear Seat Entertainment System - $1880
Heated Rear Seats - $610

Labels: GL-Class

Here is the list of specially priced cars for the month of July. These cars are deeply discounted so that we can sell them quickly. These cars were selected because they are Demo's, because they have been in inventory a little too long, or because we have more than one of the same vehicle in stock. In general these prices can be combined with the 1.9% financing and the lease specials from Mercedes Benz!

Stock#	Model	Color	MSRP	Internet Price	Discount
27016	2009 C300	Red	$36,300	$32,900	$3,400
26745T	2009 CLK550A	Black	$70,235	$59,900	$10,335
26791*	2009 E350	White	$56,325	$44,900	$11,425
27039	2009 E350	White	$54,385	$44,900	$9,485
26828*	2009 E350	White	$58,995	$44,900	$14,095
26948	2009 E63	Silver	$95,685	$79,900	$15,785
M5167*	2009 ML320 CDI	White	$56,425	$44,900	$11,525
M5170	2009 ML350	Sand Beige	$53,075	$44,900	$8,175
M5166	2009 R350V4	Sand Beige	$57,015	$44,900	$12,115
26925	2009 S550	White	$97,270	$89,900	$7,370
26864T	2009 SL550	Diamond White	$108,099	$97,900	$10,199
26924	2009 SL550	Mars Red	$109,075	$98,900	$10,175
26806	2009 SLK300	Palladium Silver	$50,955	$44,900	$6,055
26538	2009 SLK350	Obsidian Black	$55,485	$49,900	$5,585
26539	2009 SLK350	Palladium Silver	$54,495	$49,900	$4,595

*Demo

Labels: Current Specials, Internet Specials

Finance Specials on New 2009 & 2010 Models*
1.9% Financing for up to 36 Months and 2.9% for up to 66 months
C300, C300W4, C350
2009 E350 sedan, E320 Bluetec sedan
CLS550
S550, S550W4
CL550
SL550
CLK350 and CLK550 Cabriolets
SLK300, SLK350
ML350 and ML550
All GL-Classes
All GLK-Classes
5.9% for up to 66 months
ML320 Bluetec
All R-Classes
4.9% for up to 66 months
All 2010 E-Classes

Lease Specials on New 2009 & 2010 Models*
The following models have special lease rates available through Mercedes-Benz Financial. You can visit http://www.mbusa.com/ for all of the fine print.
C300, C300 4Matic ($50 less than last month!)
2009 E350 (over $100 less than last month!)
ML350
GL450
CLK350 Cabriolet
CLS550
SLK300, SLK350
GLK350
GL320 Bluetec

Finance Specials on Certified Pre-Owned Cars*
2006-2007 C-Class: 1.99% for up to 36 months, 4.99% for up to 66 months
2006-2007 E-Class: 1.99% for up to 36 months, 5.99% for up to 66 months
2006-2007 M-Class: 1.99% for up to 36 months, 5.99% for up to 66 months
2006-2007 R-Class: 1.99% for up to 36 months, 5.99% for up to 66 months
2006-2007 CLK-Class: 1.99% for up to 36 months, 5.99% for up to 66 months
2006-2007 SL-Class: 1.99% for up to 36 months, 5.99% for up to 66 months
2006-2007 S-Class: 1.99% for up to 36 months, 4.99% for up to 66 months
(Only off-lease SL and S-Classes will qualify for the special rates)
*for qualified buyers

These lease and finance deals can be used in conjunction with Loyalty Programs.

Labels: Current Specials, Finance Specials, Lease Specials

Labels: Current Specials, Finance Specials, Lease Specials

I have been driving the 2010 E-Class every day since it was released last week and I am growing to appreciate it more and more. I am especially enamored with the new Drivers Assistance Package. I have always been a big fan of the technology and gadgets in our cars but Distronic always seemed a little too expensive and not entirely useful if you don't spend all of your time on the highway. The upgrade to Distronic Plus and the addition of other features to this package has changed my mind!

The (997) Driver Assistance Package is priced at $2900 and consists of
- Distronic Plus with PRE-SAFE Brake
- Blind Spot Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist

Let's take them one at a time...
Distronic Plus with PRE-SAFE Brake - Distronic is the radar adaptive cruise control system that we have had for years. It uses radar sensors mounted behind the front grille to sense the car in front of you and maintain a set following distance. So, if you set your cruise at 70 mph and a car in front of you slows to 60 mph, you also slow to 60 mph until that car speeds up or you switch to an open lane and you'll resume 70 mph. The Plus part of Distronic Plus is that it works down to a complete stop. This is amazing and takes a little time to fully trust. For example, I drive home on a fast highway with 4 stoplights. I set the cruise at 70 and followed the car in front of me at a distance of about 100 yards. As the car in front of me slows and comes to a stop for the first traffic light the 2010 E350 also slows to a complete stop. The system's following distance is proportional to your speed so you it will bring you to a stop at a normal distance from the car that you are following. If the system keeps you stopped for more than a couple seconds you just have to just tap the gas to resume your previously set maximum speed and following distance. For anyone who spends any time on the highways around Atlanta this feature will completely change your driving experience. Since this system will allow you to use the 'cruise control' in many more situations I would also expect to see an increase in fuel mileage versus a E-Class not using this system.



PRE-SAFE Brake uses the same radar systems to constantly monitor the area in front of your E-Class. Using its long, medium, and short range radar systems it can detect objects as far as 200 yards in front of your vehicle. Pre-Safe braking is deployed in three stages. When the car detects that you are 2.6 seconds from an impact you will receive an audible and visual alert. At 1.6 seconds to impact there are 3 audible alerts and the system will automatically apply 40% of maximum power and activate the other reversible PRE-SAFE protection features like adjusting seat position, tensioning seat belts, and closing the windows. If the driver doesn't press the brake pedal or swerve to avoid the collision at 0.6 seconds to impact PRE-SAFE Braking will apply the maximum braking force to greatly reduce the severity of a collision.

Another manufacturer is advertising a system like this but it only works at speeds below about 20 mph. Our system works on moving objects when you're traveling from 19mph to 124mph and on stationary objects when you're traveling below 44mph. Just like seatbelts, airbags, and ABS brakes this technology that is now exclusive to Mercedes-Benz will someday be standard on every vehicle, as it will certainly save lives.


300cm = 9.8ft & 50cm = 20in
Blind Spot Assist - This system uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to monitor your blind spot on both sides of the car. When you start the vehicle a little orange triangle in the side-view mirrors illuminates to let you know the system is active. While you are driving the mirror is clear unless there is a car in your blind spot. Then you will see a red triangle. If you attempt to change lanes with a red triangle illuminated, the red triangle begins to flash and the car beeps twice to alert you. This has been incredibly useful for me these last few days as the car I have been driving has all of the MSRP stickers blocking my view. I can see this feature being incredible helpful to everyone, but especially for those of shorter stature or with limited movement in their necks.



Lane Keep Assist - Using a windshield mounted camera, Lane Keeps Assist alerts you when you are drifting out of your lane. It takes into account your speed and turning angle to only alert you when you are unintentionally changing lanes. It uses three short vibrations in the steering wheel that feel a lot like rumble strips and are only noticeable to the driver. The system can also distinguish between solid and broken white lines and vary its alert timing. This system operates above 37mph so you won't have to worry about it annoying you in parking lots. The system will also not activate if it believes that you are intentionally crossing based on your turn signal, brake, and accelerator usage.


All in all I think the (997) Driver Assistance Package is amazing technology that really does represent the future of the automobile. It makes perfect sense for the car to take an active role in keeping you and your family safe. For most of us these are not options that we think we HAVE to have, but I think once you have them you will never want a car without them again. If you're in the Atlanta area I would be happy to give you a demonstration!

Labels: 2010 E-Class, E-Class, Mercedes Technology

Mercedes-Benz has just informed us that there will be no model year 2010 SL550, SL600, SL63 AMG, or SL65 AMG. We will sell the remaining 2009s until the end of the year and then the 2011 SL-Class will be launched in the 1st quarter of 2010. The 2011 will not be a body style change - that is expected for model year 2013. More details should be available soon.

Labels: SL-Class

They are here! Our first shipment of 2010 E-Classes arrived this afternoon. We received a variety of E350 and E550 coupes and sedans. They should be cleaned up and ready for sale within a few hours. Please come take a look at the latest and greatest from Mercedes-Benz! Be sure to ask for me when you come in.

Special financing at 4.9% and excellent lease offers are now available as well

Labels: 2010 E-Class, Atlanta Classic Cars, E-Class, E-Class Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz E550 takes first place!

"They're the right size, and when equipped with V8s, they've got the right amount of effortless performance. In relative terms, they provide a value commensurate with the asking price. Driving any one of these three announces that you know the price of quality and can justify paying for it. And clearly you're smart enough to resist overpaying for more than you require."

"We're glad the 2009 BMW 550i, 2010 Jaguar XF Premium and 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 Sport exist. This ideal trio goes 90 percent of the way to the M5, E63 AMG and XFR super sedans, yet they're 100 percent easier to live with and rewarding in ways the thoroughbreds are not."

"The Mercedes-Benz E550 is the quickest to 60 mph with a run of 5.3 seconds and its quarter-mile run of 13.6 seconds at 103.5 mph is also the best of the group... the E550 returns the best observed fuel economy in this comparison with 19.3 mpg, compared to the BMW's 16.9 mpg and the Jaguar's 16 mpg."

"... we're not sold on the BMW's steering effort, which we found to be too heavy, especially compared to the lightly weighted Jaguar and buttery Mercedes-Benz system. So syrupy and out of character does the 550i's steering seem that more than a couple drivers thought there might be something wrong with the car."

"The E550 Sport is by far the most adaptable, rewarding and confident car on the widest variety of surfaces despite not being the outright best-handling car."

"It is the only car here that is universally regarded as comfortable and intuitive to operate from the moment you get behind the wheel. It manages to be warm and rich, well-equipped and well-planned, and high-tech and high-quality all at the same time."

"The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 Sport amounts to more than the sum of its parts. It's hard to describe, but there's an overall sense of satisfaction, competence and experience that's somehow baked into the fiber of this car. It drives like it knows where it's going. It looks like it knows where it's been. And it's priced as if it knows where we're all headed."

To read the full review visit Edmunds.com

Labels: 2010 E-Class, E-Class

I was able to visit the Fuel Cell Development center when I visited Germany last year. I saw all of the vehicles that they show in this video and went for a ride in one of the fuel cell equipped B-Classes. It was seamless, impressive and entirely believable as a daily driver. Mercedes has also put fuel cells into commercial busses and delivery vehicles all over Europe. As this technology gains recognition and passes all of these tests it may become the most viable of the alternative fuel sources available now.

Labels: Mercedes Technology, Videos

I thought that these pictures spoke volumes about the safety of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The crumple zones, high strength steel frame, airbags and careful design save lives everyday. Luckily, we don't get to see it in action often!

A customer of Atlanta Classic Cars went off the side of the road, overcorrected, crossed the road and hit a tree head-on at about 50 miles per hour. She had some surgery on her hand and her leg but will make a full recovery. The fireman told her husband that the tree tried to kill her and the car saved her life.

Notice in the pictures how some of the engine moved up and some moved down but nothing entered the passenger cabin. The most amazing thing to me is that all four doors open smoothly. With the entire front end crumpled, the passenger compartment was not compromised. Except for the mud, the inside of the car looks almost new!

And the story has a happy ending...She bought a brand new C300 over the weekend!

Labels: C-Class, Mercedes Technology