In Atlanta we don’t get many chances to drive in the snow but since I travel to Illinois every Christmas I can certainly vouch for how great the ML is in the snow. This year I drove a C-class up and even though it wasn’t a 4matic it did really well in the snow. Mercedes’ traction and stability systems allow even our 2-wheel-drive sedans to out handle most SUVs as long as the snow doesn’t get too deep.

This is a great review that Motor Trend just did on winter driving in the 2009 ML320 BlueTEC.

“The big Benz powered along straight and true, while nearby several other vehicles skidded right off the highway and buried themselves until spring in mountainous snowbanks.”

“Say you put on 30,000 highway miles a year. Using EPA highway figures for comparison, and assuming that L.A.’s gas/diesel prices remain fixed (though the gap is almost sure to close), with the ML320 BlueTEC’s higher efficiency you’d start coming out ahead after just three years.”

“The engine is that smooth and quiet. Torquey, too.”

“Of particular note was the rear-glass heater, which could likely cook pancakes in Antarctica. In what seemed like seconds, any ice build-up just melted right off.”

Read the full Motor Trend Review here

The Universal Media Interface (UMI) for the 2009 C-Class and 2010 GLK-Class is now available to order from the factory for $1500! I have seen a lot of interest in this option since my last post and this will make it an even better value.

The UMI gives non-multimedia cars navigation, live traffic, ipod adaptor, usb port and bluetooth music streaming. It can be installed at the dealership for about $1850. If you know you want this option you can now order your car with it and it will be installed at the Vehicle Preparation Center (VPC) before it is shipped to the dealership. The VPC installation reduces the labor cost which is why it is less expensive when you order it than when you add it later.

This is a great review of the SL63 by Jay Leno. Everyone should want this car just for the exhaust note.

My stockings are hung by the E-Class with care!

Happy Holidays!

-Jesse

Mercedes has just announced an new wheel and sound system upgrade option for the 2009 CLS63 AMG. For $3,000 the new P15 AMG Wheel and Sound Enhancement Option will include an AMG performance sound system and new 19 inch AMG twin 5-spoke forged light-alloy wheels. Here is the information from Mercedes on these items;

E02 – AMG Performance Sound System
Featuring the latest in digital amplifier technology and high-tech materials, the AMG Performance Sound System delivers outstanding dynamics and sonic clarity. With 12 studio loudspeakers and 2 ICEpower amplifiers offering a total output of 705 Watts, this system brings audiophile sound quality to the cabin of the CLS63 AMG.
- 12 studio loudspeakers
- 2 ICEpower amplifiers
- 705 Watts total output

793 – 19′ AMG Twin 5-Spoke Forged Light-Alloy Wheels
With forged construction and a design unique to AMG, these light-alloy wheels offer not only reduced weight at all four corners, but styling that complements the aggressive lines of the CLS63 AMG. Forged construction results in wheel that is stronger and lighter and suited perfectly to the dynamic driving enjoyed by AMG customers.

In the event that you have a CLS63 on order and don’t want this package make sure to contact your salesperson since they are automatically adding this option to all cars currently in changeable status.

We have just acquired a pre-owned 2008 C63 AMG. It has about 8000 miles, new rear tires and should arrive at our dealership today or tomorrow. The warranty started in April of this year so it has over three years and 42,000 miles of warranty remaining. Please contact me if you are intersted in seeing this car.

2008 C63 -
Iridium Silver
Black Leather
Premium 2 Package
Multimedia Package
AMG Leather Package
TeleAid
iPod
K40 built-in radar detection system ($2300 value)
Original MSRP $65440

Now $59,900

You may not know it, but 2008 and 2009 C300′s with an automatic transmission are “Flex Fuel” vehicles. That means they are capable of running on either gasoline or ethanol based E85. This fuel has become much more available in Georgia in recent months and one of my customers has been using it almost exclusively. He finds that it is about 5-10% less fuel efficienct to us E85 but it is priced less than gasoline so it balances out.

Another benefit of running your C300 on E85 is that it qualifies for the Alternative Fuel Tag. This special tag looks great and it enables you to ride in the HOV lane without any passengers! I know that could save some of you a lot of time! To get the Alternative Fuel Tag for your vehicle you have to apply at your county tag office and they will need proof that the vehicle will be run on E85 almost 100% of the time. The proof that they suggested would be receipts from fill-ups and the name and address of the station where you are getting your E85.

If you are interested in trying E85 in your C300 you can consult this list of E85 stations to see if it will be convenient for you. If you like it, save your receipts and get yourself this Green tag!

People are always asking me what the most popular paint colors are for new vehicles. As Mercedes doesn’t make anything too flashy, I have always said that silver, black and white are our best sellers. Turns out I was right! This official ranking from Dupont shows that White is currently top of the heap! I would go a little further and specify that white with a pano-roof is always at the top of my list.

Courtesy of the www.Mercedes-Benz.de here are the best photos I’ve seen so far of the 2010 Mercedes E-Class.