The S63 and CL63 have been updated to include AMG’s newest motor, the direct-injected 5.5 liter twin turbo. Along with the engine stop start system found in the S400 these new models provide more horsepower with increased fuel economy. It will be interesting to see if the addition of the stop start system will eliminate the wonderful rumble the current cars produce at start-up or if everyone around will now hear this every time an AMG fires up to leave a stop light. Another great benefit of going to a twin turbo setup is that it will be much easier to increase power output over the coming years or much sooner for with a quick visit to Kleemann or Renntech. The new motor’s increase to 571hp and 663 lb-ft of torque should keep you entertained for a while but it’s good to know that there is more power available when you’re ready.

My first 2011 Ml350 arrived yesterday and I wanted to see the small changes for myself.

The Lighting Package isn’t new but I rarely see it on the lot. The LED Running Lights are the best indication that this car has it.

Here are the new Side View Mirrors – more like the sedans with the directional LED flashers and smaller mounting area for better visibility.

Here  is an image from the Rear View Camera. It has been reprogrammed to have less of a “fish-eye” effect.

No change to the function but the button for the Power Rear Tailgate now makes it clear that the button will also stop the tailgate in any position.

That’s it. The 2011 ML350 is just about identical to the 2010.

Here are the current estimated pricing and release dates for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz models. As always, this information is subject to change and change without notice!

Here are some of the changes that are coming to the 2011 models.

C-Class

• Sport sedans now feature LED Daytime Running Lamps and black headlamp inlays
• Enhanced P1 package includes split folding rear seat and rear sunshade
• Heated Seats removed from Premium 1 Package
• New Lighting Package with Bi-Xenons and active curve illumination
• New standard 17” wheel for C350 sport

CL-Class

• Refresh! New bumpers, hood, fenders, grille, headlamps, and taillights
• LED daytime running lights standard
• Driver Assist Package updated with Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist
• New standard 18” wheel
• Magnetite Black exterior color added (black base with metallic flake)
• Sahara Beige/Black interior color added

CLS-Class

• Sport body styling, sport steering wheel and 18” AMG wheels now standard

E-Class

• Bluetec arrives in late summer with 17” run-flats, sport or luxury
• Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist added to Driver Assist Package in E350/E550 sedans
• E63 gets alcantara headliner and stitched dash as standard
• Diamond White available starting in October production
• Wagon is standard with rear view camera and power liftgate
• Coupe gets new 18” AMG wheel in Appearance Package
• Cabriolet introduced with AIRCAP, AIRSCARF and trunk pass through

SUV Family

• New Mirror Design
• Blind Spot Assist Available (not on GLK)
• New Rear View Monitor reduces fish-eye effect
• Compass in rear view mirror – M/GL/R
• Diamond White paint available in October (not GLK)
• Barolo Red and Sand Beige discontinued (M/GL/R)

GL-Class

• GL550 gets a facelift
• New head restraints in 2^nd and 3^rd row
• Passenger seat memory added to P1

GLK-Class

• Driver Knee and front passenger airbags added as standard (9 total)
• LED daytime running lamps in lighting package
• Eco mode replaces Comfort mode
• Pearl Beige paint replaces Sand Beige paint

G-Class

• New wheel design
• Night Black paint added (matte)
• Tail lamp covers and turn signal covers deleted

M-Class

• LED daytime running lamps with bi-xenon headlamps
• ML63 gets new hood and headlights

R-Class

• Refresh!
• New from the A-pillar forward – fenders, grille, hood, bumpers, LEDs
• New 19” wheel
• New LED tail lamps
• New Rear bumper
• New seat design

S-Class

• S63 gets all-new 5.5 litre direct injection bi-turbo V8
• Contrast stitching with Premium and Exclusive upholstery
• Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist added to Driver Assist Package
• Optional Bang & Olufsen BeoSound surround-souns system with 15 speakers, 1200 watts and 16-channel digital signal processing
• Magnetite Black exterior color added (black base with metallic flake)
• Sahara Beige/Black interior color added

SLK-Class

• Sport Body Cladding added as standard
• Quartz Blue paint added
• No SLK55 AMG