I use the MBUSA website everyday for images, product details, vehicle comparison and configuring. There is so much more there! Take a little time to expolore the site and you will become even more of a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast!

The Future Models area has great images of the 2012 M-Class and upcoming C-Class coupe.

Mobile Applications are available for Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, mbrace and product guides for the CLS-Class and SLK-Class.

There is a section devoted to all of the Mercedes-Benz environmental initiatives from responsible manufacturing to Fuel Cell development.

A link to Mercedes-Benz TV will connect you to great videos about our vehicles and the history of Mercedes-Benz.

The European Delivery Program details might tempt you into a new Mercedes-Benz and a tour of Germany!

Mercedes-Benz sponsors some great events and partners with amazing brands! See what is coming to a venue near you!

The Mercedes-Benz Signature Program will be announced in detail next month. This video offers a sneak preview of an SLS created in a Signature color. When even designo doesn’t make your vehicle unique enough…now you can have your own Signature color!

MAURO CALO BREAKS THE WORLD RECORD FOR THE LONGEST CAR DRIFT

Today, 19 June, Mauro Calo proved his driving flair by breaking the world record for the longest car drift at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey. Mauro smashed the existing World Record by 394 metres achieving a total distance of 2308 metres to add his name to the record books and the title to his established driving career.

To achieve the record breaking distance, Mauro chose part of the Handling Circuit at Mercedes-Benz World, Weybridge Surrey. The circuit provided a complete 360 degree circle of tarmac which saw him complete almost 8 laps.

Mauro is no stranger to Mercedes-Benz World as his career as a professional driver includes working at the venue providing driving experiences to guests and also entertaining crowds with precision driving skills in the dynamic Silver Arrows Display.

Andrew Mallery, Commercial Operations Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars commented: “When Mauro approached us to hold his record breaking attempt on the circuit at Mercedes-Benz World we were happy to offer him the support. He has been a valuable member of the driving experience team for several years and is a respected driver in the industry, so there was no doubt he would achieve his aim”.

For further information on events and activities at Mercedes-Benz World contact Simon Bench – simon.bench@daimler.com 01908 245611.

The 2012 G550 is scheduled to arrive in the US October of 2011. This will be the only version offered for Model Year 2012. As always, the following information could change before launch.

Exterior Colors

• Black
• Arctic White
• Metallic Flint Grey
• Metallic Obsidian Black
• Metallic Steel Grey
• Metallic Iridium Silver
• Metallic Palladium Silver

Special Order Colors – additional charges apply

• designo Mystic Blue Metallic
• designo Mocha Black Metallic
• designo Graphite Metallic
• designo Platinum Black Metallic
• Capri Blue Metallic
• designo Magno Platinum Black Matte
• designo Magno Night Black Matte

Interior Colors

• Black
• Ash/Black
• Chestnut/Black

Special Order Interior colors – additional charges apply

• designo Black with Pebble Beige Stitching
• designo Light Brown with Black Stitching
• designo Porcelain with Black Stitching

Edition Select Package - $6900

• Most exciting elements from the outgoing G55 AMG!
• Molding in carbon design
• AMG Flared Fenders
• AMG Sport Twin Exhaust Design
• Leather Covered Dashboard
• Mercedes-Benz Illuminated Door Sills
• designo Floor Mats and Edition Select Badging
• Silver-Painted 5-Double Spoke Wheels
• Interior in two-tone designo Black/Porcelian Leather with Pebble Beige contrast stitching

Following the release of the official pictures, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class Dealer Ordering Guide has been released! This is the latest information that I have. As always, it is subject to change before vehicle launch. Pricing is not yet available.

• ML350 4matic – 302 hp, 273 lb/ft torque – launch September 2011
• ML350 Bleutec – 240 hp, 455 lb/ft torque! - launch September 2011
• ML350 2WD – launch Model Year 2013
• ML550 4matic – launch 1st quarter 2012
• ML63 AMG – launch 1st quarter 2012

Standard Equipment Highlights

• Heated Front Seats
• Power Liftgate
• Agility Control Suspension
• Adaptive Brake Technology
• Exterior Chrome Accents including Roof Rails
• LED Daytime Running Lamps and Tail lamps

• Attention Assist
• Central COMAND Controller with NTG 4.5
• 19″ Wheels

• New Generation Engines

Exterior Colors

• Black
• Arctic White
• Dakota Brown Metallic
• Obsidian Black Metallic
• Steel Grey Metallic
• Pearl Beige Metallic
• Iridium Metallic
• Palladium Silber Metallic
• Capri Blue Metallic
• Diamond White Metallic – delayed launch

Interior Colors

• Black MB-Tex or Leather
• Almond Beige MB-Tex or Leather
• Grey MB-Tex or Leather
• Almond Beige/Black Leather – special order
• Grey/Black Leather – special order
• Auburn Brown/Black Leather – special order

Trim

• Eucalyptus Wood – Standard

• Burl Walnut Wood – Available with leather package

• Anthracite Poplar Wood – special order

• Aluminum Trim – special order with interior sport package

• Brown Satin Ash Wood – special order

Optional Equipment

S01 – Premium 1 Launch Package – $3200

• COMAND with Navigation and single CD slot
• iPod/MP3 Media Interface Cable
• Rearview Camera
• Driver Seat Memory with Power Steering Column
• SIRIUS
• Double Sun Visors
• Autodimming Mirrors
• Power Folding Mirrors
• 115V Outlet in 2nd Row

S02 – Premium 2 Launch Package – $5050

• All of Premium 1 Launch Package
• Heated and Cooled Cupholders – New!
• harman/kardon LOGIC7 Premium Sound
• Milti-Color Ambient Lighting
• Keyless-Go

Leather Package – $1620

• Full Leather Seating
• Burl Walnut Wood Trim

Lighting Package – $1290 - delayed until January 2012 production

• Bi-Xenon Headlamps with Active Curve Illumination
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Headlamp Cleaning System

Lane Tracking Package – $850

• Blind Spot Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist

Driver Assistance Package – $2950

• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Distronic Plus with Pre-Safe Brake

Dynamic Handling Package – $5150 – delayed launch

• Adaptive Damping System
• Active Curve System
• Airmatic
• 20″ Twin 5-spoke wheel

Stand Alone Options

• Parktronic with Active Parking Assist – $970
• Wood/Leather Mulit-Function Steering Wheel – $590

• Panorama Sunroof – $1090
• Heated Multi-Function Steering Wheel – $225
• Trailer Hitch – $550
• Stainless Steel Running Boards – $670
• Rear Seat Entertainment – $1970
• Rear Seat Entertainment Pre-Wiring – $240
• Heated Rear Seats – $620
• Keyless-Go – $650
• 2nd Row Pass-Through –  Special Order
• Heated / Ventilated Front Seats – Special Order
• 3-Zone Climate Control – Special Order
• Night View Assist Plus – Special Order (delayed until January 2012 production )
• Load Safety Bar Fix Kit – Special Order

Mercedes-Benz USA has also added the 2012 ML-Class to the Future Models section with more pictures and information. This a great time to order a vehicle to your specifications so that it arrives with the first batch!

This 2012 CLS550 Launch Edition just became available for sale today at Atlanta Classic Cars! Please get in touch if you are interested!

Update – SOLD June 14th!

2012 CLS550 Launch Edition – P88 Package

• Exclusive Steel Grey Exterior
• Porcelain/Black Premium Leather Interior
• Black Ash Wood
• Launch Edition package Includes:
• Keyless GO
• Electronic Trunk Closer
• Full LED Headlamps
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Power Rear-Window Sunshade
• iPod/MP3 Media Interface
• 19″ Anthracite Finish 5-Spoke Wheel with high performance tires
• Active Multiconotur Driver Seat
• Heated and Ventilated front Seats
• Rear Side Airbags
• Wood/Leather Steering Wheel
• Split Folding Rear Seats
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Parktronic with Active Parking Assist
• Distronic Plus with Pre-safe Brake
• Rearview Camera
• Rear Spoiler
• Illuminated Door Sills
• Edition 1 Floormats

Mercedes-Benz USA has released an image gallery of the 2012 ML-Class. Expected this fall with the V6 gas and diesel engines for the US market, this will be the third generation ML-Class. As always, some details may change before launch. I do not yet have the final options list or any pricing information. The preliminary ordering information can be found in my earlier post. You can see lots of images at Autoweek, Motor Authority, Autoblog and Inside Line.  

The ACC Race Team was out in force for the Buford Booster Club 5K and 10K! It was a fun event and raised a lot of money for the community! Team ACC was pretty fast, with several age group winners in both the 5k and 10k!

The 2012 CLS-Class was released yesterday and our first vehicles rolled off of the truck today! A Steel Grey Launch Edition and a Black CLS550. Both vehicles are spoken for…but that doesn’t mean I can’t look!

What a fun gift this would be for the Mercedes-Benz or Lego enthusiast in your life! I’ve already added it to my holiday shopping list! If it shows up in a store near you let me know…it is not yet available on the Lego Technic site.