2010 Mercedes-Benz S550 - Designo Porcelain Edition

This gorgeous 2010 S550 in Diamond White with the designo Porcelain Edition Interior just arrived at Atlanta Classic Cars. The pictures don't do it justice! This interior is a knockout from the contrasting colors to the wood to the stiching in the leather. If you are looking for an S-Class that stands out from the pack...this is the one!

2010 S550
Diamond White
AMG Exclusive Leather
264 designo Porcelain Edition Interior
P02 Premium 2 Package
321 Sport Package
413 Panoramic Roof
MSRP $116,210

Labels: Newsletter, S-Class

Mercedes-Benz SPLITVIEW Introduced for S and CL

There has been rumor for months that the SPLITVIEW Front-Seat Entertainment system would be coming to the US market for the S and CL. It is official! It is now an orderable option. If you have an S or CL on order you may be able to add this option depending on its order status.

SPLITVIEW allows the driver and passenger to view two different sources on the same COMAND screen. The driver can control all of the normal COMAND functions like radio, navigation and phone while the passenger can use headphones and a remote to watch DVD video on the same screen!

State law prohibits this system on vehicles registered in AL, AZ, CO, IL, LA, MD, MA, NH, PA, VT, VA, WA, WV and WI. But we can have it in Georgia!

SPLITVIEW - Code 867 - $700 - Order now!

If you purchase a car with this option, your dealer's service department will still need to activate it for you once you have acknowledged that you understand the legal requirements for using it in your state.

Labels: Accessories, CL-Class, Mercedes Technology, S-Class

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID Tax Credit - $1,150

The 2010 S400 HYBRID has met the Federal Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit Program requirements as a hybrid motor vehicle. As a result, all purchase customers qualify for the $1150 tax credit. This is regardless of income and tax situation, claimed on your Income Tax Return, and applies only to purchased (not leased) vehicles.

Tax credit amount : 2010 S400 HYBRID $1,150

I also just finished some training on the S400 HYBRID and it is very impressive. With a base price nearly $20,000 lower than the only other competitor, the Lexus LS Hybrid, and this tax credit that the Lexus can't use, the S400 is a fantastic value. The technology for the new Lithium Ion batteries is groudbreaking and allows us to have a normal sized trunk as opposed to toting around a trunk full of batteries. Also, at 19 MPG in the city the S400 offeres a 26% increase in fuel economy over the S550.

I have two S400 HYBRIDs in stock here at Atlanta Classic Cars and would be happy to demonstrate the benefits of a luxurious, efficient and affordable S-Class.

(Don't forget...Mercedes-Benz diesels also qualify for tax credits.)

Labels: S-Class, S400 Hybrid

The 2010 C, ML, GL, and S Have Arrived at Atlanta Classic Cars!

It is an exciting time here at the dealership...the 2010 models are arriving! There is nothing I enjoy more than parking a 2009 next to a 2010 and looking for the differences. Some models have only tiny changes this year and some have the "refresh" - which is usually new bumpers, lights, a few buttons and new wheels. I have included a few pictures of the changes that jumped out at me.

2010 ML550

Mercedes 2010 ML550 Front Bumper Lights

2010 GL550 - New Bumpers, New Wheels, New Lighting

Mercedes 2010 GL550

2010 GL450 - New Bumpers, New Wheels, New Fog Lights

Mercedes 2010 GL450 Wheels

2010 C300 - New Laurel Wreath Center Cap in Optional 18" wheels

Mercedes 2010 C300 Wheels

2010 S550 - Full Refresh - New Lights, Bumpers, New Wood Steering Wheel

Mercedes 2010 S550 Front Bumper Lights

2010 E-Class - New Color - Quartz Blue

Mercedes 2010 E-Class Quartz Blue

Labels: 2010 E-Class, C-Class, E-Class, GL-Class, ML-Class, S-Class

MotorTrend Review: Mercedes-Benz S550 vs. BMW 750Li vs. Audi A8L

MotorTrend just did a review of the 2009 large luxury sedans. I am happy to report that the Mercedes came out on top!

"Mercedes' classic S-Class has been around since the 1955 model year, though the current, tenth-generation "W221" first appeared on our shores in 2006. The S550 is bursting with innovative tech -- including infra-red Night View Assist and Distronic Plus cruise control that in stop-and-go traffic can brake the car to a halt and then, as traffic begins moving again, accelerate automatically."

"The new 7 Series isn't a luxury sedan. It's an instruction manual on four wheels. That's not hyperbole: So complex and mechanically intimidating is this new machine, BMW has wisely incorporated the operating instructions for the myriad systems right into the on-board hard drive (you can summon pages using the iDrive controller). That's if, of course, you can figure out how to call up the manual first. ...That's the 750Li in a nutshell. It's the Windows Vista of luxury cars."

"The Audi scored second-highest on lateral grip, yet its ride doesn't give up much (though it's no match for the creamy Benz). Straight-line speed is third by a good margin, but the Audi puts its power down so smoothly you likely won't mind."

"The A8L may have an edge for the sheer beauty of its cabin, but in almost every other respect the big Benz is unsurpassed. Ride quality, for instance, is brilliant -- smooth, relaxed, unfazed by road imperfections. Yet, magically, the S550 also cranked out the highest skidpad grip, 0.89 g."

"...the Benz is enormous in the rear seat, with room to stretch the legs (and a giant trunk, too). But its seats are the best for support. You also grow to appreciate the pared-down, almost minimalistic cabin. This is the anti-7 Series, the luxury of simplicity."

"...the Benz equals the others in terms of gee-whiz features. Its advantage is that it doesn't depend on these goodies or substitute them for luxury."

"The Mercedes-Benz S550 does what a premium luxury sedan should: It makes you feel like a king."

You can read the full article here.

Labels: S-Class

2010 Mercedes-Benz Pricing and Release Dates

The 2010 GLK, E sedan and E coupe are already here and the rest of the 2010 models will be arriving soon. Mercedes-Benz has just given us the official pricing and release dates.

Model	Release Date	Base Price
C300 Sport/Luxury	July	$33,600/$35,300
C300 Sport/Luxury - 4MATIC	July	$37,100/$37,300
C350 Sport	August	$39,750
C63 AMG	August	$57,350

CL550 4MATIC	August	$110,400
CL600	August	$154,400
CL63AMG	August	$145,200
CL65 AMG	August	$207,170

CLS550	September	$72,400
CLS63 AMG	September	$97,950

E350 BlueTEC	March 2010	TBA
E350 4MATIC Sport/Luxury	Late August	$51,100
E550 4MATIC Sport/Luxury	Late August	$58,800

GL350 BlueTEC	September	$59,950
GL450 4MATIC	July	$60,950
GL550 4MATIC	August	$82,850

ML350 BlueTEC	September	$49,700
ML350 4MATIC	July	$48,200
ML350 2WD	July	$45,700
ML450 HYBRID	December	TBA
ML550 4MATIC	August	$56,750
ML63 AMG 4MATIC	August	$91,050

R350 BlueTEC	September	$50,800
R350 4MATIC	September	$49,300

S400 HYBRID	August	$87,950
S550	August	$91,600
S550 4MATIC	August	$94,600
S600	August	$149,700
S63AMG	August	$133,550
S65 AMG	August	$201,150

SLK300	October	$46,900
SLK350	October	$51,900
SLK55 AMG	October	$66,650

For those of you who have been trying to decide between a 2009 and a 2010 this should help.

Labels: C-Class, CL-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe, GL-Class, ML-Class, ML450 Hybrid, R-Class, S-Class, SLK-Class

2009 S-Class New Features - Video

SPLITVIEW display - fyi 7.9L/100Km = 29 mpg

Labels: S-Class, S400 Hybrid, Videos

2010 Mercedes-Benz S550, S600, S63 AMG and S400 Hybrid - Colors, Packages and Options

Here is the information from the preliminary Dealer Ordering Guide for the 2010 S-Class. This is a preliminary version and is subject to change at any point. Pricing has not been announced.

New front and rear bumpers, front (Bi-Xenon) and rear (LED) lights, grille, mirrors, exhaust, and wheels
New Paint Colors: Diamond White, Palladium Silver
Enhanced wood trim and door coverings
New seat structure and stitch patterns
Enhanced instrument cluster display
New 19" and 20" wheels (optional)
New Direct-steer system
Reduced noise, vibration, harshness
New multi-color ambient lighting

Enhanced COMAND system, including:
Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling
HD Digital Radio®
Gracenote® media database
In-dash SD memory card reader
Media interface (iPod, auxiliary input jack, USB)

Enhanced voice control for audio, telephone, and navigation
New Attention Assist driver drowsiness monitor
Enhanced PRE-SAFE® system
New child rear door safety locks
New Adaptive Highbeam Assist system (P1 Package)
New Driving Assistance Package, including Lane Keeping Assist (standard on S600 and S65)
New Night View Assist PLUS with pedestrian detection (optional)
New PARKTRONIC with Parking Guidance
DISTRONIC PLUS (with PRE-SAFE® Brake)
Blind spot assist
Lane Keeping Assist

Sport Package plus one (standard on S600, S63 and S65)
Sport bodystyling (front and rear bumpers, side skirts)
20" AMG 5-spoke wheels with all-season tires
Dual chrome exhausts

Rear Seat Entertainment Package (standard on S600 and S65)
Rear seat video system (dual-source DVD with wireless headphones)
Two remote controls

S400 Hybrid Added to Line-up
3.5L V6 Mild-hybrid
AIRMATIC air suspension with
Adaptive Damping System (ADS II)
Heated14-way power adjustable front seats with pneumatic lumbar support
Dark Burl Walnut wood trim
Nappa leather steering wheel

Labels: S-Class, S400 Hybrid

Mercedes S400 Hybrid Technology Video

Labels: Mercedes Technology, S-Class, S400 Hybrid, Videos

PCMCIA Adaptor Available from Mercedes-Benz - S, CL, C, GLK

If you have a PCMCIA slot in your vehicle (S-Class, CL-Class, C-Class, GLK-Class) you need a PCMCIA adaptor to play music from a memory card. You plug the PCMCIA adaptor into the slot, then you can insert a variety of memory cards into the adaptor to access your saved music or podcasts.

This adaptor has been a little hard to find for some of my clients. Luckily, Mercedes has come out with their own. Called the PCMCIA Multi-Card Reader, it is priced at $102 and the part number is 6-7-82-3974. You should be able to order one from your local parts department.

A quick Google search will come up with cheaper readers that are meant to do the same thing, but these are meant to work with laptops and aren't guaranteed to work with your car like the Mercedes version is. Also, I haven't personally tested the Mercedes adapter with the larger SDHC cards so it may not read those.

Labels: Accessories, C-Class, CL-Class, GLK-Class, S-Class

Updated Naviation Disks Available for Older Models

10 CD update set is now available from Mercedes.
Part # BQ 646 0248

C & CLK 2000 - 2004
CL & S 2000 - 2003
E Sedan 2000 - 2002
E Wagon 2000 - 2003
G 2002 - 2006
SL 2002 - 2004

-- Call your local Mercedes-Benz Parts Department or if you're in the Alanta Metro Area please call the Atlanta Classic Cars Parts Department at 678-924-4245.

Labels: C-Class, CLK-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class

The First Production Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID

This is a great video with some more information about the upcoming S400 Hybrid.

Labels: S-Class, S400 Hybrid, Videos

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid

160Newton Meters = 118 Lb-Ft of Torque
Mercedes plans to release the 2010 S400 BlueHYBRID for sale in the United States this fall. The vehicle will look almost identical to the S550 but should average about 30 miles per gallon and lower emissions substantially!

The S400 will use a "mild hybrid" system that allows the battery to provide a boost to the engine when running and also restart the engine when it shuts off at a stop. Mercedes is using is a Lithium Ion battery pack, which is lighter and more efficient than the usual nickel-metal-hydride battery other manufacturers are using. The German Automobile Association and Europe's largest car club, the ADAC, awarded its Yellow Angel award for the Innovation & Environment category for the use of this lithium ion battery technology. I thought this article from HybridCars.com was informative.

Fifth Gear recently reviewed a Smart Car that uses this shutting-off-at-a-stop system and said it was seamless. This system is demonstrated at 2:30 min in.

If you would like to reserve a place on the order list at Atlanta Classic Cars, please get in touch!

Labels: Mercedes Technology, S-Class, S400 Hybrid, Videos

2010 Mercedes S400 Hybrid

FYI -160 Newton-Meters = 118 lb-ft of Torque
We are expecting the S400 Hybrid to arrive in the US in "mid-2009." I do not yet have the options list or the pricing for this new model. I am very excited that Mercedes is rolling out new green technologies. I have always been a big fan of our clean diesels but right now the focus in the US has shifted to hybrids and I am sure Mercedes will do it better than anyone!

Labels: Future Models, Mercedes Technology, S-Class, S400 Hybrid

XM & Sirius Merge - Listen To Both In Your Mercedes

Owners of 2008 and newer Mercedes can now add "The Best of XM" to their existing account. However, some vehicles will require a trip to the shop for updated software.

If you have a 2008 or 2009 S/CL-Class or a 2009 SL/SLK/E/CLS/M/R/GL-Class with a Command head unit your software update should be available mid-October.

If you have a 2008 E/CLS/SLK-Class with a Command head unit the software update is currently being tested and they are hoping to have it available by the beginning of November.

All other 2008 and 2009 vehicles should receive "The Best of XM" without a software update.

Labels: C-Class, CL-Class, CLK-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, G-Class, GL-Class, Mercedes Technology, ML-Class, R-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, SLK-Class

My Take On The 2009 Mercedes Model Updates

Now that the 2009 vehicles have arrived, I have had a chance to spend some time with each of them and I have noticed some of the quirks that show up every year. These are little changes that aren't really announced but can be a bit of a shock to those of us to take the accessories very seriously.

My Biggest Loss -
The US has a new law that requires all window roll UP functions to be controlled by a button that you have to hold in the UP position. So, that means that tunnel mode, where you hold DOWN the recirculate button and all of the windows close, is out. So is remote roll up, where you hold the lock button on the key DOWN, to roll up all the windows at once. This was a very convenient function on the lot when I am in and out of cars all day, trying to keep them cool. However, it is being slowly phased out so some cars still work this way and some don't!

2009 ML, GL, R-Class

Love AC power plug in the rear cargo area! Part of the Premium 1 Package and a great addition!
The new Rear DVD system can now play 2 DVD's at the same time - one can be loaded in the DVD slot in the front of the car and one in the backseat!

The 4 GB Music Register can store music that you have loaded onto the SD card or burned to a CD or DVD. It cannot store commercially purchased CDs. This is exactly opposite of the C-Class music register. Strange.
ML & GL have bigger mirrors for 2009. This had been a complaint on the previous years.

2009 C-Class

Compass in the rearview mirror is a nice addition. (Premium 1)
Memory seats are absolutely perfect!
Mocha/Almond interior is quite different from Savannah/Cashmere. I like that the Mocha/Almond is more neutral/less basketball colored. Very pretty!
Music Register is upped to 6 GB.

2009 S and CL-Class

Bluetooth adaptor can be ordered with the vehicle for $200 less than it can be purchased at the dealership.

2009 E-Class

No charge 321 Sport Package on the E350 Sport is an amazing value. Wheels, bumpers, shift paddles for $0! Last year it was more than $2000! I know because I bought one... Be sure to order the Pano roof. My car is a white sport package with the Pano roof and it's hot!
New navigation system has Bluetooth built in. That's another $525 savings.

If I find any more I'll keep you posted!

Labels: C-Class, CL-Class, E-Class, GL-Class, ML-Class, R-Class, S-Class

2009 MSRP Pricing for Mercedes ML, GL, R, C, E, CL, S, SL & SLK

The 2009 MSRP's have just been released! If you combine these numbers with the options pricing, you'll know how much a 2009 will cost. I don't see any dramatic changes from the 2008 MSRP's. If you are ready to place your order please do let me know!

2009 C-Class	Release Date	MSRP
C300 SPORT/LUXURY	July 16	$32,100/$33,850
C300 SPORT/LUXURY 4MATIC	July 16	$35,400/$35,650
C350 SPORT	July 16	$38,200
C63 AMG	July 16	$55,100

2009 CL-Class	Release Date	MSRP
CL550 4MATIC	July 16	$105,100
CL600	July 16	$148,900
CL63 AMG	July 16	$139,700
CL65 AMG	July 16	$199,700

2009 CLK-Class	Release Date	MSRP
CLK350 COUPE	July 16	$46,800
CLK350 CABRIOLET	July 16	$54,800
CLK550 COUPE	July 16	$55,500
CLK550 CABRIOLET	July 16	$63,500

2009 CLS-Class	Release Date	MSRP
CLS550	May 15	$68,950
CLS63 AMG	May 15	$94,550

2009 E-Class	Release Date	MSRP
E320 BlueTEC	July 16	$52,900
E350 SPORT/LUXURY	July 16	$51,900/$51,900
E350 4MATIC SPORT/LUXURY	July 16	$53,400/$51,900
E350 WAGON 4MATIC	July 16	$55,950
E550	July 16	$60,400
E550 4MATIC	July 16	$61,900
E63 AMG	July 16	$86,000
E63 AMG WAGON	July 16	$86,800

2009 G-Class	Release Date	MSRP
G550 4MATIC	October 10	TBD
G55 AMG 4MATIC	October 10	TBD

2009 GL-Class	Release Date	MSRP
GL320 BlueTEC	October 01	$56,750
GL450 4MATIC	July 22	$57,750
GL550 4MATIC	July 22	$79,500

2009 M-Class	Release Date	MSRP
ML320 BlueTEC	October 01	$47,250
ML350 4MATIC	July 22	$45,750
ML550 4MATIC	July 22	$54,450
ML63 AMG 4MATIC	July 22	$88,350

2009 R-Class	Release Date	MSRP
R320 BlueTEC	October 01	$47,950
R350 4MATIC	July 22	$46,450

2009 S-Class	Release Date	MSRP
S550	July 16	$86,950
S550 4MATIC	July 16	$89,950
S600	July 16	$144,450
S63 AMG	July 16	$128,350
S65 AMG	July 16	$194,950

2009 SL-Class	Release Date	MSRP
SL550	April 28	$95,900
SL600	April 28	$136,100
SL63 AMG	April 28	$132,000
SL65 AMG	April 28	$190,700

2009 SLK-Class	Release Date	MSRP
SLK300	May 01	$44,950
SLK350	May 01	$49,950
SLK55 AMG	May 01	$64,300

Labels: C-Class, CL-Class, CLK-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, G-Class, GL-Class, ML-Class, R-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, SLK-Class

JD Power Initial Quality Awards

The 2008 JD Power Initial Quality Study measures new owner satisfaction after 90 days. In the last few years Mercedes has been moving to the top of the charts! This year, in addition to being #4 overall, Mercedes received several model segement awards and a prestigious Platinum Plant Quality Award for the Sigdelfingen assembly plant.

Platinum Plant Quality Award

"The Mercedes-Benz assembly plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, receives the Platinum Plant Quality Award for producing vehicles yielding the fewest defects and malfunctions. Averaging just 33 problems per 100 vehicles, the plant produces the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class Sedan, E-Class Wagon and S-Class."

Segment Winners

Compact Premium Sporty Car
Highest Ranked: Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

Midsize Premium Car
Highest Ranked: Mercedes-Benz E-Class (tie)

Large Premium Car
Runner-Up: Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Labels: Awards, CLK-Class, E-Class, S-Class

S65 AMG - Edmunds Road Test

"Handling is way more than good. It's precise. In fact, this big car drives a lot smaller and lighter than its specs would indicate. You can actually toss it around, hit apexes and carve up traffic, thanks in no small part to the unbelievable torque that is fully available in a flat line from 2,000 all the way up to 4,000 rpm."

Check out Edmunds Follow-Up Test of the 2007 S65 AMG

Labels: AMG, S-Class

Distronic Plus & Other Electronic Assitants - Mercedes-Benz.tv

This is a great video showing the use and design of Mercedes advanced driving and safety systems including parking assist and Distronic Plus.

Labels: CL-Class, Mercedes Technology, S-Class, Videos

S-Class - 'Be Ahead' Commercial

Labels: S-Class, Videos

Mercedes 4-Matic System

Labels: 4-Matic, Mercedes Technology, S-Class, Videos

Search & Send - For the 2008 S, CL and C

Wow! Mercedes has just introduced this new feature to a few select 2008 models. The S, CL and Tele-Aid equipped C-Classes can now receive directions downloaded from Yahoo or Google Maps. You can visit the official site here to watch the video and get all the details. It really is simple and very cool.

I think the best part is that it allows you to customize your route online to the way you want to travel and then download that particular route to the vehicle. For example, navigation always wants me to go through St. Louis when I travel from Champaign, Illinois to Georgia, but Google allows me to choose a more direct route. Then I can download those directions rather than listening to navigation requesting a U-turn for 20 miles! Another great way to use this system would to have your secretary or assistant send directions to your car while your out doing business. Let me know if you try it!

Labels: C-Class, CL-Class, Mercedes Technology, S-Class

W221 S-Class - Top Gear Review

Labels: S-Class, Top Gear, Videos

S-Class - Fifth Gear Review

Labels: Fifth Gear, S-Class, Videos

Jan 5, 2010

2010 Mercedes-Benz S550 - Designo Porcelain Edition

Nov 18, 2009

Mercedes-Benz SPLITVIEW Introduced for S and CL

Oct 15, 2009

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID Tax Credit - $1,150

Aug 7, 2009

The 2010 C, ML, GL, and S Have Arrived at Atlanta Classic Cars!

Jul 21, 2009

MotorTrend Review: Mercedes-Benz S550 vs. BMW 750Li vs. Audi A8L

Jul 15, 2009

2010 Mercedes-Benz Pricing and Release Dates

May 13, 2009

2009 S-Class New Features - Video

Apr 14, 2009

2010 Mercedes-Benz S550, S600, S63 AMG and S400 Hybrid - Colors, Packages and Options

Apr 10, 2009

Mercedes S400 Hybrid Technology Video

Mar 29, 2009

PCMCIA Adaptor Available from Mercedes-Benz - S, CL, C, GLK

Feb 27, 2009

Updated Naviation Disks Available for Older Models

Feb 3, 2009

The First Production Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID

Jan 31, 2009

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid

Dec 2, 2008

2010 Mercedes S400 Hybrid

Oct 7, 2008

XM & Sirius Merge - Listen To Both In Your Mercedes

Aug 21, 2008

My Take On The 2009 Mercedes Model Updates

Jul 17, 2008

2009 MSRP Pricing for Mercedes ML, GL, R, C, E, CL, S, SL & SLK

Jun 27, 2008

JD Power Initial Quality Awards

Platinum Plant Quality Award

Segment Winners

Nov 21, 2007

S65 AMG - Edmunds Road Test

Nov 11, 2007

Distronic Plus & Other Electronic Assitants - Mercedes-Benz.tv

Oct 2, 2007

S-Class - 'Be Ahead' Commercial

Oct 1, 2007

Mercedes 4-Matic System

Sep 30, 2007

Search & Send - For the 2008 S, CL and C

Sep 15, 2007

W221 S-Class - Top Gear Review

Sep 3, 2007

S-Class - Fifth Gear Review

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