I love this commercial. Here is more information on the safety systems in the new E-Class

This a good overview of how our new line of direct injection engines will increase fuel efficiency and performance.

This is a great video that shows off the automated driving technologies that Mercedes-Benz engineers use to test and develop advanced safety features.

The AIRCAP system on the 2011 E-Class Cabriolet will continue to increase the amount of time you can enjoy your Mercedes with the top down. Building on the AIRSCARF system currently available on the SLK and SL, AIRCAP will create a calm air zone in the passenger compartment making it both more comfortable at higher speeds and easier to heat or cool. A front deflector raises up from the top of the windshield to both redirect air higher over the passenger cabin and allow air slowed down by its screen to enter the cabin and maintain a pocket of calmer air.

Current CLK Cabriolet owners will enjoy not having to install and uninstall a wind deflector anymore. Additionally, you will be able to raise and lower the top at speeds below 25mph.

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.

I had been very curious about the fuel filler flap release button on the ML450 HYBRID that the local Mercedes-Benz technical specialist has been driving. I finally got an answer!

In order to comply with the PZEV emissions standards – zero evaporative emissions – this button triggers the fuel tank to depressurize before the cap is removed so that vapors don’t escape. The ML 450′s increased fuel efficency means that the fuel tank isn’t opened as often as it would be in a non-hybrid so increased pressure could build up and therefore needs this extra step!

Just a little Mercedes minutiae…that I enjoy!

If you ask most people which car company was the first to use seat belts, airbags, and electronic stability systems in their cars they would probably credit another European automaker that is always hyping thier safety. Since a Mercedes-Benz is so much more than just the safest car on the road, their rich history of pioneering safety innovations is often overlooked. We invented airbags, crash testing, stability control and now Attention Assist all with the goal of first, preventing the accident, and then keeping you safe from injury if it can’t be prevented.

7.9 Liters/100Km = 30mpg

A 2010 ML450 Hybrid was dropped off at the dealership yesterday! It was picked up by one of the Mercedes-Benz technical executives but I was excited to get a sneak peak. It looks a lot like the 2010 ML350 that was dropped off right afterwards but it does have a few striking differences.

Sculpted Hood – It has a very angular power dome hood that looks fantastic. It had to be that way to make room for the 180 pounds of extra electronics under the hood.

Under the hood – The engine cover is pretty extreme. The battery is in the back where the spare tire would be so this has run-flats.

Fuel Door Release Button – I don’t yet know why this is the only Mercedes that has one!

I was able to go for a test drive and the ride is fantastic! Much like the diesel, if you didn’t know it was hybrid you really wouldn’t notice any difference in the way it drives. It is obviously a little quieter when the gas motor is off but with the radio on you can’t tell when it turnes the engine on and off. The power was fantastic. It didn’t feel heavy or lacking in any way. The brake feel is different than our other vehicles because they are electric but it stopped just fine.

I look forward to introducing the first Mercedes Hybrid to a new group of clients!