Mercedes-Benz at Geneva Motor Show 2010

Mercedes-Benz at Geneva Motor Show 2010

When stats like fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions begin to take greater importance than top speed and century dash times, it is understandable that the Mercedes-Benz pavilion at Geneva is focused on putting out the message of their ‘green credentials’. With the exception of the SLS AMG F1 safety car, all the other displays in their corner of the exhibition are focused on improving fuel economy and CO2 figures.

However, Mercedes also wants to tell us we don’t need to satisfy all of the traditional petrolhead-cherished qualities in order to be kind to mother Earth as well. With the focus on increasing efficiency, we are looking to extract more power and cruising range from every drop of fuel burned. The room for improvement is such that environmental sustainability and driving pleasure need not be mutually exclusive.

But, doesn’t that sound familiar? Well, that’s because it does. The same message is being trumpeted by Merc’s arch-rivals from Munich, and believe it or not, the official press release from Mercedes on their Geneva displays is titled, “Efficiency can be this dynamic.” Are they kidding?

Mercedes-Benz auf dem Genfer Automobilsalon 2010
Mercedes-Benz in Geneva Motor Show 2010.

F 800 Style

F 800 Forschungsfahrzeug

Largely speculated to preview the styling to be used in the next gen CLS, the F 800 Style concept is previewed with both fuel-cell drive and as a plug-in hybrid as well. The former has a cruising range of 600km, whilst the latter is capable of 700km and an electric-only range of 30km. Mercedes claims that the packaging of both powertrain systems are sufficiently compact not to intrude into interior space, with various components housed in various cavities within the car’s chassis.

The plug-in hybrid variant mates a 300hp direct injection V6 petrol engine with a 109hp electric motor integrated into the casing of the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. According to Mercedes, the system’s combined output is a simple addition of the outputs of both motors – 409hp. The price to pay for that performance, according to Mercedes, is a paltry 2.9 litres/100km and 68 g/km of CO2. In full-electric mode, the F 800 Style plug-in hybrid is capable of a 120kph top speed.

E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY & C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY

BlueEfficiency BlueEfficiency

Also introduced at Geneva are revised versions of the C-Class and E-Class diesel models. The E 250 CDI, while maintaining its existing output figures of 204hp and 500Nm, has slashed its consumption and CO2 emissions by 16% to 4.9 l/100km and 129 g/km respectively. Helping to achieve this is a newly developed ECO shifting programme for the 7G-T auto and lowered final drive (2.47 from 2.65).

The C 220 CDI, meanwhile, enjoyed a 6% cut in FC and CO2 emission, achieving 4.5 l/100km and 119 g/km respectively. Output remains a formidable 170hp and 400Nm. Improvements made to the engines of both models include a lightened crankshaft, optimized oil pressure regulation and belt drive plus a self-regulating compressor for its turbo. Both models also now feature auto start/stop as standard.

E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID

E-Klasse Showcar BlueTEC HYBRID

Scheduled for a 2011 market launch is the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, which combines the 204hp four-cylinder from the E 250 CDI above with a 20hp electric motor to give a combined 224hp power output, while asking for only 4.1 litres of diesel for every 100km travelled. That, in turn, equates to CO2 emissions of 109 g/km.

E-Class Cabriolet

E-Klasse Cabriolet

Also showcased by Mercedes is the recently launched E-Class Cabriolet, with the marketing slogan “four seasons, four passengers”. A total of seven variants are available – four petrol and three diesel, all engine options lifted from the sedan variant as expected.

The E-Class Cabrio features what Merc calls an AIRCAP wind deflector that deploys at the touch of a button, and is claimed to ‘significantly reduce’ interior air turbulence. The soft-top is operable at speeds up to 40kph, being able to open and close in just 20 seconds.

Also carried over from the sedan and coupe variants is the lengthy array of on-board electronic gadgets such as ATTENTION ASSIST, PRE-SAFE, Intelligent Light System, and DISTRONIC PLUS Cruise Control.

SLS AMG F1 Safety Car

Safety Car SLS

The final exhibit of the Mercedes pavilion is a very prominent one – the 2010 Formula 1 season safety car, the SLS AMG. Taking over from the SL 63 AMG, this is set to be the highest-performing F1 safety car of all time. It will make its debut at the Bahrain GP on 12 – 14 Mar 2010.

KON

See also:
Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> W212 Mercedes-Benz E-class – TheGunner (22/2/2009)
Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – TheGunner (22/3/2009)
Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> Covers off: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – KON (13/9/2009)
New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Launched in Malaysia – Autoworld.com.my – YS Khong (25/11/2009)
Mercedes-Benz C 250 CDI – Waiting For Euro 4 Diesel – Autoworld.com.my – YS Khong (27/1/2010)

2 COMMENTS

  1. I have always believed that Mercedes is very very serious about safety, I used to own a Mercedes-Benz car in the past and I can tell you that, this car makes you feel extremely safe when driving it !!This new Mercedes-Benz really looks on fire!with all it’s interior & exterior design.Color and Engine like a great combination sure sounds to me one hell of a car to buy.

  2. Greetings. Very first I wish to say that I actually like your blog, just observed it the past week but I’ve been following it constantly since then.

    I seem to acknowledge with most of your respective thoughts and beliefs and this post is no exception. absolutely agree with you.

    Thank you for a good webpage and I hope you retain up the very good perform. If you do I will keep on to browse through it.

    Possess a good evening.

Leave a Reply