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Visualized: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell bares all

Daniel Cooper — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 01:42:00 EST

Mercedes' electric AMG SLS E-Cell is the teutonic powerhouse's futuristic new gull-wing coupe. An electric motor stationed upon each wheel helps it develop 525 horsepower and go from 0-60 in four seconds (three tenths of a second slower than promised). Now its whipped that neon yellow body from the chassis to take us all on a tour of what lies beneath. Batteries from SK Innovations will gain charge from a similar energy recovery system to the KERS we see in F1 cars, all mounted upon a lightweight carbon fibre structure. If you're interested in taking the full tour, check out the gallery of pictures we've got for you below.

Gallery: Mercedes SKS ANG E-Cell Drivetrain

Continue reading Visualized: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell bares all

Visualized: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell bares all originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 01:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes slaps sheet of LEDs on the side of an F-Cell, turns car into a chameleon

Michael Gorman — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 19:12:00 EST

It's not often that folks want to hide the fact that they're driving a Mercedes, what with plenty of them being among of the finest motorcars on the road. However, as part of a marketing plan to call attention to its zero-emissions F-Cell model, the German marque swathed a side of one in LEDs to give it the ultimate in camouflage. You see, in addition to that makeshift display, a Canon 5D Mark II was mounted on the other side of the car so that video of its surroundings could be shown on the LED bodywork -- rendering the car all but invisible to onlookers, as long as they're staring at the left side, of course. Go ahead, head on down to see the magic of digital camo for yourself in the video after the break.

Continue reading Mercedes slaps sheet of LEDs on the side of an F-Cell, turns car into a chameleon

Mercedes slaps sheet of LEDs on the side of an F-Cell, turns car into a chameleon originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Mar 2012 19:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz updates A-Class infotainment system, focuses on iPhone and Siri integration

Billy Steele — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:27:00 EST

Ever wish your car's infotainment system played nice with your iPhone 4S right out of the gate? Well, Mercedes-Benz is doing just that will an update to the COMAND system in A-Class autos. With the aid of two apps -- Digital DriveStyle and Drive Kit Plus for iPhone -- you'll be able to access your Apple smartphone's contents via a built-in display and navigate that iTunes library with an armrest-mounted Controller. Siri will be riding shotgun as the personal assistant can be accessed through the onboard system to send messages, select music, check the weather and schedule meetings. The aforementioned smartphone integration will be available through the entry-level "Audio 20" configuration. Digital DriveStyle is available for as a free and also touts Garmin navigation, AUPEO! radio, Facebook, Twitter and a Car Finder. While the new tech is only rolling out in A-Class right now, MB says that the B-, C- and E-Class autos will get cozy with your iPhone this fall. More details await in the PR below.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz updates A-Class infotainment system, focuses on iPhone and Siri integration

Mercedes-Benz updates A-Class infotainment system, focuses on iPhone and Siri integration originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz gesture control concept is DICEy

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 11:41:00 EST

Ze Germans seem to be obsessed with Minority Report-style interior controls, and Mercedes-Benz has taken it to the next level with a full-scale interior with nary a button or switch to be found.

Mercedes' Dynamic & Intuitive Control Experience (DICE) utilizes a series of proximity sensors to detect arm and hand movements, which control everything from music, navigation and social functionality to a heads-up display that comprises the entire windshield.

You can get a feel for the system in action in the video after the break, but as you'll see, it's very beta, mistaking hand movements for selections and generally being a pain to use - let alone control while you're driving a car. Thankfully, Mercedes has plenty of time to work out the kinks as it won't be coming to production for at least a couple decades.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz gesture control concept is DICEy

Mercedes-Benz gesture control concept is DICEy originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CES 2012: Automotive roundup

Billy Steele — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:17:00 EST

It's always a nice break from ultrabooks, smartphones and massive OLED TVs to catch a glimpse of the new auto tech that will be rolling out in the months to come. This year's focus at CES was infotainment and software add-ons for a handful of manufacturers and models. Sure, the plug-in Fusion was a highlight, but for the most part, the emphasis on on-board screens and content delivery while you're blazin' down Route 66. Read on for some highlights from the week that was.

Continue reading CES 2012: Automotive roundup

CES 2012: Automotive roundup originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live from the Engadget CES Stage: an interview with Mercedes-Benz

Jon Turi — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST

What are telematics you ask? Get your fill of answers as Tim sits down to discuss this and more with Mercedes-Benz USA's head of marketing, Steve Cannon and the manager of advanced product planning and telematics, Sascha Simon. Catch it live at 8:00PM ET.

Continue reading Live from the Engadget CES Stage: an interview with Mercedes-Benz

Live from the Engadget CES Stage: an interview with Mercedes-Benz originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler testing wireless charging on a Mercedes Benz in a house from the future

Daniel Cooper — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:01:00 EST

Daimler (owners of Mercedes-Benz and Smart) is teaming up with Conductix-Wampfler and Röchling Automotive KG to produce wireless charging coils to form the centerpiece of 2012's Effizienzhaus-Plus. It's a government-backed project to build and test a dwelling that generates more energy than it uses -- the excess will then charge the supplied B-Class E-Cell 'Benz EV without the need of cabling. Simply park the car over a coil in the garage floor and the electromagnetic field will juice your environmentally friendly whip for free. The company hopes the project will iron out the logistical and financial issues preventing it from bringing the tech to the Autobahns of the world. One thing the project can't do, however, is soothe the troubled brow of the fossil-fuel lobby -- the press release we've got below dryly notes that "clearly, BP will not be happy about this."

[Thanks, Ashley]

Continue reading Daimler testing wireless charging on a Mercedes Benz in a house from the future

Daimler testing wireless charging on a Mercedes Benz in a house from the future originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz F 125! looks like the future, runs on hydrogen

Tim Stevens — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 06:40:00 EST

As expected, the feature concept car being shown by Mercedes-Benz at Frankfurt this year was the F 125! But Merc isn't actually calling it a concept, rather a "research vehicle" that will help the company work toward a gasoline-free future. In this case it's a hydrogen-filled future, with this car running on compressed gas and so giving off only water vapor and oxygen as emissions. But, it's also a plug-in, meaning you can charge this thing up on your garage in addition to topping off the tank at your local H2 filling station -- at some point in the future when you actually have an H2 filling station. Read on for more details.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz F 125! concept

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz F 125! looks like the future, runs on hydrogen

Mercedes-Benz F 125! looks like the future, runs on hydrogen originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 06:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz debuts B-Class E-Cell Plus EV concept, the suburban limo revisioned

Lydia Leavitt — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:26:00 EST

Family transportation has come a long way since it was all about piling in the back of the humble station wagon -- in particular, we're talking about the new Mercedez-Benz Concept B-Class E-Cell Plus EV that debuted today at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The plug-in series hybrid has a 136-horsepower electric motor with a 62-mile range, and a 67-horsepower, 1.0-liter three cylinder turbocharged gas engine for range-extending capabilities up to 373 miles. At low speeds, the petrol engine charges the lithium-ion batteries. When going faster, it acts on the car's front wheels, while the electric engine also chugs along -- very much like the Chevy Volt. Mercedes promises zero to 62MPH in 11 seconds and top speeds of 93MPH in both battery-only and range-extending modes. No word yet on when this dream ride will be available for family carpools, but eager June Cleavers can check out the photo gallery and full PR after the break.

Update: We've added a gallery from Frankfurt!

Gallery: Mercedes B-Class E-Cell Plus EV

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell Plus

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz debuts B-Class E-Cell Plus EV concept, the suburban limo revisioned

Mercedes-Benz debuts B-Class E-Cell Plus EV concept, the suburban limo revisioned originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz's hydrogen-powered F125! concept slips out ahead of Frankfurt

Donald Melanson — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:04:00 EST

Mercedes-Benz is certainly no stranger to hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles, and it looks like the automaker is now about to show off its latest concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. That's dubbed the F125! (apparently pronounced F one twenty FIVE), and it promises a top speed of 137 miles per hour, 0 to 62 in 4.9 seconds, and 100 kilometers on 0.79 kilograms of hydrogen (or 621 miles on a full tank). Apparently, the concept is also intended to demonstrate the design direction for 2025 CL-Class, although there's no indication as of yet that Mercedes-Benz plans to put a hydrogen-powered CL-Class into production. Hit the links below for a few more shots that have leaked out ahead of the show.

Mercedes-Benz's hydrogen-powered F125! concept slips out ahead of Frankfurt originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz completes hydrogen-powered F-Cell World Drive, but had to bring its own fuel

Jesse Hicks — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 17:03:00 EST

At January's Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz eagerly showed off its hydrogen-powered F-Cell car, vowing to prove the viability of fuel-cell vehicles by driving three of them around the world. And now, 18,641 total miles later, it's completed that circumnavigation, arriving safely home at the company's Stuttgart headquarters. Does this prove fuel-cells are ready for prime time? Well, the trip took 70 driving days to cover four continents, and the vehicles' range topped out at just over 400 miles -- in Kazahkstan. But M-B admits there are only 200 refilling stations worldwide; in most cases the F-Cells had to rely on a tag-along mobile refueling unit. The company hopes its demonstration will spur development in a refilling-station infrastructure: having a fuel-cell car you can't easily refuel must feel like owning a flying DeLorean in 1885. To get the full breakdown, see the Mercedes-Benz PR after the break.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz completes hydrogen-powered F-Cell World Drive, but had to bring its own fuel

Mercedes-Benz completes hydrogen-powered F-Cell World Drive, but had to bring its own fuel originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Jun 2011 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz debuts tablet-packing A-Class concept

Christopher Trout — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 00:45:00 EST

As fond as we are of the A-Class, it's never been the best looking Benz in the bunch, but with the introduction of the new A-Class concept, it looks like that could soon change. One of the car's designers describes it variously as sexy, expressive, and beautifully formed, and while we wouldn't go quite that far, we have to say it's not too shabby. The car sports some interesting looking LED headlights and an inverted mesh grill on the outside, and on the inside it's packing a rather futuristic display, complete with a dash-mounted tablet and what looks to be an iPhone protruding from the center console. Now, there's no guarantee that this thing will get the E-Cell treatment, or that all the bells and whistles will make it to production, but for now, it's shaping up to be a rather stylish upgrade. For more Mercedes-Benz eye candy, check out the gallery below.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept

Mercedes-Benz debuts tablet-packing A-Class concept originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Apr 2011 00:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes' A-Class E-Cell gets taken for a test drive

Donald Melanson — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:41:00 EST

Mercedes-Benz's new A-Class E-Cell may be a limited production vehicle, but it is a production vehicle, which likely means that some folks will be interested in how it actually drives. Thankfully, the folks from PluginCars have now managed to take one for a quick spin, and have delivered a few first impressions. The short of it is that while it's a "nice ride," it's apparently not a very powerful one -- in fact, the site says that the car felt "significantly slower" than the Nissan Leaf, which also of course has the advantage of being cheaper and more widely available. The Mercedes does apparently handle much better, though, and while the floor is a bit higher than a normal car, the interior otherwise seems to be top notch. Unfortunately, the test drive wasn't exactly long enough to truly test the car's Tesla-provided batteries, but the site was at least pleased to see the current state of charge conveniently placed right in the middle of the dashboard.

Mercedes' A-Class E-Cell gets taken for a test drive originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smart Fortwo ED gets official EPA ratings: 94 MPG city, 79 MPG on the highway

Michael Gorman — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:28:00 EST

Looks like "Team 250" is primed to add a few new members now that the EPA has revealed its official MPGe ratings for Smart's Fortwo EDs. Rated at 94 miles-per-gallon in the city and 79 on the highway, the car takes motorists 63 miles per charge -- making it slightly less able than Nissan's Leaf with its 73 mile range, 106 MPG in town, and 92 MPG on the open road. Now that the Fortwo ED has its governmental blessing, interested parties can lease one from selected dealers -- sorry folks, buying's not an option -- for a hefty $599 per-month, which seems staggeringly high compared to the $349 monthly lease rate for the larger, more capable Leaf. Perhaps the Smart squad won't be getting many new teammates after all.

Smart Fortwo ED gets official EPA ratings: 94 MPG city, 79 MPG on the highway originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Car Connectivity Consortium forms to bring more smartphones to more interiors

Tim Stevens — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:33:00 EST

Though Terminal Mode has always been an open standard we've never really seen any tech companies outside of Espoo show much interest in the stuff, which lets a car mirror a phone's display. When Nokia sort of shifted gears and signed on with Microsoft that left us wondering what would be next for the company's infotainment efforts. Good things, as it turns out. The Car Connectivity Consortium has been founded to drive "global innovation for in-vehicle connectivity," and both Terminal Mode and Nokia will play a big part -- though a bigger part will be played by Daimler, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, and VW. They're joined by electronics companies Alpine, LG, Panasonic, and Samsung, making us think that maybe Terminal Mode's time has properly come. Also on the docket for the CCC is study of NFC, which will hopefully standardize the sort of awesome key interactivity BMW recently showed off.

Continue reading Car Connectivity Consortium forms to bring more smartphones to more interiors

Car Connectivity Consortium forms to bring more smartphones to more interiors originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harman-Mercedes Map Pilot modular built-in nav system becomes reality

Christopher Trout — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:42:00 EST

A little over two years ago, we opined on the lack of decent built-in nav systems, hopelessly waiting for Harman and Mercedes to make good on their promise of an easily upgradable in-dash setup. Well, the day has finally come, and the partners in automotive innovation are gearing up to introduce the Becker Map Pilot to the world at the Geneva Motor Show. As promised, the system combines the flexibility and features of a PND with the integration and good looks of a built-in setup -- although the interface shows up on the auto's central display panel and relays voice instructions over the car's speakers, the main unit is stored in the glove compartment, where it's easily removed and upgraded via the internet. If you can afford the mammoth price tag, Map Pilot will roll out in the new Mercedes-Benz SLK and C-Class, but if you don't have an extra $50,000 lying around, we'll still let you peep the PR after the break.

Continue reading Harman-Mercedes Map Pilot modular built-in nav system becomes reality

Harman-Mercedes Map Pilot modular built-in nav system becomes reality originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smart shows off Forspeed electric roadster concept

Donald Melanson — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 08:27:00 EST

We've got some good news and some bad news for folks eager for a sportier, all-electric Smart vehicle. The good news is that parent company Mercedes-Benz has just taken the wraps of its brand new Smart Forspeed concept vehicle, which will make its debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. It's a compact, all-electric roadster that promises a top speed of 75 miles per hour, a range of 84 miles on a charge (which, incidentally, can be done using a normal 220 volt socket), and a luxury interior that even includes a special smartphone housing. The bad news? The company is saying up front that it "won't make production," but that "elements of the car will be carried over into future projects." Hit up the link below for a closer look.

Smart shows off Forspeed electric roadster concept originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes F-Cell World Drive gets off to an inauspicious start

Tim Stevens — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 17:51:00 EST

Circling the globe on hydrogen power sounds like a bit of a challenge, what with the lack H2 pumps and all, but Mercedes-Benz set off to show that it could do just that -- with the help of a mobile filling station, natürlich. It's the F-Cell World Drive, and unfortunately, things got off to something of a bad start with two cars running out of fuel on the very first leg of the journey, one with Autoblog's Michael Harley at the wheel, no less. This first leg apparently began with a trip down an unrestricted bit of the Autobahn and, well, it seems the drivers of the cars decided to see what the little green B-Class F-Cells could do. The answer is 110mph, and of course moving along at this rate of speed did little for their range. The two cars came up 20km short of their first planned refueling stop, heavy right feet resulting in consumption of 1.5Kg of hydrogen per 100km distance -- roughly equivalent of 45mpg and way less than the 71mpg equivalent the cars usually manage. We're told day two, when drivers kept the speed to around 70mph, progressed much more smoothly, with both cars covering their expected legs without issue.

Mercedes F-Cell World Drive gets off to an inauspicious start originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 Feb 2011 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler says fuel cell vehicles will cost the same as diesel hybrids by 2015

Donald Melanson — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 03:17:00 EST

It may currently you cost you $849 a month to lease a Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell (one of the few hyrodgen-fueled vehicles currently available to consumers), but Daimler says that cost will come down considerably in the next few years. Speaking with Automotive News, Daimler's Herbert Kohler said that by 2015 he expects a "fuel cell car will not cost more than a four-cylinder diesel hybrid that meets the Euro 6 emissions standard," which would seemingly place it in a race with Toyota and its promise of a $50,000 hydrogen-powered sedan. What's more, Kohler also said that he expects fuel cell vehicles to actually be cheaper than comparable electric vehicles within the next few years, and he said that Daimler is hoping to bring a "four-digit-number" of fuel cell vehicles to market by 2013 or 2014.

Daimler says fuel cell vehicles will cost the same as diesel hybrids by 2015 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 03:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smart USA won't be stopped by snow, delivers first Fortwo Electric Drive to a customer

Tim Stevens — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 08:34:00 EST

Hertz may have been the first to get the suckers on the road, but Mindy Kimball of Silver Spring, MD is the first American customer to have a Smart Fortwo Electric Drive of her very own. She's a US Army Major and now has a funky little green (but not olive drab) and white coupe at home -- probably buried under a foot or two of white stuff at this point. She's member numero uno of Smart USA's so-called "Team 250," which will make up the first 250 owners of the cars, each of which offer a maximum of 72 miles of range and a top speed of 70mph. All while looking super cute.

[Thanks, Jason]

Smart USA won't be stopped by snow, delivers first Fortwo Electric Drive to a customer originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler and BYD's GOLF electric car getting closer to completion?

Tim Stevens — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:43:00 EST

Daimler AG is of course best known as the producer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, cars that usually sit toward the higher end of their respective classes. BYD, on the other hand, makes batteries, cellphones, and inexpensive cars that often look an awful, awful lot like other, rather more expensive ones. Strange bedfellows, these, but according to a "knowledgeable individual" quoted by The Wall Street Journal the two are getting closer to finalizing plans for an electric vehicle, freezing the design ahead of production to begin toward the end of 2012. The car is said to be called the GOLF, standing for Green, Oxygen, Light, and Friendship -- though that L could also double for Lawsuit given VW already sells its Golf in China. This partnership is similar to what BMW is doing, working with Brilliance China Automotive to get a foothold into the potentially Chinese EV market, which is already starting to heat up and should only continue to do so over the coming years.

Daimler and BYD's GOLF electric car getting closer to completion? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes kicks off F-Cell World Drive, circumnavigating the globe on hydrogen

Tim Stevens — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 22:29:00 EST

Fuel cell-powered cars provide the efficiency and driveability of an electric vehicle while also offering the unlimited range of a traditional gasoline powered car -- assuming you can find a place to top off those hydrogen tanks. Right now that's a bit of a problem, but Mercedes Benz is out to show that it's not nearly as big of a hindrance as everyone makes it out to be. It'll be driving the B-Class F-Cell model around the world, starting in Stuttgart and motoring down to Lisbon, flying over to the US and driving across that, then across Australia before hopping a boat to Shanghai and driving all the way across Asia, ultimately arriving back to Stuttgart facing in the same direction they left. The B-Class F-Cell can cover 400km on a tank and can be refilled in about three minutes. At this point we have no reason to believe that either Ewan McGregor nor Charlie Boorman will be along for the ride, but given how well things went in Log Way Round perhaps that's for the best.

Mercedes kicks off F-Cell World Drive, circumnavigating the globe on hydrogen originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 22:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz BIOME concept car grows in a nursery, on sale now in Zion

Darren Murph — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:12:00 EST

Okay, so there's no actual way to phone up Sad Keanu Reeves and confirm that the Mercedes-Benz BIOME is indeed on sale in the "real world," but it should be. Revealed in The Matrix's own LA Auto Show, this here vehicle has a theoretical weight of just 875.5 pounds, but it's likely far too wide to cruise on this planet's existing roadway system. The vehicle was imagined by designers from the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios in Carlsbad, California, and it's said to be "fully integrated into the ecosystem, from the moment of its creation right through to the end of its service life." How so? It's grown "in a completely organic environment from seeds sown in a nursery," and just being totally frank here, we've no idea what that means. But hey, if M-B can figure out how to grow cars in Morpheus' backyard, who are we to question the reality of it?

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz BIOME concept car grows in a nursery, on sale now in Zion

Mercedes-Benz BIOME concept car grows in a nursery, on sale now in Zion originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz's hydrogen-fueled B-Class F-Cell gets priced at $849 a month

Donald Melanson — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:52:00 EST

It's unfortunately not the F800 Style "research vehicle" the company is working on, but those looking to avoid a hybrid or all-electric vehicle in favor of fuel cell technology can now place an order for Mercedes-Benz's new B-Class F-Cell vehicle. Those orders actually first opened up in October, but the automaker has only just recently revealed the actual cost to customers. That will be $849 a month on a lease-only basis, which may seem a tad high but does include both fuel and insurance (alright, so it's still high). As you might expect, however, the car won't exactly be widely available -- Mercedes-Benz says the first few will reach "selected" customers by the end of this year, with "at least 70 more" set to become available in the Los Angeles and San Francisco area by 2012. Full press release is after the break.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz's hydrogen-fueled B-Class F-Cell gets priced at $849 a month

Mercedes-Benz's hydrogen-fueled B-Class F-Cell gets priced at $849 a month originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz SLK gets Magic Sky Control roof, turns transparent at the touch of a button

Tim Stevens — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 10:27:00 EST

Put down those iPads, Mercedes owners, and look to the sky. There's a word of wonder up there and, if you had yourself an SLK with the Magic Sky Control vario-roof, you could be looking at it. Well, of course, you could already be looking at the sky if you had an SLK because, you know, it's a convertible. But, let's say you want to do it without actually having to experience nature. Now we're talking. The vario-roof is a glass panel in the center of the SLK's retractable hardtop and now, if you tick the 2000 euro ($2,800) Magic Sky Control option, you can control that sky, tinting the glass panel at will by re-aligning the light-blocking crystals embedded within. It's like a big pixel on an LCD with the whole sun as your backlight and a truly awful dot pitch.

Gallery: SLK Magic Sky Control roof

Mercedes-Benz SLK gets Magic Sky Control roof, turns transparent at the touch of a button originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes' new Media Interface Plus is smartphone-friendly, Bluetooth-equipped, and Pandora-ready

Paul Miller — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 09:36:00 EST

Mercedes has a new $298 accessory available now that adds another level of smartphone compatibility to its existing in-vehicle controls of iPods and aux audio. The Media Interface Plus allows the car to stream audio from an iPhone, BlackBerry, or any other compatible Bluetooth music player (we're guessing A2DP, though Mercedes doesn't specify). The MIP can also control the Pandora app on the iPhone and BlackBerry, and other features like SMS and email reading / writing are forthcoming. There are iPod / iPhone and Mini-USB plugs for charging, and an optional cable can pull video from your iPhone as well and display it on your in-dash screen -- when the car is at a standstill, of course.

Continue reading Mercedes' new Media Interface Plus is smartphone-friendly, Bluetooth-equipped, and Pandora-ready

Mercedes' new Media Interface Plus is smartphone-friendly, Bluetooth-equipped, and Pandora-ready originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz gets in on the factory iPad integration game, makes headrests a little smarter

Tim Stevens — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:12:00 EST

You didn't think BMW would be the only one releasing hideous in-car iPad integration, did you? Mercedes-Benz, a company we previously thought had a bit more class, has released images of its strikingly similar headrest-mounted iPad docks. The idea is that the person in the back seat can comfortably use and recharge their device whilst their manservant, bodyguard, or parental guardian whisks them to their next destination. Of course, reaching forward to touch the back of the headrest in front of you is hardly an ergonomically sound position, and since that could very well be where your face ends up in a major accident we'd love to see what star rating the tablet's glass scores in a crash test. No price is given for the accessory at this point, but it'll surely be rather more accessible than the truly egregious Brabus iBusiness S Class.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz iPad integration

Mercedes-Benz gets in on the factory iPad integration game, makes headrests a little smarter originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-Cell is an E-lectric limited production vehicle

Vlad Savov — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:32:00 EST

Here's what you could be driving... if only you lived in Europe. Mercedes-Benz has announced, and promptly sold, a limited production run of 500 electric A-Class hatchbacks. Bearing the same E-Cell designation as the somewhat tastier-looking SLS model from the deutschen automaker, this little goer squeezes 95 horsepower and a 93mph top speed out of a 70kW motor. Those are relatively humble specs, but they also mean the electrified A-Class can last a healthy 124 miles between recharges. So long as this thing doesn't go all Tata Nano on us -- and Mercedes says its thermomanagement is top notch -- we wouldn't mind seeing a few more electro hatchbacks rolling off the assembly line and maybe even reaching markets outside the present France, Germany and Netherlands. Let's make it happen, Daimler!

Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-Cell is an E-lectric limited production vehicle originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz updates mbrace app with fancy pants 'Concierge' service

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Mercedes-Benz just announced a new app that connects its in-car navigation systems with its customers' iPhones. Mbrace version 2.0 still lets drivers unlock their vehicles and, more importantly, find it in a crowded parking lot while adding location-based personal assistance ranging from entertainment, restaurant, directions, and traffic updates via Mercedes-Benz's Concierge service -- assuming you're are an mbrace PLUS customer. Destination information is then fired off directly to your in-vehicle navigation system to get you there. The updated app also includes enhanced Roadside Assistance that transmits the driver's location whenever a call is initiated. Think OnStar with a posh European accent.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz updates mbrace app with fancy pants 'Concierge' service

Mercedes-Benz updates mbrace app with fancy pants 'Concierge' service originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes SLS AMG and Isle of Man take center stage in 'world's fastest 3D car film'

Darren Murph — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:39:00 EST

Frankly, you could've stopped at "Mercedes SLS AMG" and "Isle of Man," but toss in ex-Formula 1 driver David Coulthard, a litany of 3D cameras, helicopters and a closed section of the Mountain Road... and well, you've got magic in the making. The crew here set out to create the "world's fastest 3D film," and honestly, we aren't in any position to doubt 'em. We're also guessing that this 4 minute and 2 second masterpiece will be looped in Benz dealerships around the world, and for good reason. Word has it that the clip will be shown on Sky 3D across the pond, but there's no telling when it'll grace three-dee screens in North America and beyond. While we wait, feast your senses on the 2D version just beyond the break.

Continue reading Mercedes SLS AMG and Isle of Man take center stage in 'world's fastest 3D car film'

Mercedes SLS AMG and Isle of Man take center stage in 'world's fastest 3D car film' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kleer teams up with Mercedes Benz to untether in-car headphones

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 07:00:00 EST

We hate wires. We can't count the number of times that our headphones were unceremoniously yanked from our heads (or ear canals) because the wire got snagged while ordering our Brazilian man-servant about. Kleer solved this problem years ago but still haven't broken into the mainstream thanks in no small part to the preponderance of low-cost (and low-quality) Bluetooth headphones. That could change with the visibility provided by a new partnership with Mercedes to replace line-of-site infrared technology the company had been using. The deal will equip 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and S-Class models with Kleer's proprietary, low-power, CD-quality digital wireless audio emitted from a pair of video screens on the back of the seats. Occupants wearing the Mercedes-provided Kleer headphones or any compatible pair can then select which audio stream their headphones receive without interfering with Bluetooth or WiFi connected devices. Win, win.

Gallery: Kleer teams up with Mercedes Benz to untether in-car headphones

Continue reading Kleer teams up with Mercedes Benz to untether in-car headphones

Kleer teams up with Mercedes Benz to untether in-car headphones originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz SLS E-Cell prototype fuels our electric dreams with 526 horses

Vlad Savov — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:08:00 EST

Oh, electric supercar, why do you tease us so? Mercedes is latest to throw up a prototype of what it expects future rubber burners to look like, and its SLS E-Cell doesn't disappoint. Based on its petrol-guzzling SLS AMG model, this beast produces 526 horsepower and 649 pound-feet of torque, thanks to four motors (one for each wheel) allied to a battery array that can provide an industry-leading 480kW of juice. How fast does that get you to the magical 60mph marker? Try four seconds. There's a handsome 10-inch infotainment panel in the center console, which you may see after the break, but the best news is that this prototype can be driven now and could well turn into a production Benz at some point in 2013.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLS E-Cell prototype fuels our electric dreams with 526 horses

Mercedes-Benz SLS E-Cell prototype fuels our electric dreams with 526 horses originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz Hexawheel concept is the 4x4 you never knew you needed

Darren Murph — Sun, 23 May 2010 03:00:00 EST

It ain't the first Mercedes-Benz concept to dazzle us, and we get the feeling it's far from being the last. Dreamed up by designer Siyamak Rouhi Dehkordi, the Hexawheel is doing its darnedest to bring the gas guzzler back, and while we'd never turn down a solid deal on our own G-Wagon, there's something mighty novel about this ride. Boasting an iconic M-B design, this here creature deviates drastically from the typical road warrior, utilizing six wheels on an articulated chassis with a flexible drivetrain. All told, it'd measure some 16 feet if ushered into production, and it's quite possibly the best beach vehicle next to the dune buggy. There's no word on what kind of powerplant this thing would support, but we're guessing something involving fuel cells would be appropriate. Give those links below a visit if you're in the mood for more images.

Mercedes-Benz Hexawheel concept is the 4x4 you never knew you needed originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 23 May 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz F800 Style teases us with fuel cells, aggressive new look

Vlad Savov — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:55:00 EST

Mercedes has just announced its latest "research vehicle," the F800 Style, and as concepts are wont to do, it intersperses some extremely ambitious goals with plenty of viable and forthcoming improvements. The two powertrain options touted by the company represent this best. On the one hand, there's a perfectly reasonable PHEV setup that will generate north of 400bhp combined grunt and offer an 18-mile range when abstaining from gas power. On the other, there's an electric drive with fuel cells system that will get you a spectacular 375-mile cruising range -- if only it'd make it to real products, which seems highly unlikely right now. All the same, as the company's premium sedan concept, the F800 Style represents the direction of Mercedes' future designs, both in its external styling and in the internal focus on becoming friendlier to the environment. We can find little reason to object to either. Check out a couple more pics after the break, then hit Autoblog for more details.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz F800 Style teases us with fuel cells, aggressive new look

Mercedes-Benz F800 Style teases us with fuel cells, aggressive new look originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz Vision S 500: it's the plug-in hybrid for old people

Darren Murph — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 09:36:00 EST

Look, you won't find a bigger bunch of fans of the C63 than this here crew, but man, that massive "plug-in hybrid" logo might as well say "70+ aged drivers only, please." For everyone not interested in scooping up a Tesla Roadster, Chevy Volt or some other eco-friendly whip that they can't afford, there's the Mercedes-Benz Vision S 500. Made official this week during the run-up to the impending Frankfurt auto show, the 3.5-liter PHEV aims to grab the eyes of those who value class, comfort and luxury, and while this whole "gas mileage" thing is still very much in the air with this type of vehicle, early estimates peg the MPG rating at around 70. M-B has gifted the car with an 18-mile electric range, but most everything else is being veiled in secrecy until the full reveal next week.

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Mercedes-Benz Vision S 500: it's the plug-in hybrid for old people originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes shows off Splitview display, other dashboard perks in the 2010 S-Class

Paul Miller — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:14:00 EST

Sure, the cold metal exterior looks like a regular old car, but the 2010 S-Class from Mercedes-Benz has a fuzzy technological heart, including an abundance of readout displays and a Splitview screen. Quite like it sounds, the Splitview display offers up one view to the driver (like a map), while the passenger sees a completely different image (like a movie, or a picture of somebody looking at a map), and after hearing all about it for the past while, Mercedes is actually giving us a glimpse of it in an overly-dramatic promo video for the latest S-Class to clutter up the roads. Check it out after the break.

Continue reading Mercedes shows off Splitview display, other dashboard perks in the 2010 S-Class

Filed under: Displays, Transportation

Mercedes shows off Splitview display, other dashboard perks in the 2010 S-Class originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz's F-CELL Roadster is chock-full of win

Darren Murph — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:07:00 EST

Mercedes-Benz has been toying with alternative-energy prototype vehicles for awhile now, but we're fairly certain this little gem is amongst the most bodacious. The obviously conceptual F-CELL Roadster hearkens back to M-B vehicles of old, though the engine is far from retro. Controlled with drive-by-wire technology and utilizing a joystick rather than a conventional steering wheel, this whip is (theoretically, at least) powered by a 1.2kW emission-free fuel cell system located at the rear. We're told that it could reach an enviable top speed of 15.5mph, and the 217 mile operating range definitely has us salivating. Frankly, this one's all about the design, and we can't implore you enough to give the read link a visit for lots more high-res action.

Filed under: Transportation

Mercedes-Benz's F-CELL Roadster is chock-full of win originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harman, Mercedes working on modular built-in nav systems

Nilay Patel — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 05:08:00 EST

Anyone's who's bought a car with a built-in nav system knows the pain of seeing their expensive accessory totally eclipsed by even the cheapest external GPS units just a year or two later -- everything from UI to multimedia integration progresses so fast it's almost not worth it. That might change soon, though -- Harman and Mercedes are working on a "hybrid" nav system that combines the easy replaceability of an external PND with the integration and sleek looks of a built-in system. The goal is to build a standard design that can upgraded quickly -- right now OEM systems have to be designed almost three years in advance -- so the screen and controls will be mounted on the dash in a cradle, while a second hidden "processing box" will handle the actual GPS system, music storage and playback, and Bluetooth connectivity. Harman says eventually prices should fall to the point where automakers can compete with aftermarket GPS systems -- we'll see if that hold up when Mercedes ships the new kit in eight vehicles scheduled for the second half of 2010.

[Via Gearlog]

Filed under: GPS, Transportation

Harman, Mercedes working on modular built-in nav systems originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 05:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler taps Tesla's battery know-how for electric Smart

Tim Stevens — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 08:35:00 EST

Daimler has been talking about electric Smart cars for about 10 years now, but the closest you've ever been able to come to a production model has been to go all KIRF-style and buy a knock-off CMEC City Smart. At the North American International Auto Show this past week the company again confirmed that a little Smart that runs on little batteries is still in the works, announcing plans to release 1,000 electric fortwos on lease here in the States by the end of the year. Now that the show is over, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is letting everyone know that his company will be producing those little batteries, a partnership the likes of which he must surely be hoping to develop with other manufacturers as they jump on the EV bandwagon. 1,000 cars is disappointingly few, but it's better than the paltry 500 plug-in Prius models Toyota plans to pilot here.

Filed under: Transportation

Daimler taps Tesla's battery know-how for electric Smart originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes hedges alt-fuel bets with BlueZero electric, hydrogen, and hybrid models

Tim Stevens — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:49:00 EST

When everyone was going hybrid, taking baby-steps toward an alternative-fueled future, Mercedes jumped into its prototype Hydrogen-powered machines and buzzed off toward the horizon. Now, perhaps realizing that it moved a bit too quickly for the distribution infrastructure to keep up, the company seems to be pulling back a bit, introducing the BlueZERO line of autos that all share the same shell -- pictured above looking good at its most flattering angle, but not so hot after the break. The series will encompass three cars: the fully-electric E-CELL (possibly featuring Tesla batteries), with a 120 mile range; the hydrogen-powered F-CELL, with a 248 mile range; and the hybrid E-CELL PLUS that, like the Volt, will carry a gasoline engine to recharge the batteries and provide up to 370 miles of non-stop motoring (10 more than Chevy's offering). The trio are set to release in 2010, which should be a historic year for the auto industry... assuming we still have an auto industry in 2010.

Continue reading Mercedes hedges alt-fuel bets with BlueZero electric, hydrogen, and hybrid models

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Mercedes hedges alt-fuel bets with BlueZero electric, hydrogen, and hybrid models originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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