Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today launched the Mercedes-Benz EQE, which joins the EQA, EQB, EQC and EQS in the all-electric Mercedes-EQ range in Malaysia. Priced from RM419,888 with tax exemption, the EQE sedan looks like a scaled-down version of the EQS and is essentially the ‘E-Class’ of the Mercedes-EQ range. It is thus positioned as the business sedan of the future.
As with the carmaker’s other EV models, the EQE 350+ uses EVA2 architecture which is the first of two platforms for its EV models (the other being the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture to be used later on).
Since the 1980s, electronic systems have been slowly taking control of the car and with electric vehicles (EVs), there is the feeling that cars have become ‘computers on wheels’. And as we move slowly towards autonomous motoring when a car can operate itself without human control, the computer will have taken over everything (shades of ‘Skynet’!).
Like the computer or smartphone you use daily, the electronic systems in cars operate with software that has millions of lines of code. As microprocessors have quickly improved in capacity and speed, the software has become more sophisticated and able to handle many different processes simultaneously – at speeds fast enough to activate the brakes if a collision is imminent.
In recent years, some companies have also started to incorporate into the software ‘paywalls’ that restrict certain features until a code is provided by the car owner. The approach is the same as what the computer software industry has been doing for decades. For example, if you purchase or renew Kaspersky’s anti-virus software, you will need to pay them and then get a code which will allow activation or renewal of the software. If you don’t, the software will either deactivate or have reduced functionality and make your device more vulnerable to virus attacks.
Today, Mercedes-Benz has a range of compact models in its range but this was not the case before 1997 when the smallest model was the C-Class W201 (known as 190 E earlier). However, the German carmaker did plan to have a car smaller than the C-Class and had been thinking about it on and off from the early 1980s.
While the world was excited at seeing the completely new ‘baby Benz’ in 1982, a small group of engineers was busy preparing a presentation for a model that was even smaller. It was a ‘city car’ concept which would have front-wheel-drive, two seats, sliding doors and large windows for an optimum all-round view.
Many believe this to be the starting point for the first A-Class and the idea of a mini vehicle had stimulated the designers to think of new approaches. However, that proposal never went very far as it was not easy to meet the high safety standards that must be in every vehicle with the Stuttgart Star. The technology available then made it almost impossible to design a car so small which could provide high levels of impact protection.
The COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years brought industries to a standstill in 2020 as lockdowns were initiated in many countries. Then, as things seemed to get better in 2021, a global shortage of microprocessors (as well as other parts) slowed production, especially of motor vehicles.
Nevertheless, in spite of having tough challenges to overcome and growing waiting lists of customers, the leading automotive brands still saw their brand values rise in 2021. In the Best Global Brands 2022 listing released by US brand consultancy Interbrand, the top 10 brand leaders in the auto sector remained largely unchanged, with increased values last year.
At this year’s final round of the ‘League of Legends’ World Championship (a multiplayer online videogame) this weekend in San Francisco, Mercedes‑Benz will present details of its purely virtual showcar for the first time. Known as the Mercedes‑Benz Project SMNR (Summoner), the design of a sculptural two-seater coupe is characterized by its semi-transparent materiality.
Mercedes‑Benz will be the central part of the Riot Games Fan Village in San Francisco with the Mercedes‑EQ House. On an area of 250 square metres, the German carmaker will not only provide exclusive insights into the world of Mercedes‑Benz but also have the EQS SUV alongside the virtual showcar and the Championship Ring.
Apple Music’s Spatial Audio with support for Dolby Atmos is now available as a native experience in Mercedes‑Benz vehicles for the first time, providing occupants with a fully immersive listening experience of studio-quality sound said to be better than in any concert hall.
The limited edition Mercedes‑Maybach by Virgil Abloh was one of the first cars in the world — and the first model in the Mercedes‑Benz line-up — to offer this superior, multi-dimensional soundscape powered by the Burmester high-end 4D sound system. Apple Music with Spatial Audio will also be integrated through the MBUX infotainment system first in the Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class and then the S-Class and other Mercedes-EQ models.
Mercedes-Benz owners in Malaysia can now extend warranty coverage for their if they intend to maintain ownership for a longer period. Considering the high costs of replacement parts, this would be a pertinent move for more peace of mind.
The upgraded Extended Limited Warranty Programme from Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is for vehicles in their fifth and sixth year. Owners can choose optional Essential or Comprehensive plans with full flexibility for a 1-year or 2-year subscription with coverage up to RM250,000 per plan.
Although many new models are now having remote connection capabilities, Mercedes-Benz began to offer the feature – known as Mercedes me connect – in 2016, with introduction in the Malaysian market in late 2019. Initially, it was available for only a few models but older ones (up to 2002) could be connected with a Mercedes me adapter that cost RM250.
Since then, Mercedes me connect has become a standard feature on the latest models, providing owners with a constant connection to their vehicle via their smartphone and the Mercedes me app (available for Android and iOS devices). From a distance away – like inside a hotel room or home – the owner can check the current status of the vehicle as well as make service appointments.
Minsoon has been one of the longest authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers in Malaysia, having begun its association with the German brand as far back as 1968. Just as the brand has evolved and moved upwards, so too has Minsoon and the new Minsoon Star Autohaus in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, reflects this.
Officially opened today, the dealership’s new location at Seremban 2 has closer proximity to the existing and potential affluent residents of the town as well as those in new townships in the area. Additionally, the Autohaus is situated close to the North-South Expressway, so it is also easily accessible by Mercedes-Benz owners who may be passing by.
Six months after introducing the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W206), Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has launched the locally-assembled version. As with other models assembled in Malaysia, the new C-Class comes from the brand’s facility in Pekan, Pahang.
Two versions of the sedan are offered – the C200 Avantgarde priced from RM287,888 (excluding insurance) and the C300 AMG Line from RM327,888 (without insurance). Local assembly naturally saves money and unlike some cases, there doesn’t seem to be any significant difference in the features and equipment compared to the CBU versions we saw earlier.
Both models are powered by 4-cylinder turbocharged engines, the C200 having a 1.5-litre displacement and an output of 204 ps/300 Nm, while the C300’s 2-litre engine produces 258 ps/400 Nm. Both engines get additional assistance with the integrated starter generator which can add 15 kW (equivalent to 20 ps) and 200 Nm to the output for brief periods. The same 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with 9 speeds is used to deliver power to the rear wheels.
The classic sedan form that has characterised the C-Class is maintained with a more modernised appearance that has sporty elements. The C200’s Avantgarde line features include the radiator grille design with central Mercedes star as well as elegant trim strips in high-sheen aluminium and chrome with 18-inch 5-spoke wheels.
For the C300 with AMG Line, the grille incorporates the star design in chrome. To distinguish this version are LED High Performance headlamps with Adaptive High Beam Assist, 19-inch AMG multi spoke wheels and a panoramic sunroof is standard.
The rear ends of both models are similar, but this generation has had more attention given to the tail lamp units. For the first time in a C-Class, they have a 2-piece design, with the light functions divided between the side wall and bootlid lamps.
For this new generation, the interior has influences from the latest S-Class so its image is elevated. Notable features in the cabin are the high-resolution 12.3-inch free-standing display, which makes a difference from traditional cockpits with the classic round meters. The touchscreen appears to float above the expanse of trim and is slightly tilted towards the driver for easier viewing.
The dashboard is divided into an upper and a lower section. Above the wing-like section are a trio of flattened round vents reminiscent of aircraft engine nacelles. The tablet-like central display flows down to the centre console which has a rear padded section for the armrest and a front section in lustrous jet black, divided by a chrome insert.
As with every new Mercedes-Benz in recent times, the new C-Class comes with MBUX and includes MBUX Navigation Premium. The MBUX multimedia system has extended functions and comes with a LTE module to connect to Mercedes me, the app that allows the owner to interact with his car. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it possible to transfer favourite apps like Spotify or Waze onto the display screen and use them from there.
The system also has a fingerprint scanner but this is not used for security. Instead, it is used to retrieve stored profiles of different occupants (usually the driver) with regards to their personal preferences such as seat and steering adjustments, air-conditioning settings and even the ambient lighting levels.
Besides the advanced driver assistance systems to help the driver’s awareness and intervention when action is not taken to avoid an accident, there is also an emergency call (e-call) system. This will send a message to a control centre to notify of a possible accident when sensors detect a severe impact and deployment of the airbags. This could bring rescuers faster and make a difference in saving a life.
Each new C-Class comes with the URBAN GUARD vehicle protection package which is a security system for the car that can be helpful on recovering it if stolen. This makes use of the Mercedes me app and besides the usual security systems, it is also possible to deactivate the car keys preventing their use to start the engine. There is also visualisation with camera images to identify possible cause of parking damage.
For those interested in buying the new C-Class, Mercedes-Benz Financial has various financing plans starting from RM2,388 per month (for the C200). Additionally, there’s a MobilityPlus programme with a guaranteed temporary Mercedes-Benz replacement car if the car is retained by the service centre for 48 hours or more.
