For those who do not like the bother of having to park their cars in a carpark, hotels usually have valets to do the job. But valets may no longer have to do it either as cars will be able to park themselves after the owner has exited. Perhaps the first cars to be able to do so will be from Mercedes-Benz which has developed and begun to demonstrate the capability.
Working with a technology supplier, the German carmaker has developed automated valet parking technology which it calls INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT. The technology is available in the EQS BEV sedan as well as the latest S-Class sold in European markets. In order to enable the car to drive and park itself, it also requires an intelligent infrastructure installed in the parking area.
Sensors installed at the building communicate with the car and guide its manoeuvring through the parking area. This will allow the car to operate in highly automated mode and without a driver, and has the possibility of additional capabilities such as automated EV charging, car wash and vehicle servicing or maintenance where vehicles move in and out of service areas on their own
The automated parking process makes use of a smartphone app and the driver has to first position the car in a designated drop-off area. When activated, the sensor system in the carpark checks whether a suitable space is available or was already reserved for the vehicle. If so, the Automated Valet Parking infrastructure confirms the hand-over of the vehicle for the driver in the app, and the car will depart on its own. It will then be guided with the help of the infrastructure to the designated space.
When the driver requires the car, a request can be sent with the app and the car will be guided to the pick-up area. This will certainly be convenient for owners as it will be unnecessary to walk around the carpark and, for those who may be forgetful, waste time searching for the place where they parked it.
Automated parking technology, which could one day be as common as cruise control, benefits drivers by easing the burden of the parking experience. It may even be possible for carpark operators to cram more cars onto a floor as the spaces can be narrower since there is no need to allow wide gaps for doors to be opened.
“Low-speed manoeuvres are part of the holistic opportunity for automated technology,” said Dr. Kay Stepper, Senior Vice-President of automated driving and driver assistance for Bosch in North America. “Automated technology in the specific use case automated valet parking gets consumers comfortable with how automated technology works and how it can benefit them.”
Engineering teams have been working over the past few years to further develop automated valet parking and support specific testing and deployments around the world. The technology was recently demonstrated at a hotel in Los Angeles, California.
“The demonstration at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown showcases how automated valet parking will operate in a working hotel environment where both automated and non-automated vehicles operate alongside pedestrian traffic,” said Dr. Stepper. “This allows us to dive into the dynamics of local deployments with the use of a highly-connected EQS from Mercedes-EQ to demonstrate how automated technology continues to move forward.”
“Our vision is that getting time back is a key component of the luxury experience our customers are looking for. The EQS gives you time back by driving itself in traffic jams on highways, but with INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT, it may also be able to park itself,” added Dr. Philipp Skogstad, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America. “INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT is a feature that together with the required infrastructure enables an automated valet service that gives customers even more comfort and relief in everyday life.”
Ipoh in the Kinta Valley of Perak was where the first cars in Malaya were imported to and records show that the first owner was Eu Tong Seng, a wealthy businessman who brought in a Mercedes Simplex in 1902. He must have been very interested in the new ‘horseless carriages’ as the Simplex was launched in that same year by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft.
Four years later, in 1906, a company opened up its first branch in Ipoh and this company would become associated with Mercedes-Benz to this day. It was Cycle & Carriage (C&C) and although it was not representing Mercedes-Benz then, it would become one of the first distributors of the German brand in Asia when it was appointed in 1951.
The latest Mercedes-Benz S 580e at the C&C Autohaus in Ipoh. 120 years ago, in 1902, the first car in Ipoh (and Malaya) was also a Mercedes – the Simplex (below).
Ipoh is therefore a special place in C&C’s long history and although that first branch was along Brewster Road (today known as Jalan Sultan Idris Shah), the company’s branch dealing in Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles is now located at Jalan Kuala Kangsar. This is where the company has its fourth Autohaus incorporating the latest Mercedes-Benz Brand Presence. The newly upgraded Autohaus, which was recently officially opened, is part of the Mercedes-Benz network for the Northern region.
Mercedes-Benz Retail Brand Presence
The Mercedes-Benz Retail Brand Presence is a retail strategy which highlights the integration of digital elements into the physical world, with the aim of delivering customer-centric automotive retail experiences for modern-day shoppers. This seamless journey for the customer caters to the multi-channel shopper while addressing the increasing technological complexity of products that customers are interested in.
“As the leading dealership for Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia, Cycle & Carriage is committed to providing our customers exceptional journeys and best-in-class services whether it is during their purchase experience or ownership journey. Today, we are proud to showcase the upgraded Cycle & Carriage Ipoh Autohaus, a key location in our network coverage from north to south of Peninsula Malaysia,” said Thomas Tok, CEO of Cycle & Carriage.
“We want to give Mercedes-Benz customers the assurance that they can access our best services here in Ipoh. We believe that the new retail concept responds to the individual needs of today’s discerning customers, making our products even more accessible to anyone who wants to dive deeper into the world of Mercedes-Benz,” he added.
Immersive experience for customers
The modern design of the upgraded Cycle & Carriage Ipoh Autohaus is set against a backdrop of the picturesque limestone cliffs of the city. The facility covers a land area of over 56,000 square feet with ample space for visitors to park their cars. The showroom has been specially designed with ample open space and custom daylight-emitting spotlights to show off the true colours of each model on display. All vehicles are intentionally arranged in the shape of an arc to maximise the visibility of the range available.
Visitors can also immerse themselves in a journey featuring the latest in multimedia tools to gain a thorough understanding of Mercedes-Benz vehicles and their technologies. With the addition of new digital touchpoints, customers can discover the brand while gaining access to the service team for a complete experience of luxury that integrates both the digital and human touch.
For individual consultations, there are various seating locations arranged in open, semi-private or private areas for discussions. This includes the Star Lounge, which has a cafe to offer a more refined touch to many services available.
For those who have made a purchase and are taking delivery of their new Mercedes-Benz, there is a special room for the purpose. C&C makes sure that it is treated as a special occasion for the customer to remember and to start or extend the relationship with the company and the brand.
Fully equipped service centre
For aftersales services, the Autohaus has a service centre with trained personnel and is fully equipped with equipment for maintenance, repair, painting and even car detailing services. With 31 service and repair bays (11 of which are for body and paint jobs), the service centre is one of the largest of its type in the area. The health and comfort of the staff are not forgotten as there are high ceilings and large fans for a naturally airy space.
Designed with sustainability in mind
The Autohaus is designed with sustainability in mind and is the second C&C Autohaus (after the one in Johor Bahru) to install solar panels that can provide up to 72 kWp of electricity from sunshine. In addition to this free and environment-friendly source of electricity, there are also rainwater-harvesting systems to supply water for general use around the facility.
To know more about Mercedes-Benz products and services or to locate an authorised showroom, visit www.mercedes-benz.com.my.
Mercedes-EQ which started in 2016 as a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz dedicated to fully electric vehicles (EVs) was introduced to Malaysians in mid-2019. But apart from previewing the first model the new brand, which was the EQC, not much happened and instead, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) focussed on the EQ-Power range which covered the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models.
But the planning was going on behind the scenes and we were always told that EQ would be coming, and that day has arrived with the launch of the EQA 250 today. Although the EQC was the first model in the EQ range to be launched (in 2019), MBM has chosen to start off at the entry level with the EQA, the third EQ model which was launched in Europe last year.
EQC was the first model of the Mercedes-EQ range and appeared in Malaysia in 2019 to introduce the new all-electric range.
Decisions are made years ahead in the car industry and at the time MBM was planning, they would not have expected the government to offer full exemption of import duties and even roadtax for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). So the pricing of the EQA 250 would probably have been expected to be higher although incentives would have been expected.
So it must have been a pleasant surprise last October to be told that the EQA 250 could be sold duty-free in 2022 and for the next few years (longer if assembled locally). This has enabled the retail price, without insurance, to be RM278,201.25, and that also includes 50% exemption in sales tax allowed for CBU models. For now, the EQA 250 is offered with the AMG Line package that adds a sporty touch to the SUV.
The EQA 250 is related to the GLA (below) but its platform and architecture have been optimised for a BEV.
The EQA is related to the GLA and in fact, shares the same MFA2 platform which has been adapted for a BEV layout. So it’s not fully optimized for BEVs and to give the EQA 250 the efficiency it needs to maximise performance, it has been given a large battery pack and much attention has been given to aerodynamics.
Lots of wind tunnel and simulation work brought the Cd value down to 0.28, and the bodywork has been made as smooth as possible. Among the most important aerodynamic measures are the completely closed cooling air control system in the upper section; the aerodynamically efficient front and rear aprons; a very smooth, almost completely enclosed underside; specially optimised Aero wheels and specifically adapted front and rear wheel spoilers.
The EQA shows that cars of the future will still look like the cars were drive today, rather than the bubbles or bullet-shaped vehicles that were imagined to be on the roads in the 21st century. As mentioned earlier, it is like a BEV derivative of the GLA (but is really more than that). Its front end has the EQ design elements with a black panel radiator grille and central star. With the AMG Line package, the EQA 250 gets the sporty genes of the Mercedes-AMG brand. It reinterprets the twin-blade design of the grille and features a diffuser-look AMG rear apron.
A design feature is the continuous fibreoptic light strip across the front and rear, providing a distinctive visual signature. Mercedes-Benz has chosen blue for as its ‘electric theme’ so the headlights have a blue colour within. At the back, the LED units merge seamlessly into the tapered LED light strip to emphasise width.
The doors reach over the sills, keeping the frames (and thus also the occupants’ trousers) free of dirt and improving impact protection in the event of a side collision. All-round protective cladding adds ruggedness and structure to the overall proportions, hinting at the SUV’s off-road character, as does the simulated underride guard at the front and rear.
The EQA 250 has a straightforward electric powertrain consisting of a single motor driving the front wheels. The electric motor, a fixed-ratio transmission with a differential, the cooling system and the electronics form a highly integrated, very compact powertrain (eATS).The motor, which has an output of 140 kW/190 ps and 370 Nm of torque, is powered by a ‘double-decker’ lithium-ion battery pack with a usable energy content of 66.5 kWh.
The claimed acceleration time is 8.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h with a top speed of 160 km/h. The fuel consumption in petrol and diesel engines, the distance you can travel is dependent on many factors – even how you drive – and it’s the same for BEVs. Push the vehicle hard and you get less range but unlike combustion engines, low speeds are not necessarily inefficient. So MBM provides a range of 402 – 496 kms on a fully charged battery pack which would be good enough for regular motoring.
When it comes to recharging, there are various ways the owner can get it done and each one takes a different length of time. The shortest time is with a DC 100 kW fast-charger which can ‘refuel’ from 10% to 80% within around 30 minutes. The on-board charger can handle charging from AC power outlets at the home or in public locations but will take at last 5 hours 45 minutes from 10% to 100%. That pretty much means leaving the vehicle parked overnight so if you switch to a BEV, it will have to be part of your routine. Of course, if you ‘top up’ periodically, then you may not have to wait so long. Incidentally, if you want to charge at home, you will need a wallbox which will be additional cost for installation.
‘Fuel pump’ of the future – refuelling will be with electricity, not petrol or diesel.
For the convenience of its customers, MBM is setting up 13 DC fast-chargers installed in strategic dealer locations around the country. With the Mercedes-Benz Autohaus network quite extensive, this means that EQA owners will be able to travel quite far and be assured of quick charging. Until the end of 2023, using the charging stations will be free of charge.
Additionally, EQ customers will enjoy an exclusive 1-year subscription with JomCharge, where they will enjoy unlimited charging at a 50% discount at all JomCharge charging stations for the first 1,000 customers. The JomCharge locations are at Petronas stations and the petroleum company has said that it plans to install the fast-chargers along the North-South Expressway and part of the East-Coast Expressway.
Like most other companies selling BEVs, MBM offers a warranty of 8 years or up to 160,000 kms for the battery pack so first (and even second) owners should have no concerns about replacement cost. In time, there will be an increasing number of used battery packs and the issue of how to recycle them will become important. MBM is aware of this future issue and will prepare for it but says it is something that the industry will have to work together on as well.
The EQA 250 may be forerunner of the future of motoring but the cabin remains recognisable as other cars of today, albeit with a lot of digital technologies in the displays, including the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system with extended functions. The Mercedes-EQ tile in the media display is used to call up menus relating to charging options, electrical consumption and energy flow. The individual, transparent sections of the surface are illuminated from behind with the aid of fibreoptics. The right-hand display within the instrument cluster is a wattmeter rather than a tachometer, with the upper section showing the percentage of power used and the lower section indicating the recuperation.
The left-side meter can be used to show whether the destination can be reached without an interim charging stop. The colours change according to the driving situation: During a boost process, for example, the display changes to white. Depending on mood, or to match the particular interior, the user has a choice of four different styles and 64 ambient colours. There is also a head-up display projected on the windscreen.
The battery pack is situated underneath the middle section of the cabin, so it does not reduce the volume of the boot area, unlike earlier electrified vehicles which had battery packs in the boot. Thus there is a usable width of 1.3 metres and depth of up to 1.4 metres, for a volume of 340 litres. The 40:20:40 division of the rear backrest allows variability in the layout to accommodate longer or more items. Incidentally, the EQA 250 comes with an EASY-PACK tailgate which is just a fancy term for electrically-operated tailgate (which would be expected of a car costing this much) but doesn’t have the handsfree feature.
Electric vehicles are no different from other road vehicles where safety for the occupants is concerned. Mercedes-Benz, a pioneer in automotive safety, has used its long experience to ensure that the occupants of the EQA 250 will be well protected if an accident occurs and has also given thought to other road-users in view of the quietness of its running. It has an acoustic ambient protection alert so pedestrians and cyclists will be aware of its presence. The acoustic presence indicator generates specific Mercedes-Benz sounds outside of the vehicle up to a speed of 20 km/h and it differentiates between driving forward and reversing.
Due to the battery pack, the EQA is heavier than a GLA and more energy needs to be absorbed in the event of a crash. The supporting structures at the front and rear were adapted to accommodate this requirement by the use of thicker materials. And as it carries a battery pack and other high-voltage equipment, more stringent safety measures have to be incorporated.
An aluminium housing as well as the body structure of the vehicle itself protect the battery pack from potentially touching the ground and against loose chippings. The housing is part of the vehicle structure and thus an integral part of the crash concept. The ground clearance of more than 200 mm is a further advantage and the lowest point of the vehicle is not the battery pack but the side skirts.
If the EQA 250 crashes, the high-voltage system can automatically switch off, reversibly or irreversibly depending on the accident severity. This is particularly important for rescuers who may have to touch the vehicle in order to help the occupants to get out. Mercedes-Benz works with rescue services to train them to safely approach an electric vehicle and the EQA is fitted with a special disconnection point which can be used by the rescuers to switch off the high-voltage system. If an impact is detected while the vehicle is hit when it is being charged, the charging process will also be stopped immediately.
Along with the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class (Z223), Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is also bringing in the GLS 600 4MATIC SUV, the only other model in the ultra-exclusive sub-brand above the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Like the Z223, the GLS 600 costs considerably more than the model from which it was adapted (from RM1.89 million before adding insurance) and as we wondered, why would someone pay so much more when it would be possible to personalize a Mercedes-Benz GLS with additional luxury fittings and probably spend less? Well, we’re not in that segment of customers who can afford such cars so it’s hard to understand but it may be that there are some who want exclusivity as well as the assurance of the product being made by the same manufacturer, and not an independent outside party.
Where the differences are
Unless the S-Class, the GLS 600 has a closer resemblance to the Mercedes-Benz version, even size-wise. It has Maybach-specific styling elements but, at a glance, it would be hard to see the difference although the extra chrome trim does offer a clue. Where the Mercedes-Benz GLS sports a large star between two horizontal louvres in the radiator grille, the Mercedes-Maybach grille has a fine, elegant line of vertical chrome. At the lower level are ‘oar-blades’ at each side, with a classy mesh grille over them.
Along the sides is another classy feature – aluminium retractable side steps. The GLS 600 isn’t the only one with it but it is nevertheless something that will impress since you don’t see it often. The 2.06-metre long custom-designed steps, with extra width towards the rear half, fold out from underneath when a door is opened (and the vehicle is also lower slightly). Closing the door will reverse the action and the steps fit flush against the underside so there is no loss of ground clearance. This feature is exclusive to the Mercedes-Benz Maybach version.
The 23-inch wheels were developed exclusively for this model and have the pinstripe theme of the brand. The tailpipe trim elements with a small cross rib emphasise the model’s identity as a Mercedes-Maybach. The same applies to the brand emblem, which is positioned at various points such as on the D-pillar.
Extra money gets you this 2-tone paint finish with a dividing line which is applied by hand, adding another level of exclusivity.
First-class cabin
It’s on the inside that much of the reason for the higher price is evident. Needless to say, the character of the interior is reflected in the high-grade materials and the high level of craftsmanship. Where the Mercedes-Benz GLS has 3 rows for up to 7 persons, the Mercedes-Maybach version has only two rows and the back one is for just two persons. The seats look like they came from the first-class cabin of an airliner with power everything and a generous reclining angle.
Between the seats is a wide console and at its rear end is a lid which opens into a refrigerated compartment. The refrigerator is an option but for the Malaysian market, it comes as a standard fitment. It has a large volume but that also means that it sticks into the boot area and takes away a bit of space.
From their elevated seating position, thanks to electrically operated roller sunblinds on the two rear side windows, the passengers can decide for themselves how much of their surroundings they want to see. Overhead is an electrically opening panoramic sliding/tilting sunroof with an opaque roller blind which will certainly be needed with our burning sunshine.
While a SUV is often regarded as a more leisure-oriented vehicles, the GLS 600 can also be used as a mobile office for those who cannot (or don’t want to) disconnect from their business. There are multiple options with WLAN/Bluetooth to enable the occupants to stay connected to the rest of the world and folding tables and a 115/230 V socket can be installed. The MBUX Rear Tablet with a 7-inch screen acts as a control centre for all the comfort features and can also be removed and used as an Android tablet. The MBUX infotainment system with Rear Seat Entertainment System uses two 11.6-inch touchscreens and each screen can display the content selected by the individual user.
Better air quality and enhanced wellness
In this age of greater concern for air quality, the AIR-BALANCE helps to improve the quality with two particularly clever features. One is active fragrancing of the interior with technology that ensures the fragrance actually evaporates after system deactivation and air exchange so no perfume droplets stick to clothing or the occupants.
The AIR-BALANCE Package also has air ionisation using a high-voltage ioniser in the air duct. The ioniser generates negative ions and owing to the magnetic attraction, they form heavier agglomerations and fall to the floor. In this way, certain viruses, bacteria and spores can be deactivated while the air will be fresher.
The suspension is based on that of the Mercedes-Benz GLS with AIRMATIC air suspension and Adaptive Damping System Plus (ADS+). The E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension based on the 48V on-board electrical system, an innovation in suspension technology, is standard. A special Maybach drive program has been developed to provide class-leading ride comfort.
Hybrid powertrain with cylinder-cut
For power, the M177 engine is used and this is a new, electrified variant of the V8 petrol engine with a displacement of 3982 cc and has a 48V on-board electrical system with integrated starter-alternator (ISG). The ISG is responsible for hybrid functions such as EQ Boost or energy recovery, allowing fuel savings that were previously reserved for high-voltage hybrid technology.
The output of the bi-turbo engine is 558 ps/730 Nm, and can be boosted by 250 Nm/22 ps momentarily. For fuel-savings, the variable valve control system CAMTRONIC can shut down 4 cylinders when demands are low. The transition between on 4 and 8 cylinders is seamless an absorber reduces vibrations that come from running on less cylinders.
Mercedes-Benz has had lots of experience in all-wheel drive, not only when it developed its first SUV in 1997 but even before that with the G-Wagen. For the GLS 600, the power flows through a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission to a transfer case that can vary torque from 0 – 100% between the front and rear axles.
Sophisticated PRE-SAFE systems
The tallness of a SUV has always been a challenge for engineers as there is a higher risk of roll-over. The PRE-SAFE system has active systems that can lower this risk significantly, but accidents can still happen. This is where the additional airbags installed in the rear seats help to give better protection to the passengers while Impulse Side, which is part of the Driving Assistance package Plus, uses the close-range radar sensors to detect an impending side-on collision and can prompt the driver or front passenger to move further away from the danger zone.
An interesting feature is the use of hearing, an area that often gets forgotten. If a probable impact is detected, the PRE-SAFE Sound system transmits a noise signal through the sound system of the vehicle which can trigger a reflex. It causes the stapedius muscle in the inner ear to contract and thus muffles the noise level of a major collision. This small action could help reduce the disorientation caused to the passenger by the impact and enable him or her to get out quickly.
The fifth generation of what was once the entry-level model of Mercedes-Benz (until the A-Class came along) has made its debut in Malaysia. It’s the new C-Class (W206) is initially being imported as a CBU (completely built-up) import with locally-assembled versions coming from the plant in Pahang later in the year.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia offers two variants of the best-selling Mercedes-Benz model of the last 10 years – the C 200 Avantgarde Line priced from RM288,334 and C 300 AMG Line priced from RM330, 681. The prices exclude insurance premiums and 50% of the sales tax applicable. While the locally-assembled versions will have lower prices, they will likely not enjoy full sales tax exemption if the government does not extend the provision past June 30, 2022.
‘Baby S-Class’
Presented as a ‘baby S-Class’, the new C-Class takes many styling elements – outside as well as inside – and technology from the brand’s flagship model which was launched in Malaysia last December. It retains the sporty profile with a short front overhang, long wheelbase and rear overhang and ‘cab-backward’ design. Though the top of the engine is flat, there are ‘power domes’ on the bonnet which complement the performance image and provide an impression of forward motion.
The brand’s hallmark radiator grille has the same layout for both variants but differs in details. With the C 200 having Avantgarde line trim, the highlights are in the form of elegant vertical trim strips in high-sheen aluminium and chrome. For the C 300 which has AMG Line trim, the Mercedes-Benz pattern grille has star designs in chrome.
The headlight shapes on the new model have a similarity with those on the S-Class but do not have the advanced DIGITAL LIGHT system. Nevertheless, they are still LED high-performance units with adaptive capability to maximise the lighting distance, rather than just automatically switching between high and low beams when other vehicles approach. The rear units also use LEDs for reduced energy consumption and longer life.
C 200 Avantgarde LineC 300 AMG Line
The wheels also differ in size, with the C 200 having an 18-inch size and 5 spokes while the C 300 is fitted with 19-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels. While the C 200 comes with run-flat tyres as standard, the C 300 does not and owners instead get a TIREFIT kit. This kit comes with a sealant to seal punctures of up to 4 mm and there is also an inflator powered from the 12V cigarette lighter socket. As with run-flat tyres, Mercedes-Benz advises drivers to travel at not more than 80 km/h when the tyre is repaired, and the sealant should be replaced with a new bottle after 4 years.
The rear-end design will immediately identify the new model as a Mercedes-Benz sedan with its familiar form. The tail lamps, for the first time, have a 2-piece design, with the light functions divided between the side and boot lid elements which curve around the corners. Attention to detail, like on the front units. can be seen in the silver-grey diamond-pattern trim.
Slightly longer body
Compared to the previous generation, the new C-Class has grown in overall length with an increase of 65 mm, while the wheelbase has gained 25 mm. However, the body width is almost the same as before, with just a 10 mm difference and the roofline is 9 mm closer to the road. Out of curiosity, we looked at the dimensions of the original ‘baby Benz’ – the W201 190 of 1982 – and it has an overall length of 4420 mm which is 331 mm shorter, and a wheelbase of 2665 mm, which was 200 mm less. It was also much narrower – 1678 mm versus 1820 mm for the latest model.
While Mercedes-Benz is among the carmakers at the forefront of electrification of products, it is also doing so with a ‘needs-based’ approach that will take into account the fact that different markets will require different levels of electrification in cars. Not all will be able to make the immediate jump to full electrification for some time to come. With the C-Class being sold so widely, its powertrains have to be suited to such conditions with some degree of electrification.
Mild hybrid powertrains
The new C-Class engines now have an integrated starter-generator (ISG) for intelligent assistance at low engine speeds as a mild hybrid of the second generation. The ISG uses a 48-volt on-board electrical system that ensures functions such as gliding, boosting or energy recovery, and makes significant fuel savings possible. The engines also start very rapidly and comfortably as a result, so that the start/stop function is almost as imperceptible to the driver as the transition from gliding with the engine switched off to strong acceleration under engine power.
With the second-generation starter-generator, the engine gets additional output of up to 15 kW and 200 Nm more torque. A completely new feature is the segment charger with flow connection, an advancement of the twin-scroll technology for even more instantaneous response of the forced induction system. The technology for this new turbocharger comes from the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 team, showing how motorsport can benefit production cars.
The output from the C 200 engine with a 1.5-litre displacement is 204 ps/300 Nm while the C 300, which has a 2-litre displacement, produces 258 ps/400 Nm. For short periods, the output of the C 300 can additionally be increased by up to 20 kW (27 ps) with overboost.
The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission has been adapted for optimum performance with the ISG, and is installed in both variants. It uses a new generation of the fully integrated transmission control with multi-core processor and new design and connectivity technology. In addition to the increased computing power, the number of electric interfaces has been significantly reduced, and the weight of the transmission controls have been cut by 30% compared with the predecessor.
The key components of the new, dynamically configured suspension are a new 4-link axle at the front and a multi-link axle at the rear mounted to a subframe. For the Malaysian market, both variants come with AGILITY CONTROL suspension with a selective damping system.
More space for rear occupants
The interior designers have used the extra length of the new body to provide additional space for the occupants at the rear. The layout of the dashboard follows the common theme of the more rennet models with a standalone 11.9-inch touchscreen display panel at the centre and a slim 12.3-inch screen that shows the instruments and driving information. The dashboard is divided into an upper and a lower section, with new, flattened round vents reminiscent of aircraft engine nacelles.
The portrait orientation of the centre display is said to be advantageous for navigation and includes a fingerprint scanner to quickly and conveniently identify the owner (or designated user). This keeps personal data such as profiles or other information protected. The fingerprint scanner is located in a convenient location below the central display. As part of a one-time process, it records the distinctive biometric features of up to two random fingers per user. Therefore no one is able to observe a number combination, which could happen with PIN entry.
The instrument panel display can be individualized with three styles (Discreet, Sporty, and Classic) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service). In ‘Sporty’, for example, red is the predominant colour and the tachometer has a dynamic design. Selection is easy with controls on the steering wheel. The new display aesthetic was developed for the S-Class and is now adapted for other models like the new C-Class.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has also included Augmented Video as standard equipment in the new C-Class. Using a camera which registers the surroundings in front of the vehicle, moving images are shown on the central display. In addition, virtual objects, information and markers are superimposed on the video image. These include directional arrows, lane-change recommendations and more. This can make navigation much easier, especially in urban areas.
The modern, highly reduced design of door panels frames both ends of the dashboard. The door centre panel with an integrated armrest evolves from a vertical surface into a horizontal orientation. Reflecting the design of the centre console, the front section takes the form of a metallic high-tech element. It can be used as a grab or closing handle, and houses the power window controls. Another highlight is the floating control cluster, into which the door opener and seat adjustment controls are integrated.
The design of seats (Comfort for the C 200 and Sports for the C 300) are worth mentioning as well. They have layers and enveloping surfaces to create a visual impression of lightness. The head restraints are also a completely new design and are attached to the backrest with a sealed piece of trim under which the adjustment mechanism is located.
More intelligent 2nd generation MBUX
With every new Mercedes-Benz model, the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) interface is highlighted and for the new C-Class, this is a second generation system. The hardware and software have been advanced, while the voice assistant ‘Hey Mercedes’ is more interactive and has learning capabilities. In some cases, it does not need the activation keywords and can explains vehicle functions as well. So for those who never bother to read the Owner’s Manual (and many people don’t), the information can be obtained just by asking the on-board ‘assistant’.
With the Spotify and Apple Music services, Mercedes-Benz has now fully integrated the major music streaming services into the MBUX infotainment system. MBUX enables seamless access to the personal user profile at the linked music provider. This gives owners convenient access to a huge library of songs and curated playlists.
Though in the lower rungs of the Mercedes-Benz range, the C-Class still gets safety systems that are fairly advanced in the Driving Assistance Package. Besides helping the driver avoid an accident or reduce its damaging effects, the systems can also reduce driver workload in daily driving. A less tired driver will be more alert, reducing the risk of an accident.
For the latest C-Class, the usual active systems are present and work in an integrated manner using data and imagery from a camera and radar. Some systems will provide alerts while others will automatically brake the car if the driver does not act correctly to prevent a collision.
As with other Mercedes-Benz models for many years now, the C-Class can also park by itself with the driver only controlling the engine power. This is done by Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC and only works with parallel parking.
The C-Class success story began in 1982 with the W201 and being the smallest model in the Mercedes-Benz range, it was referred to as the ‘Baby Benz’. Prior to 1993, it was designated as the 190 model with various engine sizes, including a powerful 2.5-litre 16-valve unit. From 1993 onwards, it became the C-Class in line with the brand’s new model designations. In the last decade, the C-Class has been the highest-volume Mercedes-Benz model sold, with over 10.5 million cars delivered worldwide.
Following the introduction of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223) last December, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia can now provide the price of the model. Only one version is available – the S 580 e Plug-In Hybrid – and it is priced at RM698,744 (excluding insurance), As it is assembled locally at the company’s facility in Pekan, Pahang, it can have full exemption of sales tax until June 30, 2022, which would be big savings for customers.
The flagship of the Mercedes-Benz range has been on sale in Malaysia since the 1970s, with over 18,000 cars sold to date, almost all assembled locally. The model’s history goes back to the W180 of 1954 although it was only in 1972 that it came to be known as the ‘S-Class’. Globally, more than 4 million units have been sold since the early 1970s.
The W223 is the seventh generation and as with every generation before, the new S-Class brings with it advanced technologies. In fact, this model has often introduced many new technologies, especially in the area of safety, that it shows ‘the future of motoring’. For example, in 1980, the W126 generation was the first production car in the world to be equipped with an airbag system.
With Mercedes-Benz now putting its full commitment to electrification during this decade, the S-Class also leads the way and for the Malaysian-assembled model, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain is the only one offered. Hybrid powertrains are not new to Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia and have been available with some models (including the S-Class) over the past 8 years.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has its own plant in Pekan, Pahang, where the latest S-Class and other models are assembled. (File image)
For the latest S-Class, the model is designated S 580 e but its engine not 5.8 litres. It is actually an in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine of 3 litres and works with an electric motor which generates 110 kW with 440 Nm. The engine’s output is 367 bhp/270 kW with 500 Nm of torque and the combined output can propel the S 580e from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 5.2 seconds and up to a top speed of 250 km/h.
If conditions permit, it is possible to run only on electricity for up to 100 kms. When the lithium-ion battery is empty, ‘refuelling’ will take up to 2.5 hours, depending on the charging method. One concern owners have is the cost of the battery pack if it needs to be replaced as it is pretty expensive. But for the first 8 years or a maximum of 100,000 kms, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will provide warranty coverage which should offer some peace of mind.
Showcase for new technologies
New for this S-Class is DIGITAL LIGHT, which offers significantly better illumination from the headlamps. Each light module has 3 extremely powerful LEDs with light that is refracted and directed by 1.3 million micro-mirrors. The resolution is therefore more than 2.6 million pixels per vehicle, allowing highly precise light distribution.
The millions of pixels allow the lighting pattern to be precisely shaped so that maximum illumination levels can be provided without blinding oncoming drivers. Light/shadow graduations and the light distribution of all the other adaptive light functions are also realised with considerably more precision, optimising illumination in all ambient lighting conditions.
Aerodynamic efficiency has always been important for cars as lower wind resistance of the shape means more power can be used to move the car, and fuel consumption can be lower. Low wind resistance is even more vital for hybrid and electric vehicles so extensive wind tunnel research was done and the result is a body that has a Cd of 0.22, impressive considering its size.
Not visible are improvements in aeroacoustics; the new model’s quietness is said to be even better than the e previous generation which already excelled with a very high level of interior noise comfort. The high rigidity of the bodyshell provides the basis for this achievement, and is enhanced with fine-tuning.
Lounge-like interior
These days, car interiors are designed to be like lounges and not just seating spaces inside a cabin. Especially with a model like the S-Class, comfort and spaciousness are high on the list of expectations. With the new generation, the interior has fully evolved into a ‘third place’ for the occupants, between the home and workplace. So it has to be able to provide not just comfort but also be functional enough for those who want to get some work done while on the move.
The seats qualify as technological benchmarks for long-distance comfort. The complex technology inside each seat uses multiple motors for adjustments in the tiniest dimension. The flowing, 3-dimensional layer design theme gives an impression of lightness with its nappa leather upholstery. The adjustment range and angle of the front passenger seat in the chauffeur configuration and the reclining seat behind it have been improved as well.
MBUX – the Mercedes-Benz User Experience – is a big thing for the brand and has appeared in every new model since the current A-Class was launched in 2018. Since then, it has continued to evolve and gain more sophistication, with the second generation of this learn-capable system making its debut in the new S-Class.
The possibilities for personalization and intuitive operation have become far more extensive, especially in the rear. Both the hardware and software have made great advancements with brilliant displays on up to 5 large screens (in part with OLED technology). The new 3D driver display allows a spatial view at the touch of a button for the first time – a real 3-dimensional effect without having to wear 3D glasses.
The voice assistant ‘Hey Mercedes’ is constantly learning, by activation of online services in the Mercedes me App. Moreover, certain actions (like accepting a call) can be performed even without using ‘Hey Mercedes’ which, incidentally, can also be activated from the rear.
With digital and graphic displays nowadays, it’s possible to have multiple displays and not end up like the cockpit of a 1970s fighter jet. The screens can be individualized with a choice of 4 display styles and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service), so the driver can choose whatever information is most important to him or her when driving. Furthermore, this new version of MBUX uses 27 fewer buttons and switches, underscoring the minimalist appearance of the interior.
Rear airbag – world first
As mentioned earlier, an earlier S-Class was the first production car in the world to be fitted with an airbag. This pioneering position in safety continues with the latest generation and is demonstrated by having the world’s first rear airbags. These are integrated into the backrests of the front seats and deploy in a severe front impact. They deploy gently and protect strapped-in outer rear seat passengers against contact with the front seats.
At one time, a ‘connected’ vehicle was one which could receive radio broadcasts and that was about all. Today, the term refers to many more ways that the vehicle and its occupants are connected which we are taking for granted. Even the cheapest models come with simple handsfree telephony capabilities, and connecting to the internet has been possible for many years.
Yet, in the early 1990s, connectivity like this was still considered as just ideas in concept cars. People were just starting to enjoy the convenience of mobilephones and being able to make calls from cars (which would lead to new laws that made them offences as they affected safety). Voice command was still regarded as science fiction, let alone handsfree telephony.
Thinking ahead in 1991
But many of the connectivity features that are common in today’s vehicles were already in the minds of Mercedes-Benz researchers and designers back in 1991. They showed their ideas in the F 100 research vehicle which was first displayed at the North American International Auto Show.
The F 100 was significant in many ways as never before had so many new ideas and innovative solutions been incorporated in a single vehicle. With all its technology, the vehicle was a forerunner of today’s connected car, which was typical of the German carmaker that has a long tradition of demonstrating pioneering technology in visionary and fully functional vehicles.
The F 100 was clearly a visionary research vehicle and it was employed by the engineers and designers to implement key findings in relation to future demands on vehicle technology. Among other things, the research vehicle incorporated findings from accident/social research: as a typical passenger car carries an average of between 1.2 and 1.7 people in everyday use, the developers positioned the driver in the centre of the passenger cell – the safest place inside the vehicle. This made the innovations in terms of crash safety for the driver even more effective.
The occupants in the second row were seated to the left and right behind the driver. Two further passengers were given seats towards the centre between the sturdy rear wheelhouses. The body of the F 100 with its steeply raked rear end anticipated the trend of future years, in which there was an increasing demand for spacious estate cars and other vehicles. It did not, however, take into consideration the SUV with its higher ground clearance…
Complex door operation
The innovative spatial concept of the interior was matched by a new type of door operation. Access to the driver’s seat was by means of rotating-swivelling doors, which took parts of the vehicle floor and roof with them when opened. When they were closed, mechanical locking mechanisms in 3 places ensured firm, reliable closing.
In this way, the F 100 made up for the slender waistline in the vehicle floor and the design with no B-pillar between the front doors and the space-saving, rear pivot-and-slide doors. Of course, the complex idea would be expensive and would not appear in production cars, although sliding side doors are common in MPVs.
The connected car
With many of its systems, the F 100 anticipated solutions that would in future years give rise to the ‘connected car’. These included a voice-controlled telephone system and a central display, on which the vehicle system automatically showed the key information in every situation – such as the current speed or warnings about traffic in the area around the vehicle.
Such information was delivered by a camera activated when reversing, while a distance-warning radar and another radar system monitored traffic ahead and behind the F 100. Sensors also detected other vehicles in the blind spot if the driver indicated to change lane and automatic lane-keeping was also possible.
Other electronic assistance systems included access to the car by chip card instead of a conventional key, electric motors to control the adjustment of seat and steering wheel, mobile fax and a permanently installed personal computer that was becoming widespread. The power supply was assisted by solar cells in the roof with an area of almost 2 square metres and an output of up to 100 watts.
The driver of a Mercedes-Benz A-Class today has a dashboard that provides all kinds of information, and the car has features that were just ideas in 1991.
They all sound common today, along with other systems that were considered very advanced in 1991: autonomous intelligent cruise control, xenon headlamps and a chip card as the vehicle key. Those who saw the F 100 and learnt of these systems may have found it hard to believe would be available in cars just a decade later – and not just in the flagship models like the S-Class.
Better lighting too
it was a vehicle that gave a fascinating promise of the future of automotive technology. This included safety systems and one of them showed a new approach to lighting technology. The F 100’s highly compact headlamps were the first from Mercedes-Benz to use gas-discharge lamps. This technology was later to become known under the name of xenon headlamps. The tail lamps were of transparent prism rods that served as light conductors and were activated from a central light source in the appropriate colour depending on the required function.
Different vehicles, different purposes
In addition to its research vehicles, Mercedes-Benz also develops technology vehicles, test vehicles, concept vehicles and one-off vehicles in advance of new standard-production models. Technology vehicles are standard-production vehicles that are equipped with new technology – such as alternative drives – in order to test that technology under everyday conditions. Related to research vehicles, the test vehicles are used to take new technologies out of the research lab and onto the test track.
The F 300 Life-Jet displayed in 1997 was a new vehicle concept which combined the cornering dynamics of a motorcycle with the safety of a passenger car.
Concept vehicles, on the other hand, are near-production, ready-to-drive vehicles that position a future vehicle model on the market. They are usually equipped with new technology just short of readiness for use in use in production models that customers can buy.
That’s a question every motoring journalist gets asked at least a couple dozen times in his career.
And it’s a dreaded question too, because there is no such thing as ‘the best car’.
Every car has its own special place, and it would be dreadful to label one car as the best car, ever.
But every once in a while we get to drive a car that seems to do everything perfectly.
It doesn’t seem to put a wheel wrong.
It has all the technologies you could want.
All the safety features too.
It has enough space for a family and their dog.
And it is luxurious too.
Those that have a need for speed will find the powertrain to be generous.
While those that want a laid back comfortable drive will find plenty of that too.
I am raving about the new Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG.
It is not a proper fire-breathing AMG but features an AMG bodykit. It is a once in a lifetime SUV that is very nearly the perfect car.
Why very-nearly then? Because at a little under RM480,000, it isn’t exactly affordable for the masses. So there aren’t many people that will be able to experience its greatness.
But considering what you are getting for the price, it is actually a good deal.
The size of the SUV is the first thing that gets you because it is quite a big car.
Then there’s the design. It won’t be too far fetched to say that this SUV is arguably one of the prettiest to ever come out of Stuttgart.
It is definitely better looking than its coupe bodied twin, to my eyes at least.
Step inside and the large size of the GLE is echoed by the spacious cabin. Further echoed by the gargantuan panoramic roof that extends the length of the roof, allowing in a generous amount of light that further accentuates its spaciousness.
Having said that, I did find the driver footwell to be rather tight, especially around the knee area.
I love how massive the dashboard is and yet the switches and buttons were never more than a gentle stretch of the arm away.
And it is the huge 12.3-inch MBUX screen that dominates the dashboard.
The screen on the left is touch enabled and that is where you access your music, navigation and car controls such as air-conditioning and such.
The screen on the right and directly ahead of the driver though is where you get the usuals such as the speedometer and rpm dial, among others.
What’s cool about the current generation Benz’s is that the speedo and rpm dial as well as the ancillary information can all be customised to fit your mood.
There is Sport mode that turns the dials a shade of orange, while Basic simply gives you the necessities like speed and engine rpm.
This is among a host of other info of course like gear position, drive mode, the time and such.
The quality of everything is unlike modern Benz’s either, and that is a good thing.
In fact it reminds me of Benzes from the early 90s, well built, tough, and feels like everything would last a couple of decades.
It is probably the best Mercedes-Benz interior this side of an S-Class.
There are also two protruding hoops on the sides of the centre panel that seem like they came off a Porsche Cayenne.
They look awkward at first, but I later realised they are great armrests on long drives. They are also great to hang on too when the driver feels like wrestling some corners.
The rear seats are electronically adjustable with the controls located on the door panel, just as they are on the front (I love that about Benz’s).
The rear sitting space is spacious and very comfortable and that is putting it lightly.
There are also two hidden seats in the booth area, making the GLE a proper seven-seater.
These seats can be summoned into space or neatly tucked away by a press of a button located in the booth.
Of course, because they are placed in the booth so it is not very comfortable to sit in the third row. But they are perfect for children and vertically-challenged adults.
If you haven’t already realised, there isn’t much to complain about the GLE. I would perhaps have preferred a brighter coloured interior rather than the dark ash wood trimming, but that’s a personal choice.
I also don’t quite like the awkward looking dummy vent on the left of the MBUX screen. Surely the designers could have thought of something better.
But then the 590-watt 13-speaker Burmester sound system makes everything better.
I also love the way the GLE drives.
The 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged engine puts out an impressive 364hp and 500Nm of torque. This is transferred to all-four wheels via a 9-speed gearbox.
Despite its weight, it’s no slouch either. It does the charge to 100km/h in just 5.7-seconds. And that ‘oh-so-sweet’ airmatic suspension system brilliantly disconnects you from bumpy, uneven roads and then reconnects you when you select Sport mode and want to wring the car by its steering wheel.
The GLE 450 AMG seems to have it all. It is ideal for the family man who needs comfort, space and safety and yet does not want to outgrow his inner power loving, corner carving youngster.
Personally, this is the SUV to have at the moment because the alternatives from BMW and Volvo are all hybrids. And we all know how the prices of hybrids tank as soon as the car leaves the showroom.
The GLE 450 AMG though, I personally think that there will be plenty of demand for it in the used car market as well, simply because it is that desirable. Watch the video below to get up close to the GLE 450 AMG!
At one time, when mention was made of ‘EV’ or electric vehicle, a small bubble shaped car might come to mind. And though electric motors do have a lot of zip, EVs were thought to be poor performers which provided basic transportation but no driving pleasure. But as we are now seeing, the EVs set to replace cars with combustion engines in coming years will continue to offer the driving pleasure that motorists enjoy, and even exhilarating performance – with zero emissions to damage the atmosphere.
And with new freedom for design due to the entirely different architecture, the stylists can come up with new forms that are sleeker than today’s cars. The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX concept shows us the sort of car we could be driving on roadtrips in future. It’s a concept car for now, though it is not just for show as many technological elements will likely be used in production models when they are validated and can be produced at a reasonable cost.
Range and efficiency are the key points about the VISION EQXX, achieved by having an ultra-efficient fully electric drivetrain and lightweight engineering. “The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX is how we imagine the future of electric cars. Just one-and-a-half years ago, we started this project leading to the most efficient Mercedes-Benz ever built. The VISION EQXX is an advanced car in so many dimensions – and it even looks stunning and futuristic. With that, it underlines where our entire company is headed: We will build the world’s most desirable electric cars,” declared Ola Kallenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG.
The result is an efficiency masterpiece that, based on internal digital simulations in real-life traffic conditions, will be capable of exceeding 1,000 kilometres with a fully charged battery pack. That’s a distance equivalent to going from Berlin to Paris, or from Beijing to Nanjing. Based on average distances driven per year, a driver in the USA or China would have to fully recharge the VISION EQXX only twice per month or, in Europe, just once per month.
The secret here is efficiency as the VISION EQXX uses less than 10 kWh of electrical energy to travel 100 kms. That equates to traveling 9.7 kms on 1 kWh of electrical energy. Translated into fossil-fuel consumption, this is around the golden figure of 1 litre per 100 kms/100 kms per litre or for those who remember the old measure, 282 mpg.
And it’s not about having a bigger battery either; in fact, the prototype battery pack in the concept car could easily fit into a smaller sized vehicle than the VISION EQXX. Battery technology is continuously advancing and what is used has the latest advanced developed by the German carmaker. Rather than simply increasing the size of the battery, Mercedes-Benz and the HPP team developed a completely new battery pack, achieving a remarkable energy density of close to 400 Wh/l. Overall, the battery weighs around 495 kgs.
“In effect, we fitted the energy of the EQS into the vehicle dimensions of a compact car,” said Adam Allsopp, Advanced Technology Director from HPP. “The battery has almost the same amount of energy but is half the size and 30% lighter. The battery management system and power electronics have been designed with an absolute focus on reducing losses. In achieving this efficiency milestone, we learnt a lot that will flow into future development programmes.”
Tasked with pushing the envelope of technical feasibility on all levels, the battery development team also decided to experiment with an unusually high voltage. Increasing the voltage to more than 900 volts proved an extremely useful research tool for the development of the power electronics. The team was able to gather a great deal of valuable data and is currently assessing the potential benefits and implications for future production models.
Additional energy is also draw from the sun, the original source of all energy on Earth. The electric system that powers many of the ancillaries gets additional energy from 117 solar cells on the roof. The net result of reducing the energy drain on the high-voltage system is an increase in range. On a single day and under ideal conditions, this can add up to 25 kms of range on long-distance journeys. The solar energy is stored in a lightweight lithium-iron-phosphate battery, which supplies a climate blower, the lights, the infotainment system and other ancillaries.
At its heart, efficiency means achieving more from less. The most familiar expression of automotive efficiency is that of fuel consumption or fuel economy. This is expressed in different ways depending on where we are in the world (eg litres per 100 kms, miles per gallon or kilometres per litre). Regardless of convention, they all relate units of fuel (energy) with units of distance. Electric mobility is no different in that respect, but the imperatives of electric mobility and sustainability have shifted the framework for efficiency.
For Mercedes-Benz, quantifying technological development across the board now goes beyond fuel efficiency alone. As well as meaning more range from less energy, it also means more tangible luxury and convenience with less impact on nature, and more electric mobility with less waste.
“Electric range sounds easy but is a complex technical challenge. The easiest way is to put a bigger battery in the car. However, this leads to diminishing returns due to size and weight. This is definitely not the smartest route and it’s also not the best use of scarce resources. With the VISION EQXX, we’re presenting the results of an extraordinary challenge: we pushed efficiency to a totally new level. And we explored new ways to increase the range of an electric car,” said Joerg Bartels, Vice-President for Vehicle Engineering and Overall Vehicle Functions.
The electric drive unit is a dedicated unit consisting of the electric motor, transmission and power electronics featuring a new generation of silicon carbides. The power electronics unit is based on the one in the upcoming Mercedes-AMG Project ONE hypercar.
With output of around 150 kW, the super-efficient electric drivetrain (encompassing everything from battery to electric drive unit to wheels) provides the power and stamina. It is an electric drivetrain with 95% efficiency – that means up to 95% of the energy from the battery ends up at the wheels –compared to just 30% from even the most efficient combustion engine drivetrain or around 50% from an average (human) long-distance runner.
“One of the best ways to improve efficiency is to reduce losses,” explained Eva Greiner, chief engineer of the electric drive system at Mercedes-Benz. “We worked on every part of the system to reduce energy consumption and losses through system design, material selection, lubrication and heat management. And our fantastic simulation tools helped us find out quickly what works and what doesn’t.”
Aerodynamics have long been known to have a great influence on efficiency. Reducing the wind resistance of the car’s shape to as low as possible means the powertrain has to work less hard to achieve a given speed, reducing consumption or fuel or electricity. In the case of an EV, on a regular long-distance drive, almost two-thirds of its battery capacity may be used to ‘cut’ through the air ahead.
Through simulations and wind tunnel studies, the VISION EQXX has an ultra-sleek and slippery drag coefficient of 0.17 Cd. A huge amount of work went into integrating the painstaking passive and active aerodynamic features into the external form which retains the sensual purity of the Mercedes-Benz design language and the practicalities of a road car.
When it comes to lightweight engineering, the best on Earth is Mother Nature. No-one else comes close. Over millions of years, she has honed the finest examples of high-efficiency long-distance travellers – from the Monarch butterfly to the Arctic Tern.
With a considerably shorter timescale for the VISION EQXX, Mercedes-Benz engineers drew inspiration from her creations and pulled in some lateral-thinking external expertise to assist. The result is a weight-efficient design derived from engineering excellence paired with a sustainable combination of trash and Hollywood.
This intelligent use of sustainable advanced materials and methods inspired by nature is dubbed ‘bionic engineering’ and was facilitated by a digital process called bionic mesh design. Mercedes-Benz has a long history of applying bionic engineering techniques dating back to its “bionic car” concept study from 2005.
The VISION EQXX demonstrates that this is all within reach in a real-world vehicle that pushes the envelope on all fronts. It gives a clear insight into what premium efficiency for the electric and digital era looks like and feels like.
When it opened for business in 1895, Cycle & Carriage was a general store offering all kinds of products, from soap to writing paper to screwdrivers and simple machine parts. Four years later, it added bicycles, motorcycles and motorcars. Quite likely, the company would also have sold wheels and tyres during the period at the dawn of motorisation.
122 years later, Cycle & Carriage (C&C) still sells cars – Mercedes-Benz, in particular – and it still also sells Original Tyres and Rims. While all of its outlets can supply the items, it has an Original Tyres and Rims Boutique at its Autohaus in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. C&C is the first and only dealer in Malaysia to have such a boutique to broaden its aftersales service experience.
Optimized for safety and performance
The boutique has the Mercedes Original range of certified original tyres and Mercedes-Benz rims and accessories that are not only styled with good looks but also optimised for safety and performance. Customers can choose from an assortment of tyre and rim combinations with sizes that are suited for each Mercedes-Benz model.
Though made by global tyre companies, every Mercedes Original (MO) tyre is developed and manufactured to the highest quality that meets the stringent requirements of Mercedes-Benz. While the same tyre may also be available in the open market, the MO tyres are the result of a thousand hours of engineering and testing to ensure more specific matching to the cars they are recommended for. This means that the driver can enjoy the full performance levels which the engineers originally designed the car with.
Four types of tyres
The boutique offers four types of high-performance Mercedes Original tyres. Besides Mercedes Original tyres, there are Mercedes Original Extended tyres which enable temporary extended mobility in the case of a flat tyre. There are also Mercedes Original 1 tyres, a selection developed for Mercedes-AMG vehicles and high-performance needs. For customers who want more quietness, there are the Mercedes Original Silent tyres.
The boutique offers an interactive experience where customers can view, touch, and feel the differences of each of the wheels and tyres. Such interactivity allows every customer to learn about the benefits of the products’ effect on performance and driving experience.
“We are excited that our new Mercedes-Benz Original Tyre and Rims Boutique experience can help customers learn more about these high-performance products that add comfort, safety and performance to their vehicles,” said Wilfrid Foo, CEO of Cycle & Carriage. “Being able to offer the Mercedes Original range of tyres and rims at the boutique is an important part of our effort to give our customers the most exceptional journey with their Mercedes-Benz.”
C&C also has Mercedes-Benz Original Tyres and Rims showcases at its Cheras and Glenmarie (Selangor) outlets.
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