Mercedes-Benz – Page 14 – Automobiles Review

Mercedes A-Class: the controversial car is now in its best form after PIECHA’s conversion

PIECHA Design offers new styling kits for the W176

Who said that the controversial Mercedes A-Class can not look sporty? Well, of course after the general transformation it received in 2012, the car looks unrecognizable from its original form. Because of the negative customer reaction of the “minivan”-like A-class, the new variants look mostly as a small version of the C-class. Still, the transformed automobile debuted four years ago, and if you are among those owning one, but are satisfied with its performance and capabilities, then you will most certainly like this article.

The tuning experts at PIECHA Design have just released very stylish and sporty variant of the A-Class. The cosmetic changes are due to the addition of company’s GT and GT-R styling kits, but they not only contribute for the good looks, but also make the car faster and more agile.

Here are the details: the front of the A250 is adorned with a pair of new GT-R front cup wings. They have been placed in the original AMG bumper, thus helping the car look wider. For added assertiveness takes care the GT-R front splitter as it divides the big external front apron grid.

At the back of the automobile we see something very pleasing: the GT-R roof edge spoiler, which highlights the striking new body shapes of the A-Class. The final touch at the rear is given by the GT-R rear diffusor insert that sports the original AMG twin tailpipe trims of the SL63 AMG (or C63 AMG, depending on customer’s choice).

PIECHA Design Mercedes-Benz A-Class front view

By the way, if your A-Class isn’t an AMG, then you will need PIECHA’s GT air dam lip URBAN that is stuck upon the production bumper. To it should be also added the GT sill flaps URBAN, so that you can get the sporty AMG appearance. Not forgetting to add better alloys: the tuning studio is actually offering 19-inch high-tech MP1-Monoblocks in titanium or black, or 20-inch MP5-LXMs in silver or black.

Now that’s an A-Class to praise, isn’t it?

Source: PIECHA Design

August 10, 2016

LARTE Design reveals more details about the new mystical Black Crystal project

LARTE Design Mercedes-Benz GLS Black Crystal rear view second teaser

This image shows the blackout variant of what we have previewed as the latest Black Crystal in LARTE Design’s family. Although we have been left with the impression that the new vehicle will be white, it seems that there is a variant in the opposite color. Whether LARTE will keep both color versions stay unclear.

What we know so far is that the project, which will be exhibited at the MIAS event in Moscow, is based on the new Mercedes GLS. The Russian studio says that its new project is a marvelous new tuning car, which features a brand new tuning kit.

Precisely, the latter comprises of a front and rear bumpers with carbon fibre inserts. Since we have only received the image of the rear, what we can spot is that it looks very massive, sporty and aggressive due to the addition of the huge air diffuser, four extraordinary exhaust pipes and a lot of carbon fiber elements.

Keeping it a secret, the front is said to have a brand new bumper with masculine lines and a new radiator grill sporting the LARTE horseshow logo. At the sides, there will be new side pads which are reminiscent of tuner’s variant of the amazing Mercedes GL Black Crystal. Carbon shielded air intakes will adorn the fenders.

Besides the GLS Crystal, LARTE Design will basically exhibit its entire portfolio, including the business road-jet Mercedes V-Class Black Crystal and the “electrifying” Tesla Model S Elizabeta. There are rumors that the V-Class will appear with a brand-new front and rear bumpers made of composite materials and decorated with carbon fiber elements, so we are excited to see the change, too.

Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) opens gates on 24th of August and closes on 4th of September. LARTE Design’s booth is located in hall 3 (pav.13, booth B106).

Source: LARTE Design

August 9, 2016

AEB system: is it that popular and important as they want us to see it?

2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe New car sales researches revealed what majority of people prefer when it comes to buying a new vehicle. Analyzed by independent researchers, results show that buyers mainly prefer cars with more safety features, but for some reason not everyone is into the Autonomous Emergency Braking. Interesting.

However, good thing is to know that people are heading towards safety, instead of some overall useless hi-tech tweaks, right? However, results show some mixed opinions as it comes to standard safety equipment. Although the first vehicles in the rank have great safety suites, also in the top 3 is the Vauxhall Corsa: a neat vehicle, but with twice as less safety stuff, compared with the leader in the list: the C-Class.

However, one of the most handy and reliable systems, the Autonomous Emergency Braking is available with all of the list with most popular cars. Some brands include it as a part of the standard equipment, others prefer to gear it optionally – with client’s personal preferences.

So, what are people into? Here’s the full list:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class
AEB is named Collision Prevention Assist Plus and is part of the standard equipment.

Volkswagen Golf
The good ol’ Golf lineup incorporates the system to almost all of its models as a part of the standard equipment. Fun thing is that VW does not offer AEB as an extra.

Nissan Qashqai
This one also incorporates the AEB system to almost all vehicles in the lineup, but also offers it as an additional feature.

Ford Focus
Coming by the name of Active City Stop, the system is fitted to surprisingly low number of vehicle models, but the good news is that Ford team offers it as a standalone feature for reasonable pricing.

Vauxhall Astra
The trustworthy Astra also appears to sort of not like the AEB: the vehicles, equipped with this system are as low as 34% of the whole range. Good thing is that AEB is optionally available.

MINI
The system also comes as optional extra and is simply named Driving Assistant.

VW Polo
Named City Emergency Braking, the AEB is available only as a part of the optional “ACC” pack.

Ford Fiesta
The Fiesta also does not incorporate the system as part of the standard pack and offers it as a standalone purchase.

Vauxhall Mokka
Although popular and reliable, the whole lineup does not feature AEB even as a standard feature.

Vauxhall Corsa
Just like the Mokka, Corsa lineup tends to not like the AEB: it is not available even as optional feature.

Source: Thatcham

July 26, 2016

How to make your Mercedes-Benz GLE AMG stand out even more with a single step

OXIGIN offers simple way to boost the appearance of the GLE

Mercedes-Benz GLE has been revealed last summer and it immediately became the rival of the popular BMW X6. Sharing even almost the same exterior, both large SUVs are now becoming strong part of the automotive market. Nearly five meters long and having over two-tons of weight, the GLE Coupé makes a strong visual impact with its sleek and fastback proportions. For this reason, people are looking for ways to enhance their cars, and if you have to think of the simplest one, it is of course – changing the wheels.

The alloy wheel specialists at OXIGIN, have the perfect offer: they have created various good-looking wheel designs to fill out the big arches of the massive GLE. On the images you will see in the gallery the AMG vaiant of the SUV, has been equipped with 10.5 and 11.5×21-inch sized wheels in classic five-spoke OXIGIN 18 Concave design. They also sport Black Full Polish finish and are shod with appropriate tires sized 275/45ZR21 and 315/40ZR21 at the front and rear, respectively.

Oxigin Mercedes-Benz GLE AMG wheel

By the way, OXIGIN 18 Concave can be specified in other dimensions ranging from 7.5×17-inch, through 18, 19, 20 and 21-inch, and culminating in the massive 10.0 and 11.5×22-inch sizes. In addition, to make the GLE even brighter, the specialists are offering various variants of finish options besides the Black Full Polish. These include Black and Graphite Full Polish, Extra Colour finishes, Colour Polish, Neon and Bicolour finishes.

Among the wide range of alloys and besides everything, the driver of this GLE AMG will enjoy the V6 petrol engine with a direct injection, which delivers 367 HP (270 kW) at 5500 rpm and a peak torque of 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) at 1400-4000 rpm. It is mated to a DYNAMIC SELECT transmission, which has a SPORT+ mode offering exceptional driving qualities and bringing high levels of adrenaline.

Source: OXIGIN

July 26, 2016

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible or Coupe: PIECHA Design makes both look better than ever

Marcus PIECHA takes his hands on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible and Coupe 207 Series

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 207 Series was released seven years ago, but it brought back the memories of the timeless and elegant 124 convertible and coupe. PIECHA Design is obviously making an offensive to tune Mercedes models, which were famous back in the days. So, what we have here is an interesting variant of the pre-facelift models (those released before 2013), which have the characteristic “rectangular” eyes.

The extensive modular visual package brings about an exciting racing look. Needless to say, the unique bodywork is an elegant extension of the innate AMG looks. So, if you own one and you think it is time for refreshment, maybe this article comes at the perfect time. Let’s see what we have here.

The front and rear get RS styling with the mighty front lip with its integrated air splitter and the rear diffusor insert. More aero-dynamism and assertiveness is thus assured. The top-stretching air box renders the air current beneath the car, while the rear appears flatter and racier, due to the addition of a three-part rear spoiler, which also highlights its width.

PIECHA Design Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe rear view

Furthermore, the designers added wheel spacers of various sizes and sport-type springs. The latter are 15-20mm shorter than the original ones. There is something very important about the rear of the car: the diffuser insert has been optimized by Marcus Piecha himself in order to fit in the legendary QUADRO 4-pipe exhaust. At its end, the chrome-plated tailpipes add auspicious visuals for the growling sound that come out of the exhaust.

At last, there are several types of wheels for these Mercedes models: at the top are the silver or black 20-inch MP5-LXM alloys. However, if you are keen on smaller rims, then there are available the equally stylish 19-inch MP1-Monoblocks in titanium or black.

Source: PIECHA Design

July 18, 2016

Another Crystal added to the range of LARTE Design’s exclusive Mercedes-Benz projects

Mercedes GLS Crystal is the next creation in LARTE’s portfolio

LARTE Design is going to reveal a brand new Crystal model at the Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) in August. If we have to compare the GLS with a “standard” Mercedes car, then it most certainly will be the S-Class. Both are inarguably very impressive.

However, the aforementioned duo is still “mass-production” and offers no or little individuality. LARTE Design has answered the prayers of the uniqueness-seekers with the release of a brand new tuning kit for the GLS. Exactly this package will be premiered at the event, and we can’t wait to see more real life pictures of it, because it promises to be really cool.

So basically, the set consists of a new front and rear bumpers, which feature the bonus of carbon fibre inserts. As you can see on the images, the rear of the car has been designed to look very massive, but at the same time sporty and aggressive. It also sports new air diffuser, four unusual exhaust pipes and a lot of carbon fiber in the form of various parts.

The front, of which we don’t have any pictures, includes brand new bumper with masculine lines and a new radiator grill with big LARTE horseshow logo. By the way, the new side pads are evocative of LARTE Design’s amazing Mercedes GL Black Crystal, and this is why it is the successor of the Crystal family. What is more, the tuner is saying that there will be carbon shielded air intakes at the fenders.

This is the preliminary information we have about this new tuning, but we hope to receive some more details at a later time. Besides the GLS Crystal, LARTE Design will basically exhibit its entire portfolio, including the business road-jet Mercedes V-Class Black Crystal and the “electrifying” Tesla Model S Elizabeta.

Moscow International Automobile Salon opens gates on 24^th of August and closes on 4^th of September. LARTE Design’s booth is located in hall 3 (pav.13, booth B106).

Source: Larte Design

July 14, 2016

Sky blue carbon fiber Mercedes-Benz G500 is one of the best vehicles you’ll see this summer

MANSORY releases one-off Mercedes-Benz G500 customization

We absolutely love MANSORY and it is needless to say we do love the G-Class, too. But what happens when a tuning company like this puts all of its efforts on a G500? Miracles maybe? To answer the question we are going to talk about the latest MANSORY project, which involves the aforementioned Mercedes model.

Being one of the most noticeable vehicles on the road, the Mercedes G500 4×4 has been made even more dramatic in its appearance. The tuning experts took as a starting point the wide, flared wheel arches and additional height of the off-roader, and built their ideas on top of these innate qualities of the G-Class.

Carbon fibre has been used as far as the eye can see. Literally. Just take a look at the new front spoiler with LED headlights and the new hood made from visible carbon fibre. In addition, the flanks of the off-roader are beautified with air intakes on the front wheel arches, mirror housings, handles and trim. They are also made of the lightweight material as are the roof and roof spoiler, the rear apron and panels.

MANSORY Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4 stairway to heaven

One of the very cool enhancements that the designers have added here is a step, which automatically extends to help the person entering the vehicle climb into its cockpit, so that he or she could see the unmatched interior treatment.

Basically, the cabin features everything that one needs to feel their selves in a luxurious and at the same time sports environment. Precisely, the sports steering wheel, which features a carbon inlay, was designed specifically for the 4×4. Below the waistline, there have been added aluminium pedals, evoking that feeling of driving a sports-car.

The luxury part is played by the entirely renewed interior. Almost everything was reupholstered and masterfully created by hand from leather and cutting edge carbon fabric. The changes are topped off by logos, decorative stitching and beading. Of course – in the color of the vehicle.

MANSORY Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4 interior

But it was not just the bodywork. MANSORY has installed its Powerbox and additionally supported it with a sport exhaust system. The extra power given to the G500 is 47 kW (63 PS) as well as 100 Newton meters of torque.

The abundant carbon fiber treatment inside and out, as well as the performance changes, make the G500 one of our favorite projects this summer.

Source: MANSORY

July 12, 2016

How to make your old E-Class look like a Nissan GT-R? Piecha Design answers!

Piecha Design releases GT-R aerodynamic set for the Mercedes-AMG E-Class W212

We are announcing Piecha Design for tuner of the month, because of its unstoppable projects that keep coming to us. More importantly they are all great and rather unusual, and we are more than happy to share them with you! After making a modern variant of the iconic SL Roadster (link below), the designers are ready to introduce something rather special and a little bit strange. They have released a GT-R set (yes, like the Nissan GT-R) for the Mercedes AMG E-Class W212.

You won’t see the latter in dealerships nowadays, because it was produced from 2009 until 2013. Although there has been some time since it went off production, the car still looks contemporary with its four angular eyes and prolonged posture.

What really impressed us here was the name of the kit the tuning studio added: PIECHA GT-R aerodynamic set. We immediately rushed to read more about what it features. So, here are the details, which you might find intriguing too.

Piecha Design Mercedes-AMG E-Class W212 rear

First, the kit is available for limos and T-models. It underlines the dynamic stance of the E-Class with the following in-house made parts: front flics and trims for the AMG side skirts, four-spot skirt LEDs, GT-R inspired rear diffusor (the star here) with its aluminium grid and GT sport-type exhaust (which also comes with various deflectors). The latter includes four oval QUADRO tailpipes sized 118 x 85 mm.

Packed with these goodies the Mercedes runs on 20-inch MP5-LXM alloys. The racing posture of the car is further supported by the new suspension parts. To be more specific, it is the digital electronic Airmatic module, which lowers the ride height by up to 50mm. Controlled by the CANBUS steering-wheel control panel, each axle can be eight-level-adjusted. The necessary details will be displayed on its screen.

Last, but not least, the E-class GT-R has been also given the PIECHA Power-Converter, but the tuner decided to keep the enhanced numbers a secret.

So, which one’s next Piecha? Maybe the SLS AMG?

Source: Piecha Design

July 7, 2016

How to make your 15 year old Mercedes SL Roadster look modern

Piecha Design offers state-of-the-art looks for the roadster

Mercedes-Benz SL R230 Roadster was introduced 15 years ago. Back then no one could ever imagine that this model would become a timeless car classic. Well, if you take a look at it, it might seem a little bit outdated, however, in terms of performance it might take a lot cars down. So, what happens if you are an owner of SL R230 roadster, you love classics, but still wish to look contemporary?

The problem can be solved immediately, if you contact Piecha Design: a studio which has just made a strong and modern package for the Mercedes. Called Avalange RS, the name is reminiscent of the SL’s motorsport roots back in the 50s. And this counts for the exterior, too.

Precisely, the rear is adorned by a DTM-like diffusor that has been integrated in a mighty rear apron with or without a lateral grid insert, as well as rear spoiler lip and four-pipe Quadro exhaust. Piecha says that the sound is a “killer”.

Piecha Mercedes-Benz SL R230 Roadster rear and side view

On the sides there is a wedge-shaped side skirt with air inlet, while the front features angular Avalange RS air dam with integrated LED DRLs. The front also sports new bumper, which looks more contemporary than ever.

The whole car has been brought closer to the ground via lowering-suspension springs and wheel spacers. But, the most important part of the Avalange is the Vario roof module. It significantly speeds up the opening grip (26 seconds now), simply by clicking the key three times. Last, but not least in every package are the wheels, which in the case of the SL Roadster are in-house made MP1-monoblock, sized at 20-inches.

Simple, but effective changes are more always more impressive, aren’t they?

Source: Piecha Design

June 28, 2016

Mercedes-AMG strikes again: 2018 GT R revealed!

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R So, what do we have here? A premium automobile brand, a premium tuner brand and a street-legal masterpiece: definitely the new AMG GT R is one hell-of-a vehicle. Distinctive and beautiful, the car has a lot to show. And without any further stalling, let’s see what we are dealing with.

Exterior design

We all know that this is a Mercedes-Benz vehicle and we all know how stylish these cars are. Of course, this one is no exception: we have a low-slung front section, forward-inclined radiator grille that somehow makes a “shark-nose” expression. In fact, the front fascia proudly demonstrates a new jet-wing design that enhances the feeling of massiveness and width.

Spending countless hours in a wind tunnel, the new Mercedes-AMG comes with sleek and aerodynamic profile with elegant lines and overall aggressive appearance.

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R

Furthermore, the front fenders not only contribute to the overall beautiful expression, but also reduce weight: made of light carbon-fiber, these bad boys add a total of 1.8 inches to the width. The side view also benefits from new AMG Performance forged wheels in matte black. Of course, we do see the brake calipers, painted in yellow. Apparently, the sporty spirit is present and within the side view. And provided that the vehicle comes with high-grade carbon roof, we tend to believe that this is by far the most sporty-oriented Mercedes-AMG machine created so far.

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R

And last, but not least, the rear end also has some stuff to show: new aluminum side walls that widen the rear with a total of 2.2 inches, which also improves the airflow and leaves space for additional dissipation of the heat generated by the rear silencer. So, what we do have as a result: aerodynamic shape that increases the surface contact and an enhanced drivability blended with striking beautiful and sporty design. Cool, right?

Interior styling

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R

The cabin is also heavily inspired by the world of motorsport. Buyers will be pleased to know that the car is geared with AMG Performance Seats with Nappa leather and DINAMICA microfiber components. Also, the wide-looking dashboard looks functional and somehow reminds of an aviation design theme. There are four central spotlight-style vents and concave-shaped door paneling with dynamic central console. Surely the AMG GT-R offers some neat sporty experience, thanks to the driver-focused cabin and all of these small sporty details that make a huge difference.

Drivetrain and performance

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R

Led by the idea of less is more, the AMG team managed to reduce the overall weight and therefore enhance the agility and versatility of the vehicle. Mercedes-AMG engineers used numerous aluminum alloy components for the body and chassis, some steel for the trunk and magnesium for the front deck.

The suspension system was also fine-tuned and systematically designed for racetrack use. Wishbones, steering kunckles and hub carriers on the front and rear axle were created entirely of forged aluminum, while the high camber and the toe-in stability contributes in high cornering speeds and at the same time offers optimum feel for the road when driving with full force.

Also present is the high-performance composite brake system that ensures precise deceleration and high fade-resistance with internally ventilated and perforated 15.4-inch diameter brake discs.

And most importantly: what does the engine offer? Well, the GT R comes with a handcrafted AMG power unit with 4.0 liters of fuel capacity, offering the titanic 577hp (430kW) and peak torque of 516 lb-ft between 1,900 and 5,500 rpm.

The engine has undergone some special tweaks and fine-tunes and comes with modified compressor machining, smaller wastegate aneroid capsule and sharpened engine mapping. The V8 Biturbo engine also features twin-scroll turbochargers, mounted on the outside of the cylinder banks. This contributes to a compact engine design, better response and better CO2 emission rates.

This unit is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with modified hardware and software for longer ratio for the first gear and longer ratio for the final ones.

So, do you like it? We are more than excited about the new Mercedes-AMG creation. Write down what you think in the comment section!

Source: Mercedes-AMG

June 27, 2016

Mercedes GLC Coupe: what’s new? Don’t worry, there’s nothing that impressive

GLC Coupe comes with revealed details and will try to add great value for its price. But will it succeed? Let’s find out!

This is the latest addition to the GLC lineup and for some reason it will try to be the best one. As the previous generation. And the previous one. And the previous one. And…you got the point. So, what are we dealing with?

The GLC 220 comes with 170 horsepower via a 2.1-liter diesel power unit, while the GLC 250 offers 204hp with 56.5 mpg and 131 g/km. This power is controlled via a 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox as a standard. Of course, Mercedes team continues the tradition and will also offer a Sport and a AMG line. These bad boys show some more style and muscles: Garmin Map Pilot navigation system, Active Park Assist, Artico upholstery, keyless start, sporty suspension, electrically operated tail gate and neat 18-inch wheels.

Also, the sporty models can be further refined with optional AMG sport steering wheel with flat bottom, brushed steel sports pedals, Artico leather, AMG bodystyling and 19-inch alloys. Of course, you can’t just expect that this is all from Mercedes-AMG. There are additional Premium and Premium Plus upgrade packages that include ambient lightning, infotainment systems, all kinds of keyless entries, safety features as Blind Spot Assist and Lane Tracking assist and many more.

Long story short, you get three base models and about five or six upgrade packs with different kinds of gadgets and tweaks. At first we thought it is a stupid idea, but when you think of it, Mercedes-Benz has been doing this for decades now. Nothing really has changed. As the new model itself. Enjoy.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 22, 2016

If this Mercedes-AMG GT S could only happen…

Piecha Design reveals first couple of renderings of the customized AMG GT S

Remember when we showed you the first sketch of Piecha Design’s Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S? Well, it is now time for the project to be fully revealed! Behold, for it is something entirely unexpected…

Leaving jokes aside, this car actually looks pretty good, given the fact that Marcus Piecha and his team told us initially that we should not expect an entirely new design. Their aim was to highlight the beautiful character of the Mercedes. And they have definitely achieved that.

Another advantage is that the basic shape of the car is attractive, hence it is way easier to make something look better when it is so good from the start. Anyway, this dream sports car is now taking shape and although still in a rendering form we can see some of its unique qualities.

In short – it is all about carbon-fiber here, exposed and unexposed. The best part of this project is probably the extra-wide rear that was designed by the owner. He actually told us that affixing it gave him some sleepless nights, because he wanted to keep the original brake wings fully operational.

Piecha Mercedes-AMG GT S Renderings rear view

Another attraction here is the slim lower “back-end” with its four-pipe exhaust with 90mm outlets. And to give you a hint of what’s next – there is new suspension on the way, which will contribute for more dramatic stance and better driving characteristics. Furthermore, we have more extra carbon-fiber goodies, including side blades and front-cup wings as well as air splitters in the front apron.

What can’t be seen in the renderings is the performance optimization that we were promised. So we should expect significant gain over the production numbers that the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S has. Namely, 510 hp (375 kW) and 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) of torque.

“But that’s not all,” says Marcus Piecha who is most probably going to surprise us with the full release of the project very soon. Stay tuned!

Source: Piecha Design

June 21, 2016

Tag: Mercedes-Benz

PIECHA Design offers new styling kits for the W176

So, what are people into? Here’s the full list:

OXIGIN offers simple way to boost the appearance of the GLE

Marcus PIECHA takes his hands on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible and Coupe 207 Series

Mercedes GLS Crystal is the next creation in LARTE’s portfolio

MANSORY releases one-off Mercedes-Benz G500 customization

Piecha Design releases GT-R aerodynamic set for the Mercedes-AMG E-Class W212

Piecha Design offers state-of-the-art looks for the roadster

Exterior design

Interior styling

Drivetrain and performance

Piecha Design reveals first couple of renderings of the customized AMG GT S