Mercedes-Benz: Paris Motor Show 2008

Mercedes-Benz Press Release - 3/October/2008

Paris, France — At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz is presenting an exciting design study and two new, standard production saloons to demonstrate that automotive passion and environmentally friendly technology can complement each other very convincingly. 

The Concept FASCINATION study interprets the emotional appeal of a coupé with new, surprising proportions, and combines a sporty and elegant design with stylish practicality. 

Other highlights include the new C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition and S 400 BlueHYBRID models. Both are particularly fuel-efficient, and occupy the peak position in their respective segments with respect to both performance and environmental compatibility.

A new four-cylinder diesel engine is celebrating its world premiere in the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition. Developing an impressive 150 kW of power from a displacement of 2.2 litres, this saloon accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h.

Yet it consumes only 5.2 litres (NEDC) of fuel per 100 kilometres (CO2 emissions 138 g/km).

The S 400 BlueHYBRID, which is due to be launched in the European summer of 2009, is the first Mercedes-Benz passenger car model with hybrid drive. A combination of a modern V6 petrol engine and a compact hybrid module makes the S 400 BlueHYBRID the world’s most economical luxury saloon with a petrol engine (7.9 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC), CO2 emissions 190 g/km).

Mercedes-Benz is also presenting the new S 600 Pullman Guard state limousine with integrated Highest Protection features in Paris.

Spectacular dimensions in open-top driving are opened up by the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S. With a staggering output of 478kW, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h, this open two-seater puts all previous roadsters in the shade.

Concept Fascination

With the Concept FASCINATION design study, Mercedes-Benz has given fresh impetus to the long-established (although now rarely seen) "shooting brake". This meets two different requirements – a high utility value plus a coupé which appeals to the heart with fast, thrilling lines.

Freed from the constraints of a specifications book, the designers have created an automotive sculpture with great aesthetic appeal which demonstrates Mercedes-Benz’s high level of design expertise.

Concept FASCINATION is a unique jewel of compelling automotive design, yet it still offers the benefits of a large luggage compartment. A particularly notable feature of the design is that the practical load space develops organically from the exciting and elegant lines of this lifestyle coupé, giving it its special charisma.

Attention to detail make this design study an incomparable gem which conveys at one and the same time a sense of sporty forward movement and elegance, savoir-vivre and exclusivity of the highest level.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, commented: "This design study continues the long tradition of exciting coupés from Mercedes-Benz in impressive style. With its emotionally appealing lines, Concept FASCINATION offers a completely new interpretation of the coupé concept. Its aesthetic, dynamic looks and painstakingly crafted details ensure that this study meets the highest design standards."

C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition

Efficiency and driving pleasure on a new plane will be provided by the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition from autumn 2008 (Europe) – the first model Mercedes-Benz is equipping with a power unit from a completely newly designed diesel engine generation.

This new four-cylinder engine produces 150 kW of power and an impressive 500 Nm of torque from a displacement of 2.2 litres.

The premiere model can accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in just 7.0 seconds, on the way to its top speed of 250 km/h.

Notwithstanding these exceptional performance figures, the Prime Edition only consumes an average of 5.2 litres of fuel per 100 km (NEDC), with CO2 emissions of 138 g/km.

The engine impresses with its eager responsiveness and smoothness of operation.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "With the new engine, the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition sets new standards in its segment with respect to performance, environmental protection and driving pleasure – in short: efficiency at a previously unattained level."

Exemplary figures in terms of power output, consumption and emission characteristics are achieved by the new engine thanks to the implementation of a whole package of innovative technologies. These include:

- a maximum ignition pressure of 200 bar
- fourth-generation common-rail technology with a rail pressure increased by 400 bar to 2000 bar, as well as a new piezo-injector concept with direct nozzle needle control for greater flexibility in injection timing, leading to smoother running of the engine
- larger, variable oil spray nozzles and variable water pump
- dual-stage supercharging

The C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition can be delivered in obsidian black, palladium silver or iridium silver. It is also optionally available in diamond white metallic.

This special edition model is limited to 5000 examples.

Mercedes-Benz S 400 BlueHYBRID

Mercedes-Benz is launching the S 400 BlueHYBRID, its first passenger car model equipped with a hybrid drive system, in the European Summer of 2009.

The combination of a modified V6 petrol engine and a compact hybrid module makes the S 400 BlueHYBRID the world's most economical luxury saloon with a petrol engine.

The NEDC combined fuel consumption is 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres. This makes for the world's lowest CO2 emissions in this vehicle and performance class – 190 grams per kilometre.

These exemplary figures go hand-in-hand with assured performance. The 3.5-litre petrol engine develops an output of 205 kW, the electric motor generates 15 kW and a starting torque of 160 Nm. The result is a combined output of 220 kW of power and a combined maximum torque of 385 Newton metres.

The compact hybrid module is a disc-shaped electric motor that also acts as a starter and generator. The system offers a double benefit, as it both helps to save fuel and increases driving enjoyment. This is partly due to the booster effect of the electric motor, as it powerfully backs up the petrol engine with a maximum additional torque of 160 Newton metres during the high-consumption acceleration phase.

The S 400 BlueHYBRID accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

The hybrid module also has a comfortable start/stop function, which switches the engine off when the vehicle is at a standstill – for example at traffic lights. When it's time to move off again, the electric motor almost imperceptibly restarts the main power unit. This likewise makes a contribution to fuel economy and environmental protection: because the engine restarts first time, and practically instantly, emissions are also minimised during the starting phase.

When the vehicle is braked the electric motor acts as a generator, and is able to recover braking energy by a process known as recuperation. Working in finely tuned partnership, the electric motor supplements the braking effect of the petrol engine and the wheel brakes to deliver a smoothly progressive braking action. The recuperated energy is stored in a compact yet highly efficient lithium-ion battery in the engine compartment, and made available when required. This complex system is managed by a high-performance control unit, which is likewise located in the engine compartment.

S 600 Pullman Guard state limousine

With the new S 600 Pullman state limousine intended for governments, business and crowned heads, the world’s oldest automaker is continuing its unique tradition of building large, armoured, prestige limousines.

The very first Mercedes-Benz automobile produced as a special-protection vehicle ex factory was a Pullman limousine from the Nürburg 460 series (W08) introduced in 1928. Ever since, special protection vehicles from Mercedes-Benz have served the heads of state of numerous countries, as well as royalty, as automobiles worthy of their standing.

Like the famous Pullman railway coaches, the new S 600 Pullman Guard is luxuriously spacious and outstandingly comfortable. To ensure this spaciousness, the wheelbase of the special protection long-wheelbase S-Class was extended by 115 centimetres, making it 4315 millimetres in total. With an overall length of 6356 millimetres, this means that the S 600 Pullman Guard has truly majestic proportions. In addition, the new state limousine has an increased roof height in the rear for even more comfort and headroom.

Following the Pullman tradition, four occupants can be seated in comfortable face-to-face seats behind a partition. The Mercedes-Benz Guard Pullman limousine therefore offers its passengers not only a maximum of comfort, but also a superbly appointed setting for discreet meetings, equipped, of course, with all the key communications and entertainment systems.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S

Spectacular dimensions in open-top driving are opened up by the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S.

With an immense power output of 478 kW, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, and a top speed of 335 km/h, this open two-seater even betters the standard set for open-top super-sports cars by the SLR McLaren Roadster.

Both have a fully recessible soft top suitable for high speed driving, and are made from carbon fibre. This produces a very high level of safety and extremely high torsional strength. In addition to a higher engine output, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S has an even more dynamic suspension setup and further aerodynamic improvements.

Despite the extraordinary performance of this thoroughbred roadster, its occupants suffer no compromises in terms of comfort and day-to-day suitability.

With its decidedly sporty, high-quality interior appointments and manifestly obvious motor-racing genes, the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S, a limited edition of 150 units, is able to capture the heart of even the most discerning car enthusiast. 

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