Geneva. For Mercedes-Benz, 2016 is the year of the cabriolet and the roadster. The new C-Class Cabriolet – the latest in a long line of dream cars – has its world première in Geneva, as does the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC. Other signs of spring are the two updated SL and SLC roadsters, as well as the performance roadsters from Mercedes-AMG. Shortly prior to the market launch of the new S-Class Cabriolet, the Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC Cabriolet is appearing in a limited "Edition 130" for the top segment. This vehicle also provides a link to the invention of the motor car 130 years ago. What's more, Mercedes-Benz will be presenting the new E-Class for the first time in Europe at Geneva. The tenth generation of the executive saloon sets new standards in terms of design, safety, efficiency and automotive intelligence. Also new for Geneva: the Mercedes-Benz V-Class EXCLUSIVE.
Fresh air for all: no other manufacturer offers so many and such young cabriolets and roadsters as Mercedes-Benz Cars. The latest range of convertible dream cars extends from the smart fortwo cabrio to the S-Class Cabriolet. With the world première of the first cabriolet to be based on the C-Class, Mercedes-Benz is rounding off its portfolio of cabriolets with a classic soft top.
The new Cabriolet has a distinctive character and is an attractive entry-level model to the world of owning a Mercedes dream car. If desired, it can be equipped with AIRCAP, the automatic wind deflector, and AIRSCARF neck-level heating – for exceptional comfort and open-top motoring, 365 days of the year. Efficient, powerful engines delivering between 115 and 270 kW (156 to 367 hp) and a suspension designed for dynamics (with optional AIRMATIC air suspension) ensure sportily agile handling. The C-Class Cabriolet launches in summer 2016.
The Mercedes-AMG C 43 Cabriolet: Open for maximum driving pleasure
Mercedes-AMG is bringing two models from the C-Class performance family to the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. In addition to the C 43 4MATIC Coupé, the sports car and performance brand based in Affalterbach will also showcase the C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet. As in the Coupé version, the all-season cabriolet combines a 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine rated at 270 kW (367 hp) with peak torque of 520 Newton metres, a quick-changing 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive fitted as standard. The open-air enjoyment for four people is backed by the brand's hallmark Driving Performance thanks to discrete suspension with stiffer elastokinematics unique to AMG and three-stage adjustable damping. Driving pleasure is accompanied by high efficiency. For example, the open-top version of the Mercedes-AMG C 43 consumes a mere 8.3 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined figure). This corresponds to 190 g CO2/km.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class: the most intelligent executive saloon
Mercedes-Benz is taking a big step into the future with the new E-Class, which makes its European début in Geneva. The tenth-generation executive saloon delivers stylish highlights with its distinct, emotive design and high-grade, exclusive interior. This new E-Class also marks the world première of numerous technical innovations. They enable comfortable, safe driving on a new level plus a new dimension in driver assistance – among other things. With the new Drive Pilot, Mercedes-Benz is taking the next step on the way to autonomous driving. On motorways and country roads, it is not only able to keep the car the correct distance behind vehicles in front automatically, for the first time it can also follow them at a speed of up to 210 km/h. This can make life easier for the driver, who no longer needs to operate the brake or accelerator pedal during normal driving and also receives plenty of steering assistance from the Steering Pilot – even on moderate bends.
The vehicle comes complete with infotainment and control systems offering an all-new experience. Optional extras in the cockpit include two brilliant, high-resolution displays, each with a wide screen diagonal of 12.3 inches – a differentiator in this segment. In a first for a car, the steering wheel also features touch-sensitive Touch Controls. Like a smartphone interface, they respond precisely to horizontal and vertical swiping movements, allowing the driver to control the entire infotainment system using finger swipes without having to take their hands off the steering wheel.
Likewise exemplary: an entirely newly developed diesel engine sets efficiency benchmarks in this segment in conjunction with lightweight construction and optimum aerodynamic figures. An optional new multi-chamber air suspension system additionally ensures outstanding ride comfort together with first-class driving dynamics. The sum of all its innovations makes the E-Class the most intelligent saloon of the executive class.
The Mercedes-Benz SL: the legend – now even more dynamic
New appearance for an automotive icon: the extensively technically and visually optimised Mercedes-Benz SL is here from April 2016. More powerful engines, the automatic transmission 9G-TRONIC, DYNAMIC SELECT with five transmission modes and Active Body Control with the curve tilting function all take the legend to a new dynamic level. Its suitability for everyday use has been enhanced with a soft top, which can now be operated at up to 40 km/h when starting off, and the automatic boot separator. Visually the front end in particular has been made significantly sportier and includes a new bonnet, new bumpers and new headlamps.
The Mercedes-Benz SLC: new name, new dynamic
To coincide with its 20-year anniversary, the archetypal compact roadster is to be relaunched in April 2016 with a new name – the SLC – as well as significantly optimised technology and an enhanced look. The name change refers to the close affinity with the C-Class. There are new additions to the model line-up – the sporty top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 and the entry-level SLC 180. In visual terms, stand-out features include the standard-fit diamond radiator grille and the LED Intelligent Light System (optional extra).
Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC Cabriolet: limited "Edition 130"
Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler invented the automobile in 1886. In so doing, they established a tradition of constant further developments and innovative new creations that continue to this day. Mercedes-Benz's sports car and performance brand is now celebrating this 130th anniversary with the exclusive special edition Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC Cabriolet "Edition 130", distinguished by particularly exquisite appointments.
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class EXCLUSIVE – more luxury in this people carrier
The V-Class EXCLUSIVE takes style, comfort and functionality to an even higher level and represents the pinnacle of this model series. Mercedes-Benz Vans is thus underlining the way it has redefined the MPV. Featuring exquisite trim with a brushed aluminium finish, ventilation outlets in silver chrome, a DINAMICA roof liner and the new panoramic roof, the compelling V-Class EXCLUSIVE also comes with a new, large centre console with integral refrigerator and thermal cup holders. The host of equipment also includes climatised single seats in nappa leather for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers, 19-inch alloy wheels and a Burmester® surround sound system.
Ten years of the Mercedes-Benz Museum: spectacular new building marks anniversary
Ten years ago, the history of the Mercedes-Benz brand moved into its new home, a spectacular new building at the gates of the plant in Untertürkheim, Germany. Since then, more than 7.1 million people have visited the popular attraction (total as at 31 December 2015). The museum constantly reinvents itself in order to make every visit to its exhibitions and events special. A number of events are planned to celebrate 130 years of the motor car, to which the museum will draw attention at Geneva.
