A new car is the ultimate luxury, but no matter how sublime, there’s one factor most of us can’t afford to ignore: depreciation. That’s why the data provided by CAP is so useful.
Established in 1979, CAP are the trusted benchmark in critical information for all sectors of the automotive industry. So whether you’re evaluating Used Vehicle Values Data, Future Residual Values Data or New Vehicle Data – Mercedes-Benz have some reassuring facts and figures to pore over.
In our Fleet section, you’ll find a range of models and specific features to compare, along with a comprehensive overview of what CAP Recommends. For further information, check out the Useful Tools where you can choose your model, compare costs, calculate tax, download brochures and last but not least, view the price list.
In fact, we’ve provided just about everything you need to help you manage your Fleet. You can even get the lowdown on CO2 emissions and see how it shapes your carbon footprint compared to rival models.
We know that Mercedes-Benz make the finest cars in the world, but don’t just take our word for it, see what CAP recommends.
When 6,000 UK shoppers were asked which brands they would recommend most to their friends or colleagues – guess who came out on top?
With a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 66% Mercedes-Benz ranked second (just behind haircare brand Kerastase with 80%) outdoing the likes of Apple iPhone in third place (60%), Cohiba in sixth (57%) and Audi in ninth (52%).
Calculated by the percentage of people rating the brand highly on a scale of 1–10, minus the percentage of those rating it between 0-6 – the NPS is a good indicator of consumer attitudes in the UK.
Bain & Company, the authors of the report, say that advocates such as family, partners, friends and experts are the single-most important influence on brand choice. So all in all, we’re delighted to be rated one of the UK’s top 10 most advocated brands – second to premium haircare of course!
Scheduled for European production* in 2014, the Mercedes-Benz Concept B-Class E-CELL PLUS adds an all-purpose battery-powered model with Range Extender to our portfolio of electric vehicles.
Utilising a powerful lithium-ion battery pack located in a false floor at the rear called the ‘Energy Space’, the Concept B-Class E-CELL PLUS offers up to 62 emission-free miles in all-electric mode. However, with a total range of 373 miles thanks to its additional three-cylinder combustion engine – this plug-in series hybrid ultimately combines the best of both worlds.
In simple terms, there are two operating modes that depend on how much charge status the battery has. When it has sufficient energy the vehicle runs on electric power alone, generating a peak output of 100 kW and a continuous output of 70 kW. When the battery charge drops below a certain limit the petrol engine kicks in.
The battery can be charged using any standard domestic power outlet or at a public charging station, as well as by the dual performing combustion engine when driving at low vehicle speeds.
The electric motor and combustion engine interact so intelligently that the drive unit is able to select the most fuel-efficient mode for every driving situation in a fraction of a second. Coupled with an impressive zero to 62 mph in 11 seconds and a top speed of 93 mph in either mode – the Concept B-Class E-CELL PLUS is firmly on course to become the electric all-rounder of the future.
To celebrate the launch of the new M-Class we’ve got something special on offer. Until 7 April 2012 you can upgrade to our optional satellite navigation system, COMAND Online with Media Interface for just £750.00 (Incl. VAT), saving £1,380.00*.
Raising the bar once again in the premium SUV segment, this third-generation model will launch with two state of the art diesel engines, both using advanced BlueTEC technology to minimise emissions and fuel consumption, with no compromise on power.
Combining excellent off-road capabilities with superior handling on-road, the new M-Class is unequivocally the 4×4 of choice. And now we’re offering the chance to snap up a high specification Telematics System for a fraction of the usual cost.
Key features of COMAND Online with Media Interface include:
>> 7” colour display
>> Navigation with 3D map display
>> Bluetooth® connectivity
*This price is inclusive of VAT. Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Please contact your Mercedes-Benz Retailer for availability. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other published Retailer offer. This upgrade campaign is available on new M-Class models ordered/credit approved between 4 January and 7 April, registered by 30 June 2012, subject to availability, excluding AMG models. Terms and conditions apply.
You’ll be pleased to know that pricing has just been announced for the new SLK 55 AMG. But before we talk about price tags, let us take you on a quick tour.
Sporting AMG aprons front and rear, AMG side skirts and 18” AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels, the new SLK 55 AMG possesses a dramatic profile. Under the bonnet it’s equally impressive – not only is the V8 under the bonnet more powerful than the 5 and 6-cylinder engines of its competitors, it’s more fuel efficient too.
Hitting 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds (0.3 seconds quicker than its predecessor), the SLK 55 AMG produces a massive 540 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm, making it the most powerful SLK ever made. And yet, when combined with energy saving innovations such as cylinder shut-off and ECO start/stop, it returns up to 33.6 mpg combined, with CO2 emissions reduced to 195 g/km.
Complemented by a suite of AMG features, including the AMG Sports Suspension and AMG Performance Braking System, not to mention a stunningly refined interior – the SLK 55 AMG offers one of the most exhilarating drives imaginable.
Kicking off 2012 with a selection of tunes from ten of the world’s best new musical talents, we’re proud to announce our latest edition of the Mixed Tape series – Silver Vibrations.
This brand new compilation encompasses an eclectic mix of both European and American influences. Fusing soulful sounds with hip-hop, electro-pop, fragile vocals and indie rock – this vibrant collection is buzzing with new vibes.
And not forgetting the amazing cover art by Brooklyn-based artist Benjamin Edmiston which, when paired with Silver Vibrations, makes for a truly mind-bending mix.
Check out our Mixed Tape blog or Facebook Page for up-to-date music news and the full list of featured artists. Available online for eight weeks only, download your ten free tracks here.
Turn up the volume with Project-X. A collaboration between Mercedes-Benz, Pioneer and BRABUS, this special edition Vito 122CDI Sport-X Dualiner is a DJ’s dream.
Equipped with record-breaking sound systems from Pioneer, Project-X boasts no less than two 15″ competition class SPL subwoofers, four 10″ Champion Series subs, two DJ decks and a state-of-the-art DJM 350 mixer. Pumping out a consistently clear, powerful and wide-ranging bass response, with a total max speaker power handling of 30,050 watts producing nearly 150 decibels, this amazing concept van can make as much noise as fighter jet at 50 feet!
Also sporting hallmark BRABUS modifications such as 20″ alloy rims, a sport exhaust, lowered springs and a sport steering wheel, not to mention a gutsy Mercedes-Benz turbo-charged 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine reaching top speeds of 122 mph – Project-X is without doubt the ultimate party piece.
Tell us what you think on Twitter via @thevitosport.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been crowned Best Luxury Car for the seventh consecutive year in a row at the 2012 What Car? Awards, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Wednesday, 11 January.
Chas Hallett, Editor in Chief at What Car? Magazine recognised the amazing achievement and added that ‘the S-Class still has the measure of its rivals on ability and build quality, and it retains its value better to boot’.
Superb mechanical and aerodynamic refinement and the sublime cabin of the S-Class impressed the judges who cited that ‘it’s simply a staggering piece of engineering’.
We know we have a great car in the S-Class and are delighted that What Car? recognise this too. Winning once is great but seven wins really asserts the S-Class as the pinnacle of luxurious motoring at its best. Our flagship saloon has continued to impress since we launched it in 2005 but we haven’t rested on our laurels, since last years win we have introduced stop/start to the S-Class range which has had a positive impact on both fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions’ said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz UK Limited.
The S 350 BlueTEC now returns 45.6 mpg on the combined cycle, an improvement of ten per cent and emits 164 g/km of CO2 which is a seven per cent reduction.
Since its launch in 2005 over 440,000 S-Class have been sold worldwide and over13,800 of these were sold in the UK. The S 350 BlueTEC is available on the road from £60,605.00 and- £64,605.00 for the S 350 BlueTEC LWB.
In November last year we launched Escape the Map – an interactive marketing campaign offering participants the chance to win a Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé. On the back of an overwhelmingly positive response we’ve decided to take you behind the scenes and reveal what went into the making of Escape the Map.
Constructed with 3-D image-based modelling software called Photogrammetry, the virtual world of Escape the Map was entirely computer generated apart from the car interior and the actors themselves.
Photographs of Hong Kong were combined with live action and a range of special effects to mimic the experience of navigating through online maps, while specialist lighting evoked a sense of dystopia. Coupled with a compelling soundtrack and cutting-edge production levels, the campaign received over 720,000 visits to the escapethemap.com site from 11th Nov – 11th Dec.
Cleverly integrating print, online and broadcast media, Escape the Map represented more than just a bold brand-sharpener – it communicated a whole new side to Mercedes-Benz.
Go behind the scenes of Escape the Map:
And as a special reward, below are some pictures from behind the scenes at our latest shoot:
A manifesto of motoring excellence – the Detroit Motor Show is an event not to be missed. At this year’s show Mercedes-Benz has premiered not only the brand new SL-Class, but also two luxury E-Class hybrid models, the E300 BlueTEC and the E400 Hybrid.
To give you a taste of what’s on offer, we’ve compiled some short overviews below:
SL-Class
Infused with 60 years of pure racing pedigree, the new SL is an automotive legend. Built almost entirely from aluminium, the new model weighs up to 140kg less than its predecessor, and yet achieves a 20 percent increase in torsional strength, plus even better driving dynamics and superior ride comfort.
E300 BlueTEC HYBRID
Available in Saloon and Estate versions, the E300 BlueTEC boasts exemplary consumption levels as well as impressive performance. Combining a 4-cylinder diesel engine with an electric motor producing 20kW and 250Nm, the E300 BlueTEC is the most economical luxury-class vehicle in the world.
E400 HYBRID
The E400 Hybrid supplements its V6-cylinder petrol engine with a further 20kW and 250Nm from the electric motor, delivering impressive fuel economy of 27mpg. With the intelligent modular hybrid concept and innovative energy-saving functions, the E400 Hybrid represents hybrid motoring at the premium level.
And that’s just for starters. Dig deeper and you’ll see exactly why these models are stealing the show in Detroit this month – open to the public from the 14th to the 22nd of January.
