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 14^th to the 22^nd of January.

Tell us what you think on Twitter via @MercedesBenzUK.

Coming soon: The Making of Escape the Map

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will be one of the leading attractions as a free car show takes place in London next month.

Running from June 7th until June 13th, members of the public can get a glimpse of a number of top models at the 2010 Canary Wharf London Motorexpo.

Estimations are that 400,000 visitors will attend the show to see the latest vehicles from a number of manufacturers, with the SLS AMG sure to get pulses racing.

The vehicle is instantly recognisable through its gullwing doors, with the curved design also extending to the mirrors, tail lights and 3-spoke steering wheel.

Meanwhile, the latest addition to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class fleet – the E-Class Cabriolet – is another model that will be on display.

Graeme Carver, Motorexpo CEO, said: "Over the past 15 years, as the Canary Wharf estate has grown so to the Motorexpo has seen its audience figures continually rise.

"It is our stunning urban location, unique free to visit format and ever growing audience which differentiates us from all other kinds of motoring event. It is ultimately this combination that makes us a truly modern style of motor show."

See the current road-going models in the AMG showroom

Daimler is to display its long-term commitment to sustainable mobility and future-orientated drive technologies through its participation at the Shanghai World Expo 2010.

The automobile inventor is to take part in numerous activities at the motorshow, including offering visitors the chance to experience a smart fortwo electric drive model, which is powered by an electric motor in combination with a lithium-ion battery.

A further exhibition will focus on the car2go mobility concept, which allows customers to rent a smart fortwo vehicle from anywhere at any time.

Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Daimler Board of Management for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, said: "Fully in line with our strategy for sustainable mobility, we will present a broad spectrum of drive technologies at the World Expo.

"As well as electric cars powered by batteries or fuel cells, we will also present our innovative mobility project. The ‘flex mover’ concept also provides a visionary outlook of future possibilities for individual mobility."

The smart fortwo electric drive was on show earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show and is able to reach a limited top speed of 62 miles per hour.

Discover all the big benefits of the smart at www.thesmart.co.uk

A range of new highlights help to add extra sparkle to the high-end luxury saloons from the Maybach range on display at Auto China 2010.

Among the changes is the introduction of a large chrome radiator grille to emphasis status, while the trim on the front bumpers and the shaped edge on the bonnet also accentuate confidence.

The grille has larger dimensions than past offerings, while it is positioned higher and in a more upright stance to ensure a striking appearance.

Less driving noise is present on both the Maybach 57 and 62 models thanks to the increased aerodynamics supported by new exterior mirrors, which also have a larger surface to increase the vision of a driver.

Furthermore, a distinguished look at the rear is created by a chrome trim on the handle of the boot lid and dark red tail lights, with all of the facelift measures combining to boost the length of the saloons by 11 millimetres and the width by 17 millimetres.

Among the other standard specification features of the Maybach 57 are single tone or two tone metallic paintwork, Parktronic parking aid and tinted, infrared-reflecting laminating glass all around.

Experience the luxury of Maybach

Mercedes-Benz is preparing to premiere a new concept car at Auto China 2010 which will show the possible development of coupe models in the future.

In terms of exterior appearance, the Shooting Break concept car has many of the design features expected of a coupe, including narrow-look windows, a long bonnet and a dynamic roof that slopes towards the rear of the vehicle.

However, in a change from the norm, the rear of the car is more similar to that associated with an estate vehicle, while it also has four doors.

Professor Gorden Wagener, chief designer at Mercedes-Benz, said: "The Shooting Break concept car is based on the great tradition of a stylish, cultivated sportiness which has always characterised the great Mercedes-Benz Coupes, and it takes this unique legacy an exciting step further.

"At the same time it points the way towards the future design idiom of Mercedes-Benz."

Among the eye-catching features of the exterior are the full LED headlamps, while the coupe’s exquisite lines are showcased by the vehicle’s allanite grey magno colour in a satin finish.

Auto China 2010 begins in Beijing on April 23rd.

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A chance to view the second generation smart fortwo electric drive awaits visitors to the Geneva Motor Show.

Powered by an electric motor at the rear of the two-seater vehicle, motorists are able to reach a limited top speed of 62 miles per hour, which is deemed adequate as the car is expected to be used in busy urban areas.

Meanwhile, 84 miles are able to be completed on a full charge from the lithium-ion battery, while this is positioned in a way to ensure that load space is not decreased in relation to a vehicle with a combustion engine.

Marc Langenbrinck, responsible for brand management at smart, said: "In 1998 smart revolutionised urban mobility with the unique smart fortwo vehicle concept. Now smart is once again taking on a pioneering role and redefining zero-emission urban mobility.

"We are the first manufacturer to launch a series-produced electric vehicle. The smart fortwo electric drive is a further logical step in the evolution of the smart brand which boasts the fleet with the lowest fuel consumption anyway."

Mr Langenbrinck added that the vehicle is perfectly suited for use in busy cities as it is agile, economical and environmentally friendly.

Furthermore, the smart fortwo edition greystyle is also set to make an appearance at the motor show.

Discover all the big benefits of the smart at www.thesmart.co.uk

A sensually flowing roof line and customer-friendly rear doors are some of the stand-out design features of the Mercedes-Benz F800 research vehicle.

Visitors to the Geneva Motor Show later this month will see the vehicle, which has back doors that slide rather than open, to make exiting easier for passengers in busy areas.

Meanwhile, accessibility is enhanced as the car has no B-pillar, although this does not prevent the bodyshell being lightweight and robust, alongside meeting crash safety demands.

Other features of the exterior of the vehicle, which is both a technology platform and a showcar, are a long wheelbase and short body overhangs.

Distinctive LED headlights also enhance the front end of the car and emphasise its dynamic nature.

Professor Gorden Wagener, Mercedes-Benz Head of Design, said: "The exciting coupe-like roof line and in general the vehicle’s balanced proportions, lend it a stylish sporty look that reinterprets the Mercedes-Benz design idiom and emphasises the sculptural character of the F800 Style.

"The result is a harmonious blend of innovative form and function, which conveys a sense of great styling and authority."

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Mercedes-Benz has taken another step in supporting driver and passenger safety through the inclusion of a new innovation in a research vehicle being displayed at the Geneva Motor Show.

The Mercedes-Benz F800 features the new DISTRONIC PLUS Traffic Jam Assistant, which is the first system to automatically follow a vehicle travelling ahead into curves.

As a follow on from the DISTRONIC PLUS innovation that was launched in 2006, the latest system takes care of both crossways and longitudinal movements at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.

Meanwhile, the F800 also includes the innovative protective system known as PRE-SAFE 360.

This automatically engages the brakes just ahead of rear-end collision taking place to prevent secondary accidents occurring when a vehicle is pushed into pedestrians or other cars ahead.

Professor Bharat Balasubramanian, Head of Product Innovations & Process Technologies at Group Research and Advanced Engineering, said: "The DISTRONIC PLUS Traffic Jam Assistant is the logical continuation of the Mercedes-Benz assistance and safety philosophy.

"With it, we are setting another milestone on the path toward creating innovative systems, with which we will further enhance the high driving comfort that is a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz."

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Mercedes-Benz is to continue in its pursuit for further innovation in the motoring industry through the preview of a new research vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show.

Accommodating electric drives with fuel cells alongside plug-in hybrids that can drive solely on electricity, the Mercedes-Benz F800 represents the start of a pioneering time in the five-seat premium saloon market.

The multi-drive platform, which allows motorists to choose between the two alternate drive systems, is just one feature of the research vehicle, as typical highlights of Mercedes-Benz models remain.

Dr Thomas Weber, the Daimler Board of Management member responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, said: "We are dedicated to reconciling our responsibility for the environment with practical customer utility in a fascinating automobile.

"The new F800 Style research vehicle combines this commitment to providing the leading innovative drive concepts with our traditional Mercedes strengths in the areas of design, safety, comfort and outstanding performance."

Some 18 miles can be travelled purely on electricity in the model, while a top speed of 75 miles per hour can be reached when driving the vehicle in this mode.

The 80th International Geneva Motor Show begins on March 4th and runs until March 14th.

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A Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be used at the upcoming Los Angeles Motor Show to debut a new piece of the manufacturer’s technology to increase the safety of in-car entertainment.

Mercedes-Benz announced late last year that it had developed its SPLITVIEW technology system, which allows motorists to view multiple images on a single screen inside their vehicle.

Thus, motorists can allow their passengers to watch a film through the screen, while also benefitting from the directions offered by their satellite navigation system at the same time.

When the vehicle was first announced, it emerged that a filter masking the display prevents the two images from merging together and additionally a driver can change stations via their dashboard, while passengers have to rely on a remote control.

Meanwhile, passengers can also ensure they do not distract a driver with their choice of music or film by wearing headphones that connect to the device.

The Los Angeles Motor Show runs from December 4th to December 13th, with Mercedes-Benz also deciding to debut a number of vehicles at the event.

These include the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz E 350 BlueTEC.

See the luxurious Mercedes-Benz S-Class Saloon here