Mercedes-Benz and smart are continuing along the road to success in China and will be using Auto Guangzhou 2015 for an impressive demonstration of their future potential: Mercedes-Benz models on display at the prominent motor show in the southern Chinese economic centre will include the new GLC, which continues the product initiative in the booming SUV segment, plus the long-wheelbase versions of the S 500 e and C 350 e Plug-In Hybrid Saloons. The latter is the first Mercedes-Benz Plug-In Hybrid model to roll off the production line in China. Mercedes-AMG will be showcasing impressive, sporty highlights in the shape of the G 63 EDITION 463 limited-edition model and the new Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC. The new four-seater smart forfour is celebrating its Chinese premiere at Auto Guangzhou.
In 2015 Mercedes-Benz will again post a record result in China, the world’s biggest automotive market: “Thanks to the strong performance of the C-Class and our SUV family, we have achieved a growth rate of 32% in the first ten months, and as of today we have served approximately 300,000 customers so far this year,” states Nicholas Speeks, President and CEO of Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co., Ltd. (BMBS). “Three things will allow us to continue our sustainable development in and with China – our strong dealer partner network, our robust product line-up, and of course, the core of our focus – providing the best customer experience,” continues Speeks.
Key Mercedes newcomers in China include the locally-produced GLC – the successor to the GLK that has proven so successful here. Since the start of the year, sales of SUVs in China have increased by about 41%. The GLK and GLA account for a significant share of this. The new GLC mid-size SUV has all the ingredients required to build on this success: its strengths under all driving conditions include the outstanding safety that is a brand hallmark, state-of-the-art assistance systems and high energy efficiency. Fuel consumption has been cut by up to 19 percent compared with the previous model. At the same time, the AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension that is without parallel in this segment, the extended range of DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic transmission modes and the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive increase not only the ride comfort, but also the vehicle’s sporty agility – whatever surface it is driving on. The GLC sets new benchmarks in all disciplines – the mid-size SUV’s off-road capabilities remain as outstanding as ever.
The design philosophy behind the new GLC essentially adds sensual purity and modern aesthetics to the classic off-road look. The dynamic design exudes emotional appeal while also employing purist forms. Impressively taut surfaces and precise lines cite the clear design line followed by all state-of-the-art SUVs from Mercedes-Benz.
S 500 e and C 350 e: highly efficient saloons
Extra impetus for Mercedes-Benz strategic hybrid initiative: the company will be launching a total of ten new Plug-In Hybrid models up to 2017. Making their debut on the Chinese market are the long-wheelbase versions of the S 500 e and the C 350 e, which can be seen in the showrooms now.
The S 500 e L blends an ultramodern hybrid drive configuration with the unique innovations and the luxurious equipment and appointments of the S-Class. The extensive standard equipment includes the extended pre-entry climate control the functions of which are controlled by target values. With a system output of 325 kW (442 hp) and 650 Nm of torque, the Mercedes-Benz S 500 e L accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds while boasting an all-electric range of up to 33 km. The certified consumption is 2.8 litres/100 km, which is equivalent to emissions of 65 g CO2/km.
The Mercedes-Benz C 350 e L is the first Plug-In Hybrid to be produced locally in China and combines efficiency, dynamism and comfort on an extraordinarily high level. The Saloon model captivates with the performance of a sports car while nonetheless delivering a certified fuel consumption of just 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres (48 g CO2/km) and up to 31 kilometres of all-electric driving. The four-cylinder petrol engine, in conjunction with a electric motor, gives it a total system output of 205 kW (279 hp) with a system torque of 600 Nm. In addition, the Saloon is equipped with air suspension and pre-entry climate control as standard.
The Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC: an exceptional talent
Agile and safe on country roads, dynamic on the racetrack: the Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG 4MATIC presented in 2013 exceeded all expectations, and captured the top position in its market. Following a comprehensive update, the high-performance compact car is now also available to customers in China. Now the Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC promises even more emotive appeal and driving pleasure: with a peak output of 280 kW (381 hp) and maximum torque of 475 newton metres, the turbocharged AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine once again comes top in the competitive line-up. The revised transmission ratios, aerodynamic fine-tuning and the new DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes familiar from the Mercedes-AMG GT raise performance to a higher level. Driving dynamics can be further enhanced with optional extras in the guise of the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension and the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package.
Mercedes-AMG G 63 EDITION 463: exclusive and dynamic
The Mercedes-AMG G 63 off-road classic is being presented in exceptionally sporty and exclusive EDITION 463 guise in China: the exquisite interior specification includes a two-tone instrument panel, two-tone seats in high-quality designo leather with side bolsters in carbon-look leather and contrasting topstitching, seat and door centre panels in a diamond look, carbon-fibre trim and door pulls in nappa leather. On the outside, a stainless steel underguard, AMG sport stripes along the sides and a protective-strip insert in black aluminium look underscore both the dynamics and exclusivity of the special model. The G 63 is fitted with 53.3 cm (21‑inch) 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels in matt black with high-sheen spokes and 295/40 R 21 wide-base tyres. The 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine rated at 420 kW (571 hp) with a torque of 760 Nm promises superior performance.
smart forfour: the ideal urban family car
Following the smart fortwo, which was presented in Shanghai in April, the new smart forfour is already the second China premiere of the year from smart. “We are confident that our new smart forfour will appeal to young and lifestyle-oriented families in particular,” says smart boss Dr Annette Winkler. “Here in China, the smart brand is a lifestyle icon and anything but mainstream: the new smart forfour provides further proof of this.”
Its manoeuvrability makes the more flexible smart forfour a superb choice for built-up areas. Highlights of the smart four-seater include maximum space in minimum room and its intelligent load management – making it the ideal urban family car. Advanced assistance systems that were previously the reserve of higher vehicle classes are available either as standard or optional extras. As champions of urban mobility, both smart models boast more functionality, more safety and more comfort than ever before.
