Mercedes-Benz looks to finish the year strong

Over the years, Chinese customers have grown increasingly discerning and independent. Nowhere is this more evident than in the premium car market, where customers are presented with a diverse range of products that cater to their individual tastes.

The Auto Guangzhou 2015 showcases many of these eye-catching models and among the automakers present at the event Mercedes-Benz has stood out with its rich array of product offerings.

With more than 2,300 square meters of exhibition space and a strong lineup of 39 models from Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-AMG and smart, Mercedes-Benz intends to finish the year strong. The auto show provides the perfect platform for the company to showcase its latest offerings, namely the C 350 e L Plug-in Hybrid, S 500 e L Plug-in Hybrid, All New smart forfour, and New Generation Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC, besides the much-anticipated All New GLC SUV.

Mercedes-Benz's growth in China has been strong, but a large part of what makes this growth so impressive is the company's focus on sustainability.

To this end, Mercedes-Benz is launching two new hybrid models at Auto Guangzhou - the S 500 e L and C 350 e L, both of which follow in the footsteps of the E 400 L Hybrid, which remains the first locally produced hybrid in China's premium segment.

Contact the writers at gongzhengzheng@chinadaily.com.cn and yangcheng@chinadaily.com.cn

Mercedes-Benz S 500 e L Plug-in Hybrid

The Mercedes-Benz S 500 e L blends an ultramodern hybrid drive configuration with the unique innovations and luxurious appointments of the S-Class.

The vehicle is capable of traveling more than 30 kilometers purely on electric power, with a haptic accelerator pedal for further efficiency and features an intelligent on-board charging system that enables the battery to be charged through any conventional household power socket.

Furthermore, the S 500 e L is also the first certified three-liter luxury saloon in the world, and requires just 2.8 liters per 100 km with emissions per km of 67 g of CO2, marking a milestone in emissions-free driving.

Despite the focus on hybrid technologies the S 500 e L manages to fuse its V6 bi-turbo engine with intelligent hybrid drive capabilities to pack an impressive punch that would match the accelerating performance from a V8 bi-turbo engine. With power output of 325 kW and torque of 650Nm, the vehicle is capable of sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds.

The S 500 e L does not compromise on trunk space, which has storage space of 395 L and features air suspension Airmatic with a continuously variable damping system, Thermotronic automatic climate control plus seat heating in the rear and seven color options for ambient lighting, establishing a relaxing environment for drivers and passengers alike.

Similarly, the Mercedes-Benz C 350 e L represents the best in efficiency, dynamism and comfort, featuring advanced plug-in hybrid technology and a slew of special accommodations for Chinese customers.

And it is the first model ever that is China-produced in its segment. The vehicle is outfitted with Distronic plus adaptive cruise control, which can be further augmented by the Heads-up Display optional feature, which projects important real-time information from Distronic plus, such as vehicle speed, speed limits, navigation information and traffic signs, onto the windshield for enhanced driver cognition and ease of use. On-road visibility is further improved through the vehicle's 360-degree Camera Surround View System.

In terms of power output, the C 350 e L boasts a maximum power output of 205 kW (279 hp) and 600 Nm of torque. It has a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h. The vehicle consumes 2.8 L/100 km, with carbon dioxide emissions of 48 g / km and its 335 L boot capacity gives occupants plenty of trunk space.

With its impressive safety and comfort features, powerful yet economical performance and signature highlights, such as its blue calipers, headlights with blue inserts and hybrid badge on its fender, the C 350 e L is an elegant yet efficient solution to the demands of sustainable mobility.

Together, the New S 500 e L and C 350 e L strike the perfect balance between fuel consumption and practicality, and advanced plug-in hybrid technology plays a key role in Mercedes-Benz's efforts to reduce emissions without compromising on trunk space.

New generation Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC

Boasting an impressive slate of comprehensive upgrades, the new generation Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC creates new sensory dimensions in terms of driving dynamics.

In terms of output, the car combines impressive power and efficiency.

As the result of the completely revised powertrain and improved aerodynamics, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC delivers even more driving enjoyment. The entry model features peak output power of 280 kW (381 hp) and maximum torque of 475 Nm, making it the world��s most powerful compact sports car.

The vehicle��s AMG front apron in A-wing design adds extremely sporty highlights to the proportions, and the AMG sports exhaust system with dual-look tailpipe trim dynamically rounds out the exterior of the compact vehicle.

The new generation Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC��s gearbox ratios have also been adjusted, with a 3:7 transmission gear ratio, which allows for smaller transmission ratio gearbox upshifts, allowing for smoother handling and a more dynamic acceleration experience across all speed ranges. With an impressive new design and improved aerodynamic performance, the new generation Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC is an absolutely exceptional vehicle among compact cars.

While there have been concerns about China��s transition into a new normal phase of economic development, Mercedes-Benz has continued to place its trust in the Chinese market, launching a large-scale product offensive this year that has taken the market by storm.

China will remain the largest auto market in the world for the foreseeable future, and with the premium auto segment continuing to grow faster than the overall passenger car market, Mercedes-Benz is poised to carry out its new Chinese brand interpretation -- an untiring spirit in pursuit of the best. By designing and delivering a wide range of product offerings which resonate with the culture, emotions and dreams of local customers, Mercedes-Benz continues to push the automotive industry forward with its groundbreaking technology, low-emissions innovation, and its modern luxury design philosophy.

All New smart forfour

In response to customers�� demands for adaptability and convenience within China��s urban jungles, Mercedes-Benz is introducing the All New smart forfour in Guangzhou, following the introduction of All New smart fortwo earlier this year.

As the most versatile smart car to hit the streets, the smart forfour was developed in accordance with smart��s core design principles and offers the same compact frame and unbeatable turning circle as other smart models, as well as featuring the iconic front face typical of smart family members.

As a result, the All New smart forfour is the perfect car for those who love smart��s avant-garde take on modern urban mobility, but is looking for more space than the fortwo. Furthermore, the model��s exterior features the same design as the smart fortwo, with a rich variety of two-color combinations, and expressive ��smiling�� headlights.

The interior features a host of convenient amenities such as the smart media system that includes the smart Audio System with cradle and cross connects app, a JBL Sound System, and a 7-inch touchscreen for navigation and connectivity.

In terms of technology, the smart forfour also stands out, with a rear view camera and rear parking assistance, Crosswind assist and the pioneering twinamic 6-speed DCT.

However, what sets the smart forfour apart is its added interior space. With the seat bench folded down the luggage compartment has an astounding cargo volume of 975 liters, and thanks to the folding passenger seats drivers can store longer items of up to 2.2 meters in length.

The car is an innovative and practical choice for a growing family, which is fitting given China��s upcoming ��two-child policy��. However, even with its increased space, the forfour still maintains smart��s unmatched agility, as demonstrated by the fact that it features the smallest turning circle in its class - just 8.65m.

With its rear-mounted engine, this exceedingly compact four-seater car is just 3.49 m long, making it easy to park even in the smallest of parking spaces. As a result the All New smart forfour has retained all the strengths and charm of the smart fortwo, while offering enhanced comfort and convenience.

New generation Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC

Boasting an impressive slate of comprehensive upgrades, the new generation Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC creates new sensory dimensions in terms of driving dynamics.

In terms of output, the car combines impressive power and efficiency.

As the result of the completely revised powertrain and improved aerodynamics, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC delivers even more driving enjoyment. The entry model features peak output power of 280 kW (381 hp) and maximum torque of 475 Nm, making it the world's most powerful compact sports car.

The vehicle's AMG front apron in A-wing design adds extremely sporty highlights to the proportions, and the AMG sports exhaust system with dual-look tailpipe trim dynamically rounds out the exterior of the compact vehicle.

The new generation Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC's gearbox ratios have also been adjusted, with a 3:7 transmission gear ratio, which allows for smaller transmission ratio gearbox upshifts, allowing for smoother handling and a more dynamic acceleration experience across all speed ranges. With an impressive new design and improved aerodynamic performance, the new generation Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC is an absolutely exceptional vehicle among compact cars.

While there have been concerns about China's transition into a new normal phase of economic development, Mercedes-Benz has continued to place its trust in the Chinese market, launching a large-scale product offensive this year that has taken the market by storm.

China will remain the largest auto market in the world for the foreseeable future, and with the premium auto segment continuing to grow faster than the overall passenger car market, Mercedes-Benz is poised to carry out its new Chinese brand interpretation--an untiring spirit in pursuit of the best. By designing and delivering a wide range of product offerings which resonate with the culture, emotions and dreams of local customers, Mercedes-Benz continues to push the automotive industry forward with its groundbreaking technology, low-emissions innovation, and its modern luxury design philosophy.

(China Daily 11/20/2015 page15)