Mercedes-Benz extends convincing offerings to meet diversified demands

This year's Guangzhou auto show has seen German automaker Mercedes-Benz extending its already powerful lineups with some 30 latest models as evidence of a resolution to further diversify its offerings to the Chinese market to keep pace with the growing and changing demands from the unique customer group.

These covered a wide range of market segments, from the first SUV model of its sub-brand Mercedes-Maybach to the latest product delivered by its joint venture DENZA, and from the China premiered concept based on a completely new, fully variable electric drive platform to the latest portfolio from the new generation compact cars.

Understanding of customers

The sub-brand Mercedes-Maybach's latest offering, the new Mercedes-Maybach GLS, is expected to continue the brand's success in China by meeting the demands of those who pursue ultimate excellence in their lives.

Not only does this top-end product expand the Mercedes-Maybach lineup, it also extends the Maybach design philosophy of ultimate luxury into the SUV segment with attention paid to the finest of details to create a convenient and luxurious experience.

These include, for instance, the addition of electrically extending running boards for the first time, which are illuminated and will be activated upon opening the door. It also offers optional 23 inch unique wheels and the Maybach-specific two-tone paint, available in up to eight selections.

Compared to a classical sedan, the lofty seating position in Maybach GLS is about 25 centimeters higher, while the multi-contoured seats with ventilation and massage functions ensure that both the driver and passengers always enjoy the ride.

Not only offered with a unique combination of comfort and luxury, the Maybach GLS is also exemplary with the passenger experience it provides, thanks to cutting-edge technology, such as E-Active Body Control, a function which can individually regulate the spring and damper forces at each wheel.

Dedication to NEV footprint

DENZA's first production model injected with a "Styled by Mercedes" design, the all-new DENZA X is built based on the shareholders' commitment to contributing their respective competitive resources - perfectly integrated with Mercedes-Benz's popular design philosophy and BYD's rich expertise in NEVs and batteries.

Equipped with the all-new DENZA brand logo, the car's exterior presents a curvy front end design and 22-inch exclusive rims.

Meanwhile, "Styled by Mercedes-Benz" lettering can be seen throughout with a badge on the side fenders and lettering engraved in the interior.

Designed by Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Center China, the all-new DENZA X model is set to be offered in two versions, as a seven-seater plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicle. The battery electric vehicle brings an e-range of 520 kilometers.

Sustainable mobility

Demonstrating its commitment to pave the way for more sustainable, environmentally-friendly mobility, the automotive group gave the audience a glimpse into the future of "sustainable modern luxury" at Mercedes-Benz with a new member of the Mercedes-Benz EQ family, the Mercedes-Benz VISION EQS concept.

This model features a unique exterior design, taking the progressive luxury design philosophy to a new dimension with an innovative "one bow" exterior design that adopts one line to draw the entire shape and with the world's first digital front grille, which contains a light matrix consisting of 188 individual LEDs.

The designers' attention to details is evident with their clear focus on digital design. The passengers can individually interact with the MBUX voice assistant. The system also grants designers the opportunity to create a clean interior with few switches and buttons.

Regarding powertrain, its purpose-built electric platform was developed exclusively for the requirements of mid - and full-size luxury cars, a first for the brand, enabling the car to realize emission-free and sustainable mobility with an e-range of up to 700 kilometers.

'Made in China, for China'

Apart from its latest portfolio of electric vehicles, the company also unveiled its latest traditional internal combustion engines at the automobile exhibition.

Among these were several "Made in China, for China" models, including the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB, which combines both the SUV and new generation compact car model types, and is due to be launched on the market before the end of November.

Featuring spacious and flexible room, as well as segment-leading connectivity, and driving and safety technologies, the all-new GLB will be available for choice as a five-or seven-seater to suit diverse market demand.

Meanwhile, the automobile manufacturer's performance brand, Mercedes-AMG, further expanded its portfolio with its first "Made in China, for China" car, the all-new Mercedes-AMG A 35 L.

Combining AMG DNA with unique spaciousness and unprecedented comfort for everyday driving, the all-new Mercedes-AMG A 35 L opens a new gateway into the world of "driving performance" for the young generation of Chinese performance enthusiasts.

Its AMG specific 2.0-litre turbo engine guarantees a peak torque of 400 Nm and an acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

In addition to these highlights, Mercedes-Benz also launched a range of other all-new models at the show, including the Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV, the Mercedes-Benz E 300 e L and the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

(China Daily 11/25/2019 page15)