Mercedes has revealed its new E-Class Coupé. Larger than the outgoing model, the sleek new Coupé features a low-slung sports grille, a long bonnet with ‘powerdomes’ and frameless side windows. A choice of petrol and diesel engines include a new 2.0-litre diesel which returns 71mpg, while the initial three petrol engines available from launch have a range of outputs - from 184 to 333 bhp. On the inside two high-resolution displays are merged under a single lens to produce a ‘floating’ Widescreen Cockpit effect. UK pricing and specification will be announced at the end of the year.
Further details of the new Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain model have been revealed. With flared arches, large wheels, and 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard - the latest E-Class also features a model-specific ‘All-Terrain’ mode which includes settings for off-road driving, and raises the car by an extra 20mm. Only the E 350 d model is expected to go on sale in the UK next year - with pricing to be set around the £50k mark.
Paris saw the unveiling of some new super-sexy Grand Touring cars. Ferrari pulled the covers off its new GTC4Lusso T. Replacing its predecessor’s V12 engine with a turbo-charged 3.9-litre V8, the new model is aimed at buyers seeking a sportscar that is drivable on a daily basis, says Ferrari. Switching from four-wheel-drive to rear-wheel-drive has reduced weight, making it only a tenth of a second slower from 0-62mph than the V12. Porsche revealed the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid which was making its world debut at the Paris Show. The all-wheel drive super-coupé’s electric motor combines with a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine to deliver a total system torque of 700 Nm – enough for a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds, or a 31 mile range in pure electric mode. And finally, there was a show debut for the Mercedes AMG GT R. Joining the new Roadster model, the hard-top GT R - finished in a Nurburgring-inspired ‘Green Hell’ paintwork- is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 with 585bhp for a 0-62 time of 3.6 seconds, and a top speed of 198mph.
Mercedes has teamed up with golf cart maker Garia to create a new premium-class Style Edition buggy, featuring many car-like attributes, from double wishbone suspension to disc brakes hiding behind 5-spoke wheels. A handy 10-inch touch screen helps you keep score, and there’s even a fridge under the seat for your champers. Up font a golf ball style grille is joined by LED headlamps while the rear has enough room for two sets of Golf clubs. The electric buggy has a range of up to 50 miles and a top speed of 19 mph, good for getting some decent air off a bunker.
Mercedes pulled the covers and the roof off its new C-Class in Geneva. The first cabriolet features a classic fabric soft top which can be opened and closed in less than 20 seconds. It's available with the AIRCAP automatic draught stop system and AIRSCARF neck-level heating. Powered by a choice of 'powerful and efficient' petrol and diesel engines, the new C-Class Cabriolet launches in time for summer this year.
Mercedes has confirmed its new mid-range SUV - the GLC - will be available in the UK. The new model replaces the GLK which was only available in left-hand drive markets and features an all-new design upgraded technology and improved efficiency – with fuel consumption reductions of up to 19 per cent. All models feature 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive while Mercedes is also offering a plug-in hybrid variant for the first time in the segment. Prices for the Mercedes GLC start at £34,950 OTR when is goes on sale later in the year.
Mercedes has pulled the covers off its new GLC Coupe concept SUV, at the Shanghai Auto Show. The 'close-to-production' vehicle provides a glimpse of forthcoming off-road models from Mercedes, with the sporty show car bringing the idea of the GLE Coupe into a more compact segment. Running on 21-inch wheels, the concept is powered by a 367bhp, V6 borrowed from Mercedes-AMG, with 520 Nm of torque mated to a 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system.
Mercedes has facelifted its GLE for 2015 and added a plug-in hybrid model. New headlamps with daytime driving lights form the brand's 'hallmark eyebrows' while at the rear, new LED lamps join redesigned tailpipes. The new GLE 500 e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid is powered by a 333bhp V6 petrol engine and a 116 horse power electric motor – resulting in a total system output of 650 Nm of torque. Mercedes's first ever plug-in hybrid SUV produces 78g/km of CO2 emissions and returns 85.6 mpg. Pricing and specification have yet to be announced.
Lewis Hamilton is looking forward to the 2015 Formula1 season in his new Mercedes W06. Hamilton said: “What's exciting is the new car, to get in and see what are the strengths and weaknesses of it, how can you translate that feeling you have to the guys, so I'm massively excited about that part". Meanwhile Jenson Button is optimistic about his chances behind the wheel of the new McLaren MP4-30, which marks the start of a new engine partnership with Honda.
With the 2014 New York Auto Show just around the corner, we take a look at some key cars that will be making their debuts. Kia is set to unveil an all-new Sedona midsize MPV - with room for up to eight passengers while Nissan is teasing us ahead of the global premiere of the next generation Murano SUV. Mercedes will debut the V8 biturbo-powered S 63 AMG Coupe. With 585bhp on tap, it promises true supercar performance -- and while we're on the subject, McLaren's new 650S Coupe and Spider will make their North American debuts in the Big Apple. The New York Auto Show runs from 18-27 April.
The leading Formula 1 title challengers have revealed their 2014 cars ahead of winter testing in Spain. Mercedes unveiled the F1W05 - the first all-new Silver Arrow to hit the track since 1954. Meanwhile McLaren pulled the covers off the MP4-29 with the team admitting they have responded to the disappointment of last year. Ferrari introduced the F14 T, its sixtieth car built specifically for a Formula 1 World Championship and finally Infiniti Red Bull Racing revealed the RB10. Powered by the Renault Energy F1-2014 engine, the team hopes it's good enough to deliver a fourth straight championship. Racing gets underway on March 16 in Australia.
Mercedes has previewed a high-performance version of its new compact SUV, the Concept GLA 45 AMG. Powered by a 360bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it can accelerate from rest to 62mph in under five seconds. The concept features all-wheel-drive, as well as a 7-speed sports transmission while a large front splitter, rear diffuser, twin-tailpipes and 'discreet' number 45 stickers underline its AMG performance credentials.
