(source: MotorTrend.com)
Mercedes-Benz chief Dieter Zetsche oversaw the debut of three new Mercedes models and a new Smart concept today at the Detroit Auto Show.
The debut was kicked off by comedian Jon Lovitz introducing the Smart For-Us pickup truck concept. Not only was the Smart a cool little pickup, but it’s an electric vehicle too. Following the green theme, Mercedes next debuted the E400 and E300 Bluetec Hybrids, both of which go on sale at the end of the year, though the conventional gas-electric hybrid is the only one we’re getting in the U.S. Last but not least, the 2013 SL-Class made its auto show debut too, alongside a gorgeous sounding (and beautiful looking) 300SL.
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
The new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, which can trace its lineage to the vaunted gullwinged 300SL replaces the previous model which debuted way back in 2003 – almost 10 years ago.
By all accounts, the new SL-Class improves in just about every conceivable way over the outgoing model. Power for Mercedes’ ‘other’ flagship ‘vert is up to 429-hp and 516 lb-ft of torque out of a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V-8, up from 382-hp and 391 lb-ft. While physically bigger than the outgoing model, Mercedes said that the new SL is actually 275 lbs lighter, making it a hair over 3900 lbs, thanks to new construction techniques and liberal use of aluminum. Mercedes estimates that the new SL is good for a (conservative) 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds.
The 2013 SL-Class not only makes more power than the old one, but it’s also more efficient at the pump, thanks in part to a revised seven-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes is still mum on an EPA estimate but the outgoing model gets 14-15/20-24 mpg city/highway depending on trim.
Many of the changes Mercedes made to the 2013 SL were aesthetic. While the SL-Class sticks with its traditional long-hood, short-deck proportions, much has been changed – particularly the car’s nose and tail. While we still can’t say we’re full-fledged fans of the big and awkward-looking front-end as a whole, the new SLS-style headlights and fiber-optic accents look stunning.
The profile and the rear of the new SL are much easier to like; the sides of the car feature accents that visually link this car with the SLS AMG, as well as link it to their common 300SL predecessor. Around back the taillights clearly link the new model with the old, staying triangular but stretching about a bit and gaining LEDs in the process.
The interior is just as you’d expect in Mercedes’ second most-expensive convertible. It’s filled to the brim with leather and brushed aluminum accents straight out of the SLS AMG – the crosshair HVAC vents, gear shifter, and the metallic instrument panel backings are all straight from the SLS. Who said parts sharing is bad?
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is set to hit dealers in the spring. Pricing hasn’t yet been announced but it’ll most certainly start north of $100,000.
2013 Mercedes-Benz E400 and E300 Bluetec Hybrids
Mercedes brought two examples of the E-Series hybrids to Cobo Hall – a gas-powered version, the 2013 E400 Hybrid, and a diesel-powered version, the 2013 E300 Bluetec Hybrid. We’ll let you guess which one we’re getting in America…
The E400 Hybrid that we will be getting in the U.S. is powered by the same 3.5-liter V-6 found in the base E350 producing 306-hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and an electric motor good for 27-hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes expects the E400 Hybrid to achieve 24/31 mpg city/highway, or 27 mpg combined – .5 mpg better than the E350 Bluetec’s combined rating.
The Euro-only E300 Bluetec Hybrid is powered by a four-pot diesel producing 204-hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, mated to the same 27-hp and 184 lb-ft electric motor as its gas-powered sibling.
Mercedes says that the hybrids are capable of driving on electricity up to an undisclosed speed, and that they’re capable of ‘sailing’ by disconnecting the engine from the drivetrain during coasting, improving fuel economy.
Mercedes said that the 2013 E400 Hybrid will go on sale in the U.S. during the second half of this year. The 2013 E300 Bluetec Hybrid will go on sale in Europe (and Europe only) sometime this year. While it saddens us to not be getting the diesel in the U.S., we’re hopeful Mercedes will reconsider due to its rising diesel sales.
Smart For-Us Concept
The Smart For-Us Concept is one concept that left us scratching our heads a bit – a Smart pickup? Who would’ve thought?
The Smart For-Us is essentially the Frankenstein creation you get when you combine the ForTwo convertible with the drivetrain of the ForTwo eD. Smart started with the ForTwo convertible, stretched the wheel base 24 inches, and the body by 33.5 inches, and then tacked on a 35.4 inch bed behind the B-pillars.
Next, Smart ripped out the boat-anchor three-pot from its rear engine compartment and dropped in a 74-hp electric motor and 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack in its place. Smart says the electric powertrain is good for 75 mph and seeing it has the same powertrain as the ForTwo eD, probably has a range of 87 miles. Will the For-Us Concept make it into production? Smart money says not, and that this concept will remain just that.
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