2012 Detroit: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, 2013 E-Class Hybrids and Smart For-Us Concept Debut

We always look forward to the Detroit Auto Show.  It's usually the show that the manufacturers bring out the big guns and show us what we have to look forward to in the next couple of years.  This year was no exception.  Mercedes-Benz was smoking hot with the debut of the 2013 SL-Class, 2013 E-Class Hybrids and smart concept.  Read the article after the jump!

2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

There is not much out there more luxurious then the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.  It embodies everything that Mercedes-Benz stands for, performance, luxury and safety.  2012 looks to be a big year for Mercedes with the new S-Class as the major highlight.  I'm already looking forward to our annual Customer Appreciation party here at Keeler Mercedes-Benz which is always held in the fall.  I have a pretty good feeling that this gorgeous piece of machinery will be the star of show! 

Check out the article below on carmagazine.co.uk about the all new 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class which looks to be available in four different bodystyles including a convertible! 

The new Mercedes S-class arrives in 2012 – and there will be four versions of the new S codenamed W222.
In an attempt to cover an even wider segment of the luxury car market, the new 2012 S-class will be offered in four different bodystyles: standard wheelbase saloon (2012), extended wheelbase saloon (2013), coupé (2013, replaces the CL), and a four-seater convertible (2014).

Woah! That’s a lot of new S-classes!

All future rear-wheel drive Mercs will be based on a brand new components set known as MRA, short for Mercedes Rear-wheel drive Architecture. MRA is subdivided into 93 different modules which is a good indication of how flexible this matrix can be. The only two fixed points are the front and rear firewalls in relation to the axles and the drivetrain.
The next S-class boasts a brand-new four-link front suspension designed to further decouple the steering, braking and damping forces. In the rear, we should find an evolution of the faithful multilink arrangement. Air springs are standard again, but the clever ABC anti-roll system costs extra. ABC can also be had in combination with MBC, short for Magic Body Control.

Magic Body Control? Is that like a magic carpet?

Sort of. Employing two cameras to scan the road ahead, MBC can compensate surface irregularities milliseconds before the car encounters them. Up to 80mph, this option warrants a ride comfort which is second to none. Also new is Magic Light Control (MLC) which adds dynamic full LED headlamps complete with adaptive free-flow light patterns varying with speed, weather and steering angle.
As far as the next-generation ergonomics are concerned, those in the know predict a much easier-to-use Comand system with radically fewer knobs, buttons and switches. Instead, we can allegedly look forward to a single controller which – in combination with the more elaborate steering-wheel – operate all key features and functions.
Instead of a second screen positioned above the centre stack, MB is looking at a large multiple-imagery TFT display in the driver’s primary field of vision. What makes the new infotainment so unique are the much easier access, the vastly superior memory capacity (music, DVD, maps, internet) and the reprogrammable software.

Enough gadgets… What’s under the bonnet of the new 2012 Merc S-class?

The line-up stretches from the 204bhp four-cylinder to the EU6-rated V12 dyno-tested at 544bhp. Not enough grunt? Then you may have to wait for the spiciest AMG menu which is good for 650bhp, sources say.
New motors include the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 which will be available in 306 and 354bhp form. One rung up, we find two turbocharged V8s promising 435 and 517bhp. Originally, MB intended to offer hybrid options for all new S-class models, but then marketing had a rethink, and now all that’s left are a mix of 204bhp diesel and 109bhp electric motor as well as the 306bhp V6 linked to the same plug-in whispering drivetrain. Mild hybrid is likely to be standard, but the 20bhp e-motor is not quite strong enough to justify an e-mode button.
This won’t change before 2014 when the new nine-speed autobox can accommodate a more potent 45bhp power pack.

How’s the S-class been doing?

Without China, North America and the Middle East, the Mercedes S-class would towards the end of its career be almost dead in the water. In Europe, for instance, sales of the ageing starship fell behind the new Audi A8 and the BMW 7-series in 2010.
A situation Mercedes plans to reverse with W222. It’s all change with the S-class!

The 4th Annual Keeler Motor Car Block Party

At Keeler Motor Car Company we love to throw parties for our customers.  We want them to know just how important they are to us and honestly, who doesn't like a good party??  We also plan these events to show our potential customers all the benefits that come along with being a Keeler Motor Car customer.  Well, June 4th is no exception!!  It's the 4th Annual Keeler Motor Car Block Party. 

• Check out vintage Mercedes-Benz vehicles when the
  Mercedes-Benz Club rolls into town
• The Hudson Valley BMW Car Club will be here showing off their classic BMWs
• A host of shined-up MINIs will be on display courtesy of
  the MINI Car Club
• See a "brilliant" gathering of smart cars at our 4th Annual
  smarty Party at smart center Latham
• Live Entertainment from 12:00 - 3:00 by local band The Audiostars

Featuring Mercedes-Benz, BMW, MINI, Honda, smart and Keeler Quality Pre-Owned Center vehicles at Summer Event pricing!

All this and more in one day!
Saturday, June 4th, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Keeler Motor Car Company, Rt. 7, Latham

The Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car Co. May Specials

Does this horrible weather in upstate NY got you down?  Well, the Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car Company has the answer for your rainy day blues.  Our Keeler Mercedes-Benz Spring event is here and now through the end of May you can take advantage of these amazing savings!

Stop in to the Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car on Route 7, Latham or visit www.keelermercedesbenz.com to browse our new and used inventory.

Keeler Mercedes-Benz Internet Special of the Week

Keeler Motor Car is starting a new weekly posting on our blog.  Every week we will highlight one or two of our pre-owned cars.  These cars are priced to sell so you don't want to miss out on these fantastic opportunities.  This week we are highlighting the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 from our Keeler Mercedes-Benz Store seen below:

This 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 has an Automatic Transmission, All Wheel Drive and 32,847 miles.  Click here for all of the vehicle details and pricing.

Keeler Motor Car President's Day Sale - going on NOW!

We are celebrating President's Day here at Keeler Motor Car by passing some unbelievable savings on to you.  Each of our stores, Keeler Mercedes-Benz, Keeler BMW, Keeler Honda, Keeler MINI and the smart Center Latham have amazing offers for you to choose from.  See our ads below or go to our website to view our complete new inventory or pre-owned inventory.

World's Fastest 3D Film Showcases the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

We finally know what Mercedes-Benz was up to when Tiff Needel stopped by the Isle of Man to drop in on some sort of high-budget commercial shoot. It turns out that the Silver Arrow wanted to nab the title of the world's fastest 3D film by shooting David Coulthard as he pushed the company's new SLS AMG to 167 mph. The whole shindig was captured by an army of camera vehicles, including at least one helicopter, a boom truck and, fittingly enough, another SLS AMG. The company even talked rally fiend Robbie Head into piloting the lead car ahead of Coulthard. The full feature will air this coming Sunday on the Sky 3D pub channel, but the rest of us can catch the action when the footage hits Mercedes-Benz dealerships all over the world later this year. Here's hoping they'll hand out some equally classy 3D specs just for the occasion. Hop the jump to enjoy a lengthy teaser of the feature as well as a making of video showing just what goes into creating a film with an extra dimension.
Source: www.autoblog.com

The Mercedes-Benz Summer Event at Keeler Motor Car

The Mercedes-Benz Summer Event kicked off June 1, 2010 at The Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car Company and we are celebrating the summer until August 2, 2010 with great offers and deals from Mercedes-Benz. It’s time to come in and own the Mercedes-Benz of your dreams! Each new and pre-owned Mercedes-Benz has qualified for special financing and incentives. The great deals by The Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car make leasing a brand new Mercedes much more affordable and enjoyable than you might expect. And as always, when you come in, test drives of your dream Mercedes-Benz cost nothing.

The C300 Sedan redefines the concept of a road trip with excellence in engineering and performance driving and handling. The C300 features the amenities to satisfy your every need, the performance to race past your every expectation and is available starting at $349 per month.

With abundant wood trim, expansive sunroof, and powerful 4-valve-per-cylinder engine, the E350 Sedan offers an unrivaled combination of performance and luxury. With payments as lows as $689 per month, you can easily keep the dog days of summer at bay.

From its NHTSA 5-star rating to the IIHS top safety pick, the ML350 SUV is further proof that utility does not have to come at the expense of performance and comfort. It drives like a sedan and is ideal for family road trips with expansive cargo space and luxury at a great monthly payment of $559.

The GLK350 SUV, a small-sized SUV with full-sized performance, is powered by a 3.5L V-6 engine and 7-speed automatic transmission. It has an impressive ride and distinctive look along with luxurious comfort, which makes it great for the open road. Great engineering is great engineering at any size and at a low payment of $459 per month.

And at The Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car, when you buy a new or used Mercedes-Benz you get a complimentary Mercedes-Benz loaner when yours is in for service (while supplies last) and car washes. These are just other great services we offer to our customers and we know that they expect no less from us.
The Summer Event is the event for those who have been waiting on their dream Mercedes-Benz. And the wait is over at The Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car Company. Click to view our New or Pre-Owned Inventory.

Mercedes-Benz new video - "Sorry"

In traffic, precarious situations can come unexpectedly: before you know it there is an uninvited passenger. But with the brake assistant BAS + in the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class you can even trick the reaper.

China auto show: Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break concept previews new CLS

Mercedes-Benz gives us a look at the wagon version of the second-generation CLS at this week's Beijing motor show with the debut of the Shooting Break concept car.

The four-door sporting wagon, outlined in detail by AutoWeek earlier this year, is among a series of new niche models Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche is pursuing as part of an image-building strategy based around the German carmaker's striking new design lineage.

Inspired by the traditional custom-made two-door shooting brake--a genre of car made popular during the 1960s by a number of British-based carmakers--the Shooting Break closely previews the look of Mercedes-Benz's new CLS sedan to be unveiled the Paris motor show in September. It also provides clues to how Mercedes plans to compete against rivals such as the soon-to-be-revealed Audi A7 and recently introduced BMW 5-series GT.

"The Shooting Break is based on a tradition of cultivated sportiness," explains Gordon Wagener, chief designer at Mercedes-Benz. "At the same time it points the way toward the further development of the design idiom of Mercedes-Benz."

While Mercedes-Benz remains tightlipped on production plans, official documentation cited by AutoWeek reveals it has already been given the internal codename X218--a clear signal that the Shooting Break is closer to production readiness than its concept car billing reveals.

As one Stuttgart insider commented: "We don't traditionally provide cars with codenames until they have been granted an official production go-ahead."

Form before function

At 195.3 inches long, 76.8 inches wide and 56.9 inches tall, the concept has the same dimensions as the upcoming second-generation CLS sedan. That makes it 1.8 inches longer, 3 inches wider and 0.6 inch taller than the first-generation CLS. It also rides on a wheelbase that is longer by 0.75 inch at 113.2 inches.

In attempting to go beyond the current CLS--a car credited with breaking the design mold at Mercedes-Benz by boldly placing form before function--Wagoner and his design team have created a bullish looking car that, like its predecessor, is sure to stir controversy and divide opinion.

The most striking element of the new CLS is its gaping grille--a styling feature adopted from the new SLS. Marked by a single-slat chrome insert and large three-pointed-star reminiscent of the look of the classic 190 SL, the so-called soft-nose treatment is set to become common across the Mercedes-Benz line-up in coming years.

The concept's grille is flanked by headlamps with light-emitting diodes for low and high beams, daytime running lamps and turn signals. Set to become an option on the new CLS, they are aimed at providing the car with a differing visual character between day and night.

Read more here.

The Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car Car - Mid Winter Service Specials

Print or mention that you saw this on the Keeler Motor Car Blog and receive the following great service specials at the Mercedes-Benz Center at
Keeler Motor Car Company!

Hear what some of our Keeler Mercedes-Benz customers have to say!

Comments from our some of our Keeler Mercedes-Benz customers:

"Show My Appreciation"
Dear Dan,
I seldom write letters to employers, but I felt it was necessary to show my appreciation for your assistant service manager, Joe Palumbo.

My ML350 had a major electrical problem and Joe was on top of it from day one. He kept me advised of the problem and did his best to see that I received service that was prompt, courteous and reasonably priced.

It is a credit to Keeler Motor Car Company and Mercedes-Benz to have such a person as Joe, where service lately seems to be a lost art.

Joe does his job professionally and is an asset to your company.
Sincerely,
William Ellis

"Customer Satisfaction"
Dear Mr. Keeler,
I wanted to tell you about the positive experience I had dealing with Lynn Larson in your Mercedes-Benz dealership. I purchased a C300 4MATIC from Lynn in November, 2009.

I had visited your showroom earlier in the year. Lynn took us on a test drive of some automobiles, made her very polite sales pitch and we went on our way. She followed up a few times but i wasn't ready and told her I'd be in touch.

Around November 19, 2009, I received an email from your comppany with a great offer. I called up Lynn that day and told her I wanted the car. She said, "Great, red or black?"When I picked up my new Mercedes-Benz 2 days later, I arranged to meet with Lynn at a time of day when I hoped it would be a little sloer and she should take the time to show me how everything on the inside panel worked. She was kind enough to show us everything we needed.

Lynn Larson is a true professional. She is a great salesperson and is an asset to your team. I made sure that each time I returned, it was to meet with Lynn. I knew she was the person I wanted to do business with in your organization.
Sean Lally

"I highly recommend the dealership"
This is a terrific dealership. I expect to get my next car at Keeler. I highly recommend the dealership to my patients, friends and colleagues.
Patricia Fennell

"Keeler Mercedes-Benz Service"
No other Mercedes-Benz dealer that I have dealt with even approaches Keeler's level of taking care of its customers and being accessible and supportive.
Leonard J Laub

"Very refreshing"
Lynn Larson was probably one of the best sales persons I have met at a car dealership. She just showed me what I wanted to see and listened to me. Very unusual and refreshing.
Denise Petersen

"Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car Company"
FANTASTIC service! Very consistent and the staff always goes above and beyond.
John D. Flory

Spied in the Arctic Circle: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML - Spy Shots

Although the Mercedes-Benz prototype captured here by spy photographers looks more akin to a heavily-armored government vehicle, underneath all that camouflage lies the next-generation ML sport-utility vehicle. Unfortunately, since we won’t see the new ML on the market until about the mid-2011 timeframe, information is still skimpy at this time.

The current Mercedes ML last saw a makeover for the 2009 model year, a minor reworking which included little more than new headlights, bumpers and an interior refresh. The 2012 ML, on the other hand, will see a complete restyling. Little of that is visible at this time, although we can make out a new headlight assembly peeking through the test mule’s cladding. The notable change here is the adoption of an Audi-esque strip of LED lights beneath the headlamps. The grille appears to have taken on the more upright and simpler styling of the smaller GLK.

The heavy cladding of the ML prototype serves to hide the exact lines of the 2012 model’s body, but it can’t hide the fact the new car looks to retain a similar profile (despite all new body panels), although we’re told overall length will decrease slightly.

It’s also too early to talk specifically about the new ML’s array of drivetrains, but you can bet it will feature a gasoline-electric hybrid model and a turbodiesel, just as the current model does. Rumors suggest we can also expect a plug-in hybrid with a twin-turbo V-6, while the AMG model will use a turbocharged gasoline V-8—possibly with as much as 570 bhp to compete with BMW’s 547-bhp X5 M.

Mercedes-Benz shows off new design in form of a sculpture

DETROIT — At 7:45 Monday morning, Mercedes-Benz showed off the lines of its new design language in the form of a sculpture — a two-and-a-half ton silver resin model that appeared to be rising from or sinking into a fabric floor. The slick silver skin, Mercedes said, was supposed to suggest the work of snow or sand or water — or the Terminator films.

The upright grille links to bold, sensuous side-character lines and large wheel openings.
The themes are to evoke ’30s cars, Gorden Wagener, Mercedes design chief, said. He chose a sculpture rather than a full car, he said, to avoid model guessing games and to communicate the importance of design as art and style and not just engineering — and “to assert that Mercedes brand of design rises to that of art.

“It is like Michelangelo. He said you find the sculpture by carving away the rest of the stone,” Mr. Wagener said.

Mr. Wagener said the company’s new look shared sensuality, elegance and excitement with efficiency. “It is environmentally responsible because it is aerodynamic and efficient.”
With few concept cars scheduled for unveiling at this show because of costs and the industry’s new sobriety, the sculpture, which appears sunken in eight or 10 inches of base might be read as a symbol for the meltdown of design. “0r it could be rising like that bird, the Phoenix,” Mr. Wagener said.

Source: The New York Times

Mercedes SLS AMG Officially Gran Turismo 5 Covergirl

The Mercedes SLS AMG has been given the honor of gracing the cover of Gran Turismo 5 whenever it eventually debuts. Video of the SLS AMG earning the spot with some digital mayhem below.

Mercedes Benz Green-Lights CLS-Based Wagon

According to AutoWeek, Mercedes has given the go-ahead to a wagon based on their sexy Mercedes Benz CLS. It'll undoubtedly be influenced by the shooting-brake ConceptFascination from Paris two years ago, something we'll have absolutely no problem with.

The CLS Wagon will be a traditional four-door wagon rather than the shooting-brake layout of the concept, but it'll retain a great deal of styling we'll see when the refreshed CLS debuts. Also in tow will be engines promised to be 25% more fuel efficient. The car should debut in Paris next September
[Autoweek]

Mercedes-Benz presents Leno with engine for his restomod

Needless to say, life is good for Jay Leno. Not only has the former late night talk show host moved on to greener pastures, Mercedes-Benz has provided him with a 6.2-liter V8 (M156) -- not, as previously reported, the SLS AMG's M159 engine -- to cram into his vintage 300SEL 6.3.As opposed to the SLS' M159, with its dry-sump lubrication system, bespoke internals and magnesium intake manifold, the M156 uses a traditional wet-sump setup -- the same engine fitted to the S63, SL63 and E63 AMG. Regardless, it's only down 45 horsepower from its gullwinged sibling, putting out 518 hp rather than the SLS' 563 hp. Not that it will make much difference when it's powering Leno's modernized lead sled.
(source: Autoblog)

Lease the Mercedes-Benz 2010 GLK350 4-MATIC for $399/mo!

Here's hoping that you'll find something special in your driveway this Holiday Season!

Find exceptional lease offers from the Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car on some of their most popular models including lease prices starting at $399 on the GLK350 4-MATIC Sport Utility Vehicle.....perfect for Winter driving!

The Holiday Event is going on now at The Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car

Route 7, Latham, NY

http://www.keelermercedesbenz.com/

The Annual Customer Appreciation Event at Keeler Mercedes-Benz

It goes without saying how important our customers are to the livelihood of our business. Cars don't drive themselves! Since I've been employed at Keeler Motor Car - 8 years in January - we have held an annual customer appreciation party at our Mercedes-Benz store. We have had many themes such as, "Hollywood", "Men In Black" and my personal favorite, Vegas! This year our theme was "Cruise." And it was a cruise ship unlike any other!

Our fabulous showroom was transformed by Fine Affairs Decorating into a cruise ship with all the amenities one would fine on a luxury oceanliner. We had the Mercedes-Benz Lounge featuring The Michael Panza Band, a casino, a buffet,catered by Panza's Restaurant, fit for a king and of course the cars!! This year we highlighted the all new 4-Matic E Class. Click here if you are interested in finding out more about this magnificent car!

Below are pictures from our event. Enjoy! And thank you to all our customers for making this a night to remember!

Fun in our "ship's" casino

Eating at our port of call in the Riviera

Crowd gathered around the 4-Matic E Class. We had over 500 attendees!

Rumormill: Mercedes considering more affordable "baby" SLS AMG gullwing?

The folks over at Mercedes appear to be pretty excited about their newest supercar. For starters, the SLS AMG gullwing is the first ever home-grown AMG supercar, and it replaces the ho-hum McLaren SLR. And of course, the nearly $200,000 German hot rod comes equipped with retro-tastic gullwing doors and a 6.2-liter V8 capable of 563 horsepower and 0-60 mph times of 3.8 seconds – both of which we certainly like. But will the SLS AMG be the one-and-only purpose-built vehicle to come from Mercedes' performance group? We kinda doubt it, and so do the scribes over at PistonHeads.

While attending the SLS drive event in Monterey, California, the PistonHeads crew spoke off-the-cuff with company execs who said that an additional AMG model could be in the works. We already know that a convertible version of the SLS is in the works, and a Black Series and dedicated racing version have also been mooted. However, the rumored second AMG Pistonheads is speaking about could be a Porsche 911 hunter based off of the same platform of the SLS AMG, with a front engine layout and smaller overall proportions. Further speculation is that the smaller, presumably less expensive SLS sibling would also carry a V8 engine between 5.8 and 6.2 liters with direct injection and cylinder shutoff tech.

If a smaller, lighter AMG model sounds good to you and you can afford the presumably high price tag, we hope you have some patience. The same executive who spilled bean on the possible smaller AMG also stated that such a car isn't likely to see the light of day for another five years.

Source: Autoblog.com