2015 Frankfurt Motor Show – Mercedes-Benz Expands Its Family
The world luxury car leader has some serious family plans. The proof was delivered to us at the Frankfurt Motor Show, where the Stuttgart-based automaker unveiled three new models: the IAA Concept (Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile), the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. In addition to these world premieres, they announced modifications to many of their current production models, like updated drivetrains and added accessories on the A, B, G and V-Class vehicles, but the newbies obviously stole the show.
As is the custom, the presentation was held at the Festhalle, which is right near the show’s main entrance. Mercedes-Benz brought in a team of 150 people to plan and build their 95,000 square-foot exhibit space over a two-month period. Some 850 tonnes of steel, 230 kilometres of cable and almost 4,500 light projectors were needed for the project. Visitors to the Mercedes-Benz stand at the Frankfurt show will get to see more than 60 vehicles.
- Also: IAA, The Car Of Tomorrow According To Mercedes-Benz
- Also: Here Is The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Convertible
The IAA Concept: The car of tomorrow
The IAA Concept is a futuristic four-door coupe. With a drag coefficient of 0.19, it’s the world’s most aerodynamic coupe. It starts out in Design mode, only to switch to Aerodynamic mode when it passes the 80 km/h mark. This changes the actual shape of the vehicle, optimizing its profile. Inside the IAA Concept we find S-Class and S-Class Coupe inspirations, with touch screens and a layout that promises to be the shape of business sedans in the not-so-distant future.
C-Class Coupe: At last!
After months of rumours and various spy pics, the C-Class Coupe was unveiled featuring a design that’s both serious and sporty. With a muscular frame, its interior is undeniably Mercedes. Thanks to the Dynamic Select system and optional air suspension, it strikes that perfect balance between agility and enjoyment. New driver assistance systems step up the safety factor, which will probably make this vehicle the category safety benchmark.
The C 63, however, is significantly sportier, as foretold by its appearance. With massive flared fenders in front and back, a wider track width and broader tires, it looks more athletic and holds onto the asphalt better in corners. The 4.0-litre AMG V8 biturbo engine generates 476 or 510 horsepower, depending on the trim. It was entirely developed at Affalterbach, AMG’s home base, just like the AMG RIDE CONTROL system with electronically controlled dampers and the rear axle’s limited-slip differential. The regular and super sport versions of this coupe are a major addition to the C-Class family.
S-Class Cabrio: Luxury under the sun
This new cabriolet is the sixth variant of the current S-Class and the silver-star brand’s first four-door luxury convertible since 1971. It includes the S-Class’ super advanced technology, like the intelligent climate control with individual adjustment.
Oh, but it gets better. For the first time in history, Mercedes-AMG has a luxury cabriolet to its name. Its 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine pumps out 515 horsepower to launch the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. Standard equipment for this model includes AMG’s 4MATIC Performance system that sends most of the torque to the rear wheels.
The rest of the gang
Mercedes-Benz brought many more vehicles to Frankfurt, with some that were recently introduced and others that have been upgraded. Among them is the GLC, which boasts an impressive slew of new safety features and driver assistance systems, such as the AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension, the DYNAMIC SELECT handling system and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive.
The A-Class was also treated to the DYNAMIC SELECT system while the AMG A 45 4MATIC was equipped with a 381-horsepower engine to make it the most powerful compact sports car on the planet.
Conclusion: With plenty of new developments, the luxury car giant is working hard to elbow its way to the top of all categories.
- Read the full article on the Mercedes-Benz IAA
- See the headlines from the Frankfurt Motor Show