Car10

The latest new model from Mercedes-Benz is the all-new GLC expected here next Autumn, writes Trish Whelan .  The GLC ranks as the best-selling model in the brand’s range over the past two years. Over 2.6 million units have been sold since the model was first launched six years ago. The premium German auto maker says it is the most dynamic model in their SUV family.  The new model will be available in hybrid form only, either as a plug-in hybrid or as a ‘mild hybrid’ with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator. Engines are 4-cylinder petrol and diesel units; four mild-hybrids and three plug-in hybrids with an electric-only range of more than 100kms (WLTP rated). With standard 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, GLC is comfortable on-road and off-road.  The design includes muscular wheel arches, a wide track and flush wheels in 18 to 20-inch sizes. Features include the latest generation MBUX infotainment system as standard, a multi-function steering wheel and new da...

Mercedes-Benz has introduced two important new models to Ireland, the large luxury EQS and smaller EQE, writes Trish Whelan .  With the brand’s EQA, EQB, EQC, and EQV people carrier, their arrivals increase to six the number of electric-powered passenger vehicles sold in Ireland while taking yet another major step towards their goal of having a fully carbon-neutral fleet inside the next 20 years.  Genetically modelled on the recently launched S-Class saloon (but looking very different), the EQS comes in a choice of two model variants: EQS 450+ (with rear axle eATS electric motor) priced at €129,965, and an EQS Mercedes-AMG 53 4MATIC+all-wheel-drive version (motors on both axles) at €180,015. It has an operating range of up to 735kms (WLTP), power output of up to 333bhp and a top speed limited to 210km/h. Electrical consumption is 18.9-16.2kWh/100km.  Mercedes-Benz Ireland sales manager Ciaran Allen (pictured above with the new EQS) describes the new EQS as ‘the embodiment...

A Mercedes-Benz electric large SUV will arrive in Ireland early next year with a rated range of up to 660kms, writes Brian Byrne . The EQS SUV will be in the same space as the EQS and S-Class saloons at the top of the brand's models hierarchy. The car will be available in RWD and AWD formats. A version with ultra-fast charging capability will be able to build a 250km range in 15 minutes. Prices and specifications for Ireland closer to launch. 

Details of the next-generation GLC compact crossover have been revealed by Mercedes-Benz on the completion of cold-weather testing, writes Brian Byrne . The new car is on a modification of the platform used on the latest C-Class saloon, itself an update of the current GLC underpinnings. The new GLC will be powered by a range of engines, including mild hybrid petrol. The interior will feature similar double digital screens as seen in the latest S-Class. Tech options will include an off-road system using the vehicle's surround-view cameras to show the area under the front of the car while negotiating difficult terrain. The GLC was first launched in 2015, and was facelifted in 2019.  

Because he died unexpectedly in 1980, there are fewer people around who remember actor Steve McQueen, nicknamed the 'King of Cool', writes Brian Byrne . Reruns of his baseball-hopping performance in The Great Escape probably don't register with today's generations. Which may be why this 1972 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 owned and driven by him until his death didn't sell at auction in the US recently. The reserve price isn't revealed, but the top bid of $164,000 didn't hack it. Looking beautiful outside, the interior shows signs of wear. But the car had a €125,000 refurbishment in 2013 by Kienle Automobiltechnik in Germany.  

The latest up-styled version of the Mercedes-Benz CLS has arrived in Ireland, writes Trish Whelan .  Refashioned and now with an even sharper, more elongated, and aerodynamic appearance, exterior changes include a new radiator grille, new air intakes and bumpers, silver-chrome exterior trim elements, new twin and multi-spoke light alloys, and the choice of an additional metallic paint colour.  Inside, cabin upgrades include two new walnut and wood trim finishes, additional leather seat coverings and colour combinations, and a redesigned multifunctional leather steering wheel.  Two petrol and three diesels are offered. Petrols are 450 4Matic and a high performance Mercedes-AMG 53 4Matic+ version with fast-shifting 9G transmission. Diesels are a 220d, 300d and 400d 4Matic versions. A mild hybrid is included in the mix.  All versions are equipped with the brand’s MBUX infotainment system with artificial intelligence and predictive functions, together with an extensive...

The Irish Sailing Team has boosted its fleet of commercial vehicles with the recent purchase of a new Mercedes-Benz Vito van. Fully funded by the Irish Sailing Foundation, the new Vito will be used by the Irish Sailing Performance Team to transport their boats and equipment to international events throughout the forthcoming season. The Vito 114L mid-sized van comes with comfort and safety features that include Crosswind Assist, multi-function steering wheel, twin passenger seats and electric windows. Over the years, Mercedes-Benz has given its support to a number of water sport activities, most notably in its sponsorship of Ireland’s Olympic medal winning sailor, Annalise Murphy in her preparations for the Rio and Tokyo Olympic Games. Pictured with Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles sales manager, Fergus Conheady (left) are Rachel Fallon-Langdon, Executive Director of the Irish Sailing Foundation and Ewan Mc Mahon, Laser Sailor on the Irish Olympic Squad.    

I have noted before in these columns that 2021 was a year of many Mercedes-Benz new cars for review, writes Brian Byrn e. Perhaps in 2022 it's going to be another carmaker's turn to dominate the space, but in the meantime it seems fitting that I finish out on the flagship of the range, the S-Class. The 'S' comes from the original designation in 1972 of Sonderklasse for the top of the line car, meaning 'special class'. At the time it was just that. Today it still is. Traditionally, in addition to offering the ultimate in luxury, the S-Class has been the model by which Mercedes-Benz has introduced technical and safety innovations. That tradition remains, but the difference now that it takes a much shorter time before these find their way right through the models down the line. So much of the technical side I had already experienced before my time with the S-Class for this review. To some extent, it has in recent years been difficult to distinguish between the cor...

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its Vision EQXX concept car at the CES 2022 Show in Las Vegan, writes Brian Byrne . The car has a claimed range of more than 1,000kms on a charge, with rooftop solar panels providing 25kms of this. A new generation battery is said to be small enough to drive a compact car, and energy consumption is in the region less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres.  

The opportunity to review the Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer over a decent period came at a fortuitous time, when family from the US and Germany came in to celebrate Christmas with us here in Ireland, writes Brian Byrne . It was in fact the first time in ten years that we had all been together at Christmas. Why fortuitous? Because the eVito Tourer is a 9-seater passenger version of the Mercedes Vito Van. The nine seats were going to be very useful to help shuttle those staying directly with us between airport, home and the homes of their siblings. I suppose that made me an e-chauffeur? The eVito Tourer in shuttle format is designed for such applications as hotel transfers, conference transport, and similar (there is a higher-level version with one fewer seats and a more upmarket specification which can be used as a luxury limo for touring). The review car came with all the demonstrator decals 'Driving the Electric Future', so it was also going to attract attention in my home area ...

Three new electric models will be launched in Ireland by Mercedes-Benz in the early part of next year, writes Brian Byrne . The EQS luxury saloon is expected here in the first quarter of the year which will include a range of artificial intelligence features. The EQB will also arrive in the first quarter, slotting in above the entry-level electric car EQA. The EQE (pictured above) mid-sized car is slated for arrival in the second quarter of the year. There will also be high-performance variants of the EQE coming later in the year.  

The new generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class has arrived in Ireland at a starting price of €53,350, writes Brian Byrne . The range at launch offers a choice from five petrol engines and three diesels. It is available in saloon and estate formats. All are automatic. The new car is longer and wider than the version it replaces, and a longer wheelbase adds extra room inside, including greater elbow, rear head and knee room. The first C-Class was introduced three decades ago.