Tag Archives: Mercedes-Benz

NEWS

Mercedes-Benz C350e now in Malaysia – locally assembled, from RM355k

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THE Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206 lineup for the Malaysian market has been further expanded with the addition of a new plug-in hybrid variant, the C350e.

According to paultan.org, the new variant replaces the C300 AMG Line that was launched alongside the C200 Avantgarde back in 2022. Like both variants, the C350e is locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang.

Powering the C350e is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 204 hp at 6,100 rpm and 320 Nm from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm. It is paired with an electric motor generating 95 kW and 440 Nm, providing the sedan with a total output of 313 hp and 550 Nm.

With a 9G-Tronic transmission driving the rear wheels, the C350e can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and hit a maximum speed of 245 km/h.

The electric motor gets its juice from a 25.4 kWh capacity battery, developed developed in-house by Mercedes-Benz AG, enabling it to be driven up to 117 km on electric power alone. The maximum speed in this mode is 140 km/h.

The battery takes two hours to fully charge using an 11 kW AC charger. Included with the car is a mode 2 charging cable.

Kit-wise, the C350e comes with the AMG Line styling package, 18-inch AMG light alloy wheels, and the Night Package, which includes glossy black elements such as the louvre of the radiator shell, trim moulding in the AMG front apron, beltline trim strip and window surround, and exterior mirror housings.

This variant also comes standard with Digital Light with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting.

The interior is adorned with AMG Line trim, featuring metal structure trim elements, a Nappa leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, AMG floor mats, and sport seats with Artico leather upholstery in black.

The MBUX infotainment system consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, an 11.9-inch touchscreen, which is slightly tilted towards the driver by six degrees, as well as a wireless charger.

For safety systems, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) includes a 360-degree camera, Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, Guard 360°, and Pedestrian Protection.

According to MBM, the estimated selling price for the C350e is around RM355,000 on-the-road, excluding insurance.

NEWS

Mercedes GLA200 updated with LED High Performance lights, new MBUX, RM158,888

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Mercedes’ entry-level SUV, the GLA200, has been given a facelift by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM). It features enhancements in terms of appearance, equipment, and technology within the cabin.

The exterior of the Mercedes GLA200 now showcases a new grille with a large logo in the center, black accents, and aerodynamic 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. This compact SUV also receives LED High-Performance headlights with Adaptive Highbeam.

Its interior is adorned with a Star Pattern finish for an attractive contrast. The GLA200 2024 is also equipped with dual 10.25-inch screens, Artico leather seats, a multifunction sports steering wheel, and various ways to fold the rear seats to enhance practicality.

The MBUX (Mercedes Benz User Experience) system in this GLA is the latest generation, featuring Navigation Assistance, 64-color ambient lighting, and connectivity with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The GLA200 also comes with five USB-C charging sockets with illumination.

Safety features have also been enhanced. The GLA200 now comes with Blind Spot Assist, Exit Warning Assist, Active Brake Assist, and a Parking Package along with the Mirror Package. Other technologies in this SUV include Keyless-Go, Handsfree Access, Tirefit, and the Easy-Pack power tailgate.

The Mercedes GLA200 is powered by a 1.3-liter engine with an output of 163hp and 250Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7G-DCT), enabling this front-wheel-drive SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds.

Dynamic Select is also standard, offering Sport, Comfort, and Eco modes. These settings will adjust the engine response, transmission, suspension, and steering.

The 2024 Mercedes GLA200 is a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) model, offered at a price of RM258,888 (on-the-road without insurance). Buyers can also opt for the new Spectral Blue color for this SUV.

VIRAL

EQB fire in Johor: company operating charging station did not have licence

THE Energy Commision (ST) in a statement revealed that the operator of an electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) in Johor, which caught fire on December 31, was found to be operating without a licence.

In the statement, the Energy Commission noted that the Electricity Supply Act 1990 (Act 447) and the Electricity Regulations 1994 stipulate that energy supply activities from any installation must be carried out with a valid licence from ST.

In the incident, a Mercedes-Benz EQB was engulfed in flames while charging at a vehicle showroom building in Tampoi.

According to ST, about 5% of the 256 sq metre premises and 20% of the EV charging bay were also destroyed. No injuries were reported.

The commision said that it is currently investigating to identify the real cause of the incident. The responsible party and the company involved will also be called upon to assist in the investigation.

On December 16, 2022, ST reportedly advised the operators of charging point operators (CPO) involved in the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EV) to promptly obtain a valid public distribution licence for the EVCS installations in the country, including those already in operation, by March 31, 2023 last year.

NEWS

Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4Matic SUV now in Malaysia – RM458,888

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FOLLOWING the EQS SUV, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now further expanded its electric vehicle range with the launch of EQS’ smaller sibiling, the all-new EQE SUV.

It is offered in a single variant, the EQE 500 4Matic SUV, with a starting price of RM458,888 (on-the-road without insurance, with 10% sales tax).

Exterior-wise, standard equipment includes the AMG Line package, 21-inch aerodynamically-optimised light alloy wheels, Digital Light headlamps with Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus, aluminum-look running boards, and the signature three-pointed Mercedes star pattern on the grille.

Being the smaller sibling, the EQE SUV has a smaller footprint, measuring 4,863 mm in length, 1,940 mm in width, 1,685 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,030 mm.

Inside, the futuristic Hyperscreen found in the EQS and EQS SUV makes way for a more conventional OLED central display and digital driver display setup, along with a head-up display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless charging, and a Burmester 3D surround sound system.

Other features include the AMG Line package, ambient lighting, sports seats, AMG floor mats, Nappa leather wrapping on the steering wheel, black/gray leather upholstery, magnolia wood trim, aluminum inlays, Keyless-Go Comfort package, Thermotronic climate control, among others.

Powering the EQE 500 is  a pair of electric motors generating a total output of 408 PS and 858 Nm of torque. This enables it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 210 km/h.

With a 90.6 kWh battery, it offers a driving range of 552 km on a full charge (based on WLTP cycle). The battery supports 22 kW AC charging, which takes four hours and 45 minutes for a 0-100% charge.

Alternatively, it can also take DC fast charging with capacities up to 170 kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in 32 just minutes.

The EQE 500 SUV comes equipped with Airmatic air suspension with adaptive ADS+ dampers that can be varied fully automatically at each individual wheel in both the compression and rebound stages.

To increase ground clearance, the vehicle level can be raised by up to 30 mm, which is possible up to a speed
of 80 km/h. It also features rear-axle steering to reduce the turning radius from 12.3 meters to 10.5 meters.

Safety and system package comprises the Driving Assistance Package Plus, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, Pre-Safe, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, a 360-degree camera, and transparent bonnet.

NEWS

Toyota the most valuable automotive brand in 2023, Mercedes second

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TOYOTA has clinched the title of the most valuable automotive brand in the world for 2023, for the second consecutive year. This was announced in a report by Interbrand’s Best Global Brands 2023.

The Japanese manufacturer secured the sixth position out of the overall 100 global brands. Only three automotive brands made it to the top 10, with Mercedes-Benz and BMW being the other two.

Outside the top 10 positions, other automotive brands listed include Tesla, Honda, Hyundai, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Ford, Nissan, Ferrari, and Kia. Overall, 13 automotive brands made it to the list in 2023, down from 15 brands in 2022.

According to Interbrand, each brand is evaluated based on three main factors: the financial performance of their products or services, their role in purchase decisions, and the strength of the brand in fostering customer loyalty.

With a brand value of USD 64.5 billion (RM 301.4 billion), Toyota maintains its position at the top of the automotive segment. Following closely is Mercedes-Benz with a value of USD 61.4 billion (equivalent to RM 286.92 billion).

Meanwhile, BMW’s brand value of USD 51.2 billion (RM 239.26 billion) is sufficient to place it in third position, surpassing Tesla, which has a value of USD 49.9 billion (RM 233.18 billion).

Honda maintains its fifth position, followed by Hyundai and Audi. Porsche, another German brand, has improved its brand value, surpassing Volkswagen and Ford to claim the eighth position.