The 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class gains a new diesel powerplant. This slow-selling wagon is the larger of Mercedes’ two midsize SUVs. It shares its basic design with the M-Class and offers seating for up to seven passengers. R-Class is also about 12 inches longer in wheelbase and 15 inches longer overall than the M-Class.

Two models are offered. The R350 has a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. The rear-wheel-drive R350 model has been dropped. The R320 BlueTEC replaces the R320 CDI. R320 BlueTEC is AWD only and has a 210-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 and run-flat tires. All R-Class models have a 7-speed automatic transmission. Seating is available as a 2-2-2 arrangement, with folding 2nd-row bucket seats and a folding 50/50 split 3rd-row bench. A 2nd-row bench is available for seven-passenger capacity.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front and rear side airbags. A sunroof is newly standard for 2009, along with Mercedes’ PRE-SAFE safety system that senses an impending collision and tightens the seatbelts and moves the front passenger seat to a safer position. PRE-SAFE also closes an open sunroof if a rollover is detected. DVD entertainment is also available, as is a new audio unit with voice control that combines a wireless cell-phone link, a navigation system with real-time traffic updates, HD radio, 6-disc CD/DVD changer, MP3 connectivity, and a hard drive that can store 4 gigabytes of digital music files.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class lineup gains a new gas/electric hybrid model. The S400 Hybrid is this German brand’s first hybrid passenger car. It pairs a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 295 horsepower total. It uses a 7-speed automatic transmission. The S400′s hybrid system is capable of shutting off the engine while slowing down and at a stop, but the car cannot accelerate solely on electric power. It does not require plug-in charging.

The rest of the S-Class lineup offers a few new features for 2010. Rear-wheel-drive S550 and all-wheel-drive S550 models have a 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V8. The high-end S600 reprises a turbocharged 5.5-liter 510-horsepower V12. The S63 and S65 are tuned by Mercedes’ AMG performance division. S63 uses a 518-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 while the S65 has a 604-horsepower 6.0-liter turbocharged V12. S550 and S63 models have a 7-speed automatic transmission while V12 S-Class versions use a 5-speed automatic.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front- and rear-side airbags. Mercedes’ Pre-Safe system is standard; it senses an impending collision and tightens the seat belts and applies additional braking force. New is Mercedes’ ATTENTION ASSIST driver-fatigue alert, which sounds a chime and displays a warning in the instrument cluster if sensors detect a driver who might be drowsy at the wheel. Also included is Mercedes’ Tele Aid assistance and its COMAND system, which incorporates a video screen and console-mounted “joystick” knob to control audio, navigation, phone, and other functions; it also accepts voice commands.

Available features include ventilated and massaging front seats, heated and ventilated rear seat, and keyless access and starting. Also offered is a rearview camera and Mercedes’ Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control.

The S-Class suspension automatically adjusts for firmness and load leveling. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front and rear side airbags. Mercedes’ Pre-Safe system is also standard; it senses an impending collision and tightens the seat belts and applies additional braking force. Also included are Mercedes’ Tele Aid assistance and its COMAND system, which incorporates a video screen and console-mounted “joystick” knob to control audio, navigation, phone, and other functions; it also accepts voice commands. The S63 and S65 are tuned by Mercedes’ AMG high-performance division and include sport suspension, sport exhaust and seats, and specific trim.

Available features on S-Class include ventilated and massaging front seats, heated and ventilated rear seat, and keyless access and starting. Also offered is a rearview camera and Mercedes’ Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control. New for 2009 is Mercedes’ Parking Guidance system–which assists drivers with parallel parking–and Blind Spot Assist, which alerts the driver to the presence of another vehicle in the car’s blind spots. The S600 has a restyled optional 19-inch wheel set. All S-Class cars receive steering-wheel shift paddles, which replace gear shift buttons.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is largely unchanged. These are Mercedes’ costliest convertibles. They seat 2 and have a power-retractable hard top. The SL-Class comes in four models: The SL550, SL63, SL600, and SL65. SL550 has a 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V8 engine. SL600 and SL65 have twin-turbocharged V12 engines of 5.5 liters and 510 horsepower and 6.0 liters and 604 horsepower, respectively.

The SL63 has a 518-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. SL63 and SL65 are tuned by Mercedes’ AMG performance division. V8 SL-Class models have a 7-speed automatic transmission. V12 versions use a 5-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, side airbags, driver-knee airbag, and a rollover bar designed to deploy in an impending tip.

A navigation system with real-time traffic information and a wireless cell-phone link are standard on all models.

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class gets freshened styling, a revised interior, and a new performance model. These are Mercedes’ costliest convertibles. They seat two and have a power-retractable hardtop. The SL-Class comes in four models. Returning from model-year 2008 are the SL550, SL600, and SL65. New for 2009 are the SL63 and SL65 AMG Black Series. SL550 has a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 engine.

The SL63 has a 518-hp 6.2-liter V8. SL600, SL65, and SL65 Black Series have twin-turbocharged V12 engines. The SL600 uses a 510-hp 5.5-liter; the SL65 a 604-hp 6.0-liter; and the SL65 Black Series a 661-hp 6.0-liter. SL63 and 65 are tuned by Mercedes’ AMG performance division. The Black Series is a special-edition model, limited to a production run of 350 units worldwide, with 175 slated to come to the United States. V8 SL-Class models have a 7-speed automatic transmission. V12 versions use a 5-speed automatic.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, side airbags, driver knee airbag, and a rollover bar designed to deploy in an impending tip. Optional on V8 and standard on V12 models is Mercedes’ Airscarf feature, which delivers heated air through neck-level vents near the headrests. The redesigned interior includes a standard navigation system and wireless cell-phone link.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is largely unchanged. Like the larger, costlier SL-Class, SLKs seat 2 and have a power-folding hard top. They come in three versions. The base SLK300 has a 228-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine. The mid-level SLK350 has a 300-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The top-end SLK55 is tuned by Mercedes’ AMG performance arm and has a 355-horsepower 5.4-liter V8. SLK300 offers a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission.

SLK350 and SLK55 use the automatic only. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags that provide head and torso protection. Available features include voice activation for certain functions and wireless connectivity with all audio systems.

A navigation system with real-time traffic updates is also offered. The Diamond White Edition is a package for the SLK300 and includes a sport suspension, 18-inch wheels, and specific paint, interior, and exterior trim.

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK receives more available power and freshened styling. Like the larger, costlier SL-Class, SLKs have a power-folding hardtop. They come in three versions. The base SLK300 has a 228-hp 3.0-liter V6 engine. The mid-level SLK350 has a 300-hp 3.5-liter V6, which is a 32 hp bump over 2008 models. The top-end SLK55 AMG is tuned by Mercedes’ AMG performance arm and has a 355-hp 5.4-liter V8.

The 2009 SLK300 and SLK55 retain the same engines as the 2008 models. SLK300 offers a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission. The other models have the automatic only. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags. Available features include voice activation for certain functions and wireless connectivity with all audio systems. MP3 players can be integrated into the car’s audio system.

A newly available audio unit with voice control combines a wireless cell-phone link and 6-disc CD/DVD changer. The new audio unit has optional features such as a navigation system with real-time traffic updates, HD radio, MP3 connectivity, and a hard drive that can store 4 gigabytes of digital music files. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is the first vehicle wholly designed and built by this German automaker’s performance arm. This two-passenger coupe uses a pair of “gullwing” doors, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz coupes of the 1950s. The sole powertrain teams a 563-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, side airbags, curtain side airbags, and driver and passenger knee airbags. Among the standard features are keyless access and engine start, leather upholstery, voice-activated navigation system, and hard drive for storing digital-music files.

Optional features include a performance suspension, carbon-ceramic disc brakes, carbon-fiber interior trim, and uplevel Bang & Olufsen audio system. We have not yet tested the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

The 2011 CL-Class further enforces its position as an automotive masterwork and a technology platform with the most advanced assistance and protection systems. These highly perceptive assistants convert the coupe into a ‘thinking’ partner that can see, feel and react instantly if it detects a hazard, acting autonomously to prevent accidents or to mitigate their effects. The trailblazing driver assistance systems in the CL-Class are based on state-of-the-art radar, camera and sensor technology.

Active Lane Keeping Assist is a new safety feature making its debut on the CL-Class as part of the optional Driver Assistance Package. If the vehicle threatens to cross a continuous lane marking line, the system actuates an electric motor in the steering wheel, causing it to vibrate briefly – giving the driver a discreet but effective warning hint to countersteer immediately. The active system springs into action if the Mercedes coupe unintentionally crosses a continuous lane marking line to the right or to the left. In this case, the car intervenes by gently braking the wheels on the opposite side of the car, helping the driver to stay in the lane. Active Lane Keeping Assist is built upon the existing ESP® Electronic Stability Program.

Active Lane-Keeping Assist evaluates information provided by a camera mounted on the inside of the windshield. It identifies the contrast between the road surface and the lane markings. In addition, the optional radar system scans the side of the roadway for dividers and other roadway edge markings. The system also evaluates the driver’s actions and can reliably determine whether the car is departing from the lane intentionally or not. For instance, there is no warning if the driver accelerates hard just before passing or when accelerating onto a highway, or if he brakes hard or steers into a curve.

The Adaptive High Beam Assist system is now offered as standard equipment on the CL-Class. This camera-based system can recognize oncoming vehicles or vehicles ahead with their lights on, and then softly transitions from high-beam to low beam to create the best possible lighting conditions without dazzling other drivers. In addition, Mercedes-Benz offers the optional Night View Assist PLUS system for the CL-Class, featuring a special infra-red camera for pedestrian detection: pedestrians are now specifically highlighted in the display, to help alert the drivers in low light conditions.

On European models, the images supplied by the windshield-mounted camera are also used by the new, optional Speed Limit Assist (not available in the U.S.), which recognizes speed limit signs in passing and shows the relevant speed limit in the central display and on the navigation system’s map display. For the new-generation CL-Class, Mercedes-Benz has also improved the long and medium-range radar used by Brake Assist (BAS PLUS) and DISTRONIC PLUS proximity cruise control.

Another innovation Mercedes-Benz offers for the CL-Class is Active Blind Spot Assist, a system that makes use of a multi-stage warning concept. If the system detects that a lane change would be too dangerous, it warns the driver by displaying a red triangle in the glass of the exterior mirror. Close-range radar sensors monitor the area immediately to the side and to the rear of the car. If the driver disregards this warning and, for example, uses the turn indicator, an audible warning also sounds. If the driver continues to ignore the warnings and comes dangerously close to a vehicle in the neighboring lane, the system acts: a corrective braking intervention via ESP® is applied to the wheels of the opposite side of the vehicle. This causes a yaw movement about the car’s vertical axis due to the unequal distribution of the braking forces. If an accident still cannot be avoided, the active Blind Spot Assist system can reduce the consequences of a collision through the brake actuation.

Mercedes-Benz offers another radar based system for the luxury coupé as a component of the Driver Assistance Package: PRE-SAFE® Brake with automatic emergency braking. If the driver is distracted and fails to recognize the imminent danger of a rear-end collision or the warning signal of an assistance system, PRE-SAFE Brake can intervene and autonomously apply partial braking. If the driver fails to react even after automatic, partial braking action, this new version of PRE-SAFE® Brake activates maximum braking pressure around 0.6 seconds before an unavoidable collision – this emergency braking action can significantly mitigate the severity of the impact. The PRE-SAFE Brake thus acts as a kind of ‘electronic crumple zone’.

The CL-Class also meets the highest standards in terms of driving dynamics and agility. This is in part thanks to Direct-Steer, which can vary the steering ratio based on the steering angle, and modified Active Body Control (ABC) with crosswind stabilization (standard on the CL600, CL63 and CL65 AMG). This latest stage in active body development modifies the wheel load distribution via the ABC spring struts within milliseconds (depending on crosswind direction and intensity) to help compensate for crosswind forces.

The Active Body Control suspension system – which ushered in new dimensions of driving dynamics in the preceding CL-Class in 1999 – is unique worldwide as it not only regulates roll, but pitching and squatting movements as well, ensuring a perfect harmony of comfort and handling stability. Since the introduction of this innovative system, engineers in Sindelfingen have continuously refined it, so that eleven years later it still marks the pinnacle of automotive engineering. In addition to crosswind stabilization, the new suspension features an energy-optimized hydraulic pump that takes part of the burden off the engine, contributing towards reducing fuel consumption.

Additional safety and agility during spirited driving is provided by the standard Torque Vectoring Brake in the new CL-Class – targeted, one-sided braking intervention at the inside rear wheel when cornering. This enables the luxury coupe to turn into the bend under precise control with even greater agility.

The R-Class is offered with a choice of two fuel-efficient engines. The R350 4MATIC delivers 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, yet achieves an estimated 14/19 mpg (city/hwy), while the R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC is one of the world’s cleanest diesel vehicles. The V6 turbodiesel engine generates an output of 210 hp (155 kW) and an impressive torque of 400 lb-ft. Equipped with the highly-effective AdBlue© exhaust treatment system for low emissions, the diesel engine achieves an estimated 18/24 mpg (city/hwy).

The redesigned R-Class features an assertive new design, further emphasizing the unique personality of this multi-talented vehicle. Designers focused their attention on completely restyling the front end, giving the R-Class a look that is both harmonious and powerfully dynamic. In addition to the hood, fenders, radiator grille, front fascia, headlamps and bumpers — with chrome simulated underguards — have all been completely redesigned. The face of the R-Class can be further enhanced with chrome trim incorporating optional LED daytime running lights in combination with bi-xenon headlamps.

Viewed from the side, the R-Class sets itself apart from conventional crossovers with the coupe-like line of its windshield and its distinctive, redesigned exterior mirrors and wheels. U.S. models feature standard 5-spoke, 19-inch wheels, with a 20-inch rim available on the R350 4MATIC as part of the Sport package. International market versions offer 5-spoke, twin 5-spoke and 10-spoke designs ranging from 17 to 21 inches (43.2 to 53.3 cm). The front-end design language continues through to the rear of the R-Class, with a restyled rear bumper with reflectors, standard LED rear taillights and integrated exhaust pipes.

Even in its base versions, the R-Class offers a wide range of personalization options. All models come fitted as standard with a vast array of details that make both longdistance travel and short city runs safe and comfortable. These include the unique PRE-SAFE® predictive occupant protection system, a comprehensive restraint system with eight airbags, NECK-PRO active head restraints, a tire pressure monitor and adaptive brake lights (not available in U.S.). Safety is further enhanced by powerful and user-friendly telematics systems like Audio 20, Audio 50 APS and COMAND APS.

U.S. models feature standard in-dash 6-disc DVD/CD changer with optional COMAND hard-drive navigation and harmon/kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound, as well as standard Bluetooth connectivity and available mbrace telematics. U.S. models features standard dual-zone climate control, while international market versions offer THERMATIC automatic climate control equipped with a combination filter for the further reduction of exterior air pollutants flowing into the cabin. The optional THERMOTRONIC (not available in U.S.) with its separate rear seat climate control optimizes interior air quality. The spacious glove box now comes with an AUXin jack for external audio and entertainment devices. Connectivity is further expanded by an optional media interface (UCI).

Alongside the extensive standard equipment, the R-Class also offers a vast range of assistance systems that define the highest level of comfort and safety and underscore the leading position held by the R-Class in this segment of the market. They include DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, AIRMATIC air suspension with ADS adaptive damping, which are both available as special-order options in the U.S., or the optional Blind Spot Assist that can make lane changes significantly safer. State-of-the-art voice activation makes using the telematics system even more straightforward, while a rear view camera enables fast and easy parking or maneuvering in tight conditions. As soon as the driver shifts into ‘R’, the camera image is displayed on the highresolution COMAND APS monitor. Rear seat passengers can enjoy their own entertainment program on board with the rear seat entertainment system. For increased comfort during the winter months, the second seat row can also be fitted with seat heating (special-order option in U.S.).

The high-class interior – which seems even more spacious when fitted with the optional Panorama glass sunroof – makes use of new materials and color combinations to enhance the high-class appeal and quality of this luxury crossover. Upholstery offerings include black, almond beige or ash in both MB-Tex or optional leather. The seats feature a new transverse and linear piping design. The interior also features standard burl walnut trim. The cockpit impresses with its newly designed instrument cluster. The dials and needles have a white background, and are even easier to read thanks to a threedimensional effect.

All R-Class models have numerous standard features which help make long journeys as well as short trips around town even safer and more relaxed. These features include the unique anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, a complete restraint system with eight airbags, crash-responsive NECK-PRO front head restraints, and a tire pressure loss warning system. New for 2011, the optional Blind Spot Assist makes lane changes significantly safer by monitoring the sides of the vehicle and alerting the driver with visual and audible warnings whenever they signal a lane change with another vehicle alongside. Safety is also enhanced by the sophisticated telematics system ‘mbrace’, the COMAND system with an extremely user-friendly interface, as well as the raised seating position. This gives the driver a good view of the traffic conditions, enabling him or her to recognize potential dangers more quickly and easily.

The V6 gasoline engine gives the R350 4MATIC a high level of drive comfort together with effortless power delivery and a moderate fuel consumption. The 3.5- liter V6 gasoline engine of the all-wheel drive R350 4MATIC develops 268 hp and a maximum torque of 258 lb-ft, producing fuel economy figures of 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.