In an uncertain economic climate, it might surprise some that one star of the Australian luxury car market, is expanding its dealerships in Sydney.  Recognising the demand from its valued Mercedes Sydney North Shore clients, the outstanding Mercedes-Benz Hornsby Northside Star dealership in Hornsby was opened in April 2009.

“April saw the addition of Northside Star to the network, a new authorised Mercedes-Benz dealership to serve Sydney’s north.” said President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific, Mr Wolfgang D. Schrempp recently.

“It’s abundantly evident that we don’t just seek to build the best cars in the world; we also seek to set the standard when it comes to the ultimate customer experience,” he said.  “Even in these challenging economic times, we see it as a priority to provide only the best for our customers.”

The opening of the Mercedes Benz Hornsby dealership is symbol of the increasing presence of Mercedes-Benz in Sydney, NSW, and in Australia. In the previous two years, Mercedes-Benz and its dealer network in NSW have invested in excess of $58 million dollars in retail facility developments.

The company reports that Mercedes-Benz sales continue to grow, with 1,437 new SUVs and passenger cars and sold in May 2009 - an increase of ten percent compared to the same month last year.  This is a very impressive result when the fact that the Australian new vehicle market fell almost 15 percent in that month alone.

Mercedes are confident that the positive sales trend for Mercedes-Benz will continue with the August arrival of the highly anticipated all-new E-Class saloon and coupé.

Relationships

From a client’s perspective, having a Mercedes-Benz showroom near where they live or work is just plain convenient.  Being able to develop a relationship between client and dealer is understandably important.  For many the purchase of their Mercedes luxury vehicle or van is the second biggest purchase they will ever make.

It’s great to know that your dealership is a member of your community, supporting it and being on hand if you have any questions.  Sometimes it’s the simplest things that can be the most confounding, so having your Mercedes-Benz showroom nearby, will mean you can get expert help without hanging on the end of the telephone. 

Having the ability to access Mercedes Benz Hornsby service also gives you access to browse the showroom while you are there, seeing what new and exciting vehicles have come onto the market.  For the quick service appointments, this is a great time to compare models, chat to sales staff and monitor the release of new models.

The newest showroom Mercedes-Benz Hornsby – Northside Star, is ready to welcome you.

Mercedes Benz Cars’ high-performance Mercedes AMG line has built a limited edition of its highly successful C 63 compact sports car to be exclusively released in Australia.This special edition of the C63 AMG is an enhanced version of the one that debuted in 2008 on the Bathurst racing circuit. 

The Australian market responded enthusiastically to the Mercedes C 63, driving sales well beyond expectations.

In response to the unprecedented demand for the C 63 AMG, its makers decided to release a very limited number of the Mercedes C 63 AMG units exclusively for Australians: the Mercedes C63 AMG Edition 63.

Powertrain

Edition 63 is powered by the award-winning 6.3-litre V8 engine with an output of 336kW and a maximum torque of 600 Nm.  It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.A seven-speed AMG Speedshift 7G-TRONIC gearbox transmits power.

Handling

Driving the Edition 63 is characterized by a ‘race car’ feel, owing to its three-link front suspension which was specially designed for AMG’s C-class range.  Its multi-link rear suspension system ensures a comfortable ride.

Industrial themed exterior

Edition 63 is available in three exclusive designo colours:

* designo Platinum Black (high gloss),
* designo Mystic White (high gloss) and
* designo magno Allanite Grey (matte)

The finish in Allanite Grey gives a unique sports car look to the Edition 63 series. 

When you buy the estate version you can also expect the Edition 63 to be fitted with dark tinted privacy glass.  Unlike the C 63 AMG, Edition 63 sports a stunning DTM-style 19-inch alloy wheels.  Its multi-space wheels are painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and come with matching high-performance tires.

Interior

Inside the Edition 63, its seats are upholstered in soft leather and appear in either of two sophisticated colours:  designo sand and designo classic red.The interior appearance is pulled together black leather and the chosen upholstery colour. 

Blue lights illuminate the door sills as you enter the front seats.  AMG Performance Studio completes the interior of the Edition 63 with AMG floor mats and the AMG crest engraved on top of the gearshift lever.

Comfort features

All Edition 63 models utilise the KEYLESS-GO automatic drive authorisation system while the estate variant comes with the EASY-PACK push-button automatic tailgate.

Mercedes-Benz Cars announced that the Mercedes C 63 AMG Edition 63 is scheduled to hit the Australian market in November this year with only 63 units available.
Check the availability of the Mercedes-Benz  C63 AMG Edition 63 with Sydney’s north shore specialist dealership, Mercedes-Benz Hornsby – Northside Star.

Mercedes Benz Hornsby believes the E class is a standout in the midlevel luxury market – slightly larger inside and out, Mercedes E class sit noticeably lower to the ground, giving you a sporty feel, but with cabin room you would normally expect from a regular sized sedan.

Experience Your New Mercedes E Class
The best way to really appreciate everything that the Mercedes E Class coupe has to offer is to get behind the wheel and take it for a test drive. The 2 door extravagance sports coupes are equipped with 7 speed automatic transmission and standard panorama sunroof. Seeing is believing – and Mercedes-Benz Sydney showrooms are happy to oblige, particularly the newest and most impressive one Mercedes-Benz Hornsby, Northside Star.

Get the feeling that only a Mercedes-Benz E Class coupe can give. With the keys in your hands – your body trembles with anticipation, you’ll enter this glorious vehicle already standing taller with you head held high! You are held nice and snug in your 14 way power seat, wrapped in custom leather upholstery! You know you’re in for the ride of your life. As you reach out to grip the wheel – your hand brushes against the smoothness of the hand-polished wood accent interior… You close your eyes and take a moment to inhale deeply so as to experience the delight that new car smell gives.

Open your eyes, take a look around! Take a look at the E Class at Mercedes-Benz Hornsby to see for yourself the E Classes fully functional Panorama Sunroof with power sunshade. The leather wrapped interior and fully retractable side windows are special inclusions in this luxury vehicle. Start the ignition, and listen – the 382 horsepower, 5.Because the Mercedes Benz E Class 5 litre V8 engine is so quite, you'll need to listen up to ensure you've actually started the car. You soon know you’re ready to ride, once you feel the soft vibration of the engine – almost murmuring for you to plant your foot to experience the full potential.

Once your senses are attuned, its time to take the drive out of the Mercedes Benz Hornsby showroom. You are rewarded with dynamic handling suspension, and agility control – features to which you will naturally become accustomed every day that you own this beautiful vehicle.

Setting the pace in safety and performance, the E Class Mercedes coupe is a responsive ride - so smooth – it’s effortless to drive.  Why not feel it for yourself at Mercedes Benz Hornsby?

Mercedes-Benz has set itself a goal of reinventing the motor car, and we Australians are reaping the rewards of their commitment to this goal.  Each year we see innovative technologies and new design features in Mercedes luxury vehicles – ones that drivers and critics are quick to embrace. Mercedes-Benz Sydney drivers have demonstrated that they are early adopters of these new technologies.

Setting The Standard in Safety
It’s widely known that Mercedes-Benz invented both the crumble zone and the airbag.  These alone set Mercedes at the forefront of developing safety standards.However, as well, Mercedes also invented ABS, ESP® and BAS and continues its safety innovation to today.

Night View
At night, its often only at the last minute that obstacles are seen on unlit roads, and Australian wildlife can be a real hazard. Night View Assist, developed by Mercedes Benz, is an infrared camera that displays a clear image of the road ahead on the instrument cluster.

It is well positioned in the driver’s optimum field of vision (where the speedometer is when Night View Assist is not operating) , and when activated the driver can see the road ahead just like having high-beam on, but without dazzling oncoming drivers.

The black and white image shows both “warm” objects such as people and animals, and “cold” obstructions like debris, giving you time to react accordingly. A great safety advantage when driving at night!

Comfort Is A Priority
Mercedes-Benz Hornsby drivers love their comfortable ride and they accept nothing less from Mercedes.They understand that Mercedes-Benz is a world leader in the development of comfort technology.

Linguatronic
There is no doubt that speech recognition is the way of the future – and Mercedes’ Linguatronic System has everything tuned in to one command: the driver’s.As well as catering to your comfort, having the ability to keep both hands on the wheel when making these adjustments is also a safety feature.

The latest Linguatronic generation has expanded features, e.g. the contacts stored in your phone are recognised; operating the navigation system and radio are easier.  The navigation system has been optimised to the extent that now place and street names are activated using whole-word recognition.

Mercedes-Benz comfort and safety advancements keep it top of mind when people decide to purchase a Mercedes luxury vehicle. The astute Mercedes Benz Hornsby buyers are no exception.

Mercedes Benz Cars released the E-Class BlueEFFICIENCY models in Australia in July this year, starting with the V6 and V8 powered engines.  It recently added turbo-charged petrol and diesel four-cylinder and turbo-diesel V6 engine variants to the list of BlueEFFICIENCY models. 

The energy efficiency of the Mercedes- Benz E-Class BlueEFFICIENCY line earned it the prestigious Design for Environmental Certificate issued by the TUV-Rheinland group. For the Mercedes luxury vehicle market, this was fantastic news.

So what exactly is BlueEFFICIENCY?
Blue Efficiency incorporates different fuel saving technologies throughout the engineering and design of the Mercedes Benz E-Class line. The engine is optimised for reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions. 

The petrol gas variant is fuel efficient at 7.6 litres/100km with average carbon dioxide emissions of 179g/km.   Improvements such as weight reduction and optimized lower-displacement engines also contribute to energy efficiency. 

While the lower displacement engines have been modified to provide less friction, these machines still possess the same or increased power and torque output.

Next time you drop in to Mercedes Benz service Hornsby, ask for some details.

Aerodynamics
With improved aerodyamics, the E-Class has a low drag coefficient of 0.24 for the E-Class coupe and 0.25 for the E-Class sedan.  The BlueEFFICIENCY models exhibit the creators of Mercedes-Benz luxury vehicles attention to detail with innovations like the underbody panelling and partially covered grille – all of which  dramatically improve the aerodynamics of the E-Class.  Other energy efficient modifications to the E-Class line include reduced windscreen thickness, removal of acoustic damping materials and lighter alloy wheels.For improved fuel economy, its specially designed tyres provide less friction on the road and less rolling resistance.

Powertrain
The Mercedes E250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY petrol model has a rated output of 150kW (204hp) and a maximum torque of 310 Nm.Powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder Otto-cycle engine with direct petrol  injection.  The diesel variants E220 CDI and E250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, are even stronger, more fuel efficient and emit less carbon than the petrol model.

Transmission
The four-cylinder BlueEFFICIENCY E-Class models come with the standard 5-speed automatic transmission, with two modes of driving to choose from:  economical and sporty. 

Safety
All E-Class variants provide comprehensive safety features such as  5 crash-responsive Neck Pro head restraints in front and rear seats, ABS, BAS, belt tensioners with two-stage belt force limiters for driver and front passenger seats, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with acceleration skid control, front and side air bags for driver and front passenger,  window bags for outer seats and knee bag for the driver.

Your fuel efficient Mercedes-Benz E-Class may be dressed further by choosing the AMG Performance Studio options for the exterior and interior.  Other optional enhancements include the television, vision, comfort, sun protection, KEYLESS-GO, and exclusive packages.

Mercedes-Benz Hornsby clients can see the E-Class at Northstar Star, Mercedes-Benz brightest new star on Sydney’s north shore.

Mercedes-Benz is in the forefront of incorporating greener technology in the history of sports cars. Its high-performance Mercedes-AMG line now has an eco-friendly version of the super sports car, the Mercedes Benz AC/DC SLS AMG. 

Viewed as the first of its kind in the high-performance segment, the SLS AMG has an electric drive system for those who are environmentally conscious.   This super sports car is still a scene stealer with its stunning exterior design, extensive lightweight construction, outstanding handling and exemplary safety features.

Electric drive system
The SLS AMG runs using four electric motors with a combined peak output of 392 kW and a maximum torque of 880 Nm, enough to give the SLS AMG its characteristic powerful forwards thrust.Installed near the wheels, these four electric motors give balanced weight distribution. 

Battery technology
The electric all-wheel drive system relies on a liquid-cooled 400-volt lithium-ion battery with an energy content of 48 kWh and a capacity of 40 Ah.  The battery technology which was developed by the strategic partnership of Mercedes Benz Cars’ manufacturer Daimler AG and Evonik Industries AG, is charged by means of targeted recuperation during braking as the car is being driven. 

The modules for the high-voltage battery are located in the centre tunnel and behind the seats, in front of the firewall. 

Acceleration rate
The SLS AMG takes just 4 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h, outing it on apar with the performance of the classic SLS AMG 6.3 litre V8 engine (which boasts an acceleration rate of 3.8 seconds). This demonstrates without question the commitment of Mercedes-AMG GmBH to deliver the same performance that the classic AMG sports cars are known, even with the eco friendly drive.

Optimum handling
The successful combination of the high-performance emission free technology is the result of meticulous planning and engineering to give the Mercedes SLS AMG electric car a balanced weight distribution and a low centre of gravity – and two reasons why it has superb handling.

The new SLS AMG is a swing-wing model with an aluminum space frame body shell.  It has maintained its stunning looks, excellent level of passenger safety and high degree of long distance comfort making it the ultimate electric super sports car.Its electric SLS AMG means that you can be eco friendly AND fast.

The SLS AMG is expected to appear in Mercedes-Benz Sydney showrooms in mid 2010, so when you book your Mercedes Benz service Hornsby, ask if there’s has arrived yet.

Australia’s love affair with the Mercedes luxury vehicle goes back decades, but it was in 2007 with  the prestigious “Car of Year Award” that its features were really celebrated. Mercedes-Benz Sydney clients especially had already embraced the standard-setting C-Class, but once it was  named “Wheels Car of the Year 2007”, the whole motor-vehicle fraternity joined in the celebration.

In February 2008, the Wheels article said: “Yes, a Mercedes-Benz is Wheels Car of the Year 2007. Hitting the target of Australia’s most respected motoring award, the new C-Class is a well-engineered, comfortable sedan. The Mercedes’ performance is good to great (depending on which of engine options is selected), its fuel efficiency is outstanding throughout the range, its safety credentials are unimpeachable and its dynamics truly brilliant. So the C-Class is a car that deserves both great respect and our coveted trophy.”

Standard interior of the Mercedes C-Class Standard Saloon

The interior maintains the Mercedes classic feel, finished either in black or reef grey. Pano-lacquer trim elements are enhanced with superior-quality chrome details. The Mercedes C-Class standard is equipped with a leather steering wheel, and the seats are upholstered in black or reef grey ARTICO simulated leather.

The New C 63 AMG

The performance and specification data of the C 63 AMG speak volumes for this exceptional Mercedes luxury vehicle: 6.3-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine, top speed limited to250 km/h, 600 Nm of torque, 336 kW (457 hp), 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds (4.6 seconds for the Estate).

Those who test drive, then own, the fifth generation of the C 63 AMG are impressed with its perfect blend of impressive performance and design. The specially optimised three-stage ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) and the AMG high-performance brake system deliver a comfortable and safe drive.

The C 63 AMG is wholly Mercedes-Benz – superior handling, safety measures as standard, every day practicality, and long-distance comfort.

Dynamic Safety Systems

The new C-Class is equipped with safety systems that help you control critical situations, yet at the same time promote relaxed motoring.  Combatting poor visibility and preventing concentration lapses can prevent accidents before a collision takes place.

Intelligent Light System

Intelligent Light System is optional in the C-Class. Adapting to the respective driving situation, the low-beam headlamps are based on the bi-xenon headlamp system – with an automatic active light function.On motorways the range in increased, but on a country road the illuminator is wider.

This Mercedes luxury vehicle also has, as part of the Intelligent Light System, enhanced fog lamps and active light (allowing the headlamps to follow the movement of the steering wheel and the cornering light function, which provides enhanced lighting when turning.

These a just a few of the features that make Mercedes-Benz Sydney dealers so proud of the C-Class – a true Mercedes luxury vehicle.

Mercedes Benz luxury vehicles high-performance AMG line has come up with an E-Class model built especially for the Australian market and the Mercedes Benz Hornsby team is looking forward to its arrival.

The E63 AMG Sedan received a lot of attention from Australian buyers after it made its debut in the Frankfurt Motor Show. With the previous development of the limited Edition 63 of the C63 AMG model, it did not take long for the luxury car manufacturer to create a Mercedes E63 that met the particular requirements of the Australian market.

Power train
The new E63 AMG is fitted with a 6.3-litre V8 engine which produces a distinctive high-revving and race-like sound.The powerhouse engine has a maximum torque of 630 Nm, and a peak output of 386 kW.  It accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds and runs up to a top speed of 250km/h. 

The V8 engine is supported by the newly developed AMG ride control sports suspension with electronically controlled damping and a new front axle.  The E63 utilises the AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission with 4 driving modes which the transmission shifts automatically.

Fuel efficiency
The fuel consumption of the E63 has been significantly reduced to 12.6 litres per 100 km, almost 12% lower than the previous model. 

Exterior
Among other features, the Mercedes E63 AMG has 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels at widths of 9 and 9.5 inches. 

Interior
Inside the E63 are exclusive features that are made of high-grade materials and functional sportiness.  These include the AMG sports seats in high quality Nappa leather and AMG sports steering wheel in a four-spoke design with AMG shift paddles. 

It is also equipped with the AMG instrument cluster with an AMG main menu, door entry sills with AMG lettering and a sports pedal cluster brushed in stainless steel.

Additional features
To fit with the Australian lifestyle, the AMG has added convenient features to the Mercedes E63 such as the Reversing camera, Parking Guidance, Ventilated and heated luxury front seats, Active multi-contour backrest for driver and passenger, Panoramic support and Keyless GO mechanism in addition to the fully-loaded E-Class equipment list.

Safety features
Not to be ignored are the E63s active and passive safety features - reputed to be second to none. Some of these innovative features include the new drowsiness detection system called “Attention Assist”, the unique “Pre-Safe” occupant protection system, Brake Assist Plus, seven airbags, and crash responsive Neck Pro head restraint. Other unique safety features also include the Lane Keepig Assist and Blind Spot Assist systems, the Pre-safe brake and Adaptive Highbeam assist with intelligent lighting system.

The Australian E63 AMG is coming soon to Mercedes Benz Hornsby – Northside Star.