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The new 
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the new SLC and the enhanced SL are available to order now in South Africa, with deliveries commencing in June, according to a statement obtained by AUTO REPORT AFRICA.
As the world’s most forward-looking production car, the new E-Class sets high standards, with pricing starting at R707,100 for the new E 200, to R759,100 for the E 220 d.
To coincide with its 20-year anniversary, the SLK compact roadster is to be relaunched with a new name – the SLC – as well as significantly optimised technology and an enhanced look.
Prices now start at R680 600 for the new SLC 200 model with an output of 135 kW.
As for the SL, more powerful engines, the automatic transmission 9G-TRONIC, DYNAMIC SELECT with five transmission modes and Active Body Control with the curve tilting function all take the SL sports-car legend to a new dynamic level. The entry-level SL model is the SL 400 with an output of 270 kW (prices from R1,435,100).
The new E-Class: The most intelligent Business Class sedan
The new E-Class combines sensually pure design and an exclusive interior with innovations that make it the most intelligent saloon in the executive category. There are initially three engines available at market launch: the E 200 with a four-cylinder petrol engine developing 135 kW available from R707,100 and the E 220 d featuring an all-new four-cylinder diesel engine with an output of 143 kW, which has combined NEDC fuel consumption of 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 112 grams per kilometre – R759,100. The third variant is the powerful E 350 d with a V6 diesel engine developing 190 kW of power and a torque of 620 Nm – R946 300. All three models are equipped with the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission as standard.
Despite a significant increase in efficiency and output (143 kW) compared with 125 kW) and far lower fuel consumption (3.9 litres compared with 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres) with the automatic transmission, the basic price of the E 220 d is comparable with that of the previous E 220 BlueTEC.
The E-Class Sedan comes with an extensive array of standard equipment, including the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission, Active Brake Assist, the PRE-SAFE® system with PRE-SAFE® Sound, THERMATIC automatic climate control, DYNAMIC SELECT with five selectable transmission modes, the Audio 20 USB infotainment system and electrically adjustable front seats. Exterior and interior individualisation is possible by ordering the AVANTGARDE, EXCLUSIVE or AMG Line design and equipment package.
The new E-Class marks the premiere of numerous technical innovations, including:
- High-resolution MULTIBEAM LED headlamps (R24,500). These headlamps, each with 84 individually activated high-performance LEDs, automatically illuminate the road surface with a hitherto unsurpassed, precision-controlled distribution of exceptionally bright light – without dazzling other road users.
- AIR BODY CONTROL (R29,000). With this multi-chamber air suspension – a first in this segment – the occupants enjoy soft base suspension, and the secure feeling of good handling stability as the speed increases.
- Driving Assistance package (R32,500). Components of this package include the DRIVE PILOT comprising Steering Pilot with Active Lane-change Assistant, extended tolerance levels for the hands-off warning and active emergency-stop assist, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC with extended automatic restart in traffic jams and Speed Limit Pilot, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function and a function for initiating autonomous emergency braking at the tail end of traffic jams, plus Evasive Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE®
- Driving Assistance package Plus (R41,000). In addition to the components of the Driving Assistance package, this package includes PRE-SAFE®impulse side. If a lateral collision has been detected and is imminent, this system moves the driver or front passenger away from the danger zone in a sideways direction by way of precaution.
The interior combines emotion and intelligence. Optional highlights for the new E-Class include a wide-screen cockpit with individually configurable double display (R14,500) and the sophisticated COMAND Online multimedia system (R27,900).
SLC: new name, new dynamic
To coincide with its 20-year anniversary, the SLK compact roadster is to be relaunched in April 2016 with a new name – the SLC – as well as significantly optimised technology and an enhanced look.
Prices now start at R680 600 for the new SLC 200 entry-level model with an output of 135 kW. Top of the range is the sporty range-topping Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 (available from R988,000) with 270 kW of power and 520 Nm of torque.
As part of the facelift, the Mercedes-Benz designers have further honed the cult roadster’s sporty look. The new front section, where the steeply raked radiator grille elongates the appearance of the arrow-shaped bonnet, is particularly striking. All SLC models feature a diamond radiator grille as standard. The extensive array of standard equipment includes Active Brake Assist (previously known as COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS), ATTENTION ASSIST, panoramic vario-roof, multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather, Audio 20 CD, air conditioning and LED tail lamps.
With DYNAMIC SELECT the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted instantly at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the engine, transmission, steering and suspension (the latter in conjunction with the Dynamic Handling package) at the driver’s behest. DYNAMIC SELECT is a standard feature in the SLC 300 and in the SLC 200 with 9G-TRONIC, transmission mode selection is available as an option.
For optimum visibility on country roads and motorways, when cornering and on bends, the LED Intelligent Light System (R20 000) automatically adapts to all light and driving conditions. Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus (in conjunction with the LED Intelligent Light System), allows main beam to remain switched on without dazzling other road users.
A feature that continues to be unique to the SLC is the panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL (R28 000) – this glass roof is lightened or darkened at the touch of a button. Operating the electrohydraulic roof is now even more straightforward. If when opening or closing the roof the vehicle has to move off due to the traffic conditions, the process which was started when at a standstill can be continued up to a speed of approx. 40 km/h. Another new feature is the automatic boot separator (in conjunction with the optional vario-roof convenience feature or optional KEYLESS-GO): if the separator is in the upper position for increased boot capacity, it automatically moves down when the roof is opened.
Driving Performance is the AMG brand promise – and the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 lives up to it in impressive style. The new model combines a 270 kW, 520 Nm, 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine with a modified version of the AMG sports suspension familiar from the SLK 55. Furthermore, the SLC 43 comes with the option of AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with adaptive damping adjustment (R17,900).
SL: The legend is now even more dynamic
The Mercedes-Benz SL is the top performer in a wide variety of disciplines: an elegant roadster for relaxed, comfortable cruising or a dynamic coupé for sporty trips on winding roads. More powerful engines, the automatic transmission 9G-TRONIC, DYNAMIC SELECT with five transmission modes and Active Body Control with the curve tilting function will take the legend to a new dynamic level (from quarter three 2016).
Everyday practicality has been enhanced. The soft-top opening or closing started when the car moves off can now be completed at a speed of up to 40 km/h. Additional convenience is provided courtesy of the automatic boot separator. Visually the front end in particular has been made significantly sportier. As a result the bonnet, bumper and headlamps, among other features, are all new.
The model line-up comprises the SL 400 with V6 engine uprated to 270 kW and 500 Nm available from R1 435 100 and the SL 500 with a powerful V8 engine developing 335 kW, priced at R1,767,900.
As standard the power transfer is handled by the new 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission. With DYNAMIC SELECT, likewise available as standard, the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted in seconds at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the setup of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering at the driver’s behest.
In combination with the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension (R51 500 – standard in the SL 63 and SL 65) the SL for the first time features a curve tilting function, which tangibly reduces the lateral acceleration acting on the occupants. The tilting function can be adjusted using DYNAMIC SELECT (“Curve”) – up to max. 2.65 degrees in the speed range from 15 to 180 km/h.
As standard the Roadster features Active Brake Assist. The Driving Assistance package Plus (R36 500 – standard in the SL 63 and SL 65) with stereo camera and a range of new or improved functions is available as an optional extra. These functions include Distance Pilot DISTRONIC with Steering Pilot, Active Brake Assistant with cross-traffic function, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE®PLUS. For optimum visibility on country roads and motorways, when cornering and on bends, the standard-fit LED Intelligent Light System automatically adapts to all light and driving conditions.
Mercedes-AMG is enhancing its SL 63 and SL 65 high-performance Roadsters with updated technology and expressive design. The 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine on board the SL 63 generates an output of 430 kW and peak torque of 900 Nm. The SL 65 is powered by a 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine rated at 463 kW and delivers a peak torque of 1000 Nm.
Technical highlights include the sports suspension based on Active Body Control, the rear-axle differential lock which now features as standard, the even more responsive AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission (SL 63), the five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes and the new electro-mechanical speed-sensitive steering.
Mercedes-AMG remains faithful to the Active Body Control (ABC) active spring and damper system. At the touch of a button, the optional Performance suspension (only available for the SL 63, for R39 000) offers an emphatically sporty characteristic with reduced roll angles and taut body damping (“Sport”) or a more comfort-oriented set-up for a high level of comfort on longer journeys (“Comfort”).
