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Mercedes-Benz Overview Mercedes redesigns its smallest sedan for 2001 and tries to foster a sportier image by expanding its lineup of performance-oriented AMG models with a potent 5.5-liter V-8 engine. AMG is Mercedess in-house customizer and performance specialist, and these sporty models compete with BMWs M models.

With aging baby boomers in their peak earning years, the luxury market continues to grow, and Mercedes is scrapping with Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Jaguar, Lexus and others to attract these affluent customers.

One of this years new lures from Mercedes is InfoServices, which provides custom news, stock quotes, sports scores, weather and other services via a wireless Internet connection. InfoServices is optional on models with COMAND, Cockpit Management and Data, which includes a satellite-based navigation system and voice commands for the sound system and wireless phone.

C-Class

A new C-Class sedan rolls into the United States this fall with two new engines, evolutionary styling changes and a roomier interior. The C-Class is Mercedess smallest sedan, and it comes in C240 and C320 models for the 2001 model year. The engines are a new 168-horsepower 2.6-liter V-6, which comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission and optional five-speed automatic, and a 3.2-liter V-6 that comes only with the automatic. The 215-hp 3.2-liter engine is used in other Mercedes models but is new to the C-Class.

New safety features include curtain-type airbags that deploy from above the side windows to protect the heads of occupants, door-mounted rear side airbags and dual-stage front airbags. Side-impact airbags for the front seats are a carryover standard feature. Mercedess COMAND system is a new option; it operates a satellite-based navigation system, the sound system and wireless phone through voice commands, buttons on the steering wheel or controls around a dashboard display screen.

CL-Class

Two new engines spawn two additional models for the CL-Class: the CL600 with a 362-hp 6.0-liter V-12 engine and the CL55 AMG, a high-performance model powered by a 5.5-liter V-8 with 349 hp. The current generation of the CL coupe debuted in 2000 as the CL500, which continues with a 5.0-liter V-8 engine.

The CL600 gets unique Nappa leather upholstery and burl walnut or chestnut interior trim. The CL55 AMG gets aerodynamic exterior trim, a firmer suspension, and 18-inch wheels and tires.

Rear side airbags that protect the torso are a new standard feature on all models. Side airbags for the front seats and curtain-type airbags were already standard. Distronic Intelligent Cruise Control is a new option. The radar-based cruise control adjusts speed to maintain a pre-set distance from the vehicle directly ahead.

The CL500 was Mercedess first model to get Active Body Control, an active suspension system with electronic controls that continuously adjust suspension firmness to eliminate body roll and pitch during cornering, acceleration and braking.

CLK-Class

The CLK comes as a coupe and convertible based on the previous C-Class sedan and not on the new model that debuts this fall, but it wears more curvaceous styling. A high-performance coupe joins the lineup as the CLK55 AMG with aerodynamic exterior trim, a sport suspension, larger brakes, 17-inch wheels and tires, and a 5.5-liter V-8 engine. The V-8, also used in Mercedes’ other AMG models, generates 342 hp.

Returning models are the CLK320 with a 3.2-liter V-6 engine and the CLK430 with a 4.3-liter V-8. Convertibles have a power-operated top with a glass rear window and a defogger.

M-Class

This U.S.-built sport utility vehicle gains dual-stage front airbags, the TeleAid emergency communication system and an enhanced traction control system for 2001. The new front airbags deploy with lower force in low-speed collisions and with maximum force at higher-speed impacts. All M-Class models also come with side airbags for the front and rear seats.

All models have permanently engaged four-wheel drive, and the standard traction control feature now works when the vehicle is going downhill, as well as uphill and during acceleration. TeleAid operates on its own cellular system to summon emergency help (automatically if an airbag deploys), call Mercedess roadside assistance center or track a stolen vehicle. TeleAid debuted on other Mercedes models last year.

Three models return: the ML320, ML430 and ML55, which use a 3.2-liter V-6 engine with 215 hp, a 4.3-liter V-8 with 268 hp and a 5.5-liter V-8 with 342 hp, respectively.

S-Class

New S600 and S55 AMG models expand the S-Class offerings from two to four. Mercedess largest, most expensive sedan was redesigned last year to a smaller, lighter configuration and came as the S430 with a 4.3-liter V-8 engine and the S500 with a 5.0-liter V-8. The new S600 has a 6.0-liter V-12 engine with 362 hp, and the S55 AMG uses a 5.5-liter V-8 that generates 349 hp. While the S600 is the ultimate luxury sedan, the S55 AMG is equipped for high-speed travel with a sport suspension, larger tires and racy aerodynamic body trim.

Both the S600 and the S55 AMG have standard Active Body Control, an active suspension system with electronic controls that continuously adjust suspension firmness to eliminate body roll and pitch during cornering, acceleration and braking. Distronic Intelligent Cruise Control is a new option for all models. It adjusts the cars speed to maintain a pre-set distance from the vehicle directly ahead.

SLK-Class

A V-6 engine and a face-lift that arrived in the spring gave the two-seat SLK roadster a head start on the 2001 model year. The SLK320, using a 215-hp 3.2-liter V-6, joins the SLK230, which has a supercharged four-cylinder engine. The Electronic Stability Program, a lateral-skid control system, is a new standard item on both this year.

Appearance changes include new front and rear aprons, sculpted rocker panels and body-color door handles. The SLK320 also has five-spoke alloy wheels and a larger front air dam.

The SLK arrived for 1998 as the first modern car with a retractable hardtop. An interior switch raises or lowers the articulating top in less than 25 seconds. It stores in the dual-hinged trunk, which opens at the front to accept the roof and at the rear to accept cargo.

E-Class

Mercedess most popular model line in North America sees little change for 2001 after getting a face-lift last year. The E-Class returns as a four-door sedan and a station wagon, both available with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The E-Class sedan splits the difference in size and price between the bottom-rung C-Class sedan and top-shelf S-Class sedan.

Three engines are offered: E320 models use a 3.2-liter V-6 with 221 hp, E430 models get a 4.3-liter V-8 with 275 hp and the E55 AMG—a high-performance, limited-production version of the E-Class sedan, has a 5.5-liter V-8 with 349 hp. All models come with a five-speed automatic transmission.

SL-Class

Aerodynamic exterior enhancements and new wheels designed by AMG, Mercedess in-house hot-rodder, are the main news for the SL roadster, which is due for a redesign in 2002. The current model was introduced in model year 1990.

The SL has a standard power convertible top that releases from the windshield at the push of a button and folds into a storage well at the rear, where it is automatically covered by a hard tonneau. A removable hardtop is optional. A roll bar mounted behind the seats deploys when sensors detect an impending rollover.

Two models are available: The SL500 has a 302-hp V-8 engine, and the SL600 gets a 389-hp V-12; both team with a five-speed automatic transmission.

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