Last week, Mercedes-Benz teased everyone by slipping in photos of its newly refreshed G-Class in its GLK press photos. But now the real news is out, albeit not officially confirmed by the German automaker, that the G-Class will see a G63 and G65 model variant.

The current G-Class standard engines will be retained for the 2013 model year, which includes the naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 with 383 hp and the 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 208 hp. Apparently the diesel engine will make its first appearance on American soil with the 2013 model year.

The G55 however will be replaced by the G63, powered by AMG’s 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 536 hp. That’s good, but better still, the new top-of-the-line G65 AMG will feature the same 6.0-liter V12 engine seen in the SL65 AMG. That means we’ll be seeing G-Class models packing 621 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque.

The G65 AMG will be the first G-Class model to ever come with a V12 engine. AMG models will also feature more aggressive front-end designs and larger brakes. The new G-Class will also benefit from Mercedes-Benz’s new seven-speed 7G-tronic gearbox. Two wheelbase forms will continue to be available on the G-Class model; standard of 94.5 inches and a long wheelbase model of 112.2 inches.

[Source: The Passing Lane]

As we draw closer to the upcoming 2012 New York Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz continues promote its new 2013 GLK compact crossover.

Featuring multiple shots, the automaker highlights the GLK’s versatility, road manners and its ground clearance over a range of conditions. Interior shots reveal a luxurious, welcoming, and airy interior.

Competing against the likes of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz offers two engine choices for the GLK: an updated 3.5-liter V6 producing 302 hp for the GLK350 and a 190-hp turbo diesel 2.1-liter four-cylinder for the GLK250 BlueTEC. Both trims will be mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and both the GLK 250 Bluetec and GLK350 will be available in either rear-wheel-drive or 4Matic all-wheel-drive. To further improve efficiency, the GLK will use engine start-stop technology and inform the driver of its performance over time via the ECO display within the instrument cluster.

Look out for the official debut of the Mercedes-Benz GLK at the 2012 New York Auto Show and our other coverage on March 4. In the meantime, watch the promo trailer after the jump: Continue Reading…

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG is a powerful car, utilizing a V12 to make 738 lb. ft. of torque and 621 hp.

Mercedes released all the details on the SL 65 AMG before its 2012 New York Auto Show official debut, and now MB is letting us take a look at the new supercar in action.

Set to some epic music, the SL 65 AMG can be seen cruising through some steep mountainous roads and making easy work of some sharp curves. The exhaust note is tuned just right and the car looks stunning.

Check out the videos below of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG.

Continue Reading…

Offering the mighty 6.3-liter V8 AMG engine in almost every model in its current line-up, Mercedes-Benz is a master of creating powerful machines cloaked in rather inconspicuous exteriors.

A favorite for driving enthusiasts that enjoy the idea of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, Mercedes-Benz created its first sleeper sedan in 1985 when it developed the Mercedes Benz 500 E sports sedan in cooperation with Porsche.

In fact, the ultimate iteration of the mid-size W124 was hand-built to perfection over a span of 18 days each at Porsche’s Rossle-Bau plant in Zuffenhausen, Germany. Power comes from a specially tuned 5.0-liter V8 engine taken from the 500 SL roadster, delivering 322 hp and 354 lb-ft. of torque, propelling it from 0-60 in 5.5 seconds all the way to a top speed of 177 mph.

Seriously quick even by modern standards, the 500 E was known by many as the “Hammer” for its brute power and relentless delivery. Brabus decided to take it even further, enlarging the engine to become a 6.5-liter unit delivering 444 hp. Acceleration would take only 5.2 seconds to 60 mph but top speed remained the same.

Now more than 20 years old, a mint example is hard to find. Coincidentally, Brabus just so happens to be selling a virtually brand new “6.5″ right now. With only 157 miles on the odometer, this is likely the best preserved example of  the cult classic in the world. However, few details on the vehicle have been provided and in fact, even the model year and price have been omitted. To learn more about the car for sale, visit the Brabus website and shoot them an email or give them a call.

GALLERY: Brabus 6.5

This morning, we shared new images of the updated 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK compact luxury crossover due to unveil at the upcoming New York International Auto Show.

To the casual viewer, the photos were of the typical glossy PR variety. However, upon closer inspection you are able to spot an easter egg within the images– what can only be a refreshed 2013 model year Mercedes-Benz G-wagon.

Distinguishing features include a set of LED daytime running lights that run along the bottom of the headlights as well as a pair of redesigned exterior mirrors. Although it’s certainly possible that the 2013 G-Class will receive additional updates, we are unable to determine what the other styling tweaks may be from the image available.

We expect more details and information to surface as we draw closer to the upcoming 2012 New York Auto Show.

GALLERY: 2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

More details on the updated Mercedes-Benz GLK are appearing today before the car’s official debut at the upcoming New York Auto Show. The updated compact CUV sports a revised look, new engines and more.

American consumers can expect two engines powering the GLK: either an updated 3.5-liter V6 in the higher-end GLK350, or a 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel in the GLK250 BlueTEC. The gas-burning V6 makes 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque while the diesel offers 190 hp and a 369 lb-ft.

The vehicles will be available in either rear-wheel, or Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive and every GLK will have a seven-speed automatic transmission.

To improve fuel efficiency, the GLK will have engine start-stop and an ECO display in the instrument cluster that displays consumption in real time.

The updated GLK exterior has adapted the brand’s new look, including LED daytime running lights and maintains good off-roading features like short overhangs, upright front end, slender roof pillars, and a steep windscreen, though there probably aren’t many GLK owners who take their CUVs wheeling.

Additionally, Mercedes-Benz tells us that there will be an AMG styling package that adds 19-inch rims, or an alterative but stylish body package. Mercedes updated the interior as well with round vents and the new COMMAND Online infotainment system.

Take a look at the full gallery below, and be sure to check back for more information about the 2013 GLK.

Gallery: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK

A replica of a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL has been confiscated and destroyed by German officials after trying to clear customs. Daimler has always had a strong stance against copyright infringement, and this proves just how far the German automaker is willing to go.

“Anyone building, offering or selling replicas of the vehicle is in breach of the Company’s rights. This even applies if the replicas do not incorporate any logos or trademarks of the Company,” said Daimler AG.

The 300 SL is one of Mercedes-Benz’s most legendary models and Daimler AG has a trademark for its body shape.  According to Daimler, the body of the 300 SL has been copyright-protected for a number of decades now as a work of applied art.

The destruction process involved two presses that apply over 30 tons of pressure each, and once the fiberglass body was tossed in, it was “smashed into small pieces.”

GALLERY: Mercedes 300 SL Replica

Six years ago, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new GL Class crossover, a full-size vehicle designed specifically for the North American market, at the 2006 North American International Auto Show.

Enjoying quite a bit of commercial success, Mercedes-Benz now prepares to unveil a refreshed second-generation 2013 GL Class for the upcoming New York Auto Show.

Details are limited but the GL Class will use the revised ML Class platform and remains a 3-row, seven passenger vehicle. As with all succeeding models, the interior is expected to be roomier and more refined while the mechanicals will deliver better fuel economy.

For the frugal and environmentally conscious, the big Benz crossover is available in the GL350 BlueTec diesel trim, which accounted for 40 percent of GL sales last year. Other available engine options include the GL550, even though a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 will replace the outgoing 5.5-liter V8. As Mercedes-Benz does not offer a V8 below the 4.7-liter, the middle-pack GL450 faces a bit of a dilemma. A special AMG GL64 is rumored to be in the works as well.

More information regarding the next generation Mercedes-Benz GL will be available as we draw closer to the New York Auto Show. The official release is expected later this year.

GALLERY: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL spy photos

[Source: Motor Authority]

When Mercedes-Benz first launched the Gelandewagen (a.k.a. G-Class) in 1979, it’s purpose in life was to be mainly a military vehicle. Their goal was to take business away from the Land Rover Defender, a vehicle that was synonymous with the likes of NATO’s peace keeping forces, as well as the African safari adventurers.

However, over the years, the G-class has evolved and has become a vehicle that is more likely to be found in the urban jungle, rather than the actual jungle.

Quite a few years ago, they came up with the G55 model, which had a super-charged V8 capable of producing around 500-hp. Some thought that would be the ultimate G-class, but they underestimated the madness of AMG engineers.

Now comes news, the G65 is upon us, and it will pack a 6.0-liter, twin-turbo V12, that is capable of producing 612-hp. We first reported on this last year, when it was just a rumor. Now it has turned out to be true, as information of the G65′s specs and pricing has been leaked by AutoEvolution.

According to the spec sheet, this V12 SUV will send power to all-wheels via an AMG Speedshift Plus 7-G-Tronic automatic gearbox, which should not only give it better performance, but also better fuel economy (as if the latter matters to those who buy V12 SUV’s that weigh well over two-tons).

If you’re interested, be prepared to fork out roughly $290,000 to have one. It is expected to go on sale in June.

[Source: Auto Evolution]

Heading to the Palm Beach Barrett-Jackson auction is this 2004 custom Renntech Mercedes-Benz SL600 with a seriously flashy chrome coating. The “Chrome Edition” SL600 with a modified 6.0L V12 is the only example produced by Mercedes tuner Renntech.

All proceeds from the Renntech SL600 auction, which will be sold on April 5, will benefit the Doug Mansfield Foundation Trust. Those that followed the modified car scene will remember this SL debuting at the SEMA Show several years ago, shocking the world as the first of its kind with its chrome exterior treatment.

Along with the AMG Sport Package, the SL600 has plenty of upgrades from Renntech. Improvements include an upgraded ECU, TCU, carbon fiber airbox, and enhanced axle shafts. Both the transmission and suspension have been upgraded along with massive 15.2-inch, 8-piston front brakes, and 13-inch rear rotors.

There is no reserve set on the Renntech SL600.

GALLERY: Chrome Renntech 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL600

[Source: Barrett-Jackson]

Earlier this year we spotted spy photos of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLC, and now we have a good reason to believe that it’ll make its worldwide unveiling in Los Angeles.

Last year, the German automaker started the Avant/Garde Diaries, a global online interview magazine that creates a platform for topics ranging from art to fashion to music that shape today’s society. The festival itself brought in international artists and trendsetters to present their perspective on the world of today and tomorrow.

“The aim of Avant/Garde Diaries is to offer a platform for creativity. Curiosity and the joy of breaking through existing barriers are drivers for innovation and progress, and not just at Mercedes-Benz,” said Anders Sundt Jensen, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars.

This year, the Avant/Garde Diaries will host “Transmission LA: AV CLUB curated by Mike D” from April 20th to May 6th at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA in Los Angeles, California. This festival aims to bring together the Los Angeles art and music community and will be the sequel to last year’s festival that took place in Berlin.

It is at this festival that Mercedes-Benz will have “the artistic staging of the Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupe,” according to a press release from the German automaker. Our guess would be that it’s the upcoming CLC model – which is essentially a four-door coupe.

The timing is peculiar, however, considering the Transmission LA: AV CLUB event occurs after the New York Auto Show, which kicks off April 4th. If the baby CLS model is indeed having its world unveiling in Los Angeles, what is the German automaker bringing to New York?

GALLERY: 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLC Spy Photos

The unloved Mercedes-Benz R-Class has officially gotten the axe in the U.S., but production will continue on thanks to the demand in China, Mexico, and Canada.

The 2012 model year will be the last of the R-Class in America and it really is no surprise considering the German luxury automaker has moved a scant 300 vehicles through the month of March. For now though, the R-Class will continue to be produced out in Alabama through 2015, when it’s expected that Mercedes will replace the model with a sleeker vehicle related to the M-Class.

GALLERY: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

[Source: Yahoo! Autos]

Mercedes-Benz has announced a number of improvements for its popular Sprinter commercial van.

In an effort to improve the Sprinter’s fuel efficiency without compromising its rugged dependability, Mercedes-Benz has introduced an optional seven-speed automatic transmission, capable of delivering “silky smooth gear changes” at temperatures as low as -30ºC or -22ºF. Additional fuel saving updates that help optimize performance from the 4-cylinder diesel engine include BlueEFFICIENCY engine start/stop technology, low rolling-resistance tires, an ECO steering system, and high-ratio rear axle to achieve 7.0liters/100km or approximately 33 mpg.

For safety and improved braking response, Mercedes-Benz also introduced the Electric Stability Program with Brake Disk Wipe and Electronic Brake Prefill. Brake Disk Wipe removes water from the brake discs while Electronic Brake Prefill activates the brakes the moment a driver quickly removes their foot from the accelerator.

These updates will be found in Mercedes-Benz Sprinters beginning this spring.

Weighing one model against another can be a hassle for people mulling over a new car purchase. As if it wasn’t difficult enough, those shopping for luxury cars also have to weigh the incentives being offered.

“What we see with the beginning of the fourth quarter is that the pressure on the pricing front has increased. When it will end is, at the moment, not clear,” BMW CFO Friedrich Eichiner said in reference to the array of incentives luxury car makers are offering customers. The list of enticements, sweet as they may be, can be a little overwhelming.

Audi for example, is offering current owners a $3,000 loyalty incentive or will extend a $2,500 discount to anyone trading in a luxury car towards a 2012 A8. Mercedes-Benz is offering an extra $2,000 discount on buying a 2012 E-Class if you’re already financing or leasing another Mercedes through its financing division. Fina;;y, BMW is offering a $1,000 rebate on a 2012 BMW M3 coupe or convertible, or a $2,500 manufacturer-to-dealer incentive on a 2011 335i or 328i. It’s worth mentioning that the $2,500 manufacturer-to-dealer incentive might not even come up if you don’t ask the dealer.

It isn’t just the German automakers jumping into the discount battle, Infiniti and Lexus are both offering incentives. Current Jaguar or Land Rover owners can also save up to $5,500 in total rebates on a 2011 Range Rover. Both Cadillac and Lincoln are offering rebates and discounts, with Cadillac offering a ridiculous $7,000 in manufacturer-to-dealer rebates on any left over 2011 DTS models.

[Source: Left Lane News]

The re-designed 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 has lost some weight, gained some size, and will now cost you a little more than it used to, starting at $106,375.

The added cost for 2012 is about $3,000 dollars, but the value in the SL550 has been increased as well, getting a 4.7-liter turbo-charged V8 which produces 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Losing about 175lbs. thanks to new lightweight aluminum frame construction, the SL550 is expected to run the 0-60 mph sprint in  just 4.5 seconds. This is about 1 full second faster than the last generation SL, and can apparently be done using less fuel then its predecessor according to Mercedes.

The new SL will also be full of new gadgets and technology for 2013. The Magic Sky control roof is a major innovation available on the SL550, offering the choice between a tinted glass roof or a clear glass roof controlled by the touch of a button. A new audio system will be incorporated as well which utilizes the hollow construction of the aluminum frame to act as an acoustic amplifier, giving the sound system a large concert hall tone. Every SL will be outfitted with Mercedes’ COMAND infotainment system that includes a 7-inch screen, DVD changer, web browsing capability and navigation system.

The new Mercedes-Benz SL550 will be available this spring. And for the customer who demands more performance, the SL63 AMG and SL65 AMG variants will be ready for market soon.

With a significant power gain for the SL63 model, rumors had surfaced that the top-dog Mercedes SL65 would be cut from the luxury automaker’s lineup, but that’s not the case.

According to a new report, the SL65 will live on into the latest generation of hard-top convertible Benzes, with the debut of the increasingly redundant V12 model at the New York Auto Show in early April. Previous iterations of the SL65 produced 604 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque from a twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engine. While impressive, the new twin-turbo V8 in the recently revealed SL63 can be had with an optional AMG performance package with 557 hp and 664 lb-ft.

It’s not clear how much further Mercedes intends to crank the horsepower up for this latest model and the bigger question is arguably if engineers will continue to use the sturdy old 5-speed automatic transmission of if the new 7-speed unit is capable of handling the power.

Look for the SL65 to come even better equipped, however, with a starting price hovering around the $200,000 mark.

GALLERY: 2013 Mercedes SL63 AMG

[Source: Car&Driver]

Back in the mid 1990′s, many car manufacturers had a renewed interest in the Le Mans 24 Hours Endurance Race, especially after the McLaren F1 GTR showed what a modified road car could achieve at one of the toughest races in the world.

Soon Toyota, Nissan and Porsche came up with their own Le Mans GT1 contenders. However, the rules at the time said that in order to participate in this category, the manufacturer must build 25 road-going examples of the race cars they are competing with. Toyota and Nissan found out their race car wasn’t fast enough to win, so didn’t bother making any road cars (although Nissan did produce two R390 super cars for the streets).

Porsche on the other hand was very confident about its race car, so the company produced the required number of road-going versions of the 911 GT1. Another manufacturer that went ahead with the plan to produce road cars that look and have the performance of their race car was Mercedes-Benz.

Even though the 1998 CLK-LM was not a winning race car and was replaced by the CLR racer in 1999 (the car that infamously flipped while chasing the Toyota GT1 at the 1999 Le Mans 24-Hour race), Mercedes-Benz went ahead with producing the CLK-GTR road car. It is believed 19 coupe’s and 6 roadster models were produced in total between 2000 and 2002.

Now, one of these rare super cars is available right in our own back yard. A 2000 model CLK-GTR coupe is for sale by Ferrari Maserati of Fort Lauderdale. This silver on red example is number 17/25 and has covered just 1492-miles. This example also has the Super Sport package upgrade, which gives it the newer, more powerful 7.3-liter, V12 good for 655-hp and 580-lb/ft of torque.

So if you have $1.49-million burning a hole in your pocket, you can buy this rare exotic, which will surely inch up in value the older it gets. Plus you will surely end up with something your rich friends won’t likely have in their garages. It’s a win-win situation.

[Source: DuPont Registry]

Since 2010, Mercedes-Benz AMG and the group’s UK based High Performance Powertrain division have been hard at work developing an electrified version of the flagship SLS and now, the company has provide us with a few details on the car’s driveline.

The SLS AMG E-CELL incorporates a high-voltage lithium-ion battery system and a permanent all-wheel-drive system with four individual electric motors mounted close to the wheels (not on the wheel hubs), plus a transmission for each axle. The location for mounting each motor was chosen to reduce unsprung mass at each wheel, while a permanently active torque vectoring system allows selective distribution of power and braking to each wheel to limit understeer/oversteer and improve traction as well as reducing steering effort and angle.  A redesigned front suspension with unique, separately activated pushrod struts is also fitted to compensate for the driven front axle.

In an effort to maximize reliability, the SLS E-CELL incorporates three cooling circuits; two for the electric motors and one for the battery pack, which via the car’s air conditioning system can provide additional cooling while operating in hot climates.

In order to compensate for the weight of the battery pack, the SLS AMG E-CELL features a lightweight carbon fiber monocoque tub, derived from those used on the company’s Formula 1 racers. Like a Grand Prix car, the tub functions as a backbone, essentially joining the rest of the car together as well as providing protection for the battery pack system.

Mercedes plans to build a limited number of SLS AMG E-CELL models for 2013 and says in terms of performance, the car almost matches its conventional 6.3-liter V8 counterpart, with 0-62 mph time of four seconds (the V8 will do it in 3.8). Power output from the electric version is 392 kW and 650 lb/ft of torque.

The Mercedes A-Class used to be a cheap and cheap-looking urban runabout. It also used to be sold only overseas. But not any more.

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the new A-Class is a stylish hatchback with plenty of impressive tech features and… it’s coming to America.

Find out more by watching AutoGuide’s first look video below.

GALLERY: 2013 Mercedes A-Class

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Amidst all the huge announcements by automakers at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz has quietly revealed the new C-Class Coupe Sport and the AMG Plus Sports Package.

The C 250 Sport and C 250 CDI Sport have 204-hp and will come with AMG-tuned suspension, larger disc brakes, speed-sensitive sports steering, sport exhaust system, retuned engine management for more responsive acceleration, and a sport transmission configuration in S and M mode.

In addition, C-Class Coupe buyers can opt for the AMG Plus Sports Package which can be added to all body and engine models. The AMG Plus Sports Package comes with 18-inch AMG seven-twin-spoke wheels, an aerodynamic kit and spoiler lip, sport seats in black ARTICO man-made leather with DINAMICA red contrast stitching, black DINAMICA door panels, three-spoke sports steering wheel, designo seat belts in red (optional), stainless steel pedals, and red contrast stitching on the gear lever, center console armrest, and door panels.

“Refined sportiness is a brand value we hold dear, and with the new Sport models we are shifting the emphasis of the C-Class a little more towards sportiness,” says Dr. Joachim Schmidt,Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales and Marketing. “This means that in the C-Class, alongside the top-of-the-range C 63 AMG, we have the widest ever line-up of sporty models.”

Unfortunately no pricing was announced.

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe Sport & AMG Plus Sports Package

The spy photos have been pouring in lately, and in our latest batch we’ve got a nice, nearly uncovered view of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

These photos were snapped in Sweden, as the new model looks to test out its chops in the cold weather.

The new model of the flagship German sedan looks to have embraced the new styling of the brand. The front end looks to be very similar to whats seen on the upcoming C-Class and E-Class.

Earlier reports stated that we’d be seeing a significant styling change in the new S-Class, so maybe that’s why parts of the car are still under wraps. Expect the usual high-tech goodies on the S-Class, and the Mercedes Magic Ride suspension system.

The new S-Class should also be available with diesel, hybrid, V8, and V12 options, offering an engine choice for just about everybody.

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz S-Class Spy Photos

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG roadster debuted today at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show, though it failed to steal attention from most of the crowd.

The group favorite was the 2013 A Class lineup, but that didn’t stop us from having a little fan-time next to the brand’s new-and-improved SL 63 AMG, which is a lot cooler than any A Class could dream of being.

Those new improvements include 30 percent greater fuel efficiency over its predecessor, boosted output and an almost 309-lb lighter curb weight thanks to generously distributed aluminum throughout the body.

For the first time, the SL63 AMG is available with both a  537- and 564-hp rating from the 5.5-liter biturbo V8 making 590- and 664 ft-lbs of torque respectively.

Customers may pick from 19-inch stock aluminum wheels or optional 20-inch upgrades. Inside those wheels, the car gets a newly-developed AMG high-performance compound brake system with six-piston calipers in the front and single-piston floating calipers in the rear.

The car is laden with carbon fiber, on the exterior, interior and even the engine cover.

U.S. pricing has yet to be announced but the car is expected to launch in May.

Watch the Mercedes-Benz SL 63 first look video below.

GALLERY: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Roadster

GALLERY: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Roadster

Continue Reading…

Mercedes-Benz revealed its refreshed 2013 A Class lineup today at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show to an enthusiastic mob of gawkers and dignitaries.

The scene was something you might normally expect around an outrageous car like the Lamborghini Aventador J, but it wasn’t. Instead, the Euro folk were jazzed about Mercedes’ new line of small cars that have yet to make it stateside despite repeated promises by the brand to do so.

Those fortunate enough to live in a part of the world where these baby-Benzes cruise the streets can look forward to choosing between a 1.6- and 1.8-liter gasoline engines ranging from 107 to 154 horsepower and a diesel option.

The new A Class is also 6.3 inches lower than the previous model and is available in an AMG-engineered 250 Sport package.

A Class buyers will also probably appreciate the significant advances in technology integration, including native iPhone support that offers Siri connectivity (Apple’s voice command software).

Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche said while addressing the crowd that the latest integration makes using your iPhone’s features safer while driving by offering use of the device via the car’s controls and a bigger screen.

Safety doesn’t stop there — the car can also have collision prevention and Mercedes’ “pre-safe” system.

While there still isn’t word on the fabled U.S. release, Zetsche said pricing wouldn’t increase on the new model.

Watch our A-Class first look video below.

GALLERY: 2013 Mercedes-Benz A Class

GALLERY: 2013 Mercedes-Benz A Class

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While the smallest Mercedes-Benz badged vehicle on sale in America might be the C-class, elsewhere in the world, you can buy even smaller models.

Our Canadian friends get to buy the B-class, while in Europe and Asia, you can buy an A-class. The A-class has been on sale for over a decade now, and at this years Geneva Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz will be launching the third-generation model of its smallest car.

This new model is based on Merc’s latest platform dubbed MFA (modular front architecture). Powering this new hatchback will be a range of petrol and diesel engines of 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter displacements (mostly carried over from the larger B-class), with power output ranging from 107-hp to 154-hp. That means, the new A-class will have much more performance than any outgoing model.

With this new A-class, Mercedes-Benz hopes to really take the fight to other premium-brand rivals who offer luxurious compact cars. Mercedes has also confirmed it intends to finally bring the A-Class to North America

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz A Class