Mercedes goes offensive at Frankfurt IAA
The 66th edition of the International Motor show, popularly known as the IAA (International Automobile Ausstellung) have come and gone, but the footprint in the 12-day exhibition will still remain fresh until when another episode will take place.
It was yet another spectacular display at the show for Mercedes-Benz that went on full scale market offensive last month in Frankfurt, Germany, the traditional 1AA event city for passenger cars. This year’s event fiesta held from September 15 to 7th with first two days dedicated to the media.
Whilst brands from all over the world were adequately represented, showcasing new and improved models, the German brand took no prisoners in its impressive and innovative display of its “Dream Cars Collection” which were featured in no less than three world premiers, along with a number of motor show premiers.
The Mercedes-Benz’ theme was ‘Digitalization’ and focused in particular on ‘Speed’. This is evident in the Mercedes-Benz show car “Concept IAA- Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile.” Dieter Zetsche, chairman, board of management, Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz cars, at the Mercedes-Benz and Smart Press conference, the show car is the first transformer from the automaker away from the movie screen.
The Concept IAA is a four-door coupe which, not only embodies two cars in one, but also irresistible design elements which switches automatically to aerodynamic mode when the vehicle reaches a speed of 80km/h whilst numerous aerodynamic measures alter the shape of the vehicle.
It offers new touch-based functions, the design of the S-Class and S-Class Coupe is maintained, and definitely predicts what the interior of the business saloon might look like in the not so far future.
Ola Kallenius, board member of Daimler, Mercedes-Benz Sales described them as ‘a representation of pure lust for life’, adding that, evident in the two SUV coupes- the GLE Coupe and the forthcoming GLC coupe, it is delivering the perfect mix of power and elegance.
The C-Class Coupe fascination begins with its revolutionary design. It boasts lightweight construction, excellent aerodynamics, and efficient engines thereby producing high performance. The AMG C63 Coupe, on the other hand, is the sportiest C-Class ever with far reaching technical modifications, with driving performance taken to new heights.
The beat of the production coupe is more “Drum and Bass”, while the look of the AMG is clearly “Rock ‘n’ Roll. However, both variants drive as amazingly as they look. There are also more convenient functions, and double performance is certain. This dream car is set to arrive at showrooms sometime in 2016, and the Mercedes-Benz version of the C-Class Coupe will arrive about four weeks earlier.
More cars on display were the new GLC, new generation A-Class, AMG A 45 4MATIC and the V-Class AMG line. The GLC has the outstanding characteristic safety high-tech assistance systems and energy efficiency. It performs impressively in all operating conditions.
Showing how its vehicles can be individualized to exceptionally high standards, products from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH on GLC 250 d 4MATIC model were exhibited. For the new A- Class, the range of available engines has been increased, and the conflicting aims of sporty performance and enhanced comfort have been reconciled.
With revised gear ratios, aerodynamic fine-tuning and the new dynamic select driving modes which raise the overall performance to a higher level, the Mercedes AMG A45 4Matic entry-level model is the most powerful compact sports model in the world.
V-Class AMG was another awesome model on display. It has new additional comfort features e.g. the largest panoramic roof in the mid-size van category. It clearly expresses the unique and evolutionary design of the Mercedes-Benz MPV. Zetsche explained the expansion of the S-Class to six more models following the introduction of the S-Class Cabriolet. The new Cabriolet is the first open-top luxury four-seater from Mercedes-Benz since 1971. Offering a sensual and exclusive design with the S-Class cutting-edge technology, it embodies a comprehensive warmth and wind protection concept which includes intelligent control for convertibles.
Mercedes-Benz introduced a first in its history, a luxury convertible in the model range. The AMG S 63 features AMG performance 63 4Matic all-wheel drives with rear-based torque split as standard, among others, making it the ultimate dream car.
MIKE OCHONMA