Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept, 2009

Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept, 2009

 

Mercedes-Benz, is Based on a single vehicle architecture, this intelligent, modular concept allows three models with different drive configurations, all of which are able to meet customer requirements in terms of sustainable mobility:

• the BlueZero E-CELL with battery-electric drive and a range of up to 200 kilometres using electric drive alone
• the BlueZero F-CELL (fuel cell) with a range of well over 400 kilometres using electric drive
• the BlueZero E-CELL PLUS with electric drive and additional internal combustion engine as power generator (range extender). This version has an overall range of up to 600 kilometres and can cover a distance of up to 100 kilometres using electric drive alone.

The three Mercedes-Benz BlueZero variants are based on the unique sandwich-floor architecture which Mercedes-Benz introduced some ten years ago, initially for the A-Class and then for the B-Class, one of the aims being to integrate alternative drive systems. Advantages of the modified construction include the positive effect of the major drive components on the centre of gravity, their space-saving design and the fact that they are extremely well protected within the vehicle underbody. The five-seater Mercedes-Benz BlueZero concept cars also set standards in terms of lightweight design, interior layout and body form.

The BlueZero principle: flexible design, compact exterior, generously sized interior
All three BlueZero variants share the same key technical components, while the design and vehicle dimensions are identical. Measuring just 4.22 metres in length, the BlueZero models combine compact exterior dimensions with a generously proportioned and variable interior and luggage compartment. Five fully-fledged seats, a payload of around 450 kilograms and a luggage compartment capacity of over 500 litres make for outstanding everyday practicality. Thanks to their sandwich construction with a raised sitting position, the cars also offer an exceptionally high level of crash safety for the passengers and the technology, not to mention excellent all-round visibility.

Compared to electric cars based on conventional vehicle platforms and originally only designed for use in combination with internal combustion engines, Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept offers the following conclusive advantages:

• Interior space is retained in full. As the energy accumulators/generators are integrated into the spacious sandwich floor, no compromises are necessary when it comes to passenger space, luggage capacity or variability.
• The powertrain technology built into the sandwich floor ensures a low centre of gravity and, consequently, extremely reliable and agile handling.
• Crash safety is of the extremely high standard associated with Mercedes thanks to the sandwich concept and the housing of major powertrain components between the axles.
• As a result, the BlueZero models are very different to conventionally constructed electric cars, which have the heavy and voluminous storage battery housed in the boot or in the rear-seat area, for example.

Modular design ensures flexibility and efficiency
The modified sandwich-floor platform provides the perfect basis for a wide model range with electric drive systems. We are also developing a new, additional platform for future compact models with power units based on optimised internal combustion engines. The intelligent networking of both architectures enables us to develop our product portfolio extremely flexibly and efficiently. From 2009, we will be producing the first Mercedes fuel-cell cars on a small scale. Small-scale production of Mercedes-Benz cars with battery-electric drive alone will then commence in 2010. This means we are extremely well equipped for the future."

The BlueZero models feature front-wheel drive, which is typical for this class of car. The Mercedes engineers have put together a modular system comprising several flexibly combinable drive components. These include state-of-the-art liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries with a storage capacity of up to 35 kWh and the compact electric motor with a maximum output of 100 kW (continuous output 70 kW), which develops a peak torque of 320 Nm. All three variants accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 11 seconds. Their top speed is electronically limited to 150 km/h in the interests of optimal range and energy efficiency.

Electric drive systems with a range of 100, 200 and well over 400 kilometres
With a charging capacity of 15 kW, the powerful lithium-ion batteries in the BlueZero E-CELL and the BlueZero E-CELL PLUS can store enough energy for a range of 50 kilometres within 30 minutes. In terms of purely electrical drive, one or two hours of charging time is needed for a range of 100 and 200 kilometres respectively. The charging times are doubled if the charging capacity is 7 kW, as would be the case in a normal household. Both of these BlueZero vehicles incorporate an electronic control unit that supports intelligent charging stations and billing systems.
At the rear, the BlueZero E-CELL PLUS has the same 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the smart fortwo as an additional range extender. This compact three-cylinder powerplant has an output of 50 kW at a constant 3500 rpm. If required, it can recharge the 17.5-kWh lithium-ion battery by means of a similarly rated alternator. A range of up to 600 kilometres is possible on a single tank. The purely electrical, locally emission-free range is up to 100 kilometres. The BlueZero F-CELL with fuel-cell drive achieves a range of well over 400 kilometres with zero emissions (as per NEDC).

BlueZero design: both elegant and functional
Leading-edge technology is uniformly and attractively packaged in all three BlueZero variants. The unique and distinctive Mercedes design idiom displayed by the body highlights the progressive nature of Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept straight away.
The powerfully elegant front end is dominated by the radiator grille with its centrally located star. The excellent aerodynamics of the BlueZero are partly due to the closed front apron, whose design means that cooling air intakes are not required. The 20-inch wheels have also been aerodynamically optimised, while low-friction tyres reduce rolling resistance.
The striking character lines along the flanks lend the BlueZero an extremely dynamic side line and accentuate its bionic structure inspired by nature. This characteristic feature of the Mercedes-Benz bionic car was adapted and modified for the BlueZero models. These elements lend the body its dramatic power.

New-quality light production
The compact rear end of the Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept is characterised by tail lights in the shape of a curved "L". In addition, the Mercedes designers have achieved a new-quality light production: transparent lenses produce a red light curtain which tapers smoothly towards the sides, creating a lightly diffused effect. This effect is repeated, albeit in white this time, by the front headlamps. What's more, the front lights feature new lens technology and a plexiglass edge to produce "C" shaped daytime driving lights with the help of state-of-the-art LED technology.

Intelligent technology made visible
Translucent surfaces make the normally concealed technology visible. The light-grey tailgate is made completely from lightweight but highly robust Lexan that allows a view of the aluminium structure that makes up the rigidifying frame, for example. At the same time this transparent tailgate provides a view of the vehicle interior, making the advantages of the sandwich-floor platform obvious at a glance: for maximum customer benefit, the luggage compartment and passenger area remain fully usable, since there are no technical components that need to be accommodated here.

The Mercedes-Benz designers have emphasised this aspiration by introducing paint finishes in three new ALU-BEAM colours. Each of the three variants makes its individual mark: the BlueZero E-CELL is painted in a fresh ALU-BEAM Yellow, while the BlueZero F-CELL has ALU-BEAM Green paintwork. Confidence-oozing ALU-BEAM Orange was chosen for the BlueZero E-CELL PLUS.

Mercedes BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept, 2009

Mercedes BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept, 2009

 

 

The near-series Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept electric car combines environment-friendly electric mobility in the city with unrestricted suitability for long-distance driving. This is made possible by the combination of the battery-electric drive with a combustion engine. The range extender gives the Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept a total range of up to 600 kilometres, with 100 kilometres thereof solely under electric power and thus free of local emissions.

The Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept is part of a family of modularly constructed electric cars, which will enable Mercedes-Benz to meet all customer requirements for sustainable mobility in the future. In this variant of the concept vehicle, the electric motor of the purely battery-powered BlueZero E-Cell is combined with an additional three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine. Putting out 50 kW, the compact combustion engine is installed in the area of the rear axle and can charge the battery while the car is being driven. The CO2 bonus for the battery-electric driving mode reduces the vehicle's emissions to only 32 grams of CO2 per kilometre. The range extender enables the Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept to drive for up to 600 km, of which up to 100 km can be driven in electric mode with zero local emissions. The long combined range makes the BlueZero E-Cell Plus fully suitable for everyday use and assures that the customer will reach his or her destination even with a depleted battery. After all, the car can be refuelled quickly and easily at any normal filling station.

Battery with superior lithium-ion technology
During rapid charging with a charging capacity of 20 kW, the high-performance, 18 kWh lithium-ion battery of the Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept can store enough power within around 30 minutes for a 50 kilometre cruising range. The complete electric range of 100 kilometres requires a charging time of somewhat more than an hour. Charging time with a standard charge cycle at a conventional household outlet with 3,3 kW is approximately 6 hours. Special on-board electronics support the intelligent charging stations and billing systems used by electric fuelling stations. Advantages of lithium-ion batteries compared to other battery technologies include their compact dimensions, high output and energy density, high charge efficiency and long service life.

BlueZero Concept - the triad of electric mobility
Mercedes-Benz is showing the way to environmentally compatible electric mobility with the near-series Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept. The vehicle's intelligent modular concept enables a single vehicle architecture to be used to create three models with different drive system configurations.

The Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept is equipped with an electric drive and a supplemental combustion engine with an electrical generator (range extender). The car has a total range of up to 600 kilometres, of which up to 100 kilometres can be covered solely on electricity.

Originally presented in Detroit at the beginning of the year, the BlueZero E-Cell is propelled exclusively by a battery-powered electric drive that allows the car to travel up to 200 kilometres on a single battery charge and completely free of local emissions.

The third drive version is the fuel cell powered BlueZero F-Cell, with a range of about 400 km on electric power and therefore also without any local emissions.

BlueZero Concept: Modular architecture for flexibility and efficiency
The three BlueZero variants were developed on the basis of the unique sandwich-floor architecture known from the A-Class and B-Class. The advantage of the enhanced design is that the key drive components are installed in the vehicle's underbody in such a way that they take up little space, ensure a good centre of gravity, and are maximally protected. The BlueZero models therefore differ considerably from conventionally designed electric cars, which have heavy and voluminous storage batteries installed in the boot, for example, or in the area of the backseat. All three BlueZero variants share key technological components and have identical designs and vehicle dimensions. Even though they have compact exterior dimensions, the 4.22-meter-long BlueZero models have a spacious and versatile interior and cargo space. The vehicles' five full-size seats, approximately 450 kilograms of payload, and more than 500 litres of cargo capacity make them suitable family cars.

Electric powered vehicles are fun to drive
Mercedes-Benz vehicles will continue to combine environmental awareness and driving fun in future. One way in which the Mercedes-Benz designers have emphasised this aspiration is by introducing paint finishes in three new ALU-BEAM colours. Each of the three variants makes its individual mark: Confident ALU-BEAM Copper was chosen for the Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell Plus Concept. The BlueZero E-Cell is painted a fresh ALU-BEAM yellow; the BlueZero F-Cell appears in ALU-BEAM green.

Mercedes-Benz feels it won't be just one technology that paves the way to sustainable mobility in the future, however. Instead the company is responding with solutions that are every bit as varied as the demands. The individual technologies are being used in specific applications where they can provide the greatest advantage with respect to optimal consumption and emission values. Mercedes-Benz views the development of electric cars with battery and fuel cell drives for local zero-emission driving as a means of supplementing the extremely clean and economical BlueEFFICIENCY and hybrid vehicles already available today. However, the unrestricted and convenient operation of electric cars still faces a series of challenges, including high system costs, insufficient infrastructure and short cruising ranges. Advanced diesel and petrol engines will remain the driving force for automobiles for a long time to come - not only for individual mobility in passenger cars (especially over long distances), but, more importantly, for freight transport in trucks. Despite all the progress that Mercedes-Benz has once again so emphatically documented with the BlueZero Concept, electric cars will not be replacing vehicles with combustion engines any time soon. The electrification of modern, high-tech engines will, however, play an increasingly important role in the drive system mix of the future.

Technical specifications

    * Electric drive
          o CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
          o Range: up to 100/600 km
          o Battery: Lithium-ion
          o Rated output: 100 kW/136 hp
          o Max. torque: 320 Nm
          o Top speed: 150 km/h
          o Acceleration 0-100 km/h: < 11.0 seconds
    * Range extender
          o Cylinders: 3
          o Displacement: 1.0l turbo
          o Output: 50 kW at 3500 rpm

Mercedes B-Class, 2009

Mercedes B-Class, 2009

 

 

The restyled front end injects the Mercedes-Benz B-Class with more poise and assurance than before. This is primarily down to the radiator grille with its three chromed cross fins painted in metallic grey and the Mercedes star integrated into its centre. However, the more imposing appearance of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class also stems from the new-look bumper - whose design emphasises the large air intake at the bottom - as well as the modified bonnet. This new design idiom makes the front look broad and, as a consequence, especially powerful, symbolising the sporty attributes of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class even more clearly than before. The design at the sides seems more harmonious and elegant than before, because the exterior mirror housings, door handles and skirt panels are now painted to match the body colour on all model variants.

The rear styling picks up on the dynamic flow of lines at the front and along the sides. A direct visual link is created by the tail light assemblies, whose upper edges merge seamlessly with the character line along the vehicle's sides. The tail lights sport a new high-brilliance look and draw the gaze to the large tailgate, which now comes with en ergonomically enhanced chrome handle strip.

Interior: high-grade appointments with new upholsteries and trims
High-class appeal, attention to detail and a sense of ample spaciousness - these qualities have always been intrinsic to the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. The winning blend of forms, colours and materials teams up with the interior's roominess, the pleasant feel of all its surface materials and the expansive window areas to produce a most inviting ambience. This is helped by the high seating position - which, incidentally, improves the driver's all-round view, too - while the relatively high waistline fosters a sense of security without making the occupants feel confined.

The Mercedes design team has further upgraded the interior with a new upholstery fabric, plus a new fabric pattern for the seat cushions. If the Mercedes-Benz B-Class is ordered with the sports package, the side seat bolsters are trimmed in ARTICO man-made leather and the centre panels in fabric. The interior door linings likewise feature a new fabric trim.

The centre console continues to be bordered by trim strips on both sides, but they are now made from diagonally brushed aluminium in a smoke grey finish. The same, integrated trim is found again in the vicinity of the gearshift and in the door panelling, giving the interior an added sense of refinement.

Diesel engines: fuel consumption reduced by seven percent
the Mercedes-Benz B-Class continues to be available with a choice of six engines - two direct-injection diesel units (80 kW/109 hp and 103 kW/140 hp) delivering up to 300 newton metres of torque, as well as four petrol engines with a peak power output of up to 142 kW/193 hp and a maximum torque of 280 newton metres. The four-cylinder power units have undergone a series of detailed improvements in order to further reduce fuel consumption.

For the diesel models, this means that the combined NEDC fuel consumption of the B 180 CDI and B 200 CDI has dropped by as much as seven percent - depending on tyre size - to 5.2 - 5.4 and 5.4 - 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres, respectively. The two turbodiesel models, which are particularly smooth-running thanks to a balancer shaft, will therefore be an even less frequent sight at the filling station from now on; the B 180 CDI can clock up over 1000 kilometres on a single tank of fuel (54 litres).

Petrol models: new fuel-saving ECO start/stop function
Depending on the model and engine output, the four petrol variants of the B-Class return fuel consumption figures of between 6.6 and 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres on the NEDC driving cycle. From autumn 2008, motoring is set to become even more economical with the arrival of the B 150 and B 170 BlueEFFICIENCY models featuring the ECO start/stop function. This newly developed function automatically switches the engine off when the driver shifts to neutral at low speed whilst depressing the brake pedal. If the criteria for stopping the engine are fulfilled, a special display appears in the instrument cluster to inform the driver.

Natural-gas drive: a clean and economical alternative
A further new addition to the Mercedes-Benz B-Class range bears the initials "NGT" on the right-hand side of its tailgate. They stand for "Natural Gas Technology" and identify a model variant which is as economical as it is environmentally compatible, courtesy of its bi-fuel drive: the B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY is able to run on both natural gas and premium grade petrol while delivering an identical maximum output of 85 kW/116 hp.

In addition to the petrol tank, there are five natural gas reservoirs whose total capacity of 16 kilograms equates to a range of over 300 kilometres. With overall NEDC consumption figures of 7.3 litres of premium petrol and 4.9 kilograms of natural gas per 100 kilometres, the new B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY is therefore able to attain a total range in excess of 1000 kilometres. The driver determines which power source the engine is run on at the touch of a button using the multifunction steering wheel; an electronic control unit carries out the switch instantaneously without any jolts - even while on the move.

The four-cylinder engine has been modified by Mercedes-Benz to include additional gas injectors on the underside of the intake manifold. A close-coupled pressure governor with an electromagnetic shut-off valve regulates the supply of natural gas and keeps the pressure within the system constant.

The installation of the gas reservoirs, which are located in the rear and underneath the front passenger footwell, reduces the boot capacity of the B-Class by 128 to 422 litres (as per the VDA measurement method), but there is still sufficient space for carrying a family's luggage.

The lower carbon dioxide emissions and cheaper fuel costs make natural gas an attractive alternative to petrol and diesel, both ecologically and economically speaking. On the NEDC cycle, the CO2 emissions are 17 percent lower than in the petrol-powered B 170 at 135 grams per kilometre. If the 4.9 kilograms (7.5 m³) of natural gas consumed per 100 kilometres by the new B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY is converted into the equivalent quantity of petrol energy, the fuel cost per kilometre is around 50 percent less than when running on petrol.

Environmental Certificate: first ever lifecycle assessment for NGT drive too
Mercedes engineers have, for the first time, compiled an eco balance sheet for the natural-gas drive. It forms one element of the Environmental Certificate awarded to the Mercedes-Benz B-Class by Germany's TÜV Technical Inspection Authority. Mercedes-Benz is the only automotive brand in the world to have been granted this certificate, which is based on the stringent international standard ISO 14062 "Design For Environment". It is a confirmation of the Stuttgart-based brand's commitment to all aspects of environmental protection. In contrast to just the standardised measurement of exhaust emissions and fuel consumption on the roller dynamometer, Mercedes engineers analyse the environmental compatibility of vehicles over their entire lifecycle - starting with their manufacture, continuing with their many years of use and finishing with their end-of-life disposal.

The results of this integrated analysis over a total distance travelled of 150,000 kilometres highlight, for example, a number of clear advantages for the natural-gas drive. The overall CO2 emissions are some 20 percent below the figure for the comparable petrol-engined model. Nitrogen oxide emissions are eleven percent lower, while the experts have calculated a 54 percent difference in carbon monoxide emissions over the entire lifecycle in favour of the natural-gas drive. The greater ecological cost of the manufacturing process for the new B 170 NGT is therefore balanced out after a distance of 17,300 kilometres.

Occupant protection: extensive safety features enhanced yet further
When it comes to safety, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class sets an example for all other models of these dimensions to follow: in the European NCAP test programme, the Sports Tourer was awarded the highest rating of five stars.

The comprehensive safety specification, comprising two-stage front airbags, belt tensioners for the front and outer rear seats, belt force limiters plus active head restraints in the front, ISOFIX child seat attachment points and head/thorax sidebags, has now been complemented by the addition of crash-responsive emergency lighting in the passenger compartment. Following an accident of a predetermined severity, the lighting comes on automatically to allow the occupants to get their bearings more easily in the dark and expedite the work of the rescue services.

Active safety: flashing brake lights as a warning to other motorists
Accident prevention is the overriding priority of the Mercedes safety concept - a concept that is geared towards motoring reality. To help them bring critical situations under control safely and with ease, drivers of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class can count on highly effective, standard-fit technology in the form of systems such as ABS, Brake Assist and ESP®. Mercedes engineers have however gone that little bit further by seeking to devise a way of offering other motorists added safety too. The result is a simple but highly effective method of avoiding rear-end collisions: flashing brake lights. This safety technology is included as standard on the 2008 model year B-Class.

During testing, Mercedes engineers were able to ascertain that the braking reaction time of motorists is quickened by an average of 0.2 seconds if they see a flashing red warning signal instead of conventional brake lights in an emergency braking situation. This shortens the stopping distance by around 4.40 metres if they are travelling at a speed of 80 km/h, and by a whole 5.50 metres or so when braking from 100 km/h. Brake lights flashing at a high frequency therefore prove to be an effective means of alerting drivers behind to the risk of a rear-end collision.

The flashing brake lights are triggered automatically if the driver initiates emergency braking when travelling at a speed of 50 km/h or more. And if the B-Class is braked to a stop from a speed of over 70 km/h, the hazard warning lights will come on too.

Assistance systems: automatic parking with ultrasound and electric steering
The Electronic Stability Program has been expanded to include a new, standard function: the automatic hill-start assist. This prevents the Mercedes-Benz B-Class from rolling backwards as the driver switches from the brake to the accelerator pedal when starting off uphill. In such situations, the ESP® briefly maintains the brake pressure to make pulling away easy.

Mercedes A-Class Coupe, 2009

Mercedes A-Class Coupe, 2009

 

With more than 500,000 units produced within three and a half years, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is among the bestsellers in the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range. Now the latest generation of this compact car is showing itself to be more youthful, attractive and environmentally compatible than ever before. This is ensured by a completely revised design, high-grade appointments and new technical developments which further improve safety, comfort and economy. A convenient ECO start-stop function which reduces urban petrol consumption of these BlueEFFICIENCY vehicles by up to nine percent is now available for the high-volume models A 150 and A 170, for example. For the three-door A 160 CDI Mercedes-Benz has developed an additional BlueEFFICIENCY package which lowers the fuel consumption of the Coupé by more than eight percent, to 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres. Independent experts have acknowledged these great advances in the environmental field with an internationally valid environmental certificate, which the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the world's first compact car to achieve.

Lines: ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE with an even more pronounced styling emphasis
Design features at the front end provide more distinctions between the design and equipment lines of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. While the louvres in the radiator grille of the basic version are painted in dark-grey, they are respectively in metallic atlas grey and high-sheen iridium silver in the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines, and are also visually upgraded by additional chrome strips. Discreet chrome trim strips further reinforce this impression. In the AVANTGARDE line, the front bumper also has a distinctive design which emphasises the arrow-shape of the front end and suggests greater agility.

When viewed from the side the different lines in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class are distinguished by wheel designs. While the basic model is equipped with 15-inch wheels and seven-spoke wheel embellishers as standard, ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE are fitted with individually designed 16-inch light-alloy wheels. The new, larger exterior mirror housings and door handles are now painted in the vehicle colour for all model variants. The previous side rubbing strips have been replaced by discreet chrome trim strips, which provide additional visual highlights in the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models.

The rear end of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is dominated by a modified bumper and newly designed rear light clusters which extend well into the vehicle flanks. Both these features make the body appear wider and therefore more imposing. In the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models the rear bumper is embellished with additional, reflector-look trim strips and chrome inserts. The new, ergonomically improved tailgate handle is chrome-plated in both lines, as is the oval exhaust tailpipe.

Interior: upgraded with larger stowage compartments and new fabrics
Mercedes designers paid particular attention to enhanced value when redesigning the interior, choosing new, high-grade upholstery fabrics and door linings. In the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines the seats are upholstered in an attractive combination of ARTICO man-made leather and fabric, which is available in three colours. In addition new decorative trim of smoke-grey, diagonally brushed aluminium enhances the interior of the AVANTGARDE line, while the dignified aura of the ELEGANCE models is heightened by wood trim. All variants of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class share a larger stowage compartment in the centre console and a newly designed cupholder between the front seats.

Fuel economy: the A 160 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY consumes 4.5 litres
With fuel consumption figures between 4.9 and 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres, the new-generation A-Class is a model of fuel economy. Thanks to detailed improvements, the fuel consumption of the state-of-the-art direct-injection diesel engines has been reduced by more than eight percent or 0.5 litres per 100 kilometres compared to the preceding series. From autumn 2008 Mercedes-Benz will introduce a standard BlueEFFICIENCY package for the three-door A 160 CDI with a manual transmission, with further improvements in engine efficiency, aerodynamics, rolling resistance, energy management and weight. The sum of these measures achieves a fuel saving of 0.4 litres, which means that the A 160 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY has an NEDC consumption of just 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres. As a result the CO2 emissions of the 60 kW/82 hp Coupé are 119 grams per kilometre.

The BlueEFFICIENCY package also includes an aerodynamically optimised radiator grille. This has a closed-off interior face to reduce the airflow to the engine, though the CDI engine is still cooled effectively at all times. The suspension has also been lowered by ten millimetres to reduce the drag coefficient even further.

Start-stop function: the engine switches off automatically when idling
In the case of the petrol engines, Mercedes engineers have achieved NEDC fuel savings of up to 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres with a newly developed ECO start-stop function. From autumn 2008 this system will be available for the high-volume models A 150 and A 170 on request. It automatically switches off the engine when the driver shifts the manual transmission to neutral at a low speed while applying the brakes. If the conditions for engine switch-off are met, the driver is informed by a special display in the instrument cluster.

Economy: nine percent lower fuel consumption in city traffic
With the ECO start-stop function the NEDC fuel consumption is reduced by a further 6.5 percent or so. The A 150 BlueEFFICIENCY (70 kW/95 hp) absolves a measured test journey with a fuel consumption of 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres, which corresponds to 139 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

Even greater advantages can be achieved in normal road traffic, as the results of extensive practical trials have confirmed: Mercedes employees tested the system in 175 test cars, covering a total of around 1.2 million kilometres. Roughly half of this enormous mileage was covered in city traffic, where the new ECO start-stop function enabled fuel savings of up to nine percent to be achieved.

Ecology: the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the first compact car with an environmental certificate
Even better results are achieved by the A 150 Blue EFFICIENCY with the ECO start-stop function. Thanks to this new technology, carbon dioxide emissions over the entire lifecycle are reduced by a further five percent, which means that the environmental audit shows a remarkable reduction in CO2 emissions by more than twelve percent compared to the preceding model.

Safety: flashing brake lights warn following traffic
The adaptive brake light introduces technology from the luxury class into the compact segment, which therefore benefits from a further accident prevention system as a standard feature. Under emergency braking from a speed exceeding 50 km/h, the brake lights flash rapidly to warn following traffic, enabling drivers to respond quicker and prevent a collision.

Flashing brake lights are the result of extensive practical research covering the braking behaviour of drivers. Mercedes engineers found that the braking responses of drivers are on average 0.2 seconds faster in emergency braking situations if a flashing red warning is given in place of conventional brake lights. The stopping distance can be reduced by around 4.40 metres from a speed of 80 km/h, and even by around 5.50 metres from a speed of 100 km/h. If the A-Class is brought to a rapid stop from a speed exceeding 70 km/h, the hazard warning system is switched on in addition to the flashing brake lights.

Parking assist: ultrasound and electric steering for easier parking
When finding and reversing into a parking space, drivers of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class will in future be aided by an active parking assist feature which is available on request for all model variants. Using side-mounted ultrasonic sensors, this system identifies suitable parking spaces on both sides of the road in passing, then informs the driver by means of a display. The sensors are active up to a speed of 35 km/h, and monitor the area to the left and right of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. They measure the length and depth of possible parking spaces, indicating that the search is in progress with a " P " in the instrument cluster.

Active parking assist uses a total of ten ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers, as well as an electronic control unit which processes the sensor signals and calculates the best possible entry path into the parking space. This information is fed to the electromechanical power steering, whose electric motor performs the necessary steering movements of its own accord. The parking space only needs to be 1.30 metres longer than the Mercedes-Benz A-Class for this automatic parking procedure to take place - an indication of the great precision of this technology.