The past few weeks have been filled with several spy shots and today we’re bringing you some more courtesy of LeftLane!  Don’t you love it?   The first images of the all new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV have been spotted.  This new GL-Class, which is a stretched version of the next-generation ML crossover platform and will share the majority of its technological data with the smaller ML, will most likely come to market in 2012.  No word on what the powertrains will be exactly, however, the engine lineup is expected to be more fuel efficient than today’s offerings. It has also been rumored that there could be a Mercedes GL hybrid variant, but let’s wait until we hear something more before we speculate.  Enjoy!

For full article click here.

We’ve got more of your favorite spy shots thanks to MotorAuthority!  The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will make its debut at the 2010 Paris Auto Show this September.  The new design will feature a wider track, as indicated by the extended wheel arches seen on previous test mules, and according to insiders its platform is borrowed from the current S-Class sedan flagship rather than the E-Class like the current model though this is unconfirmed.  New to the CLS will be a hybrid option based on the same powertrain as the one used in the S400 BlueHybrid.  Other engine options will include both V-6 and V-8 powerplants, naturally aspirated and twin-turbocharged.

For full article click here.

Today, eMercedesBenz has reported that Mercedes-Benz USA had June sales of 18,997 vehicles, an increase of 25.4%.  On a year-to-date basis, the company sold 106,967 new vehicles, an increase of 25.7% over last year.

“Impressive gains were made in both the Mercedes-Benz passenger car and light-truck categories. The strongest performer for the month was the popular C-Class – the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand for younger as well as first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers – with sales of 5,563. The 9th generation E-Class also continued to exhibit strong momentum with sales of 4,865 (up 74.9%) and the versatile M-Class SUV ranked third with sales of 2,124.

The company’s flagship sedan, the S-Class, boosted sales to 1,549 – a 106.5% increase. Also showing strong gains were the sporty SLK (up 153.8 %) and the commanding G-Class (up 124.3%). The company also sold 50 of its newly launched supercar, the SLS AMG, bringing its year-to-date sales to 218.”

For the full article click here.

We’ve got spy shots and engine news about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS! It’s been rumored that the second generation CLS is expected to be available in four engine variants – two petrol engines and two diesel. With the exception of the AMG version, all will feature the stop/start technology to improve fuel consumption. For the CLS petrol engines, the two supposed models to be coming are the CLS350 CGI and the CLS550 CGI. The first will feature the new direct-injection 3.5 liter V6 engine with an output of 306 PS (301 bhp / 225 kW) and 368 Nm (272 lb-ft) of torque, while the 550 CGI will feature a new 4.6 liter twin-turbocharged V8 that delivers 435 PS (429 bhp / 320 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. The CLS 550 CGI is expected to be offered with an all-wheel drive option as well. As for the CLS Diesel options, look for a 350 CDI with a 3.0 liter V6 producing 185 kW (252 PS) as well as a 250 CDI with a four-cylinder diesel engine producing 150 kW (204 PS).

The recently released J.D. Power and Associates quality survey shows Mercedes-Benz achieving its best results since 1990 in the American market. The Initial Quality Study (IQS) assessed the as-delivered quality of vehicles from model year 2010 after 90 days.

“The quality of our vehicles is at an all-time high. An independent survey for the US market has now confirmed what our internal analyses and European studies have been showing for some time now,” noted Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management with responsibility for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development at Daimler AG.

Even since 2009 Mercedes-Benz has improved in quality by going up three places to third place.  The C-Class took first place in the premium entry-level segment, while the new E-Class got off to a great start in both its saloon and coupe versions, notching up a second place, as did the redesigned S-Class.

This week Mercedes-Benz USA reported a 26.7% increase in their May 2010 sales, continuing the second quarter with a 25.8% increase on a year-to-date basis. Included in this total are 18,548 passenger cars, light truck vehicles and 628 Sprinter vans.

Impressive gains were made in both the Mercedes-Benz passenger car and light-truck categories. The strongest performer of the month was the 9th generation E-Class – which expanded to include the wagon and cabriolet models – with sales of 5,476 (up 140.7%).

The company’s flagship sedan, the S-Class, marked increased gains with sales of 1,085 (up 21.2%) and the newly introduced supercar and brand halo – the SLS AMG – reported strong initial sales of 168. The top performer on the luxury light truck side was the versatile M-Class SUV with sales of 2,264.

So far year-to-date sales for MBUSA include 87,970 new vehicles, an increase of 25.8% over last year.

For full article click here.

Last week Mercedes-Benz USA announced a global marketing partnership with Roger Federer, the world’s number one tennis player and 16-time Grand Slam Champion.  Starting in August, Mercedes-Benz will be sponsoring the US Tennis Open Championship which coincides with the Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador agreement with Federer.  The multi-year contract deal will cover the use of his image, personal appearances, and product placement as the brand ambassador.

“I am delighted that we are adding Roger Federer to the Mercedes-Benz family of sports and celebrity ambassadors on a global level. When it comes to tennis, he is without doubt one of the greatest of all time and he truly has become a global icon..,” said Stephen Cannon, Vice President Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.  “We are looking forward to working with Roger on a number of initiatives. Much like our own brand, Roger has an impressive and unrivalled history but the best is still yet to come,” he added.

What do you all think? Do you think the #1 tennis champ in the world is a good fit for Mercedes-Benz?

This is exciting news! Mercedes-Benz Financial is putting Apple iPads in the hands of its Mercedes-Benz dealerships.  The iPads will benefit both dealers and customers in using the point-of-sale dealer system called MB Advantage.  With the convenience of the iPad, dealers will have instant access to marketing programs for specific models, quicker credit application process, and increase speed and efficiency on the return of lease vehicles.

To start with, Mercedes-Benz Financial will test the iPad as a business tool by distributing them to 40 of its dealers throughout the USA.  Based upon dealer feedback, improvements will be made and eventually the iPad will make its way into all Mercedes-Benz dealerships later this year.

To read the full article click here.

Here is an article we found over at eMercedesBenz written by Jim Davis.  Sascha Simon, manager of advanced product planning for Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), gave a speech to young entrepreneurs about America’s transportation woes and the use of gasoline at the Summit Series in Washington D.C.  Simon stated that there will always be a demand for larger vehicles that travel long distances, that wouldn’t be able to rely solely on batteries.  This is the reason why Mercedes-Benz is investing significant resources in hydrogen electric technology.  Simon believes that the new generation of eco-friendly buyers will play a role in shaping the face of transportation from here on out.

“The road to zero emissions is not necessarily as long as most people think. The speed of progress depends on government climate change programs and carbon fuel supplies, but just as important is the customers’ willingness to adopt and embrace alternative fuel vehicles. We also need new and innovative thinking to increase the number of suppliers for these new technologies,” Simon said.

To read the full article click here.

We’ve got some exciting news!  The Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan earned 2010 top safety pick awards, from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety!

The award recognizes the vehicles that earn the top rating of good for front, side, rollover and rear crash protection, and that have electronic stability control, which is standard on Mercedes-Benz E-Class models.  This is the first time the E-Class has earned the Institute’s Top Safety Pick award, which applies to all E-class models built since March 2010.  How many of you folks are driving around in our Top Safety Pick luxury sedan?

To read more about this click here.