Mercedes Benz has an extensive lineup of quality cars that are proven to be a great hit with the market. Among these vehicles is the C-Class line whose fourth-generation was released back in January 2007. The fourth-generation C-Class has almost all modern amenities that any buyer could ask for. But, it seems that Mercedes is not content unless it continues to innovate and make every product better than before.

So, here comes the 2009 C-Class. This vehicle is now available in rear or all-wheel drive models. These two models have noticeable differences in terms of features. The all-wheel drive is a tad more advanced because its excellent V6 engine is matched with the superior 4MATIC system. This difference becomes more noticeable when the car is driven. The 4MATIC system comes to the fore s soon as the ignition is turned on. It becomes a great assistant during acceleration, cornering, traveling on ice, snow, rough and slippery roads.

And it is not only the performance that’s good about the Mercedes Benz C-Class. Even the interior seems to be like a work of art. It has slightly raised ergonomic seats for more shoulder and elbow room. The interior’s trim can either be in metal or hand-finished wood. It’s up to the buyer’s discretion. Creature comforts are also present. The interior is really designed to impress with its leather fitted multifunction steering wheel, MP3-compatible in-dash CD changer, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and Bluetooth. Keeping the occupants comfortable is the automatic and individual temperature control settings.

Aside from creature comforts, Mercedes also takes into account the occupants’ safety. The safety features included in the C-Class are the Brake Pad Wear Indicators, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist, and the NECK-PRO head restraints at the front.

The 2009 Mercedes Benz C-Class is a great option for dads and moms who are on the lookout for their next family car. Well, that’s if they want a sedan as a family car. From the looks of things, the C-Class has the safety features, creature comforts, and the performance needed to have a great trip.

So, what can you say about the 2009 Mercedes C-Class?

Photo Credit: Edmunds

Safety is a big factor that a lot of car makers take into consideration when they develop a vehicle. This is a commendable thing to do especially in this day and age when accidents on the highways are very prevalent. Life is precious and it’s a good thing these auto manufacturers are taking an active part in preserving it.

One active innovator in safety devices in automobiles is Mercedes-Benz. This company has a long list of safety innovations to its name. Proximity-controlled Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System, and Continuous Braking Control are some of these safety features. But they have a new one called the Attention Assist System. This safety innovation is aimed to help people who tend to fall asleep at the wheel. We all know how dangerous this is. Many innocent lives have been sacrificed because a driver fell asleep at the wheel. This Attention Assist system has been in the works since 2007 and now it’s finally ready.

How exactly can the Attention Assist system keep a driver safe on the road? According to Gizmag, “Attention Assist system constantly monitors typical driving patterns to establish an individual profile and, taking into account factors like the time of day, the duration of the trip and steering behavior, makes a decision on whether the driver is becoming tired when there is deviation from this saved data.

The system records the angle of the steering wheel, speed, acceleration, the use of indicators and pedals, as well as external factors such as a side wind or an uneven road surface. If changes occur within the established parameters of the individual’s driving behavior (with steering behavior having proved a particularly telling indicator according to Mercedes) a warning sounds and an alert symbol appears in the instrument cluster so the driver knows it’s time for a break.”

This sound alert will definitely awaken the driver if he seems to be dozing off already.

This new safety technology by Mercedes offers a lot of potential. It is the first of its kind that uses driver’s behavior to determine whether he’s still driving safely or not.
 
We can hope that with this additional safety feature, falling-asleep-at-the-wheel accidents will be greatly reduced.

Photo Credit: Gizmag

A friend of mine is thinking of buying a new car to replace the decrepit sedan that he owns now. Aside from being old, his car also needs replacing by now because when all them – him, his wife, and their three growing up children – ride in it, space is becoming a real big issue. His children – two boys – are not that comfortable when they pile up in the back seat. So, the best thing to be done is to find a new car, and soon! If he had the money I would suggest he get the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic. This is Mercedes’ most advanced and luxurious creations ever, well, besides the Bluetech model.

The Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic is so full of excellent features that you can’t avoid the feeling of envy to those who will be able to afford this. Maybe, I shouldn’t suggest it to my friend, then…hmm. Nah, I would be depriving him of the chance to dream about this car. Who knows, in the near future he would be able to get it.

The GLK350 for 2010 is a mid-size SUV that is just right for family use. On the outside, the GLK350 is an angular figure, as are most of the SUVs we see on the road these days. Its structural design is based on the newly introduced C-Class sedans. Aside from the full-time 4Matic all-wheel drive, the GLK350 is also available in two-wheel and rear-drive configurations. Due to its size, this vehicle is nicknamed the “baby GL”. But, mind you, though it seems like a “baby” of SUVs it is capable of matching and even surpassing the ability of other full-size SUVs.

Allowing it to compete with other vehicles is a 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine configuration is able to churn out 268 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque. Besides the excellent power, the GLK350 also provides great fuel economy - 16 city/21 highway – for the 4Matic model.

Sheer luxury and convenience is provided inside the car. Inside you’ll find a modern layout with dark-colored upholstery. Controls are quite visible even with its dark theme. Some of the great interior features hat come with the car are the navigation system and iPod connectivity package.

As you can see, the Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic is an excellent choice of a vehicle. For sure if I make this suggestion to my friend, he’d be delighted. It’s just too bad it’s beyond his means at the moment.

Photo Credit: Motortrend

Sport Utility Vehicles or SUVs are an ideal vehicle for growing families. It’s suited for both on-road trips and especially for off-road adventures. SUVs are spacious and can accommodate several persons at a time, including the baggage they might have. Looking for family-size transportation? You have to check out SUVs like the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.

Among its marquee of SUVs, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL is so far the biggest. This model is very different from the G-Class line so, just make sure you don’t mistake it for the other. The GL-Class line is a full-size sport utility vehicle that can seat up to seven people. It offers great convenience and sheer luxury for all its passengers. Apart from that it provides superbly smooth handling and road performance.

When you get behind of the GL-Class you’ll be surprised by the car-like feeling when you steer the wheel on the road. It’s made with unibody structure instead of traditional body-on-frame assembly. The GL-Class is so much more attractive with its aggressive stance. Tall and wide in structure, this vehicle is hard to ignore while on the road. Among its great exterior features are the large fender flares, massive tires, and dual-split exhaust outlets. The rear portion is also wide and has a large rear hatch opening and huge tail lights. Driving during the day or even at night, these large lights will make sure you stay safe on the road.

If you are already impressed of how the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class looks on the outside, wait until you see what’s inside. It has upright, comfy seats with the third row having a power folding feature. When you power fold the third row of seats, you will be granted bigger cargo space. Also found inside the GL-Class is the 440-watt, 11-speaker harman/kardon Logic 7 sound system, Sirius Satellite Radio, and a DVD video entertainment system with screen mounted in the rear of both front seats. With these things installed, you’ll never have boring moments on the road.

There are three engine choices available for the three trims provided. The GL320 CDI has 215-hp 3.0-liter diesel V-6, the GL450 has 335-hp 4.6-liter V-8, and the GL550 has 382-hp 5.5-liter V-8 engine. All of these engines use a 7-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive system. Antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control, stability control with roll control, Tele Aid SOS system, and eight airbags are some of the features to safe you and your family safe when you go on road trips. 

I guess the biggest drawback about this Mercedes vehicle is the price. MSRP Range is $53,400 to $77,375.

Photo Credit: Motortrend