ML450 HYBRID - Fuel Door Button

I had been very curious about the fuel filler flap release button on the ML450 HYBRID that the local Mercedes-Benz technical specialist has been driving. I finally got an answer!

In order to comply with the PZEV emissions standards - zero evaporative emissions - this button triggers the fuel tank to depressurize before the cap is removed so that vapors don't escape. The ML 450's increased fuel efficency means that the fuel tank isn't opened as often as it would be in a non-hybrid so increased pressure could build up and therefore needs this extra step!

Just a little Mercedes minutiae...that I enjoy!

2010 ML450 HYBRID - Lease Available in December

Mercedes-Benz has just told us that the 2010 ML450 HYBRID is now scheduled for release in December. It will be a very limited production vehicle due to the limited availability of the necessary batteries. Also, "In order to maximize availability and ensure that we have a sufficient replacement inventory to guarantee the highest level of customer satisfaction, the ML450 HYBRID will be available as lease only without the ability to purchase." They expect that the ML450 HYBRID lease payment will carry a premium over the ML350 4Matic of $20-$120 per month. Actual payments will be released when the vehicle is released in December.

The order banks are open and there are currently vehicles available. Now is a good time to get on board if you want to lease one of the most technologically advanced green cars in the market!

One Millionth M-Class

Last week the 1 millionth M-Class built in Vance, AL rolled off the line. The one that set the record was a ML350 BlueTEC that is heading to a dealer in Phoenix. This is a great acheviement, and we plan to see many future M, R, and GL-Class vehicles make their way to Atlanta Classic Cars from this plant. Maybe someday the ML420 and GL420 (V8 diesel) models that pass through our dealership from Vance on their way to the rest of the world will get to stay a while.

Featured 2009 ML550 at Atlanta Classic Cars

- Update - This ML550 has been sold.
If you are even thinking about an ML550 this is the one you should get! Immediately! This car is well-equipped, gorgeous and it will be a great deal! It is technically a new vehicle - it has never been titled - but the warranty started 10 months ago and it has 8175 miles. We can add an extended warranty that will cover it up to 100,000 miles if that would be a benefit to you. Please let me know if you are interested! We only have one, it can't be replaced, and it will sell fast!


2009 ML550
Arctic White / Cashmere Interior
Premium 2 Package:
-Navigation
-Voice Control
-IPod/MP3 Adaptor
-Rearview Camera
-Parktronic
-Memory Seats
-Autodimming Mirrors
-Power Folding Mirrors
-Sirius Satellite Radio
-Sirius Live Traffic
-Harman/kardon Upgraded Sound
-Keyless-GO
-Power Liftgate
AMG Sport Package:
-19" AMG Wheels
-Aluminum Running Boards
Trailer Hitch
Heated Front Seats
Pre-Wired for Rear Entertainment

Original MSRP: $64,675
Special Price: $54,675

The 2010 C, ML, GL, and S Have Arrived at Atlanta Classic Cars!

It is an exciting time here at the dealership...the 2010 models are arriving! There is nothing I enjoy more than parking a 2009 next to a 2010 and looking for the differences. Some models have only tiny changes this year and some have the "refresh" - which is usually new bumpers, lights, a few buttons and new wheels. I have included a few pictures of the changes that jumped out at me.

2010 ML550


2010 GL550 - New Bumpers, New Wheels, New Lighting




2010 GL450 - New Bumpers, New Wheels, New Fog Lights



2010 C300 - New Laurel Wreath Center Cap in Optional 18" wheels


2010 S550 - Full Refresh - New Lights, Bumpers, New Wood Steering Wheel





2010 E-Class - New Color - Quartz Blue

2010 ML63 AMG - 10th Anniversary Package

Mercedes-Benz in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the original ML55 AMG! The all new 10th Anniversary Package was created by the AMG Performance Studio in Affalterback and uses colors and materials that have never been available before! The 10th Anniversary Package (Code P38) can be ordered on any 2010 ML63 that is currently in production. The package will cost $5,950 and includes:


Exterior:
- Unique hood with powerdomes
- Front and rear skid plates painted in Himalaya Grey
- AMG front grille painted in Himalaya Grey
- 21" AMG 5-spoke wheels painted in Himalaya Grey
- Front foglamp surrounds painted in Himalaya Grey


Interior:
- Sport seats in two-tone AMG premium leather
- Door panels in two-tone AMG premium leather
- AMG performance steering wheel in two-tone leather
- Anthracite poplar wood trim

Please do let me know if you are interested!

2010 ML450 Hybrid at Atlanta Classic Cars!

A 2010 ML450 Hybrid was dropped off at the dealership yesterday! It was picked up by one of the Mercedes-Benz technical executives but I was excited to get a sneak peak. It looks a lot like the 2010 ML350 that was dropped off right afterwards but it does have a few striking differences.


Sculpted Hood - It has a very angular power dome hood that looks fantastic. It had to be that way to make room for the 180 pounds of extra electronics under the hood.


Under the hood - The engine cover is pretty extreme. The battery is in the back where the spare tire would be so this has run-flats.


Fuel Door Release Button - I don't yet know why this is the only Mercedes that has one!

I was able to go for a test drive and the ride is fantastic! Much like the diesel, if you didn't know it was hybrid you really wouldn't notice any difference in the way it drives. It is obviously a little quieter when the gas motor is off but with the radio on you can't tell when it turnes the engine on and off. The power was fantastic. It didn't feel heavy or lacking in any way. The brake feel is different than our other vehicles because they are electric but it stopped just fine.


I look forward to introducing the first Mercedes Hybrid to a new group of clients!

2010 Mercedes-Benz Pricing and Release Dates

The 2010 GLK, E sedan and E coupe are already here and the rest of the 2010 models will be arriving soon. Mercedes-Benz has just given us the official pricing and release dates.

Model	Release Date	Base Price
C300 Sport/Luxury	July	$33,600/$35,300
C300 Sport/Luxury - 4MATIC	July	$37,100/$37,300
C350 Sport	August	$39,750
C63 AMG	August	$57,350
CL550 4MATIC	August	$110,400
CL600	August	$154,400
CL63AMG	August	$145,200
CL65 AMG	August	$207,170
CLS550	September	$72,400
CLS63 AMG	September	$97,950
E350 BlueTEC	March 2010	TBA
E350 4MATIC Sport/Luxury	Late August	$51,100
E550 4MATIC Sport/Luxury	Late August	$58,800
GL350 BlueTEC	September	$59,950
GL450 4MATIC	July	$60,950
GL550 4MATIC	August	$82,850
ML350 BlueTEC	September	$49,700
ML350 4MATIC	July	$48,200
ML350 2WD	July	$45,700
ML450 HYBRID	December	TBA
ML550 4MATIC	August	$56,750
ML63 AMG 4MATIC	August	$91,050
R350 BlueTEC	September	$50,800
R350 4MATIC	September	$49,300
S400 HYBRID	August	$87,950
S550	August	$91,600
S550 4MATIC	August	$94,600
S600	August	$149,700
S63AMG	August	$133,550
S65 AMG	August	$201,150
SLK300	October	$46,900
SLK350	October	$51,900
SLK55 AMG	October	$66,650

For those of you who have been trying to decide between a 2009 and a 2010 this should help.

ML550 Off-Road Pkg. Versus a Horse

Living in Atlanta, where we hardly even get snow, it's easy to forget just how capable our SUVs are off-road. To see the landing of the jump at the end check out the making of this video.

2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid - New York Times Review

The New York Times recently reviewed the new ML450 Hybrid that will be arriving at Atlanta Classic Cars this December.


"The gas-electric version of the popular ML-class S.U.V. easily beats the mileage of the regular 6- and 8-cylinder models: 21 miles a gallon in the city and 24 on the highway"

"Even in the barely crawling traffic, I returned to the New York auto show at the Javits Center showing 22 m.p.g. on the trip computer, convinced I could have done much better in a longer test."

"Mercedes is hoping that its luxury buyers are more receptive to a midsize S.U.V. hybrid, which officials said would be priced between current V-6 and V-8 models: Figure roughly $51,000 to start."

"Drivers can select an economy mode that maximizes mileage, or a sport mode that mimics having eight conventional gears, which can be operated by steering-wheel paddle shifters."

Read the full New York Times Review of the 2010 ML450

Mercedes-Benz at the New York Auto Show

Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC Alternative Motor Vehicle Tax Credit - ML320, GL320, and R320

The Alternative Motor Vehicle credit (30b) that can be used to get a tax credit for purchasing one of our diesel SUVs has been improved by the stimulus bill. You can now claim the full credit amount regardless of your personal tax situation and income. This change applies to BlueTEC SUVs purchased after January 1st, 2009.

Important notes on the tax credit:
Must be purchased, not leased
The credit is claimed on your Income Tax Returns, not at time of sale
The upcoming ML450 and S400 hybrids will qualify for the same program, amounts to be determined.
Toyota/Lexus are no longer eligible for these credits
2009 ML320 BlueTEC qualifies for $900 credit
2009 GL320 BlueTEC qualifies for $1800 credit
2009 R320 BlueTEC qualifies for $1550 credit

2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350, ML550, ML450 Hybrid, ML350 Bluetec and ML63 Colors, Packages and Options

Here is the information from the preliminary Dealer Ordering Guide for the 2010 ML-Class. This is a preliminary version and is subject to change at any point. Pricing has not been announced. All versions will be avaliable in August with the exception of the ML450 Hybrid that will be released in December.

ML320 Bluetec name changed to ML350 Bluetec
New Colors: Palladium Silver and Steel Grey
Standard Burl Walnut wood replaces Birdseye Maple wood
Tilt down passenger side mirror - now called "parking support mirror"
Wood Wheel available as stand alone option
Enhanced tire pressure monitoring system (displays PSI)
POST-SAFE added - post-accident safety feature
P2 package, lighting package are now standard on ML63

ML450 Hybrid Added to Line-up
335 horse-power, 354 lb/ft torque
8-Speed CVT transmission
Two-mode full hybrid power train
Reduced fuel consumption and emissions
Purely electric operation
Start/stop function
Brake-energy regeneration
19" 5-spoke wheel with run-flats
Power dome hood
Graphic hybrid display in COMAND
Air suspension

Pricing for Mercedes-Benz 2009 ML350 2 Wheel Drive

The 2009 ML350 with 2 Wheel Drive has been released for sale! The base MSRP is $44,600, which represents a $2,500 discount to the ML350 4MATIC. That should be about $20/month on an apples to apples lease. The ML350 2 Wheel Drive has the same exact standard and optional equipment and great look as the ML350 4MATIC.

Here in Georgia we don't get a lot of opportunity to use the all wheel drive capability of the 4MATIC system so the 2 Wheel Drive system is a nice alternative. I should have one shortly and I'll go drive them back to back to see if they perform any differently on the street.

2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC - Motor Trend Magazine Review

"We recently took out the ML BlueTEC to the Autoclub Speedway for some performance testing and found that besides being a relatively fuel efficient and low-emissions people-mover (EPA rated at 18 city/24 highway) the new ML diesel is also a decent Bavarian performer of an SUV."

"As is the case with the new breed of 50-state legal diesels, it didn't "act" (or smell) like the dirty, black-plume-spewing cars of yesteryear."

"Sporty? Check. Luxurious? Check. Capable of actually being used in a towing/hauling/carrying situation? Check. The powertrain is always ready to unleash its smile-inducing torque, while the 3.0L six should prove plenty sturdy thanks to the vast experience its diligent engineers have amassed since pre-WWII."

Read Motor Trend's full review here

2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC - Motor Trend Review

In Atlanta we don't get many chances to drive in the snow but since I travel to Illinois every Christmas I can certainly vouch for how great the ML is in the snow. This year I drove a C-class up and even though it wasn't a 4matic it did really well in the snow. Mercedes' traction and stability systems allow even our 2-wheel-drive sedans to out handle most SUVs as long as the snow doesn't get too deep.

This is a great review that Motor Trend just did on winter driving in the 2009 ML320 BlueTEC.

"The big Benz powered along straight and true, while nearby several other vehicles skidded right off the highway and buried themselves until spring in mountainous snowbanks."

"Say you put on 30,000 highway miles a year. Using EPA highway figures for comparison, and assuming that L.A.'s gas/diesel prices remain fixed (though the gap is almost sure to close), with the ML320 BlueTEC's higher efficiency you'd start coming out ahead after just three years."

"The engine is that smooth and quiet. Torquey, too."

"Of particular note was the rear-glass heater, which could likely cook pancakes in Antarctica. In what seemed like seconds, any ice build-up just melted right off."

Read the full Motor Trend Review here

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and M-Class - IIHS 2009 Top Safety Pick

The 2008-2009 C-Class has been awarded the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2009 Top Safety Pick for Midsized Cars. You can view the IIHS Report Here.

The 2006-2009 M-Class has also been chosen as a Top Safety Pick for the third year in a row. You can view it's IIHS Report Here.

Mercedes-Benz is always working to build the safest cars on the planet. People forget that in addition to inventing the automobile, Mercedes was the first to offer seatbelts, airbags, and ABS brakes. Now, all of these items are standard on almost every car, and Mercedes is working hard to develop the safety technologies of the future.

New Power Liftgate Feature on the 2009 ML, R, GL and 2010 GLK

The power liftgate has been a very popular feature on the ML, R and GL. Previously the liftgate had two settings - open fully, or the "limited" position that stopped it only a little bit open. The "limited" position did stop the liftgate from hitting cargo on the roof of the vehicle but made it difficult to access things in the cargo area.


You can now program the power liftgate to stop at any height you choose! This would be very useful for people who can't reach the button on the liftgate itself when it is in the fully open position and for people with a lower ceiling in the garage. I know that if I have my garage door up and open the liftgate it will hit the door. This will solve that problem. All you have to do is open the liftgate to the height you like, hold down the button on the liftgate until you hear a chime and let go. From now on the liftgate will open to your custom height! To go back to the fully open setting, hold the power liftgate button down until the chime sounds twice. Very easy...and very useful!

Our 2009 GL320 and ML320 BlueTEC Test Vehicles are Here!

Mercedes-Benz has sent us a 2009 ML320 BlueTEC and a 2009 GL320 BlueTEC to test drive for the next month. You might notice them on the road with their...distinctive wrapping. I went for a spin in the GL320 BlueTEC yesterday. I wanted to see how the 20" run-flat tires impacted the ride quality. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the ride was as comfortable as it has ever been. I think Mercedes took great care to compensate for the run-flats with the suspension set up. Also, the 20" size is not too big. It almost feels more suited to the size of the GL that the 18" wheels did.

You can learn more at the Mercedes BlueTEC site or come in and see for yourself!

XM & Sirius Merge - Listen To Both In Your Mercedes

Owners of 2008 and newer Mercedes can now add "The Best of XM" to their existing account. However, some vehicles will require a trip to the shop for updated software.

If you have a 2008 or 2009 S/CL-Class or a 2009 SL/SLK/E/CLS/M/R/GL-Class with a Command head unit your software update should be available mid-October.

If you have a 2008 E/CLS/SLK-Class with a Command head unit the software update is currently being tested and they are hoping to have it available by the beginning of November.

All other 2008 and 2009 vehicles should receive "The Best of XM" without a software update.