Mercedes-Benz builds leadership in LED lighting systems: Progress through better light

In 2010, the Mercedes-Benz CLS was the world's first production car to feature the dynamic full LED headlights which offer all the functions of conventional xenon adaptive lighting systems. The new S-Class is the first production car ever to be completely dispensed with conventional bulbs by using only energy efficient LEDs. The next step will be taken next year when Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the premiere of the Active Multi Beam LED.

Active Multi Beam LED extends the control of the vehicle headlights to a new dimension given the situation. To date, some functions, such as curve light or the glare-free high beam, were mechanically controlled. Now the engineers at Mercedes-Benz have opened up new degrees of freedom in light distribution through the selective control of many individual LEDs. Each individual LED can be switched on individually and thus illuminate precisely targeted areas. The different lighting functions are controlled independently. An adaptation of the driving light on the current traffic situation is thus more accurately represented. The headlight can adjust the light image extremely quickly and quietly - and for the left and right headlights individually. The controller derives the ideal light image 100 times per second and the system receives information from the camera.

"The CLS, which we have offered to our customers since 2010, is equipped with the first LED headlights, which have all the adaptive features found on the Intelligent Light System," says Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, the Daimler Board of Management Member responsible for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Research and Development. "The Active Multi Beam LED headlights can now respond even faster and individually to changing traffic situations. There are also advanced, immediately tangible features such as predictive curve detection in the active cornering light mode. Mercedes-Benz will continuously expand its pioneering role in the lighting industry."

LED (light emitting diodes) are characterized today as the state of the art in vehicle lighting technology. Three advantages are decisive:

- LED head light has the colour of daylight the next. This means that LED light is in the normal human perception patterns. Studies show that artificial light exerts the eye less if closer in colour to daylight. With a colour temperature of 5,500 Kelvin, LED light is closer to daylight (6,500 K) than xenon light (4,200 K).

- LEDs are much more energy efficient than conventional bulbs and consume according about 75 percent less power according to studies. At higher light output, compared to conventional lighting systems, for example, the energy-saving LED beam needs only 34 watts, making it much more efficient than halogen light (110 to 120 watts) and xenon light (80 to 84 watts, information per vehicle). Up to 0.05 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, or 2.1 grams of CO2 per kilometer can be saved compared to a vehicle fitted with halogen low beam.

- LEDs last much longer than conventional bulbs. The average life of an LED is around 10,000 hours, around five times higher than that of a xenon lamp.

CLS in 2010: breakthrough in LED technology

The breakthrough in LED technology came in 2010. With the CLS, Mercedes-Benz was the first automotive manufacturer to present the dynamic full LED headlights on a production model, a system offering all the features of xenon adaptive lighting systems. The five lighting functions of the Intelligent Light System - country mode, motorway mode, enhanced fog lights, active curve lighting and cornering lights - are designed specifically for typical driving and weather conditions. The light specialists from Mercedes-Benz have for the first time combined LED technology with the innovative Adaptive Highbeam Assistant, which led to a completely new level of safety at night. Full LED headlights are now an optional equipment for the new E-Class 2013 as well.

New E-Class: LED low beam standard

Since spring 2013, the new E-Class sets new standards when it comes to lights: LED technology as standard in both the passing beam and the driving lights. The highly efficient low beam headlight sums a power consumption of only 34 watts. Upon request, full-LED headlights are offered for the first time in this class.

New S-Class: The end of the conventional light

With the new S-Class, the next step is. Mercedes-Benz is expanding its pioneering role in the lighting industry continues: The new S-Class is the first time exclusively equipped with LED headlights and has no conventional bulbs more: Nearly 500 LEDs perform there the lighting of road, vehicle, interior and trunk. In the headlights carry powerful new single-chip LED and a newly developed projection module is mirrored and reflected back into the deflected light rays significantly to the efficiency increase.

New functions: more comfort, more safety, more consideration

Upon request, new features expand the capabilities of the LED headlamps of the new S-Class.

For the first time, the Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus in the S-Class offers permanent driving in high beam mode with oncoming road users' recognition and light cone hiding technology. The camera-based system detects oncoming traffic or traffic ahead and fits, when high beam is on, the light distribution according to the traffic situation. The driver can leave the high beam switched on permanently and use its entire reach range without harassing or even endangering other road users therewith. Manual activation and deactivation is eliminated, so the total traveling time in high beam mode is markedly increased.

The Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus uses the new stereo camera, which is also used by other assistance systems. Thanks to an image recognition algorithm, it recognizes an oncoming or preceding vehicle and thus drives a mechanism in the headlamp module. This displays the range in cone-beam LED headlights, which contains the other vehicles so that their drivers are not dazzled. There are road users that can be situated outside the active mechanism of the LED high-beam range, for example when cornering with a number of relevant vehicles. Then, the system uses the known function of the low beam headlight range control.

Possible self fades through the increased use of the high beam and highly reflective signs on the roadside are detected and avoided by selective dimming of the headlights.

Consideration: tail lights with automatically controlled intensity

In the new S-Class and E-Class, consideration towards road traffic partners is not only visible through the auto-hide of the high beam. As another world premiere, Mercedes-Benz has implemented the so-called multi-level functionality in the rear lights of the S-Class. Brake lights and turn signals are operated (day / night) with varying intensity depending on driving conditions and the brightness of the environment.

For example, at night, should the Mercedes driver press on the brake pedal at a red light, the brake light brightness is automatically adjusted downward, so that the driver behind is not dazzled. A wider light distribution ensures the light is not too dark and, of course, all statutory requirements are met.

Innovative: Milestones in lighting technology from Mercedes-Benz

As the oldest and most popular automotive brand in the world, Mercedes-Benz has always stood for innovation, which is based on customer value. Many innovations come from experimental cars such as the ESF 2009 research vehicle and make their way into the volume series innovation carriers such as the CL and S-Class. Here is a brief chronology of the most important milestones in Mercedes-Benz light technology for the last 20 years:

1991: Premiere of xenon headlamps with gas-discharge lamps in the Mercedes-Benz F 100 research vehicle

1995: Xenon headlights with dynamic range control in E-Class

1999: Premiere of the bi-xenon technology in the CL-Class

2003: World premiere of the active cornering light in the E-Class

2004: World premiere of bi-xenon headlamps with active light function and cornering light function in the CLS-Class

2005: Premiere of the Active Night View Assist in the S-Class

2006: World premiere of the Intelligent Light System in the E-Class

2009: World premiere of the Intelligent Light System with Adaptive Highbeam Assist in the E-Class

2009: Premiere of the Active Night View Assist Plus in the S-Class and E-Class

2010: World premiere of the LED High Performance headlamps with all lighting functions and the LED Intelligent Light System in the CLS-Class

2010: New Xenon bulb with 20 percent higher color temperature, which is even closer to the normal day light, in the S-Class and E-Class

2011: Start of production for the spotlight function (world premiere)

2013: New E-Class comes standard with energy-efficient LED low beam (34 watt / vehicle)

2013: New S-Class comes standard as the first car fitted with exclusively LED headlights. New lighting functions (optional): Adaptive Highbeam Assist PLUS, Night View Assist Plus. Dashboard lighting based on LED technology. Multi-level functionality for the rear lights.

2014: World premiere of the Active Multi Beam LED

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Complete coverage of all the hot topics

After eight years of lifecycle, the current W/V 221 S-Class model series hands over the laurel to the new W/V 222 generation which has undergone intense testing and development for over four years. After a spectacular show, the new S-Class was presented in front of the audience gathered at Hamburg - Finkenwerder in the delivery center for the Airbus A380 jumbos. The sovereign luxury and magnificent stance of the new Mercedes-Benz model were intensely admired by all guests, not to mention the outstanding technical package which easily converts the new S-Class into world's most advanced automobile which paves the way to a future automotive era full of intelligent cars.

If you would like to find out more about the new S-Class (which, you certainly do), check out the following links and prepare to be impressed. Enjoy! :)

1. Spectacular world premiere of the new S-Class at Airbus in Hamburg: Grand unveiling of the new flagship model from Mercedes-Benz

2. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class - The aspiration: the best automobile in the world

3. The Mercedes-Benz management team on the S-Class: The best or nothing, in every respect

4. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Exterior design - Modern sense of status, sensual shapes and stylish sportiness

5. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Interior design - Visual breadth and calm solidity

6. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Aerodynamics - Sleek, silent type

7. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: The model range - The assignment: perfection

8. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Lights - The first ever car without a single light bulb

9. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Control and display concept - Elegant new control centre

10. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Seats - Mobile office and centre of wellbeing

11. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Climate control - A wealth of new features for a pleasant atmosphere

12. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: The driving assistance systems - Helpers in the background

13. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Extended PRE-SAFE® protection - Prevention is better than cure

14. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Extended protection in the rear - Top safety level in the rear

15. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Bodyshell and passive safety - Maximum stability and high-quality lightweight design

16. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Drive system - Class-leading efficiency in every output category

17. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Suspension - The world's first suspension system with "eyes"

18. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Multimedia features - Communication centre and concert hall

19. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Heritage - S-Class technology milestones

20. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Glossary - Terms and innovations from A to Z

21. "The Taste of Luxury": Mercedes-Benz opens "Ten Star Restaurant" for one night only

22. Meeting of two flagships: The Airbus A380 as the backdrop for the world premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Meeting of two flagships: The Airbus A380 as the backdrop for the world premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Wednesday evening, Mercedes-Benz presented the S-Class in a special event. At the Airbus A380 delivery centre in Hamburg-Finkenwerder, the new Mercedes-Benz flagship met up with the world's largest and most advanced passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380. As "Germany's most valuable package", the star of the event had previously been flown from Stuttgart to Hamburg in an Airbus A300-600 freighter operated by DHL – just in time to celebrate the world premiere with around 750 international guests from politics, industry and the media.

On an LED video screen measuring some 200 square metres, the guests were able to witness the new S-Class being unloaded and driven across the runway to the launch pavilion equipped with multimedia facilities – flanked on each side by current Mercedes models. 15 cameras recorded the event and broadcast the images around the world via an outside broadcast truck. 96 loudspeakers and 20 kW of sound output ensured that every word was heard.

The choice of the A380 Delivery Center as the location for the world premiere was no accident. Like the A380, the new S-Class will set new standards in luxurious travel. "Rather than being about safety or aesthetics, power or efficiency, comfort or dynamism, our aspirations were 'the best or nothing' in every respect. No other car stands for the Mercedes-Benz brand promise more than the S-Class," said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

2000 square-metre pavilion for the launch celebration

As a logistical tour de force, Mercedes-Benz had a launch venue constructed where Airbus customers from Europe and the Middle East normally take delivery of their new A380, with a multimedia presentation stage, S-Class showroom, product display, VIP lounge and extensive backstage areas for technical facilities, logistics and catering. This included a kitchen for five German Michelin-star chefs, who opened a unique "ten-star restaurant" on the evening of the premiere to celebrate the S-Class.

Constructing the temporary building took around 14 days, employing up to 100 personnel from various trades each day. A total of 160 semitrailer trucks delivered the necessary materials: more than 500 tonnes of steel, 4000 square metres of wood, 400 spotlights, 96 loudspeakers and an LED video wall measuring 28 metres in width and seven metres in height.

The additional power supply with 3000 KVA of output required 25 kilometres of newly laid cables, 40 distributors and its own generators. Sound quality, for example during the live appearance of the international star Alicia Keys, was not only ensured by the precisely positioned loudspeakers, but also by 26 output signal channels and a mixing console with 168 input channels. 400 spotlights with 130 electric motors in around 1000 metres of traversing rigs shed the best possible light on the S-Class.

The new S-Class: Luxurious travel at the highest level

The new Mercedes-Benz flagship model is the epitome of a modern luxury saloon. The S-Class is an exclusive first-class office along the lines of a business jet, as well as a haven of relaxation with the ENERGIZING massage function based on the hot-stone principle and individual interior fragrancing.

"Our completely newly developed S-Class establishes a never-before-seen dimension in luxury, comfort and efficiency in a saloon, and raises the standard of safety equipment in automobiles to a new level. More than ever, this makes it synonymous with luxury and innovation in automotive engineering," says Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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"The Taste of Luxury": Mercedes-Benz opens "Ten Star Restaurant" for one night only

The stars were out in force at the Airbus facility in Hamburg-Finkenwerder for yesterday's world premiere of the new S-Class when for one night only Mercedes-Benz opened a globally unique "Ten Star Restaurant" in the Airbus A380 delivery centre. Five German star-rated chefs specialising in different culinary styles were on hand to indulge the approximately 750 international guests from the worlds of politics, industry and media with a variety of culinary specialities. The gourmet creations were served up at several live cooking stations by chefs Juan Amador, Douce Steiner, Tim Raue, Matthias Schmidt and Wahabi Nouri, and formed the crowning touch to the evening's 'flying menu'.

With some unique dishes specially arranged for the world premiere, the chefs brought a further touch of refinement to the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz luxury saloon - a vehicle which is an exclusive first-class mobile office and a centre of well-being, all rolled into one. And just as the new S-Class is once again setting standards in terms of luxurious automobility, all five of the chefs are characterised by their exceptional culinary skills.

Juan Amador: veal cheeks in curry sauce, coconut jelly and mango mayonnaise

Well known and highly praised for his avant-garde compositions and flavour contrasts, three-star chef Juan Amador surprised guests with veal cheeks in curry sauce, coconut jelly and mango mayonnaise. Born in Swabia and with a German/Spanish background, he is regarded as one of the most innovative chefs around. He specialises in classic French haute cuisine as well as in the techniques of molecular gastronomy. In his own creative studio, the 44-year-old chef develops new cooking methods, researches completely new aromatic combinations, and also redefines or completely reinterprets familiar dishes. He earned his first Michelin star at just 25 years of age. He runs the "Amador" restaurant in Mannheim, which is currently rated with 18 points by the Gault&Millau gourmet guide.

Douce Steiner: diced turbot in lemon sauce with green asparagus tips and sorrel

Douce Steiner, the first German female chef to earn two Michelin stars, served diced turbot in lemon sauce with green asparagus tips and sorrel. Hailing from southern Baden, she is well known for her love of vegetables and herbs – and also famous for her light sauces. In 2007 she took over the "Hirschen" hotel and restaurant in Sulzburg, in the Margravian region of southwest Germany, from her father, under whom she also served as an apprentice. In 2011, the 42-year-old was named "Rising Chef of the Year" by the Gault&Millau gourmet guide. Two years later she earned her second star with her light, Mediterranean-inspired style.

Tim Raue: wasabi langoustine

Two-star chef Tim Raue, from Berlin, delighted guests with an Asian dish - wasabi langoustine. The current edition of the Gault&Millau guide describes the work of the 39-year-old chef as a "love affair with Asia". His dishes are characterised by the careful composition of spices and aromas from China, Japan and Thailand. Deeply rooted in the traditions of Asia, Raue's creations reflect an intense sense of harmony and a strong balance between sweet, sharp, sour and salty highlights. With 19 points, he is one of the few chefs to come close to the maximum score in the current Gault&Millau guide for his restaurant "Tim Raue".

Matthias Schmidt: frozen cress with sorb purée and mustard caramel

31-year-old Matthias Schmidt from Frankfurt am Main is one of the leading creative chefs from the younger generation. As a bold chef, he has earned a reputation which stretches way beyond the boundaries of the banking metropolis. This is because he has turned his back on classic haute cuisine and now works only with (organic) regional products. As part of his approach he opts for little-known products which are not often found in high-end gastronomy, such as sorb and few-flowered leek. His recipe for success lies in the use of often hand-picked ingredients used in his typically innovative style, full of contrasting flavours, to create high-quality, top-class dishes. For the S-Class he created frozen cress with sorb purée and mustard caramel. The two-star chef runs the "Villa Merton" restaurant in Frankfurt. The Gault&Millau guide has awarded the chef's ground-breaking cuisine 17 points.

Wahabi Nouri: Frisian shoulder of ox braised in ras el hanout with celeriac polenta and pickled mirabelle plums

Wahabi Nouri was born in Casablanca and has a reputation as something of a wizard when it comes to the finest culinary delights. As such he charmed the guests at the premiere with Frisian shoulder of ox braised in ras el hanout with celeriac polenta and pickled mirabelle plums. His imaginative dishes are considered to be works of art. They are based on classic delicacies from French cuisine, which the 43-year-old chef combines discreetly yet emotionally with influences from his Moroccan homeland, as well as some modern twists. In 2002 he opened the "Piment" restaurant in Hamburg and one year later earned his first Michelin star. In 2010 he was named "Chef of the Year" by the Gault&Millau guide.

World premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz luxury saloon in Hamburg

The S-Class gourmet creations of the top chefs

Five of the best German chefs brought a further touch of refinement to the world premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Hamburg with some unique gourmet creations.

Juan Amador: veal cheeks in curry sauce, coconut jelly and mango mayonnaise

4 veal cheeks
butter freshly ground white pepper
50 g butter
20 g purple curry
20 g beetroot granules breadcrumbs
hazelnut oil Maldon salt
curry paste
50 g nut butter
80 g dried honey bread

Curry sauce

1 dsp chopped shallots
1 tsp purple curry
200 ml red Banyuls wine
ground arrowroot Maldon salt
1 dsp chopped garlic
30 ml red wine vinegar
500 ml veal jus butter

Coconut jelly

1 l coconut milk 4 gelatine leaves
1 pinch Maldon salt 10 g agar agar
1 pinch sugar

Mango mayonnaise

400 g mango purée
200 ml olive oil
6 g lota (Textura)

Preparation

To make the curry sauce: gently fry the shallots and garlic in a little butter. Sprinkle over the purple curry powder and deglaze with the red wine vinegar. Add the Banyuls and allow to simmer until syrupy in consistency. Add the veal jus, bring to the boil and simmer to reduce by a half, then pass through a sieve and thicken with a little arrowroot.

To make the coconut jelly: bring the coconut milk to the boil with the salt and sugar. Stir in the agar agar, bring to the boil then remove immediately from the heat and sieve before stirring in the softened gelatine. Pour into 2 cm-deep moulds and allow to cool. Before serving, mix the jelly with a little argan oil in a thermomixer to form a smooth cream.

To make the mango mayonnaise: bring the mango purée to the boil and stir in the lota, then add the olive oil to the warm mixture using a hand-held blender until an emulsion is formed. Keep warm. Vacuum-seal the veal cheeks individually with a little hazelnut oil and immerse in a water bath at exactly 60°C for 12 hours.

To make the curry paste: melt 50 g butter and 50 g nut butter in a pan. Add the purple curry, breadcrumbs and beetroot granules. Season with salt and keep warm.

Remove the veal cheek from the bag, season with salt and pepper and fry briefly on each side. Coat with the curry paste, sprinkle with a little Maldon salt and serve.

Douce Steiner: diced turbot in lemon sauce with green asparagus tips and sorrel

Turbot

4 x 60 g turbot fillet salt and pepper
1 dsp vegetable oil
1 dsp butter
1 sprig lemon thyme

Season the fish and fry on each side in the vegetable oil until golden; roast for about 3 minutes in the oven at 180°C, then add the butter and thyme and baste continuously for about ½ minute. Serve with the lemon sauce.

Lemon sauce

2 shallots, finely chopped
2 lemon grass stalks, crushed and roughly chopped
3 saffron threads
2 dsp lime-infused olive oil
½ l chicken, fish or vegetable stock
3 lemons, grated zest and juice
6 sprigs lemon thyme
50 g cold butter
freshly ground salt and pepper
1 tsp pink pepper, crushed

To make the lemon sauce: gently fry the shallots, lemon grass and saffronn in the lime-infused olive oil. Add the chicken stock and the grated lemon zest and simmer until reduced by about a half. Add the thyme and simmer for a further 1-2 minutes. Pass the mixture through a sieve and return the liquid to the pan. Add the lemon juice and butter, season to taste with salt and pepper. Whisk thoroughly just before serving. Sprinkle with the pink pepper as a final touch.

Green asparagus tips and sorrel

Trim 4 spears of asparagus and boil for approx. 5 minutes with salt, sugar and 1 dsp butter, then rinse in cold water so it retains its lovely green colour. Just before serving, halve the spears and fry quickly in a dsp olive oil. Place on top of the fish, which should already be on the plate with the lemon sauce, and scatter with the sorrel.

Tim Raue: wasabi langoustine

Langoustine

4 langoustine tails
2 dsp cornflour
Wasabi mayonnaise
7 dsp Japanese mayonnaise
1 dsp wasabi powder
2 dsp freshly grated wasabi root
1 dsp lime juice
4 tsp green rice

Dressing

80 ml Nuc Nam fish sauce
50 ml rice vinegar light (Marukan)
50 ml lemon squash (e.g. Rose's)
3 dsp finely diced carrot
3 dsp finely diced mango
1 dsp chopped coriander stalks

Toss the langoustine tails lightly in the cornflour and place in the refrigerator for 4 hours. Fry in hot fat (160°C) for 3 minutes.. Blend the wasabi powder with the lime juice, then stir all other ingredients into the mayonnaise. Fry the rice in hot fat at 160°C for a few seconds, place on kitchen paper to drain, season lightly with salt. To make the dressing: mix all liquid ingredients together, then add the carrot, mango and coriander. Serve chilled.

Matthias Schmidt: frozen cress with sorb purée and mustard caramel

The sorb, also known variously as the service-tree, checker tree or sorb apple, is a wild fruit tree related to the rose.

Sorb purée

300 ml apple-quince mead
400 ml glucose
4.5 g dried woodruff
600 ml parsley root juice
35 g garden cress
250 g Boskoop apples
250 g Povida apples
3 g agar agar
3 leaves gelatine
150 g ripe sorb apples
Mustard caramel
60 g sugar
30 g mustard seed

Boil the quince mead with the glucose, add the woodruff and leave to steep for 24 hours and then pass through a sieve. Blend the cress, the parsley root juice and the woodruff mixture together in a mixer until the cress is completely liquidised. Freeze the resulting mixture.

Extract the juice from the Boskoop apples, bring to the boil and pass through a fine cloth. Core the Povida apples, chop finely and allow to soften in the hot Boskoop apple juice. Add the agar agar to the hot mixture, boil for one minute and then add the softened gelatine. Blend everything together to a smooth purée. The sorb apples should be so ripe that they are completely brown and can be pressed through a fine sieve to separate out the flesh of the fruit. Mix the two purées together.

Allow the sugar to caramelise until golden yellow; add the mustard seed and then remove the mixture immediately from the pan onto a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Allow to cool before cutting into small pieces with a knife.

Wahabi Nouri: Frisian shoulder of ox braised in ras el hanout with celery polenta and pickled mirabelle plums

Frisian shoulder of ox

ox shoulder, approx. 1.5 kg in weight
2 pimientos
1 clove ½ cinnamon stick
2 onions ras el hanout spice mixture
15 g ginger
1 bay leaf
0.5 l white wine zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
250 ml veal stock salt

Chop the onions roughly and allow to marinate for at least three days with all the other ingredients. Sear the meat, season with salt and ras el hanout; add the onions and continue to cook gently. Pour over the marinade and allow to braise for about three hours at 80°C until tender. Remove the meat and place on one side to cool. Sieve the sauce to remove residue and simmer to reduce to the desired consistency. Warm the meat through in the sauce.

Celery polenta

½ head of celery
50 g parmesan
250 ml chicken stock
100 g polenta
100 ml milk
20 ml olive oil

Extract the juice from the celery and immediately bring this liquid quickly to the boil before passing through a fine cloth. Mix this stock with the remaining ingredients to create a soft polenta, then refine with grated parmesan and olive oil.

Pickled mirabelles

100 g mirabelle plums
50 g sugar
50 ml water
25 g white balsamico
salt
2 g agar agar

Halve the mirabelles and bring to the boil with the remaining ingredients, with the exception of the agar agar. Allow to steep and remove any stones. Add the 2 g agar agar and bring to the boil; allow to cool, liquidise and sieve.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Spectacular world premiere of the new S-Class at Airbus in Hamburg: Grand unveiling of the new flagship model from Mercedes-Benz

On the evening of 15th May, the new flagship for luxurious motoring landed in Hamburg on board an Airbus A300-600 DHL cargo plane. Mercedes-Benz had the new S-Class flown in exclusively from its birthplace in Stuttgart for its world premiere at Airbus in Finkenwerder. At the delivery centre for the Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger aircraft and a benchmark in travel comfort, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new luxury saloon in front of around 750 international guests from the worlds of politics, industry and media. Flanked by the 20 current Mercedes-Benz models and musically accompanied by the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra, the new top-of-the-line model from Stuttgart rolled across the tarmac as part of a spectacular show. In a dazzling display, it took up its position at the head of the Mercedes-Benz family and drove onto the stage with its first passenger, the global superstar Alicia Keys.

Just as the Airbus A380 has set new standards in air travel, the new S-Class is the technological spearhead of automotive development. "Rather than being about safety or aesthetics, power or efficiency, comfort or dynamism, our aspirations were 'the best or nothing' in every respect. No other car stands for the Mercedes-Benz brand promise more than the S-Class," said Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The new S-Class: redefinition of luxurious motoring

The new S-Class is the true embodiment of a modern luxury saloon: it is an exclusive first-class mobile office akin to a business jet and also an exquisite centre of well-being at the same time. While achieving fuel-consumption and emissions values that appeared utopian just a few years ago even for a mid-size car, it raises the standard for automotive safety equipment to a new level.

In addition to featuring high-grade materials, the interior boasts numerous world firsts, opening up a completely new dimension in luxury and comfort. These include the ENERGIZING massage function based on the hot stone principle, active seat ventilation with innovative reversing fans, active and individually adjustable fragrancing as well as the executive rear seat with a revolutionary fully reclined position. Equally unique is the musical experience. The new S-Class is the first saloon to feature Mercedes-Benz's front bass system and the new Burmester® high-end 3D surround sound system – for a superlative listening experience. For the first time, each passenger can individually access the entertainment system from their seat – another world first.

The new S-Class also makes its mark in terms of lighting technology. The first car in the world to completely dispense with conventional electric bulbs, it makes exclusive use of energy-saving LED technology both inside and outside. Equally efficient are the engines, which set new standards in the luxury segment. For example, the S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID consumes just 4.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. And this will soon be followed by the S 500 Plug-In HYBRID, the first S-Class to boast a fuel consumption with a three in front of the decimal point.

A new benchmark in safety is assured by a host of innovative and intelligently interlinked safety and assistance systems. Thanks to their 360-degree all-round vision, these systems provide early detection of potential dangers, warn the driver and sometimes intervene to correct the situation. Mercedes-Benz calls this "Intelligent Drive".

Launch party with global superstars and unique "Ten Star Restaurant"

The new S-Class's uniqueness and leadership aspiration were conveyed to the guests at the world premiere not just through the vehicle itself, but also by a varied range of sensory experiences. For the dinner, Mercedes-Benz had opened a unique "Ten Star Restaurant". Five German star-rated chefs specialising in different culinary styles each cooked their own dish, which they also served themselves as a flying menu: Juan Amador from Mannheim (3 stars), Douce Steiner from Sulzburg (2 stars), Tim Raue from Berlin (2 stars), Matthias Schmidt from Frankfurt am Main (2 stars) and Wahabi Nouri from Hamburg (1 star).

The musical accompaniment was equally excellent and diverse. Global superstar Alicia Keys had come specially to Hamburg just a few days ahead of the start of her European tour. With 19 musicians under conductor Prof. Johannes Schild, the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra played various pieces that had been specially composed for the world premiere of the S-Class by the internationally successful film composer Marius Ruhland. There were also appearances by two internationally acclaimed German musicians: the Berlin-based jazz singer Lisa Bassenge, who won last year's German Jazz Award in Gold, and Alice Francis from Cologne, who received critical acclaim in 2012 for her debut album. In an original and elegant way, she combines elements of swing, Charleston and jazz from the 1920s with modern hip-hip and an electro-sound.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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LIVE PREMIERE: The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class - Hamburg, 15th May

Here you can watch the live streaming of the world premiere event for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class scheduled for 15th May 2013 in Hamburg, Germany. The program of the ceremony includes:

- the Expert Talk from the World premiere of the S-Class scheduled at 5:40 p.m. - 5:55 p.m. CEST / 17:40 - 17:55 CEST

- the World premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class scheduled at 7:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. CEST / 19:15 - 20:15 CEST

Enjoy!

Credits: Daimler AG / cms-GOMEX™

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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LIVE PREMIERE: The new Sprinter comes in Stuttgart at 11:00 AM (CEST)

Here you can watch the live webcast of the world premiere ceremony of the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2013 in Stuttgart.

The event is scheduled to commence at 9:00 A.M. (GMT) | 11:00 A.M. (CEST).



Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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World premiere at Auto China 2013: The new E-Class as a long-wheelbase version

"Auto China 2013" in Shanghai sets the stage for the world premiere of the long version of the new E-Class. Developed for the growth market in China, it offers 14 centimetres more legroom in the rear. It also sports a finely honed design exuding an overall character of poised refinement and boasts markedly enhanced comfort and a high standard of equipment and appointments. Three petrol engines covering an output range from 150 to 245 kW with automatic transmission as standard provide for dynamic performance coupled with exemplary driving comfort. With these assets, the long version of the new E-Class sets a new standard for the luxury segment.

The long version of the new E-Class radiates status and effortless superiority, meeting the Chinese market's expectations of luxury vehicles more effectively than the comfortable E-Class with standard wheelbase. Measuring 5019 millimetres in length and with a wheelbase of 3014 millimetres, the long version, which is to be built exclusively in China, is 140 millimetres longer overall than the E-Class saloon which is being marketed worldwide. This results in 14 centimetres more legroom in the rear of the five-seater. An exclusively appointed interior conjures up a prestigious and congenial atmosphere. For special convenience, the front passenger seat can also be electrically adjusted from the rear.

Design: two new front-end designs to choose from

In keeping with the entire E-Class family, intelligent modifications to the design provide the long version with a new front end as well as new proportions. When it came to the modifications, the designers followed the new Mercedes design idiom and reinterpreted the classical design values of the brand using the existing basis. The result is a superior and refined, dynamic appearance.

The headlamps have been redesigned and comprise all functional elements with a single headlamp lens. Flowing light elements within the headlamps help to ensure that the essential lines of the "four-eyed" look which is typical of the E-Class are retained. When it comes to light and visibility, the new E-Class sets standards: both the low-beam headlamps and the integrated daytime running lamps feature LED technology as standard.

For the first time, the long-wheelbase E-Class is available with two different front ends: the Sedan features the classic, three-dimensional saloon radiator grille in three-louvre look with the Mercedes star on the bonnet. The Sport Sedan comes with the sporty front end featuring a centrally positioned star to create a distinctive, emphatically dynamic look.

A new feature line and a repositioned three-dimensional trim strip give the long version of the Saloon new proportions with an exciting appearance. A new structural line runs below the feature line from the rear door through to the tail light. This lends the vehicle a longer look. It underscores the side trim, which has been shifted downwards. Overall the E-Class looks more elongated and elegant.

At the rear, the lights and bumper have been revised. The new horizontally structured LED tail lights with new two-tone look emphasise the width and feature a characteristic night design.

Interior: high-quality, prestigious setting

The interior has also been reworked and harmonised with the expressive exterior. High-quality materials and refined, subdivided areas with precise joints and sharp curves underscore the high-quality overall impression of the spacious interior.

A new feature is the two-part trim which stretches across the entire dashboard. It can be selected in two different wood looks (Wood and Ash Tree Black). Also new is the design of the air vents as well as an analogue clock between the two central vents.

The harmonious interior is characterised by the redesigned centre console without selector lever, as well as a new multifunction steering wheel with DIRECT SELECT lever and shift paddles.

Appointments: a high degree of luxury as standard

The long version of the E-Class is being launched in China as the E 260 L, E 300 L and E 400 L. There is a choice of two variants: the luxurious Sedan and the Sport Sedan. The latter features a powerful AMG front and rear apron, new AMG side skirts and AMG wheels. Typical of the AMG brand is the lavish scope of equipment and appointments. Starting with the E 260 L, features include LED headlamps, an electric sunroof, two-zone automatic climate control, PARKTRONIC and COMAND DVD.

New items of equipment are additionally available for other models:

- The 360° camera comprises a close-range system of several cameras to assist in parking and manoeuvring. In addition to the functions of the backup camera, it also enables monitoring of the areas to the side of the vehicle and directly in front of the vehicle, thus helping to avoid inadvertent collisions during manoeuvring.

- All the headlamp functions of the Intelligent Light System (ILS) feature energy-efficient LED technology. These functions adapt the light distribution to the given driving situation, thereby making an important contribution to safe driving.

- The ECO start/stop system reduces fuel consumption and emissions by shutting down the engine automatically when the vehicle is stationary.

Safety: a host of innovations

In addition to the luxurious appointments, the hallmark Mercedes safety standard also sets new benchmarks. Unique features include the PRE-SAFE ® preventive occupant protection system with belt force limiters and side airbags on all outer seats and drowsiness detection with ATTENTION ASSIST. The boot size of 540 litres is also best-in-segment.

Among the highlights on board the E 400 L Sport Sedan are the new or substantially enhanced assistance systems in the Driving Assistance package Plus. These include the following innovations:

- DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist can help to take the burden off the driver when it comes to keeping the vehicle in its lane and is also able to follow vehicles in traffic jams semi-autonomously.

- For the first time, the Brake Assist system BAS PLUS with Junction Assist is able to detect crossing traffic and pedestrians too, and to boost the braking power applied by the driver accordingly.

- The PRE-SAFE® Brake can detect pedestrians and initiate autonomous braking to avoid a collision at speeds up to 50 km/h.

- PRE-SAFE® PLUS is able to detect an imminent rear-end collision. The driver of the vehicle following behind is warned by activation of the rear warning lights with increasing frequency. The PRE-SAFE® system then triggers occupant protection measures to reduce the forces to which occupants are subjected. It can also firmly apply the stationary vehicle's brakes in the event of a rear-end collision to prevent secondary accidents.

- Active Lane Keeping Assist can now detect when the adjacent lane is occupied, in particular by oncoming traffic too. When there is the risk of a collision, the system can also prevent the vehicle from leaving its lane unintentionally, also in case of broken lane markings, by applying the brakes on one side. As such it makes the ideal supplement to Active Blind Spot Assist.

Engine and suspension: onus on maximum comfort

The E-Class L is being launched with a choice of three refined, high-torque petrol engines: the E 260 L BlueEFFICIENCY rated at 150 kW (204 hp) with four-cylinder direct injection and the six-cylinder models E 300 L rated at 180 kW (245 hp) and E 400 L with an output of 245 kW (333 hp). Additional engines will be available in due course – for example the E 400 L HYBRID, which is on display as a show car in Shanghai. All models feature automatic transmission as standard. The transmission control system is self-learning and adapts the shift points to the driver's individual driving profile.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks: World Premiere of the New Generation Unimog and Econic

Today Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks is celebrating the world premiere of a ten-model Unimog lineup (U 216 to U 5024) as well as of several two and three-axle variants of the low-entry Econic special-purpose vehicle. As a result, the era of Euro VI-compliant engines is now also being ushered in for special trucks. The new vehicles will begin to roll off the assembly line in Wörth in September. Following the successful introduction of the Euro VI-compliant models of the series Actros, Antos, Arocs, Atego, Mercedes-Benz is now continuing its Euro VI product offensive with the presentation of the new generation of unique vehicle concepts in Wörth: the Unimog all-terrain vehicle, the Unimog implement carrier, and the Econic. As a result, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Special Trucks are currently the only manufacturers in Europe to offer Euro VI-compliant products in all categories of the light, medium, and heavy-duty segments, as well as in the special-purpose vehicle sector. The brand has achieved comprehensive compliance nine months before the new emissions standard goes into effect, thus underscoring its leading role as a supplier of environmentally friendly automotive technology.

“In a wide variety of applications, the three new model series impressively demonstrate the leading role that the Unimog and the Econic play in innovation,” says Yaris Pürsün, Head of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks. “We’re convinced that the new vehicles will set standards and substantially contribute to the business success of existing and future customers.”

Efficient and economical despite Euro VI compliance

Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks did everything it could to build on the proven model series’ success and further strengthen its pioneering role in the area of environmentally friendly trucks. To do this, the brand invested around €135 million in three completely new and unique vehicle concepts for its Euro VI-compliant product range. The new product lineup introduces the new BlueEfficiency Power medium-duty engine generation in special trucks, now that it has been successfully installed in regular Mercedes-Benz trucks. The four and six-cylinder engines have outputs ranging from 115 kW (156 hp) to 260 kW (354 hp). The state-of-the-art engines combine low fuel consumption with extremely clean exhausts. They make the Unimog more efficient overall, despite the extensive design changes that were implemented to ensure compliance with Euro VI. And in the Econic, the engines even reduce fuel consumption by up to four percent. In addition to being extremely reliable, the new special trucks boast a long service life and long maintenance intervals — features that pay off for the customer.

Efficient assembly process and mass production quality

From the initial draft stage to job number 1, the new-generation Unimog and Econic have been completely made in Wörth. The development department of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks created the vehicles all on its own while at the same time benefiting from the proximity of the mass production operations for Mercedes-Benz trucks. The joint use of the production processes in Wörth ensures extremely efficient assembly operations and a high level of quality assurance. The vehicle concepts of the special trucks are based on the modular principle used for the Actros, Antos, Arocs, and Atego series. For example, the Econic incorporates many components from the new Actros, including the chassis, the electronics architecture, and certain control elements. The broad range of new products was made possible by the close interlinking of series-production operations and the special truck manufacturing facility.

Unimog and Econic: cleaner, stronger, and more efficient

Despite the challenges resulting from the Euro VI standard, the three vehicle ranges were able to further increase the advantages of their concepts. The new generation of the Unimog all-terrain vehicle, the Unimog implement carrier, and the Econic have thus substantially increased their performance and efficiency while also becoming easier to operate. In addition to new engines for all model series, the Unimog all-terrain vehicle boasts a revamped mid-engine concept, and the Unimog implement carrier features a new synergistic traveling drive, an updated cab providing all-round visibility, and new hydraulic systems for implements and performance that make the vehicle significantly more efficient to use. The new Econic further enhances the low-entry cab concept and boasts many ergonomic improvements as a result of its new chassis, interior, and exterior. Despite its unchanged payload, the truck is also much more economical than its predecessor, thanks to reduced fuel consumption and lower costs for repair and maintenance.

About Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks

Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks (MBS) is a separate product unit within Mercedes-Benz Trucks and has its own management board and business responsibilities. As a professional specialist for small-batch production, MBS rounds out the Mercedes-Benz product range with the Econic, Unimog, and Zetros model series. In 2012 the facility in Wörth produced about 3,450 units of these vehicles. As a professional conversion specialist with a plant in Molsheim, France, and a number of conversion partners, MBS also customizes around 10,000 trucks from all model series each year. MBS currently employs about 1,600 men and women at its two locations in Wörth and Molsheim.

Credits: Daimler AG

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