Overview

Available for order from May 2015, the Mercedes-Benz W447 V-Class was a people mover with seats for up to eight people. Manufactured in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, the Mercedes-Benz W447 V-Class range initially consisted of the rear-wheel drive V 250 BlueTec Avantgarde which was powered by a 2.1-litre turbo-diesel engine that was mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

In May 2017, however, the V-Class range was expanded with the V 220 model.

OM651 turbo-diesel engine

The Mercedes-Benz W447 V 250 BlueTec was powered by Mercedes-Benz’s 2143 cc OM651 turbo-diesel engine . The OM651 engine had a cast iron block, an alloy cylinder head, common-rail injection with Delphi piezo injectors, a forged crankshaft and connecting rods, aluminium pistons, double overhead camshafts (driven via combination of toothed cogs and a short simplex chain), four valves per cylinder actuated via roller rocker arms, an intercooler and a compression ratio of 16.2:1. For the V 250 BlueTec, the OM651 diesel engine had a small high-pressure turbocharger and a large low-pressure turbocharger. The Borg Warner turbochargers were connected in series and each had a turbine which drove a compressor.

While peak outputs for the V 250’s OM651 turbo-diesel engine were quoted as 140 kW at 3800 rpm and 440 Nm at 1400-2400 rpm, the engine had an ‘overtorque’ capability in acceleration phases that could provide an additional 10 kW and 40 Nm.

The OM651 diesel engine had an ‘ECO start/stop function’ which enabled it to shut down when the vehicle was stationary in traffic. Over the combined EUDC test cycle, fuel consumption was 6.3 litres per 100 km.

Dimensions and body

The Mercedes-Benz W447 V-Class was 4895 mm long, 1928 mm wide, 1880 mm tall and had a 3200 mm long wheelbase; the body had a drag coefficient of 0.31 Cd. Furthermore, the W447 V 250 BlueTec had a kerb weight was 2145 kg and braked towing capacity of 2000 kg.

While the Mercedes-Benz W447 V-Clas had eight seats, seats were removable and the second row seats could be configured to face rearwards. The V-Class had power-operated sliding doors and a power-operated tailgate (‘Easy Pack’) in which the window section could be opened separately (i.e. a split tailgate). With the rear seats in position, cargo capacity was 1030 litres (VDA method).

Suspension

The Mercedes-Benz W447 V-Class had MacPherson strut front suspension with a stabiliser bar, coil springs and shock absorbers. At the rear, the V-Class had semi-trailing arm suspension with coil springs, a stabiliser bar and shock absorbers.

The Mercedes-Benz W447 V-Class was fitted with Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Agility Control’ suspension. A frequency-selective damping system, ‘Agility Control’ utilised:

• A bypass channel in the shock absorber’s piston pin; and,
• A control piston moving within a separate oil chamber.

When linear travel of the shock absorber was low, the control piston forced oil through the bypass channel to produce a smaller damping force at the damper valve. For greater shock absorber movements, the control piston moved to close the bypass channel so full damping force was available. To be clear, Agility Control used hydromechanics, not electronics to vary suspension behaviour.

Steering

The Mercedes-Benz W447 V-Class had speed-sensitive, electromechanical rack-and-pinion power steering. Furthermore, the V-Class had a turning circle of 11.8 metres.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz W447 V-Class included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelt pre-tensioners.

As standard, the V 250 BlueTec Avantgarde was also fitted with:

• Mercedes-Benz’s Pre-Safe: activated by emergency braking, panic braking, pronounced over- or under-steering, critical steering movements or heavy support by the adaptive Brake Assist system, Pre-Safe would prepare the vehicle for a collision by deploying the seatbelt tensioners, closing the side windows and sunroof (where fitted) and adjusting the front passenger seat for an optimum deployment of the restraint system;
• Distronic Plus (adaptive cruise control with brake warning): an ‘adaptive’ cruise control system which used two short-range radar sensors positioned behind the front bumper to monitor the road up to 30 metres ahead, and a long-range radar located behind the radiator grille which had a range of 200 metres. Distronic Plus could apply the brakes automatically in stop-start traffic and bring the vehicle to rest, with deceleration up to 4 m/s². Where traffic allowed, the vehicle would then accelerate up to its pre-set speed. If deceleration greater than 4 m/s²was required to avoid a collision, a warning tone would sound and a warning symbol would appear in the instrument cluster;
• Blind spot assist (passive): used two radar sensors in the rear of the vehicle to warn the driver before an indicated lane-change if a vehicle is in the driver’s blind spot;
• Lane keeping assist (passive): used a camera behind the windscreen to monitor lane markings and detect if the vehicle was drifting outside its lane. If so, acoustic and visual warnings would be issued; and,
• Crosswind Assist: could detect sudden, strong gusts of wind and prevent the vehicle from drifting out of its lane via corrective braking forces on one side of the vehicle; and,
  Attention Assist: operated at speeds in excess of 80 km/h and assessed driver behaviour and steering movements for signs of drowsiness; if detected, the driver would be provided with visual and audible warnings.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , the Mercedes-Benz W447 V-Class received a five star safety rating which included a 93 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 87 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the frontal offset test, occupant protection was generally rated as good, though chest protection for the driver was rated as adequate (i.e. a slight risk of serious injury). While occupant protection was rated as good in the side impact test, protection of the driver’s chest and abdomen were rated as marginal and adequate, respectively, in the more severe pole test.

Features: Mercedes-Benz W447 V 250 BlueTec Avantgarde

As standard, the Mercedes-Benz V 250 BlueTec Avantgarde was equipped with the ‘COMAND Online’ media system which had a 21.3 cm diagonal display, satellite navigation with 3D maps, an integrated WLAN hotspot, ‘Linguatronic’ voice control, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, a CD/DVD player, two USB inputs, an SDHC memory card slot and a 10 GB Media Register for audio storage.

Other standard features for the Mercedes-Benz V 250 BlueTec Avantgarde included 18-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels, a 640 watt Burmester sound system which had fifteen speakers and a bass reflex box, ‘Lugano’ leather upholstery, power adjustable and heated front seats, ‘Thermotronic’ automatic climate control, semi-automatic rear air conditioning, cruise control with variable speed limiter, LED headlights with adaptive high beam assist, LED indicators and daytime running lights, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a reversing camera, a nappa leather steering wheel, remote central locking, power adjustable and heated mirrors with folding function, a power adjustable steering column, auto-dimming interior and door mirrors, an electric parking brake, three 12 volt power sockets, ambient interior lighting, stainless steel door sills, velour floor mats, illuminated vanity mirrors, anodised roof rails, rear privacy glass, a tyre pressure monitoring system and an immobiliser.

The Mercedes-Benz V 250 BlueTec Avantgarde also featured Active Parking Assist which could detect parallel and right angle parking spaces while driving at speeds of up to 35 km/h. Once engaged, Active Parking Assist could provide automated steering for parking manoeuvres while the driver controlled vehicle speed.

Specifications

• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz W447 V-Class (May 2015)
• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz W447 V-Class (August 2016)
• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz W447 V-Class (May 2017)

Related links

• Mercedes-Benz Australia: V-Class
• Daimler Media: Mercedes-Benz V-Class Press Kit
• Wikipedia.org: Mercedes-Benz W447 V-Class

Review: Mercedes-Benz W639.I Viano (2005-11)

Overview

Released in July 2005, the Mercedes-Benz W639 Series I (W639.I) Viano was a luxury people mover with seven seats (in a 2-2-3 configuration), although six and eight seat configurations were also available as options. The Viano was available with either a 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine (the 2.1 CDI variant) or a 3.7-litre V6 petrol unit (3.7 V6). The rear-wheel drive Viano was also fitted with a five-speed automatic transmission – with a sequential shift function – as standard.

Manufactured in Spain, the Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano had two large sliding doors on each side of the vehicle which could be independently locked or unlocked by remote control. Inside, the second- and third-row seats were anchored to guide rails and had quick-release locks that enabled them to be positioned at 25 mm increments throughout the cabin. Furthermore, each seat had armrests, an integrated three-point seatbelt and four-position headrest.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters. The Viano Ambiente editions were further equipped with front side airbags.

In April 2006, standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz  Viano was extended to include front side airbags and the Ambiente was fitted with front curtain airbags (i.e. for the driver and front passenger).

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2008 Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano 2.2 CDI Trend – equipped with dual front airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 30.66. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the front occupants. In the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver.

For post-2006 Ambiente variants fitted with curtain airbags, ANCAP awarded a five star adult occupant protection rating due to an additional pole test in which an additional two points were conferred.

Features: Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano Trend

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano Trend included 16-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, tinted windows, roof rails, a trip computer and immobiliser; the 3.7 V6 variants were also fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Viano Ambiente was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, self-levelling rear air suspension, a six-disc CD changer, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift lever, courtesy lights and burr walnut interior trim.

In April 2006, standard features for the W639 Viano were extended to include an Audio 20 sound system, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers.

Review: Mercedes-Benz W639.II Viano (2011-14)

Overview

Released in March 2011, the Mercedes-Benz W639 Series II (W639.II) Viano introduced a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine, revised suspension, additional features and styling changes. The range was also revised as the Trend and Ambiente editions were discontinued, leaving a single 3.0 CDI variant.

In addition to the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, the W639.II Viano introduced a range of fuel-saving measures (Mercedes-Benz’s ‘BlueEfficiency’) including battery management, low rolling resistance tyres and an on-demand power steering pump. Visually, the W639.II Viano could be identified by its new front bumper and grille, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, redesigned tail-lights and alloy wheel design.

Features

Compared to the W639.I Viano, standard features for the Mercedes-Benz W639.II Viano were extended to include Mercedes-Benz COMAND system with satellite navigation system and an in-built hard drive, MP3/WMA compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, bi-xenon headlights with LED running lights, power-operated sliding doors, folding door mirrors and front and rear sunroofs.

November 2011: Viano update

In November 2011, standard features for the W639.II Viano were extended to include auxiliary audio inputs (3.5mm/USB/iPod) power adjustable front seats and a reversing camera.

2013 Mercedes-Benz Viano Grand Edition Avantgarde

In August 2013, the Mercedes-Benz Viano Grand Edition Avantgarde was released. Compared to the standard Viano, the Grand Edition Avantgarde added 19-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, unique leather upholstery and walnut burl interior trim. Visually, the Grand Edition Avantgarde could be identified by its blacked-out grille and chrome grille surrounds.

Brochure

• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano (February 2011)

Related links

• Press Kit: Mercedes-Benz W639.II Viano (September 2010)
• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano (July 2012)
• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano Grand Edition Avantgarde (December 2012)
• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano (August 2013)
• Wikipedia.org: Mercedes-Benz V-Class (W639)

Overview

Released in March 2012, the Mercedes-Benz W639 Valente was an eight-seat people mover. Positioned between the Mercedes-Benz Vito wagon and Viano, the rear-wheel drive Valente range consisted of the 2.1 CDI BlueEfficiency which was powered by a 2.1-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Inside, the Valente had dual sliding doors, rotating second row seats and 730 litres of luggage space.

For the Valente, Mercedes-Benz’s BlueEfficiency measures included an ‘ECO’ power steering pump, regulated fuel pump and lower rolling resistance tyres. Over the combined ADR 81/02 cycle, the Valente achieved fuel consumption of 8.2 litres per 100 km.

Dimensions and suspension

The Mercedes-Benz W639 Valente was 5008 mm long, 1901 mm wide, 1875 mm tall and had a 3200 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Valente had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz W639 Valente included dual front airbags, front and rear side (thorax) airbags, front curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP and ANCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing, a 2008 Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano – on which the Valente was based – that was fitted with a 2.1-litre turbo-diesel engine received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 30.66 out of 37. The Valente, however, was further equipped with side and curtain airbags, such that ANCAP conferred an additional two points in the pole test – for a total of 32.66 points – which resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating for the Valente. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for both front occupants; in the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver.

Features: Mercedes-Benz Valente

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz W639 Valente included 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 R17 tyres, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3/WMA compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB/iPod), dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows (front only) and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, 12 volt power outlets, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, rear privacy glass and an immobiliser.

Brochure

• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz W639 Valente (April 2014)

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Mercedes-Benz V-Class (W639)

Overview

Released in January 2012, the Mercedes-Benz A197 SLS AMG Roadster was a two-seat, high-performance convertible. Manufactured in Sindelfingen, Germany, the A197 SLS AMG was powered by a 6.2-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a seven-speed double clutch transmission (Mercedes-Benz’s ‘SPEEDSHIFT’) in a transaxle configuration; the transmission itself featured selectable shift modes and steering wheel gearshift paddles.

M159 engine

The 6.2-litre M159 V8 petrol engine had double overhead camshafts, a forged and balanced crankshaft, four valves per cylinder, dry sump lubrication, a compression ratio of 11.3:1 and a 7200 rpm red line.

Chassis and dimensions

Like the C197 SLS AMG Coupe on which it was based, the A197 SLS AMG Roadster had an aluminium space-frame chassis with aluminium double-wishbone suspension front and rear. The power-operated three-layered fabric fabric soft top could open and close in eleven (11) seconds and be operated at speeds up to 50 km/h.

Relative to the SLS AMG Coupe, the A197 Roadster was the same length (at 4638 mm) and width (1939 mm), but was 10 mm taller (1262 mm); wheelbase length was unchanged at 2680 mm). The SLS AMG Roadster was also 40 kg heavier with a kerb weight of 1660 kg.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz A197 SLS AMG Roadster included dual front airbags, dual front knee airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, head-protecting airbags (mounted in the door beltlines), ABS, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters. The SLS AMG Roadster was also fitted with Blind Spot Assist that provided a visual warning symbol and acoustic alert if a possible collision with another vehicle was anticipated when changing lanes.

Brakes

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster had 390 mm front brake discs with six-piston aluminium calipers and 360 mm rear disc brakes with four-piston aluminium calipers.

Features: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster included 19-inch front and 20-inch rear seven-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Data Auto Pilot System) with a seven-inch colour display, satellite navigation, an eleven speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a six-disc CD/DVD player, MP3/WMA-compatibility, auxiliary inputs (USB/iPod/MP3), 6GB hard drive for music storage, Bluetooth connectivity and voice recognition, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, AIRSCARF neck-level heating, Nappa leather upholstery, power adjustable and heated front seats with memory settings, cruise control, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime driving lights and washers, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, a leather-wrapped ‘AMG Performance’ steering wheel, remote central locking with proximity key, power windows and retracting mirrors, a power adjustable steering wheel (tilt and reach), trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring, a motion-sensing alarm and an immobiliser.

The SLS AMG Roadster was fitted with a mechanical rear axle differential lock as standard.

Brochure

• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe and Roadster (September 2012)

Related links

• Press Kit: Mercedes-Benz A197 SLS AMG Roadster (September 2011)
• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe and Roadster (July 2012)
• Wikipedia.org: Mercedes-Benz A197 SLS AMG Roadster

Overview

Released in August 2011, the Mercedes-Benz R172 SLK-Class was a two-seat convertible with a retractable hardtop roof. Manufactured in Bremen, Germany, the rear-wheel drive R172 SLK range initially consisted of the SLK 200 BlueEfficiency and SLK 350 BlueEfficiency.

Please note that the Mercedes R172 SLK 55 AMG has been reviewed separately.

Development

The Mercedes-Benz R172 SLK had a two-piece metal folding ‘Vario Roof’ with the option of ‘Magic Sky Control’, a glass panel in the roof from transparent to opaque. Although reported to share 70 per cent of its parts with its predecessor, the R172 SLK was more fuel-efficient due to the improved 7G-Tronic automatic transmission (decreased torque converter slip and reduced internal friction) and improved aerodynamics which included a variable radiator shutter.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the R171 SLK-Class , the R172 SLK was 52 mm longer (at 4134 mm), 22 mm wider (1810 mm) and 11 mm taller (1301 mm), though wheelbase length was unchanged (2430 mm).

The R172 SLK had three-link front suspension with MacPherson struts and multi-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz R172 SLK-Class included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, front door-mounted window bags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, driver fatigue monitoring (‘Attention Assist’), active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.

The Mercedes-Benz R172 SLK was fitted with Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Pre-Safe’ system, which anticipated and prepared for collisions by tensioning the seatbelts and adjusting the seat positions for optimal airbag deployment. In the event of a pedestrian collision, the SLK’s bonnet would also rise to cushion the pedestrian’s subsequent impact with the bonnet (‘Active Bonnet’).

Features: Mercedes-Benz SLK 200

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz R172 SLK 200 BlueEfficiency included 17-inch alloy wheels, an Audio 20 sound system with a six-disc CD changer, MP3/WMA/AAC compatibility, auxiliary (3.5mm/USB/iPod) inputs and Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, a 14.7cm colour TFT display, air conditioning, solar-reflecting full leather upholstery, contoured sports seats, heated front seats, cruise control with variable limiter (‘Speedtronic’), front fog lights, daytime LED running lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors with park guidance display (‘Parktronic’), a nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel, a multifunction steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering column, height adjustable front seats, a power-operated park brake, 12 volt power outlet, front reading lamps, ambient lighting, tyre pressure monitoring and an immobiliser.

Features: Mercedes-Benz SLK 250

Compared to the SLK 200, the Merecdes-Benz SLK 250 was further equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data System) Online Multimedia system with single disc CD/DVD player, SD memory card slot, a 17.8 cm colour TFT display, HDD navigation, 10GB hard drive for music storage, voice recognition (‘Linguatronic’) and internet browser, power adjustable front seats, directional bi-xenon headlights, steering wheel gearshift paddles, a power adjustable steering wheel, power folding door mirrors, electrochromatic door and rear view mirrors and driver memory settings (front seats, steering column and door mirrors).

Features: Mercedes-Benz SLK 350

The range-topping SLK 350 BlueEfficiency was distinguished by its 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with 225/40 tyres, a six-disc CD/DVD changer, dual-zone climate control air conditioning (‘Thermotronic’) and neck-level heating (‘AirScarf’).

2014 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 and 250 Carbon Editions

Released in 2014, the Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 and SLK 250 Carbon Editions could be identified by their AMG bodystyling, five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey, dark surround headlights and dark-tinted tail-lights. The SLK 200 and SLK 250 Carbon Editions also had 10 mm lower sports suspension and upgraded brakes.

The SLK 200 and SLK 250 Carbon Editions were available in black, polar white, obsidian black, tenorite grey, iridium silver, palladium silver, design cashmere white magna and design diamond white bright paint finishes.

Brochures and downloads

• Press Kit: Mercedes-Benz R172 SLK-Class (August 2011)
• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz R172 SLK-Class (August 2011)
• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz R172 SLK-Class (October 2012)
• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz R172 SLK-Class (May 2014)
• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz R172 SLK-Class (March 2014)

Related links

• Press Kit: Mercedes-Benz R172 SLK (March 2011)
• Mercedes-Benz Australia: Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
• Wikipedia.org: Mercedes-Benz R172 SLK-Class

Overview

Released in July 2010, the Mercedes-Benz C197 SLS AMG Coupe was a two-seat, high-performance coupe with gullwing doors (the A197 SLS AMG Roadster has been reviewed separately). Manufactured in Sindelfingen, Germany, the C197 SLS AMG was powered by a 6.2-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a seven-speed double clutch transmission (Mercedes-Benz’s ‘SPEEDSHIFT’) in a transaxle configuration; the transmission itself featured selectable shift modes and steering wheel gearshift paddles.

M159 engine

The 6.2-litre M159 V8 petrol engine had double overhead camshafts, a forged and balanced crankshaft, four valves per cylinder, dry sump lubrication, a compression ratio of 11.3:1 and a 7200 rpm red line. As such, the SLS AMG Coupe could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and had a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited).

SLS AMG Coupe Black Series

Released in July 2013, the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series was powered by a more powerful 6.2-litre M159 V8 petrol engine. As a result of these engine modifications and mass reduction measures, the SLS AMG Black Series could accelerate from rest to 100 km /h in 3.6 seconds.

Chassis and dimensions

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe had an aluminium space-frame chassis with aluminium double-wishbone suspension front and rear. Furthermore, the SLS AMG Coupe was 4638 mm long, 1939 mm wide, 1262 mm tall and had a 2680 mm long wheelbase.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz C197 SLS AMG Coupe included dual front airbags, front knee airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, door-mounted window airbags, ABS, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe had 390 mm front brake discs with six-piston aluminium calipers and 360 mm rear disc brakes with four-piston aluminium

Features: Mercedes-Benz C197 SLS AMG Coupe

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe included 19-inch front and 20-inch rear seven-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Data Auto Pilot System) with a seven-inch colour display, satellite navigation, an eleven speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a six-disc CD/DVD player, MP3/WMA-compatibility, auxiliary inputs (USB/iPod/MP3), 6GB hard drive for music storage, Bluetooth connectivity and voice recognition, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, Nappa leather upholstery, power adjustable and heated front seats with memory settings, cruise control, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime driving lights and washers, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, a leather-wrapped ‘AMG Performance’ steering wheel, remote central locking with proximity key, power windows and retracting mirrors, a power adjustable steering wheel (tilt and reach), trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring, a motion-sensing alarm and an immobiliser.

The SLS AMG Coupe was also fitted with a mechanical rear axle differential lock.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe Black Series

Released in July 2013, mechanical changes for the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series included:

• A higher peak engine speed of 8000 rpm;
• A revised high-speed valve train with modified camshafts, adapted cam geometry and optimised bucket tappets;
• Modified air intake ducting; and,
• Optimisation of the crank assembly, including modified oil bores in the crankshafts, a new oil pump and high-strength screwed connections for the connecting rods.

With a kerb mass of 1550 kg (DIN), the Black Series was 70 kg lighter than the standard SLS AMG Coupe due to its:

• Titanium exhaust system with fan-type exhaust pipes;
• Carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components for the bonnet, rear panel behind the seats, diagonal underbody braces, driveshaft and torque tube between the engine and transmission;
• Lithium-ion battery in place of the conventional starter battery;
• AMG ten-spoke light-alloy wheels; and,
• AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system (with 402 mm by 39 mm front discs and 360 mm by 32 mm rear discs).

Suspension changes for the Black Series included:

• A tauter standard suspension tune with electronically-controlled two-stage damping (‘Sport’ and ‘Sport +’);
• Coil-over spring retainers to enable adjustment of wheel loads;
• More rigid elastokinematics for greater stability;
• Increased track width (by 20 mm and 24 mm for the front and rear, respectively); and,
• New wheel carriers on the front axle and a new front stabiliser.

The Black Series was fitted with newly developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 sports tyres, with 275/35 R19 tyres at the front and 325/30 R20 tyres at the rear for additional grip. Instead of a mechanical differential, the Black Series was fitted with an electronically-controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock with a shorter rear-axle ratio.

Inside, the Black Series was available with Alcantara black and Alcantara black/red colour combinations. The interior also featured:

• AMG sports bucket seats;
• An AMG Performance steering wheel with Alcantara and a red 12 o’clock marking;
• A fine Alcantara strip with contrasting red stitching which extended across the dashboard; and,
• AMG sports bucket seats with designo leather, Alcantara and embossed AMG emblems.

Visually, the Black Series could be identified by its flared wheel arches (13 mm at the front and 26 mm at the rear), darkened headlights, black tail-light surrounds, carbon-fibre reinforced plastic front splitter, carbon side sill inserts, carbon fibre rear apron and enlarged air intakes with carbon-fibre flics.

Brochures

• Brochure: Mercedes C197 SLS AMG (March 2010)
• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe and Roadster (September 2012)
• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz C197 SLS AMG Black Series (November 2012)

Related links

• Press Kit: Mercedes-Benz C197 SLS AMG Coupe (February 2013)
• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe and Roadster (July 2012)
• Wikipedia.org: Mercedes-Benz C197 SLS AMG Coupe