*** Performance Pkg *** Carbon Fiber Interior *** 1 Owner *** Certified on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC250 Quick Spin

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC is an all-new luxury crossover that replaces Benz's compact GLK. We're driving it right now, and will have a full first drive soon. But before this, we were granted some early access on a drive from Lithuania to Latvia – just enough to form some initial impressions. As part of Mercedes' expansion with new models (and old models taking on new names) the GLC will no longer be the entry-level CUV for Mercedes – that title has been assumed by the GLA crossover. The GLC moves up not only in the hierarchical range, but grows 4.6 inches in the wheelbase, and is more roomy overall. Most evident, the GLC gets completely new styling, something that is immediately clear upon first glance. Mercedes says the 2016 GLC represents the future design direction for all its SUVs. Continuing the "Sensual Purity" design language of the new S-Class and C-Class, our Euro-spec GLC prototype is curvier, cleaner, and more modern than the more rugged-looking GLK. Mercedes says the US will have standard front and rear bumpers optimized for off-road use, with a 28-degree approach and departure angles for all variants. Despite boasting four doors, the GLC has a coupe-like silhouette. Our model's LED headlights, chrome-finished dual exhaust pipes, and large wheels (up to 20-inches) add to this sporty aesthetic. The real story however, is on the inside, where the GLC mimics the striking interior of the C-Class. Based on our model's open-pore wood, flowing center console, and brushed metallic and piano-black finishes the GLC boasts the nicest interior in the class. With a few short hours spent evaluating Benz's new ute – and evading endless Baltic speed traps – we were able to get some immediate impressions. There's a lot to like here. Driving Notes The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. But what the driver actually experiences will depend on the five different driving modes. A simple toggle switch on the center console by the MMI touchpad and scrollwheel moves you through the various modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual. Each mode represents a marked difference in steering feel and throttle response. Eco and Comfort modes are fine for driving around town, but lack any semblance of sportiness. Sport and Sport Plus improve feedback, but the GLC never feels quick in any mode. It does feel nimble, and the drive is more car-like than SUV, which bodes well for the majority of US customers.

Mercedes SL backs into Ferrari 458 Speciale while parking

There are a lot of people with the money to buy nice cars, but an absolute inability to drive them. And that's how this Mercedes-Benz SL ended up beached on the nose of a Ferrari 458 Speciale. It happened at a Virginia cars and coffee event, and that inability to drive we mention doesn't refer to the poor Ferrari owner. According to the YouTube description, the driver of the 380SL was attempting to parallel park when she landed on top of the hot 458. But since the video doesn't start until the Benz has landed, we only have the video uploader's word. But don't click away yet – the Ferrari's owner returned to the scene. Despite a hint of adult language, he's far more calm than we would be in that situation. That doesn't mean he's not angry, decrying the crash as "the dumbest thing I've ever seen." We agree, especially when you notice space between the 458 Speciale and the Nissan 300ZX in front of it. This was by no means a tight or difficult place to park, even without George Constanza's god-given parallel parking skills. Even a semi-competent driver could have maneuvered a vehicle far larger than a 15-foot-long roadster between the two cars with room to spare. Related Video: News Source: Media Gamut Motoring via YouTube Ferrari Mercedes-Benz Convertible Coupe Luxury Performance Videos mercedes sl-class cars and coffee

Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG bicycles: Luxury branding has no bounds

Luxury automobile companies are never quite satisfied with building high-end cars. They often stray into other types of branded merchandise that can have little to do with cars, such as the BMW Active line of clothing and accessories. Splitting the difference between branded merchandise and actual vehicles are these two limited-production bicycles from Mercedes and Aston Martin. The bike above is a collaboration between Mercedes-AMG and German bicycle brand Rotwild, a builder that has been around since 1996, according to the company's website. The bicycle in question is the R.S2 "Beast of the Green Hell." It's inspired by the Mercedes-AMG GT R sports car that was promoted with the same nickname. It uses a carbon frame and wheels, as well as disc brakes. It's also painted in green and black to match the Green Hell Magno color available on the GT R. Only 50 of them will be built, and each will carry a pricetag of over ˆ7,000, or nearly $8,300 at current exchange rates, including tax. View 4 Photos The second bicycle is from Aston Martin and another German bicycle company, this one called Storck Bicycles. This bike company has also only been around since 1995. The bike is called the Fascenario.3 Aston Martin Edition, and it will be a bit less rare than the Mercedes bicycle, with 107 total units. It's still a cool vehicle, though, featuring a carbon frame and wireless shifters. In total it weighs 13 pounds. It does lack the disc brakes of the Mercedes bicycle, though. Pricing hasn't been announced for the Aston Martin bike, but don't expect it to be cheap. Related Video: Featured Gallery ROTWILD R.S2 Limited Edition Mercedes-AMG GT R bicycle View 9 Photos Image Credit: Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin Green Weird Car News Aston Martin Mercedes-Benz Performance mercedes-amg