The newly redesigned Mercedes G-Wagen

News from Jalopnik website. The newly redesigned Mercedes G-Wagen, the expensive body-on-frame off-roader that for the first time ever has independent front suspension, was crashed tested by the European New Car Assessment Program, and the results are exemplary. Just watch as this boxy fortress shrugs off barriers and avoids pedestrians with ease.

“Mercedes-Benz’s rugged G-Class also comes in with a five-star rating with an impressive performance in each of the four areas of assessment,” Euro NCAP says in its press release, lauding the G-Class’ safety assist systems, as well as its ability to protect adult occupants, child occupants, and pedestrians. Here’s a look at the G-Wagen being put through the wringer.

But the gist of it is that the vehicle scored 90 percent, 83 percent, and 78 percent in the areas of adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, and “vulnerable road user” protection, respectively. The Magna Steyr-built poshmobile did especially well in side impact testing, managing 16 out of 16 points for adult occupant protection and managing the full 8 points for child protection.

The G-Wagen also managed a 72 percent in the “safety assist” category, thanks to a good Automatic Emergency Braking system, as well as features like a seat belt reminder and speed limit assist, though apparently the lane keeping system isn’t great. From Euro NCAP’s report:

The AEB system gave generally good results in tests of its functionality at highway speeds. The car has a lane assistance system which helps prevent inadvertent drifting out of lane but can also intervene in some more critical situations. The speed control system uses digital mapping combined with a camera to identify what the local speed limit is and to inform the driver, who can then set the limiter to the appropriate speed. A seatbelt reminder is standard for front and rear seats.

The new G-Wagen has been receiving rapturous driving impressions from journalists, and now it has scored top safety marks. Plus it looks good. It took Mercedes decades to finally do a major G-Class redesign, but it appears to be paying off.

The GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ is the fastest series production SUV on the North Loop of Nürburgring

Affalterbach/Adenau.  With an officially measured and notarised lap time of 7.49.369 minutes, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ (combined fuel consumption: 11.9 l/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions: 270 g/km) is the fastest series production SUV in the world on the North Loop of Nürburgring. In autumnal track conditions, AMG development engineer Markus Hofbauer at the wheel of the series-production eight-cylinder model bettered the previous record time by a competitor at the first attempt.

The technical concept of the mid-size high-performance SUV provides the ideal basis for this outstanding lap time: apart from the powerful, high-torque 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, this includes the air suspension system with adaptively variable damping, the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution, the rear axle locking differential and the high-performance ceramic composite braking system. The GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ is not only the top performer, but also fully day-to-day suitable: it has plenty of space for passengers and luggage, a variable interior, extensive safety features and a high level of long-distance comfort.

As is usual at Mercedes-AMG, the record lap was measured precisely by the independent experts of “wige SOLUTIONS”. An independent notary also confirmed the lap time and that the vehicle’s condition was in accordance with regulations.

The new A-Class

Löwen/Stuttgart.  Best vehicle tested in 2018 and best in class in the small family vehicle segment: The European safety organisation Euro NCAP has presented the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class with an award for best performing car in safety.

The new A-Class from Mercedes-Benz has undergone European NCAP crash tests, and achieved outstanding results in them. As a result, it was awarded the top rating of five stars. “This Euro NCAP award, which we are delighted about, is recognition of the excellent standards of safety in our vehicles,” explained Prof. Dr. Rodolfo Schöneburg, Head of Passive Safety and Vehicle Functions at Mercedes-Benz Cars. “However, the standardised crash tests only represent a small sample of the real-life accidents that may be encountered on the street. For that reason, Mercedes-Benz designs all its model series using around 40 different accident constellations.”

Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) is an organisation of European transport ministries, automobile clubs and insurance associations. It carries out crash tests and assesses vehicle safety based on the safety systems available. The General Secretary of Euro NCAP, Michiel van Ratingen, says:

“In 2018 we introduced new, tougher tests, with a particular focus on protecting particularly vulnerable road users. The winners of the “Best in Class” awards clearly show that the vehicle manufacturers are striving for the highest levels of safety and that the Euro NCAP ratings act as a catalyst for significant progress where safety is concerned.”

The new A-Class: exemplary active and passive safety

The new A-Class is also the first Mercedes-Benz model to have been developed in part at the new Technology Centre for Vehicle Safety (TFS). The design of the vehicle structures incorporates findings from research into real accidents. The centrepiece of the body’s safety concept is the highly rigid passenger compartment. Its great rigidity in accident conditions, e.g. in frontal, lateral or rear-end collisions and roll-overs, is above all due to the greater use of high-strength, ultra-high-strength and press-hardened sheet steel.

The driver and front passenger each have a three-point seat belt with belt force limiter and belt tensioner. In conjunction with the PRE-SAFE^® system (optional equipment), the front seats are equipped with reversible belt reel tensioners. Both of the outer rear seats are fitted with a seat belt with reel tensioner and belt force limiter.

The new A-Class is equipped with driver and front passenger airbags, a driver’s kneebag and windowbags as standard. Unlike in many competitor models, the windowbag also covers the A-pillar for more complete passenger protection. Thorax-pelvis sidebags are also fitted as standard in the front. Rear sidebags are optionally available.

The new A-Class has the very latest driving assistance systems with cooperative driver support, giving it the highest level of active safety in this segment, with functions adopted from the S-Class. For the first time, the A-Class is able to drive semi-autonomously in certain situations. It keeps a very close eye on the traffic situation: improved camera and radar systems allow it to see far ahead. The A-Class also uses map and navigation data for assistance functions. For example, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC as part of the Driving Assistance package is able to support the driver in numerous route-specific situations, and predictively and conveniently adjust the speed e.g. when approaching bends, junctions or roundabouts.

The new A-Class comes with expanded Active Brake Assist as standard. Depending on the situation, it can effectively help to mitigate the consequences of rear-end collisions with slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles ahead, and even with crossing pedestrians and cyclists, or prevent them altogether.

Check out the E-Class models at Jati Transport

Experimenting the Mercedes-Benz E200 with the auto pilot parallel parking and it was a success. Without playing with the gear and the brakes. Such a useful feature especially when you don’t have the confidence to do parallel parking within a limited time.

Previously I have driven the Mercedes-Benz E300 and then recently I had the privilege to drive the E200 which has an updated feature in the system. Both are equally good rides and E200 has lesser power of course but a more affordable ride than the E300.

The E200 is simply a nice ride. Elegant, I must say and as always, smooth like butter. I have preference of driving the C-Class because it suits my personality. Now I can see how the E-Class has evolved in terms of its vehicle design. It has a more modern and edgy look compared to the previous E-Class design. It also looks sporty feel to it.

I also love the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive especially the fully automated parking. You simply just have to press the button while looking for a parking space – be it parallel or reverse parking – and just trust the E200 to be on auto pilot to park the vehicle on its designated spot. This means you don’t really even have to change gears (forward or reverse) or press on the brakes. Just let the E200 do the parking for you. It’s scary at first but the E200 is intelligent enough to detect its surroundings and park to almost perfection.

The interior has a great finish and again, an uplift, modern look for both the driver and passenger. It’s quite spacious as well which is a plus point for me.

Features are great such as the moonlighting and also the E200 has an already enabled Mercedes-Benz apps at your disposal. You can be fully connected to the system when you connect it to Wifi. I even tried surfing my blog on the display panel and it works fine. It’s just the tediousness to type the url on the address bar as there is no proper keyboard.

Once you are connected to the internet, you can also asked for navigation and maybe most of you will prefer to use the Internet Radio which is already pre-installed as part of the Mercedes-Benz apps.

There’s many to like about the E200 and it’s available for test drive too. You can contact Jati Transport or visit their showroom Autohaus at Beribi. If you ask me, the E200 would be my second preference after the C-Class (the C43 mmmmmm).

Love the moonlighting of the interior of the E200

Yes, you can even surf the net on the E200

There’s the Internet Radio once you are connected to the internet

Two days of driving the E200. I’m hungry for more.

Do drop by the showroom and check out the E-Class and also other models.

The crowd trickling in to check out the Mercedes-Benz models over the weekend. Yes, Jati Transport Autohaus showroom is open on weekends for customer viewing with refreshments included.

Mercedes-Benz is cruising toward the holiday season with great deals on selected car and SUV in its lineup including the C-Class, SLC, GLC, GLA, etc.

These models come with features including Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto which allow the media system to display selected apps stored in your handphone, including navigation.

From now until end of the year, Merceds-Benz Autohaus has extended the showroom opening hours over the weekend, 10am to 4pm. The extended opening hours are aimed at providing an added luxury by being able to visit at a time of their preference.

The test drive will be available for most the latest Mercedes-Benz models including A-Class, one of the best sellers of 2018. I have test driven the car and it’s one of the best rides of 2018. Trust me 😀

The Brunei representatives including the 10 lucky winners from Jati Transport Sdn Bhd during the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience 2018 in Kuala Lumpur recently

Posing with the GLC AMG 63

One of the lucky customers of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd was very grateful that the company hosted such event outside of Brunei Darussalam for their customers. Not just one or two customers but 10 lucky customers had the privilege to test drive different ranges of the Mercedes-Benz models on the famous Sepang International Circuit, Selangor, Malaysia recently.

This was also made possible by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia as the winners were able to participate in the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience 2018 in Kuala Lumpur.

Our Brunei representatives was grouped with the Philippines, Singapore and Bangladesh. All of us were treated to stay at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur and it truly fitted the occasion hosted by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

We were treated to a great hospitality team by MBM at the Paddock Club 1, maybe the best I’ve experience at Sepang International Circuit and we were given awesome Mercedes goodies. Let’s not forget the free flow of food and beverage during the whole day session.

Before experiencing the different rides on the different Mercedes-Benz models, the participants were greeted by Peter Hackett, MBM AMG Representative/Chief Driving Instructor/Australian Endurance Championship GT Race Driver and he gave a run down of the program and also a briefing on certain skills such as braking, wheels and most of important, safety in dangerous situations.

So which models did we drive? The C300, The A250, The CLS 450 and lastly, my favourite, The AMG C 43. Most of us were able to also drive the GLCs. The instructors were very accommodating and helped the participants to go through the activities – the Slalom course, the Race Start Simulation and the Drifting Session.

I actually enjoyed all the activities and especially the lapping sessions which took place after lunch. This meant we were able to drive the whole track of the Sepang International Circuit and we took turns to drive all the models prepared by MBM.

I didn’t try the Taxi Ride session where the instructors did a hot lap session so the participant got to experience how professional racers drive on the track.

The Brunei participants didn’t go empty handed as we walked with goodie bags and also certificate of participation. One Bruneian, Reuben Fang, was awarded the Best Male Driver by the organiser. Awesome, huh? Congratulations, buddy!!

I could tell that the Brunei group had fun during the one day event. They also took the opportunity to take photos with the newly launched AMG G 63 and also the AMG GLC 63 which were being displayed at the Sepang International Circuit.

Let’s hope this sort of event will be a yearly thing for Mercedes-Benz customers. I wonder what models will be introduced in the next driving event.

Customary group photo before the first session

Azlan Ahmad, founder of Mixmediaworx, receiving his certificate of participation

Another Bruneian receiving a certificate

Izah Azahari of Borneo Bulletin also enjoyed her session

Pg Abdullah posing for the camera

Reuben Fang the Best Male Driver

I loved the bean bags

Chilling at the hospitality section at Paddock Club 1

The Mercedes-Benz CLS 450

The drifting session with the A200/A250. I kinda enjoyed this.

The ladies were excited for their sessions

Ready, Get Set, Go

I love the C 43 😀

I don’t mind this as my garage

Take your pick

Daniel and I chilling before the ride

Olala… The AMG GT C

This AMG can be a collateral for your new home

I don’t mind being caged with the Mercs

The new CLS pioneers the new design idiom of Mercedes-Benz, which is recognisable by its clear contours and reduced lines. Its character is marked by a grille contour that widens towards the base and a forward-slanting front section. Other features include wide, low-set headlamps and two-section tail lights. At the same time the design reflects the timeless aura of the first CLS, which founded a new segment and quickly became a design icon. All CLS models are equipped with new engines: in-line six-cylinder and in-line four-cylinder units as diesel and petrol versions. Like its predecessors, the new CLS exudes self-assured sportiness in exemplary style: a highly emotive vehicle offering impressive long-distance and acoustic comfort coupled with thrilling, unrivalled technology.

So check out the new CLS today at Mercedes-Benz Autohaus from 10am to 5pm. Refreshments will be provided too.

Executive Chairman of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd Pg Anak Hj Jaafar ibni Al Marhum Pg Pemancha Pg Anak Hj Mohamed Alam and the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Brunei Darussalam Peter Wolff as the Guest of Honour at the official launch of the Mercedes-Benz A250 and A200 at Mercedes Autohaus showroom last night

Last night saw the official unveiling of the Mercedes A250 and A200 at the Autohaus Show hosted by Jati Transport Sdn Bhd. The event were attended by Executive Chairman of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd Pg Anak Hj Jaafar ibni Al Marhum Pg Pemancha Pg Anak Hj Mohamed Alam and the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Brunei Darussalam Peter Wolff as the Guest of Honour during the unveiling.

As I’ve mentioned before the Mercedes-Benz A250 and A200 have taken Brunei by storm because of the latest features especially technological wise. It has a very young and dynamic feel and these models have been a major hit among the youth.

This is so far the most advanced in terms of features that Jati Transport have brought to Brunei and do expect the upcoming newer models of Mercedes-Benz to have the state-of-the-art technology and features too. This is also an upgrade model of the 2013’s.

I love the “Hey Mercedes” feature which is a voice-operated command whenever you are inside the vehicle. You can simply request to change the ambience and the lighting in the interior and even ask to change the temperature of the car, all by means of saying “Hey Mercedes”.

Do check out the models at Jati Transport for the latest models in today’s viewing.