First Look at the 2010

First Look at the 2010

Same “4 eyes” front look as the last 2 generations, the new E class code name W212 will be displayed at the Geneva Auto Show next year, and should be available for sale by the end 2009 as 2010 model. No exact data is available yet, as Mercedes has not officially launched this new model, but we were told that it has upgraded the new car to be much safer and comfortable besides better looking. The interior should be between what are available in the new C and S class, with much improved materials and computer controlling system used in the current models. The next generation E-Class will offer gasoline engines from the based model (E200) 4 cylinder 184 HP to an (E500/ E63 AMG)) 8 cylinder with 544 HP. Basic diesel engines ranging from the 4 cylinder 136 HP to an 8 cyl. 354 HP. The Hybrid version and the station wagons should be available by year 2010. Get ready, Indonesian buyers… the new E should be available for sale by early 2010 at your local dealers, about the same time as it is launched in China.

BMW New

Unlike the Audi TT which catch lots of attentions on the road when first introduced back then, this new entry level coupe/convertible of BMW is not much a head turner. Though no exact datas are available, it is widely said that the earlier hatch back version has not been a great success for BMW. However, BMW said it hopes the new baby will be the spiritual successor of the 2002 from 40 years ago as an affordable, high performance monsters. The 1 Series coupe is only 8.7 inches shorter than the current 3 Series coupe (a bit narrower too). So, we assume that this car is about the same size as the 3 series of the 90's, as today's 320i is larger than say the 530i of the late 80's. The new 1 series is priced (in USA) at US$30,000 to $40,000 range and in the UK at £21,0000 - £30,000, won't qualify it to be classified as 'Affordable'. A rear wheel drive car with 230-hp, 3.0-liter six-cylinder for the basic 128i can get to 60mph in about 6 seconds. For the twin-turbo 300-hp engine high-performance 135i. 5 seconds is all it needs for 0-60 mph. Fuel economy is estimated around 18 mpg city 28 mpg highway for the 128i, and 17/25 mpg for the 135i coupe. BMW’s iDrive system, which controls all the audio and other features of the vehicle will be standard equiptment, besides antilock disc brakes (with brake drying and standby feature), traction and stability control and start-off assist for manual-equipped cars. Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Navigation system, satellite radio, HD radio, Bluetooth, and a USB port for an iPod for iPhone are available as options at extra costs. It is believed that the back seats are more comfortable for adults than the hatch back models. Materials used for the interior too have been upgraded to justify the selling prices. Who exactly will the new 1 series coupe be competing against? Nobody knows exactly yet, but our guess will be the Audi A3, Mini Cooper, Volvo C30 and the Mercedes C Class Sports Coupe.

Mercedes Benz

The rumor in Europe is saying that Mercedes Benz will discontinue its current A & B class, in exchange for four other small & energy efficient models by 2010. We got pictures of two of the 4 models from a leading car magazine in Germany named Auto Zeitung, the GLA which supposed to be a down scaled version of the GL SUV, and CLA the baby version of CLS 4 doors Coupe. Meanwhile, we also heard that the other German car makers BMW and Audi, each almost reaching final decision of the X1 and Q3 models. Its gonna be a new ball game by then, get ready to play small now, everybody…