Mercedes-Benz Canada delivers blistering speed and iconic styling at the 2018 Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS)

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TORONTO, Feb. 14, 2018 /CNW/ - From February 16 to 25, visitors to the Mercedes-Benz Canada booth at the 2018 Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) in Toronto will be treated to a stunning display of performance and style. Mercedes-Benz has crafted the perfect follow-up to its fourth consecutive record-breaking year – also AMG's 50^th anniversary year – and will showcase powerful vehicles that offer optimum control and safety, while keeping design front and centre. Standout additions include the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE hypercar, the elegant and powerful Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+ Coupe, and the newly reinterpreted, iconic G-Class. Together, these vehicles represent some of the best of what the brand has to offer for the track, the city, and the road less travelled.

Project ONE: Formula 1 technology meets day-to-day driving

The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is celebrating its Canadian premiere at CIAS. The highlight of AMG's 50^th anniversary celebrations, the two-seater hypercar efficiently combines outstanding racetrack performance with Formula 1 hybrid technology that is suitable for day-to-day driving – a world first. Every design element has a specific purpose, creating a seamless pairing of form and function. The result is a mid-engine concept, extremely muscular proportions with a forward cockpit, large wheel arches, a wasp waist and an extended rear end.

The hypercar's highly efficient, powerful drivetrain works alongside a purely electric, wheel-selective front axle drive concept to deliver a combined system power of over 1,000 hp and a top speed of over 350 km/h. Power is transferred to the rear wheels by an 8-speed manual transmission that has been entirely developed from scratch for the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE. The hypercar rockets from 0 to 200 km/h in an astonishing six seconds, fuelled by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 racing car-derived 1.6-litre V6 hybrid gas engine with direct injection and electrically assisted single turbocharging.

Project ONE delivers the ideal combination of performance and efficiency. Its high-performance EQ Power+ plug-in hybrid drive system offers numerous intelligent operating strategies which adapt to scenarios that range from purely electric operation to a highly dynamic mode that matches a setting used in Formula 1 to achieve optimal lap times. Mercedes-AMG engineers were able to accomplish this thanks to the years of experience and knowledge gathered from Formula 1, the SLS AMG Electric Drive, and Daimler AG's research and development efforts.

The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE joins the four-door AMG GT Concept in providing insight into the future performance-hybrid drive strategy of the sports car brand.

See an in-depth vehicle walk around of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE on Facebook Live at 8:45 a.m. ET on Friday, February 16.

Classic lines, self-assured sportiness: Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+ Coupe

When it was first introduced to market in 2003, the CLS created a new vehicle segment that for the first time paired the elegance and dynamism of a coupe with the comfort and functionality of a sedan. The third generation of the CLS combines the brand's new design idiom, which is characterized by clean contours and restrained lines, with the arching midsection, flat side window lines, and low greenhouse of the original. Like its predecessors, the new CLS offers impressive long-distance and acoustic comfort alongside thrilling performance and advanced technologies.

Like the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Coupe and Cabriolet models, the CLS 53 4MATIC+ features a new, electrified 3.0-litre engine that offers twin-turbocharging by way of an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric auxiliary compressor. Its EQ Boost starter-alternator briefly provides an additional 21 hp of output plus 184 lb-ft of torque, and also feeds the 48 V onboard electrical system. The six‑cylinder in-line engine generates 429 hp and delivers maximum torque of 384 lb-ft. Other technical highlights include the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system.

In addition to remarkable performance, the CLS 53 4MATIC+ features the latest generation driving assistance system from the S-Class, and offers as standard Active Braking Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and ATTENTION ASSIST, as well as occupant-protection system PRE-SAFE^® and PRE-SAFE^® Sound, which prepares human hearing for any accident noise when there is a risk of a collision.

G 550 SUV: Reengineering an icon

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been considered a design icon since it was first introduced in 1979. Though superficially the "G" has changed very little, this luxury off-roader has actually undergone constant reinvention. Now, a modern redesign sees the newest iteration of the legendary vehicle setting the bar even higher in all areas: in terms of on- and off-road performance, comfort, and telematics. A completely updated interior and numerous new features have given the G-Class its most significant technical and stylistic transformation, while still staying true to its essence.

Regardless of the terrain or the driving conditions, this off-road vehicle impresses with its performance, cutting-edge assistance systems, outstanding handling, and safety. The new G-Class is powered by the proven M176 engine, a high-performance 4.0 litre V8 gasoline engine that produces 416 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. The new, state-of-the-art suspension and powertrain technology, 9G-TRONIC transmission with DYNAMIC SELECT switch, "G-Mode" and three 100-percent differential locks improve on- and off-road comfort and performance, as well as agility. In addition, a new independent front axle design, electromechanical steering and adjustable damping enhance day-to-day driving, while off-road low gear and a rugged ladder-type frame deliver optimal performance on rugged terrain. The new G-Class also features increased fording depth (+100 mm), angle of approach/departure and breakover angle (each +1°), as well as torsional stiffness (+55%).

The instrument cluster and dashboard have been fully modernized and consist of a standard "Widescreen Cockpit" comprising two 12.3-inch (31.2-centimetre) displays, which are similar to those found in the E- and S-Class, that blend visually beneath a shared glass cover. Drivers can choose between three different display styles – "Classic", "Sport" and "Progressive" – and select relevant information and views according to their individual needs. More leg, shoulder, and elbow room – combined with new features such as an energizing massage, Driving Dynamic front seats, and 64-colour ambient lighting – add to the driver's overall comfort and wellbeing. Onboard storage space has been improved, too, when compared with the outgoing model, including new cup holders in the front and back as well as additional storage space.

Learn more about the 2019 G 550 SUV in an in depth vehicle walkaround via Facebook Live at 10:45 a.m. ET on Friday, February 16.

Shaping the future of mobility: Mercedes me connect

In the fall of this year, Mercedes-Benz will launch Mercedes me connect services on all new 2019 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars*. These innovative, app-based mobility services have been designed to enhance the ownership experience and allow drivers to stay in touch with their vehicle from anywhere, obtain assistance at the touch of a button, and power an evolving platform that will help shape the future of mobility. Features will include:

• Remote Start and Door Lock/Unlock: Start the vehicle remotely, or lock and unlock the doors, from anywhere in the world using the Mercedes me connect App.
• Remote Retrieval of Vehicle Status: Tire pressure, mileage, fuel levels, etc., may be checked from any location with data connection via the Mercedes me portal or mobile app.
• Parked Vehicle Locator: Locates the parked vehicle within a 1.5 km radius.
• Send2Benz: Points of interest can be sent to the vehicle's navigation system via the Mercedes me App.

CIAS attendees will have the opportunity to explore Mercedes me connect in a designated space at the Mercedes-Benz booth. The space will feature video content and an interactive demonstration, including a live feed of a Mercedes-Benz vehicle on a soundstage in the United Kingdom. Using a smartphone that has been connected to the vehicle, attendees will be able to test some of the app's features remotely, viewing the resulting actions on a livestream video wall. To underscore the opportunities for personalization that Mercedes me offers, attendees will have the opportunity to create a custom takeaway item as they move through the exhibit.

Learn more about Mercedes me connect on Facebook Live at 9:45 a.m. ET on Friday, February 16.

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Other CIAS highlights

EQ is the Mercedes-Benz electric mobility brand and encompasses all key aspects of customer-focussed electric mobility. The name EQ ("Electric Intelligence") is derived from the Mercedes‑Benz brand values of "Emotion" and "Intelligence". A highlight of the CIAS booth, the GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV is the first mid-size SUV with plug-in hybrid technology offered by Mercedes-Benz, and provides a glimpse of what's to come with the brand's new EQ lineup. Its drive system combines agile driving pleasure with very low fuel consumption and local emission-free driving, delivering power, refinement and exceptional efficiency. By 2022, Mercedes-Benz will offer at least one electrified alternative in all segments, from the most compact cars to the largest SUVs. The current EQ portfolio includes plug-in hybrid vehicles, which are already in market (categorized as EQ Power). The first fully-electric EQ vehicle will arrive in Canada at the end of 2019.

Mercedes-Benz Vans will also be showing attendees that the skies are truly the limit with two custom vans: a Metris Limo and a Sprinter Camper. In the former, a Metris Passenger van has been upfitted by Absolute Styling Limousine to serve as luxury transportation for even the most prestigious clients. In terms of the latter, Overland Explorer has upfitted a Sprinter 4x4 Cargo to act as the perfect vehicle for the ultimate adventurer. The Sprinter is ready to explore life off the beaten path, with an interior that includes a bed, cabinetry and ample living space for the most rugged explorer.

About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG passenger vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Vans and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,700 people in 21 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 11 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 48 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 52,298 vehicles in 2017. This represents the best year ever for the company and has positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada for the fourth consecutive year.

Further information from Mercedes-Benz Canada is available at www.media.mercedes-benz.ca.

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.