Daily Archives: July 4, 2017
New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Shows Self-Driving Feature
The production of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class commenced on July 3 at the Sindelfingen plant of the three-pointed star brand. The first S560 model produced by the facility showed its self-driving capability during the event.
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a facelifted version of its range’s sixth-generation platform introduced in 2014. Among the notable visual upgrades of the car include the new bumpers, lighting system and radiator grille. At present, the vehicle is available in different trims including the S350d 4MATIC, S400 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC and the range-topping AMG S63 4MATIC. The non-AMG models come in long-wheelbase versions and the S560 is sold with a Mercedes-Maybach variant. Daimler confirmed that a plug-in hybrid version of the S-Class will also come out.
The self-driving feature of the S-Class was demonstrated by a S560 model. An obsidian black metallic-finish model aided by built-in cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors drove itself for 1.5 kilometers from the assembly line to the loading area of the plant. A software governing the Intelligent Drive, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steer Assist made the feat possible.
In the video below, Markus Schafer, Member of the Divisional Board Management of Mercedes-Benz Cars Production and Supply Chain Management, can be seen sitting in the front passenger area of the S560. No one sat on the driver’s seat of the car as it accelerated and steered itself autonomously.
Click play in the video below to watch the demo of the self-driving Mercedes-Benz S560:
Mercedes started the sale of the S-Class in May. The price of the car starts at 88,446.75 euros in Germany (inclusive of 19% VAT). The high-performance Mercedes-AMG S63 4MATIC comes with a 160,293 euros price tag (including a 19% VAT).
The S350d 4MATIC is equipped with a 210 hp diesel-fed 3.0-liter inline-six engine. The S400 4MATIC is offered in petrol 3.0-liter inline-six engines configured to produce 250 hp and 340 hp. The S560 is equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 in 345 hp and 469 hp powertrain. The AMG variant is packing a 4.0-liter V8 in 450 hp and 612 hp trims.
Customers Can Get Their Hands On First Tesla Model 3 On July 28
Shortly after leaving US President Donald Trump’s advisory board, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk went right into a lifelong work—producing environment-friendly vehicles. On Monday, he announced on Twitter that the first Tesla Model 3 would be completed this Friday, July 7.
In his first tweet, Musk said that Model 3 “passed all regulatory requirements for production two weeks ahead of schedule.” This gives the Model 3 enough time to be finished and completed this Friday.
Earlier reports said that Tesla would aim to start the production of the company’s Model 3 this July despite a first-quarter loss. It seems Tesla indeed reached its goal because in his second tweet, Musk revealed that the first 30 owners of Model 3 will have the vehicle by July 28. There was even a mention of a “handover party.”
The production for Tesla’s Model 3 will continue to grow in the coming weeks, the same tweet said. The Tesla CEO said there should be 100 cars available in August and above 1,500 units by September. In his third and final tweet, which was also the shortest in the series, Musk estimated that Tesla would be able to produce around 20,000 units a month of the Model 3 by December this year.
If the company would be able to reach that target, then they would be addressing the backlash over the production delays that plagued the previous Model X.
In another tweet, the Tesla CEO thanked everyone who “own or ordered a Tesla.” “It matters to us that you took a risk on a new car company. We won’t forget.”
Model 3 to be priced at $35,000
Tesla’s Model 3 is expected to come with a price tag of $35,000, but that’s before government incentives. It will have a driving range of more than 215 miles and will be able to reach 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.
Inside, the Model 3 will be equipped with a 15-inch center touchscreen, which is only slightly smaller than the Model S’ version. It has 14 cubic feet of volume in the front and rear cargo.