Geneva Preview: MercedesSport Individualization Program Lets Benz Owners Add Personality
Mercedes is continuing to put the focus clearly on its E-Class lineup and is preparing to launch a new MercedesSport line of individualization parts and accessories for these newest models at the Geneva Auto Show. More “show” than “go” these new parts are aimed at those who like the sporty high-performance AMG look, but who aren’t willing or just don’t care to cough up the extra cash for a big beefy motor.
Available for the new E-Class sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible are a line of MercedesSport products, including aero kits, spoilers and 18-inch wheels (offered in gloss black or chrome). In addition, some performance enhancing options are also available, like upgraded brakes and suspension components. Special trim items will also be offered.
Mercedes is planning to offer MercedesSport packages for other models in the near future. We’ll be sure to snap some pics of the new products when they debut next week at the Geneva Auto Show.
See our full Geneva Auto Show coverage starting Monday, March 1st.
Click here for AutoGuide’s live 2010 Geneva Auto Show coverage starting Monday, March 1st.
GALLERY: MercedesSport Individualization Program
Official release after the jump:
In order to meet the demand for individualision accessories with a sporty look and the same, high manufacturer quality, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH is now offering an appropriate product portfolio under the new MercedesSport label. This will enable every Mercedes-Benz customer to retrofit their car with a number of very personal features, with the option of enjoying even more sporty handling characteristics.
The highlights in the MercedesSport product range include:
- Intelligently designed front aprons, spoiler edges and side skirts ensure an elegant and sporty appearance. Unlike conventional products on the market, the sophisticated “add-on principle” makes it unnecessary to replace the original components.
- Optional rear and roof spoilers, a diffuser-look rear apron insert and fog lamp louvres round off this finely coordinated package of visual and aerodynamic features for the exterior.
- Striking eighteen-inch light-alloy wheels in a trendy bicolor version. These have sections painted in high-sheen black and bear the MercedesSport logo. They are enhanced and protected by a clear varnish coat.
- A sporty suspension, with noticeably stiffer damping, transverse stabilisers and shorter springs to lower the suspension by up to 15 millimetres. This sports suspension kit makes for more direct and sporty handling without compromising the high level of comfort.
- A sports braking system with perforated brake discs and grey brake calipers bearing the Mercedes-Benz logo, for outstanding deceleration and a sporty look.
- A grippy four-spoke sports steering wheel with perforated leather and a silver contrasting seam, optionally available with shift paddles and heating. For a sporty touch in the cockpit, right at your fingertips.
- A stainless steel pedal cluster, stainless steel door entry panels illuminated in white and bearing the MercedesSport logo and black velours floor mats with an edge border and silver contrasting seam, likewise bearing the MercedesSport logo, are further eyecatching features in the interior.It is with these retrofitted features that Mercedes-Benz meets the wishes of customers who wish to enhance and individualise their cars even further.
- They are designed in accordance with the high quality criteria of the Mercedes-Benz brand, which in part impose far stricter standards than existing technical norms. Their development is based on the extensive findings and experience gained from the development work on the base vehicle, as well as on the original vehicle’s computer data. This means that the components fit with extraordinary precision, for example. All components have undergone computer simulations and sophisticated practical tests for reliability, durability and function – also under extreme operating conditions. The aerodynamic components have also been tested in the wind tunnel, and under the dynamic driving conditions of high-speed tracks. MercedesSport components are also highly dimensionally stable, and extremely resistant to impacts. And as MercedesSport components meet the very highest standards, they are covered by the original Mercedes-Benz warranty.
- Thanks to the intelligent design according to the “add-on principle”, no existing parts need to be removed or replaced. The original bumpers, side skirts are retained, and merely complemented with MercedesSport components. This means a considerably lower use of resources accompanied by lower costs, for the same or better results in both form and function.
- The same designers who created the original vehicle are responsible for MercedesSport styling. These mounted components accentuate the character of the vehicle, and seamlessly blend into the sophisticated design idiom of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Light-catching contours and taut surfaces create a sporty touch and underline the car’s self-confident presence. In its sporty, individualised form, the car is still clearly recognisable as a Mercedes.
MercedesSport will initially be available for the entire E-Class family (Saloon, Estate, Coupé, Cabriolet), with other model series to follow. MercedesSport is available from authorised Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets, and can also be professionally installed there.