Stuttgart – The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate is the best business class car, while the Gullwing Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is the best newcomer in the “luxury” category – this is according to a top-class panel of international motoring journalists which has voted both Mercedes-Benz models the top cars of 2010 in their respective categories.

No fewer than 150 motoring journalists from Germany, Austria and Switzerland were asked by the Motorinformationsdienst (mid) (Motor Vehicle Information Service) to cast their votes and use their expertise to decide on the top cars of 2010, choosing from among 80 passenger cars in 8 different categories.

In the “business” category, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate took top honours by quite a significant margin. The premium lifestyle estate has caused a great deal of excitement since its launch with its distinct, dynamic and at the same time elegant design, and also sets new standards in safety, comfort, quality, economy and functionality. In addition it also provides a unique combination of technical innovations in this vehicle class – from drowsiness detection to automatic emergency braking when an accident is recognised as imminent, and from Adaptive Highbeam Assist to the active bonnet. On top of all this there is also air suspension with self-levelling at the rear as standard, as well as some innovative new features in terms of the functionality of the luggage compartment. This area can also accommodate an optional third row of seats, something unique among the competition.

The new Gullwing Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG also moved effortlessly into first place in its “luxury” category. Its exciting design featuring the gullwing doors harks back to that sporting legend of the 1950’s – the 300 SL. The new super sports car also dazzles with its exquisite technology which includes such highlights as: aluminium spaceframe body shell, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid engine with dry sump lubrication as well as a maximum power of 420 kW (571 hp) and 650 Nm of torque, seven-speed double-clutch transmission in a transaxle arrangement and a sports suspension with aluminium double-wishbone axles. This high-tech combination helps to guarantee the highest level of driving dynamics.

Being voted the top cars of 2010 is not the first time that both Mercedes-Benz vehicles have picked up an award. The SLS AMG has won the 2009 Auto Trophy, as well as the 2009 Golden Steering Wheel award.

Other awards also received by the E-Class family include the following:

Auto Bild Design Award: Germany’s most beautiful car (Saloon)

Auto Bild Design Award: Germany’s most beautiful Coupé (Coupé)

Auto Trophy (Auto Zeitung): best luxury-class saloon

Die sportlichsten Autos (Auto Bild sportscars): best sports saloon (E 63 AMG)

EuroCarBody Award 2009: best bodyshell

Diners Club Magazine Award: best power-to-economy ratio

Großer Österreichischer Automobilpreis (Austria’s car of the year award): favourite premium saloon

International Engine of the Year Award

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MKB may not be as well known as its rival German tuners such as Brabus and MTM, but the company has a penchant for building some of the most stylish and powerful upgrades in the business – especially when it comes to modifying cars from Mercedes Benz. MKB’s latest package is based on the twin-turbocharged CL65 AMG Coupe but many of the styling and performance mods can be applied to any model in the CL lineup including the base CL500/550. Called the MKB 65/12 BT, the new package adds several subtle styling mods as well as a range of engine, wheel and tire upgrades. The most powerful kit for the CL65 sees engine power boosted from 517hp (385kW) in the stock model to 750hp (560kW). Torque levels are also increased to 922lb-ft (1,250Nm). Furthermore, the vehicle has been provided with a high-performance rear axle equipped with a differential lock and a modified transmission control module to handle the boosted power levels.

The power is put to the ground via a set of handcrafted 20in MKB Alpha III wheels, wrapped with 255mm rubber up front and 295mm tires in the rear. The car’s suspension has also been lowered by 25mm and has been beefed up with stiffer springs and dampers. The end result is a 0-100km/h time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed in excess of 350km/h. To match the performance mods, MKB adds several exterior pieces such as the new side skirts, revised bumpers, a modified grille and an integrated rear diffuser. Inside, the CL65 is fitted with optional Alcantara and carbon-fiber trim.

- MKB releases 750hp upgrade for Mercedes? CL65 AMG – [Mercedes Benz CL65 AMG] – MotorAuthority – Car news, reviews, spy shots

[Source: German Car Zone]

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