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Fergus Conheady with the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van The latest range of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter panel vans is now on sale priced from €21,950 ex VAT. This new generation Sprinter is 100 per cent new from tip to tail and is regarded as a conquest vehicle for the brand.   It is launched with a new design as well as passenger car levels of comfort and safety, a generous load volume and carrying capacity, the addition of front wheel drive, and a new infotainment and connectivity system which will result in better fleet management, lower operating costs and maximum cost effectiveness.   The company say this is ‘an all rounder for any business sector’. The diverse market includes couriers, express deliveries and parcel services operators, those who use their van as a mobile parts store and workshop; food delivery sector, constructions operatives and trades people, shuttle service, minibus and passenger transport providers. Specialist users like ambulan...

More than 770,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles are under a recall order in Europe following the discovery of illegal emissions control devices on a small number of cars, writes Brian Byrne . The models affected include versions of the Vito van, the C-Class and the GLC SUV. It is understood that parent company Daimler does not face any fines over the issue, as there is no evidence of intent by the company to design software to cheat emissions rules.

The new generation Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van has arrived on the Irish market at a starting price of €21,950 plus taxes and charges. In addition to offering high levels of technical advances, the new version of the van offers a FWD variant for the first time. A new 3-year warranty is now standard across the Mercedes-Benz vans range. One innovative feature is a new networked, online connectivity system that gives operators comprehensive fleet control. Incorporating Mercedes PRO Connect and the company's new MBUX multimedia system, the system's functions monitored include vehicle operation and supervision, fleet communication, maintenance management and a digital driver's logbook. There are 2.1 and 3.0 engines with power outputs ranging from 114hp-190hp.

New A-Class Two models at different ends of the brand's model range have been launched in Ireland by Mercedes-Benz, writes Brian Byrne . The new generation A-Class (above) is larger than its predecessor, with a significantly stronger presence evident especially from the front. More room inside for passengers, and a larger luggage space also feature, and the car also comes with the Mercedes-Benz MBUX multimedia and entertainment system. Engine options are 1.4 and 2.0 petrol and a 1.5 diesel, with 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic options. Prices at launch begin at €31,600, while entry petrol and diesel models prices from around €30,000 will arrive later. The latest generation CLS Coupe is also now on the Irish market with prices starting at €64,805. All are automatic, and are available with all-wheel drive. Both diesel and petrol engines are on the list. It is the third generation of a 5-seat 4-door coupe first introduced in 2003.

Prototypes of the first all-electric Mercedes-Benz car are being tested in extreme condition environments as well as ordinary conditions, in advance of market launch next year, writes Brian Byrne . The ECQ has already been put through its assessment paces in Sweden's winter, and will undergo hot-weather testing in southern Europe. By the time it goes on sale it will have been tested in Germany, Finland, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Dubai, South Africa, the USA and China. Almost 200 prototypes have been built for the various validation tests which the vehicle development programme requires. The ECQ will have been in development for four years before production begins in 2019, with approximately two-thirds of the testing in real-life environments, the remainder conducted digitally.

This is the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which will be delivered in its first markets in June, writes Brian Byrne . A luxury off-roader with some legendary capabilities, the G-Class hasn't changed much since it was introduced in 1979, and the iconic style details are retained in the latest version. The specification includes a host of new features such as LED headlamps, driving assistance systems, high-quality interior with leather seats, and a new suspension. For demanding customers, options such as the Exclusive Interior Plus with leather on the interior door panels provide even more exclusivity. The car retains the ladder-frame, but M-B say their engineers have increased vehicle rigidity and improved connection between the suspension and the frame. The completely redesigned instrument panel features a large display showing virtual instruments in the driver's direct field of vision and a central display above the centre console is available as an option. Drivers can c...

Here's another car debuting in China which we're not going to see in Europe, writes Brian Byrne . It's a long-wheelbase version of the new generation A-Class saloon, designed and built for China preferences for more rear room. The standard wheelbase hatchback A-Class will be reaching first customers in Europe in May, and a standard saloon will come in the second half of the year. The car will feature the latest driving assistance and connectivity functions rolled out already in many Mercedes-Benz models from the S-Class to the new Sprinter van. China is the biggest individual market for Mercedes-Benz and Smart cars, and 430,000 of the 610,000 sold last year were manufactured locally.

The new generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor and also has a longer wheelbase, writes Brian Byrne . With more shoulder room and a bigger capacity boot, the car is overall a significant move onwards for the nameplate in its fourth generation. There are also new engines, including 1.3 and 2.0 petrol units and a 1.5 diesel. Semi-autonomous driving will also be available in certain conditions, according to the company. The full range of current Mercedes-Benz connectivity and safety technologies will be included in the specifications. The interior design includes a double instruments and infotainments screens system in one wide module. First market launches commence in May.

Mercedes-Benz has revealed new versions of the C-Class coupe and cabriolet, writes Brian Byrne . The sharper design of the new saloon and estate models is brought over to the other two. The cars will feature a digital cockpit and dynamic body control suspension and new 4 -cylinder engines, some of which are equipped with 48V technology. The two-door vehicles will go on sale in first markets from July.

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the third version of its luxurious CLS Coupe expected to arrive here in the middle of this year, writes Trish Whelan . The model, first launched in 2003, was designed to create an entirely new car segment.   This new CLS is described as ‘a classic in its own lifetime’ combining the elegance and dynamism of a coupe with the comfort and functionality of a saloon.   Ciaran Allen, sales manager for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in Ireland describes the new CLS as ‘a car created for the discerning motorist’ who seeks elegance, luxury and prestige in an ultra-modern, eye-catching and timeless design that is vibrant and enjoyable to drive’.   The interior consists of high grade materials and finish. Seats designed exclusively for the CLS can now accommodate five people and backrests can be folded to expand the 520-litre luggage compartment. Power is from a completely new engine line-up. Initially, it comprises 6-cylinde...