Called Around View Monitor...
Called Around View Monitor (AVM), the technology uses four cameras equipped with wide-angle lenses mounted around the car; one in the grille, one on each of the door mirrors and one on top of the back door. The clever "bird"s-eye" set-up enables drivers to navigate the tightest parking bays by merely watching the dashboard-mounted screen as they reverse. The process eliminates the need to swivel your head when manoeuvring.
The smaller car is the...
The smaller car is the Vision B, the larger machine the Vision R - and both will be in production within 12 months, badged as the B-Class and R-Class.
A spokesman for the German manufacturer told Auto Express: "Customers are always looking for something different from their cars nowadays. And just as the new Mercedes CLS is a departure from traditional saloon and coup탩 styling, the Vision B and R are good examples of us aiming to offer as many varieties as possible."
The B has been labelled a compact sports tourer. It"s based on a lengthened version of the A-Class platform and offers interior space on a par with larger four-doors. That"s because the engine and transmission sit partly in front of and partly beneath the passenger cell, thanks to the sandwich-style floorpan.
It"s powered by a new four-cylinder CDI diesel engine, which complies with strict Euro IV emissions regulations and returns more than 47mpg. The 140bhp unit also produces 300Nm of torque.
The showroom version - which we revealed back in Issue 819 - will arrive in the UK next year. Petrol buyers will have a choice of 1.5, 1.7 and 2.0-litre normally aspirated units, as well as a flagship turbocharged 2.0-litre. The R is described by the firm as a 4+2 luxury grand sports tourer. It builds on the original GST concept, unveiled at the 2002 Detroit Motor Show. We revealed the car will be called the R-Class in issue 761.
Inside, passengers will benefit from masses of space thanks to a wheelbase that"s nearly three metres long. The cabin features individual chairs throughout, offering plenty of scope for seating arrangements and load-lugging capability. There"s a leather interior and ash-wood and aluminium trim.
The four-wheel-drive Merc is powered by an all-new V6 CDI oil-burner capable of returning 32mpg. It boasts a particulate filter system and meets Euro IV standards as well - yet with 218bhp and 510Nm of torque, it will still have plenty to keep keen drivers happy.
This engine is mated to the company"s innovative 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission. When the production version of the R-Class arrives next year, it will compete with luxury 4x4s such as the Range Rover.
Both Mercs benefit from a new exterior paint, which makes its world debut at the Paris show. This features a high-gloss finish designed to surround the vehicle like a metallic skin. The shiny, high-luminance coating is the result of a sophisticated new development process which Mercedes says is likely to become a production reality.