V-CLASS REVAMP

MBUX SMARTENS UP THE V-CLASS AND LEARNS WHAT SUITS INDIVIDUAL DRIVERS / KIA REVEALS MORE DETAILS ON ITS GRAN TURISMO – THE STINGER LAUNCHES

VOICE CONTROL V-CLASS BOTH LISTENS AND LEARNS

Enhanced V-Class launches in the region

MBUX IS AN INTUITIVE AND INTELLIGENT MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM, CLAIMS MERCEDES-BENZ

In 2019, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class facelift was introduced to the region with a new front design, new colours and upholstery choices, as well as an extended range of safety and assistance systems. Mercedes-Benz has further enhanced the model with the integration of the intuitive and self-learning MBUX (MercedesBenz User Experience) multimedia system in the V-Class, available now in showrooms in the region.

“We are excited to introduce the sophisticated MBUX multimedia system to our V-Class models. Digitalisation and connectivity are important components of our product strategy. By integrating the MBUX multimedia system familiar to Mercedes-Benz cars, the V-Class becomes even more compelling,” says Serkan Sarikaya, acting general manager and head of sales of Mercedes-Benz Vans Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

The central element of the MBUX multimedia system is its intuitive operating concept. The voice control system can recognise almost any sentence, activated using a button on the steering wheel or by saying “Hey Mercedes”. In addition to this, the voice control system is also capable of learning.

In the V-Class available in the MENA region, there are two baseline MBUX systems to choose from. MBUX Entry is equipped with a 7-inch display and touchpad and MBUX Mid adds the navigation system. Customers can specify individually desired functions to enhance the MBUX multimedia system, such as a larger 10.25- inch display, smartphone integration package and Burmester surround sound system.

MBUX combines learning capabilities to provide predictive functions, to anticipate what the driver would like next. For example, if the driver often calls home on the drive back from work, the driver will receive a prompt on the display to place the call. Various infotainment settings can be configured individually and stored in a profile, as many as eight profiles can be created, ideal when the vehicle is used by more than one driver.

Apart from the voice control system, MBUX can also be controlled using the high-resolution, 7-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen central display or the touchpad on the centre console. When the navigation system is fitted, touch gestures can be used to enlarge or move the map, making it easier to gain a precise view of the route ahead or explore the area. The touchpad also recognises handwriting, for inputting telephone numbers or addresses.

CUSTOMISED CALLS

With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it is also possible to mirror the user interfaces of all common smartphone operating systems on the central display.

FROM APP TO APPROPRIATE LISTENING

Owners can discover all the setting options for the Burmester surround sound system in V-Class with the Daimler SoundCheck app from Burmester.

With the larger 10.25-inch display option, the Burmester surround sound system is available for specification. The custom-made high-end surround sound experience sets new quality benchmarks for the pleasure of all music lovers, with 15 speakers plus a bass reflex speaker, together delivering 640 watts of output. Visually, the Burmester logo on the speakers refers to the high-quality surround sound system. A voice amplification feature is also included within the Burmester surround sound system, which discreetly channels the voices of the driver and front passenger through the speakers in the rear – allowing driver and passengers to communicate safely, while the driver focuses on the road ahead.

SPECIFICATIONS (V 250 STANDARD) Engine Horsepower Torque Acceleration

Top Speed Emission

2.0 L - 4 Cylinder, turbo 211 hp (at 5500 rpm) 350 Nm

0-100 km/h in 9.4 sec

210 km/h

Euro 5b+ Gr.III KIA STINGER UPGRADE DETAILS RELEASED

TWO NEW EXTERIOR PACKAGES FOR THE GRAN TURISMO MAKE THEIR DEBUT

Kia Motors Corporation has released the first images of the upgraded Kia Stinger, revealing a refreshed design for the highperformance fastback sports sedan. Changes to the appearance of the enhanced model amplify its gran turismo character, while improving cabin quality and giving owners more choice of colour and material.

The upgraded model boasts a range of design updates, inside and out. Outside, the changes add a new touch of drama to the car’s design and give buyers more options for customisation; inside, the upgraded Stinger offers a more comfortable space in which to travel, with a revised design, new higher-quality materials, and updates to the infotainment system.

Karim Habib, head of Kia Global Design commented: “The Stinger projects an air of elegance and comfort, and also great purpose, for long distance driving. The updated model builds on the svelte gran turismo design we introduced three years ago with modern flair and a subtle hint of aggression to enhance its on-road presence. The interior, too, has been enhanced, and the new design elements and technologies incorporated into the Stinger reconfirm its credentials as the consummate grand tourer.”

At the front of the Stinger, Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille sits between new multifaceted reflector LED headlamps, with a new design and LED daytime running lights. The new lamps appear darker and sleeker with the lights out, while giving the car a more high-tech light signature, with sharp slashes of light angled slightly towards the front of the car.

At the rear, a new rear combination lamp displays a distinctive new light signature, extending the full width of the car and mimicking the shape of the subtle spoiler integrated into the trunk lid. The new turn signals comprise a collection of 10 individual LED units each, arranged in a grid pattern to mimic the appearance of a checkered flag, used in motorsport to signal the end of a race.

Buyers of more powerful examples of the Stinger now have the option to specify larger wide-bore bright silver exhaust mufflers, with a more purposeful, performance-inspired rear diffuser to give the car a more muscular rear appearance. Two new exterior packages are also introduced for the first time. For high-performance variants in many markets worldwide, a new ‘Dark Package’ brings with it a gloss black diffuser surround and black wide-bore muffler tips. The Stinger emblem on the tailgate is also finished in black. While the architecture of the cabin in the upgraded Stinger remains unchanged, with a sweeping, driver-oriented dash and comfortable space for up to five occupants, it boasts a range of subtle enhancements.

SET THE CABIN MOOD A CHOICE OF 64 COLOURS