Big Motoring World reviews a Classic: Mercedes W123

Reliability is engraved into Mercedes tradition, and that all began in 1976 with the release of the Mercedes W123. Big Motoring World reviews the classic Mercedes and the effects it’s had on the brand to present day.

Style

Smooth and muted, the car wasn’t on the flashy side yet still looked stylish and futuristic at the time of release. And if at first the sluggish petrol and diesel engines struggled to sell in the UK, it was upgraded in 1980 to 2.0- and 2.3-litre form. By then, every budding young executive wanted a Mercedes, particularly the iconic W123.

Favourite

The T-series estate version of the W123 was then released, with a surprising dash of glamour. It quickly became the favourite with gentry and antiques dealers, and to this day is the most practical W123. With space, comfort and dependability on its side, it deals with bumpy roads in a gentle, calm fashion thanks to soft, long travel suspension.

Longevity

These models were so good, they were still seen driving around the UK regularly up to a decade after they went off production. It also became a favourite back home, with Munich’s taxi drivers adopting the W123 for its ease of maintenance and simplicity. It’s for these reasons that the car ended up in Africa, namely Morocco where it can still be found today.

Global Fame

Many cameo appearances in primetime TV shows such as The Sweeney and The Professionals helped boost the W123’s appeal as the preferred wheels of villains. Even Arthur Daley drove one for a while in Minder. They can still be found around the UK, with a reported 3,500 models on the roads, and they are currently retailing at around £4,000 – a certain bargain for any Mercedes enthusiast.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars and has plans to expand the site even further, so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

By: Big Motoring World On 09:07

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Big Motoring World Reviews Super Car: Mercedes C111

Released in 1969, the Mercedes C111 attracted plenty of interest at the time. However, it was never actually put on sale and only 14 were ever created. Big Motoring World reviews the winged wonder.

The C111 was kept entirely in-house at Mercedes. With its glass-fibre bodied gullwing doors, it was a pioneering vehicle which was used in the research and development of future vehicles. Though the design never took off, the stylish and record-breakingly quick Merc had endurance and power to match.

Design

Mercedes’ big push throughout the 1960s and 70s was safety – how on earth the C111 made it through production is a mystery. Add in the impending fuel crisis and the fact that early models used a Wankel rotary engine – not noted for their efficiency – and the decision not to proceed with a production version seems sensible.

Technology

Amongst other ground-breaking technologies, the C111 was used for testing the latest air-conditioning and anti-lock braking systems. It also used the latest radio antenna for the time and the interior is well-finished to say that it was never available to the public.

Power

The C111 hits a top speed of 74mph which doesn’t sound quick, but the experience of the drive is a lot more than speed. It’s brisk compared to recent developments, but back in the 1970s it really was one of the quickest cars around. Grip and handling is also remarkable to say that this machine is over 45 years of age. A chilled interior, good brakes and a crisp radio signal – certainly an all-time Mercedes classic.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. June’s figures showed the highest ever sales in 20 years of business. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

By: Big Motoring World On 11:29

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Big Motoring World reviews 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4Matic

Coming on sale to the UK in autumn is the new Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4Matic. Big Motoring World reviews the German manufacturer’s answer to the BMW X6M.

The five-seat SUV comes with a 2.1-litre diesel engine, with models producing 168bhp and 201bhp. It will match the X6M both in length and boot size, and is equipped with the new nine-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. They each now come as standard with Mercedes, and as with the company’s larger models, a height-adjustable air suspension system is an optional add-on, which means that you can venture off-road.

Interior

The GLC’s interior is succinctly similar with the C-Class. The dashboard is smart and fashionable, whilst the front seats give good thigh support, even for taller individuals, with headroom and legroom in abundance. It’s easy to fold the backrests, and the boot is well proportioned while offering lots of under-floor storage.

Power

The GLC’s pulling power is extraordinary, and the engine sounds sublime on any surface. The nine-speed auto gearbox shifts with smooth precision and keeps the engine in its sweet spot with the right ratios. In the cabin, wind noise is well suppressed too which makes for pleasant motorway driving. The GLC comes with steel-sprung suspension and adaptive damping as standard.

Verdict

Overall, an exhilarating and comfortable ride fit for families and individuals looking to have fun on the road. It’s great on any surface, particularly long motorways where it is able to excel in comfort, convenience, style and speed.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. June’s figures showed the highest ever sales in 20 years of business. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

By: Big Motoring World On 13:04

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Big Motoring World Reviews 2015 Mercedes CLA Shooting Break

If you’re looking for the extra space and practicality that estates provide, but aren't a fan of their rigid styling, then the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake is the car you’re after. Off the back of Big Motoring World’s most successful month in 20 years of trading, we look at this revolutionary style of estate car.

Looks

The CLA Shooting Brake is probably the most stylish estate car you’ll find anywhere. It’s most distinguishing feature is its curvy roofline, which elegantly drops away towards the back of the car. From the front it looks identical to the sporty CLA saloon, but from the side, the higher roofline and swept-back looks are clear for all to see. All models come with twin exhausts and striking 18in alloy wheels. The Sport versions also come with xenon headlamps, privacy glass and speed-sensitive steering.

Interior

Inside, things aren’t too different from the CLA coupe's front space – one of the coupe’s big strengths. The dash remains the same, as do the seats and wheel adjustability. Most of the car’s functions are easily controlled through the tablet-style central screen which is glued to the dash, whilst the buttons for the stereo and navigation controls remain the same. The cabin is fitted out with an array of pleasant-feeling materials and finishes which add real comfort. All models get a steering-wheel mounted gearshifter and a beautifully detailed joystick-style lever on the centre console.

Practicality

Although in the design of this estate car, looks and practicality have shared equal importance, the CLA Shooting Break still does its job. The boot holds a roomy 495 litres, which is way more than you could expect from a car of this attractiveness. If you tilt the rear seatbacks to a more upright 'cargo' position, the space increases by another 100 litres. Up front, there's plenty of storage space dotted around the cabin, while the electric parking brake and steering wheel-mounted gear lever free up space for a roomier cockpit. Whilst the rear headroom has also been improved by 40mm.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

By: Big Motoring World On 11:39

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