Both Come In Two Versions

Mercedes-Benz is extending its multimedia presence with the simultaneous release of three new apps, providing an even more versatile range of products for people on the move. Two of the new apps - the B-Class Guide, a useful online supplement to the printed manual, and the SL Bodywork App personal trainer - are now available free of charge. Both come in two versions, for downloading to Android smart phones and iPhones, respectively. The third newcomer, the Advantages App, is exclusively for the use of sales staff, as a customer relations resource in the showroom or out in the field. The B-Class Guide App offers customers an interactive overview of their new B-Class and instructions on its operation ahead of the delivery of the new vehicle. Animations and short films supplement the information in the user manual, with extra detail on how particular features work and the operation of innovations such as the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST. The app developers were determined to provide a user-friendly product, including a QuickStart menu item for instant access to summary overviews on specific topics.

And the customary alphabetical search functionality is supplemented with a visual search option using 3D images. The Troubleshooting section provides valuable tips on such matters as changing the light bulbs. The B-Class guide is now available free of charge from App Store (for iPhones) and Google Play (for Android smart phones). The outstanding sports performance of the SL is reflected in the new SL Bodywork App, the ideal personal trainer for people on the move. Users can put together a personalised programme of strength, stamina and balance exercises anytime, anywhere, simply by entering a few personal details such as age, height, weight, training focus and training level. They can monitor their progress using the integrated training history function. To boost motivation, achievements are rewarded with personal badges, similar to those awarded by national sports federations. These can be shared with friends on social networks. Some of these badges also qualify the user for access to exclusive video content. The new Advantages App has been developed for the exclusive use of Mercedes-Benz sales staff. The tool provides instant access to all product highlights and vehicle data on an iPad, for on-the-spot presentation to the customer. This enhances the ability of salespeople in the showroom or out in the field to provide comprehensive and up-to-date information in an accessible format for the customer. Details of all special equipment and engine options can be called up immediately at any time. The salesperson can also use the app to run clear demonstrations of special highlights such as the luggage compartment design, ambient lighting or the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST.

Sumeru Mountain, the centre of the Universe floating on a cosmic sea on the back of a great fish, is one such exhibit, made possible by the inclusion of the water in the layout of Muang Boran. Also on the waterways, a Thai junk on display shows the kind of transport which for many centuries was the key to Thailand's trading power. The Royal barges procession is a tradition which has existed in Thailand for 700 years as a way of celebrating royal occasions. Originally hundreds of boats may have been involved in the regal King's Procession down the waterways of Thailand. Today, the numbers are fewer, but the ceremony still takes place occasionally. A few of these amazingly ornate and elongated oared barges are represented in Muang Boran. Two of the iconic buildings in Muang Boran perhaps deserve a special mention. These are the Sanphet Prasat Palace, and the Dusit Maha Prasat Palace (described later).

Sanphet Prasat was the principal palace and throne hall of the ancient Thai capital of Ayutthaya, built by King Baromatrai Lokanat to a design quite unique from all that had gone before. During the war with Burma which led to the ruination of Ayutthaya 250 years ago, the Palace was one of the casualties. It was totally destroyed. This building in Muang Boran is just a small scale recreation of the original. But using archaeological research of the original foundations, surveys of ancient texts, and the integration of designs from other contemporary buildings where necessary, modern architects have nonetheless produced this very beautiful masterpiece. It is scarcely possible when looking at the images below to believe that buildings such as these in Muang Boran are a mere few decades old. It is not merely the architecture of Thailand's greatest historic buildings which has been lovingly recreated in the 'Ancient City'. Internal furnishings and artistry representative of the time can be seen in many of the model temples, palaces and pavilions. In Sanphet Prasat Palace, this includes the great wall paintings illustrated here.