The Mercedes-Benz 'Alustyle' basic carrier

Press Release

Original roof boxes for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars: A second boot for long trips

Practical functionality, elegant design, and plenty of space for transporting cargo - these are the key attributes of the original roof boxes from Mercedes-Benz. The durable and easy-to-mount roof boxes are available in three sizes that hold 330, 400, and 450 litres, respectively. The "XL" family box in particular is perfect for all holiday and leisure transport needs: The top model from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH has a cargo volume corresponding to that of a C-Class boot, and thus offers enough space to accommodate all the ski equipment or luggage of a family of four.

Big luggage pieces and bulky sporting equipment - the original roof boxes from Mercedes-Benz can handle both, thereby ensuring plenty of individual freedom when it comes to planning a holiday, or leisure-time activities. Mercedes-Benz offers the practical yet elegant roof boxes for A-, B-, C-, and E-Class models, as well as for the new M-, R-, and S-Class, the CLS-, SL-, and SLK-Class, and the CLK coupe. Specially developed accessories - such as rack inserts for holding up to five pairs of skis, or a practical made-to-measure luggage set - ensure optimal and orderly space utilization, as well as easy loading and unloading. The made-to-measure luggage set for the "XL" roof box also comes with two removable ski bags that can hold up to two pairs of skis each. The practical luggage set can also be obtained from Mercedes-Benz sales partners as a separate accessory.

Easy mounting, practical features

The “Alustyle� basic carrier systems, which are customised for a precise fit on most Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, form the foundation for fastening roof boxes; the special “Alustyle� system for the SL and SLK roadsters is the foundation for those vehicles. Even the smallest 330-litre box doubles the total cargo volume in the SLK to that of a large sedan. Another advantage here is that if necessary, a single person can mount the roof box without any need for tools. This is made possible by a convenient sliding fastening system on the one hand, and the light weight of the boxes on the other. High-quality pneumatic springs also make it easy to open and close the waterproof boxes, which are made of high-quality plastic materials. The boxes come with straps to securely fasten valuable cargo on the inside.

The made-to-measure luggage bags, which fit exactly into the boxes, can easily be packed at home or in a hotel room, and then carried out to the car and mounted on the roof. This ensures that luggage and other valuable cargo are protected from inclement weather.

Another clever detail here is the fact that Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH also offers its roof boxes with two types of openings - on the right and on the left. The first type is perfect for those customers who don't like to mount roof boxes while standing in the road, while the second will be preferred by those whose cars are often parked with the passenger side to a wall, like in a garage.

Other benefits offered by the roof boxes include a three-prong locking system that provides effective protection against theft, and a high level of protection in the event of an accident. The latter has been confirmed in tests conducted by the TÃœV inspection company, as well as in "City Crash" tests. What's more, the boxes also meet all Mercedes-Benz safety requirements, which go far beyond what the law demands. For example, Mercedes requires that the sunroof can be opened and closed easily even after a roof box has been mounted.

Aerodynamic and elegant design

The high-quality roof boxes are also attractive in appearance: Their shape - which was perfected in a wind tunnel - is precisely aligned with the elegant design of the Mercedes-Benz models. Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH offers the modern cargo carriers in either titanium metallic or matt silver finish. If so desired, customers can also have their roof box painted by their Mercedes-Benz partner in any Mercedes vehicle colour. The three Mercedes-Benz roof boxes offer solutions for the most diverse transport needs.

For example, with its 400 litres of volume and maximum load capacity of 50 kilograms, the Mercedes-Benz "M" roof box is the perfect leisure cargo carrier for the whole year round. The box, which is 158 centimetres long, 93 centimetres wide, and 41 centimetres high, can be used to transport not only snowboards but also a complete set of deep sea diving equipment. The box itself weighs only 16 kilograms, which means just about anyone can mount it on the roof.

The Mercedes-Benz "L" roof box offers 330 litres of cargo space. This cargo holder has a length of 220 centimetres, a width of 60 centimetres, and a height of 41 centimetres, and is thus perfect for transporting ski equipment. Those who wish to have added protection for their winter sport equipment can order box inserts for holding up to three pairs of skis. Alternatively, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH also offers a made-to-measure luggage set for the 14-kilogram roof box. This set consists of four travel bags made of sturdy, waterproof polyester. The transport box is suited for heavy loads as it can hold up to 50 kilograms of cargo. One of the benefits offered by the "L" box, which is the narrowest of the three roof box types, is that it takes up so little space. Depending on the vehicle it is mounted on, there will still be room on the roof for an additional ski or snowboard rack, a bicycle rack, or even a second "L" box - in which case transport volume capacity increases to 600 litres.

The Mercedes-Benz "XL" roof box is the largest of the three box types.It has a cargo volume of 450 litres, which is almost as much as the boot of a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, thus making it the ideal family cargo holder. Specially developed accessories ensure optimal space utilisation and a high level of cargo safety. For example, a ski rack insert is available that can hold up to five pairs of skis, and customers can also order the practical made-to-measure luggage set that includes four travel bags and two ski bags for up to two pairs of skis each. The "XL" roof box is 220 centimetres long, 80 centimetres wide, and 40 centimetres high. Despite its large dimensions, the box weighs only 19 kilograms. Maximum loading capacity is 50 kilograms.