Next-Generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class Makes World Debut

DETROIT/TORONTO – The next-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class sport utility vehicle is making its world premiere during news media activities at Detroit's Cobo Center preceding the opening of the North American International Auto Show, January 15-23, 2005. The all-new 2006 M-Class is characterized by an aggressive wedge shape complemented by sweeping front fenders, dramatic shoulder lines and a sharply angled windshield. The interior is completely redesigned to provide more comfort and more user-friendly space.

First M-Class Started an Industry Trend
When the Mercedes-Benz M-Class first arrived seven years ago, the new sport utility vehicle started a trend that inspired the entire auto industry to shift toward more car-like SUVs.  Virtually the only sport utility at the time with four-wheel independent suspension, the original M-Class was one of the first to be designed from the ground up, rather than being based on an existing truck platform.  The first-generation M-Class also won an impressive number of auto industry awards, including the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada's 1998 Car of the Year, and the prestigious North American Truck of the Year.

Sales to Begin in Spring 2005
Scheduled to go on sale in Canada this spring, the new SUV is 150 mm longer, 71 mm wider and 6 mm lower on the road than its predecessor, with a 2915 mm wheelbase that’s 95 mm longer as well.  Beneath its sleek exterior is an all-new unibody platform as well as a double-wishbone front suspension and a newly-developed four-link rear suspension that deliver impressive on-road driving performance and comfort. 

New and useful technology abounds in the 2006 M-Class, including a standard seven-speed automatic transmission, an even more effective permanent four-wheel-drive system and optional features such as height-adjustable air suspension.  A revised four-wheel traction control system now incorporates functions such as a downhill driving aid and hill-start assist.

A Choice of Two High-Torque Engines
The second generation M-Class will be available with two powerful engines.  The ML350 is powered by an all-new 3.5-litre, four-valve-per-cylinder V6 engine delivering 268-horsepower and 258-lb.ft. of torque.  Under the hood of the ML500 is a five-litre V8 engine with 302-horsepower and 339-lb.ft. of torque.

A Rich, Sporty Interior With Flexible Cargo Space
Inside, a completely new interior is marked by a sport-oriented instrument panel, a multi-function steering wheel, rich interior materials and significantly improved spaciousness for all five seating positions.  By comparison, there's over 50 mm of additional front leg room, and rear-passenger knee and leg room have also been increased by 35 mm and 33 mm respectively.

Up to 2,050 litres of flexible cargo room provides ample space for anything from luggage and shopping bags to antiques and sports equipment.  The easy-to-operate, fold-down rear seat is split 60:40 so that one or two people can ride in the back, even when the vehicle is loaded with long objects such as bicycles or lumber.  Two convenient options makes loading and unloading easier – a power liftgate and an optional cargo management system.

Mercedes-Benz Safety is Standard
Continuing the Mercedes-Benz commitment to occupant safety, the 2006 M-Class comes standard with two-stage adaptive air bags for the driver and front passenger, curtain side air bags and adaptive belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all seating positions.  A rollover sensor can activate the belt tensioner and curtain air bags if the vehicle senses an imminent rollover.

About the M-Class Plant
The new M-Class sport utility is being built at the Mercedes-Benz production facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  During the eight-year life cycle of the first-generation vehicle, more than 570,000 M-Class SUVs were produced at the plant.  Since 2001, the plant has undergone a $600 million expansion that will double production capacity to 160,000 vehicles a year, double the workforce to 4,000, and double the size of the plant to about three million square feet.  The expanded plant includes two assembly shops, two paint shops and an expanded body shop.

About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the three brands within the Mercedes Car Group in Canada; Mercedes-Benz, smart, and Maybach.  Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada employs approximately 910 people in 23 locations across Canada.  Through a nationwide network of 19 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 39 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 13,259 vehicles during 2004.

For additional information, visit our media site at www.media.mercedes-benz.ca or contact us at:

JoAnne Caza            416-847-7550          caza@mercedes-benz.ca
Arden Nerling           416-847-7556          nerling@mercedes-benz.ca