Mercedes-Benz To Debut Four New Vehicles At Detroit Show

DETROIT/TORONTO – With the world premiere of their next-generation M-Class sport utility and the North American debuts of three more significant vehicles, the new-product cup is running over at the Mercedes-Benz exhibit during the Detroit Auto Show.  Beyond the first-ever appearance of the 2006 M-Class, the Show represents the first U.S. appearance of the Vision B and Vision R concept vehicles as well as the CLS55 AMG high-performance production car.

World Premiere of New-Generation M-Class Sport Utility
When the Mercedes-Benz M-Class first arrived seven years ago, the sport utility vehicle started a trend that inspired the entire auto industry to shift toward more car-like SUVs.  Now 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, as well as a completely redesigned interior that provides more comfort and more user-friendly space.  Scheduled to go on sale in Canada this spring and in Europe this summer, the second-generation SUV features a new unibody platform as well as redesigned suspension that delivers impressive on-road driving performance and comfort. 

Grand Sports Tourer Vision R Showcases New Luxury Vehicle Concept
With a sharp focus on performance, handling and safety, the Grand Sports Tourer Vision R also combines the distinct advantages of several disparate vehicles – the comfort and style of a luxury vehicle, the performance and handling of a fine sports sedan, along with the versatility and four-wheel-drive traction of a sport utility.

Useful technology and innovative design now make possible an automotive decathlete – a vehicle that excels at an unprecedented range of owner needs without sacrificing aesthetics.

Evolving from a concept first presented in 2002, the long-wheelbase Grand Sports Tourer Vision R is designed as a roomy six-seater – three pairs of comfortable single seats finished in leather, in a spacious interior trimmed with aluminium and olive ash wood.  The individual seats in both rear rows can each be folded down, and dual sourced flat-screen monitors built into the back of the front head restraints provide entertainment for passengers.

The long-wheelbase show car is about the length of an S-Class.  As a dramatic indicator of comfort and roominess, the spacious interior of the Grand Sports Tourer Vision R boasts 860 mm between the first and second seat rows, and there's more than 760 mm between the second and third rows!

Compact Sports Tourer Vision B Provides a Peek into the Future
Offering a glimpse into the future, the Compact Sports Tourer Vision B concept vehicle combines the advantages of a sports sedan, SUV and wagon in one versatile vehicle that seems destined to establish a new automotive category. 

The Compact Sports Tourer Vision B provides an unusually impressive combination of features – the comfort and style of a luxury vehicle, the performance and handling of a fine sports sedan, along with the versatility of an SUV.  Innovative design and useful technology now make possible an automotive decathlete – a vehicle that can excel at an unprecedented range of owner needs without sacrificing aesthetics.

More Power and Grace for the Graceful CLS
While the CLS500 will arrive shortly in Canada with a 302-horsepower 5.0-litre V8, the new CLS55 AMG is powered by the Engine Technology International magazine's "Best Performance Engine" of 2003.  The breathtakingly beautiful coupe-like car with four doors now boasts a 469-horsepower V8 engine from AMG, the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz.  AMG has worked its magic on the CLS power train, interior and exterior, including AMG sport seats with nappa leather and new-design 19-inch AMG alloy wheels.

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