New-Generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class Makes Debut

TORONTO, ON – 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, more features and more user-friendly space.

First M-Class Started an Industry Trend

When the Mercedes-Benz M-Class first arrived eight years ago, the new sport utility vehicle started a trend that inspired the entire auto industry to shift toward more luxurious car-like SUVs.  Launched as the only sport utility in its class 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 a number of automotive awards, including the Automotive Journalist Association of Canada, Car of the Year and the prestigious North American Truck of the Year.

The new SUV is 150 mm longer, 71 mm wider and 6 mm lower on the road than its predecessor, with a 2,915 mm wheelbase that's 93 mm longer as well.  Beneath its sleek exterior is an all-new unit body 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 effective full-time four-wheel-drive system and optional features such as height-adjustable AIRMATIC 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 new generation M-Class is available with a choice of V6 or V8 power.  Under the hood of the ML350 4MATIC™ is a new 3.5-litre, four-valve-per-cylinder V6 engine delivering a class-leading 268 horsepower and 258-lb.ft. of torque.  The ML500 4MATIC™ is powered by 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 multifunction steering wheel, rich interior materials and significantly improved spaciousness for all five seating positions.  By comparison, there's over 50mm of additional front leg room and 35 mm more leg room at the rear.

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 a storage system that features an adjustable bar to secure cargo of varying size and shape.

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, door-mounted side air bags in front, 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 plant 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, with about half of them sold in North America.  Since 2001, the plant has undergone a $600 million expansion that doubles production capacity to 160,000 vehicles a year and doubles the size of the plant to about three million square feet.  The Alabama plant is expected to double its workforce to 4,000 as well.  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 900 people in 22 locations across Canada.  Through a nationwide network of 18 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 35 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 15,790 vehicles in 2005, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

For more 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