Mercedes-Benz M-Class wins the 2006 AJAC Award for Best New Sport Utility Vehicle
Toronto, ON - The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) and its 63 voting members who participated in the annual Canadian Car of the Year "Test Fest" in Shannonville, Ontario at the end of October have bestowed the coveted award of Best New Sport Utility Vehicle on the 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
Eight years ago, Mercedes-Benz revolutionized the SUV segment when it introduced the first generation M-Class. The M-Class was, in fact, the first true luxury SUV in the Canadian market and within months of its introduction, it was chosen by AJAC as the overall Car of the Year. The M-Class was extremely well received by Canadian consumers and in the years following, it enjoyed overwhelming success. The M-Class set the benchmark that would soon be emulated by other luxury manufacturers. Today, in excess of 30 name plates crowd this highly competitive segment.
The new and completely redesigned 2006 M-Class is available in two model configurations: the ML350 and the ML500. The ML350 is equipped with a V6 engine delivering 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque while the V8-powered ML500 generates 302 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque.
The new M-Class is 150 mm longer, 71 mm wider and 6 mm lower on the road than its predecessor, with a 2,915 mm wheelbase that is 93 mm longer, as well. In addition to its ergonomically proficient and well-appointed interior, the new M-Class offers as standard equipment the 7G-TRONIC transmission - the world's first and only production seven-speed automatic transmission in the SUV segment - 4MATIC all-wheel drive technology, 8 airbags, ESP, and countless other features that set new standards in luxury SUV comfort, handling and driving dynamics. The M-Class exudes solidity, dependability and an unequalled commitment to quality and workmanship excellence. The M-Class starts at $55,750 and is available in a number of trim configurations.
AJAC has developed a most thorough and gruelling process to evaluate cars that are entered into competition for the Canadian Car of the Year Awards (COTY). The vehicles are tested in specific categories by a team of journalists who drive all models back to back, on the same roads, under the same conditions to ensure objective evaluation.
President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada, Marcus Breitschwerdt, noted, "The AJAC COTY process is a fair and equitable method of judging vehicles by true automotive experts. The fact that the second generation M-Class has been awarded this important and very prestigious distinction only bears out what our customers, dealers and the press have been saying about it since it was launched in the spring of this year: that the new M-Class has once again established its leadership in the luxury SUV segment. We are extremely proud of this achievement."
He adds, "The first generation was hugely successful, but at the time of its introduction it didn't have much competition. Today, the luxury SUV arena is filled with many worthy competitors so it goes without saying that this highly respected award for the second generation M-Class is a true testament of years of learning and a thorough understanding of what customers really want from a luxury SUV, and what they expect from Mercedes-Benz."
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 13,259 vehicles in 2004, the third best year 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
