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AAUTO BILD Allrad: double first for Mercedes-Benz in readers' vote: M-Class and GL-Class "Car of the Year 2008"
Stuttgart – Shortly after being updated, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class has come first in one of the most prestigious readers’ votes in the off-road and SUV world. Readers of the motoring magazine "AUTO BILD Allrad" have given this successful trendsetter among today's SUVs the accolade of "Car of the Year 2008" in the category covering off-roaders and SUVs costing between 40,000 and 60,000 euros. The same honour was accorded the Mercedes-Benz GL, which continues to occupy the peak position in the market segment for luxurious Sports Utility Vehicles. This model emerged the winner in the category above 60,000 euros. The awards will presented at the "Auto Mobil International 2008" motor show in Leipzig.
The dynamic and elegant ML-Class now has more striking character features, and makes a much more sporty, powerful impression. The front end of this off-roader is defined by a redesigned bumper, headlamps with modified contours and a larger, more dominant radiator. The rear end appears more muscular thanks to a redesigned bumper with a reflector-strip insert and tail lights in a smoked-glass look. Stylistic fine-tuning has also upgraded the interior: new, high-grade materials and a new, two-tone colour scheme provide fresh highlights here too. The standard appointments of the M-Class have also been considerably extended, and now include the unique anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE® and NECK-PRO active head restraints, as well as a telematics system newly developed by Mercedes-Benz. The output range of the ML-Class extends from the 140 kW/190 hp ML 280 CDI, which offers an NEDC diesel fuel consumption of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, up to the top-of-the-line ML 63 AMG. This top-class athlete has an output of 375 kW/510 hp, and is one of the world’s most powerful off-roaders.
Since the second-generation M-Class appeared in April 2005, no less than around 300,000 units have been delivered to customers around the world. This state-of-the-art off-roader therefore continues to be one of the most successful vehicles in this high-growth market segment.
GL-Class: first-class on and off-road
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class occupies the peak position in the market segment for luxury Sports Utility Vehicles. This premium off-roader impresses with excellent handling dynamics both on and off the road, pampering its occupants with outstanding spaciousness combined with the comfort of a luxury saloon. With its confident and imposing appearance, the GL-Class already asserts its claim to leadership in this market segment in visual terms, while the interior welcomes its occupants with the typical Mercedes-Benz atmosphere of luxury and comfort reminiscent of the S-Class.
The engine line-up features four sophisticated powerplants that make driving a sheer pleasure thanks to their smooth torque and power delivery. There is a choice of two V8 petrol models in addition to the two diesel models, the GL 320 CDI 4MATIC and the 225 kW/306 hp GL 420 CDI 4MATIC with its enormous torque of 700 Newton metres. Equipped with the innovative 4MATIC all-wheel- drive system, AIRMATIC air suspension as standard, precise speed-sensitive steering and the likewise standard-fit Adaptive Damping System ADS, the majestic GL convinces with impressive handling and guarantees excellent ride comfort. While the GL already cuts an impressive figure on the road, it is equally convincing as a genuine off-roader when it comes to leaving the beaten track. The modified AIRMATIC system allows a ground clearance of up to 307 millimetres, while the standard Off-Road Pro engineering package considerably extends the vehicle’s capabilities on difficult terrain thanks to a low-range transmission and multiple-disc locks at the rear axle and centre differentials. The driver of the GL-Class is also assisted by the electronics of other dynamic control systems such as off-road ABS, Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) and hill-start assist.
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