MERCEDES-BENZ UNVEILS NEW SPORT PACKAGE FOR M-CLASS SPORT-UTILITY
New Body Styling
Recalls M-Class Concept Vehicle
CHICAGO -- Mercedes-Benz today unveiled a new optional Sport Package for its award-winning
M-Class sport-utility vehicle. Scheduled for fall availability, the package transforms the
look of the M-Class with modified body panels and special detailing. The overall effect
gives either the V6-powered ML320 or V8 ML430 a broad-shouldered yet sophisticated look,
thanks to a host of body modifications:
~ Side body sculpting formed by new fender flares, rocker panels and door moldings
~ New front and rear bumpers in body color
~ Integrated fog lights
~ "Evo II" alloy wheels, 17 x 8.5 inch
~ Sport badging
~ Chrome exhaust tip
Mercedes-Benz expects 20 percent of ML320 and ML430 buyers to select the
package, which will be priced under $4,000. Unlike aftermarket body add-ons, the M-Class
Sport Package is covered under the terms of the Mercedes-Benz factory warranty.
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class has been taking the SUV market by storm since its model-year
1998 introduction, not only in terms of premium sport-utility sales, but also in sheer
impact and influence on the market. The Mercedes M-Class leapfrogged the competition in
technology, safety, performance and usability, establishing a new SUV benchmark.
The Mercedes M-Class established new standards for other SUVs to follow by combining the
benefits of these vehicles - true off-road capability, rugged design, generous cargo room
and towing capacity - with the performance and handling, safety, quality and comfort of a
Mercedes-Benz passenger car. Consumer research has shown that owners of current,
truck-derived sport utility vehicles are pleased with the ruggedness and cargo capacity
that their vehicles offer, but they also want a more comfortable ride, better fuel
economy, greater passenger safety and improved reliability.
Mercedes-Benz designed the M-Class from the ground up, rather than rebadge or redesign an
existing car or truck platform, as other manufacturers have done. While some SUVs boast
about their truck roots and others align themselves in the "car-like" camp, the
M-Class has carved its own path as the only SUV that drives like a Mercedes-Benz.
The Mercedes M-Class introduced a new type of four-wheel drive, which uses four-wheel
electronic traction control to keep the vehicle moving on slippery surfaces ... even if
three wheels lose traction. The full-time system requires no driver intervention. For
rugged off-road trails, low-range gearing is activated by pushing a button on the console.
On-road handling, comfort and safety are ensured by four-wheel independent suspension, a
rare feature in the SUV category and unavailable on many competitors. The standard
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) can actually help prevent spins and slides by applying
split-second braking on individual wheels.
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