Mercedes-Benz Holds the Line on 1998 Pricing
3 September 1997
Mercedes-Benz Holds the Line on 1998 Pricing
Expands Model Line; Increases Standard Equipment and
Safety Features Across The Board
MONTVALE, N.J., Sept. 3 -- Mercedes-Benz of North America,
Inc. (MBNA) today announced that its 1998 models will have minimal or no price
increases, averaging out to zero across the model line based on Manufacturer's
Suggested Retail Price. In addition, MBNA's 1998 model line will feature four
new models -- the SLK roadster, CLK coupe, M-Class all-activity vehicle and
E320 wagon -- as well as a significant level of additional standard equipment.
Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the industry in safety technology, and for
1998 is equipping all of its passenger cars with door-mounted side airbags and
the innovative BabySmart automatic child seat recognition system, which
deactivates the passenger-side front airbag in the presence of a special
BabySmart-compatible child seat. Most new models are also equipped with Brake
Assist, the only safety system that can reduce braking distances in emergency
or panic stops.
The standard remote locking system on all models has been enhanced for
1998, and several are equipped with SmartKey, the industry's first all-
electronic ignition key. Also an industry first is the Flexible Service
System, in which an oil quality sensor eliminates the need for scheduled oil
changes and will allow some 1998 Mercedes models to go well over 10,000 miles
between oil changes.
Four All-New Models for 1998
Mercedes-Benz has embarked on an unprecedented new product offensive for
1998, expanding its model line and broadening its buyer base. The first 1998
model introduced was the SLK230 roadster, which debuted in January 1997 at
$39,700. There is no price change on the SLK, which continues to offer a full
complement of performance, safety and luxury features, including a retractable
hardtop and supercharged engine.
The CLK coupe, E320 wagon and M-Class all-activity vehicle are also new
for 1998 this fall. The CLK is a high-performance luxury coupe which features
a new-generation 3.2-liter V6 engine, driver-adaptive five-speed electronic
automatic transmission and a long roster of standard luxury equipment,
starting at $39,850.
The eagerly awaited Mercedes-Benz M-Class redefines the premium sport
utility segment with all-new four-wheel-drive technology and sets a new
standard for value with an MSRP of $33,950.
The best-selling E-Class line is this year augmented by a luxurious and
versatile seven-passenger wagon, starting at $46,500. A new full-time all-
wheel-drive system that uses four-wheel electronic traction control is
available for both the E320 sedan and wagon, and is priced at $2,750.
C-Class Receives New Look Outside and In and Gets New Engine
And Safety Advances
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class sport sedan line continues to set the value
standard in the entry-luxury segment. There are two models for 1998: the
four-cylinder C230 and six-cylinder C280. Both models receive new styling for
a sportier appearance, interior restyling, and both benefit from BabySmart,
Brake Assist and standard side airbags. In the C280, a new-generation 2.8-
liter V6 engine replaces the inline six-cylinder engine used since the model's
introduction. Both cars are equipped with a driver-adaptive five-speed
electronic automatic transmission, and both are priced the same as in 1997,
even with the new equipment. The C230 is priced at $30,450; the C280 at
$35,400.
E-Class Adds Wagon, All-Wheel-Drive Option and New Turbodiesel
The best-selling Mercedes-Benz E-Class line is expanded for 1998 by the
E320 wagon, which, like the 1998 E320 sedan, is powered by a new-generation
3.2-liter V6 engine and can be equipped with a new full-time all-wheel-drive
system. The E320 sedan starts at $45,500, a 1.6-percent increase over 1997.
New safety features include BabySmart and Brake Assist. The Electronic
Stability Program (ESP), which can prevent slides and spins, is now available
as an option on all E-Class models.
The E300 Diesel has been replaced by the 174-horsepower E300 Turbodiesel,
the world's most powerful diesel automobile. Although its $41,800 price is
4.8 percent higher than the car it replaces, customers will benefit from
greatly enhanced performance of the new engine (0-60 is under nine seconds --
as quick as some gasoline-fueled competitors) and the addition of ASR traction
control as standard equipment (in addition to the previously mentioned Brake
Assist, BabySmart, FSS and enhanced remote locking system).
The 1997 V8-powered E420, priced at $49,900 will continue to be available
through the end of the year. (A new V8 model will be introduced during the
1998 calendar year.)
SL-Class Consolidated to Two Models, Price on SL500 Reduced by $10,000
For 1998, the SL-Class is consolidated to two models, the V8-powered SL500
and limited-production V12-powered SL600. For 1998, the six-cylinder SL320
(previously priced at $79,600) has been phased out and the price of the SL500
has been realigned -- it is now $79,900 compared to $89,900 last year, an
11.1 percent reduction. The V12-powered SL600 price increases by 1.5 percent
for 1998, to $125,000. Both models come standard with a one-touch convertible
top and removable aluminum hardtop and add the new BabySmart system and Brake
Assist.
S-Class Continues to Lead Premium Segment in Choices and Safety
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class line of flagship sedans continues to lead the
premium segment in choice of models, room and comfort and safety features.
Five S-Class sedans are offered: the six-cylinder S320 in regular and long-
wheelbase versions, the long-wheelbase V8-powered S420 (4.2-liter engine) and
S500 (5.0-liter engine). Topping the Mercedes S-Class range is the limited-
production V12-powered S600 long-wheelbase sedan. All models feature the
latest Mercedes safety advances for 1998, BabySmart and Brake Assist. The
S320 models each increase by 1.1 percent ($64,000 for the regular wheelbase
and $67,300 for the long wheelbase). The S420 and S500 hold their 1997 prices
at $73,900 and $87,500, respectively. The S600 price rises by 1.5 percent for
1998 to $132,250.
New CL Class is Mercedes-Benz Flagship Coupe
Mercedes-Benz has grouped S-Class coupes into a new class called "CL."
The CL-Class reflects a new coupe strategy, separate from sedan models. Two
models are offered, the CL500 powered by a 315-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine,
and the top-of-the-line CL600 with a 389-horsepower, 6.0-liter V12.
The CL500 is priced at $91,900, the same as the 1997 S500 coupe. At
$135,300, the price for the CL600 is 1.5 percent higher than the 1997 S600.
Both limited-production automobiles include the latest Mercedes-Benz safety
advances -- the BabySmart automatic child seat recognition system and Brake
Assist, the only safety system that can reduce stopping distances in emergency
or panic stops. The CL600 is fully equipped including the Electronic
Stability Program (ESP), multicontour seats and a CD changer, all of which are
available on the CL500.
Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc.
1998 Manufacturers Suggested Retail Prices
Model 1998 MSRP 1997 MSRP MSRP change
$ $ %
C230 sedan 30,450 30,450 0
C280 sedan 35,400 35,400 0
E300 TD sedan 41,800 39,900 4.8
E320 sedan 45,500 44,800 1.6
E320 wagon 46,500 N/A N/A
S320* sedan 64,000 63,300 1.1
S320 sedan 67,300 66,600 1.1
S420 sedan 73,900 73,900 0
S500 sedan 87,500 87,500 0
S600 sedan 132,250 130,300 1.5
CL500 coupe 91,900 91,900 0
CL600 coupe 135,300 133,300 1.5
SL500 roadster 79,900 89,900 -11.1
SL600 roadster 125,000 123,200 1.5
SLK230 roadster 39,700 N/A N/A
CLK320 coupe 39,850 N/A N/A
ML320 all-activity vehicle 33,950 N/A N/A
* standard wheelbase; other S-Class models are long wheelbase
SOURCE Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc.
