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MOTOR TREND Magazine Names the Mercedes-Benz M-Class as 1998 Truck of the Year

30 October 1997

MOTOR TREND Magazine Names the Mercedes-Benz M-Class as 1998 Truck of the Year

    TUSCALOOSA, Ala., Oct. 30 -- MOTOR TREND magazine today
announced the selection of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class as the publication's 1998
Truck of the Year.  In selecting the M-Class for its highest truck-based
award, MOTOR TREND cited the Mercedes' high level of technical innovation,
class-leading safety, excellent driveability, outstanding off-road abilities,
and exceptional value.
    The Truck of the Year award program is a sister event to MOTOR TREND's
prestigious Car of the Year and Import Car of the Year awards.  It was
inaugurated in 1989 in response to the dramatic rise in consumer interest in
truck-based vehicles as personal transportation.  In choosing the Truck of the
Year, MOTOR TREND editors considered all new or significantly-changed 1998
pickups, sport/utility vehicles, and full-size vans, weighing such factors as
technological advancement, value, performance, liveability, and overall impact
on the automotive market to identify the most significant vehicle of '98.
    The all-new M-Class is Mercedes-Benz' first venture into the mainstream
sport/utility market and is being built in the company's first U.S. plant,
located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  The initial entry is the ML320, powered by a
strong and efficient 3.2-liter SOHC aluminum V-6, with three valves and two
spark plugs per cylinder; it's also the first powerplant in its class to meet
California's stringent Low Emissions Vehicle standards.  The M-Class is also
the first in its category to offer side airbags, pre-tensioner seatbelts, and
four-wheel independent suspension, which delivers a welcome car-like ride with
stable, nimble handling.  The M-Class also offers an innovative new 4-ETS
all-wheel-drive system, a comfortable, inviting interior, and more cargo space
than its most popular competitors.  Just as impressive is the ML320's base
price of $33,950.
    MOTOR TREND editors call the ML320, "a masterful blending of elements
designed to address the myriad needs of the SUV buyer," and state that "In one
fell swoop, Mercedes has redefined what a sport/utility can be and brought it
to market at a bargain price."  They call the V-6, "a state-of-the-art engine
design that's a marvel of efficiency," and in reference to its value, label
the vehicle, "a smart investment in any buyer's portfolio."  MOTOR TREND sums
up its praise by saying, "Seldom does a vehicle come along that sets so many
benchmarks.  Rarer yet is one that does it at a class-humbling price," and
"The M-Class doesn't just raise the bar for SUVs, it sets it atop the World
Trade Center's twin towers."
    The complete report on the 1998 Truck of the Year can be found in the
December 1997 issue of MOTOR TREND, on sale November 4, 1997, or on
MOTOR TREND's internet site at http://www.motortrend.com.  The '98 Truck of the Year
will also be reviewed on TNN's MOTOR TREND Television series on
November 8-9, 1997.  MOTOR TREND magazine is published monthly in Los Angeles
by Petersen Publishing Company, L.L.C.

SOURCE  MOTOR TREND