M-Class and GL-Class "Car of the Year 2008"

Readers of the motoring magazine "AUTO BILD Allrad" have given the successful trendsetter among today's luxury 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 seven-seater Mercedes-Benz GL, which continues to occupy the peak position in the market segment for luxurious full-size family 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.

"These two vehicles are at the pinnacle of their luxury SUV segments and are proving popular with drivers in the Middle East who want the benefits of a luxurious sedan with the off-road excellence of an advanced four-wheel-drive system that can safely take them anywhere,"

said Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East and Levant.

The dynamic and elegant ML-Class now has more striking character features, and makes a 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.

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.