Three Mercedes-Benz vehicles to debut at Dubai Motor Show

The highlight of the show will be the first showing in the Middle East of the new Maybach 57 S ("S" standing for "Special"), which meets the exclusive requirements of demanding customers wanting an ultra- luxury sedan with even greater engine output and agility.

"The 57 S extends the Maybach 57 and 62 model range with a car whose combination of contemporary luxury, the ultimate in comfort and state-of-the-art high-performance technology embodies the perfection which is characteristic of the brand that is becoming a favourite worldwide," said Johannes Fritz, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes Car Group, Dubai.

The new, uprated V12 engine which the Maybach engineers have enhanced inco-operation with Mercedes-AMG experts gives the Maybach 57 S high performance luxury saloon breathtaking acceleration and outstanding driving dynamics.

Thanks to biturbo technology and an air/water intercooler, the 5980 cc V12 engine develops a maximum output of 612 hp while the impressive maximum torque of 1000 newton metres is available from 2000 to 4000 rpm. Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h takes just 5.0 seconds.

Also making its Middle East debut is the new R-Class, Grand Sports Tourer which reaffirms the role of the company as the visionary and trendsetter among automotive brands. The unprecedented vehicle takes the strengths of established vehicle categories, such as sporty Saloon, Estate, MPV and SUV, and fuses them to create a new vehicle with a character all of its own, a car that is all about the three Ds: Design, Dynamism and Dimensions.

"The concept of the Grand Sports Tourer caters to the needs of modern-minded people looking for a car that offers versatility and performance," said Fritz. "Apart from boasting ample spaciousness, exemplary standards of safety and impeccable comfort for up to six passengers, the new R-Class also has beguiling styling, prestigious flair and dynamism on the road."

The final debut is the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG, the new benchmark for sporty off-roaders.
With its 6.3 litre V8 AMG engine, the world's most powerful normally aspirated powerplant, the new top-of-the-range version of the all-new M-Class can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just five seconds.

One of the stand highlights will be the new S-Class, a car that is already being described as the best luxury limousine in the world.

"The new bigger and better S-Class replaced a successful model which captured the top end of its market segment in every region of the world including the Middle East where in 2004 it represented almost 25% of Mercedes-Benz total passenger car sales and a 43% share in its competitive set," added Fritz.

A dozen technical innovations entered series production for the first time. These included Brake Assist PLUS with radar sensors to seats with an extended massage function, a night view assist system with the latest infra-red technology, a new COMAND system, and the preventive PRE-SAFE® occupant protection with additional functions to Parking Assist.

In addition to the S-Class, Mercedes Car Group will show the the Mercedes SLR McLaren supercar, a range of Mercedes-AMG performance vehicles and the versatile Viano MPV.

"These fantastic new models and the attractiveness of our core products in the C - and E-Class ranges will mean another record year in the Middle East for Mercedes-Benz with sales of 14.500 cars," said Fritz. "Early in 2006, we will provide added temptation to automobile owners and I am convinced that with a range of new models second to none, we will maintain our leading 35% share of our competitive market."