Mercedes-Benz Launches New ML350 Model; 2003 M-Class Also Features 'Inspiration Edition'

    MONTVALE, N.J., Feb. 7 -- Mercedes-Benz upgrades the popular
ML320 sport utility vehicle by replacing it with an ML350, offering more power
for little extra cost.  The primary difference between the two models is a new
232-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine (replacing the 215-hp 3.2-liter V6), adding 16
additional horses and 21 lb-ft of torque.  The new ML350 has a suggested price
of $37,670 -- only $350 more than the outgoing ML320.
    The award-winning Mercedes-Benz M-Class continues to offer customers three
distinct choices in a luxury sport-utility vehicle (SUV).  The M-Class model
range, which had received freshened exterior styling and interior enhancements
for 2002, is available as the newly introduced V6 ML350, the 288-horsepower V8
ML500 and the unique high-performance ML55 AMG powered by a handbuilt
342-horsepower V8.
    For 2003, the M-Class offers a new DVD-based navigation system that is
standard on the ML 500 and ML55 AMG and optional on the ML350.  The new DVD
system is integrated into the Modular Control System that includes a 5-inch
TFT display screen and the ability to play cassette tapes and audio CDs in
addition to the DVD-based navigation disc.  Now, the mapping for the
contiguous United States fits on one DVD compared to nine CDs needed
previously. Owners of older M-Class models equipped with the MCS can upgrade
to the DVD system -- an industry first -- and it's simply a matter of an
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership switching the new drive for the old one.

             M-Class "Inspiration Edition" Enhances 2003 Line-up

    For model year 2003, Mercedes-Benz is also producing an "Inspiration
Edition" M-Class.  Striking visual enhancements inside and out exclusive to
the Inspiration Edition are incorporated at a spectacular value -- just $2,540
for the ML350.  In addition to sport seats and designo dark poplar wood trim,
the interior will be appointed with silver cross-stitched Anthracite leather
and unique floormats.  For exterior individuality, these models will receive
six-spoke 17" wheels and a silver-painted chrome grille.

                     Part Luxury Car, Part Mountain Goat

    The M-Class exhibits exemplary off-road capabilities with an added bonus:
downhill traction control and a crawling mode for very slow and steep
off-roading.  On-road comfort is assured with all-season tires, a stiff
chassis and independent front and rear suspensions -- a luxury "must" still
not found on all luxury SUVs. Fully independent suspension helps give the
M-Class sedan-like handling, stability and ride comfort.
    The M-Class harnesses its power and torque through a unique full-time
four-wheel-drive system, which provides 48 percent front / 52 percent rear
torque distribution.  One of the most innovative and versatile systems in the
SUV market, the M-Class driveline utilizes front, center and rear "open"
differentials, which require no driver intervention and can propel the vehicle
even if three wheels have lost traction.
    The M-Class also employs electronic four-wheel traction control.  This
system can sense wheelslip and apply the brake to the slipping wheel(s),
automatically transferring the right amount of torque to those wheels with the
highest grip, on virtually any road surface.
    For serious off-roaders, downhill traction control (operating only when
low range is selected) helps maintain grip during steep downhill off-road
driving where surfaces are uneven, loose, rutted and slick.  Extra braking
power is applied to the respective wheels to prevent loss of engine braking
torque, maintaining slow speeds anticipated by experienced drivers.  Hill
descent is therefore easier to control and more constant.  Several conditions
must be present for this downhill mode to engage: Vehicle speed must be below
12 mph, the driver must be applying a light throttle, the vehicle must be
accelerating downhill, and at least one wheel must have lost traction.
    A "two-foot" crawling mode enables drivers to start going up steep
inclines and climb over obstacles even while the brake pedal is depressed.
Avid off-roaders often feather the brake with their left foot while remaining
on the throttle with their right foot for greater precision in crawling
maneuvers.  Traction control and ABS both function at these slow speeds.  For
this "two-foot" crawling mode, low range must be selected, the brakes must be
applied, the throttle must be depressed more than 10-percent and vehicle speed
must remain under 3 mph.  To contribute to these off-road maneuverability
improvements, an active brake booster builds pressure assistance more quickly,
allowing spinning wheels to be slowed with quicker response.

                                    Safety

    Mercedes-Benz pioneered such features as the safety cell body structure,
anti-lock brakes (ABS), supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbags, ESP
stability control and traction control. All 2003 Mercedes-Benz passenger
vehicles feature these innovations.
    The M-Class is equipped with eight airbags: dual front airbags, front and
rear door-mounted side airbags as well as curtain side airbags.  The latter
work in conjunction with the door-mounted side airbags to help prevent both
front and rear passengers from hitting their heads on the side window or roof
pillars in a severe side collision.  These air-filled cushions can also block
glass splinters or other objects that could cause injury in a side impact or
rollover.
    Each curtain is over six feet long, 14 inches tall and about two inches
thick.  They deploy from the headliner in about 25 milliseconds, directly
above the side windows, and extend across the front and rear windows.  Tests
by Mercedes-Benz with the curtain side airbags indicate about a 90 percent
reduction in the forces likely to cause head injuries.
    The two-stage front airbags for driver and passenger deploy in two levels,
depending on the severity of impact.  If sensors detect a minor front-end
impact, only one chamber of the generator is deployed, so the bag is not
filled as fully or as quickly as it is in a severe front impact.  In a more
severe collision, the second chamber is deployed 5 to 15 milliseconds later.
    The body-on-frame design features a torsionally rigid chassis and a body
with an extra crumple zone built into the nose of the vehicle and around the
windshield pillars.  This extra crumple zone can actually help dissipate crash
energy around the sides of the vehicle, providing even more protection for the
occupants of both the M-Class and a colliding vehicle.
    A sensor mat in the front passenger seat (featured in all Mercedes-Benz
passenger vehicles) determines if someone is sitting in the seat.  If the seat
is not occupied, the sensor will deactivate the front passenger airbag and the
seatbelt pretensioner -- a measure designed to reduce accident repair costs.
The M-Class provides 3-point seat belts in each seating position.
    The BabySmart automatic child seat recognition system, standard on every
2003 Mercedes-Benz model, deactivates the passenger-side front airbag in the
presence of a BabySmart-compatible infant, toddler or child booster seat
(available from Mercedes-Benz dealers).  The Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren (LATCH) universal child seat mounting system secures a child seat to
the car seat.

                        Electronic Driving Assistants

    All 2003 Mercedes models feature Brake Assist, which was the first system
in the industry proven to reduce stopping distances in emergency situations.
Brake Assist can detect a "panic" stop by how quickly the brake pedal is
applied and then, with lightning speed, apply full braking boost faster than a
driver could.  The Electronic Stability Program (ESP), standard on all 2003
Mercedes-Benz models, detects an impending spin or slide and applies selective
braking (braking one wheel, front or rear, left or right) to keep the car
going on the driver's intended path.  For safe driving in slippery conditions,
ASR traction control is standard on all M-Class models.  This sophisticated
system detects when one rear wheel is spinning faster than the other and
selectively applies the brake to that wheel to restore straight-line traction
and stability.  Combining ESP, ASR, four-wheel-drive and anti-lock brakes, the
M-Class models provide an extra measure of security in poor-weather driving.

            The Tele Aid Connected Car: Help Is Just A Button Away

    The standard Mercedes Tele Aid telematics system provides both safety and
convenience features.  If a collision deploys any airbag, the system
automatically establishes contact with a central response center, relaying all
pertinent information.  If voice contact is not established (e.g., the driver
is unable to respond), the operator can dispatch local police, fire or
emergency services.  The onboard transmitter is crash-secure and has access to
redundant antennas.
    The system also transmits crucial information including the precise
location of the vehicle (through GPS tracking), the model of car and its color
(to help emergency services locate it quickly), and location is pinpointed
through the on-board GPS transponder.  This feature can also be manually
triggered by pressing the on-board "SOS" button in the overhead console.
Remote electronic diagnostics, emergency door unlock and alarm notification
via home telephone or personal cell phone are also folded into Tele Aid.
    Tele Aid eliminates the need to dial a phone number, use a cellular access
code, juggle a handset or locate street names during an emergency.  Mercedes-
Benz was the first manufacturer to make emergency calling like this a standard
feature.  Another benefit of Tele Aid is vehicle theft tracking, which can
help authorities locate the car once the owner reports it stolen.
    The concierge services allow customers to arrange travel reservations,
concert, sporting event and other entertainment tickets, hotel reservations,
and even golf course tee times for over 300 U.S. courses, plus dining
information and reservations and many other personalized services.
    Tele Aid includes two other features for non-emergency use.  One button
marked with the symbol of a wrench puts the client in contact with
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance.  Another button marked with the letter "i"
connects users with the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center, a facility
that can answer feature questions.

                                Lap of Luxury

    Standard equipment in the M-Class includes climate control with dust and
pollen filtration, burl walnut trim, a leather steering wheel and gearshift
knob, cruise control, tilt steering column, power windows with express-down in
the front, rear wiper, dual heated power side mirrors, an outside temperature
gauge, Homelink-compatible universal garage door opener and four-way head
restraints.  Footwell lights illuminate under the instrument panel on both the
driver and passenger side.
    The ML500 and ML55 AMG add a high-performance Bose(R) audio system
(optional on ML350). The ML55 AMG interior features exclusive design and
content.  Thickly bolstered sport seats are finished in supple leather
contrasted by dark burl walnut trim.  The armrests and a larger console are
leather covered, as is a portion of the walnut and leather AMG steering wheel.
The instrument cluster features chrome-ringed gauges with white analog faces.
    All 2003 Mercedes-Benz models come with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty,
which includes tires, batteries and adjustments for the full coverage period,
plus free scheduled maintenance.  In addition, the 24-hour Roadside Assistance
program covers all Mercedes cars, regardless of model year.  This peace of
mind can include a free jump start, help in mounting a spare tire or providing
a few gallons of fuel, even for those driving a decades-old Mercedes.

                           About Mercedes-Benz USA

    Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, N.J. near New York City, is
responsible for the sales, service and marketing of Mercedes-Benz products in
the United States.  The company employs just over 1500 employees in
approximately 20 locations nationwide.  MBUSA sold 213,225 vehicles in the
U.S. during 2002, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history for the
sixth consecutive record-breaking year.