Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4MATIC Voted Best in Class

Automotive Press Organization Votes S-Class 4MATIC 'Official Winter Vehicle of New England' for 2004

MONTVALE, N.J., Feb. 25 -- Lauded by many critics as "the best car in the world," the Mercedes-Benz S-Class enters the 2005 model year with a confidence of continued excellence. Now the S500 4MATIC now adds yet another trophy to the cabinet, as the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) bestowed the all-wheel drive 302-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 luxury sedan with the coveted "Official Winter Vehicle of New England" award. The winter vehicle award winners are determined by NEMPA members, consisting of New England-based automotive journalists.

"While offering the legendary comfort, space and luxury of the Mercedes flagship, the S-Class 4MATIC is as sure-footed as a mountain goat in snow boots in extremely poor weather driving," noted Gerry Miles, NEMPA President and automotive critic. This year, the innovative all-wheel-drive system, 4MATIC, is offered at no additional cost on the S430 and S500 luxury sedans. Previously valued at $2,900, the new no-cost option offers adds value and safety for the tough New England weather.

Technology, Safety and Comfort Come Standard

Advanced four-wheel electronic traction control is used to vary power distribution to individual wheels under slippery conditions. Even if three wheels lose traction, 4MATIC can direct power to just one wheel, front or back, left or right, to keep the car moving. The system is lightweight (under 200 pounds) and compact, so passenger and cargo spaces are not affected.

The next big step in occupant safety, called PRE-SAFE, continues as standard equipment on the S-Class. This system has already won numerous awards as a forward-thinking safety concept. In the event the vehicle senses a potential impact, PRESAFE configures the seats, tightens front seat belts and even closes the sunroof to better protect occupants. In addition to PRE-SAFE, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class features dual-stage adaptive front air bags, head- protection side curtain air bags that span both sides of the car and a side air bag mounted in each door.

The S-Class offers safety without compromising luxury. The S500 comes fully equipped with a dual-control air suspension system, GPS DVD-based navigation, the Tele Aid telematics system, 12-speaker Bose digital surround sound audio system with active volume, frequency equalization and MP3 CD capability, ESP stability program, a tire pressure monitoring system and sunroof.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

MBUSA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. In 2004, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 221,610 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving eleven consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com/ and http://www.maybachusa.com/.