Auto Express Awards The Mercedes-Benz S-Class As Best Luxury Car

MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM – Aug 5, 2010: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been awarded Best Luxury Car for the fifth consecutive year at the Auto Express New Car Awards 2010.

“The Mercedes-Benz S-Class maintains its place at the top of the luxury tree despite the best efforts of the competition. Whether you are looking for a spacious, discreet limousine or a sporty, head turning saloon there is an S-Class that fits the bill,” said Auto Express, Editor in Chief, David Johns.

The S-Class continues to innovate and set a benchmark for others to follow. Since its launch in 2006 the flagship model has continued to dominate sales in the luxury car segment with class leading, innovative technology and the highest levels of comfort and style.

Mike Whittington, Sales Director for Mercedes-Benz UK added: “We are delighted that the S-Class has been recognised as Best Luxury Car at the Auto Express New Car Awards again this year. These consecutive wins really demonstrate the strength of the S-Class in the Luxury segment and in October this year the

S-Class will become an even more competitive package with the introduction of new active safety systems and BlueTEC technology.

Mercedes-Benz will be the first manufacturer to offer a vehicle that already meets EU 6 standards that don’t come into effect in the UK until 2014. The

S 350 BlueTEC brings an extra 20 hp and 40 Nm of torque as well as an 11.6 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and a reduction in CO2 emissions by 22 g/km.

The unique BlueTEC technology significantly reduces the only gas constituents that are higher in diesel engines than in petrol engines, therefore reducing emissions and improving efficiency.

Many features of the S-Class are unique and remain unrivalled by competitors. Safety features on the S-Class continue to develop and October will see the arrival of the new Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, both optionally available as part of the Driving Assistance Package which also includes Distronic Plus.

Active Blind Spot Assist now takes action if the driver ignores warnings and the vehicle comes dangerously close to the next lane. The system will intervene by applying braking force to the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle via the Electronic Stability Program ESP to create yaw movement which counteracts the collision course.

Active Lane Keeping Assist is also now linked to ESP for the first time. This system kicks into action if the car inadvertently drifts over a solid line to the right or left of a lane. The driver is first warned by the gentle vibrations through the steering wheel and then the system takes action using ESP to brake the opposite wheels and thereby prevent the vehicle from crossing the line.