Mercedes-Benz Announces M-Class Pricing at $33,950
13 August 1997
Mercedes-Benz Announces M-Class Pricing at $33,950
New SUV Offers Segment-Leading Technology, Performance, Versatility,
Value and Fun-to-Drive Quotient
MONTVALE, N.J., Aug. 13 -- Mercedes-Benz of North America,
Inc., today announced that the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) on
its eagerly awaited 1998 ML320 All-Activity Vehicle is $33,950. Already
acclaimed as a segment leader in technology, performance and versatility, the
ML320 combines the traditional benefits of a sport-utility vehicle -- true
off-road capability, rugged design, generous cargo room and towing capacity --
with the core attributes of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, such as performance
and handling, safety, quality, comfort and luxury. Also, somewhat unusual
among sport-utility vehicles, the M-Class is fun to drive.
With an advanced full-time four-wheel-drive system (with low range)
featuring electronic traction control; a powerful 3.2-liter, 215-horsepower
V6 engine; driver adaptive electronically controlled five-speed automatic
transmission; four-wheel independent suspension; four-wheel disc brakes with
ABS and a low step-in height, the ML320 sets new standards for both on-road
performance and comfort and off-road ability.
The Mercedes ML320 will compete in the heart of the premium SUV segment,
along with vehicles such as the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
models. The ML320 is equipped with a comprehensive list of standard features.
Only one option package and three stand-alone options will be offered at
launch. A "premium" package including leather-trim (seats, steering wheel and
gearshift knob), walnut dashboard and console trim, heated seats, auto-dimming
rear-view mirror, additional instrumentation, lockable safebox and rear
privacy glass is available for $2,950. Individual options include power
tilt/sliding tinted glass sunroof at $1,095; a Bose(R) premium audio system at
$1,050 and metallic paint at $475.
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI), located near Tuscaloosa, AL,
will produce between 60,000 - 65,000 vehicles a year once full production is
reached. Approximately half of these vehicles will be sold in the United
States. The ML320 will go on sale through a network of approximately
300 franchised Mercedes-Benz light truck dealers in September.
Like every Mercedes-Benz, the M-Class comes with a four-year/50,000-mile
warranty, which incudes tires, batteries and adjustments for the full coverage
period. In addition, all Mercedes passenger vehicles, regardless of model
year, are covered by the 24-hour Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance program.
This peace of mind can include a free jump start, mounting the spare tire,
or a few gallons of fuel -- even for those driving a decades-old Mercedes.
MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Performance
-- 3.2-liter SOHC V6 engine with 215 horsepower and 233 lbs./ft. peak
torque
-- Driver-adaptive electronically controlled five-speed automatic
transmission
-- Full-time four-wheel-drive system featuring electronic traction control
(4ETS)
-- Electronically controlled push-button low-range
-- 4-wheel independent suspension, double-wishbone design
-- 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-channel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
-- Aluminum wheels with 255/65R16 mud and snow (M+S) radial tires
-- Flexible Service System -- oil quality sensor eliminates the need for
scheduled oil changes; allows well over 10,000 miles between oil
changes.
Safety and Security
-- Safety cell and crumple zone body structure -- compatibility with other
passenger vehicles (M-Class body structure will not override safety
systems of another vehicle in a collision)
-- Driver and front-passenger airbags
-- Door-mounted side airbags in front
-- 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-channel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
-- Central locking system with 4-button remote control, panic feature,
selective unlocking of driver's door or all doors, and anti-cloning
safeguard
-- Automatic anti-theft alarm system
-- Illuminated entry system
-- Front fender-mounted auxiliary turn signals
Exterior
-- Variable-focus halogen headlamps with high-impact polycarbonate lenses
-- Single rear foglamp
-- Dual heated power side-view mirrors
-- Rear-window defroster
-- Single-lift tailgate/door with wiper
-- Roof rails for rack system (roof carrying capacity is 220 pounds,
double that of many SUVs)
Interior
-- 6-way manual front seats, 4-way head restraints for driver and all
passengers
-- Cloth upholstery with MB-Tex trim
-- Carpeted floormats
-- Individual seating for five; rear seats offer individual folding
seatbacks for 1/3-1/3-1/3 or 1/3-2/3 split for passenger and cargo
versatility; rear seat row slides three inches to tailor passenger room
and cargo room
-- CFC-free air conditioning with dust filter
-- Power windows with express-down feature for front windows
-- Cruise control
-- Tilt steering column
-- 4-speaker, 8O-Watt audio system with anti-theft coded AM/FM/Weatherband
stereo, auto-reverse cassette player and integrated controls for
optional CD changer
-- Factory pre-wiring for optional CD changer and integrated cellular
telephone
-- Full instrumentation including speedometer, tachometer, fuel and
coolant temperature gauges, electronic digital odometer, resettable
trip odometer and quartz clock
-- Delayed-shutoff front courtesy lamps, four reading lamps and rear seat
and cargo-area courtesy lamps
-- Illuminated visor vanity mirrors
-- Front center armrest with enclosed storage and removable coin holder
-- Two retractable front cupholders and dual rear cupholders
-- Storage pockets in dash, doors and front of console
-- Retractable cargo cover
Optional Equipment
-- Power tilt/sliding tinted glass sunroof
-- Metallic paint
-- Premium audio system: Bose(R) sound system with six speakers and
subwoofer, integrated six-disc CD changer with concealed swing-out
mounting in cargo area.
Package M1: Leather-trimmed seats, steering wheel and gearshift knob.
Walnut dashboard and console trim, heated 8-way power front seats,
auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror, trip computer, outside temperature
indicator, lockable safebox, rear privacy glass.
SOURCE Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc.
