2011 Mercedes M-Class Grand Edition Unveiled

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Grand Edition, a version of the premium SUV, was released by Daimler. The Grand Edition is priced from 48,590 to 64,590 euros, and it is now available for purchase.

The M-Class Grand Edition is distinguishable by 19-inch light-alloy wheels in a Y-spoke design, blue-tinted thermal insulation glass all-round, dark-tinted headlamps and LED technology for the daytime driving lights and sporty, darkened tail lights, aluminium roof rails and an extensive chrome package with an AMG radiator grille and underguards at the front and rear round. This special edition comes standard with a metallic paint finish, but on request it can be offered with a paint finish in chromite black or diamond white, and 50.8 cm (20-inch) bicolor light-alloy wheels.

Engine options include the 150 kW (204 PS / 201 hp) 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the 170 kW (231 PS / 228 hp) 350 CDI, the 155 kW (211 PS / 208 hp) 350 BlueTEC, and the 225 kW (306 PS / 302 hp) 450 CDI. Petrol fans can order the 200 kW (272 PS / 268 hp) ML 350 or the 285 kW (388 PS / 382 hp) ML 500.

Interior extras include a leather-wrapped AMG steering wheel with shift paddles, poplar wood trim, and stainless-steel pedals and door-sill plates. Special hand-tailored leather covers the seats, dashboard, and door inserts, and a Grand Edition badge is affixed to the center console.

Source: Mercedes-Benz


Press Release

M-Class Grand Edition and R-Class 2010: Sales start on 4 May

Two new models are enhancing the Mercedes-Benz model port-folio in spring
2010. The new-generation R-Class can be ordered now, with an entry-level
price of Euro 42,100*. With a total of nine basic versions, this attractive,
multi-talented series offers the widest model range in the premium touring
saloon segment. The M-Class Grand Edition is entering model year 2011 with a
price advantage of up to Euro 2670*. This exclusive variant of the company's
bestselling premium SUV, more than 1 million of which have been sold to
date, has a number of attractive, additional features which make this model
even more desirable.

* excl. VAT

The new-generation R-Class has the appearance of being cast from a single
mould. The completely redesigned front end with its restyled bonnet, wings,
radiator grille, headlamps and bumper gives the entire vehicle a harmonious,
dynamic and powerful presence. On request, the front end of the R-Class can
be further enhanced by a chrome clasp with integrated daytime driving lights
in conjunction with bi-xenon headlamps. Light-alloy wheels in a 5-spoke,
5-twin-spoke or 10-spoke design with sizes from 43.2 to 53.3 centimetres (17
to 21 inches) and the revised rear end with its new bumper cladding,
modified tail lights and integrated exhaust tailpipes likewise increase the
attractiveness of the model-year 2010 R-Class. In addition to the fresher
exterior, it is the inner values of the R?Class that impress. These include
the economy of space of modern MPVs combined with the high quality and
prestige of classic Mercedes-Benz saloon cars. At the same time the latest
generation offers the interior variability of its predecessor, while scoring
with the robustness and all-wheel drive attributes of the Mercedes-Benz
SUVs.

Drive system with a high economy and fun factor

In addition to the smooth, powerful and comfort-enhancing petrol engines
adopted from the preceding model, optimised diesel units increase the
attractiveness of the R-Class. The basic R 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model
impresses with its harmonious power delivery and consumes only 7.6 l/100
km**. The R 350 CDI 4MATIC combines the performance of a V8 model with the
fuel economy of a V6 variant, and is happy with 8.5 litres** of diesel per
100 kilometres. The diesel engine developing 195 kW (265 hp) and a torque of
620 newton metres catapults the most sporty of the diesel R-Class models
from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds, with a top speed of 235 km/h. And
the R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC is one of the cleanest diesel �models worldwide.
This model with AdBlue� emissions control consumes 8.4 litres** of diesel
per 100 kilo�metres, and has emissions at the same, low level as a
comparable of a petrol model. As a result, this model already meets the EU-6
exhaust emission standard envisaged for 2014. All the other petrol and
diesel versions of the R-Class comply with the EU-5 standard.

** combined NEDC consumption

All R-Class models are equipped with the latest-generation 7G-TRONIC
automatic transmission. This fuel-efficiency transmission has bearings and
clutches designed for minimum friction. Modified oil pressures and a new
low-friction oil reduce friction and churning losses. The new torque
converter operates particularly efficiently, and therefore saves fuel,
thanks to its slip-reduced lockup clutch. In addition, the power decoupling
function at standstill in D reduces fuel consumption. This technical feature
reduces the transmission's input torque when the car is stationary, for
example at traffic lights.

Extensive model range with nine basic versions

With a total of nine basic versions, the R-Class offers the widest model
range in the premium touring saloon segment. Thanks to its attractive body
design, comprehensive standard features and numerous individualisation
options, the R-Class can be tailored to suit individual preferences. The
seating variants provide a particularly wide scope: specifically designed
for comfortable and safe touring, the saloon has five seats in both the
standard and long-wheelbase versions, but configurations with four, six or
seven seats are also possible. The R-Class offers a further advantage in the
form of a large, flexibly usable luggage compartment: luggage capacity is up
to 1950 litres in the versions with the standard wheelbase, and the
long-wheelbase version provides 2385 litres. The optional EASY PACK tailgate
with switch or key-operated remote control allows easier access to the
luggage compartment. All this makes the R-Class the most variable and
spacious model in the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range.

In the airy, high-quality interior, which gives an even more spacious
impression with the optional panoramic glass sunroof, new materials and
colour schemes improve value perception and quality even further. Standard
features include an upholstery combination of Aspen fabric and breathable,
pleasant-feeling ARTICO man-made leather. The interior colour schemes are
new, with almond beige available in combination with mocha brown, or alpaca
grey with basalt grey. Alternatively the interior can be enhanced even
further with a two-tone colour scheme, in which case almond beige and black
or alpaca grey and black form an interesting contrast.

Comprehensive standard equipment, attractive pricing

The price range for the R-Class model series starts at Euro 42,100 for
the R 300. All the models feature numerous details as standard that make for
safe and relaxed driving on both long-distance journeys and on short trips
into town. These include the anticipatory occupant proitection system
PRE-SAFE�, eight airbags, crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints, a tyre
pressure warning system and adaptive brake lights. Safety is also augmented
by efficient, user-friendly telematic systems such as Audio 20, Audio 50 APS
or COMAND APS. THERMATIC automatic climate control is also standard
equipment, as is an AUX-IN connection for external audio or entertainment
devices.

In addition to the extensive standard features, the R-Class has numerous
assistance �systems which ensure ride comfort and safety at the highest
level, and underline the leading position of the model series in this market
segment. These include DISTRONIC proximity control, AIRMATIC air suspension
with the Adaptive Damping System ADS or Blind Sport Assist, which is
available for this model series for the first time and can make lane-changes
much safer. The LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system makes for easy
and convenient operation of the telematics, while a reversing camera allows
confident parking and manoeuvring in awkward spaces. The rear seat
entertainment system enables passengers in the rear to enjoy their own
onboard entertainment programme.

The prices for the R-Class at a glance:

Model	kW / hp	Nm	Price*
R 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY	140 / 190	440	Euro 42,800
R 350 CDI 4MATIC	195 / 265	620	Euro 48,200
R 350 CDI 4MATIC**	195 / 265	620	Euro 49,700
R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC	155 / 211	540	Euro 51,100
R 300	170 / 231	300	Euro 42,100
R 300**	170 / 231	300	Euro 43,600
R 350 4MATIC	200 / 272	350	Euro 47,000
R 350 4MATIC**	200 / 272	350	Euro 48,500
R 500 4MATIC**	285 / 388	530	Euro 62,400

* excl. VAT, ** long wheelbase

The M-Class Grand Edition

The exterior of the M-Class Grand Edition is distinguishable by numerous
attractive features. These include 48.3 cm (19-inch) light-alloy wheels in a
Y-spoke design with tyre size 255/50 R19, blue-tinted thermal insulation
glass all-round, dark-tinted headlamps and LED technology for the daytime
driving lights and sporty, darkened tail lights. Aluminium roof rails and an
extensive chrome package with an AMG radiator grille and underguards at the
front and rear round off the additional features. Standard equipment also
includes PARKTRONIC and a metallic paint finish. On request the Grand
Edition can be further enhanced with a paint finish in chromite black or
diamond white, and 50.8 cm (20-inch) bicolor light-alloy wheels with 265/45
R20 tyres, options which are only available for this M-Class model. A bonnet
with the powerdomes typical of sporty Mercedes-Benz models is standard
equipment for the V8 models ML 450 CDI 4MATIC and ML 500 4MATIC, and is
available as an optional extra for the other variants.

Sheer class: the interior of the Grand Edition

The feel-good atmosphere that is the hallmark of any Mercedes-Benz
impresses in the interior of the sporty yet luxurious Grand Edition
interior. The eye is treated to high-grade poplar wood trim and a black roof
lining. At night the ambient lighting creates a pleasant and exclusive Grand
Edition mood. The hard-wearing, breathable and pleasant-feeling ARTICO
man-made leather upholstery with contrasting seams and raised piping is
reserved exclusively for this model series, and ensures outstanding seating
comfort. The dashboard in a 3D-look is also lined with ARTICO, while the
centre door panels are lined with real leather. The sporty nature of this
series is accentuated by an AMG sports steering wheel in leather with shift
paddles, sports pedals of brushed stainless steel with rubber studs and
stainless steel door entry panels. A Grand Edition emblem on the centre
console provides the reference to exclusivity. A full leather interior is
available on request, likewise with contrasting seams and piping. Comfort
head restraints are included as standard.

In 1997 the M-Class was the first premium SUV

The M-Class is seen as the precursor to the modern premium SUVs, and is
one of the most popular SUV models worldwide. Since the world premiere of
the first model generation in 1997, more than one million examples have left
the production lines in Tuscaloosa, USA. Two variants of the M-Class are
available to cater to the different requirements of off-road drivers: in
addition to the basic 4MATIC version with its electronically controlled
off-road driving modes, the "Offroad-Pro Engineering package" can be ordered
to make the M-Class capable of mastering even the most difficult terrain.
Like all 4MATIC models, the M-Class has a special driving mode which
counters critical behaviour when towing a trailer right from the outset,
thereby decisively contributing to handling safety.

Grand Edition equipment package with a price advantage of 40
percent

The new Grand Edition equipment package is available for all models in
the series with the exception of the ML 63 AMG. At the package price of Euro
3990, there is a price advantage of Euro 2670 compared to ordering the
features individually for the variants with a V6 engine. The price advantage
is Euro 2015 for the V8 models ML 500 4MATIC and ML 450 CDI 4MATIC.

The basic prices for the M-Class "Grand Edition" at a glance:

Model	kW / hp	Nm	Basic price* "Grand Edition"	Price advantage*
ML 300 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY	150 / 204	500	Euro 48,590	Euro 2670
ML 350 CDI 4MATIC	170 / 231	540	Euro 50,840	Euro 2670
ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC	155 / 211	540	Euro 52,840	Euro 2670
ML 450 CDI 4MATIC	225 / 306	700	Euro 64,540	Euro 2015
ML 350 4MATIC	200 / 272	350	Euro 50,090	Euro 2670
ML 500 4MATIC	285 / 388	530	Euro 64,590	Euro 2015

* excl. VAT