Pair of 2013 Mercedes-Benz Models Take Home ALG Residual Value Awards

TIVERTON, R.I. (11/30/2012)(readMedia)-- If a vehicle purchase is looked at as an investment, then a model's residual value, or how much it maintains its worth over time, is a key factor in shoppers' minds. Automotive researcher ALG recently forecasted that two Mercedes-Benz models, the 2013 C-Class and ML350 BlueTEC, will lead their respective segments when it comes to retaining the highest percentage of MSRP after three years.

ALG's 14th-annual Residual Value Awards recognized winners in 22 vehicle segments, with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class named the top Premium Midsize Car and the Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC leading the Premium Alt-Fuel Vehicle category. Each model's residual value was determined after several criteria were considered, including industry trends, historical vehicle performance and segment competition.

"All luxury automakers claim that their vehicles are made with the highest-quality materials and parts, but those claims fall short if they can't maintain their value over time," said Will Dame, general manager of Viti, Inc., a Rhode Island Mercedes-Benz dealer. "It is only fitting that Mercedes-Benz's best-selling model, the C-Class, leads its segment in residual value. Meanwhile, the ML350 BlueTEC's win shows that the automaker is also a quality leader when it comes to alternative drivetrains."

As the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand, the C-Class offers an impressive mix of performance and technology at a reasonable price. The base Mercedes-Benz C250 houses a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 201 horsepower and returns up to 31 mpg on the highway, while the V6-powered C300 and C350 achieve 248 and 302 horsepower, respectively. All models come with Bluetooth hands-free phone calls and a six-month subscription to the automaker's mbrace in-car connectivity technology, while buyers can also opt for the COMAND hard-drive navigation system.

If the C-Class is for the Mercedes-Benz first-timer, then the ML350 BlueTEC is tailor made for the road-tripping family. With its cutting-edge 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine, the luxury SUV can not only pump out 240 horsepower and an impressive 455 pound-feet of torque to tow up to 7,200 pounds, but it can travel more than 600 highway miles between fill-ups when unhinged from a trailer.

For the 2013 model year, Mercedes-Benz updated its other diesel-powered SUV, the larger GL350 BlueTEC, with the same V6 engine, boosting output by 30 horsepower and 55 pound-feet of torque compared to the prior model. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC is also more fuel efficient than its predecessor, netting 26 mpg on the highway to far surpass the EPA ratings of other three-row luxury SUVs.

"Modern diesel engines are already more fuel efficient and energy dense than their gasoline counterparts, but Mercedes-Benz has applied its precise engineering to make its offerings the best on the market," Dame noted. "The brand's entire lineup is built without compromises, but the BlueTEC SUVs, with their combination of capability and fuel economy, may be the best examples."

About Viti, Inc.:

Winner of a 2011 Mercedes-Benz Best of the Best Dealer Recognition Award, Viti, Inc. has served Rhode Island Mercedes-Benz owners for more than 36 years, specializing in new and used Mercedes- Benz sales, service and parts. Whether you are looking for a new or a certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz, Viti will find the right one for you! Plus, with 150 loaner cars and 50 drivers at their disposal, Viti offers all of their customers free pick-up, delivery and loaners during servicing. Check out their full inventory online at www.viti.com, visit them in person at 975 Fish Road in Tiverton, or contact them by phone at 866-980-6224. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VitiMercedesBenz.