Redesigned Mercedes-Benz M-Class Rewards Customers with Value

HAVERHILL, MASS. (02/16/2012)(readMedia)-- While luxury-car buyers are willing to pay more for their ride, that doesn't mean they don't want to get more value out of their purchase. According to editors at Kiplinger, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class rewards owners beyond its luxurious looks as one of the finance publication's 10 Best Values in New Car Models for 2012. Topping the Midsize and Large Crossover category, the new M-Class available at Mercedes-Benz dealerships combines improved performance and new technology to give buyers a return on their investment.

For its 10 Best Values list, Kiplinger rated vehicles based on performance, value, safety and judges' overall impressions during a road test. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class impressed Kiplinger judges with its rugged redesigned exterior and sleek interior, as well as tech features like a backseat iPad docking station and its Attention Assist driver-alert system.

"The M-Class has all of the cargo room, passenger space and amenities that a family could need, so the fact that it has won an award for value is no surprise," said James Buckley, general manager of Haverhill, Massachusetts Mercedes-Benz dealer Smith Motor Sales. "When Mercedes-Benz redesigned the M-Class, they made it more powerful, fuel efficient and luxurious than ever before. You'd be hard-pressed to name something it's missing."

In addition to its facelift and technological upgrades, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class features changes to its drivetrain lineup as well. A BlueTEC V6 engine is available for fans of fuel-efficient clean-diesel technology, while performance junkies can opt for a new gas-powered 302-horsepower V6 unit that simultaneously boosts power and fuel economy over the former V6. Standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive ensures that New England residents maintain the best possible grip on icy roads, while luxury accents like Eucalyptus wood trim create an interior that is completely removed from the elements.

Mercedes-Benz sold 4,002 M-Class SUVs in the United States last month, a jump of 61.1 percent compared with January 2011. Those numbers contributed to record January sales for the overall brand, with 21,726 Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold for a 25.8-percent sales increase year-over-year.

While the M-Class saw a large sales leap percentage-wise in January, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class was the automaker's sales leader in terms of volume. Demand for the sporty gateway Mercedes-Benz moved 6,525 units, an increase of 54.6 percent year-over. Also popular last month were the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which sold 4,097 units, and the premium CLS four-door coupe, which was up 290.6 percent compared to last January.

"Each Mercedes-Benz model refresh, redesign or update brings an increase in features, as well as an increase in demand from buyers," added Buckley. "The automaker is constantly striving toward a complete package of aesthetics, power, versatility and value, and those efforts have certainly played a major role in the impressive sales we've been seeing."

About Smith Motor Sales:

For more than 75 years, Smith Motor Sales has brought Mercedes-Benz ownership to customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Smith Motor Sales has remained an elite Mercedes-Benz dealer throughout the years through their commitment to customer service and their wide selection of new and used Mercedes-Benz vehicles, as well as their expert service and parts staff. Browse their inventory online at www.smithmercedesdealer.com, stop by their showroom at 420 River Street in Haverhill, Massachusetts, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SmithMercedes, or reach them by phone at 978-372-2552.