Three Mercedes-Benz Models Earn Nods for Posh Interiors

HAVERHILL, MASS. (04/18/2012)(readMedia)-- Although the amount of horsepower under a vehicle's hood has been a favorite topic of car enthusiasts for decades, a poorly designed cabin can make even the hottest of hot rods fall flat. Three Mercedes-Benz models, however, are in the running to prove that what they offer on the inside counts for a lot: The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, M-Class and SLK-Class were recently nominated for inclusion on the 2012 Ward's 10 Best Interiors list.

In the past, reporters at WardsAuto determined the top interiors within each vehicle segment, but starting last year they began ranking interiors head-to-head across all classes. The freshly named Ward's 10 Best Interiors list now allows the publication to recognize multiple vehicles within a segment, or completely ignore a segment if there are no contenders up to snuff. For 2012, 17 out of the 39 total nominees are luxury or near-luxury vehicles, and the three premium nominees found at Mercedes-Benz dealerships are the most of any luxury brand.

"While it's no surprise that premium classes are dominating the field of 10 Best Interiors nominees, buyers should be comforted that luxury vehicles are still living up to their name when it comes to their interior features," said James Buckley, general manager of Haverhill, Massachusetts Mercedes-Benz dealer Smith Motor Sales. "With a Mercedes-Benz though, there is a higher standard of build quality that you won't get from other luxury brands, as well as a very long list of standard features that other automakers won't even offer as options."

WardsAuto editors have posted video reviews of nominated vehicles before they announce the winners at the end of April. In the video for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350, WardsAuto praises the convertible for its supportive leather seats with a durable sun-reflective coating, as well as its headrest-mounted Airscarf feature, which blows warm air onto passengers during colder open-air driving. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC SUV is lauded in its video for temperature-regulating features like heated and cooled front seats and cup holders. Meanwhile, the entry-level 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 Coupe received a nod for its brushed-aluminum trim and its power-activated driver's seat, which eases the comings and goings of rear passengers.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class models led the brand's U.S. sales in March, moving 6,342 units and helping the automaker cap off a record first quarter. The popular Mercedes-Benz C250 Sport Sedan houses a 201-horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a powerful complement to its feature-packed interior. The C300, meanwhile, taps a 228-horsepower V6 and provides Massachusetts drivers with the added traction and peace of mind that comes with standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

As Mercedes-Benz's best-selling SUV, the M-Class also saw strong March sales, up 45.8 percent compared to the same month last year. The Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC offers 240 horsepower and an impressive 455 pound-feet of torque delivered by a clean-diesel engine. All that power makes the SUV ideal for towing loads of up to 7,200 pounds with the optional trailer hitch equipped.

"Whether you are talking about comfort or capability, Mercedes-Benz is delivering inside and out," added Buckley. "The M-Class is available with monstrous torque, yet it is a Ward's Best Interiors nominee, and the C-Class attracts a ton of new luxury buyers by having its interior be just as impressive as what's under the hood."

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.