Mercedes W163 M-Class Awards and Accolades
Best in Show @ 1996 North American International
Auto Show
The M-Class All Activity Vehicle is introduced in Detroit and
the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, both in January 1996. It features
a welded Krupp steel box section frame with two longitudinals and
three cross members, typically employed in Mercedes off-roaders and
heavy duty vehicles and is honored by the best in show award.
IDSA Gold Winner: 1997 Industrial Design Excellence Award
Gold winner: All Activity Vehicle Concept
Benjamin Dimson, Paul Terry, Melonee Ranzinger, Richard Plavetich,
Peter Arcadipane, Gerhard Steinle
"The DV concept not only succeeds in its role of creating a new
dimension where outdoor adventure and elegant luxury meet, it also
ignites anticipation for the real one."
-- Kazuo Morohoshi, I/IDSA, Executive VP, Calty Design Research Inc.
"Class Act: The Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4x4!"
Moses Ludel authored the "Jeep Owner's Bible", "Toyota Truck and Land
Cruiser Owner's Bible", "Ford F-series Truck Owner's Bible" and the
"Chevrolet and GMC Light Truck Owner's Bible".
Design Chief Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Gathering to honor Bruno Sacco 6/14/1997
"Think of it as an S-Class sedan with
elevator shoes." Page 1
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Car and Driver, Preview, by Fred Gregory, August 1997
Automobile of the Year
A jury of 53 journalists voted the M-Class the Automobile on the Year. 9/12/1997
New York Times: Pick of the Year (1998)
Michelle Krebs, a jury member and automotive writer for the New
York Times, said: "The Mercedes-Benz ML320 is a standout among premium sport
utilities. The ML320 provides the most car-like ride of any entry in the
segment and represents a strong value. Plus it is Mercedes through and
through."
M-Class SUV Named Truck of the Year 1998
Motor Trend, October 30, 1997
First place in the "Hill and Gully" Comparison Test
Car and Driver, Patrick Bedard, October 1997
The ML320 was tested against the "best-performing trucks
from the major vehicle producing continents" and came out on top.
"The M-Class is an exceedingly competent and appropriate design."
Design Appraisal by Greg Greeson, The Star, November/December 1997
Ward's 1998 Best Engine Awards
In a critical evaluation of both real-world performance and design
excellence, the new-generation 3.2-liter V6 engine from Mercedes-Benz
was recently named one of the "Best Engines of 1998" by Ward's Auto World,
the noted industry trade magazine. In their coverage of the new
Mercedes-Benz
engine, Ward's editors said, "This is a solid, technically significant
new engine range." Ward's, which conducts the only competitive evaluation of
automotive powerplants, ran comprehensive tests of 28 different engines
over a two-month period.
Ward's Auto World, Jan 1, 1998
Mercedes-Benz M-Class Receives Top EPA Fuel Economy Rating Among SUVs
EPA and Mercedes-Benz USA press release 1/20/1998
Mercedes-Benz Leads Industry in Owner Satisfaction
New Study Ranks ML320 #1 of All Vehicles Surveyed; Mercedes-Benz Takes
Three Top-Five Satisfaction Slots, AutoPacific (1998)
Brabus MV 12 fastest and most exclusive off-roader in
the Guinness Book of World Records
Guiness Book of World Records, Brabus, June 1998
"Ideal World Car Award" for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class
A jury of 22 international automotive journalists voted the M-Class the ideal "World Car", Geneva, 3/9/1999
Mercedes-Benz 1998 ML320 receives five stars in crash test
First Mercedes to obtain five stars from NHTSA.
SAE Henry Ford II award for ESP inventors
Armin Müller (Mercedes-Benz) and Anton van Zanten (Bosch)
Porsche prize of the TU Wien for ESP inventors
"With their invention, the price winners made a significant
contribution to the general safety of road traffic."
- Dr. ing. Wendelin Wiedeking, Porsche
VDI prize "Innovative Material Application"
"for the aluminium bushing which was realised in close cooperation
between PEAK Werkstoff GmbH and DaimlerChrysler. On the basis of
spray-compacted and powder-metallurgical production in accordance
with the patented Osprey process, this pioneering innovation is a
milestone in the area of engine construction."
VDI, 1999
Ward's 1999 Best Engine Awards
"We've said it before, we'll say it again: The ML320 has the best on-the-road acceleration and cruising power of any V-6 equipped SUV. And there's no quibbling with this modular V-6's non-power/torque credentials. The twin-spark cylinder ensures exacting use of the intake charge and keeps emissions low."
Ward's Auto World, June 1, 1999
Mercedes-Benz M-Class is the First Mercedes-Benz to Become "Best Pick" in IIHS Crash Test
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, July 7, 1999
Voted best off-road vehicle in the world 2000
auto motor und sport
Truckin' magazine SUV of the Year (2000)
The editors at Truckin' Magazine have named the ML430 "SUV of the
Year". After several days of testing the ML430 "came out on top with
unsurpassed power, handling, ride and interior room than any of the
other 2000 model SUV's tested. Summer 2000
Ward's 2000 Best Engine Awards
"Mercedes' V-6 quietly is amassing the qualifications to place it with the company's more legendary engines."
Ward's Auto World, January 1, 2000
2000 FIA World Cup: Jean Pierre Strugo wins cross county production class and Mercedes wins manufacturers trophy
After winning the Dakar 2000, the M-Class also wins the worldcup
of cross country rallies.
Ward's 2001 Best Engine Awards for SOHC 3.2l V6
Ward's Auto World, January 1, 2001
M-Class: The Most Beautiful Car: "Autonis"
Design Award
AutoStraßenverkehr's Oscar for cars (4/2001)
Wards honors the ML500 with Best Engines Award
Ward's Auto World, January 2002
Four Wheel-Drive Experts Give M-Class the Thumbs UP!
ML500 is "the biggest surprise of all", 4x4 Australia magazine,
February 19, 2002
Ron and Viv Moon confirmed standard tires were used for the test.
M-Class second most popular preowned luxury vehicle
Dekra, June 28, 2002
Mercedes M-Class Wins Dakar 2003
Jean Pierre Strugo wins the Dakar with a ML430 in the production class for the second time.
ML 55 Kleemann sets world record
Kleemann, March 2003
Vance as the No.1 Mercedes plant for quality in 2004
MBUSI receives corporate award for highest quality, May 2005
ESP arguably the most important automobile safety
advance of our generation
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety status report, June 2006
Mercedes-Benz design chief Bruno Sacco Inducted to Automotive Hall of Fame
Automotive Hall of Fame, Dearborn, Michigan, October 2006
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