Mercedes-Benz S-Class named Best New Prestige Car by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada

TORONTO, Dec. 4, 2013 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada is pleased to announce that the 2014 S-Class was named the Best New Prestige Car (over $75,000) by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). This award follows the recent annual "Test Fest" competition, where 80 Canadian automotive journalists evaluated new vehicles based on a wide variety of criteria back-to-back under the same conditions before ultimately determining the category winners.

True to its enviable tradition, this pioneering new flagship model from Mercedes-Benz continues to set the benchmark in the luxury segment. For example, DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist allows for hands-free semi-autonomous driving in traffic situations, while inside the luxurious cabin Drive-Dynamic multicontour front seats cradle passengers in ultimate comfort and offer the option of a hot stone massage. The standard Burmester Surround Sound System was precisely configured to the vehicle's interior to ensure well-balanced and dynamic sounds that will envelop the entire passenger compartment, and an innovative new AIR BALANCE System provides the choice of four high-quality interior fragrances that can be selected according to personal preference and mood.

The three main development priorities for the 2014 S-Class were "Intelligent Drive", "Efficient Technology" and "Essence of Luxury". This award from AJAC, combined with the numerous accolades that the S-Class has received around the world since its launch, confirm that the next generation S-Class delivers on every one of these important objectives.

"We would like to thank the members of AJAC for this prestigious award as well as its organizing committee for all their hard work hosting and administering the elaborate Canadian Car of the Year competition," said Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "With every new generation, the S-Class has introduced groundbreaking technologies and sophisticated systems that continue to revolutionize the automotive industry. With such significant advancements as the Airbag, ABS brakes and ESP brought to market with previous generations, the S-Class is not just a technological spearhead for Mercedes-Benz, but for vehicle development as a whole."

Reuss continued: "We are all extremely proud of the new S-Class, and feel we have certainly achieved our goal of building one of the best cars in the world. Whether our customers are first drawn to its striking design or the countless systems that effortlessly merge comfort and safety into an opulent form, the S-Class does not disappoint on any front."

About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the three brands within the Mercedes-Benz Group in Canada: Mercedes-Benz, AMG and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,450 people in 21 locations across Canada.  Through a nationwide network of 12 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 41 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 35,503 vehicles in 2012, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

Image with caption: "Mercedes-Benz Canada is pleased to announce that the 2014 S-Class was named the Best New Prestige Car (over $75,000) by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). This award follows the recent annual "Test Fest" competition, where 80 Canadian automotive journalists evaluated new vehicles based on a wide variety of criteria back-to-back under the same conditions before ultimately determining the category winners. (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131204_C7808_PHOTO_EN_34478.jpg

Image with caption: "Mercedes-Benz Canada is pleased to announce that the 2014 S-Class was named the Best New Prestige Car (over $75,000) by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). This award follows the recent annual "Test Fest" competition, where 80 Canadian automotive journalists evaluated new vehicles based on a wide variety of criteria back-to-back under the same conditions before ultimately determining the category winners. (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131204_C7808_PHOTO_EN_34480.jpg

SOURCE: Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

For further information:

JoAnne Caza 416-847-7550 [email protected]

Michael Minielly 416-847-7509 [email protected]

Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.media.mercedes-benz.ca