The GLK and G-Class scoop awards in "Off Road" readers' poll: SUV poll win for Mercedes-Benz

True to form, serial winner Mercedes-Benz triumphed once again this year in the annual readers' poll conducted by renowned automotive magazine Off Road to find the "SUV of the Year".

This year the GLK saw off the stiffest international competition to win the SUV category. This was a resounding acknowledgement of last year's revamp of the SUV, entailing comprehensive new technical and design features. The range of engines on offer was additionally bolstered by a particularly agile and economical four-cylinder petrol variant in the spring of 2013. The cutting-edge direct-injection engine in the GLK 250 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY offers superior performance coupled with well-balanced drive comfort at an output of 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Newton metres of torque. The GLK-Class additionally boasts a new infotainment generation with extended functions.

The legendary G-Class was a success on two fronts, topping the "SUV" category while the G Professional model won the "Classic Cars" section. This makes the G-Class the most successful participant in this poll - which has been held annually since 2001 - with a total of nine awards to its name.This year, a total of 125 vehicles were in the running in 13 categories. In all, the Off Road jury counted 74,282 votes cast.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Readers vote for "The best cars of the year 2013": Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the G-Class are the winners

The SLS AMG Roadster is the best cabriolet and the G-Class the best off-road car according to the results of a recent German readers' poll by specialist car magazine "auto, motor und sport".

The specialist car magazine "auto, motor und sport" has been giving readers the chance to vote for the "Best cars of the year" for over three decades now. This year, around 112 000 participants took part in what has now become a somewhat traditional readers' competition. Readers voted for the best cars of the year 2013 across ten different categories. In the cabriolet category, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster overtook the competition to move into pole position and be awarded the title of best car of 2013. Readers not only honoured its unique and fascinating style, but also its technological prowess. The super sports car impresses with its consistent implementation of lightweight construction methods, its well thought-out driving dynamics, and its exemplary levels of safety. All of this is backed up by a one-of-a-kind technology package comprising an aluminium space frame body, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid-engine with 420 kW (571 hp) and a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. This combination guarantees the best possible level of driving dynamics.

Mercedes-Benz has once again significantly upgraded the G-Class last year, so re-emphasising its position as the leader among off-road vehicles. The interior is characterised by high-quality appointments finished with exquisite materials. The instrument cluster and centre console have been completely redesigned. The driver's field of vision now encompasses a colour screen, between two new round dials. The car features as standard the sophisticated COMAND Online infotainment system, including a navigation system and internet access. New LED daytime driving lamps and new exterior mirrors bring a few discreet changes to the appearance of the luxury off-roader. The range of safety equipment can be optionally enhanced with the addition of Blind Spot Assist, the parking aid PARKTRONIC and the adaptive cruise control system DISTRONIC PLUS. New to the range are the G 63 AMG with an eight-cylinder biturbo engine and the ECO start/stop system as standard, and the G 65 AMG with twelve-cylinder biturbo engine.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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