'Spirits of Chivalry' from Mercedes-Benz

SUV fans now have the opportunity to explore the "Spirits of Chivalry" as Mercedes-Benz kicks off online registration for its SUV family campaign this year, the company said.

The campaign will engage some 1,400 customers in camp-based experiences, knowledge tests and off-road test drives in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu.

Some 40 participants will join the final tour in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region where they can experience the heartfelt traditions and distinctive appeal of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family.

The campaign is also a showcase for the automaker's belief in social responsibility.

Participants will give donations and establish long-term relationships with the Hope Schools in Xinjiang.

"Combining the virtues of strength, responsibility, commitment and courage, the theme 'Spirits of Chivalry' is closely related to the aspirations of our customers in China and it is a perfect analogy for the character of our SUV family," said Duan Jianjun, executive vice-president of sales and marketing at Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales and Service Co Ltd.

The company's popular SUV models in China include the legendary G-Class with advanced four-wheel drive performance and top off-road power.

Others include the luxurious appeal and spaciousness of the GL-Class, the sporty M-Class and its all-terrain excellence and the decidedly urban styling of the GLK-Class.

"We are excited to see that our SUV models accounted for almost 40 percent of our sales in the first quarter of this year," Duan said.

"It is giving us yet another reason to celebrate the 35th anniversary of our top-end G-Class SUV with the SUV family campaign."

Popular models

Launched in 1979, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has received numerous off-road vehicle of the year awards in the past few years, according to the company.

As the top-end model in the three-pointed star's SUV family, the G-Class has been redefining what it means to be a classic SUV for the past 35 years.

Besides maintaining and strengthening the distinctive upright shape matched with a luxurious interior, the new generation G-Class comes with a 5.5 liter V8 gasoline engine providing a peak power output of 285 Kw and a peak torque of 530 Nm.

The new G 500 model pairs this potent engine with the newly upgraded 6th generation 7G-Tronic Plus transmission that has been fully optimized for both consumption and comfort.

The G-Class can overcome the world's toughest terrain with three selectable, fully locking differentials and a remarkable four-wheel drive that ensures a smooth ride in the toughest conditions, according to the company.

"Its leading navigation and control system, and highly efficient driver assistance and safety system, have attracted customers worldwide and maintains its reputation as one of the toughest vehicles ever conceived," the company said.

"As Mercedes-Benz's first production off-road vehicle, the G-Class is more than a SUV - it is an icon that keeps elevating the pinnacle of power and refinement," said Duan.

Another popular model is the GL-Class, which has incomparable comfort, enormous interior space, exceptional off-road performance and confident stability.

"It also has an aerodynamic yet rugged exterior, grace and elegance, and a luxurious interior," he said.

Its advanced safety features include the Intelligent Drive assistance system, the on- and-off-road package, and the Crosswind Assist system.

Mercedes-Benz launched the first GL 350 CDI 4MATIC diesel engine model last year.

"With the diesel or gasoline engine technology, the GL now provides more choices and flexibility for discerning customers," said Duan.

Also, the new generation M-Class brings together the balance of high comfort, agile control, strong on-road performance, and impressive off-road abilities.

As the leader for low-consumption, high-efficiency SUVs in the market, the new M-Class represents the sense of environmental responsibility, exemplified in the precisely engineered Mercedes-Benz ML 300, which perfectly blends the power and fuel efficiency through its 3.0 liter turbocharged engine, according to the company.

Equipped with a four-wheel independent suspension with adjustable damping system, the new M-Class not only offers comfort, but also maintains high-performance in off-road conditions.

Coming with such safety features as the electromechanical steering assistance system and collision prevention assist system, the M-Class puts the mind at ease in any road condition.

Mercedes-Benz's mid-size GLK-Class has received widespread attention and positive reviews for its stylish atmosphere, tough exterior, first-rate quality, exquisite interior workmanship and highly responsive controls.

Carrying a locally produced M274 2.0T turbo engine, the GLK 260 4MATIC is Mercedes-Benz's first model to have a "Chinese core," the company said. "It is a demonstration of Mercedes-Benz's commitment to China."

The model uses direct injection technology to ensure lower fuel consumption, showing excellent performance in noise reduction, vibration and smoothness.

A 7-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive 4MATIC technology mean that the sporty GLK is highly maneuverable, while remaining highly dependable to compete off-road.

With its strength, responsibility, commitment and courage, Mercedes-Benz's exceptional SUV family combines timeless virtues with modern technology to inspire all of its customers to reach beyond themselves and be "THE BEST or nothing", according to the company.

wangjinhui@chinadaily.com.cn