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Mercedes-Benz, the luxury division of DaimlerChrysler, is on track for its best sales years ever and is likely to set a new sales record even without factoring in the expected jump when its redesigned CLK- and E-Class vehicles are introduced later this year as 2003 models. Also on the horizon is the launch of a new brand, the Maybach, an ultra-luxury brand in the $250,000-plus price range that will be sold at select Mercedes-Benz dealers beginning in 2003.
Yet, at the same time, not all is sunny for this leader in the luxury car market. Allegations of price-fixing have been filed against the U.S. division, with five individual customers and two business customers accusing the company and dealers in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut of conspiring to fix prices. Then, there's the possibility that the court will approve a motion to give the suit class-action status, which would then include about 100,000 customers who purchased a Mercedes in that area between February 1992 and August 1999. As a result of the civil suit, the U.S. Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation.
While it will be months before the allegations are resolved, business continues as usual in Stuttgart, Germany at Mercedes-Benz headquarters and the company continues to build the cars known for their superb quality and state-of-the art technology.
  Mercedes-Benz C
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MSRP Range: $24,950 - $49,900
Expect some changes in 2003. Details have yet to be released, but the C320 sport wagon has already joined the lineup as did a new C32 AMG sedan. C-Class changes for 2002: The C-Class family expands with three new models for 2002. Those in the market for a luxury wagon will drool over the new C320 wagon, which has the same basic dimensions of its sedan counterpart, but features an extended roofline, increasing cargo carrying capacity to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The new C230 sport coupe is powered by a 192 horsepower, 2.3-liter engine paired with either a six-speed manual or TouchShift automatic transmission. Finally, the C32 AMG model offers the most power for your dollars in the C-Class segment with a 3.2-liter supercharged and intercooled V6 as well as upgraded upholstery, suspension, brakes and the new AMG SportShift transmission.
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  Mercedes-Benz CL
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MSRP Range: $90,750 - $118,950
2003 changes have not been released, and some enhancements are expected.
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  Mercedes-Benz CLK
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MSRP Range: $42,550 - $79,000
The CLK has been redesigned for 2003. Changes include no B-Pillar, a taller posture with more weight on the road. A redesigned cabriolet version has also been added to the line-up.
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  Mercedes-Benz E
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MSRP Range: $46,950 - $54,850
A new 2003 E-Class hit the road mid-year 2002. Enhancements include a new-look front and rear, revised and spacious interior. Mechanically, the new E has improved brake control, air suspension and a five-speed automatic.
New for 2002: two new Special Edition sedans which add significant comfort and convenience features without increasing the price. The E320 Special Edition comes equipped with full-leather upholstery accented by Black Birdseye Maple trim, sunroof, rain sensing wipers, premium sound system and new 17-inch wheels with either Black metallic or Quartz Silver metallic paint. The E430 Special Edition has all of the new features of the E320 as well as Xenon headlamps and heated headlamp washers.
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  Mercedes-Benz G
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MSRP Range: $72,500 - $72,500
No significant changes are planned for 2003. New in 2002, the G is slightly larger than the popular M-Class sport-ute, the G-Wagon, as it is affectionately known, combines the utmost luxury with serious off-road capabilities, climbing 36-degree grades and remaining stable on 24-degree lateral slopes. Powered by a 292-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 engine (the same engine as the S-Class sedan), the G500 features a five-speed adaptive shift automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system with low-range shift-on-the-fly capability. Front, center and rear differentials all have locking capability for serious off-road driving, while Mercedes' traction and stability control systems will assist drivers in both on- and off-road conditions.
The boxy design is accented by 18-inch alloy wheels and a stainless steel spare tire cover mounted at the rear. As one expects of a Mercedes-Benz, the G500 comes fully loaded with a full leather interior and Burl Walnut trim, 10-way power adjustable front seats with memory, front and rear seat heaters, power windows, door locks and mirrors, cruise control, automatic climate control and GPS navigation.
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  Mercedes-Benz M
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MSRP Range: $36,300 - $65,900
No significant changes are planned for 2003.
2002 changes: The M-Class was sent to beauty school for a makeover, giving it both a new look as well as more power. Some minor changes to the sheetmetal, including redesigned front and rear bumpers, tailgate and front and rear lights give it a more aggressive look. Inside, the center console, with Burl Walnut trim, as well as refined climate controls have both been redesigned. Additionally, standard side curtain airbags, which deploy from the ceiling, protect both front and rear seat passengers in the event of a collision. Finally, the ML 500 replaces the ML 430 and is equipped with a 5.0-liter V-8 engine with 288 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,700 rpm.
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  Mercedes-Benz S
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MSRP Range: $71,850 - $115,200
For 2003, the "S" will get some subtle changes, including a "4Matic 4WD" system, to be available at the beginning of 2003.
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  Mercedes-Benz SL
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MSRP Range: $83,800 - $128,950
Is the wait worth it? After more than a decade with the same old SL, Mercedes-Benz fans get a new one for 2003. The redesigned SL500 went on sale early in 2002 as a 2003 model. Changes include a hardtop that's retractable, a new look and the new Sensotronic Brake Control system.
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  Mercedes-Benz SLK
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MSRP Range: $39,400 - $54,900
There should be only minor changes in 2003. Changes in 2002 include the addition of the SLK32 AMG. The 349 horsepower coupe and roadster features a six-speed manual transmission or the newly engineered, five-speed automatic SpeedShift transmission, which shifts 35 percent quicker than the base automatic. A new sport package inspired by the design of the SLK32 AMG is now offered on both the SLK 230 Kompressor and the SLK 320, which includes a new front air dam, rocker panels and rear valance.
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