October 28^th, 1999                                          

`Double dipping’ in premier auto club awards

The Mercedes-Benz E-class and M-class have both won honours in their respective classes at the inaugural NRMA/RACV Best Cars judging.

For the first time, Australia’s two biggest auto clubs – the National Roads & Motorists Association and the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria – have combined expertise to provide motorists with a highly credible list of Australia’s best cars in respective categories.

The Mercedes E320 executive limousine won the award for Best Luxury Car over $56,000, while the Mercedes ML320 won the Best Recreational 4WD trophy.

The E320 won out over tough competition including the BMW 528I and 740iL, Lexus LS400, Volvo S80 and Jaguar S-Type V8.

The award judges said the Mercedes E-class outperformed in the areas of comfort and ride, innovation, ergonomics and standard features.

The ML320 M-class was first among competitors including the Holden Frontera, Nissan Pathfinder, Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4.

It was noted by the judges for its safety, build and finish quality, comfort, innovation and standard features.