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B:8.125” T:7.875” S:7” * The 2013 ML 350 BlueTEC shown, starting from $60,400. By continuing to read this quasi-legal disclaimer, the party of the first part (hereafter referred to as ‘you’) agrees, * undertakes, and contracts, without prejudice (or any actually binding contract), the mutually agreed and publicly arranged discussion of the merits of the vehicle offered by the party of the second part (namely us, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.), known commonly as, and hereafter referred to, in nomenclature assigned and customarily agreed, as the “2013 ML 350 BlueTEC.” Unless otherwise explicitly stated herein (and it isn’t), our prior legal consent is not needed to continue reading. Which, in fact, but not de jure, you are enjoined to do. (The scope of service rendered herein will include, but is not limited to, factual statements concerning the 2013 ML 350 BlueTEC’s defined capabilities. And utter sexiness.) We do not state, imply, or cause to be inferred, that the prior written consent of the party of the second part (us) is necessary to arrive at the conclusion of ‘a reasonable person’ that this is one entirely superior, world-dominating SUV. You can just look at the picture. But we are the party with the burden of proof. So we’ve got more to say. The aforementioned impression – that the Mercedes-Benz ML 350 BlueTEC is indeed “entirely superior” and “world-dominating” – is our prima facie position. But we explicitly specify that said conclusion, arising out of, or in connection with, the use of information provided herein, is not considered legally binding. Although it’s what you’re bound to think. As we said, this is a world-dominating SUV. So let us proceed with the examination for discovery. EXTERIOR: May it please the court, not of public opinion, but that of the rarefied group of legal practitioners and scholars perusing this publication, to consider the looks of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 BlueTEC. While we would never argue that looks should be a relevant, or to any extent a determining factor in the exercise of jurisprudence, we’re not in the courtroom. (Without extensive modifications to the entranceways and internal layout of said courtroom, an ML 350 BlueTEC would never fit. Plus, it’s highly doubtful that this symphony in steel [not to mention aluminum, rubber compounds, exotic woods and advanced plastics] would ever make it through the metal detectors. But we digress.) We’re parked outside. Where the dominating, dynamic stance of the 2013 ML 350 BlueTEC says, or rather, ruthlessly declaims – to every other vehicle in the parking lot: “You’re guilty as charged – of being ordinary, boring, and less than you could be by comparison.” The Mercedes-Benz star – centred in the M-Class’s thrusting, triple-louvre grill – opens the argument. The characteristic M-Class cast-from-a-single-mould body adds substance. And the incisive, AMG styling that defines every particular of the vehicle, back from said star to the taillights, closes it. Before lesser vehicles can even ask for a stay in the proceedings. COMFORT: Whether you are appointed to the bench, or include it in your aspiration, we assert, absent direct experience of the bench you’re sitting on, that the 2013 ML 350 BlueTEC is considerably more comfortable. Not that we make this assertion as an amicus curiae. S:10” T:10.75” B:11” We designed and manufactured the ML 350 BlueTEC. Ipso facto, we’re going to assert its comfort. To do otherwise would void the due and faithful discharge of our self-appointed duty: to deposit you in the lap of luxury. (Having first ascertained the ongoing agreement and dispensation of luxury that the party of the first part [you] may indeed sit for an extended period in her/his/its [according to taste] lap.) Once ensconced in your ergonomic seat, you’ll note the interior appointments: ARTICO leather-covered door panels. Wood trim. Understated chrome detailing. If the aforementioned send shivers of delight up your spine, THERMATIC automatic climate control can warm the side of the cabin you’re on while maintaining a cooler temperature on the other. While comfort does not technically include connectivity, we find ourselves in the cabin, so a word on connectivity. And that word is ‘unprecedented’. Optional Comand APS with HDD navigation and DVD changer is the pinnacle of next-generation telematics. So not only will your contemporaries say of you “S/he knows her/his way around a courtroom.” They’ll say of you “S/he knows his/her way around the known universe.” Now, unless anyone feels like adjourning for the day, let us proceed to the matter of POWER: Not the “power invested in me by the State of Nevada’’ kind of power (which is typical of the ‘legal’ knowledge Canadians pick up from American TV, like referring to the judge as ‘Your honour’), but the powertrain. To wit, the engine; an updated V6 turbo BlueTEC diesel. This can be described, in whole, or in part, as ‘amazing’. Which is the kind of word Gottlieb Daimler would use if he were speaking in English, or indeed, were still living. (No definitive attribution to our founder was implied or intended to be inferred in the preceding use of the word ‘amazing’. We don’t want to put words in his mouth.) Gottlieb’s motto was “The best or nothing” (in this case, attribution is both implied and intended to be inferred): so consider the updated V6 turbo BlueTEC diesel engine. The best and brightest automotive talents at Mercedes-Benz, inspired by our founder’s directive, have acted within the scope of their capability to further enhance its power and efficiency. Not to mention its ability to assuage the greenest of consciences (premeditation in the purchase decision is here, as well, both implied and intended to be inferred.) An ECO start/stop function saves gas by ‘killing’ the engine (in the colloquial sense – we wouldn’t even plead to manslaughter) when the vehicle comes to a prolonged stop. So that your consumption of fuel, and concomittant creation of emissions, is reduced. But this singular fact, in and of itself, does not, to us – the party of the second part – represent an enumeration of sufficient proofs of the asserted superiority of the updated, fuel-efficient V6 turbo BlueTEC diesel. Further proofs: the engine delivers a whopping 455 lb-ft of torque, the quid pro quo of which is exceptional towing capacity and fuel efficiency, while its selective catalytic converter converts harmful emissions into harmless nitrogen and water. It is our position that the capabilities aforesaid and enumerated, will a) satisfy your desire for performance, and/or b) your desire for fuel economy. The property of being “world-dominating” having been heretofore asserted – and substantiated to a reasonable standard in the matter of the powertrain – it is incumbent upon the party of the second part, us, to demonstrate how power plays out on the road (or off, but that requires a separate Appendix, not here enclosed). In other words, what happens when your white shoe, Italian loafer, stylish brogue, or case-closing stiletto hits the accelerator. Hereafter referred to as PERFORMANCE: In conditions slicker than a Hollywood summation, Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC™ permanent all-wheel drive confers a certain confidence: that continued forward navigation is a reasonable expectation – since the system ensures optimal traction by distributing power and torque to all four wheels as necessary. Each wheel is monitored for wheel slip. If said slip is noted, said individual wheel is braked. Traction is maintained. Which in turn maintains agility and directional stability. Under all conditions (well, maybe excepting the kind of conditions you might find in long-winded disclaimers such as this), the quality of your ride is at your dispensation – when your 2013 ML 350 BlueTEC comes equipped with the optional Sport Package. (And it should. Be nice to yourself.) Adaptive Damping System (ADS) allows the driver (also known as the party of the first part, namely, you) to transition from ‘Comfort’ to ‘Sport’ mode at the touch of a button. ADS calculates the optimal damper setting for each individual wheel and adjusts shock absorbers to match vehicle payload, road surfaces, and even your individual driving style. While AIRMATIC air suspension lowers the vehicle at high speeds, to reduce aerodynamic drag, improve handling, and lower fuel consumption. (It also raises the vehicle to increase ground clearance on rougher roads: these two distinct adaptations in one vehicle represent no conflict of interest – since yours is maintained at all times.) Personally satisfying forward motion being the purpose aforesaid of the ML 350 BlueTEC, it should also be mentioned herein that the 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission selects gears directly, ensuring uninterrupted torque delivery and virtually imperceptible shifts. (Cessation of torque delivery shall not be construed to be the responsibility of the manufacturer, nor shall any claim pertaining to it be entertained by the manufacturer, in cases where the party of the first part has parked their ML 350 BlueTEC in their garage and turned off the ignition.) Furthermore, it is the view of said manufacturer, herewith attested to, and stated without duress, that a paramount concern reflected in the engineering of the new Mercedes-Benz ML 350 BlueTEC is SAFETY: (We also suspect – if we can speculate for a moment here – that it matters to you.) A sturdy passenger cage protects passengers: an energy-absorbing front end, reinforced doors, and extended crumple zones see to that. Not to mention a plethora of airbags. (The party of the second part states, for the record, that ‘plethora’ is not a term of legal exactitude. There are nine.) Seatbelts are equipped with Emergency Tensioning Devices to remove seatbelt slack in more severe front or rear impacts. The idea being that you will be held harmless (in the literal sense of being ‘held’, without harm) in the event of a crash. To conclude this discussion of the ML 350 BlueTEC, in whole or in part, we mention that the National MSRP of $60,400 is based on the 2013 ML 350 BlueTEC, and that the all-in pricing is up to $63,037 dependent on region. National MSRP pricing is shown and is intended for information purposes only. Prices do not include licence, insurance or registration fees, as well as any other products or services not listed that may be available to you through your selected Mercedes-Benz dealership. Vehicle prices are subject to change. Dealer may sell for less. Please contact your dealership directly for prices applicable in your province. On that subject, we direct and enjoin all interested parties to engage, without let or hindrance, in a pre-trial conference (otherwise know as arranging a test-drive). By observing the customary practice that the party of the first part (you) should, with reasonable and usual dispatch, make contact with your local Mercedes-Benz dealer. (A search using any popular Internet-based mapping utility should settle the matter of jurisdiction implied by, and implicit in, the phrase “your local”. If you live in Stoney Creek, Ontario, ipso facto your local dealer will be the one most geographically adjacent to your regular domicile. Although you may, as the inheritor of hard-won freedoms stretching back to Magna Carta, deal with any dealer you wish. Just make sure you do so. Soon. Or – for a chance to win a seat at the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy, or for more exclusive offers – you can visit exclusivelymercedes-benz.ca/ccal. Quite possibly without having to click “I agree” on a “Terms and Conditions” page. Ad Number: MBZ_MCL_P11505CCCA4 Publication(s): CCCA Magazine This proof was produced by the following department: This ad prepared by: SGL Communications • 2 Bloor St. West, Toronto, Ontario • phone 416.413.7495 • fax 416.944.7883 PREPRESS File Location: SGL_MercedesBenzCanada:Volumes:SGL_MercedesBenzCanada:Magazine Ads:2013:O28572_Acquisition:M-Class:MBZ_MCL_P11505CCCA4.indd JOB SPECIFICS FILE SPECIFICATIONS: PREMEDIA OPERATOR: FONTS & PLACED IMAGES SIGNOFFS: Client: Mercedes-Benz File Name: Operator: RJ Family Style Creative Name: E Class Law (Language) MBZ_MCL_P11505CCCA4.indd Creative: INKS: Times Regular Agency Docket #: MBZ MCL 028752 Creation Date: 11-1-2012 1:04 PM Corporate S Light, Bold Cyan Main Docket #: SMZ COR O28752 Last Modified: 11-26-2012 5:45 PM Production: File Name Colour Space Eff. Res (PPI) Art Director: Linda Carte Workstation: T11-0078 MAGENTA Copy Writer: None InDesign Version: CS4 Grey_4colour copy.tif CMYK 300 ppi Premedia: YELLOW Print Production: Tom Burton App. Version: 6.0.6 MB-a_claim00_S_p_4C.eps BLACK Retoucher: None Round #: 1 Page Count: 1 M_Class_Mag_Brown_S.psd CMYK 510 ppi Proofreading: Live: 7” x 10” GRAPHIC PRODUCTION: Trim: 7.875” x 10.75” Operator: Dennis Sousa Account: Bleed: 8.125” x 11” Correction: None Artwork Scale: 1:1 Client: R7 Print Scale: 100%