Beijing, December 4, 2009 – Mercedes-Benz, together with BAZAAR Men's Style, today jointly presented "Pure Attraction – People of the Year Award 2009" at Beijing's National Indoor Stadium. Attended by a star-studded audience, the award ceremony honored 13 of China's most noteworthy personalities for excellence in their respective fields, as well as three selected Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé owners for their unparalleled representation of the vehicle's passion, style and dynamism. Sharing the limelight with the night's honorees was an eye-catching display of the "World's Most Attractive Coupé," the all-new E-Class Coupé, which dazzled with its traits shared with the "People of the Year" - unprecedented achievement, brilliant creativity, refined taste, and extraordinary charm.

"While Mercedes-Benz exemplifies high-class luxury and heritage, it also integrates fashionable and dynamic elements into each of its products – all of which encourage the richest and most elegant lifestyle," said Mr. Bjoern Hauber, General Manager of Sales & Marketing for Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. "Together with BAZAAR Men's Style, we selected the exceptional 'People of the Year' and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé owners for their 'dual success' in business and in lifestyle, both of which are epitomized in the Mercedes-Benz brand. "

The stylish and elegant awards ceremony, which impressed with its classic yet striking decor, exuded remarkable creativity and breathless magnificence – as did the 13 individuals awarded with the title of "People of the Year." These final winners, chosen from more than 40 of China's most well-known personalities, have achieved the ultimate excellence in their respective fields in the context of style, success and appeal. These internationally acclaimed individuals are, in no particular order: Shen Guojun, Chairman & President of China Yintai; Wu Xiaobo, leading finance author and business historian; Tang Jun, President & CEO of New Huadu Industrial Group; Fan Dian, Curator of the National Art Gallery; Wang Zhongjun, Chairman of Huayi Brothers; Wang Zhonglei, President of Huayi Brothers; Shen Nanpeng, founding managing partner of Sequoia Capital China; Xiong Xiaoge, Senior Vice President of International Data Group; Li Biao, world-famous percussionist; Shi Yuzhu, CEO of Giant Group; Ma Yun, Founder & Chairman of Alibaba; Han Sanping, Chairman of China Film Group; and Sun Honglei, renowned Chinese actor.

Aside from recognizing China's social elites for their contributions, Mercedes-Benz also honored three E-Class Coupé owners at the event. These charming individuals were selected out of all of E-Class Coupé customers in China for their monumental achievements in their fields as well as their dynamic lifestyles, a combination that best represents the model's core value of "pure attraction." Along with the other winners, these individuals fully demonstrate their perpetual passion and unsurpassed charm as role models in every aspect of their lives.

The enchanting night was further glamorized by the shining presence of the E 350 Coupé on stage, which radiated its aura of fascination to a myriad of guests throughout the ceremony. Perceived as the "World's Most Attractive Coupé", the model features the hallmark of Mercedes-Benz Coupé designs –missing B-pillar and incisive sports radiator grille with the large central star – together with the all-new E-Class' charismatic "twin-headlamp face" and "L" shaped daytime driving lights. Additionally, its alluring and sleek streamlined body, with lines that wind from the front to the rear, fully reflect the innovative spirit of Mercedes-Benz. Moreover, the low drag co-efficiency of the E-Class Coupé makes it the world's best aerodynamic car among all series production passenger cars, thus allowing it to not only enhance fuel economy, but also appeal to environmentally-friendly customers. Since its entrance into the China market in September, the E-Class Coupé has thus quickly enjoyed an outstanding performance thanks to its unique design and brand heritage, as it becomes the vehicle of choice for successful elites pursuing the highest quality of life.

For over one hundred years, Mercedes-Benz has been recognized for its passion for the arts, not only in its stunning and passionate models introduced to China, but also in its long-term commitment to supporting elites from all fields, especially those in Chinese culture and arts. This event with BAZAAR Men's Style is yet another example of Mercedes-Benz's dedication to China and its pursuit of the most high-quality lifestyle.