Although "urban" is not a title you'd typically hear associated with the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, On Wheels Incoporated, publishers of African Americans on Wheels, Latinos on Wheels and Asians on Wheels, recently voted the R their 2006 Urban Wheel Car of the Year.

The Urban Wheel Awards, which are now entering their 10th year, are highly coveted and widely recognized in the automotive industry.  Held in conjuction with the North American International Auto Show, the Urban Wheel Awards are one of the auto industry's signature diversity oriented events.

According to Lyndon Conrad Bell, editor in chief of On Wheels, Inc: "The Mercedes R-Class is a compelling combination of luxury, utility and performance. The R-Class is unique and truly deserving of the 2006 Urban Wheel Car of the Year award. It's a clear standout in the automobile marketplace."

Their decision to grace the R-Class with their coveted award came after a strenuous 12 months of testing, after which they found: "The R-Class merges minivan multi-functionality with luxury, and it's different enough from a minivan that it may encourage others to follow."

I still am a little hesitant about referring to the R-Class as urban.  You know what would change my mind?  The Mercedes R-Class 50 Cent Edition.

I can see it already - bulletproof glass, armor plating, 23" dubs, plasma tv's, secret compartments to hide the dope stash, and of course, seating for five... five groupies you just picked up at the 40/40 Club.

OK, maybe that's a little too urban.

To read more about the R-Class and the Urban Wheel Awards, check out the full press release below.


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


On Wheels Names the Mercedes Benz R-Class and Honda Ridgeline Its 2006 Urban Car and Truck of the Year

DETROIT, Dec. 13

/PRNewswire/ -- On Wheels Incorporated, publisher of African Americans On Wheels, Latinos On Wheels and Asians On Wheels magazines announced the selection of the Honda Ridgeline as the winner of the 2006 Urban Wheel Award for Urban Truck of the Year, and the Mercedes-Benz R-Class as the winner of the 2006 Urban Wheel Award for Urban Car of the Year. Now in their 10th year, the Urban Wheel Awards are highly coveted and widely recognized in the automotive industry. Held in conjunction with the North American International Auto Show, the Urban Wheel Awards is the auto industry's signature diversity oriented event.

"The Honda Ridgeline is our Truck of the Year  winner because it is an extremely compelling combination of refinement, utility and sophistication," said Lyndon Conrad Bell, editor-in chief of On Wheels, Inc. "Its exceptionally innovative packaging makes the Ridgeline truly deserving of the 2006 Urban Wheel Truck of the Year award and a runaway competitor in the small pickup sector," continues Bell.

He adds: "The Mercedes R-Class is a compelling combination of luxury, utility and performance. The R-Class is unique and truly deserving of the 2006 Urban Wheel Car of the Year award. It's a clear standout in the automobile marketplace."

After twelve months of testing both cars, On Wheels editors found the Honda Ridgeline to be a remarkably fresh take on the traditional pickup truck concept. OWI senior editor at large Brian Armstead said of the Ridgeline, "Take the utility of a small pick up, the towing power of a large pickup, and the handling of a sporty car, and wrap it into one package. What you'll end up with is the all-new Ridgeline, one of the user-friendliest trucks in the game. Ridgeline's packaging is second to none and the in trunk storage bin is brilliant!"

The OWI editors also found the Mercedes-Benz R-Class to be nothing less than a reinvention of the family car concept. OWI contributor Arv Voss said of the Mercedes, "The R-Class writes a new chapter in the Grand Touring class, combining elegance, performance and functionality."

Chris Jackson, onwheelsinc.com content manager said, "The R-Class merges minivan multi functionality with luxury, and it's different enough from a minivan that it may encourage others to follow."

For more information about the 10th Annual Urban Wheel Awards, to obtain tickets, or to sponsor the event, visit http://www.onwheelsinc.com , or call (313) 963-2209.