Mercedes-Benz M Class Luxury Mid Size SUV available at Thailand, United Kingdom, Australia, Dubai, US Top Mercedes-Benz Dealer Exporter
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV), first offered in 1997 as a 1998 model, and built by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. Gradually, the M-Class became a sales success in the United States and Mexico. In terms of size, it is slotted in between the smaller GLK-Class (based on the C-Class) and the larger GL-Class, with which it shares platforms. For a short time, between the years 1999 and 2002, the M-Class was also built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, for the European market, before all production moved to the U.S. plant near Vance, Alabama.
Third generation (W166: 2011–present)
In 2006, development began on the next-generation M-Class and spanned over a period of 5 years, a much shorter duration than its predecessor. In 2008, the final design was approved and patented domestically on December 16, 2008(U.S. design patent filed on June 15, 2009). The newly redesigned M-class (chassis name W166) was introduced in pre-production form 10 June 2011 as a 2012 model. The first customer-designated W166 rolled off the Tuscaloosa production line on 20 July. It is moderately refined, taking styling cues from the new generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class. An increase in rear seat legroom has been implemented, alongside adjustable rear back-rests. It was to be launched in September 2011.
New features in the 2012 M-Class include an updated 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission to provide improved fuel economy, optional Adaptive Cruise Control (Distronic Plus), Active Lane Departure Warning System, and an adjustable-height air suspension (AirMatic).
A On&Off Road Package is available for most markets (now including North America) as of the 2013 model year. The package adds a two-speed dual range Magna Powertrain transfer case with center differential lock, reduction gearing, underbody skid plates, and a 6-mode selectable terrain driving program system. The rear differential lock has been discontinued.
Open front and rear differentials are fitted, and use four-wheel electronic traction system (4-ETS) to simulate front and rear differential locks.
The current Popemobile is based on the 2012 M-Class and was delivered in December 2012.
Engines
Model | Years | Type | Power, torque@rpm |
---|---|---|---|
ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC | 2012- | 3,498 cc (213 cu in) 24V V6 normally aspirated(Mercedes-Benz M276 DE 35 engine) | 306 PS (225 kW)@6500, 370 N·m (273 lb·ft)@3500-5250 |
ML 550 4MATIC | 2012- | 4,663 cc (285 cu in) 32V V8 BiTurbo | 408 PS (300 kW)@5000-5750, 600 N·m (443 lb·ft)@1600-4750 |
ML 63 AMG (with 4MATIC) | 2012- | 5,461 cc (333 cu in) 32V V8 Biturbo (Mercedes-Benz M157 engine) | 525 PS (386 kW)@5250, 700 N·m (516 lb·ft)@1750-5000 Performance Package: 557 PS (410 kW)@5750, 760 N·m (561 lb·ft)@2000-5000 |
Model | Years | Type | Power, torque@rpm |
---|---|---|---|
ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC | 2012- | 2,143 cc (131 cu in) 16V I4 Bi-turbo Mercedes-Benz OM651 DE 22 LA engine | 204 PS (150 kW)@4200, 500 N·m (369 lb·ft)@1.600–1.800 |
ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC | 2012- | 2,987 cc (182 cu in) 24V V6 Single turbo Mercedes-Benz OM 642 LS DE 30 LA engine) | 258 PS (190 kW)@3800, 620 N·m (457 lb·ft)@1600 – 2400 |