DUNKiNUTS
12-09-2004, 11:25 AM
More Dynamic, Innovative and Attractive Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Having changed the landscape of off-road vehicle development on its arrival seven years ago, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class has stepped up another gear. The Stuttgart-based brand sowed the seeds of a new segment with the introduction of the original M-Class in 1997 and now state-of-the-art technology – such as three new and powerful engines, the standard-fitted seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC, the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE, AIRMATIC air suspension, the now even more effective four-wheel drive system 4-ETS – is set to reaffirm the Off-Roader’s leading position in a fast-growing market.
You need look no further than the design of the new M-Class, with its beguiling blend of heavily contoured surfaces and taut lines, to admire the majestic character of the second-generation Off-Roader. The swept-back windscreen, striking front wings and rising shoulderline of the new car set the unashamedly sporting tone, a theme developed by the proportions of the body.
Three of the four engines available for the 2005 model are hot off the press and outstrip the output and torque of the power units for the outgoing model to the tune of up to 38 per cent. Cutting-edge drive-system technology and impressive aerodynamics (the Cd value is down to 0.34 from 0.39 previously) combine to cut fuel consumption by as much as ten per cent.
The V6 diesel engine with third-generation common-rail direct injection, which takes the place of the outgoing five-cylinder in-line unit in the range, is celebrating its series-production premiere. Put to work under the bonnet of the new ML 320 CDI, the new power unit delivers 224 bhp and places a maximum of 376 lb-ft of torque on tap from 1600 rpm. Also on hand to offer the twin benefits of six-cylinder comfort and dynamism is the new ML 280 CDI, serving up 190 bhp and a peak torque of 325 lb-ft. This diesel model burns just 9.4 litres of fuel per 100 km (NEDC combined), making the new M-Class one of the most economical off-roaders in its class. Another new arrival is the V6 petrol unit powering the ML 350 – your ticket to 272 bhp and maximum torque of 258 lb-ft. The engine range is headed by the proven eight-cylinder unit at the heart of the ML 500, which now delivers 306 bhp.
The Off-Road Package with Differential Locks and AIRMATIC
Mercedes-Benz has taken the permanent four-wheel drive and 4ETS traction systems to the next level by incorporating additional functions such as a downhill driving aid, Start-off Assist and the off-road ABS system. The M-Class can be ordered with two different variants of the four-wheel drive system, allowing it to meet the varying requirements of off-road drivers: a new off-road package is available as an optional extra, allowing the M-Class to master even the toughest routes across rough terrain. Among its primary features are a two-speed transfer case with an off-road ratio, manually or automatically selectable differential locks (100 per cent) between the front and rear axle and on the rear axle, and a modified version of the AIRMATIC air suspension system tailored to off-road driving, which raises ground clearance by 4.3 inch to as much as 11.3 inch and the vehicle’s fording depth to a maximum of 23 inch.
Greater Comfort and More Space
The interior of the new M-Class also exhibits typical Mercedes quality, thanks to higher-quality materials, more pleasant touch and feel characteristics and significantly improved spaciousness for all the vehicle’s passengers. For example, at 34.3 inch, the distance between the front and rear seats is a half inch greater than that in the outgoing model, achieving a level more familiar in a luxury-class saloon. Knee-room for the rear passengers has been increased by 1.3 inch and elbow width by 1.2 inch.
Blazing a Trail for Modern SUVs
With its unique design concept, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class led the way for a new generation of off-roaders on its premiere in 1997, and a whole series of international prizes and awards have since underlined its exceptional design, off-road performance, functionality, driving pleasure and safety.
A total of over 620,000 drivers around the world have so far opted for the original “Sport Utility Vehicle” (SUV), making it one of the most successful models in its class. And the arrival of the second-generation M-Class in spring 2005 is set to open a new chapter in this automotive success story.
After its premiere at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show, the new M-Class will be introduced onto the US market in the spring of next year and in Europe next summer.
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Technical Specifications:
Engine
Type: V8
Displacement cu in (cc): 303 (4966)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 306(228) / n.a.
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: n.a.
Redline at RPM: n.a.
Brakes & Tires
Brakes F/R: ABS, vented disc/disc
Tires F-R: 255/55 R18
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Length × Width × Height in: 186.7 × 74.5 × 70.6
Weight lb (kg): n.a.
Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s: n.a.
Top Speed mph (km/h): n.a.
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): n.a.
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http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/06/mercedesm05_01_1024.jpg
http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/06/mercedesm05_02.jpg
http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/06/mercedesm05_03.jpg
http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/06/mercedesm05_05.jpg
http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/06/mercedesm05_04.jpg
http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/06/mercedesm05_inter2.jpg
http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/06/mercedesm05_inter.jpg
http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/06/mercedesm05_inter3.jpg
Having changed the landscape of off-road vehicle development on its arrival seven years ago, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class has stepped up another gear. The Stuttgart-based brand sowed the seeds of a new segment with the introduction of the original M-Class in 1997 and now state-of-the-art technology – such as three new and powerful engines, the standard-fitted seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC, the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE, AIRMATIC air suspension, the now even more effective four-wheel drive system 4-ETS – is set to reaffirm the Off-Roader’s leading position in a fast-growing market.
You need look no further than the design of the new M-Class, with its beguiling blend of heavily contoured surfaces and taut lines, to admire the majestic character of the second-generation Off-Roader. The swept-back windscreen, striking front wings and rising shoulderline of the new car set the unashamedly sporting tone, a theme developed by the proportions of the body.
Three of the four engines available for the 2005 model are hot off the press and outstrip the output and torque of the power units for the outgoing model to the tune of up to 38 per cent. Cutting-edge drive-system technology and impressive aerodynamics (the Cd value is down to 0.34 from 0.39 previously) combine to cut fuel consumption by as much as ten per cent.
The V6 diesel engine with third-generation common-rail direct injection, which takes the place of the outgoing five-cylinder in-line unit in the range, is celebrating its series-production premiere. Put to work under the bonnet of the new ML 320 CDI, the new power unit delivers 224 bhp and places a maximum of 376 lb-ft of torque on tap from 1600 rpm. Also on hand to offer the twin benefits of six-cylinder comfort and dynamism is the new ML 280 CDI, serving up 190 bhp and a peak torque of 325 lb-ft. This diesel model burns just 9.4 litres of fuel per 100 km (NEDC combined), making the new M-Class one of the most economical off-roaders in its class. Another new arrival is the V6 petrol unit powering the ML 350 – your ticket to 272 bhp and maximum torque of 258 lb-ft. The engine range is headed by the proven eight-cylinder unit at the heart of the ML 500, which now delivers 306 bhp.
The Off-Road Package with Differential Locks and AIRMATIC
Mercedes-Benz has taken the permanent four-wheel drive and 4ETS traction systems to the next level by incorporating additional functions such as a downhill driving aid, Start-off Assist and the off-road ABS system. The M-Class can be ordered with two different variants of the four-wheel drive system, allowing it to meet the varying requirements of off-road drivers: a new off-road package is available as an optional extra, allowing the M-Class to master even the toughest routes across rough terrain. Among its primary features are a two-speed transfer case with an off-road ratio, manually or automatically selectable differential locks (100 per cent) between the front and rear axle and on the rear axle, and a modified version of the AIRMATIC air suspension system tailored to off-road driving, which raises ground clearance by 4.3 inch to as much as 11.3 inch and the vehicle’s fording depth to a maximum of 23 inch.
Greater Comfort and More Space
The interior of the new M-Class also exhibits typical Mercedes quality, thanks to higher-quality materials, more pleasant touch and feel characteristics and significantly improved spaciousness for all the vehicle’s passengers. For example, at 34.3 inch, the distance between the front and rear seats is a half inch greater than that in the outgoing model, achieving a level more familiar in a luxury-class saloon. Knee-room for the rear passengers has been increased by 1.3 inch and elbow width by 1.2 inch.
Blazing a Trail for Modern SUVs
With its unique design concept, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class led the way for a new generation of off-roaders on its premiere in 1997, and a whole series of international prizes and awards have since underlined its exceptional design, off-road performance, functionality, driving pleasure and safety.
A total of over 620,000 drivers around the world have so far opted for the original “Sport Utility Vehicle” (SUV), making it one of the most successful models in its class. And the arrival of the second-generation M-Class in spring 2005 is set to open a new chapter in this automotive success story.
After its premiere at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show, the new M-Class will be introduced onto the US market in the spring of next year and in Europe next summer.
-------------------------------------------------------
Technical Specifications:
Engine
Type: V8
Displacement cu in (cc): 303 (4966)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 306(228) / n.a.
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: n.a.
Redline at RPM: n.a.
Brakes & Tires
Brakes F/R: ABS, vented disc/disc
Tires F-R: 255/55 R18
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Length × Width × Height in: 186.7 × 74.5 × 70.6
Weight lb (kg): n.a.
Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s: n.a.
Top Speed mph (km/h): n.a.
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): n.a.
-------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/06/mercedesm05_01_1024.jpg
http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/06/mercedesm05_02.jpg
http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/06/mercedesm05_03.jpg
http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/06/mercedesm05_05.jpg
http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/06/mercedesm05_04.jpg
http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/06/mercedesm05_inter2.jpg
http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/06/mercedesm05_inter.jpg
http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/06/mercedesm05_inter3.jpg