Monday, April 18, 2005
Mercedes-Benz M Class
A NEW month, a new Mercedes. Seems you can’t move for new Mercedes-Benz models in 2005. This time, it’s the new ML off-roader, battle-ready to take on the new Land Rover Discovery, the versatile Volvo XC90 and the ageing but still sharp BMW X5. Which means there’s going to be quite a school-run showdown come September when the ML range arrives.
The M-class’s biggest change is the switch from a ladder frame to a monocoque chassis – a move prompted by drivers less concerned with off-road prowess and more with on-road comfort and dynamics.
The chassis sits on a new, more road-friendly suspension layout, with double wishbones at the front and a complex four-link set-up out back.
Buyers will have a choice of three engines. The entry-level petrol, the 272bhp 3.5-litre V6, is topped by the flagship 306bhp 5.0-litre V8. The 224bhp 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel will be followed in 2006 by a detuned 190bhp version of the same engine. Car rental uk.
Naturally, all powerplants are Euro IV compliant, with particulate filters an option on the diesels. The ML line-up is fitted with Mercedes-Benz advanced 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission, which permanently splits torque equally between front and rear axle. UK drivers will also have the choice of standard steel or optional air-sprung suspension.
Despite growing in all directions – 150mm longer (now 4,780mm) 71mm wider (now 1,911mm) and 5mm lower (now 1,815mm with roof rails) – the big Mercedes-Benz looks far more aggressive and athletic. This is helped by its long 2,915mm wheelbase, a massive 95mm increase, and its rakish windscreen angle. Car rental uk.
And yet model for model, the new ML is 50kg lighter than the outgoing range, because of the switch to car-like monocoque construction.
For a striking and confident-looking off-roader, the new M-class certainly looks the part. Its toothy grille, liberal touches of chrome and substantial cladding may not appeal to everyone’s taste, but there’s no denying its powerful and confident presence.
And it has a very American look to it – no surprise given it will be built by Americans at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Alabama – and America will be its biggest market. Car rental uk.
After a long hiatus, it appears that Mercedes-Benz build quality is back. The ML’s button-laden cabin feels bank-vault solid, and there’s an air of substance to all the driver touch-points. Only a few minor controls on the centre console that are made of hard shiny plastic and the overly enthusiastic sprinkling of chrome spoil the internal ambience. It’s spacious too.
Moving the gear lever from the central tunnel to the steering column has freed up more space. Carrying a pair of six-footers in the back is a cinch, but the third rear passenger won’t be as comfortable, perched over the transmission tunnel. The flat-floored boot is huge and can be further extended by flipping the rear seats forward.
The biggest shortcoming for Mercedes-Benz is that, unlike the new Discovery, there is no seven-seat option on offer, something likely to put off a number of family-oriented user choosers. Car rental uk.
But Stuttgart is hoping its new crossover six-seater R-class that arrives later this year will offer greater versatility, and a long-wheelbase ML is also expected.
The M-class will come filled to the brim with active and passive safety features. Expect at least 10 airbags, the usual sophisticated electronic parking, skid and stability controls, as well as the option of the Pre-Safe system first seen in the S-class. This uses ABS and ESP sensors to determine if the car is going to crash and pulls the seatbelts taut, the sunroof is closed and the electric seats are optimally positioned to benefit from the airbag protection. Active Neck-Pro head restraints are also an optional extra.
The new M-class is also going to be expensive. Despite its enhanced luxury and safety levels, prices are expected to climb by at least 10%, which means access to the ML club will cost at least £35,000. Steep. And that’s before you start ticking the long list of optional extras.
The M-class’s biggest change is the switch from a ladder frame to a monocoque chassis – a move prompted by drivers less concerned with off-road prowess and more with on-road comfort and dynamics.
The chassis sits on a new, more road-friendly suspension layout, with double wishbones at the front and a complex four-link set-up out back.
Buyers will have a choice of three engines. The entry-level petrol, the 272bhp 3.5-litre V6, is topped by the flagship 306bhp 5.0-litre V8. The 224bhp 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel will be followed in 2006 by a detuned 190bhp version of the same engine. Car rental uk.
Naturally, all powerplants are Euro IV compliant, with particulate filters an option on the diesels. The ML line-up is fitted with Mercedes-Benz advanced 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission, which permanently splits torque equally between front and rear axle. UK drivers will also have the choice of standard steel or optional air-sprung suspension.
Despite growing in all directions – 150mm longer (now 4,780mm) 71mm wider (now 1,911mm) and 5mm lower (now 1,815mm with roof rails) – the big Mercedes-Benz looks far more aggressive and athletic. This is helped by its long 2,915mm wheelbase, a massive 95mm increase, and its rakish windscreen angle. Car rental uk.
And yet model for model, the new ML is 50kg lighter than the outgoing range, because of the switch to car-like monocoque construction.
For a striking and confident-looking off-roader, the new M-class certainly looks the part. Its toothy grille, liberal touches of chrome and substantial cladding may not appeal to everyone’s taste, but there’s no denying its powerful and confident presence.
And it has a very American look to it – no surprise given it will be built by Americans at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Alabama – and America will be its biggest market. Car rental uk.
After a long hiatus, it appears that Mercedes-Benz build quality is back. The ML’s button-laden cabin feels bank-vault solid, and there’s an air of substance to all the driver touch-points. Only a few minor controls on the centre console that are made of hard shiny plastic and the overly enthusiastic sprinkling of chrome spoil the internal ambience. It’s spacious too.
Moving the gear lever from the central tunnel to the steering column has freed up more space. Carrying a pair of six-footers in the back is a cinch, but the third rear passenger won’t be as comfortable, perched over the transmission tunnel. The flat-floored boot is huge and can be further extended by flipping the rear seats forward.
The biggest shortcoming for Mercedes-Benz is that, unlike the new Discovery, there is no seven-seat option on offer, something likely to put off a number of family-oriented user choosers. Car rental uk.
But Stuttgart is hoping its new crossover six-seater R-class that arrives later this year will offer greater versatility, and a long-wheelbase ML is also expected.
The M-class will come filled to the brim with active and passive safety features. Expect at least 10 airbags, the usual sophisticated electronic parking, skid and stability controls, as well as the option of the Pre-Safe system first seen in the S-class. This uses ABS and ESP sensors to determine if the car is going to crash and pulls the seatbelts taut, the sunroof is closed and the electric seats are optimally positioned to benefit from the airbag protection. Active Neck-Pro head restraints are also an optional extra.
The new M-class is also going to be expensive. Despite its enhanced luxury and safety levels, prices are expected to climb by at least 10%, which means access to the ML club will cost at least £35,000. Steep. And that’s before you start ticking the long list of optional extras.
# posted by Liz Laurie @ 2:24 AM 
