Sunday, April 10, 2005
Mercedes ML off -roader
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. Car rental uk.
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. car rental uk.
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.
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. car rental uk.
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.
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. car rental uk.
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.
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. car rental uk.
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.
# posted by Liz Laurie @ 3:06 AM 
