Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Overview
Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Also called	Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (2015–present)
Production	1997–present
Body and chassis
Class	American: Mid-size luxury crossover SUV European: J-segment
Body style	5-door crossover/sport utility vehicle
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive Front-engine, four-wheel drive

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class, renamed GLE-Class in 2015, is a mid-size luxury crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz since 1997. 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 1999 and 2002, the M-Class was also built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, for the European market, before all the production moved to the U.S. plant near Vance, Alabama. From late 2012, the M-Class was also assembled at new plants in India and Indonesia.

Nomenclature

Although grouped under the "M-Class" naming banner since launch, BMW, who sells M models such as the M3, objected to the car being badged "M" with the three-digit engine level afterwards (e.g. M 320). This forced Mercedes-Benz to defer to a double-tiered marketing strategy of "ML" badging (e.g. ML 320) under an M-Class umbrella. There has been some confusion surrounding this nomenclature, with many sources erroneously referring to the series as the "ML-Class", including Mercedes-Benz themselves.

From 2015, with the release of the facelifted W166 third generation model at the New York Auto Show in April, the M-Class was renamed to GLE-Class as per the revised nomenclature adopted by the brand. Under this scheme, SUVs use the base name "GL", followed by the model's placement in Mercedes-Benz hierarchy. The "G" is for geländewagen (German off land wagon for off-road vehicle) and alludes the long-running G-Wagen. This is followed by the letter "L" that acts as a linkage with the letter "E"—the GLE being the SUV equivalent to the E-Class.

First generation (W163: 1997–2005)

W163
File:1998-2001 Mercedes-Benz ML 320 (W163) wagon 03.jpg
Overview
Production	1997–2005
Model years	1998–2005
Assembly	Austria: Graz (1999–2002) United States: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Designer	Bruno Sacco & Peter Pfeiffer (1993)
Powertrain
Engine	2.3 L M111.970 I4 (petrol) 2.7 L OM612 I5 (t/c diesel) 3.2 L M112 E32 V6 (petrol) 3.7 L M112 E37 V6 (petrol) 4.0 L OM628 V8 (t/c diesel) 4.3 L M113 E43 V8 (petrol) 5.0 L M113 E50 V8 (petrol) 5.4 L M113 E55 V8 (petrol)
Transmission	5-speed manual 5-speed 5G-Tronic automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	111.0 in (2,819 mm)
Length	1997–02: 180.6 in (4,587 mm) 2002–05: 182.6 in (4,638 mm) AMG: 182.5 in (4,636 mm)
Width	1997–02: 72.2 in (1,834 mm) 2002–05: 72.4 in (1,839 mm) AMG: 74.6 in (1,895 mm)
Height	1997–02: 69.9 in (1,775 mm) 2002–05: 71.7 in (1,821 mm) AMG: 69.3 in (1,760 mm)
Curb weight	4,614 lb (2,093 kg)

File:1998-2001 Mercedes-Benz ML 320 (W163) wagon 04.jpg

Pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz ML 320 (Australia)

Mercedes-Benz proposed a plan to replace the G-Class, which at the time had been in production for 11 years. A joint agreement with Mitsubishi Motors to develop and produce a sports-utility vehicle was made in early 1991 and was confirmed publicly that June. Plans were made to base it on the Montero/Pajero platform, with one of them being badged as a Mercedes-Benz and the other a Mitsubishi. In May 1992, these plans were abandoned citing "technical problems" and Mercedes-Benz continued on with in-house development from January 1993. In March 1993, a search for a location to build a U.S. manufacturing plant began. By September 1993, a location in the state of Alabama was chosen and construction started in 1994. While plans were being made overseas, in Germany development continued. Design work took place from late 1992 to 1994. A design from Mercedes' Sindelfingen studio was chosen in 1993 and approved by the executive board in February 1994. The design patents were filed in Germany on July 13, 1994, and in the U.S. on January 13, 1995. Prototype testing started with test mules and crash tests using mock-ups in May 1994. First functional prototype's crash test took place in February 1995, with full testing run from March 1995 to December 1996 in various climates and regions of the world. Pilot production began in May 1996. In July 1996, construction on the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International plant concluded, with the very first production M-Class rolling off the assembly line the week of February 9, 1997.

Mercedes-Benz launched the first generation W163 series M-Class on February 19, 1997, in the United States for the 1998 model year, with sales beginning that September. It is a mid-sized body-on-frame SUV with seating for five, or seven with an optional third-row seat. The M-Class was the first luxury SUV to feature electronic stability control, a system designed to detect loss of control and instantaneously intervene with selective braking to bring the vehicle back on its intended course. Furthermore, the M-Class boasted front- and side-impact airbags with advanced occupant detection for the front passenger seat, which, helped earn the W163 the highest marks in insurance industry crash tests.

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W163) was available with permanent 4Matic four-wheel drive, which routed torque to all four wheels through all open front, center, and rear differentials. The system used a two-speed dual range BorgWarner 4409 transfer case with reduction gearing, and Mercedes' new Four-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS). 4-ETS simulated three differential locks on all three open differentials, via aggressively braking one or more spinning wheels.

Four-wheel, electronic traction system was said to perform excellent for snow and heavy off road use.

Facelifted Mercedes-Benz ML 270 CDI, Germany

Manufactured in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in the United States, the M-Class launched in the North American market first as the ML 320. The ML 320 was sold internationally, with the "320" suffix alluding to the 3.2-litre V6 engine. An entry-level, manual transmission-only ML 230, fitted with a 2.3-litre inline-four was available in Europe from launch in March 1998 until 2000. From launch in 1998, European markets also received the ML 270 CDI with a 2.7-litre inline-five turbodiesel engine. This unit was made available in Australia in 2000 and continued on in the W163 until being replaced upon the release of the W164 M-Class in 2005.

Later, in 1998, the more powerful ML 430 became available with the newly introduced Mercedes-Benz 4.3-litre V8. This was followed by the February 1999 debut of the 2000 ML 55 AMG, featuring a 5.4-litre V8 engine made by AMG, modified bodywork, and other performance features.

In September 1996, before the vehicle was launched, Mercedes-Benz allowed the producers of the 1997 film The Lost World: Jurassic Park to make use of modified pre-production M-Class SUVs as a way to advertise the W163 when it was launched in 1997. As a result, a Mercedes-Benz advertisement appears before the film on original VHS copies of the film. Jeff Goldblum, the star of the film, received a complimentary ML 320 from Mercedes-Benz as a result of the tie-in. Three versions were used in the movie, of which 2 copies of each were built. Two are displayed at the Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, there is one at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, and one at the Visitor Center at the M-class factory in Alabama.

Awards

The ML 320 was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1998 and was voted the 1998 North American Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show, Detroit, in January 1998. It also received the World Car Award in March 1999, voted by an international jury of automotive journalists in Geneva. Despite the accolades, Mercedes-Benz received considerable criticism with respect to the substandard quality of the W163. Quality improved over the years, especially after the facelift in 2001 for the 2002 model year. DaimlerChrysler spent US$600 million on improvements at the Alabama factory before launching the second generation ML in 2005.

Facelift

Mercedes-Benz revised and updated the W163 in 2001 for the 2002 model year. Styling updates involved the fitment of new head- and tail-lamp lenses, front and rear bumpers, new alloy wheels on most variants, the relocation of the side turn signals from the fenders to the side-view mirrors, and various interior trim changes. At the same time, the ML 430 was replaced by the 5.0-litre V8-powered ML 500 and a new 4.0-litre V8 turbodiesel ML 400 CDI became available in Europe. The following year, in 2002, Mercedes-Benz launched the ML 350 fitted with a 3.7-litre V6 engine. The ML 350 replaced the ML 320 in some markets, but supplemented it in others. The W163 was available as a seven-seat version, with two seats in a third row. Access was problematic and the seats were not for large adults. The seven seat version was dropped in the W164, with this role undertaken by the longer wheelbase GL model

The previous Popemobile was based on a W163 series ML 430 and has been in service since July 2002. Volkswagen had offered to build a new vehicle based on the Touareg, but Pope Benedict XVI opted to continue using his predecessor's Mercedes-Benz-manufactured vehicle.

Second generation (W164: 2005–2011)

W164
File:2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz ML 320 CDI (W164 MY08) wagon (2011-11-18) 01.jpg
Overview
Production	2005–2011
Model years	2006–2011
Assembly	United States: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Designer	Steve Mattin (2001)
Powertrain
Engine	3.5 L V6 5.0 L V8 4.6 L V8 5.5 L V8 6.2 L V8 3.0 L turbo-diesel V6 4.0 L turbo-diesel V8
Transmission	7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	114.7 in (2,913 mm)
Length	4788 mm (188.5 in) AMG: 189.8 in (4,821 mm) Hybrid: 188.2 in (4,780 mm)
Width	1910 mm (75.2 in) AMG: 76.8 in (1,951 mm) Hybrid: 77.8 in (1,976 mm)
Height	1815 mm (71.5 in) AMG: 73.3 in (1,862 mm)
Curb weight	2150 kg (4740 lb)

File:2006 Mercedes-Benz ML 320 CDI (W164) wagon (2011-07-17) 02.jpg

Pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz ML 320 CDI (Australia)

Facelifted Mercedes-Benz ML 300 CDI 4Matic, Germany

In 1999, development on a successor to the W163 began under the codename "W164" and spanned a period of 6 years. By late 2001, the production design styled by Steve Mattin under Peter Pfeiffer was chosen and approved by the executive board in 2002. The design patents were filed in Germany on June 10, 2003, and in the U.S. on July 25. Prototype testing was conducted throughout 2003 and 2004, concluding in early 2005. The redesigned M-class (chassis name W164) was introduced in April 2005 as a 2006 model after a showing at the North American International Auto Show in January. It was almost entirely new, with a more sporting, aerodynamic look—the coefficient of drag went down to 0.34 compared with the previous generation. Mercedes-Benz has also made the new M-Class 71 mm larger, 150 mm longer and 5 mm lower than the first model. The M-Class was named "Best New Sport Utility Vehicle" in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards.

Mercedes-Benz extensively publicised the US$600 million spent to update its factory and add manufacturing space for the new R-Class. According to early automotive press reports, the 2006 M-Class vehicles demonstrated vast improvements in quality.

The W164 platform used for the new M-Class is shared with the new GL-Class and is a unibody type rather than the former (W163) body-on-frame used by the M-Class vehicles produced from 1998–2005. The X164 GL-Class, a longer seven-seater version of the W164 platform, is also available.

New features in the 2006 M-Class include the 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission, optional Active Curve-Illuminating Bi-Xenon headlights which "steer" in the path of the vehicle, and an adjustable-height air suspension. The manual transmission has been dropped. Permanent 4Matic four-wheel drive remained, with one-speed transfer case (no low range), center limited-slip differential and four-wheel electronic traction system (4-ETS). In most countries except the U.S., an Off-Road Pro package with center and rear differential locks, 4-ETS, two-speed transfer case with reduction gearing, and adjustable ground clearance was available as an option increasing the original fording depth from 500 mm to 600 mm.

The AMG version of the W164, the ML 63 AMG, was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show as a limited edition 2007 model. It features a 6.2 L M156 V8 engine producing 510 hp (380 kW) and 465 lb·ft (630 N·m) that is handcrafted in Germany. The engine is added to an AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission. The 2006 ML 63 AMG can accelerate from 0–60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.8 seconds, or from 0–62 mph (100 km/h) in just 5.0 seconds. These impressive features made the ML 63 AMG the most powerful naturally aspırated V8 SUV in the world.

Facelift

Interior

By 2007, design work on updates to the W164 were finalized and patented domestically in Germany on November 23, 2007. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class got a minor face-lift as it debuted at the 2008 New York International Auto Show in March 2008.

This face-lift includes new front headlights, redesigned front and rear bumpers, new exterior mirrors, new rim choices, a larger front grille, restyled interior, and a new ML 420 CDI engine choice. The ML 280 CDI became the ML 300 CDI, the 320 CDI became the 350 CDI, and the 420 CDI became the 450 CDI.

Models using Bluetec Diesel engine with urea injection were introduced in 2008 for the 2009 model year.

At the 2009 New York International Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz showed their ML 450 Hybrid SUV, which was announced on 8 April 2009. The ML 450 Hybrid consumes almost 50% less fuel than the ML 550 does, even though it produces over 90% of the power generated by the V8 model. Total power generated will be 335 hp (250 kW) and 381 lb·ft (517 N·m) of torque, while getting 24 mpg_-US (9.8 L/100 km) on the highway and 21 mpg_-US (11 L/100 km) in the city, according to United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates. The engine itself runs on the Atkinson cycle and by itself makes 275 hp. The ML 450 was developed under the Global Hybrid Cooperation, and will only be available in the United States under lease.

Third generation (W166: 2011–present)

W166
Mercedes Benz ML 350
Overview
Also called	Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (facelift)
Production	July 2011–present
Model years	2012–present
Assembly	United States: Tuscaloosa, Alabama India: Pune, Maharashtra Indonesia: Wanaherang, Bogor Thailand: Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant
Designer	Emiel Burki (2008)
Powertrain
Engine	3.5L V6 4.7L Bi-turbo V8 5.5L Bi-turbo V8 2.1L I4 turbo-diesel 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel
Transmission	7-speed automatic 9-speed automatic CVT automatic (hybrid)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	114.8 in (2,916 mm)
Length	4,803 mm (189.1 in) AMG: 4,820 mm (189.8 in) Hybrid: 4,780 mm (188.2 in)
Width	1,926 mm (75.8 in) AMG: 1,950 mm (76.8 in) Hybrid: 1,980 mm (77.8 in)
Height	1,796 mm (70.7 in) AMG: 1,860 mm (73.3 in)
Curb weight	2,150 kg (4,740 lb)

Mercedes-Benz ML 250 BlueTEC

Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG

Interior

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 by Emiel Burki 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 Plus 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). An ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM with active anti-roll bars for body roll compensation was introduced.

An 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 Mercedes M-Class won first place in the “Luxury Crossover SUV” category and has been named the most ideal vehicle for Americans based on a study undertaken by California-based automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific.

Mercedes-Benz India established a manufacturing plant in Chakan, Pune in early 2009 that rolled out the first W166 M-Class to be built outside the USA in October 2012. In the following month, Mercedes-Benz Indonesia began M-Class assembly at a factory in Wanaherang, West Java. These plants perform final assembly of vehicles shipped as "knocked-down" kits from Tuscaloosa, USA.

In the second half of 2015 a facelifted W166 will be released as the GLE, along with a coupé version.

The previous Popemobile was based on the 2012 M-Class and was delivered in December 2012.

Facelift (GLE-Class)

Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupé SUV

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a sport utility vehicle (SUV) built by the German car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. The GLE-Class name will be used in 2015 for the forthcoming facelifted Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W166) and the new five-door coupé derivative GLE-Class Coupe (C292) which was unveiled to the public in January 2015 at the North American International Auto Show. As part of Mercedes-Benz's new naming strategy, the GLE-Class will define the SUV's positioning in the middle of its segment and between the future GLC and GLS-Classes (the former GLK and GL, respectively), the same way the E-Class is positioned in relation to the C and S-Classes.

Body variants

Wagon (W166)

Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d (Sweden)

The W166 version was unveiled at the New York Auto Show, takes the form of a facelift of the existing Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W166). The GLE 500 e will be the first plug-in hybrid in this model range, combining a 333 hp V6 engine with a 116 hp electric motor.

Coupe (C292)

GLE Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe (C292) is the coupé version and is heavily related to the W166, sharing its platform, mechanicals and interior (but having a completely unique body with a similar design). The C292 coupe was unveiled to the public in January 2015 at the North American International Auto Show.

The GLE Coupé will be built in Alabama with the future GLE-Class on which it is based. Sales are expected from the second half of 2015. The range is topped by the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S-Model, powered by a new 5.5-litre twin turbo V8 producing 585 bhp and 768 Nm of torque.

Engines

Petrol engines

Model	Years	Type	Power, torque@rpm
ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC	2012–	3,498 cc (213 cu in) 24V V6 naturally aspirated(Mercedes-Benz M276 DE 35 engine)	306 PS (225 kW)@6500, 370 N·m (273 lb·ft)@3500–5250
ML 400 4MATIC	2014–	2,996 cc (183 cu in) 24V V6 BiTurbo (Mercedes-Benz M276 DE 30 AL engine)	333 PS (245 kW)@5250–6000,480 N·m (354 lb·ft)@1600–4000
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

Diesel engines

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

Safety

NHTSA		Euro NCAP
Overall:		Overall:
Frontal – Driver:		Adult occupant:	pts / 96%
Frontal – Passenger:		Child occupant:	pts /  %
Side – Driver:		Pedestrian:	pts / 60%
Side – Passenger:		Driver assist:	pts /  %
Side Pole – Driver:
Rollover:	/ 17.9 %

IIHS scores

Category	Rating
Moderate overlap frontal offset	Good
Small overlap frontal offset (Nov 2013–present)	Good1
Side impact	Good
Roof strength	Good2

¹ vehicle structure rated "Acceptable"

² strength-to-weight ratio: 6.68

Production and sales

Calendar year	Production	US Sales
2001		45,655
2002		39,680
2003		30,018
2004		25,681
2005		34,959
2006		31,632
2007		33,879
2008		34,320
2009		25,799 ()
2010		29,698 (766)
2011		35,835
2012	115,608	38,101
2013		41,326
2014		46,726

References

Bibliography

General

• (German)
• (German)
• (German)
• (German)

External links

Media related to at Wikimedia Commons

• Curbside Classic: Automotive History: Mercedes W163 (1998–2005 M-Class) – Conceived in Germany, Born In America – retrospective of the W163 M-Class

Model

Body

1990s

2000s

2010s

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

A

Hatch

W168

W169

W176

W177

Sedan

V177

B

MPV

W245

W246

W247

C

Saloon

W201

W202

W203

W204

W205

Estate

S202

S203

S204

S205

E

Saloon

W124

W210

W211

W212

W213

Limousine

V124

V212

V213

Estate

S124

S210

S211

S212

S213

S

Saloon

W126

W140

W220

W221

W222

Limousine

V126

V140

V220

V221

V222, X222

Pullman

VF126

VF140

VF220

VV221

VV222

CLA

4-door coupé

C117

C118

Shooting brake

X117

X118

CLS

4-door coupé

C219

C218

C257

Shooting brake

X218

CLC/C

Hatchback Coupé

CL203

Coupé

C204

C205

Cabriolet

A205

CLK/E

Coupé

C124

C208

C209

C207

C238

Cabriolet

A124

A208

A209

A207

A238

Straßenversion

GTR

LM

CL/S

Coupé

C126

C140

C215

C216

C217

Cabriolet

A217

SLK/SLC

Roadster

R170

R171

R172

SL

R129

R230

R231

SLS/GT

Coupé

C197

C190

Roadster

R197

R190

4-door coupé

X290

SLR

Coupé

C199

Roadster

R199

Speedster

Z199

Vaneo

MPV

W414

R

W251

V

W447

GLA

Crossover

X156

GLB

Crossover

X247

Musso/GLK/GLC

SUV

Musso FJ

X204

X253

SUV coupé

C253

EQC

SUV

N293

M/GLE

SUV

W163

W164

W166

W167

SUV coupé

C292

GL/GLS

SUV

X164

X166

X167

G

Off-road vehicle

W460/461

W463

Musso Sports/X

Pickup truck

Musso Sports P100

W470

Citan

LCV

W415

Vito & Viano

MB100

W638

W639

W447

Sprinter

T1

W901 - W905

NCV3

VS30

Vario

T2

W670

Model

Body

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1990s

2000s

2010s