Huge sales, more than 300,000 world-wide, suggest Mercedes-Benz got the M-Class formula mix ‘spot-on’ first time around. Not so. M-Class is a ‘global’ vehicle. The majority of global brews have been disastrous. American, European and Asian car cultures are poles apart. Meeting one set of parameters, those of the USA first, and getting as many M-Classes to market as soon as possible meant a less than satisfactory fit and finish by European (and Mercedes-Benz) norms. Shoddy according to many reports.
Missing out on the early scramble for vehicles was a blessing for right-hand-drive markets. Trailing the rest of the world by over a year in the supply chain, Irish buyers were the most fortunate. Indeed, by the time M-Class docked in the ‘auld sod’, most of M-Classes quality defects were ironed out and we got the M-Class Europe should have had on day one.
Four years on, and faced by razor sharp attacks from Lexus (RX300) and BMW (X5), specialists at Mercedes have significantly upgraded the design, interior, technology and standard fittings and fixtures - in line with customer expectations. All in all, the M-Class - which premieres in the autumn - showcases more than 1100 newly developed or modified components including a powerful V8 petrol engine from the S-Class, bigger fuel tanks (83 litres), a redesigned centre console, and high-grade interior fabrics with newly developed automatic climate control.
New windowbags, as standard gear, instantly deploy across the insides of the side windows like a curtain in the event of a lateral collision. Around 200 cm long and 500 mm high, these air cushions supplement the protective action of the sidebags in the doors.
Additional driving safety is provided by the innovative bi-xenon headlamps, which Mercedes-Benz has previously used in the top coupés of the CL-Class. These headlamps (available on request) generate twice the lighting power of conventional halogen headlamps and ensure even better illumination of the road surface both with dipped and high beam. In conjunction with the bi-xenon headlamps Mercedes-Benz provides a sensor-activated headlamp beam control system and a high-pressure cleaning system for the transparent headlamp lenses.
The M-Class will also feature a special light sensor on the windscreen that automatically switches on the external vehicle lights when dusk falls. Known as Headlamp Assist, this system is standard equipment. At the same time, the Mercedes-Benz parking aid, PARKTRONIC, will become available as optional equipment.
Even at first glance the model year 2002 M-Class is easily distinguishable from its predecessor. Redesigned front and rear bumpers stress the dynamic, powerful character of this four-wheel drive model much more than heretofore, while modern clearlense-look headlamps and new, aerodynamically contoured side mirror housings lend additional elegance to the overall appearance.
New, 17-inch light-alloy wheels as standard and all-season wide-base tyres of size 255/60 R 17 (five and six-cylinder models) and 275/55 R 17 (eight-cylinder models) also emphasise the dynamic design when viewed from the side.
In the interior of the M-Class the eye is drawn to a redesigned centre console, which Mercedes-Benz is upgrading with fine wood trim as standard for all model variants in future. New features of the centre console include additional stowage compartments between the front seats, while rear passengers benefit from an improved, double cup holder, an illuminated ashtray, a 12V socket and new, individually adjustable ventilation nozzles.
Mercedes engineers have completely redeveloped the standard automatic climate control system and equipped it with the latest technical features. Attractively styled controls with integral buttons for the automatic mode, air recirculation and other functions ensure convenient operation and adjustment of this highly efficient system, which also allows the climate in the rear to be suitably adjusted thanks to an auxiliary fan and separate ventilation nozzles.
The new ML 500, which replaces the current ML 430, offers an even better performance. Its V8 engine develops a torque of 440 Nm from 2700 rpm and accelerates the M-Class from standstill to 62.5 mph in just 7.7 seconds. The maximum speed of the new ML 500 is 137mph.
Externally the new V8-models in the M-Class are distinguishable by discreet chrome trim on the radiator grille vanes, on the door handles and on the handle of the tailgate, as well as by their special wheel design.
In future the status of the ML 55 AMG, with its 255 kW/347 hp high-performance V8 engine, as the top-of-the-line model in the M-Class range will be emphasised even more strongly by a silver-painted radiator grille.
In addition to the new V8 ML 500, and the ML 55 AMG, the five-cylinder diesel engine of the ML 270 CDI and the V6 petrol engine of the ML 320 will continue as before.
June 2001
by John Reilly