The North American International Auto Show in Detroit provides the stage for the world premiere of the new M-Class from Mercedes-Benz. The trendsetter among modern off-roaders has stepped up another gear: with state-of-the-art technology such as three powerful new engines, the standard-fitted seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC, a 4ETS four-wheel drive system that is more effective than ever, AIRMATIC air suspension and the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE, the M-Class is set to reaffirm the off-roader's leading position in a fast-growing market segment which Mercedes-Benz itself created with the preceding model in 1997. After its premiere at the Detroit Auto Show, the new M-Class will be launched on the US market in the spring and in Europe this summer.
In Detroit, the new M-Class will be sharing the limelight with two show cars which together provide a perfect demonstration of the tremendous potential that the sports tourer concept developed by Mercedes-Benz holds for the future. The Compact Sports Tourer "Vision B" debuts in the US alongside the Grand Sports Tourer "Vision R" to give visitors to the show a fascinating preview of two future model series from the Stuttgart-based automotive manufacturer. The perfectly honed dimensions, design and dynamism shared by the two Sports Tourer models give them the ideal credentials for relaxed, pleasurable motoring. Also celebrating its US premiere at the Auto Show in Detroit is the CLS 55 AMG developing 350 kW/476 hp.
One glance at the design of the new M-Class leaves no doubt as to its majestic character. The swept-back windscreen, striking front wings and rising waistline of the new car set the unashamedly sporting tone, a theme developed by the proportions of the body: the new M-Class is 150 mm longer (now 4780 mm), 71 mm wider (now 1911 mm) and 5 mm lower (now 1815 mm with roof rails) than its predecessor. The wheelbase has grown by 95 mm to 2915 mm.
Three of the four engines available for the 2005 model are new and outstrip the output and torque of the power units fitted in the outgoing model to the tune of up to 38 per cent. Cutting-edge drive-system technology and streamlined aerodynamics (the Cd value is down to 0.34 from the previous 0.40) combine to cut fuel consumption by as much as ten per cent.
A new V6 diesel engine, available with two different outputs, is celebrating its premiere. It features third-generation common-rail direct injection and the latest in piezo injectors. The unit in the ML 320 CDI delivers 165 kW/224 hp and places a maximum torque of 510 Newton metres on tap from 1800 rpm. Also on hand to offer the twin benefits of six-cylinder comfort and dynamic performance is the new ML 280 CDI, serving up 140 kW/190 hp and a peak torque of 440 Newton metres. The diesel models burn just 9.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (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, with 200 kW/272 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Newton metres. The engine range is headed by the eight-cylinder in the ML 500, which now has an output of 225 kW/306 hp.
The matchless seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC is fitted as standard in all variants of the new M-Class. Intelligent shift management allows the transmission to make optimum use of the engine's enviable reserves of power, while making a major contribution to fuel economy. For the first time, the 7G-TRONIC transmission is operated electronically using a selector lever positioned close to the steering wheel, a new technology which Mercedes-Benz has christened DIRECT SELECT. Additional steering- wheel shifter buttons enable the driver to glide manually through the seven gears.
Ready for rough terrain: the off-road package with AIRMATIC
Mercedes-Benz has taken the permanent four-wheel drive and 4ETS traction systems to the next level by incorporating additional functions such as Downhill Speed Regulation, Start-Off Assist and Off-road ABS. 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: in addition to the basic version, a new Off-Road Pro engineering package is optionally available which enables the M-Class to handle even the toughest off-road terrain. Its primary features include a two-speed transfer case with an off-road ratio, manually or automatically engageable differential locks (100 per cent) between the front and rear axle and on the rear axle, plus a modified version of the AIRMATIC air suspension system which has been specially tailored to off-road driving and which raises the ground clearance by 110 mm to as much as 291 millimetres and the vehicle's fording depth to a maximum of 600 millimetres.
The air suspension also significantly improves ride comfort, which is why Mercedes-Benz also offers this technology in a version designed for highway driving as an option. AIRMATIC teams up as standard with the Adaptive Damping System (ADS), which adjusts damper response to suit the current driving situation. All this accelerates the M-Class into a new dimension in driving dynamics and ride comfort.
A new era in safety: PRE-SAFE makes its debut in this vehicle class
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class also sets the pace for other off-roaders in terms of safety. Its occupant protection system is underpinned by a self-supporting body structure with large deformation zones in the front and rear ends, and a wealth of state-of-the-art technology from the luxury class as standard. This includes adaptive, two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger, front sidebags, windowbags, as well as belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all seats. In the event of a rear-end collision, the newly developed NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints (optional) provide additional protection for the driver and front passenger.
With the option of adding the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE to the equation, the new Mercedes off-roader raises the bar in its class. This multi-award-winning technology provides a reflex response to critical driving situations where an accident threatens to occur, preparing the car and its occupants for an impending collision. PRE-SAFE acts in advance to pull the driver and front passenger seat belts taut, bring the fore-and-aft setting and the cushion and backrest angle of the electrically adjustable front passenger seat (optional) into a more favourable position and even close the sunroof (optional) if there is a risk of the vehicle rolling over.
On a par with the luxury class: greater comfort and more space
The interior of the new M-Class also exhibits hallmark Mercedes quality, thanks to higher-quality materials, surfaces with a more pleasant touch and feel and significantly improved spaciousness for all the vehicle's passengers. For example, at 880 mm, the distance between the front and rear seats is 15 mm greater than that in the outgoing model, achieving a level of spaciousness that is usually associated with luxury-class saloons. Knee-room for the rear passengers has been increased by 35 mm and elbow width by 32 mm.
M-Class customers can select the seats for their new off-roader to suit their personal comfort requirements. In addition to the standard-fitted front seats with electrically adjustable height, backrest and cushion angle, sports seats with specially contoured backrests can also be specified.
Up to 2,050 litres of load capacity means ample space for luggage and sports equipment
The cushions and backrests of the rear seats are split 60:40 and can be folded down. Removable cushions can be ordered as an option, creating a level loading surface measuring over 2.10 metres in length throughout the rear of the car. The maximum load capacity is 2050 litres (VDA measuring method), significantly more than comparable competitors.
State-of-the-art driver assist systems familiar from the luxury-class Mercedes models help to relieve driver stress, enhance comfort and further improve safety. The M-Class is optionally available with the newly developed multi-zone THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control system, the PARKTRONIC parking aid and the control and display system COMAND APS with DVD navigation covering all of Europe. Bi-xenon headlamps with the Active Light System and the cornering light function (optional) heighten driving safety during the hours of darkness.
An idea with a guaranteed future: Sports Tourer in two separate variants
The revolutionary new Sports Tourer concept developed by Mercedes-Benz is becoming ever more versatile. At the Auto-Show in Detroit, the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer is showcasing studies of two distinct variants of this future touring car, thereby underlining the potential that this vehicle concept has to be turned into a new model family: lining up alongside the Grand Sports Tourer "Vision R" is the Compact Sports Tourer "Vision B", which boasts the interior spaciousness of larger saloons and estates despite its compact external dimensions.
The idea of the Sports Tourer, which Mercedes-Benz first presented in 2002, combines the advantages of familiar vehicle concepts such as a sporty saloon, estate, van and Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to create a new category in its own right.
Dimensions, design and dynamism are the key attributes shared by the Sports Tourer models, attributes which make them as original as they are distinctive. The all-new vehicle concept from Mercedes-Benz provides the ideal solution for the modern customer looking for a car that blends electrifying design with high-prestige character and is equally as suitable for driving to work as it is for family outings or recreational activities. A level of versatility that is inherent to both of the concept models on show.
The Grand Sports Tourer "Vision R" is designed as a 4+2-seater. The passengers have the benefit of comfortable, single seats and a level of spaciousness which exceeds that of many a luxury saloon. Tasteful appointments featuring fine leather and decorative ash wood and aluminium trim contribute to the homely ambience of the spacious interior. With technical specifications including four-wheel drive, air suspension and a powerful V8 engine coupled with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, the large Sports Tourer has everything it needs for dynamic motoring pleasure.
Under the bonnet of the compact Sports Tourer can be found a new four-cylinder diesel powerplant, whose output of 103 kW/140 hp and peak torque of 300 Newton metres translate into tremendous reserves of pulling power. No less impressive is the engine's fuel consumption of less than six litres per 100 kilometres and its emission levels which comply with EU-4 levels. Transferring the engine's power to the wheels is the task of the newly developed AUTOTRONIC continuously variable automatic transmission.
