New Mercedes-Benz M-Class - In Depth

Model range and appointments: A trendsetter reasserts its position

• Role-model for a new generation of off-roaders

• Further improvement in on-road comfort and off-road performance

• Significantly enhanced standard appointments

• Equipment packages with off-road technology and comfort/styling extras

The latest Mercedes technology, exemplary safety, car-like comfort, an attractive design and sheer driving pleasure � these are the attributes with which the M Class set standards on its debut in 1997. The profile was perfect, for such a car exactly matched the needs of modern motorists who were looking for a more stylish off-roader than the classic, heavy vehicles previously available. The M Class offered what people wanted: a successful mix of innovation and emotion.

With this successful recipe the Mercedes-Benz became the trendsetter for a new market segment, which began to boom after this initial impulse and will continue to grow in the future: specialists expect double-digit growth figures in this segment for the coming decade.

With the new M-Class, Mercedes-Benz is extremely well positioned to maintain the "pole position" in this attractive market: more dynamic, innovative, assured and attractive than ever before, the M-Class remains the role model among modern Sports Utility Vehicles and demonstrates its refined power. Mercedes engineers have painstakingly developed the successful concept of this Off-Roader even further, improving its on-road and off-road performance. For example, newly developed axles, smooth-running six and eight-cylinder engines and the AIRMATIC air suspension system (optional) help to ensure that the M-Class offers more long-distance comfort than ever.

The Mercedes Off-Roader also remains a trendsetter where safety is concerned: with adaptive airbags and belt force limiters, crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints (optional) and the PRE-SAFE� anticipatory occupant protection system developed by Mercedes (optional), the new M-Class is well ahead of other SUVs.

Even more efficient four-wheel drive

Off-road performance is now improved by a further development of the traction system 4ETS, which now features additional functions such as off-road ABS, Start-Off Assist and Downhill Speed Regulation as standard. With a combination of two selectable 100-percent differential locks and a two-speed transfer case with a low-range ratio (optional), the M-Class forges ahead even on the most difficult terrain. With the AIRMATIC air suspension system, which is available in a special off-road configuration, the ground clearance of the M-Class is increased to 291 millimetres (preceding model: 204 millimetres), and the fording depth is now approximately 600 millimetres instead of the previous 500 millimetres.

DIRECT SELECT shift makes way for handy operating and stowage concept

Another new feature in this vehicle class is the DIRECT SELECT gearshift on the steering column. By dispensing with the conventional selector lever in the centre console, it provides a number of advantages. Not only can the automatic transmission be operated by simply nudging the stalk on the steering column, the DIRECT SELECT gearshift also opens up completely new design scope for the tunnel covering, on which the selector lever has now been replaced by a spacious stowage compartment and a cup holder.

Seven-speed automatic and speed-sensitive power steering as standard

Apart from boasting yet more innovative flair and enhanced performance capabilities, the new Off-Roader is also classier than ever, as the standard equipment level has undergone a further major upgrade compared to the outgoing model. For example, all engine variants are now equipped with the hitherto unmatched 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, speed-sensitive power steering, nano-technology paintwork that is more resistant to scratches, a tyre pressure warning system and many other useful innovations.

Here is an extract from the extensive list of standard appointments fitted in the ML 280 CDI, ML 320 CDI and ML 350 V6 models:

• 235/65 R 17 wide-base tyres
• 4ETS traction system
• 7G TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission
• Acceleration skid control
• Adaptive airbags for driver and front passenger
• Aerial Diversity
• Aluminium trim
• Ambient lighting in the exterior mirrors
• Anti-lock braking system
• Armrest with stowage compartment between the seats
• Audio 20 CD radio
• Belt force limiters for all seats
• Belt tensioners for all seats
• Brake Assist
• Central display in instrument cluster
• Central locking with remote control
• Courtesy lights in the doors
• Cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC
• Cup holders front and rear
• Diesel particulate filter (standard in Germany)
• DIRECT SELECT gearshift
• Downhill Speed Regulation
• ESP� with tyre pressure loss warning function
• Fog lamps
• Folding rear seats with 60:40 split
• Front seats with partial electric adjustment
• Headlamp Assist
• Heated exterior mirrors, electrically adjustable and automatically dimming
• Heated windscreen washer nozzles
• Heat-insulated glass
• ISOFIX child seat attachments
• Leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel
• Light-alloy wheels
• Outside temperature display
• Permanent four-wheel drive
• Power windows
• Pre-installation for mobile phone with roof aerial
• Projection-beam headlamps
• Rear windscreen wiper
• Rev counter
• Sidebags for front passengers
• Speed-sensitive power steering
• Steering column adjustable for height and reach
• THERMATIC automatic climate control
• TIREFIT tyre repair kit
• Windowbags

ML 500 with multi-zone THERMOTRONIC and chrome package as standard

The top-of-the-line ML 500, whose V8 power unit generates 225 kW/306 hp, delivers silky smooth eight-cylinder comfort combined with the performance profile of a sports car. The exclusive character of the ML 500 also manifests itself in the form of a number of highly desirable additional features, such as multi-zone THERMOTRONIC, multicontour seats and 18-inch wheels. Some of the extended standard equipment in the new ML 500:

• 255/55 R 18 wide-base tyres
• Chrome package
• 8 J x 18 ET 60 light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke "impeller" design
• Electrically adjustable multicontour seats for driver and front passenger
• Multi-zone THERMOTRONIC
• Safety net as luggage compartment partition
• Automatically dimming rear-view and exterior mirrors
• Rain sensor for the windscreen wipers
• TWIN Leather seat upholstery
• Bird�s-eye poplar wood trim

Optional high-tech innovations and luxury extras

Optional extras which are as desirable as they are ingenious enable the Off-Roader to be tailored exactly to the customer's wishes. Many of these systems, such as the PRE-SAFE� anticipatory occupant protection system, the Active Light System and EASY-PACK, are now being made available in the M-Class for the first time, while the crash-responsive head restraint NECK-PRO is making its debut in the Mercedes Off-Roader. An extract from the range of optional features:

• 6-disc CD changer
• 8 J x 18 Anti-theft alarm
• Audio 50 APS radio with navigation
• Automatically dimming rear-view and exterior mirrors (standard in the ML 500)
• Bird�s-eye poplar wood trim (standard in the ML 500)
• Bi-xenon headlamps with Active Light System, cornering light function and headlamp cleaning system
• Black roof rails
• COMAND APS
• Dark-tinted rear side windows and rear windscreen
• EASY-PACK load compartment cover
• EASY-PACK load-securing kit (incl. removable rear cushions)
• EASY-PACK tailgate
• Electrically adjustable steering column
• Rain sensor (standard in the ML 500)
• Sidebags in the rear
• Multifunction wood/leather steering wheel
• Multi-zone THERMOTRONIC (standard in the ML 500)
• light-alloy wheels and 255/55 R 18wide-base tyres
• Memory function for front seats, mirrors and steering wheel
• Multicontour front seats (standard in the ML 500)
• PARKTRONIC parking aid
• PRE-SAFE�
• Sound system with eleven loudspeakers and surround sound
• TWIN Leather upholstery (standard in the ML 500)
• Glass tilting/sliding sunroof
• Headlamp cleaning system
• Heated windscreen washer system
• Infra-red-reflecting glass all-round
• KEYLESS-GO access and drive authorisation system
• Leather appointments

To make it as easy as possible for customers to choose from the extensive range of attractive optional items, Mercedes-Benz has ensured the maximum scope for flexibility. When placing their order customers are already given a confirmed delivery date, however changes can still be made to the paint finish, upholstery or optional items up to six working days before this delivery date.

Equipment packages for on and off the road, added luxury or extra styling

Further technical and design highlights are optionally available as part of attractive equipment packages. These enable Mercedes customers to give their car an even more individual character or improve the off-road capabilities even further:

• Off-Road Pro engineering package: this equipment package includes components with whose help the M-Class is able to master even the most difficult off-road stretches:

  Two-speed transfer case with low-range ratio
  

  Differential locks (100 percent) at the transfer case and rear axle
  AIRMATIC with extended functions for more ground clearance Compass

• Off-road styling package: This equipment package includes an under-ride guard made from brushed stainless steel at the front and rear, as well as a radiator grille painted sterling silver with chrome trim strips.

• Sports package: The exterior and interior of the new M-Class are given an even more sporty look by a number of features which include:

  19-inch sports wheels
  Chrome trim on the side rub strips, door handles and rear bumper
  Radiator grille painted sterling silver with chrome trim strips
  Rectangular, chromed tailpipes
  Stainless-steel scratch protection on the rear bumper
  Rear lights in a dark sports look
  Blue-tinted glass
  Sporty instrument cluster
  Sports seats for driver and front passenger
  Alcantara/ARTICO man-made leather seats with contrasting topstitching
  Aluminium trim
  Sports pedals made from brushed stainless steel with rubber studs
  Interior lighting package

• Chrome package: Mercedes customers are able to embellish the Off-Roader's elegant appearance with the addition of chrome-inlay door handles and side rub strips, rectangular, chromed tailpipes and a radiator grille with chrome trim strips. The chrome package is standard equipment for the ML 500.
• AIRMATIC package: Mercedes customers who attach the highest importance to on-road ride comfort will opt for this equipment package. It includes the AIRMATIC air suspension system in its on-road set-up, as well as the Adaptive Damping System ADS.

• Interior equipment package: Electrically adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, burr walnut trim with chrome inserts and the extended interior lighting system are all available by opting for this package.

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