FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Benz's new M-Class seeking greener pastures

The M-Class is a very important model for Mercedes-Benz and the new W166 generation of ML is well equipped to carry the model forward into the future.

"With the M-Class, it has always been about combining the emotional appeal of the offroad characteristics of a high-performance SUV with the comfort and luxury of a saloon," said Thomas Merker, Chief Engineer of the M-Class, during a media briefing last week.

"The concept of the M-Class has been a tremendous success; since 1997 we have sold more than 1.2 million units of the first and second generation of the M-Class. This makes the M-Class the best-selling German SUV in the premium segment.

"In order to continue this success story... we have raised the bar in all major areas. In the active and passive safety, comfort on long journeys, driving dynamics — both on and offroad — and last, but not least, efficiency and eco-friendliness."

And indeed, Benz engineers working on the latest ML have certainly made current environmental concerns the principal focus for their efforts. Greater use of lightweight aluminium components, a slippery drag coefficient of 0.32CD, cleaner-running engines, a revised 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, electrically-assisted steering and an auto-stop/start facility all contribute to lower running costs and lower emissions.

Starting with the new entry-level model, the ML 250 BlueTEC, Benz has introduced the first four-cylinder drivetrain to the M-Class — and from having driven it, motoring.com.au can report it's a new benchmark for four-cylinder turbodiesels in luxury SUVs. Replacing the 3.0-litre diesel V6 variant in the previous M-Class range, the ML 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the ML 250 uses 6.0L/100km of fuel in the NEDC combined cycle test.

As we've reported already on the ML 250, the ADR equivalent figure is expected to be something closer to 6.2L/100km — still a very respectable figure for a vehicle capable of mustering 150kW and 500Nm from 2.1-litres. Benz claims that the NEDC figure is a 28 per cent improvement on the figure posted by the superseded V6 model.

Like the four-cylinder diesel, the V6 diesel powering the ML 350 BlueTEC is Euro6-compliant, relying on AdBlue injection, and is 24 per cent more efficient than the ML 350 CDI it replaces, according to Benz. That equates to an NEDC combined-cycle figure of 6.8L/100km, yet the 3.0-litre diesel V6 develops a handy output of 190kW and 620Nm.

The one petrol engine at launch is the 3.5-litre V6 in the ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY, although an AMG version is scheduled for release in April of next year and Benz's local spokesperson, David McCarthy advises there will be a non-AMG petrol V8 for the M-Class, although the Australian market is not assured of seeing this variant.

The petrol V6 is Euro5-compliant — not Euro6 — but still boasts an NEDC combined-cycle fuel consumption figure 25 per cent lower, 8.5L/100km, than the model it replaces. Peak power is up around 225kW and peak torque reaches 370Nm.

While Benz in other markets will offer the M-Class with a 70-litre tank, Australian-spec vehicles will only come with a 93-litre tank and, based on the NEDC fuel figures, each of the three variants boast a range in excess of 1000km with this tank — 1090km for the petrol V6, 1370 for the diesel V6 and 1500 for the diesel four-cylinder.

The 7G-TRONIC transmission has been revised for the new ML. It's part of a raft of measures aimed at reducing the M-Class's overall consumption and now features a more efficient torque converter, lower friction bearings and a thermal management system for the lubricant. The other measures include low-friction axles, electric steering, an optimised belt drive for ancillaries (with a decoupler and on-demand control of ancillaries) and low-rolling-resistance tyres. According to Benz too, the drag coefficient of 0.32Cd (for the ML 250) is best in class.

Australian specification for the new M-Class is yet to be confirmed, but it seems that the excellent Active Curve System (see separate story) will be standard for at least the two upper-level cars and possibly the basic ML 250 as well. The On&Offroad Pack is likely to be an option only. This is the only way to secure an M-Class with dual-range transfer. Benz argues that the call for ML variants to go offroad, even in Australia, doesn't warrant inflicting the added expense of offroad-ready mechanicals on the majority of buyers.

However, the M-Class will still cope with easier offroad conditions. In standard form the ML 250, for instance, boasts approach, breakover and departure angles of 26, 17 and 25 degrees respectively. With air suspension fitted, in lieu of the standard steel springs, those figures rise to 30, 20 and 28. The On&Offroad pack delivers figures of 31, 22 and 29 degrees. The towing capacity for all three variants is 3500kg braked.

International specs provided by Benz indicate the two diesel variants will ride on 17-inch wheels and 235/65 tyres, while the petrol V6 is fitted with 18-inch wheels and 255/55 tyres. There's a strong chance these wheel and tyre combos will apply in Australia too.

For our drive impressions of the new M-Class, stay tuned.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site.