2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 / ML550 / ML63
When Mercedes-Benz launched the first ML in 1997, it was among the first of the then-new class of stylish, comfortable, and carlike SUVs. Along with the BMW X5 and Lexus RX300, the M-class prompted affluent customers to turn to high rooflines in droves. Now the next-generation M-class, internally named W166, is almost ready to launch. We should see the first official pictures of the next M this summer, but one of our devoted readers caught this prototype out for a drive wearing very little disguise.
These shots show a similar roofline to the current generation’s, combined with a number of styling cues from Mercedes’ new styling notebook. The contour of the headlights evokes the C-class and the rear fenders stick out like the current E-class’s. The long wheelbase suggests that the next M-class could even offer seven-passenger seating, but that could make the crossover too similar to the more-expensive GL.
Mercedes already learned the lesson that off-road capability is something that customers rarely brag about and seldom use. We hear from within the company that the next-generation ML will place even less emphasis on truckishness and be more like a tall, four-wheel drive station wagon. There will be an optional air suspension, but its primary purpose will be to allow owners to lower the M-class for easier ingress and egress, rather than hike it up for tip-toeing over boulders.
Hybrids, Diesels, and Horsepower
Power will come from four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines, although we won’t see any fours in the U.S. We will again get a six-cylinder diesel option, which will see power grow from today’s 210 horsepower to 225. A stronger diesel also is likely, but it won’t be the diesel V-8 currently available in Europe, as that engine is being phased out.
Our base engine should be a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 with more than 300 hp. Above that will be a version of Mercedes’ new 4.6-liter turbo V-8 with around 450 hp. The awesome ML63—yes, it will reappear—will have more than 550 horsepower from AMG’s 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8. Mercedes also is planning to offer a plug-in hybrid based on the 3.0-liter V-6, which should have around 380 hp, and a hybrid version of the 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel. The latter will almost certainly stay in Europe, although we will see the engine, if not the hybrid system, in the GLK later this year.
Look for Mercedes to maintain its status as a technology and safety leader by offering a plethora of assistance systems. And an off-road package will likely remain on the options list, just in case you still need to brag.
When Mercedes-Benz launched the first ML in 1997, it was among the first of the then-new class of stylish, comfortable, and carlike SUVs. Along with the BMW X5 and Lexus RX300, the M-class prompted affluent customers to turn to high rooflines in droves. Now the next-generation M-class, internally named W166, is almost ready to launch. We should see the first official pictures of the next M this summer, but one of our devoted readers caught this prototype out for a drive wearing very little disguise.
These shots show a similar roofline to the current generation’s, combined with a number of styling cues from Mercedes’ new styling notebook. The contour of the headlights evokes the C-class and the rear fenders stick out like the current E-class’s. The long wheelbase suggests that the next M-class could even offer seven-passenger seating, but that could make the crossover too similar to the more-expensive GL.
Mercedes already learned the lesson that off-road capability is something that customers rarely brag about and seldom use. We hear from within the company that the next-generation ML will place even less emphasis on truckishness and be more like a tall, four-wheel drive station wagon. There will be an optional air suspension, but its primary purpose will be to allow owners to lower the M-class for easier ingress and egress, rather than hike it up for tip-toeing over boulders.
Hybrids, Diesels, and Horsepower
Power will come from four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines, although we won’t see any fours in the U.S. We will again get a six-cylinder diesel option, which will see power grow from today’s 210 horsepower to 225. A stronger diesel also is likely, but it won’t be the diesel V-8 currently available in Europe, as that engine is being phased out.
Our base engine should be a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 with more than 300 hp. Above that will be a version of Mercedes’ new 4.6-liter turbo V-8 with around 450 hp. The awesome ML63—yes, it will reappear—will have more than 550 horsepower from AMG’s 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8. Mercedes also is planning to offer a plug-in hybrid based on the 3.0-liter V-6, which should have around 380 hp, and a hybrid version of the 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel. The latter will almost certainly stay in Europe, although we will see the engine, if not the hybrid system, in the GLK later this year.
Look for Mercedes to maintain its status as a technology and safety leader by offering a plethora of assistance systems. And an off-road package will likely remain on the options list, just in case you still need to brag.
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