The Hindu Business Line : Statement of power and style

The new M-Class underlines qualities such as design, functionality, driving pleasure, safety and off-road performance. Power and performance are the hallmark of the vehicle.

MMM... it is all class.

Sports utility vehicles were already established as a new class by the time Mercedes-Benz decided to enter this luxury off-roader segment with its M-Class in 1997. But in a matter of eight years the trend setting M-Class has become the benchmark for other luxury car manufacturers, and its amazing success has been the reason for many of the other luxury brands to also attempt a doe-footed entry into this fast-growing category.

With no competition in the luxury off-roader segment in the late 1990s, the award-winning Mercedes-Benz M-Class quickly became the standard to try and beat for the other luxury passenger car marques such as Porsche, Volkswagen, BMW and Audi.

The first generation M-Class was considered the quintessential modern luxury sports utility, a vehicle that can hold its own both for its off-roading ability and the sedan-like luxury, comfort and safety.

The new (second-generation) M-Class was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show last year, as part of Daimler Chrysler's new range of vehicles. The luxury off-roader was launched in the Indian market earlier this year and will be part of DaimlerChrysler India's imported completely built range.

Design and performance

The new M-Class underlines qualities such as design, functionality, driving pleasure, safety and off-road performance.

Performance and ample power are the hallmark of the second generation M-Class. Three of the four engines in theM-Class (20005) are new and surpass the output and torque of the power units in the earlier model by up to 38 per cent. Cutting-edge drive-system technology and impressive aerodynamics (the Cd value is down to 0.34 from 0.40) combine to cut fuel consumption by as much as 10 per cent compared to the predecessor.

A new V6 diesel engine, available with two different outputs and featuring third-generation common-rail direct injection technology, has the potential to set a new benchmark.

The unit in the ML 320 CDI delivers 165 kW/224 bhp and places a maximum torque of 510 Newton metres on tap at as low an rpm as 1,600. Also on hand, the new ML 280 CDI serves up 140 kW/190 bhp and a peak torque of 440 Newton metres.

The diesel models burn just 9.4 litres of fuel per 100 km (combined consumption), 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 272 bhp and a maximum torque of 350 Newton metres. The eight-cylinder unit in the ML 500, which now has an output of 225 kW/306 bhp, heads the engine range for the M-Class.

The unique 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 reserves of power, while making a major contribution to fuel economy. 7G-TRONIC can now be operated electronically using a gearshift lever positioned close to the steering wheel, a new system, which Mercedes-Benz calls `Direct Select'. Additional gearshift buttons located next to the steering wheel enable the driver glide manually through the seven gears.

The design of the new M-Class is a beguiling blend of strongly contoured surfaces and taut lines. The steeply raked, swept-back windscreen, striking, muscular front wings and the rising shoulder of the new car give the exteriors of the car a sporty tone. The new M-Class is 150 mm longer (now 4780 mm), 71 mm wider (now 1911 mm) and 5 mm lower (now 1815 mm including the roof rails) than its predecessor. The wheelbase has also grown by 95 mm to 2915 mm.

Mercedes-Benz has taken the permanent four-wheel drive and its own 4ETS traction systems to the next level by incorporating additional functions such as Downhill Speed Regulation, Start-Off Assist and the off-road ABS system. The air suspension also significantly improves ride comfort, which is why Mercedes-Benz offers a road-going version of this technology as an option.

To further improve the ride quality, Mercedes' engineers have also redeveloped the front and rear suspension of the M-Class. The new double-wishbone front suspension significantly reduces road roar and tyre vibration, ensuring impressive driving dynamics with its raised aluminium wishbones.

The new rear axle has a four-link suspension system. Standard-fitted light-alloy wheels and wide 235/65, R 17 (V6 models) tyres emphasise the sporting pedigree of the new M-Class.

Class leading safety

The 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 impact absorbing, deformation zones in the front and rear ends.

Other state-of-the-art technology taken from luxury class cars as standard for the M-Class include adaptive, two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger, front sidebags and 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 whiplash protection for the driver and front passenger.

With the option of adding the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE to the mix of other safety technologies (already available in the Merc S-Class), the new Merc off-roader raises the bar in its class.

This award-winning technology provides a pre-programmed reflex response to critical driving situations when there is a threat of an accident, preparing the car and its occupants for an impending collision.

PRE-SAFE acts in advance to tighten the driver and front passenger seat belts, bring the fore/aft setting and the cushion and backrest angle of the electrically adjustable front passenger seat into a more favourable position and closes the sunroof if there is a risk of the vehicle rolling over. The system is linked to the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and brake assist, whose sensors identify dangerous driving.

The M Class is optionally available with the newly developed multi-zone `Thermotronic' two-zone or three-zone automatic climate control system, the Parktronic parking aid and the Comand APS control and display system with pan-European DVD navigation. Bi-xenon headlamps with the Active Light System and the optional cornering light function enhance driving safety in the dark.

The new M-Class' price starts at Rs 56 lakh (ex-showroom) for eligible Indian buyers. Though competing models such as the Porsche Cayanne and BMW X5 are already in the Indian market and other models such as the Volkswagen Touareg and the Audi Q7 are to come in soon, the new M-Class' refreshing combination of design, technology and luxury should find ready takers among buyers here.

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