The redesigned M-class (chassis name W164) was introduced to the public in April 2005 as a 2006 model after showing at the North American International Auto Show in January. It is almost entirely new, with a more sporting, aerodynamic look the coefficient of drag is down to 0.34. Mercedes-Benz has also made the new M-class larger, measuring 150 mm longer than the first model. The M-Class was named “Best New Sport Utility Vehicle” in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards. The back was commonly referred as a shoebox so Daimler Chrysler spent most of their $600 million dollars on redesigning that part. The W164 platform used for the new M-Class is shared with the new GL-Class and is a unibody type rather than the former (W163) body-on-frame used by the M-Class vehicles produced from 1998-2005. The X164 GL-CLass, a longer 7-seater version of the W164 platform, is also available. New features in the 2006 M-Class include the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed transmission, optional Active Curve-Illuminating Bi-Xenon headlights which “steer” in the path of the vehicle, and an adjustable-height air suspension. 4-valve engines are replacing the previous 3-valve SOHC V6 and current 3-valve V8:
- ML350 – 3.5 L 4-valve V6, 272Hp(258 ft·lbf)
- ML500 – 5.5 L 4-valve V8, 382HP(550 N·m)
- ML550 – 5.5 L 4-valve V8, 382HP(550 N·m)(North America)
- ML63 AMG – 6.2 L 4-valve V8, 503HP (347 kW)
- ML280 CDI – 3.0 L V6 Turbo Diesel, 188HP (325 ft·lbf)
- ML320 CDI – 3.0 L V6 Turbo Diesel, 224HP (376 ft·lbf)
- ML420 CDI – 4.2 L V8 Diesel, 306HP (700 N·m)
Filed under: Uncategorized
