The third generation of the
Mercedes-Benz M-Class sets a
new benchmark in the SUV
world. Its enhanced fuel
consumption and emission
figures are especially
impressive. Across the
range, fuel consumption is
improved by an average of 25
per cent over the previous
model. Particularly
noteworthy in this respect
is the ML 250 BlueTEC
4MATIC, which has an NEDC
consumption of 47.0 mpg (158
g CO2/km). Yet
for all this efficiency, the
M-Class retains its
combination of agility with
superior comfort. Further
impressive features of the
ML include 4MATIC permanent
all-wheel drive, new
developments to the chassis
and innovative driving
dynamics systems, all of
which improve performance in
both on-road and off-road
situations. Its active and
passive safety features are
typical for the brand. A
characteristic body design,
together with a versatile
interior that is highly
conducive to its occupants'
wellbeing, enhance the
driving experience in the
new M-Class.
Long-distance runner: high
efficiency ensures extensive
range
State-of-the-art engines, a
clear policy of engine
downsizing, a best-in-class
Cd value of 0.32 and a
comprehensive range of
BlueEFFICIENCY measures all
contribute to delivering
superb energy efficiency.
BlueTEC diesel engines and
the new generation of
BlueDIRECT petrol engines
provide the basis for the
excellent economic
efficiency and outstanding
environmental performance of
the new M-Class. As far as
the diesel models are
concerned, now only
available as BlueTEC units
with SCR emissions
technology, the focus is
firmly on downsizing and on
the new version of the V6
CDI engine.
In the ML 250 BlueTEC, the
3.0-litre V6 of the previous
model is replaced by the
thrifty four-cylinder
EU6-standard unit already
familiar from, for instance,
the S-Class.
The ML 350 BlueTEC uses a
completely reworked
3.0-litre V6 engine, which
also more than meets the EU6
emissions standard and
delivers far better
performance, yet with
considerably reduced fuel
consumption. The efficiency
improvements have been
achieved, above all, through
the use of the innovative
TWAS (twin-wire-arc
spraying) technology already
used with great success
since 2005 in AMG's
high-performance engines.
The positive results here
have led Mercedes-Benz to
adapt this cylinder wall
coating technology for use
in the V6 diesel engine as
well. The process reduces
internal friction in the
engine significantly. At the
same time, the weight has
been reduced by 4.3 kg, as
there is no longer any need
for the grey cast iron
cylinder liners that, until
now, had to be pressed into
the engine block. The
benefits are striking: with
these measures alone, fuel
consumption could be reduced
by around 3 percent.
A comparison of the data
with the corresponding
predecessor models:
|
|
ML 250
BlueTEC
4MATIC |
ML 300 CDI
BlueEFFICIENCY
4MATIC
(Predecessor) |
ML 350
BlueTEC
4MATIC |
ML 350 CDI
4MATIC
(Predecessor) |
|
Number of cylinders |
4 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
Displacement
cc |
2143 |
2987 |
2987 |
2987 |
|
Rated ouput
hp |
204 |
204 |
258 |
231 |
|
Max torque
Nm |
500 |
500 |
620 |
540 |
NEDC combined
mpg
CO2 / km |
43.4 -
47.0
158 |
31.4 - 33.6
224 |
38.1 -
41.5
179 |
30.0 - 31.8
235-246 |
Acceleration
0 - 62
mph
s |
9.0 |
8.3 |
7.4 |
7.6 |
|
Top speed
mph |
130 |
130 |
139 |
136 |
|
Emissions standard |
EU6 |
EU5 |
EU6 |
EU5 |
The ML 350 4MATIC
BlueEFFICIENCY petrol-engine
model, on the other hand,
delivers a convincing
performance thanks to the
technical details of the new
BlueDIRECT engine
generation. The key here is
the third-generation direct
petrol injection system with
spray-guided combustion and
new piezo injectors that
have an injection pressure
of 200 bar, together with
fast, multi-spark ignition
and a new stratified
combustion process. A
comparison of the data:
|
ML 350 4MATIC
BlueEFFICIENCY |
ML 350 4MATIC
(predecessor) |
|
Number of cylinders |
6 |
6 |
|
Displacement
cc |
3498 |
3498 |
|
Rated output
hp |
306 |
272 |
|
Max torque
Nm |
370 |
350 |
NEDC combined
consumption l/100 km
g CO2 /
km |
32.1 -
33.2
199 |
23.5 - 24.7
266 |
Acceleration
0-62 mph
s |
7.6 |
8.4 |
|
Top speed
mph |
146 |
139 |
|
Emissions standard |
EU5 |
EU5 |
The range calculated for a
full tank of fuel is
particularly impressive.
With an NEDC consumption of
47.0 mpg, the ML 250 BlueTEC
4MATIC with standard
70-litre tank can cover
around 720 miles before
needing to stop for fuel. If
the vehicle is fitted with
the optional 93-litre tank,
a distance of up to 930
miles is possible between
refuelling stops.
Attention to detail: a fine
finish adds efficiency
The excellent fuel economy
is underpinned by a
comprehensive package of
BlueEFFICIENCY measures as
well as by this
state-of-the-art
engineering. In addition to
the ECO start/stop function
that comes as standard,
these measures include the
new seven-speed 7G-TRONIC
PLUS automatic transmission
with a new fuel-economy
converter,
friction-optimised bearings
and a transmission oil
thermal management system.
Low-friction axle drives,
electric steering and tyres
with low rolling resistance
also play their part in
reducing fuel consumption.
The optimised belt drive
system with decoupler,
together with on-demand
control of all ancillary
components and pumps, also
helps to reduce the energy
requirements of the new
M-Class. The oil and water
pumps in the engine, as well
as the fuel pump in the rear
section of the vehicle, are
only activated according to
actual need. The same
control logic is used in the
THERMATIC and THERMOTRONIC
air conditioning systems. In
these, the coolant
compressor only runs when
necessary. A key factor in
the diesel engines is also
the optimisation that has
been undertaken of the flow
and counterpressure in the
exhaust system with its SCR
(Selective Catalytic
Reduction) emission control
technology.
A consistent use of
lightweight construction
techniques has enabled the
development engineers to
keep the weight of the
M-Class on a par with that
of its predecessor, despite
more equipment. The control
arms of the front and rear
axles, for example, and also
the bonnet and wings, are
made out of light and yet
very strong aluminium
alloys, while the cross
member for the instrument
panel is made of magnesium.
At market launch of the new
M-Class, there are three
models available: With fuel
consumption according to
NEDC of 47.0 mpg (158 g CO2/km),
the extremely fuel-efficient
ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC
delivers an output of 204 hp
along with 500 newton metres
of torque. It can accelerate
from a standing start to 62
mph in 9.0 seconds, while
its top speed is 130 mph.
The ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC,
is almost as frugal,
returning 41.5 mpg. With a
maximum output of 258 hp and
ample torque of 620 Nm, the
V6 diesel can accelerate to
62 mph in 7.4 seconds and
reach a top speed of 139
mph. With 306 hp, the
petrol-engined ML 350 4MATIC
BlueEFFICIENCY has an
average consumption,
according to NEDC, of 33.2
mpg, with a top speed of 146
mph.
UK Pricing and Specification
are still to be confirmed.
The M-Class will go on sale
in spring 2012.
