German Car Forum

Redesigned Mercedes-Benz M-class takes to the road for testing


By DALE JEWETT

Spied: 2012 Mercedes M-class

Mercedes-Benz gave its M-class SUV a mild freshening last year. But a more-thorough makeover is on the way two years from now for the 2012 model.

These prototypes--the first we've seen of the new M-class--are wearing a lot of camouflage, but through the nose opening we spy a sharper grille design that looks similar to the GLK.

We also see some styling changes in the door area. And the addition of LED headlights is likely--most of Mercedes' competitors in Europe are moving in that direction.

Mercedes engineers are focused on getting some weight out of the new M-class, in response to tougher fuel economy and emission standards. Look for the powertrain lineup to stay pretty much the same. But a hybrid is likely to join the mix.

The new M-class should be in showrooms in summer 2011.


Read more: Redesigned Mercedes-Benz M-class takes to the road for testing: AutoWeek Magazine

It might be for several different fuels/liquids?

www.jesmb.de

Now the first spyshots of the new M-Class (W166) appeared. It will be produced in Vance near Tuscaloosa (USA) starting in the spring of 2011. In Europe it will become available in the fall of 2011.

The new engines M276 (V6 gasoline), M278 (V8 gasoline) as well as the updated OM642LS (V6 CDI with over 250 hp) will be used in the new M-Class. A hybrid version is planned as well.

On the pictures one can recognise (cameras on the windshield), that the new M-Class will have a multitude of driving assist systems, (e.g. night vision, speedtronic, headlight assitant). (Pictures AMS)

More about the new V8 gasoline engine M278:

There is an interesting article on JESMB (JESMB (News)) about AMG future engines. Now my german isn’t that good so that I could translate it all the way so I put the text through a web translator and maybe something won’t match.
Here it is:

“Starting from 2010 AMG equips its vehicles with gasoline direct injection and with asynchronous operation function. By a steady increase of the efficiency AMG will reach a consumption reduction starting from 2012 by 30 per cent in relation to the today’s conditions. “

This today’s AMG message confirms the rumors in the circulation is already longer. Until 2012 become AMG the M156 E63, which first and only complete self-development, by a new V8 gasoline direct injection engine to replace. The beginning the new CLS (C218) will make for end of 2010 (supposed sales designation CLS 55 AMG BiTurbo). The new V8 gasoline direct injection is based again, like the old V8 compressor of AMG engines, on Mercedes development names M278. The M156 E of 63, 6.3 litres of V8 becomes then only in the new SLC (W197) as well as probably begun in the McLaren P11. The new Mercedes engines M276 (V6) and M278 (V8) are complex advancements of the past V6 (M272) and the past V8 (M273) engines. The beginning the M278-V8 could make for 2009 in S-class facelift. Surface covering the new M276 and M278 are used then 2010 for example in the new CLS (C218). The new engines essentially take over the engine mount from the current. Received beside it a completely new cylinder head with cgi direct injection technology and additionally with two turbochargers are loaded. The details to the M276 engines are not more near well-known yet.

The new M278 V8 becomes inclusive the AMG derivative in four Vairanten offered:

Motorblock – basis: M273 E46
New engine: M278 DE46
Power: ?
Remark: V8 with 4,6 litres & CGI technology

Motorblock – basis: M273 E46
New engine: M278 DE46 LA
Power: ?
Remark: V8 bi-turbo with 4,6 litres & CGI technology

Motorblock – basis: M273 E46
New engine: M278 DE46 LA
Power: 476 PS
Remark: V8 with 4,6 litres & CGI technology replacing the 500

Motorblock – basis: M273 E46
New engine: M278 DE55 LA
Power: over 550 PS
Remark: V8 with 4,6 litres & CGI technology new 55 AMG bi-turbo replacing the 63 AMG.

Source: JESMB

from: Future of AMG engines | No Speed Limit

you can see the top of the airvents in this pic and see where the NAV screen will be mounted... The dash top actually reminds me of a toyota, though this is a very limited view.

That post about engines is interesting. I guess we'll have to wait until the E-Class facelift/new S-Class for the new engines since the S facelift and new E intro didn't bring them to market.

M

Yes, the screen will likely be mounted higher. There is some regulation, where in some countries (maybe Japan?) it must be within 15% or so of the driver's forward view...

The introduction might be as early as this fall, maybe on the S-Class? Here's a post of M278 S-Class reported as being already in the US.

MBTAZ
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Join Date: Jun 2009
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It will be M276 (V6), M278 (V8 Twin-Turbo @ 450 hp) & M278 AMG (V8 Twin-Turbo @ 550-600) all with Direct Injection..

M278 is already resting in USA in S-class..


MBWorld.org Forums - View Single Post - V8 TT with 570 HP for AMG

I just can't see it though. The press releases have gone out the cars have been shipped and there would have been a lot of fanfare over a new V8. I think he meant "testing" in the U.S. not resting as in going on sale.....2010 S goes on sale in August.

M

Yea I hope they move the nav up. That is the only flaw with MB SUVs. I shouldn't have to look down at my nav.

Maybe MB will have something ready to introduce at the IAA in September? We'll see..

The first M278 production version is supposed to be the new CLS (C218) at the end of 2010,
probably as CLS 55 AMG BiTurbo..

What is the power expected for the new V6 gasoline?.

Very little is known about the new M276, other that it will likely be based on the current M272 V6. The M272 produces up to 316 hp, considering the sport version introduced last year.

Mercedes-Benz M272 engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I've given up on Mercedes and their V6. The U.S. market it seems is going to get hand me downs forever. By the time Mercedes gives the C/ML/E 350 cars 300hp the class will have moved to 350hp.

M

Once we get gas good enough for DI then we will get the good engines.
But Cap and Trade will F*** everything up big time.

And the diesels? the 350 CDI is laking power when compared to its rivals, the same as the 420 CDI?. What can we expect of these two?.

I hope, that the 350 CDI will produce around 250 hp and the 450 CDI around 350 hp soon… …these engines really need a little update, especially since 220 CDI produces 170hp and 250 CDI around 204!

I think the 350 CDI should get more than 250 hp, something like 270, BMW for example has 250, 300 and will have 350 hp diesels, that is what Mercedes need.

Mercedes already has the 420 CDI, with 235 kW/320 hp and 730 Nm of torque



Come again? BMW's 4.4 twin turbo V8 x50i has 407 hp, meaning the new 500 would have 70 hp more than a comparable BMW engine...that's just too much and not going to happen. The W211 E55 had 476 hp, no way the new 500 will have that too.
Or...??????

I wonder if it will be a larger GLK-Klasse in terms of looks , the current car is still relatively modern , but what we have heard is that the next M-Klasse will receive two wheelbases alowing the poor selling GL-Klasse's demise.

For the new V6 CDI generation, called OM642LS, 250 hp or more is expected. That's probably in the European E-Class or S-Class as the SUVs in the USA usually have a bit less power, but instead get more torque; for towing, 4MATIC etc. Currently the Euro E350 CDI has 231 hp and the Euro S350 CDI 235 hp.

According to the rumors the new M278 V8s will be available in 4 different power levels, so there might well be one available with a better match.

The GL is a bit too large for European roads. It is popular in the US with the wider roads and longer distances, and folks looking for a useable third row of seats. Besides the new ML (W166) there will likely be the new GL (X166).

I was gonna say that, but I didn't wanna get in trouble. So no double hump and now I'm wondering if it's a touch screen since it looks within reach.

Don't we have a thread already on the new ML?

You were right, threads merged.