M-Class (W164) 2009 Mercedes ML-Class?

[RBP]

Does anyone know what changes will be made for 2009? Will the command system be updated? (I hate the current one)

 

[ree]

Re: 2009 Ml ??

Does anyone know what changes will be made for 2009? Will the command system be updated? (I hate the current one)

Welcome to GCF RBP...!! I'm sorry, but I have no idea, if Mercedes will update the Command. But I think, that they will install the new Command in the next ML.

 

[Merc1]

Re: 2009 Ml ??

Just a guess, but a facelift is coming 2009 which should include some modernizing of the the Comand system and other things. New V6 engine should be part of the deal too since there is now over a 100hp difference between the V6 and the V8. Mercedes is going to have to update the ML throughly when the GLK arrives to keep it from killing it. I'd like to see Mercedes give the 09 ML the same comand setup as in the new C, but I don't think they'll go that far.

M

 

[coolraoul]

Re: 2009 Ml ??

The actual ML was not designed to have the Comand with Controller, so it certainly won't have the Comand Controller, that's for sure.
It may will be actualised, maybe with a hard drive but I doubt it. For me the Comand won't change much with the FL.

 

[cawimmer430]

Re: 2009 Ml ??

I just wish Mercedes would adopt touch-screen technology. It's so much more quicker, efficient and hassle-free.

I do expect a lot of major changes for the ML during the facelift. The competition, notably, Audi, BMW and Infiniti have stepped up their game big time, particularly in the sports department.

Nevertheless, the ML has always been more of a luxury SUV rather than a sports SUV. And having driven the ML350 and ML320 CDI, I can attest that the current W164 is sporty enough. The handling is fine.

Just like the C350, I am hoping the facelifted ML350 will get a more powerful V6. 300+ horsepower at least for the sake of looking good on paper against the competition, and on the road.

 

[coolraoul]

Re: 2009 Ml ??

There is no way the ML could get a touch screen; all that you can hope it that it will get the Comand Controller with the facelift.
I like these iDrive/MMI/Controller a lot, much more than a touch screen personnally... But that's a very personal choice, between Controller and touchscreen.

Much harder to use a touch screen whan the car is rolling...And when the car has stopped, the pleasure of these menus with all the functions available, I love it.

 

[Gullwing]

Re: 2009 Ml ??

I heard from someone at Mercedes that they do not like touch-screens.
They do not like the finger prints left on the screen, if they could figure out a way to fix that then they would start using them.

 

[cawimmer430]

Re: 2009 Ml ??

There is no way the ML could get a touch screen; all that you can hope it that it will get the Comand Controller with the facelift.
I like these iDrive/MMI/Controller a lot, much more than a touch screen personnally... But that's a very personal choice, between Controller and touchscreen.

Much harder to use a touch screen whan the car is rolling...And when the car has stopped, the pleasure of these menus with all the functions available, I love it.

I don't think you're supposed to use a touchscreen while your car is in motion!

Voice-recognition and such would be cool too.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Re: 2009 Ml ??

I heard from someone at Mercedes that they do not like touch-screens.
They do not like the finger prints left on the screen, if they could figure out a way to fix that then they would start using them.

LOL thats an absurd reason not to use touch screens...how about a handy little tray with a nice wipe cloth right next to the screen.

 

[coolraoul]

The problem with touch-screen is that it is unusable in motion... And that it is slow to use, compared to the big knob. Other thing is that you never know when you are supposed to touch the buttons or the touch screen, depending on the functions.
There also is the problem of durability. A handy lasts between 2 and 4 years, a car is supposed to run at least 30 years...If they use a plastic screen it will scratch sooner or later, if they use a glass one it is a safety issue, and I don't think they can use safety-glass, it does not let the electricity go throiugh because too thick.

But the biggest problem...is that you can't place the touch screen in the driver's vision field.

It must be placed lower to be usable, so it is more distractive in reality.

And more reflecting, whereas a single non-touch screen can be placed deeper to avoid the reflectings, and higher, perfectly in the driver's vision field.

And you can't use a touch screen with your arm comfortable on the armrest... you have to move your arm, to have a precise finger...

For me, a knob with some buttons is the perfect solution, actually.

The voice recognition.. I don't see me talking to my car, honestly

 

[RBP]

So I'll take that as a nope....nobody knows.

You'd think someone that works at Mercedes would be in these forums dropping a few hints from time to time.

ML would be much better if it had a nav system like Acura. The current Command system is making the ML tecnologically obsolete.

 

[Yaz]

Well, I think a lot of people have answered your question.

2009 should be the facelifted model year (?), which means it's gonna be a typical MB facelift. New head lights/tail lights/grille/bumpers/mirriors and probably that new '350 engine.

For the interior, I wouldn't expect too much. A new steering wheel and very little changes to the interior layout.

If you want COMAND III in the current ML, good luck my friend. That won't happen until the next generation M-Class (2012??). There are currently two versions of COMAND III. The one in the S/CL and the one in the new C. The other versions are the one in the new E/GLK and the facelifted SL. According to a memeber here, only the facelifted SL is getting COMAND III. I can see why they'd spend the extra dough on the SL, but no way would they retrofit COMAND III into the current ML. That would cost a whole lot of money to do.

If you like touch screen GPS, get a portable one. I don't see MB using a touch screen COMAND system any time in the future.

 

[RBP]

Still just a lot of conjecture. Since they are going to launch the ML450 Hybrid, they might do a little more to bring the ML up to date. Slapping in a different screen where the current screen is and re-kitting the armrest console to fit a knob and a couple of buttons doesn't seem like a huge step for them to gain some functionality and bring it up to date. They obviously recognize the need to update the systems, and with the new E, a new SL coming, they may not want the ML to be the only orphan using the old system for another 4-5 years.

I'll still cross my fingers for them to do something. The ML is good...but with a new higher-def screen and more functionality, it would be better.

 

[coolraoul]

If they do it for the SL (which is still not sure), it is true that they eventually could do it for the ML.
But I honestly don't think so.

The SL is getting a bif face-lift, because it will last longer than previewed, and much longer than a normal car; and its Comand is getting really old too.

The ML will have a normal MB-FL, meaning really small. New lights and bumpers, maybe new colours, some new options, little modifications in the interior, and that's it. No big change. (yes, new motors too).

Don't hope the Comand III, you may will be surprised... Or not. But at least you won't be deceived...

 

[RBP]

How about this for a thought. It has been rumored that Apple was working on a nav/command system with Mercedes-Benz. Rumours have it to be a touch screen similar to the new iPhone. That touch screen could easily fit in the current command system location and not require a knob placement or significant interior redesign.

Keep in mind the first iPod integration kit was launched on the 2006 M-Class so Apple and Mercedes do have a history of partnership. The rumours had it as been available for 2009 models and could possibly be in a re-designed M-Class. That being said...the rumour mill has been quiet for a while, but then agin...apple can keep a pretty tight lid on rumours.

The new E-Class doesn't appear to have a touch screen system based on spy photos of the interior, but that doesn't mean they couldn't put something in the M-Class.

I'm going to remain pessimistically optimistic.

 

[coolraoul]

I've just read in a German thread that the ML will get the FL in the summer 2008, and will have a new Comand APS. So I think, updated Comand, maybe the Comand III but I don't think so. I expect an upadted version of the current one.

 

[RBP]

4 more years of the current command system would simply be too painful. Even Mercedes-Benz has to realize that the user/nav technology is very important to the customer...and looking too out of date will hurt sales.

 

[Merc1]

Aren't the ML, CLS, SL, SLK, and others due for a facelifts all supposed to get new uniform Comand/Nav system?

M

 

[coolraoul]

Yes they will, a derivate of the Comand III, and Mercedes says "more user-friendly". Don't think it will come with the Comand Controller though, but it is absolutely sure the Comand will be updated ans simplified for ML, SLK, CLS ansd SL.

 

[RBP]

So now that we've seen the SLK facelift...I am guessing this is what the new telematics for the ML will look like:

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