M-Class (W166/C292) Mercedes ML-Class SUV – W166 (Spy pics & info)

[Centurion]

^^
Adventurous styling is reserved for the GLK an X3. Even the X5, Q7, Range Rover and Cayenne are highly reserved in their appearance.

 

[tennmb]

First SLK was still out when the Crossfire came out.

Yes, it was. And MB had already planned the launch of the next generation SLK. The crossfire came out in MY 2004 with the old SLK architecture, and the new SLK came out in MY 2005.


I think this is the reason the Jeep is being held to 2011. The car is obviously production ready now. Why would Jeep show a 2011 when the 2010 models haven't even come out yet?

So maybe early isnt the right word. 2011 for Jeep, and 2012 for the ML.

 

[Wolfgang]

I think this is the reason the Jeep is being held to 2011. The car is obviously production ready now. Why would Jeep show a 2011 when the 2010 models haven't even come out yet?

So maybe early isnt the right word. 2011 for Jeep, and 2012 for the ML.

The decision to share the platform between the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the ML (next generation, code name W166) was made in 2005, one of the first things Dieter Zetsche did when he took charge of Mercedes.

Mercedes makes the tools, the dies, with which to build the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, at MB-Tech Autodie in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

 

[tennmb]

I thought the 2011 Jeep is to based on the current 165 ML platform.

For example, the wheel base is showing the same as the current ML

 

[Yaz]

The current ML is the W164, not W165. The next generation M-Class is the W165, not W166.

 

[Wolfgang]

The current ML is the W164, not W165. The next generation M-Class is the W165, not W166.

W165 is already taken. That's why it might jump from W164 to W166.

Grand Prix Cars - Mercedes-Benz W 165

 

[Gullwing]

I don't think they care to much about what the 1930s GP cars were called.

Grand Prix Cars - Mercedes-Benz W 163

 

[Wolfgang]

I don't think they care to much about what the 1930s GP cars were called.

Grand Prix Cars - Mercedes-Benz W 163

That should have been a W154.

From your link:

"There is some question as to whether the W163 can even be called a separate model from the W154 since the 163 actually refers to the new M163 engine which was also used on the W154 for the 1938 season."

 

[Gullwing]

yup!

 

[Yaz]

So what can we expect in the new M-Class this time around? GLK interior? A standard COMAND?

It just hit me, if they're expanding the AL plant again, does that mean they're gonna add another model to be built there? Last time they expanded it, they added the R and GL to the lineup.

 

[Shining Star]

There have been reports of a smaller SUV to compete with the X1- dubbed the BLK. Maybe the extension of the Alabama plant isn't just for a new ML- but maybe for a new small SUV- and who knows? Maybe it could also build the next generation B-Class, which is rumored to come to the states (with styling cues based on the Concept BlueZero.

 

[Wolfgang]

Report: Next-gen M-Class to feature plug-in hybrid, twin-turbo V8 variants

Posted Yesterday, 12:20 PM by Alex Kaufmann

The current M-Class is expected to be succeeded by a new version, internally code-named W166, in mid-2011



As the world's carmakers go back to the drawing board on what they need to compete in today's market, both structurally and in terms of product, parts sharing and efficiency are becoming key concepts. Mercedes-Benz's next-gen M-Class could embrace both concepts with a much closer link to the next GL-Class and R-Class (or their successors) as well as more forward-looking powertrains

Due in the middle of 2011, the next-gen M-Class is still largely a matter of speculation. A few reports have revealed that a diesel-electric hybrid M-Class is in the works, although a gasoline-electric like that shown in the 2007 concept is already expected to arrive later this year. A plug-in variant of the M-Class hybrid is even possible, featuring an 80hp (60kW) electric motor paired with a twin turbo CGI engine for up to 18mi (30km) of electric-only driving and average emissions of 160g/km of CO2, reports AutoBild.

That hybrid system will draw on elements from the other hybrid programs within Mercedes, including the S400 powertrain. But other elements, including parts and underpinnings, will be shared more closely across the R-Class successor and GL-Class vehicles to help achieve economies of scale while still maintaining separate identities.

The M-Class's dominant position as the the consumer 4x4 of choice within Mercedes' lineup won't change, though the focus will increasingly be on efficiency rather than performance. Accordingly European models will likely get a 2.2L four-cylinder diesel rated at 204hp (152kW). A V6 diesel rated at 225hp (168kW) and a 333hp (248kW) V6 gasoline is also thought to be in the plans. The V8 engine will gain direct injection and twin turbos for the AMG model, which is expected to rate at least 570hp (425kW). [/COLOR]

Source: MotorAuthority/Autobild

 

[SKY]

I really like this, specially the rear end.

 

[Wolfgang]

Motortrend: Next-Gen Mercedes M-Class Could Diesel-Electric or Plug-In

Next-Gen Mercedes M-Class Could See Addition of Diesel-Electric or Plug-In Hybrid Models

June 10, 2009

By Benson Kong

Photography by the Manufacturer

The next-generation Mercedes M-Class luxury SUV is not due until mid-2011, but speculations are already swirling around the future of Mercedes' most popular utility offering. The most popular ventures into what will be arriving are a diesel-electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid. The plug-in hybrid is likely to be spun off the upcoming 2010 ML450 Hybrid, which is supposed to arrive in December. The ML450 Hybrid is capable of 21 city/24 highway, and a plug-in variation would extend its range even more.

In addition to offering more fuel-conscious M-Class SUVs, the performance-oriented AMG model is expected to pack at least 570 horsepower through a revised twin-turbo V-8 with direct injection.

Source: Truck Trend

 

[tennmb]

They've got to lose the quirky C-pillar. It really takes away from the SUV look and makes the car look shorter than it is.


New ML needs

Bold, flat hood. No more slope.
Modern grill. Get rid of the electric razor look.
Standard C-pillar with large D-pillar to match GLK and GL.
more back seat leg room.
Power domes on hood.

 

[Merc1]

I really like this, specially the rear end.

Yeah I actually like this too. Really slick looking. We gotta see what Huck says though.

M

 

[SKY]

I´m a bit confused about this renders, they come from Autobild, but are not signed by Huck, so...??

 

[klier]

They've got to lose the quirky C-pillar. It really takes away from the SUV look and makes the car look shorter than it is.


New ML needs

Bold, flat hood. No more slope.
Modern grill. Get rid of the electric razor look.
Standard C-pillar with large D-pillar to match GLK and GL.
more back seat leg room.
Power domes on hood.

I'm not so sure about that. The C Pillar has always been a design trademark of the ML, and I don't think they will let that go.

 

[SKY]

I´m with klier, that won´t happen.

 

[fortuner]

I really like this, specially the rear end.

WOW that would be great as a new ML AMG..just the front bumper needs to change a bit looks great ....