GLE Mercedes ML-Class SUV – W166 (Spy pics & info)

[LaArtist]

Looks like E class inspired rear lights..like the chop above

http://www.leftlanenews.com/mercedes-benz-ml-class-2012.html

 

[SKY]

So, Did you like the W212 E-Class rear lights?, this thing is going to have the same tail lights, remeber this.

EDIT: Pics not showing, here you have the link http://www.leftlanenews.com/mercedes...lass-2012.html

 

[Yaz]

Can't really tell so far, but it looks like it will definitely have the new gizmos from the new E (notice the lane departure and nightview cameras).

What the ML needs is a solid interior. I drove an '09 ML350 a while back and I just couldn't believe how outdated the interior has become.

 

[Merc1]

Oh no its going to share a chassis with a Chrysler product. Ugh. Seems like it is too early for it to be this far along already. The facelift just came out for 2009 and this thing looks production ready like in a year's time. Oh well I like other brands trucks better anyway looks like it will stay that way.


M

 

[Shining Star]

IMO from some angles the car looks like a Mitsubishi First Gen Outlander.

Hopefully the camo is hiding some good stuff, I have high hopes for the next M.

 

[sako97]

As the world's automakers 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 increasingly becoming key concepts. The next-generation of the ML-Class SUV could embrace both concepts with a much closer link to the next G-Class and R-Class (or their successors) as well as more forward-looking powertrains.

Due in the middle of 2011, the next-gen ML is still largely a matter of speculation. Spy shots of an early prototype reveal a smaller body than the current ML, though the wheelbase appears unchanged.

A few reports have revealed that a diesel-electric hybrid M-Class is in the works, although a petrol-electric hybrid like that shown in the 2007 concept ML450 hybridis already expected to arrive later this year. A plug-in variant of the ML hybrid is even possible, featuring an 80hp (60kW) electric motor paired with a twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 3.5L V6 and capable of travelling up to 18mi (30kW) on electric power alone is also thought to be in the works.

That plug-in 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 G-Class vehicles to help achieve economies of scale while still maintaining separate identities. The chassis underpinning the new SUV is also the same design found in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, one of the lasting legacies from the now defunct DaimlerChrysler.

The ML’s dominant position as 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 engine rated at 204hp (152kW). A V6 diesel rated at 225hp (168kW) and a 333hp (248kW) V6 petrol engine is also thought to be in the plans. The V8 engine will gain direct-injection and twin-turbochargers for the AMG model, which is expected to deliver at least 570hp (425kW).





Source: Auto Motor and Sport

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Looks bigger.... Make it sleek, make it power and make it an all star.

 

[PHYBENZ]

They say the wheelbase is the same length but it's actually overall shorter, though when I saw the photos I thought it looked bigger too, but could be the camo.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

They say the wheelbase is the same length but it's actually overall shorter, though when I saw the photos I thought it looked bigger too, but could be the camo.

That is what I was thinking. The rear look much longer then the current model. I would hope they have better sense then to make it smaller.

 

[PHYBENZ]

the fuel filler door looks huge....

 

[Wolfgang]

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

 

[Wolfgang]

the fuel filler door looks huge....

It might be for several different fuels/liquids?

 

[Wolfgang]

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)

 

[Wolfgang]

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

 

[PHYBENZ]

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.

 

[Merc1]

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

 

[Wolfgang]

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.

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...

 

[Wolfgang]

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

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
Newbie

Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: South OC
Posts: 1
Drives: Dreaming E63


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

 

[Merc1]

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

 

[HighestOfHigh]

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.

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.