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

[Shining Star]

Have we determined whether the new Jeep Cherokee is in fact based on the W166 before the W166 even comes out (meaning that the W166 is in fact based off of the Cherokee), or is it based on the current ML?

Whatever it is, the thing is getting RAVE reviews, and it is apparently flying off of Dealer lots. I'd say that it is seemingly and apparently the most perfect example of what an SUV is supposed to be (not speaking on styling, which is so so to me, not sure how I feel about it, but it's certainly secondary with that car).

Just upon my judgement, I'd say that the Grand Cherokee is based off of the W164, as the Grand Cherokee was unveiled in April of 2009. I doubt Jeep would be based off of the W166, as the W166 is being unveiled more than two years after the Grand Cherokee.

Here's a passage from the Grand Cherokee's press release, dated April 2009:

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is built on a proven rear-wheel-drive unibody platform sharing the same underpinnings as the Mercedes-Benz ML.

There's nothing to suggest that the GC is based off of the W166, as this passage is clearly referencing the current ML (W164), which at the time had recently been facelifted.

 

[SCOTT27]

Since it is being released this week, the pictures have now been uploaded. -
Sorry but It is Bland and nondescript. And there is too much activity on the side of the car. It looks like they had to do something about the large expanse of metal and starting drawing connecting lines everywhere to make it look smaller.
To come from the SLS AMG Roadster to this? oh dear. The headlines will be more about the technology and more so the hybrid tech than they will be about the design. Thumbs up for the interior though.

Here's hoping the B-Klasse comes out ok.

 

[Shining Star]

You've seen pictures? Are they on a website? Have you seen the AMG pack?

 

[SCOTT27]

They are on the industry only OICA list, OICA is the International industry body for autoshows. You will see them within a day or too.

 

[SCOTT27]

Have you seen the AMG pack?

It needs the AMG packet to lift it from it's mundane appearance in standard format.

 

[adam3k]

It needs the AMG packet to lift it from it's mundane appearance in standard format.

Scott - off topic - but is that a sketch for the next 3 coupe?

 

[Nicks]

That's funny - SCOTT27 is working his butt off to prove that 1-er actually looks good and "pictures do not do the car justice". At the same time he's telling that ML looks "Bland and nondescript" judging only from photos.

lame

 

[Giannis]

Let's keep this thread on-topic please!

 

[Shining Star]

Probably the last set of spy photos before the big debut tomorrow or tuesday:

From Motor-Talk.de, user donlemmi

 

[Nicks]

Let's keep this thread on-topic please!

Discussing new ML aren't we?

 

[fortuner]

Bland and nondescript WoW i am waiting for this car to debut i better go buy a ML350 cdi the W164 because according to scott this new one is going to be 1 disaster....

 

[SCOTT27]

Look at it. It needs the AMG pack to look at least interesting.

 

[Giannis]

Look at it. It needs the AMG pack to look at least interesting.

Many cars work that way and need the AMG/M/S-Line/Sport packages to look good. Which is a shame for those that buy the more basic versions of the car in question...

 

[as7920]

Look at it. It needs the AMG pack to look at least interesting.

Well I wouldn't touch the new 1er without it either! Interesting it (F20 Urban/Sport) may be, attractive it is not (without M Sport!)

 

[Shining Star]

Brochure scans have been leaked. New thread here:

http://www.germancarforum.com/m-class/37738-leaked-2012-mercedes-benz-m-class.html

 

[Wunderkind]

But I don't think the next M Class is nondescript and mundane at all. Don't forget the Mercedes designers designed the M Class to be practical and with lots of space for luggages in the rear and hence its boxy silhouette. The BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne have very little usable luggage space in comparison.

 

[Habsone]

The All New 2012 M class is now Available @ mbusa.com and on motortrend.com with about 60 pic.

 

[MBFanToDeath]

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[HighestOfHigh]

After seeing the regular model, the AMG is truly going to be mean this time. I just hope the front bumper looks better than the previous M AMG.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Since it is being released this week, the pictures have now been uploaded. -
Sorry but It is Bland and nondescript. And there is too much activity on the side of the car. It looks like they had to do something about the large expanse of metal and starting drawing connecting lines everywhere to make it look smaller.
To come from the SLS AMG Roadster to this? oh dear. The headlines will be more about the technology and more so the hybrid tech than they will be about the design. Thumbs up for the interior though.

Here's hoping the B-Klasse comes out ok.

Scott I'm sorry to have doubted you here, but you were absolutely right. The ML does look bland and non descript in the press photos!