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

[PHYBENZ]

^^^ The exhaust is there, look closely. It's integrated into the bumper like the GL and S

 

[EnI]

latest rumors, the ML will drop the L.


ML

So the US gets the "M 350" and "M 350 BlueTEC".

Update: Die nächste Generation des M: W166 in Sindelfingen | Mercedes-Benz Passion Blog

Nope.

"M 350" trademark is already owned by BMW.
Among similar others (M xxx).

And just few days ago BMW filed for registration of the following trademarks: M300, M350, M400, M500, M35, M40, M55, M60, M65, M10, M1, M7, M2, M130, M135, M140, M235, M330, M335, M340, M435, M440, M450, M650, M230, M240, M430, M550, M750.

A clear sign BMW doesn't want MB to drop the L from ML.

 

[Merc1]

And I don't see why Mercedes would want to at this point. People know what an ML is. Why go to just M when that could be a BMW or an Infiniti. Keep it ML.


M

 

[Wolfgang]

^^
so far it's a rumor. We'll see.

WHAT?? no visible exhausts? MB must be joking.

better visible on the M63?

Update: Die nächste Generation des M: W166 in Sindelfingen | Mercedes-Benz Passion Blog

 

[Shining Star]

WHAT?? no visible exhausts? MB must be joking.

Wait for better pictures. Besides, this may be a rendering; I'm actually really confused about the above images. When the were first released on Autobild, credit was given to Larson. But the caption says "world exclusive first photos.", and looks to be dead on accurate.

As for the ML or M rumor, let's just wait until they unveil the car. MB Passion is usually reliable with facts like these, but you can't argue with BMWs trademarks...I'm guessing that it's staying ML.

But I always wondered why MB's midsize SUV was referred to as M-Class yet became the ML(add number) when referring to the engine. Strange, as no other Mercedes SUV has that kind of nomenclature.

 

[Nicks]

Same rumors were that Cl would become S-coupe
99% Ml keeps it's name

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Same rumors were that Cl would become S-coupe
99% Ml keeps it's name

It will in 2013.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

BS...

Honestly I like M better than ML. I've always considered it the M-class anyway. It's annoying to think BMW claim everything.

"M 350" trademark is already owned by BMW.

Sad. It's amazing that Infiniti and Audi (Even though Infinti did try to stop the use of Q) can still use that same letter, but yet BMW owns M.

Blah. Whatever...As long as the car looks good.

 

[Wolfgang]

M by itself just looks a bit bland, and ML sounds more intriguing to me.

The 'M" probably stands for multi purpose vehicle. The "L" in Mercedes names usually designates "Leicht" for light weight, and this may have been appropriate for the first M-Class in particular, remembering that it started with a curb weight of only 4200 lbs in the 1998 model year. Lateron the weight increased somewhat, but still compares favorably, using the numbers for the USA models. If rumors are correct and the W166 is indeed even lighter, Mercedes-Benz may want to stick with the L designation?

2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4729 lbs
2011 BMW X5 4960 lbs
2011 Audi Q7 5192 lbs

 

[fortuner]

I think this is the real Deal ML with AMG pack...I for one like it..Really like the front bumper and the headlights i was very worried but seems they made it good..

We need some official pics soon..

 

[Shining Star]

New spy photos from motor-talk.de, user topshooter

 

[Tarek]

Ha..the car looks better than the new Cayenne already.

 

[Shining Star]

Some new shots from teamspeed.com, from member Hill

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Starting to look like an SUV version of the E-class. Especially in the rear.

 

[fortuner]

Yup it has a resmblence to the E which should work well on the SUV..i wish they had bit braoder fenders maybe thats left for the AMG..

 

[klier]

Ha..the car looks better than the new Cayenne already.

Yeah, but that's not hard as the new Cayenne is quite ugly...

M by itself just looks a bit bland, and ML sounds more intriguing to me.

The 'M" probably stands for multi purpose vehicle. The "L" in Mercedes names usually designates "Leicht" for light weight, and this may have been appropriate for the first M-Class in particular, remembering that it started with a curb weight of only 4200 lbs in the 1998 model year. Lateron the weight increased somewhat, but still compares favorably, using the numbers for the USA models. If rumors are correct and the W166 is indeed even lighter, Mercedes-Benz may want to stick with the L designation?

2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4729 lbs
2011 BMW X5 4960 lbs
2011 Audi Q7 5192 lbs

Hehehe, so you're saying it's ML and not M because the ML is such a lightweight SUV??
Reality check: BMW didn't let them use the letter M only. Guess why.
And the ML is currently the lightest of the 3 because it's the smallest of the 3.
But nice story

It's annoying to think BMW claim everything.

It's annoying you have to say something this...uhm....silly.

 

[tennmb]

The BMW and the Q7 both offer 3rd row seating, and are larger. So, that argument holds little weight. (no pun intended)

Even the basic trim looks good in these pics. Not real thrilled with the interior design of the headlamps. Pretty dull compared to some of the CGIs we've seen. Interior is looking to be major upgrade.

 

[LaArtist]

I dont get all this hype about the name..
Its always been called the M class..

But it says ML on the boot..

I guess it will be the same this time around.

From MB german website:

Who cares about BMW crying.. they could have done that back in the 90´s..and frankly i dont think they will now either..its just the fanboys..

 

[PHYBENZ]

Door panel trim reminds me of the X5.

 

[Wolfgang]

The BMW and the Q7 both offer 3rd row seating..

My wife's 99 ML certainly has 7 seats, and is pretty light, around 4300 lbs.

Rumor has it 3rd row will come back in the X166?