1. Model Range
2. 4MATIC Technology in the S-Class
3. The New-Generation E-Class with 4MATIC
4. The Mercedes-Benz SUVs
5. The G-Class
6. Tradition with Traction
7. Overview of 4MATIC Model Range

The Mercedes-Benz SUVs: Three all-rounders with powerful 4MATIC all-wheel drive

• ML-Class: cultivated power with effortless superiority
  
  
• GL-Class: first-class on and off-road
  
  
• R-Class: touring SUV for up to six passengers
  

Stuttgart, Jan 04, 2007
ML-Class, GL-Class and R-Class – Mercedes-Benz offers a customised range of versatile vehicle concepts which no other car manufacturer can match. All three SUVs feature impressive dynamic design, powerful engines, generous ride comfort and a superior drive concept, the 4MATIC all-wheel drive – turning them into the first choice for the discerning driver.

The M-Class line-up comprises three diesel variants and three petrol-engined models. The entry-level model is the ML 280 CDI 4MATIC whose 2987-cc V6 diesel engine develops 140 kW/190 hp and 440 Newton metres of torque. Next in line is the ML 320 CDI 4MATIC with the same displacement and 165 kW/224 hp and 510 Newton metres of torque. The ML 420 CDI 4MATIC is even more effortlessly superior courtesy of its V8 diesel engine delivering a maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp and torque of 700 Nm. All CDI models come as standard with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter.

The M-Class petrol variants start with the ML 350 4MATIC whose V6 unit develops 200 kW/272 hp and 350 Newton metres of torque. At the top end of the engine range are two eight-cylinder units: the ML 500 4MATIC with 225 kW/306 hp and 460 Newton metres, and the ML 63 AMG 4MATIC whose AMG high-performance V8 engine developing 375 kW/510 hp and 630 Newton metres guarantees the kind of performance more readily associated with a sports car.

The most important data for the ML-Class at a glance:

The 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with a fixed 50 : 50 power split comes with the 4ETS traction system and additional functions such as Downhill Speed Regulation, Start-Off Assist and off-road ABS. The M-Class can be ordered with two different variants of the all-wheel drive system, allowing it to meet the diverse requirements of off-road drivers: in addition to the basic version, the Off-Road Pro engineering package is optionally available; it enables the M-Class to master even the toughest routes across rough terrain. Its primary features include a two-speed transfer case with a low-range ratio, manually or automatically selectable differential locks (100 percent) between the front and rear axle and at the rear axle, an underride guard, and a modified version of the AIRMATIC air suspension system tailored to off-road driving, which can raise the ground clearance by 110 mm to as much as 291 millimetres and the vehicle’s fording depth to a maximum of 600 millimetres.

The air suspension also significantly improves ride comfort, which is why Mercedes-Benz offers a road-going version of this technology as an option. AIRMATIC works as standard in tandem with the Adaptive Damping System (ADS), which regulates the damping to suit the individual situation. And in turn the M-Class is opening up new dimensions in dynamic handing and ride comfort. The standard specification for the ML 63 AMG 4MATIC features the AMG sports suspension based on the AIRMATIC package; the powerful top-of-the-line model also comes with a decidedly sporty set-up for the all-wheel drive: the power from the AMG V8 engine is split 40 : 60 between the front and rear wheels to deliver outstanding dynamic handling.

GL-Class: seven-seater premium off-roader

Mercedes-Benz has added a new highlight in the market segment for luxury Sports Utility Vehicles: the GL-Class. The seven-seater premium off-roader offers excellent handling both on and off-road and pampers occupants with its extremely spacious accommodation and the comfort of a luxury saloon. The GL-Class sets another milestone with the extensive PRE-SAFE® safety system, a first in this market segment.

The GL-Class meets all the requirements of a state-of-the-art, innovative SUV and even redefines them on a higher level. Yet the hallmark Mercedes off-roader genes such as superlative robustness, ruggedness and long-term durability have not been compromised. It is not without reason that the model designation echoes the legendary precursor of all Mercedes-Benz off-road vehicles – the G-Class. The evergreen off-roader is now in its 27th year of production and will continue to be marketed alongside the new GL-Class.

With its effortlessly superior presence, the GL-Class leaves one in no doubt about its aspirations to conquer this market segment. The distinctive design idiom exudes power and exclusivity. Calm body surfaces, powerful, wedge-shaped features and striking details give the impression the luxury off-roader is surging forward even when stationary. The spacious body (length 5088 mm, width 1920 mm, height 1840 mm) is beautifully proportioned, giving the exclusive all-rounder its compelling looks.

The engine line-up includes four advanced powerplants that make driving a sheer pleasure thanks to their smooth torque and power delivery. The V8 diesel engine in the GL 420 CDI delivers 225 kW/306 hp and provides the ideal conditions for superior powertrain comfort courtesy of the 700 Newton metres of torque. The tried-and-trusted V6 diesel engine in the GL 320 CDI moves effortlessly with its 165 kW/224 hp and 510 Newton metres. Both common-rail diesel units feature maintenance-free particulate filters as standard. In addition to the 285-kW/388-hp 5.5-litre V8 engine in the GL 500, a second eight-cylinder model is available – the GL 450 with a maximum output of 250 kW/340 hp.

The most important data for the GL-Class at a glance:

Outstanding handling on and off-road

4MATIC – the permanent all-wheel drive from Mercedes-Benz – provides the GL Class with superior handling whatever the conditions. Together with the standard-fit AIRMATIC air suspension, the precise speed-sensitive power steering and the Adaptive Damping System (ADS) also fitted as standard, the imposing GL Class (wheelbase 3075 mm) handles impressively.

While the GL-Class cuts a fine figure on the road, its performance off the road is equally impressive. The modified AIRMATIC system permits a ground clearance of 307 mm in the highest off-road mode, in which case the fording depth is 600 mm. Should the ground clearance on occasion prove insufficient, a steel underride guard protects the important chassis and powertrain components.

The standard-fit Off-Road Pro engineering package extends the range of options for negotiating normally impassable terrain considerably. Thanks to the transfer case reduction gearing (2.93 : 1) and multiple-disc locks with up to 100% locking at the reinforced rear axle and in the centre differential, almost all off-road terrain becomes passable. The traction-control measures are backed up by the 4ETS electronic traction control system. In addition to 4ETS, further electronic dynamic handling control systems help to make the GL-Class driver's job easier when negotiating difficult terrain, such as the off-road ABS system, Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) and Start-Off assist.

R-Class: two wheelbases and five engine variants

Mercedes-Benz has realised an automobile concept with the R Class, which combines exemplary ride comfort with superb adaptability, large load capacity (up to 2385 litres), typical Mercedes safety and sophisticated design. The 4+2-seater meets the wishes of today’s motorists for a car for the family, recreation, touring and business – a car for every occasion in fact. The model line-up also offers additional versatility with the touring SUV available in two body variants, offering a choice of wheelbase (2980 or 3215 millimetres) and length (4922 or 5157 millimetres).

The engine line-up corresponds largely to that of the M-Class: the two diesel R 280 CDI 4MATIC and R 320 CDI 4MATIC variants developing 140 kW/190 hp and 165 kW/224 hp respectively provide superb touring combined with outstanding economy and come with a maintenance-free particulate filter as standard. Next in line are the R 350 4MATIC and R 500 4MATIC developing 200 kW/272 hp and 225 kW/306 hp. The R 63 AMG 4MATIC is available as the exclusive high-end model; its AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine generates 375 kW/510 hp and maximum torque of 630 Newton metres.

All R-Class models at a glance:

* Only available with short wheelbase; figures in brackets refer to models with long wheelbase

The 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive splits the engine power 50 : 50 between the front and rear wheels. The electronically controlled 4ETS and ESP® dynamic handling control systems offer peerless driving safety and keep the R-Class safely on course, even in very bad road conditions. These systems all make up part of the vehicle’s standard specification, as does the air suspension at the rear axle. The optional all-round AIRMATIC air suspension with the Adaptive Damping System (ADS) lowers the body by 20 millimetres at high speed to reduce wind resistance.

The AMG sports suspension based on the AIRMATIC package is part of the standard specification for the R 63 AMG 4MATIC; the powerful top-of-the-line model also comes with a decidedly sporty permanent all-wheel drive: the power from the AMG V8 engine is split 40 : 60 between the front and rear wheels to deliver outstanding dynamic handling.

New Trailer Stability Assist as additional function on ESP®

Anyone ordering the M-Class, GL-Class or R-Class with a trailer coupling ex factory will also benefit from the new Trailer Stability Assist function. TSA is an additional function on the ESP® Electronic Stability Program which provides greater safety when driving with a trailer. TSA is able to detect the onset of those much-feared pendulum movements quickly and effectively and counteracts them swiftly. To do this, it employs the sensors from the ESP® system to apply the brakes in a targeted and alternating manner to individual wheels, thereby stabilising the vehicle and trailer combination.

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