History and description of the Mercedes-Benz M-class

Mercedes-Benz M-Class — a mid-size luxury crossover produced by the German company Mercedes-Benz from 1997 to the present. From 1999 to 2002, production was carried out by Magna Steyr in Graz (Austria). After that, all production was moved to the United States (vance, Alabama). In 2015 it was renamed to GLE-Class, which is an abbreviation of the German phrase "Geländewagen Lang E-Klasse" (e-Class Extended SUV). The body has the appearance of a 5-door crossover (SUV), with two or three rows of seats. The body itself is mounted on a frame. The engine is located in front longitudinally, the drive is permanent full 4x4 with various differential locks.

The following cars from other car manufacturers are similar in class: Audi Q7, BMW X5, Chevrolet Tahoe, Infiniti FX, Lexus RX, Land Rover Freelander, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Nissan Pathfinder, Volkswagen Touareg, Toyota Highlander, Volvo XC90 and Porsche Cayenne.

First generation (W163, 1997−2005)

In 1990, the company's management came up with an idea to replace G-class and in early 1991 an agreement was concluded with the Japanese company Mitsubishi to develop the car. The Montero/Pajero platform was used as a basis. The following year, these plans were cancelled, and Mercedes-Benz independently continued work on developing the car from 1993. The car design was chosen by the Mercedes Sindelfingen design studio. In 1994, construction of a plant began in Alabama (USA). At this time, a prototype was built in Germany and crash-tested. Road tests of the cars were conducted from March 1995 to December 1996 in various climatic conditions. Trial production began in May 1996, and the first car rolled off the assembly line at the US plant on February 9, 1997. The body length was 4587 mm, width 1834 mm, height 1775 mm. The curb weight was 2093 kg. The drag coefficient C_x = 0,4.

The cars were equipped with engines of the following characteristics: 2.3 liters "ML 230" (2295 cm³, M111, I4, 150 hp), 3.2 liters "ML 320" (3199 cm³, M112 E32, V6, 218 hp), 3.7 liters "ML 350" (3724 cm³, M112 E37, V6, 235 and 245 hp), 4.3 liters "ML 430" (4266 cm³, M113 E43, V8, 272 hp) and 5.0 liters "ML 500" (4966 cm³, M113 E50, V8, 292 hp) and 5.4 liters "ML 55 AMG" (5439 cm³, M113 E55, V8, 347 hp). Diesel engines were as follows: 2.7 liters "ML 270 CDI" (2685 cm³, OM612, I5, turbo, 163 hp) and 4.0 liters "ML 400 CDI" (3996 cm³, OM628, V8, turbo, 250 hp). The gearbox was a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic "5G-Tronic".

The car in the basic configuration was equipped with electronic stability control, front and side airbags. The drive was permanent all-wheel drive "4Matic". The differential lock was carried out by braking one or more wheels. There were three options for the car's equipment and interior trim levels - Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde.

In 1998, the car received the "SUV of the Year" award, which was established by the American magazine "Motor Trend", and in the same year the award "North American Truck of the Year" at the International Auto Show in Detroit. In 1999, the car was awarded the international award in the field of automobile manufacturing "World Car of the Year".

In 2001, the model was restyled. More than 600 million dollars were spent on upgrading the plant in the USA. The quality of the car, as well as its appearance, improved (new headlights, taillights, bumpers, exterior mirrors and wheels) and minor changes in the interior. The dimensions of the body have increased, now it is 4638 mm long, 1839 mm wide and 1821 mm high. In the cabin after restyling, the climate is controlled by the "Thermatik" system. In total, about 1100 elements and units were affected. Over the nine-year history of the first generation, about 500 thousand cars were produced at the plant in the USA and more than 70 thousand at the plant in Austria.

Second generation (W164, 2006−2011)

As early as 1999, they began to think about the further development of the SUV. At the end of 2001, the project of the British automobile designer Steve Mattin was chosen. Prototypes were tested in 2003-2004. In January 2005, the car was shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The body contours became more sporty, the drag coefficient (C_x) decreased to 0.34. The dimensions of the car became significantly larger. The length was 4788 mm, the width was 1910 mm, the height was 1815 mm. The durability and quality of the body increased significantly due to full galvanization and corrosion protection. The car uses the same platform as the new GL-class, that is, now a monocoque body instead of a monocoque frame, like the "W163".

The range of petrol engines consists of the following modifications: 3.5 liters "ML 350" (3498 cm³, V6, 272 hp), 3.5 liters "ML 450 HYBRID" (3498 cm³, V6, 279+61 hp), 5.0 liters "ML 500" (4966 cm³, V8, 306 hp), 5.5 liters "ML 500" (5461 cm³, V8, 388 hp) and 6.2 liters "ML 63 AMG" (6208 cm³, V8, 510 hp). Diesel engines were presented in 3.0 liter volumes "ML 280 CDI" (2987 cm³, V6, 190 hp), 3.0 liters "ML 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY" (2987 cm³, V6, 204 hp), 3.0 liters "ML 320 CDI" (2987 cm³, V6, 224 hp), 3.0 liters "ML 350 CDI" (2987 cm³, V6, 224 and 231 hp), 3.0 liters "ML 320 BlueTEC" (2987 cm³, V6, 211 hp), 4.0 liters "ML 420 CDI" / "ML 450 CDI" (3996 cm³, V8, 306 hp). All diesel engines have a fuel system "Common Rail". The manual transmission was eliminated, and only the 7-speed automatic "7G-Tronic" was used.

In March 2008, the restyling of this generation was presented at the international auto show in New York. Sales began in the fall of the same year. The exterior acquired new bumpers, a radiator grille, headlights and taillights. Inside, a multifunctional steering wheel was installed, the PreSafe safety system was included in the basic package, and the seats were equipped with NeckPro headrests. The engine lineup was also updated. On April 8, 2009, a hybrid car appeared "ML 450 Hybrid". It is equipped with a conventional gasoline engine and two electric ones built into the gearbox. The hybrid car consumes an average of only 7.7 liters of gasoline per 100 km.

The car could be ordered with packages "Sport", "Off-Road Pro" and "AMG". The "Sport" package has improved aerodynamics and lighter weight. The package "Off-Road Pro" makes the car more passable off-road due to the rear differential lock, demultiplier, engine protection, manual transmission control mode and adjustable ground clearance with air suspension. The "AMG" package is offered for additional money to increase the level of "show-off". The exterior of the car and interior trim change significantly.

The third generation M-class is equipped with the most modern automobile technologies of its time. Standard electrical equipment of the car includes electric windows, immobilizer, central locking, CD player, two-stage airbags, side window curtains, trip computer, seats with electric adjustment, seat occupancy sensors, rain sensor, heated mirrors and many other options. Driving assistance systems include ABS (anti-lock brakes), ESP (stability control), SBS (electrohydraulic brakes), cruise control with speed control. Additionally, you can install climate control "THERMATIC", parking sensors, multimedia system "COMAND APS", additional interior lighting and others.

The safety of passengers in the car is provided by two-stage airbags, side airbags, window curtains, belt pretensioners, active headrests NeckPro and the anticipatory driver and passenger protection system PreSafe. The driver assistance systems are described above. In 2008, the European committee EuroNCAP conducted crash tests of a car with a diesel engine "320 CDI", see the results in the table.

The American agency "National Highway Traffic Safety Administration" (NHTSA) tested the 2005 M-Class and awarded it 5 stars out of 5 in all crash tests. The American non-profit organization "Insurance Institute for Highway Safety" awarded the car with the code "W164" the title of "Safest Car".

Third generation (W166, 2011−present)

The development of the third generation began in 2006 and lasted 5 years. The car was presented in June 2011, production began in July of the same year as a 2012 model. The exterior design of the "W166" has very similar features to E-class fourth generation (W212). The car body became slightly larger. The length was 4803 mm, width 1926, height 1796 mm. The body of the hybrid model is slightly shorter (4780 mm) and wider (1980 mm). The space for rear passengers increased, and the rear seats became adjustable. Engineers achieved 25% fuel savings compared to the previous generation.

Ruler gasoline engines and names of car models until 2015 has the following characteristics - 3.5 liters "ML 300 4MATIC" (3498 cm³, M276 DE 35 red., V6, 252 hp), 3.5 liters "ML 350 4MATIC" (3498 cm³, M276 DE 35, V6, 306 hp), 3.0 liters "ML 400 4MATIC" (2996 cm³, M276 DE 30 AL, V6, 333 hp), 4.7 liters "ML 500 4MATIC" (4663 cm³, M278 DE 46 AL red., V8, 408 l. With.) and 5.5 liters "ML 63 AMG" (5461 cm³, M157 DE 55 AL, V8, 525 hp).

Ruler diesel engines and names of car models until 2015 has the following characteristics - 2.2 liters "ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC" (2143 cm³, OM651 DE 22 LA, I4, 204 l. With.) and 3.0 liters "ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC" (2987 cm³, OM642 LS DE 30 LA, V6, 258 hp) All diesel engines are equipped with a direct injection system "Common Rail".

Gasoline engines and names of car models after 2015 had the following names - 3.0 liters "GLE 400 4MATIC" / "GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC" (2996 cm³, M276 DE 30 AL, V6, 333/367 l. With.), 4.7 liters "GLE 500 4MATIC" (4663 cm³, M278 DE 46 AL red., V8, 435 l. With.), 3.0 liters "GLE 500 e" (2996 cm³, M276 DE 30 AL, V8, hybrid, 333+116 hp) and 5.5 liters "GLE 63 AMG" (5461 cm³, M157 DE 55 AL, V8, 557 and 585 l. With.).

Diesel engines and names of car models after 2015 had the following names - 2.2 liters "GLE 250 d" / "GLE 250 d 4MATIC" (2143 cm³, OM651 DE 22 LA, I4, 204 l. With.) and 3.0 liters "GLE 350 d 4MATIC" (2987 cm³, OM642 LS DE 30 LA, V6, 258 hp)All diesel engines have direct injection "Common Rail".

The gearboxes were 7-speed automatic "7G-Tronic Plus" or 9-speed automatic "9G-Tronic".

In 2015, the model underwent a major restyling and the name was changed to GLE-class. The radiator grille, headlights, taillights and front bumper have changed externally. The central console has been slightly changed internally. The engine line has been updated. Economy has been increased and fuel consumption has decreased by another 17%.

The car can be equipped with the "Sport" package, which includes the installation of sports seats with lateral support, a sports steering wheel and pedals. The "Designo" package includes special leather upholstery of seats and interior elements, as well as other decorative elements. The "AMG Sport" package makes the car's appearance stylish and dynamic. The "On & Off Road" gives the car improved off-road qualities with a transfer case "Magna Powertrain" with a reduction gear and a center differential lock.

The modern GLE-class car has many of the world's existing passive and active safety systems. Passengers are protected by up to 9 airbags with adjustable power, knee, side airbags and inflatable curtain airbags on the windows are also installed. All seat belts are three-point. In a rear impact, special headrests protect the neck from injury. The body in the passenger compartment is very strong, special deformation zones in the hood and trunk absorb the impact energy.

A variety of driver assistance systems also reduce the risk of collision. These include Brake Assist, traction control, anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, driver fatigue detection, and the PreSafe collision avoidance system. An active bonnet reduces the severity of injury to pedestrians. Lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, autonomous cruise control, intelligent braking, rear-view camera and parking assistant are also available on request.

The 2011 car has been tested by the European committee EuroNCAP. The results are shown in the table. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA, USA) also tested the car and it scored the maximum 5 stars out of 5 in all tests except the roof rollover test. In this test it scored only 4 stars out of 5. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS, USA) also conducted its tests and the results were as follows:

• Frontal Crash Test - Good
• Partial overlap frontal crash test - Good
• Side Kick - Good
• Roof Strength Rating - Good