Mercedes-Benz
has revealed the first official photo of the new ML-class SUV that should be on
sale in
Canada
by the spring of 2005 as a 2006 model.
The ML350 and ML500
will debut at the
Detroit auto show in January
and should appear shortly thereafter at auto shows in
Montreal
and
Toronto.
According to the
German firm, the new and larger M-class is ''characterized by sweeping front
fenders, dramatic shoulder lines, and a sharply angled windshield'' and has ''stepped
up another gear.'' It's a lot smoother than the boxy model it will replace,
which is evidenced by a drag-coefficient of 0.34 for the new model instead of
0.37 for the current model.
It comes with a
bunch of new equipment, including three new and more powerful six-cylinder
engines and a more powerful version of the current V-8, though we'll only get
two of them to start, and a seven-speed automatic transmission as standard
equipment.
The ML was a
huge hit right out of the gate seven years ago, winning the coveted North
America Truck of the Year Award and going on to strong sales. But since then
the market's been flooded by better looking competition with higher quality and
much superior interiors in its price range, and below.
So Mercedes is hoping
that the new model can regain some of the buzz of the original model, which,
like the new one, is built in a plant in
Alabama.
To that end, the
new ML is 150 mm longer, 71 mm wider, 9 mm lower and sits on a wheelbase that's
95 mm longer than its predecessor, which should have an impact on its interior
room and provide it with a more hunkered-down, less truck-like attitude.
According to the
office in
Stuttgart,
''you need look no further than the design of the new M-Class, with its
beguiling blend of heavily contoured surfaces and taut lines to admire the
majestic character of the second-generation SUV. The swept-back windscreen,
striking front wings and rising shoulder line set the unashamedly sporting
tone, a theme developed by the proportions of the body.''
The new M-Class
is 150 mm longer, 71 mm wider and 9 mm lower on the road than its predecessor
and its wheelbase has grown by 95 mm to 2915 mm.
This model uses
and all-new unibody platform as well as a redesigned suspension that is said to
''deliver more on-road driving performance and comfort.''
According to
Mercedes-Benz North America, ''new and useful technology abounds in the 2006 ML,
including a standard seven-speed automatic transmission, an even more effective
full-time four-wheel-drive system, and such optional features as height-adjustable
AIRMATIC air suspension.''
The revised
four-wheel traction control now incorporates such functions as a downhill driving
aid and Hill-Start Assist.
The ML350 uses
an all-new 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers 268 hp, and the ML500 comes with a
302-hp 5.0-liter V-8. As yet, there are no plans to import either of the diesel
engines, though that could certainly change.