In the 90s, SUVs gained immense popularity, even a brand that had never had a "civilian" SUV, apart from the paramilitary "G" -class, released the first generation of the "ML". The production of the Mercedes ML began in 1997, the model carried the W163 index, and the second generation was launched in 2005, the W164 index. The first two generations have sold 1.1 million copies worldwide. The third generation of the Mercedes SUV is produced on a common platform with. The third ML received an index - W166. Mercedes is somewhat inferior in size to such cars as, or, but this is also an advantage in city traffic. The first two generations were very popular in the CIS, as evidenced by the fact that every Mercedes sold in 2012 in Russia was exactly ML - class.
Appearance:
The appearance of the new Mercedes B166, in comparison with its predecessors, can be characterized as more sporty. The car retained the branded rear body pillar, which was also found on the W163. Compared to the previous -W164, the drag coefficient has dropped from 0.34 to 0.32 - a positive factor affecting fuel economy and acoustic comfort. In comparison with its predecessor, the length of the new item has increased by 24mm, width by 15mm, and height by 14mm. 
In the basic version, tires with the dimension 235/65 R17, 255/55 R18 are installed, but twenty-inch tires are offered as an option for the all-wheel drive Mercedes. The horizontal line of LEDs installed in the side air intakes looks very impressive.
Salon:
Words about the highest quality of performance will be superfluous. The car is equipped with the Pre-Safe system, which, if necessary (upon impact), tightens the seat belts, closes the windows and sunroof, and sets the seats to the optimal position from the point of view of safety. 
An optional night vision system is offered - Night Viev Assist Plus, which is known from the S-class W221 executive sedans. The night vision system is able to recognize people. On the armrest, between the seats there is a washer that controls all-wheel drive, the system has six modes: automatic - for daily driving, light off-road - dirt roads and country roads, serious off-road - the area where you need to "climb", Winter - mode for roads covered with snow and ice, trailer - mode for towing a trailer, and mode - Sport. It is very interesting that the sport mode is available only for cars with an optional offroad package, as you know, good cross-country ability contradicts the perfected handling, it looks like the Germans decided to create the most universal vehicle. There are suspension control buttons on the armrest, it is interesting that they are present even in the base, on a car with spring suspension (adjustments are made using special shock absorbers). The basic equipment of the Mercedes ML W166 includes Thermatic dual-zone climate control and cruise control. The seat adjustment buttons are located in the Mercedes style - on the door cards. For the legs of passengers in the second row, 15mm has been added in comparison with the W166. The luggage compartment holds 690 liters.
Specifications Mercedes W166
The second EmElka from Mercedes in the B166 body was equipped with permanent all-wheel drive, as well as a start / stop system already in the basic configuration. A car with a spring suspension can overcome a ford with a depth of 50mm, and a Mercedes with an Airmatic suspension with the ability to increase the ground clearance to 285mm can overcome a ford with a depth of 600mm. Versions with the on & offroad package, in addition to the air suspension, are equipped with additional body protection from below, as well as a cross-axle differential lock, let alone the assistance system when starting up the hill, as well as the assistance system when descending the hill. The optional Active Cruve System minimizes roll when cornering. option is only available in Mercedes with air suspension. Off-road, a button labeled offroad helps a lot, which allows the wheels to spin, and also engages higher gears at higher revs than usual.
As a gearbox for any of the versions, only one is available - the seven-speed automatic transmission 7-G Tronic Plus. On tests carried out by foreign journalists, the SUV withstood, without a skid, lateral acceleration with a force of 0.85g.
The base diesel engine - ML 250CDI produces 204 hp and 500 N.M of torque - this allows you to gain one hundred kilometers in 9 seconds, and the maximum speed, even with such the least powerful engine, is 210 km. A more powerful diesel engine - 350CDI develops 258 hp and 620 N.M, with such a diesel the SUV gains a hundred in 7.4 seconds, and on the highway it is able to develop 224 km. The gasoline ML350 with a capacity of 306 horses and a torque of 370 N. M gains the first hundred in 7.6 s, the maximum speed is 235 km. The top ML500 develops a power of 408 forces, which allows it to accelerate to a hundred in 5.6 s. ML 63AMG develops 525hp and 700N.M. ML63AMG accelerates to a hundred in 4.8s, the maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 kilometers.
Let's pay attention to the technical characteristics of the petrol Mercedes ML350 W166 with a conventional, spring suspension.
Technical part and characteristics:
Engine: V6 3.5 petrol
Volume: 3498cube
Power: 306hp
Torque: 370N.M
Number of valves: 32v
Performance indicators:
Acceleration 0 - 100km: 7.6s
Maximum speed: 235km
Average fuel consumption: 8.5L
Fuel tank capacity: 78L
Body:
Dimensions: 4804mm * 1926mm * 1788mm
Wheelbase: 2915mm
Curb weight: 2175kg
Ground clearance: 202mm (air suspension, up to 285mm)
Price for Mercedes W166
The Mercedes B166 SUV can be bought for an average of $ 100,000 - $ 120,000. The cost is mainly determined by the engine installed under its hood. The most "affordable" diesel 250CDI is priced at $ 70,000, while 63AMG costs $ 250,000. The petrol ML 350 costs $ 74,000.
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Mercedes Vito W638 - Mini Overview and Specifications
The third generation of the Mercedes ML crossover (W166) is, in fact, a completely new car. "Giblets", power structure and chassis are deeply reworked, a couple of interesting chips have appeared. But the new look raises concerns. Will Mercedes scare away fans with its experiments? I went to Austria for the answer. Here, for two days in a row, I ironed with ML everything that got under the wheel - from unlimited autobahns and alpine serpentines to a broken off-road track. Impressed!
Before I met, I never look at the performance characteristics. I try to "zero" and forget everything I know about the new product. Opening the car on the move, passing it through yourself "blindly", is much more interesting and useful. So go ahead
Already after a twenty-minute drive on the top-end petrol ML 350 on the autobahns, it became clear: the new chassis is a breakthrough! What's in the sensation? Mmmmm… One can feel the smell of burning. The M-Class has really blossomed and is now ready to roast Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5 on the asphalt. Stuttgart tried hard. The difference compared to the previous generation is staggering. A couple of days before the test, I took the previous ML (W164) - also 350th. Refresh the sensations. Refreshed! .. I did not expect such a blow. Heaven and earth! Recent Mercedes is a drive. Sports notes from model to model come out more and more.
The drag coefficient of the new ML is 0.32. Previously, this indicator was equal to 0.36
Unlimited autobahns quickly ended and were replaced by winding Austrian serpentines. The beauty! One by one I burst the turns. Perfectly tangible "zero", lightning-fast reaction, an increase in effort adequate to the angle of rotation, information about the micro-profile on the steering wheel - mix, but do not shake. Self-sufficient and without fanaticism. Previously, the steering gear could not boast of such transparency. Thanks to the new ZF electric booster (previously it was hydro). And not only to him! My car has a mechatronic chassis with an advanced On & Offroad package, which includes air springs, active shock absorbers and active Curve Control anti-roll bars.
The On & Offroad package provides an extended range of clearance adjustment and as many as six algorithms for the mechatronic chassis for different conditions: for towing a trailer, driving on slippery surfaces, sports, automatic, for driving on dirt roads and off-road. In these modes, the suspension stiffness settings are changed in combination with changes in the behavior of the gearbox, dynamic stability control and electric power steering.
Improvement and change of the technological process occurs "in the course of the play." The same applies to the algorithms for the operation of various electronic systems. This is fine. I remember that the system for monitoring signs on the SLK, C- and E-Class missed 5-10% of the signs. Now the system works smoothly, but what's interesting is that the camera fishes out and displays on the monitors the restriction signs pasted on the rear sides of the trucks! On one of the test samples, the rain sensor "glitched" - even during a light rain, the system turned on the highest speed. We hope that with the release of the series all the "glitches" will be eliminated.
"Auto" is the most versatile, here the settings of all elements change automatically depending on the driving conditions and the nature of the driver's behavior. In "sports" the efficiency of the electric booster decreases, the steering wheel "becomes heavier", the engine-box tandem more readily and more often holds high revs and a lower gear, while the shock absorbers become stiffer, and active anti-roll bars extinguish the rolls. How? The trick of the "stubs" is that their right and left parts are connected through a fluid coupling, which is managed by the electronics. The latter monitors lateral accelerations and controls the hydraulics so that the clutch advances and loads the stabilizer halves with torque relative to each other, and thereby compensates for the roll. In a straight motion, the halves, on the other hand, are completely "untied" to ensure maximum comfort.
The paddle shifters are now mirrored. Now you don't need to get used to the unusually low position of the multifunctional control lever for turn signals, lights and wipers when changing into ML. Ergonomists took into account the long-standing remarks of Mercedes owners and decided to change the arrangement of the levers. This fate will befall all models. The seat adjustment keys have finally moved to the door panels.
In the shell of the multifunctional Comand system, "navigation", a parking camera (the trajectory of movement is indicated here depending on the steering wheel rotation), digital radio and TV tuners, a DVD changer ... and assigned to the "washer" installed on the central tunnel (previously the control was on the dashboard)
The ergonomics of the front seats are still excellent. Pneumatic lumbar support, developed lateral support ... On a long journey - it is. The range of adjustments (vertically and horizontally) of the steering column is always enough. The space has been added to the width. At the level of the elbows, 34 millimeters were added at the front, and 25 at the rear. The base of the car, however, as well as the length of the cabin, remained the same.
The "split" backrest of the rear seat (divided into two or three segments depending on the version) is adjustable in tilt. This adds more comfort and flexibility when storing bulky cargo. A three-zone climate system is optionally available (the weather at the back is the same for all and is regulated by means of “branded” keys and “wheels”) and a three-zone multimedia system Comand. In the latter, individual monitors are installed for the rear outer passengers, working with wireless headphones
Let's go back to the serpentine. I, of course, go to "sports" and can not get enough food. The understeer character is neutral. The trick of a crossover with such capabilities is that, in terms of steering response and habits, it is a passenger car. Oh-oh-oh-very light and oh-oh-oh-very well-tuned! The fact that you tumble into a bunch of turns on a heavy two-ton four-wheel drive vehicle with a rather large moment of inertia and a high center of gravity is remembered only when the tires squeak. Frankly, this happens unexpectedly - the rolls are really not great, and you don't expect a "set-up" until the very last moment. Good, damn it!
The metal "pyataks" in the front cupholders for cooling and heating drinks are "moved" from the previous generation. Semiconductor Peltier elements, when cooled, keep a temperature of about 0 degrees, when heated - about 70
Both axles go into sliding at once. And it's worth a lot! But earlier, at the limit, the crossover loved to slip out of the bend with the front wheels ... And the stabilization system worked much rougher. Without waiting for the slides, she "choked" and "bit" the "ML-ku" that was in the urine, and did not let go for a long time. The electronic collar is now less intrusive. Advanced drivers will get much more pleasure with such settings. The car is clearer.
The volume of the luggage compartment varies from 690 (along the window sill with unfolded seats) to 2010 liters. The content of "underground" is version dependent. There may be an organizer with a pneumatic air receiver and a repair kit for wheels, spring versions can be equipped with full-size spare parts
At the same time, the ESP algorithms (it is non-disconnectable) are more perfect here. "I'm scared" and abruptly tear the steering wheel to the right! Slipping, saving crunch of brakes ... And after a couple of tenths of a second I was already on a trajectory that I did not even expect. The car, ignoring the laws of physics, literally screwed into the turn, independently reducing the radius of the arc ... Interesting movie! We managed to experience the same on a small "three-dimensional" track, which the Germans had saved for dessert!
All is well, but the versions without active stabilizers, with slightly softer suspension settings, lack such gloss in handling. I wonder how the modification behaves with conventional springs and shock absorbers? Unfortunately, there were no such machines on the test.
What else is inherent in the new ML? Excessive damping. It seemed to me that with noise and vibration suppression (the engine stands on supports with solenoids that actively suppress vibration), the creators went too far here. The previous ML is noticeably noisier, the main source there is tires. The new crossover is quieter than water below the grass. Only the hysterical-metallic sound of the engine and exhaust under full throttle sometimes comes to the fore. But it is not at all intrusive, as if the sources of sound are about sixty meters away from you ... ML declares to everyone sitting inside: “Purebred I, yes! Well, there is and is, why focus attention? "
The design of the suspension guide vanes has not changed - there are double wishbones in front, a multi-link in the back. However, all the "bones" - levers and "fists" - are now forged aluminum. All this economy is assembled on stretchers made of high-strength steel. On the basic spring version with amplitude-dependent characteristics of the shock absorbers, this time I was not able to ride. I had several versions at my disposal with active air suspension and variable damping shock absorbers. Conventional pneumatics change the ground clearance in the range of 180–255 mm. But with the On & OffRoad package, the clearance can reach 285 mm. This clearance is available at speeds up to 20 km / h. As the speed increases, the clearance is automatically reduced.
When nothing bothers the riders even at speeds "over two hundred" - that's fine. But not for the driver! The underestimated level of noise and vibration distorts the sense of reality. And having a good engine under the hood is doubly dangerous. Breaking firewood is as easy as shelling pears. It seems that it has just started, ba-a-a-a-a-a - the arrow is already at the turn of "160"! It seemed to be driving quietly ... Exactly! Quiet doesn't mean slow. To accelerate uncontrollably on ML is now a snap! But do not stop, the information content of the brake drive is traditional for Mercedes - the pedal is "cotton". Well, when will the Stuttgart people finally make normal brakes ?!
We will not have "diesels" with BlueTec urea technology for exhaust cleaning. Urea works up to minus 11 degrees Celsius. Below, new 7G-Tronic Plus torque converter seven-speed gearbox with new vibration damper
And what about the motors? At first, ML will be offered three units. In Europe, these are two turbodiesels with BlueTec urea exhaust cleaning technology and a BlueEfficiency 3.5-liter gasoline engine. The weak 2.2-liter four-cylinder "diesel" on the ML 250 version develops 204 hp. (at 4200 rpm) and 500 Nm (in the range 1600-1800 rpm). The three-liter "six" on the ML 350 BlueTec is much more dynamic, it produces 258 "horses" (at 3600 rpm) and a destructive torque of 620 "Newtons" (1600-2400 rpm). With this engine, the gasoline six-cylinder counterpart with direct injection argues, which develops 306 forces (at 6500 rpm) and 370 Nm (at 3500-5250 rpm).
ML in the "base" has a DSR descent assist system (works in two directions and allows you to adjust the speed) and auto-hold. For an additional fee, active cruise control is available, which, in case of danger, is able to urgently stop the car, a system for tracking the markings and returning the car to the lane (the trajectory changes by braking the wheels of one side), a monitoring system for "dead" zones and a switchable ECO Start / Stop function, which allows you to start the engine even by turning the steering wheel
With the initial motor, everything is clear - this is an honest hard worker. It is for those who are more committed to the pleasure of economy, rather than driving. And what about high power levels? To be honest, I have not decided for myself which of the six-cylinder options I would prefer. If we compare the figures, then the gasoline engine in the sprint up to “hundreds” loses to the diesel engine by 0.2 seconds. But subjectively, the opposite is true. The gasoline engine appears to be more dynamic due to the smoother traction that is available over a wider range. The gears here are also "longer", while the 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speed gearbox shifts faster here (on the diesel version, the shift is slower, the clutches save from excess torque) and, by the way, less frequently (the operating speed range of the gasoline engine is wider). Diesel accelerates faster in current gears and is preferable for towing heavy trailers. But the work of the tandem of the box and the gasoline engine as a whole is better coordinated.
However, let's get into the quarry. The situation with off-road qualities has changed. And not for the better. ML lost the rear differential lock (the lockable "center" and the downshift remained on the versions with the On & Offroad package), and the maximum ground clearance (I mean the version with air suspension) decreased by 6 mm. In the quarry, I drove, of course, an ML-ke with On & Offroad and special toothy tires. And what? M-class climbs are less confident now. Previously, it was possible to forcibly block the center and rear differentials (a car with an off-road package), now the "center" is blocked only automatically, and when hanging diagonally, ABS fights against the slipping wheels, and already "in fact".
The new ML is capable of wading with a depth of 600 mm.
Off-road geometry is almost the main thing, ML has everything in order with it! The rogue will get through anywhere. It's not cool that the plastic protection at the bottom of the bumper is chrome-plated. Rich, of course, but contact fight with obstacles chrome will not stand
All this economy works quickly and adequately, in general, there is nothing to complain about! But on the previous generation with "locked" differentials it was more reliable. It is clear that 98.999999% of ML buyers do not get to such off-road, where you can feel the difference ... But the fact remains. On a muddy slope with a bend causing diagonal hanging, the previous transmission option is preferable. Although the new ML climbs clearly better than the BMW X5, which has an electronically controlled multi-plate friction package in its all-wheel drive system. The clutch connects the front axle on demand, but on heavy off-road it quickly overheats and deactivates (20 minutes of dynamic drive is enough) ... So at the most inopportune moment, the Bavarian can stay with a mono-drive ... But the Cayenne, equipped with an advanced transmission, with ML is capable of off-road argue. And how!
Previously, on machines with an off-road package, it was possible to forcibly lock the center and center differentials (they could also be locked automatically). Off-road the car was more convincing.
The "comfort" mode was unsuitable for gentle waves. The crossover swayed strongly from bow to stern. Dangerous. On the comb, unsprung masses with a couple of damped vibrations strove to reach the body. In addition, the ML rolls pretty well in the corners. Moreover, the joints and potholes with sharp edges, and in this mode, the crossover was hard. Now everything is completely different. Even in sport mode, the car is more comfortable.
ML sold well in the post-crisis period. In the disastrous 2009, 1689 units were sold in Russia, in 2010 - 2392. And the previous generation sold around the world with a circulation of 1.2 million copies.
Interior ML of the current, or now the previous generation (W164). The control lever for active cruise control DISTRONIC + was previously on the top left, now it “moved” under the universal control lever for turn signals, lights and wipers. Seat adjusters on the side of the seat
In Germany, taking into account taxes, the ML 250 BlueTEC will cost in the range of € 46,200 - € 54,978. The diesel "350" - from € 49,350 to € 58,700. The petrol version of the ML 350 BlueEfficiency "starts" from € 47,700 and "Ends" € 56 763. The rise in price in Germany is quite insignificant, but our car will become "heavier" by an average of 5% in terms of money and will appear next spring, unlike Europe, where it will be possible to order a new crossover in November.
The power structure of the body was thoroughly shaken up. The mass remains the same, but the rigidity has increased. The absorption and distribution of impact forces has become more perfect. A wide range of steels are used in the supporting structure. Purple is for ultra-high-strength steel, red for high-strength steel, silver for steel, blue for aluminum, and blue for magnesium cast parts. The maximum ML has 9 airbags per lap. The effectiveness of the front airbags depends on the collision speed
Let us remind you that the initial version with a 190-horsepower diesel engine now costs 2,590,000 rubles. We will definitely have a 306-horsepower petrol variation and a 260-horsepower diesel (the latter, however, without BlueTEC urea exhaust cleaning technology). The issue with the modification ML 250 with a weak four-cylinder "diesel" is being resolved. ML 500 with a five-liter 408-horsepower "eight" and ML 63 AMG will appear a few months later. What's in the bottom line? If we discard (albeit not insignificant) gadgets, we will see that on the asphalt the new ML has become much prettier, the power structure has become more perfect, which means it is safer, but off-road the crossover has become a little weaker. It's a pity.
Vitaly Kabyshev
Photo: Vitaly Kabyshev and Mercedes
In the 90s, SUVs gained immense popularity, even a brand that had never had a "civilian" SUV, apart from the paramilitary "G" -class, released the first generation of the "ML". The production of the Mercedes ML began in 1997, the model carried the W163 index, and the second generation was launched in 2005, the W164 index. The first two generations have sold 1.1 million copies worldwide. The third generation of the Mercedes SUV is produced on a common platform with. The third ML received an index - W166. Mercedes is somewhat inferior in size to such cars as, or, but this is also an advantage in city traffic. The first two generations were very popular in the CIS, as evidenced by the fact that every Mercedes sold in 2012 in Russia was exactly ML - class.
Appearance:
The appearance of the new Mercedes B166, in comparison with its predecessors, can be characterized as more sporty. The car retained the branded rear body pillar, which was also found on the W163. Compared to the previous -W164, the drag coefficient has dropped from 0.34 to 0.32 - a positive factor affecting fuel economy and acoustic comfort. In comparison with its predecessor, the length of the new item has increased by 24mm, width by 15mm, and height by 14mm. In the basic version, tires with the dimension 235/65 R17, 255/55 R18 are installed, but twenty-inch tires are offered as an option for the all-wheel drive Mercedes. The horizontal line of LEDs installed in the side air intakes looks very impressive.
Salon:
Words about the highest quality of performance will be superfluous. The car is equipped with the Pre-Safe system, which, if necessary (upon impact), tightens the seat belts, closes the windows and sunroof, and sets the seats to the optimal position from the point of view of safety. An optional night vision system is offered - Night Viev Assist Plus, which is known from the S-class W221 executive sedans. The night vision system is able to recognize people. On the armrest, between the seats there is a washer that controls all-wheel drive, the system has six modes: automatic - for daily driving, light off-road - dirt roads and country roads, serious off-road - the area where you need to "climb", Winter - mode for roads covered with snow and ice, trailer - mode for towing a trailer, and mode - Sport. It is very interesting that the sport mode is available only for cars with an optional offroad package, as you know, good cross-country ability contradicts the perfected handling, it looks like the Germans decided to create the most universal vehicle. There are suspension control buttons on the armrest, it is interesting that they are present even in the base, on a car with spring suspension (adjustments are made using special shock absorbers). The basic equipment of the Mercedes ML W166 includes Thermatic dual-zone climate control and cruise control. The seat adjustment buttons are located in the Mercedes style - on the door cards. For the legs of passengers in the second row, 15mm has been added in comparison with the W166. The luggage compartment holds 690 liters.
Specifications Mercedes W166
The second EmElka from Mercedes in the B166 body was equipped with permanent all-wheel drive, as well as a start / stop system already in the basic configuration. A car with a spring suspension can overcome a ford with a depth of 50mm, and a Mercedes with an Airmatic suspension with the ability to increase the ground clearance to 285mm can overcome a ford with a depth of 600mm. Versions with the on & offroad package, in addition to the air suspension, are equipped with additional body protection from below, as well as a cross-axle differential lock, let alone the assistance system when starting up the hill, as well as the assistance system when descending the hill. The optional Active Cruve System minimizes roll when cornering. option is only available in Mercedes with air suspension. Off-road, a button labeled offroad helps a lot, which allows the wheels to spin, and also engages higher gears at higher revs than usual.
As a gearbox for any of the versions, only one is available - the seven-speed automatic transmission 7-G Tronic Plus. On tests carried out by foreign journalists, the SUV withstood, without a skid, lateral acceleration with a force of 0.85g.
The base diesel engine - ML 250CDI produces 204 hp and 500 N.M of torque - this allows you to gain one hundred kilometers in 9 seconds, and the maximum speed, even with such the least powerful engine, is 210 km. A more powerful diesel engine - 350CDI develops 258 hp and 620 N.M, with such a diesel the SUV gains a hundred in 7.4 seconds, and on the highway it is able to develop 224 km. The gasoline ML350 with a capacity of 306 horses and a torque of 370 N. M gains the first hundred in 7.6 s, the maximum speed is 235 km. The top ML500 develops a power of 408 forces, which allows it to accelerate to a hundred in 5.6 s. ML 63AMG develops 525hp and 700N.M. ML63AMG accelerates to a hundred in 4.8s, the maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 kilometers.
Let's pay attention to the technical characteristics of the petrol Mercedes ML350 W166 with a conventional, spring suspension.
Technical part and characteristics:
Engine: V6 3.5 petrol
Volume: 3498cube
Power: 306hp
Torque: 370N.M
Number of valves: 32v
Performance indicators:
Acceleration 0 - 100km: 7.6s
Maximum speed: 235km
Average fuel consumption: 8.5L
Fuel tank capacity: 78L
Body:
Dimensions: 4804mm * 1926mm * 1788mm
Wheelbase: 2915mm
Curb weight: 2175kg
Ground clearance: 202mm (air suspension, up to 285mm)
Price for Mercedes W166
The Mercedes B166 SUV can be bought for an average of $ 100,000 - $ 120,000. The cost is mainly determined by the engine installed under its hood. The most "affordable" diesel 250CDI is priced at $ 70,000, while 63AMG costs $ 250,000. The petrol ML 350 costs $ 74,000.
LOOK AND THIS)
Mercedes Vito W638 - Mini Overview and Specifications
Mercedes W166 differs from most in compact dimensions, high level of safety and richness of equipment. German designers have developed a universal car according to the canons of the US market - with a voluminous trunk, fast on the highway and providing high off-road capability. In the front part of the body, the W166 model resembles the more expensive Mercedes-Benz GL-Class - almond-shaped headlights are located high on the ledges of the front fenders, the radiator grill has similar three horizontal bars and the Mercedes logo. The W166 has the same huge bumper, equipped with multi-level air intakes, bright accents and stylish LED strips of daytime running lights. The bonnet is raised above the front, giving the vehicle a solid, arrogant look.
The history of the creation of Mercedes Benz ML W166
It was demonstrated in 1997. These cars were intended primarily for the North American market. They appeared in Western Europe in the spring of 1998. Three variants of the model with. The cars are equipped with hydromechanical automatic transmissions with a speed limiting system. Also, the package included an independent suspension of all wheels, a transfer case with a reduction gear, a frame chassis.
Mercedes Benz ML-Class (W166) was officially presented in autumn 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. In Russia, he appeared in the spring of 2012. With the change of generations, the SUV retained the platform of the previous model W164, but increased in size.
Technical features of Mercedes Benz ML-Class W166
The vehicle was originally designed to provide the best possible crash safety. The Mercedes M-Class provides passengers with an above-average protection potential. The SUV is made on the basis of a frame structure. Three cross members and two of the rigid box sections are welded to form a staircase-like structure.
The body is securely connected to the frame with ten rubber mounts, which minimize vibration and noise while driving. Thanks to such a solid structure, in any collision, Mercedes passengers are practically not endangered due to the fact that the body is deformed, while the volume of the cabin remains constant and leaves enough space for survival.
In this model, original technical ideas are implemented, first of all, it is an all-wheel drive, which is constantly included. The specialists did not use differential locks in the distribution box and drive axles, but at the same time they provided an electronic traction control system for each wheel. All models, except ML 230, are equipped with Dynamic Stability Control, which improves the vehicle's stability on all roads.
The Mercedes Benz ML-Class (W166) is equipped as standard with the ASSYST active service system, electric windows and mirrors, airbags, anti-theft system, power steering, alloy wheels, remote-controlled central locking, air conditioning.
The color scheme of the body is quite diverse: standard black, white tones, black obsidian, gray tenorite, silver iridium, blue tanzanite, brown citrine, beige pearls, silver palladium. The salon is spacious and bright and has many functions. But the basic properties for comfortable control are provided in additional options.
Interesting facts about the Mercedes Benz ML-Class W166
The Mercedes logo was coined in 1909. According to the official version, it symbolizes the company's success on land, in water and air, since the company was engaged in the production of not only cars, but also engines for aircraft and ships. There is also an option according to which three beams mean the trinity of the driver, passenger and mechanic, which guarantees safety for the driver, convenience for the passenger, and reliability for the mechanic.
Test drive Mercedes Benz ML-Class (W166) in Russia took place on July 21 at Panavto. Two versions were presented at the test: Mercedes ML350 petrol and ML350 with sports equipment. The participants agreed that diesel performed better than gasoline. Good acceleration, pleasant sound, silence in the cabin. Mercedes ML has become more luxurious, more ergonomic, but at the same time it has not lost touch with previous generations.
Pros and cons of Mercedes Benz ML-Class W166
Mercedes Benz ML-Class (W166) has several advantages: a pleasant and spacious interior, a reliable engine, optimal fuel consumption, a large, user-friendly display and a spacious trunk.
Among the minuses, one can note not the most convenient flat mirrors, thick front pillars, somewhat restricting the view, uncontrolled automatic switching on of low beam, high cost of a car.
The steering wheel in the parking lot and when driving in the city is very light, on the highway it becomes heavier, which is convenient. The suspension is soft, comfortable, but if you hit the hole, the impact is well felt. The rear seats fold flat with the floor for a large, flat surface.
In the summer of 2011, Mercedes-Benz officially presented the ML-Class 3 generation SUV in the body of the W166, the world premiere of which took place at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September.
The car is built on the modernized M-class platform of the previous generation, and with the same wheelbase of 2,915 mm, it became 24 mm longer (4,804 mm), 16 mm wider (1,926) and 19 mm lower (1,796) ...
Configuration and prices Mercedes-Benz ML-Class 2015.
The appearance of the new Mercedes-Benz ML-Class W166 is evolutionary - the car has received a massive front bumper, an oversized radiator grille and optics with smoother outlines.
On the sidewalls of the new Mercedes ML 2013, relief stamping appeared, and new rear lights of a different shape became larger. For the novelty, wheels with an updated pattern are offered, available in diameters from 17 to 21 inches.
The interior of the Mercedes ML-Class 2013 has changed more noticeably. Along with improved trim materials, the front fascia design has also changed, in which you feel the style inspired by the flagship sedan.
The middle part of the panel is made of wood, the center console has become wider and sports aluminum inserts. The proprietary COMAND control system has also been updated, and optionally, customers can order a panoramic sunroof.
At first, the new Mercedes ML W166 was offered with three engines. The most modest of these is the 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel on the ML 250 Bluetec version with 204 hp. (500 Nm).
The more powerful version of the ML 350 Bluetec SUV is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel producing 258 hp. (619 Nm), accelerating the car from zero to hundreds in 7.5 seconds and providing a top speed of 224 km / h.
Modification ML 350 BlueEfficiency is equipped with a 306-horsepower petrol "six", delivering 370 Nm of maximum torque and allowing a top speed of 235 km / h. At the top of the range is the ML 500 with a 4.7-liter V8 delivering 408 hp. With it, the SUV starts up to a hundred in 5.6 seconds, and the maximum speed is limited to 250 km / h.
Regardless of the selected engine type, all of them are paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-Tronic Plus and have a proprietary 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
Of course, Mercedes-Benz paid great attention to safety, therefore the ML-Class 2013 is equipped with many different systems, including night vision system with pedestrian recognition, driver fatigue detection, blind spot monitoring, automatic braking in a dangerous situation, and also many others.
In turn, the comfort of the driver and passengers is designed to take care of the suspension, which dampens all unwanted vibrations, and an optional Airmatic air suspension is available, which has six different options for operation, depending on the type of road surface.
Russian prices for the new Mercedes ML-Class 2015 start at 3,550,000 rubles for the base version with a 3.0-liter diesel engine of 249 hp, and for the top-end version of the ML 500 dealers ask for at least 4,650,000 rubles. We are also supplied with a "charged" with a 525-horsepower 5.5-liter engine, which will cost 6,500,000 rubles.
In the summer of 2014, the initial version of the ML 250 BlueTEC reached dealerships, for which they ask for from 3,450,000 rubles.
