Description
Mercedes-Benz introduced the third generation of the ML-Class in 2011 and brought more refinement into one of the cars that raised the bar for its competitors.
With more and more customers looking for SUVs with car-like handling, the German carmaker adapted its range. The carmaker sold one million units from the ML-Class from the first two generations before introducing the third one. It already knew how to win the customers' hearts (and money).
At the front, its headlights were similarly shaped like those from the C-Class W204 non-facelift. The big grille with two horizontal slats sported the big three-pointed-star chromed badge in the middle. Mercedes-Benz installed new LED daytime running lights on the bumper's sides. The ML showed an SUV styling with a two-box shape and tall greenhouse and side panels from its sides. Depending on the trim level and options, the car featured a pair of side-steps.
Inside, the carmaker installed a new dashboard design with a center stack that sported the infotainment display on top. The instrument cluster featured two round dials for the speedometer and tachometer, while the car displayed the rest of the data in a small LCD between the big dials. Inside the big dials, Mercedes-Benz installed two small gauges for the fuel level and the coolant temperature. Thanks to the high-mounted seats, the driving position was relaxed for long drives, while the rear passengers were able to slide their feet under the front seats. There was room for three adults on the bench since the transmission tunnel sat very low on the floor.
Mercedes-Benz offered the ML with a choice of three gasoline and two turbo-diesel engines. The carmaker paired all powerplants with a seven-speed automatic transmission that sent power in all corners.
Press Release
The exterior of the M-Class Grand Edition is distinguishable by numerous attractive features. These include 48.3 cm (19-inch) light-alloy wheels in a Y-spoke design with tyre size 255/50 R19, blue-tinted thermal insulation glass all-round, dark-tinted headlamps and LED technology for the daytime driving lights and sporty, darkened tail lights. Aluminium roof rails and an extensive chrome package with an AMG radiator grille and underguards at the front and rear round off the additional features. Standard equipment also includes PARKTRONIC and a metallic paint finish. On request the Grand Edition can be further enhanced with a paint finish in chromite black or diamond white, and 50.8 cm (20-inch) bicolor light-alloy wheels with 265/45 R20 tyres, options which are only available for this M-Class model. A bonnet with the powerdomes typical of sporty Mercedes-Benz models is standard equipment for the V8 models ML 450 CDI 4MATIC and ML 500 4MATIC, and is available as an optional extra for the other variants.
Sheer class: the interior of the Grand Edition
The feel-good atmosphere that is the hallmark of any Mercedes-Benz impresses in the interior of the sporty yet luxurious Grand Edition interior. The eye is treated to high-grade poplar wood trim and a black roof lining. At night the ambient lighting creates a pleasant and exclusive Grand Edition mood. The hard-wearing, breathable and pleasant-feeling ARTICO man-made leather upholstery with contrasting seams and raised piping is reserved exclusively for this model series, and ensures outstanding seating comfort. The dashboard in a 3D-look is also lined with ARTICO, while the centre door panels are lined with real leather. The sporty nature of this series is accentuated by an AMG sports steering wheel in leather with shift paddles, sports pedals of brushed stainless steel with rubber studs and stainless steel door entry panels. A Grand Edition emblem on the centre console provides the reference to exclusivity. A full leather interior is available on request, likewise with contrasting seams and piping. Comfort head restraints are included as standard.
In 1997 the M-Class was the first premium SUV
The M-Class is seen as the precursor to the modern premium SUVs, and is one of the most popular SUV models worldwide. Since the world premiere of the first model generation in 1997, more than one million examples have left the production lines in Tuscaloosa, USA. Two variants of the M-Class are available to cater to the different requirements of off-road drivers: in addition to the basic 4MATIC version with its electronically controlled off-road driving modes, the "Offroad-Pro Engineering package" can be ordered to make the M-Class capable of mastering even the most difficult terrain. Like all 4MATIC models, the M-Class has a special driving mode which counters critical behaviour when towing a trailer right from the outset, thereby decisively contributing to handling safety.
Grand Edition equipment package with a price advantage of 40 percent
The new Grand Edition equipment package is available for all models in the series with the exception of the ML 63 AMG. At the package price of Euro 3990, there is a price advantage of Euro 2670 compared to ordering the features individually for the variants with a V6 engine. The price advantage is Euro 2015 for the V8 models ML 500 4MATIC and ML 450 CDI 4MATIC.
