So, what we have here? Kahn Design team, one of the most popular tuning brands around decided to take a closer look to a lucky Mercedes-Benz ML vehicle. What we see as a final product is a sweet M Class with boosted confidence, more eye-catching details and boosted levels of luxury. So, let’s check it out!
Exterior styling at its best
Vehicle’s visuals remain close to the original appearance, but at the same time engineers and stylists have geared some neat additions: aggressive front and rear wide wheel arches, reshaped front bumper assembly, integrated daytime running lights and a redesigned bootlid spoiler. And all this topped with crispy 22-inch Diamond Cut on Black alloys. Neat, right?
What I personally like about this one is that the design team managed to keep the true nature and beauty of the original Mercedes-Benz ML styling, but somehow boost its muscularity and confidence in slight and indirect way. It is like taking the essence of Mercedes-Benz styling philosophy and add some muscles to it. And more confidence. And more beauty.
In fact, these tweaks are not about boosting vehicle’s performance rates and agility. It is all about style and character. And as we all can see, Kahn Design magicians have done some pretty good job.
German Special Customs has announced their latest project based on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. The big SUV comes with a complete widebody kit and some other interesting styling upgrades.
The exterior boasts a massive front spoiler lip with narrow ventilation openings for supplying the front brake system with fresh air. Specially manufactured mud guard extensions for the front and rear axles ensure a clearly massive and intimidating appearance. GSC developed a completely new bumper bar including diffuser for the rear side as well as integrated end-pipe covers made of the company’s own stainless steel sports exhaust system. The optical modification of ML’s body shell is rounded up by a set of carbon covers for the external mirrors.
The stance is improved thanks to an air suspension lowering module and a set of 10J x 22” light alloy wheels fitted with 295/30 R22 tires.
The interior received offers a complete set of ornamental parts made of carbon fibre as well as tailor-made leather/Alcantara solutions for the seats and an upgrade of the speed indicator scaling to 350 km/h.
Carlsson now offers distinctive alloy wheels for the Daimler Group vehicle range including Smart ForTwo, Mercedes ML and GL models.
The elegant Carlsson 1/5 Revo II DE (Diamond Edition), with its shiny titanium silver machined finish, has been on the market for some time in 20 form. Carlsson now presents a 22 version of this design for the latest ML (W166) and GL (X166) models.
For the ML, the 10.0J x 22 ET55 wheels fitted with 285/30 R22 or 295/30 R22 tyres are offered. The larger and heavier GL uses the same size of wheel, but with an ET50 offset, and 295/35 R22 or 305/35 R22 tyres. Appropriate offsets are offered for the AMG versions of these Mercedes SUVs.
The tuning company also offers a titanium silver version of their 1/6 Revo TE (Titanium Edition) wheel in 6.5J x 17 inch ET29, (front) and 7.5J x 17 ET30 (rear) sizes for the 451 generation Smart ForTwo.
Brabus 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Widestar is truly a sensational vehicle. It is not only super powerful, but very luxurious and nice to drive. Mercedes are famous with their comfortable vehicles, but M-Class brings that pleasure to another level. Still, when it needed, the big vehicle can go with 300 km/h.
The 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 is boosted to 620HP (456 kW) and 820Nm (604 lb-ft) of torque. This happens thanks to BRABUS B63 – 620 PowerXtra module. The increase is 100HP and 120Nm or in other words 4.5 seconds to 100 km/h and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). Both “normal” and AMG Performance Package versions can be upgraded. The B63-620 performance kit comes with BRABUS tuning warranty of 3 years, up to 100,000 km. The package includes a custom stainless steel sport exhaust system and Brabus PowerXtra module.
The ML 63 AMG Widestar rolls BRABUS WIDESTAR rims in dimensions 10J x 22” fiited with 295/30 ZR22 tires supplied by Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA. For superb stance and handling, the tuning company offers control module for the AIRMATIC air suspension. It can lower the SUV, when needed.
The interior can be customized according to customer’s taste. Brabus offers exclusive automotive interior design. Wood and genuine carbon-fiber trim sets in any desired color and with a variety of surface finishes are available to round out the ensemble.
Finally, Brabus fits the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Widestar with a speedometer with 360-km/h dial (225 mph).
Hofele Design has announced their tuning program for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML. It includes a complete body kit and the name of the project is “Starcruiser GT 550”.
The 14-piece wide body kit includes a new front bumper featuring large air intakes and LED daylights. There are also new wheel arch extensions, a wide rear apron diffuser and a sports exhaust system with four tailpipes. The body kit fits all W166 models except the AMG version.
The SAV rolls a new set of REVERSO II alloy wheels in sizes 9J x 20” at the front and 10J x 22” at the rear axle. The ride can be lowered to the ground by 40 mm at speeds of up to 80 km/h.
Hofele Design offers a performance upgrade for the 350 BlueTec diesel engine, which can be boosted to 312HP (230 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft), which is an increase of 54HP and 80Nm.
The cabin boasts a bi-color leather interior, which is also on the front and rear arm rests, door panels and on the steering wheel.
Kicherer has announced their tuning program for the new Mercedes-Benz ML turning it into a real high-performance luxury SUV. The name of the project is IMPACT.
The exterior comes with LED daytime running lights, wheel arch enlargements for the front and rear axles, side skirts, attachments to the doors and trunk lids as well as a rear fender skirt with integrated rear diffuser and trapezoidal pipe-end covers in sportive four-pipe looks, a complete front fender skirt also belongs to the IMPACT’s aerodynamic assembly set. The assembly set is complemented by numerous perfectly positioned applications made of visible carbon fiber.
The SUV rolls enormous 22” KICHERER RS2 Aluminum wheels fitted with low-profile performance tires. The suspension uses an electronic chassis adjustment system by about 25 mm.
The interior boasts a choice of Nappa leather, Alcantara and Carbon in the entire interior for an exclusive experience.
The KICHERER ML “IMPACT” aerodynamic kit will be available for all ML types 166 of the youngest generation. Initial market appearance is planned for the summer of 2012.
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG will hit the US market in March. It is priced at $95 865 including $875 destination charge.
It’s characteristics are the same as the EU version – a new 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 engine with 525PS (386 kW) and 700Nm (519 lb-ft), which can be boosted to 557PS (410 kW) and 760Nm (563 lb-ft) with the AMG Performance Package.
The performance is great for such big and heavy SUV – 4.7 seconds to 100 km/h and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. Still, the engine is not very thirsty – 11.8 liters per 100 km on combined cycle.
The engine is mated to AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC system – a 7-speed automatic gearbox with several functions – C (Controlled Efficiency), S (Sport) and M (Manual).
The AMG Performance package also includes an engine cover in high-quality real carbon, callipers in red painted finish and the AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather/DINAMICA.
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG
The five-spoke light-alloy wheels in dimensions 9J x 20” with 265/45 R 20 up front and 10J x 21” with 295/35 R 21 at the rear axle give extreme stability. The brake system includes discs all-round in size 390 x 36 mm – front and 345 x 26 mm – rear.
The interior comes with electrically adjustable AMG sports seats, four-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles. There are also aluminium trim elements, leather upholstery and some AMG badges. The distinctively designed instrument cluster with colour TFT monitor, AMG welcome logo and AMG main menu is exclusive to the ML 63 AMG. The designo Exclusive package features Nappa leather upholstery on the AMG sports seats with an unusual diamond pattern. It is available in designo marron, designo porcelain and designo black.
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG now can be yours for “just” € 108 885. In addition you can order the AMG performance package for € 7 021. If you think that the price is too high, you have to consider this one more time, because…
The new ML 63 AMG comes with an extremely powerful 5.5 litre bi-turbo V8 engine with 525PS (386 kW) and 700Nm (519 lb-ft). It further can be boosted to to 557PS (410 kW) and 760Nm (563 lb-ft) with the AMG Performance Package. All this power and the four-wheel drive system catapult the heavy SUV from stand still to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) electronically limited. Last, but not least – the fuel consumption is at decent level 11.8 liters per 100 km.
The engine is mated to AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC system. This is a 7-speed automatic gearbox with several functions – C (Controlled Efficiency), S (Sport) and M (Manual).
If you opted for the AMG Performance package, you’ll get not only the power boost package, but an engine cover in high-quality real carbon, callipers in red painted finish and the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA.
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG
2012 ML 63 AMG stands on enormous five-spoke light-alloy wheels – 9J x 20” with 265/45 R 20 up front and 10J x 21” with 295/35 R 21 at the rear axle. The AMG high-performance braking system provides for the shortest possible braking distances and high fade resistance, featuring ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round in size 390 x 36 mm – front and 345 x 26 mm – rear.
The interior has electrically adjustable AMG sports seats, four-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles. There are also aluminium trim elements, leather upholstery and a lot AMG badges. The distinctively designed instrument cluster with colour TFT monitor, AMG welcome logo and AMG main menu is exclusive to the ML 63 AMG. The designo Exclusive package features Nappa leather upholstery on the AMG sports seats with an unusual diamond pattern. It is available in designo marron, designo porcelain and designo black.
Since 1997, every year the ÖkoTrend institute has been awarding and ranking thousands of cars based on data which involves the subject’s environmental impact, efficiency, manufacture, logistics and recycling. All and all there are 12 categories in which cars may fall in to.
This year the “Luxury” and “SUV” categories are headed by the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC respectively. The cars are going home with an “AUTO TEST WINNERS in GREEN!” award from the specialist publication AUTO TEST.
The vehicles maybe different but the engine is the same: a 2.1 liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder diesel unit with direct injection. Power comes in the form of 204bhp but what’s really impressive is the torque – 500 newton metres. For the cars to get to 60mph from a stand still it takes 8.2 seconds for the CDI and 9.0 seconds for the ML.
Nimble as they are, the ML’s combined consumption and emissions do not exceed 6.0 liters per 100km and 158 g/km respectively while the S-klasse gets an even lower number of 5.7 liters per 100km and 149 g/km of CO2 emissions (again combined).
Mercedes-Benz M-Class W166 has received a full tuning package from the famous tuning company – Brabus. The big SUV comes with complete aerodynamics package, performance upgrades and interior modifications.
The exterior boasts a new spoiler for the front bumper of the sport version and attachments for the air inlets in the front fascia. There are also new sill skirts and BRABUS lettering in the fender attachments. At the rear, the tuner installed BRABUS On Road rear fascia that is available in two versions. Depending on the type of engine the rear fascia comes with a cutout on the left or with a cutout on either side to provide the perfect backdrop for the BRABUS dual or quad sport exhaust system. A BRABUS rear spoiler that attaches to the liftgate will be available in the near future. The entire appearance package is manufactured in OEM quality from high-grade Pur-R-Rim plastics.
The big vehicle stands on BRABUS Monoblock wheels with diameters ranging from 18 to 22 inches. The largest are 10J x 22” in three different designs as Monoblock VI, E and Q wheels. They are fitted with 295/30 ZR 22 tires front and back from either Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA.
BRABUS Mercedes ML W166
The suspension is also upgraded – a set of sport springs for a ride-height lowering by some 30 mm. For M-Class vehicles with AIRMATIC air suspension the BRABUS suspension engineers have developed a custom control module that lowers the ride height of the SUV by some 30 to 40 mm.
You can also opt for a high-performance brake system. It consists of 6-piston aluminum calipers with vented and cross-drilled discs measuring 405 x 34 mm for the front wheels and 4-piston fixed aluminum calipers and brake discs measuring 380 x 28 mm for the rear wheels.
The performance is boosted by the BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6S module for the direct-injection engine. It adds 70Nm (52 lb-ft) and 48PS (35 kW) to the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC. From 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 229 km/h (142 mph).
Finally, the interior can be exclusively ordered with bi-color stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo as well as matte-anodized aluminum pedals, door-lock pins and foot rest are part of the refinement repertoire as are exclusive BRABUS interiors masterfully crafted from a combination of the finest Mastik leather and Alcantara. In addition, there are exotic-wood and carbon-fiber trim sets in any desired color and with a variety of surfaces from open-pored and matte to high-gloss finishes.
Mercedes-Benz has announced the 2012 M-Class range price list.
In Europe, the 2012 Mercedes M-Class is available in three versions, and with a choice between three engines – ML250, ML350 Bluetec and ML350 BlueEFFICIENCY.
2011 Mercedes-Benz ML250 is powered by a 2.1-liter diesel engine with 204PS (150 kW) and a hefty torque of 500Nm (370 lb-ft). The more powerful ML350 Bluetec has a 3.0 liter V6 with 258PS (190 kW) and 619Nm (457 lb-ft). The performance is very good – 0 to 100 km/h for 7.5 seconds and top speed of 224 km/h.
The petrol variant is ML 350 BueEfficiency with a 3.5 liter V6 with 306PS (225 kW) and 370Nm (273 lb-ft). The top speed is 235 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.6 seconds.
All engines come with a 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox delivering the power to an 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
The new M-Class has a selective damping suspension, while the Airmatic self-leveling air suspension and an Active Curve System with dynamic roll stabilization is available as an option.
The safety includes Night View Assist Plus including pedestrian recognition, Speed Limit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Active Park Assist and Distronic Plus.
Check out the price list, below!
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
The prices of the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class at a glance*:
The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is set to have its official debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. However, the premium manufacturer has released full details and specification about the new SAV.
By “new” we don’t mean entirely redesigned model, but a slight facelift, which practically is the old M-Class, but with bigger taillights and interesting headlights. The highlights worth mentioning include a new front grille, new wheel designs from 17” to 21” as the biggest come with AMG badge. The improvements are present, still, we think that the rear lights are directly taken from BMW E61 (the previous 5-Series touring). It is tough to create something new and different these days, but this is Mercedes! If they don’t have the designers and the engineers to create a real new SAV, nobody can’t.
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class – Back
The interior is something different. The cabin is way better than the previous model and now feature higher quality materials and a lot of wood. Yes! The dashboard came directly from the S-Class, so we love it. The center console is wider and has some aluminum elements. The updated COMAND system is also present and as an option, you can order panoramic sunroof. Nice!
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class – Interior
As you may suggest, the engines are brilliant. The entry level is ML 250 BlueTec with 2.1 liter four-cylinder diesel delivering hefty 204PS (150 kW) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft). The more powerful diesel – ML 350 BlueTec comes with a 3.0 liter V6 with 258PS (190 kW) and 619Nm (457 lb-ft). The performance is brutal – 0 to 100 km/h for 7.5 seconds and top speed of 224 km/h. Excellent for SAV.
The petrol engine is in ML 350 BueEfficiency with a 3.5 liter V6 with 306PS (225 kW) and 370Nm (273 lb-ft). The top speed is 235 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.6 seconds.
All engines come with a 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox delivering the power to an all-wheel drive system.
The new M-Class has a selective damping suspension, while the Airmatic self-leveling air suspension and an Active Curve System with dynamic roll stabilization is available as an option. The SAV equipped with this will be a pleasure to drive.
The safety is at extemely high level – Night View Assist Plus including pedestrian recognition, Speed Limit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Active Park Assist and Distronic Plus and some other intersting systems.
The price is not announced, yet!
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class – Front
Check the specifications below.
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class:
ML 250
BlueTEC
4MATIC
ML 300 CDI
BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC
(Predecessor)
ML 350
BlueTEC
4MATIC
ML 350 CDI
4MATIC
(Predecessor)
Number of cylinders
4
6
6
6
Displacement cc
2143
2987
2987
2987
Rated ouput hp
204
204
258
231
Max torque Nm
500
500
620
540
NEDC combined
mpg
CO2 / km
43.4 – 47.0
158
31.4 – 33.6
224
38.1 – 41.5
179
30.0 – 31.8
235-246
Acceleration
0 – 62 mph s
9.0
8.3
7.4
7.6
Top speed mph
130
130
139
136
Emissions standard
EU6
EU5
EU6
EU5
ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY
ML 350 4MATIC
(predecessor)
Number of cylinders
6
6
Displacement cc
3498
3498
Rated output hp
306
272
Max torque Nm
370
350
NEDC combined
mpg
CO2 / km
32.1 – 33.2
199
23.5 – 24.7
266
Acceleration
0-62 mph s
7.6
8.4
Top speed mph
146
139
Emissions standard
EU5
EU5
Air flow optimisation:
Sealing around the radiator section with adjustable fan shutter
Sealed joints between the bonnet and the headlamps
Front wheel spoilers
Air outlets in the front wheel well liners
Redesigned exterior mirror housings
Optimised roof spoiler
Side spoilers on the rear window (ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC)
Underfloor and engine compartment panelling
Aerodynamically optimised light-alloy wheels
Comfort and driving dynamics:
To improve traction, the slip thresholds and shift points of the 7G-TRONIC PLUS system have been raised
A flatter accelerator pedal curve improves the sensitivity with which the driver can accelerate
Off-road ABS ensures optimum braking on a loose surface
ON&OFFROAD package:
Automatic – covers most everyday driving operations
Offroad 1 – light terrain, dirt roads and tracks
Offroad 2 – challenging off-road terrain with hilly stretches
Winter – for driving in wintry conditions on slippery roads, on snow, ice or with snow chains
Sport – more adventurous, dynamic driving on winding roads
Trailer – optimises moving off, manoeuvring and braking with a trailer
Comfort:
Improved rigidity of the front end structure thanks to struts between the lines of the upper and lower longitudinal members
Increased comfort, yet also reduction in weight, thanks to hybrid construction of front module
Particularly robust cockpit cross member made in lightweight magnesium alloy
Intelligent use of acoustic insulation
In the production plants, insulation is fitted to the bodyshell where it is needed by computer-controlled robots. In the firewall area, the mass distribution of the insulation material used may vary in places in order to counteract potential noise penetration.
Aluminium transmission cross member with integrated vibration damper in the diesel models
Vibrationally optimised 7G-TRONIC PLUS with twin-turbine damper and, in the diesel models, a centrifugal pendulum
Electronically mapped hydraulic engine mounts in the diesel versions
Decoupled exhaust system on diesel models
Standard chassis with selective damping, as an option: AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping system or AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping system and ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM dynamic roll stabilisation.
Electric steering
Component compartment wall in plastic in order to minimise penetration of noise from engine compartment into the interior
External noise minimised through acoustic encapsulation of engines
High-insulation acoustic windscreen
Additional aero-acoustic sealing in the side sections
Passive safety:
Two-stage adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger
Kneebag for the driver
Sidebags for driver and front passenger (combined thorax/pelvis bags)
Sidebags in the rear row of seats as an option
Windowbags across both rows of seats from the A to the C-pillar
3-point seat belts on all five seats
Pyrotechnic reel tensioners and permanent belt force limiters as well as electrically reversible belt tensioners in the front, reel tensioners and single-stage force limiters for the outer seats in the rear
ISOFIX child seat anchorage
Belt height adjustment for driver and front passenger
Belt status display for rear-seat passengers in the instrument cluster
Automatic child seat recognition (optional) with deactivation of the front passenger airbag if a special Mercedes-Benz child seat is used.
In a rear-end collision, a passive head restraint system developed specifically for this purpose can reduce the forces exerted on occupants.
Intelligent partner::
Intelligent Light System, ILS, with specific lighting functions
Night View Assist Plus with automatic person recognition
Speed Limit Assist (standard feature of the COMAND Online option)
Lane Keeping Assist – active/passive
Blind Spot Assist – active/passive
DISTRONIC PLUS
BAS PLUS (in conjunction with DISTRONIC PLUS)
PRE-SAFE® Brake with autonomous braking (in conjunction with DISTRONIC PLUS)
So, what we have here? Kahn Design team, one of the most popular tuning brands around decided to take a closer look to a lucky Mercedes-Benz ML vehicle. What we see as a final product is a sweet M Class with boosted confidence, more eye-catching details and boosted levels of luxury. So, let’s check it out!
Hofele Design has announced their tuning program for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML. It includes a complete body kit and the name of the project is “Starcruiser GT 550”.
Kicherer has announced their tuning program for the new Mercedes-Benz ML turning it into a real high-performance luxury SUV. The name of the project is IMPACT.
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG will hit the US market in March. It is priced at $95 865 including $875 destination charge.
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG now can be yours for “just” € 108 885. In addition you can order the AMG performance package for € 7 021. If you think that the price is too high, you have to consider this one more time, because…
Since 1997, every year the ÖkoTrend institute has been awarding and ranking thousands of cars based on data which involves the subject’s environmental impact, efficiency, manufacture, logistics and recycling. All and all there are 12 categories in which cars may fall in to.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class W166 has received a full tuning package from the famous tuning company – Brabus. The big SUV comes with complete aerodynamics package, performance upgrades and interior modifications.
Mercedes-Benz has announced the 2012 M-Class range price list.
The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is set to have its official debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. However, the premium manufacturer has released full details and specification about the new SAV.
