Register    
login  

Mercedes ML-Class

 
 
  
  The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a 4-door SUV with light off-road capability, first offered in 1997, and built in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, USA. It marked a shift at Mercedes-Benz in becoming a global player; while it had plants outside Germany before, they merely built facsimiles of German models. In contrast, the M-Class was conceived with the American market in mind and built at an American factory. Despite early negative press about quality control, the M-Class became a huge sales success in the United States.

2012 Mercedes ML CD35 by Carlsson

Carlsson’s newest program for the Mercedes ML-Class will make its world premiere at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Known for some of the best aftermarket Mercedes programs in the world, Carlsson is looking to set the standard for SUV refinement for 2012. For the program, Carlsson has prepared quite the treat for ML-Class owners. There’s an aero package that add bolds styling to the SUV and there’s a performance enhancement that adds more power than you can imagine.

For the aerodynamic kit, Carlsson took the wind tunnel to develop all of the parts, ensuring up-standard quality and engineering. A new front apron was installed, giving the SUV a more masculine look. Grille inserts made of electro polished stainless steel mesh were also added to the chrome radiator grille and the central air inlet. On the side, Carlsson installed new side skirts whereas the rear end gets a new rear apron and the addition of a new stainless steel, double flow rear exhaust resonator. Rounding off the exterior modifications are a new set of 20" Carlsson 1/5 Revo light alloy wheels. Inside, Carlsson went to great lengths to enhance the ML-Class’ amenities. Illuminated door panels have been fitted in, Carlsson door pins were added, and finally, aluminum pedals were included.

For the engine, Carlsson tweaked the ML 350’s C-Tronic control unit, resulting in an increased output on the SUV’s 3.0-liter V6 engine, from 258 horsepower to and 457 lb/ft of torque to an impressive 310 ponies and 516 lb/ft of torque.

The last piece of modification for the ML CD35 involves the installation of Carlsson’s C-Tronic SUSPENSION with iPhone connectivity. Using a simple app from Carlsson, drivers can configure the system to adjust the vehicle height by 30mm to the road conditions within milliseconds, ensuring superior ride comfort for the driver and the passengers alike.



2012 Mercedes ML63 AMG by TopCar

Now that Mercedes has officially unveiled the high-powered 2012 ML63 AMG, the tuning birds have been circling the SUV to see who can make the first tuning program for it.

Now it appears the winner is Russian tuning firm, TopCar.

Wait, you didn’t just read TopCar, did you? Those boys who are known for Porsche and BMW programs are actually making one for a Mercedes?

Well, it appears that way after they released a few renderings of what their program for the new 2012 ML63 AMG is going to look like. The program, as you can see from these images, shows an extensive aerodynamic wide-body kit that includes a restyled front bumper fascia with LEDs, flared out fenders, side skirts, door skin panels, flared quarter panel wheel arches, and a new rear bumper fascia. All the materials, according to TopCar, are made entirely out of Kevlar and carbon fiber using vacuum molding technology, which only goes to show you that with all the technological elements used on the program, it probably won’t come cheap.

Performance upgrades have not been announced yet, but knowing these guys and their history for some pretty off-the-wall projects, they won’t hesitate to put some extra beef under that hood. After all, the ML63 AMG’s 518-horsepower 5.5-liter V8 engine is certainly ripe for some bad ass modifications.



2012 Mercedes ML-Class by Brabus

Just one day after announcing a new tuning package for the Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster, German tuner Brabus have swicthed their focus to another model in the Mercedes line-up, but this time, it’s an SUV. The new generation ML-Class has been hooked up with the customary exterior and interior updates, as well as a significant power increase.

Brabus has brushed up on the new ML-Class’ already aggressive stance with a few accessories to accentuate it even further. The use of an "On Road" front spoiler with attachments for the air inlets in the front fascia, new sill skirts, a new rear spoiler, and a dual or quad sport exhaust system support their effort in bringing the SUV to the next level. Much like every other tuning package provided for any vehicle, Brabus also threw in a new set of wheels ranging from 18" to 22," depending on the choice of the customer. For the interior, Brabus is offering bi-color stainless-steel scuff plates with a backlit Brabus logo, as well as matte-anodized aluminum pedals, door-lock pins, and a new foot rest. Adding more elegance to the package is the choice of exotic-wood and carbon-fiber trim sets in any desired color.

Finally, for the engine updates, the tuner has added an ECO PowerXtra D6S performance kit that will increase the output from 258 HP to 306 HP and the peak torque from 457lb-ft. to 509 lb-ft. As a result, the 0 to 60 mph sprint will be made 1.4 seconds faster, while top speed will be increased to 142 mph.

The new Mercedes ML-Class by Brabus will be presented November 26th at the 2011 Essen Motor Show.



2012 Mercedes ML-Class Accessory Line

After debuting the new generation ML-Class, Mercedes has gone on to offer a series of accessories for those who want more than just the standard SUV. The company has delivered a very long list of accessories starting with different sets of wheels and extending to a powerful Becker MAP PILOT navigation system.

Exterior options give customers the the choice between 12 different light-alloy wheels, snow chain systems, valve caps in sterling silver, bonnet fin attachments, and aluminum-finish running boards. The interior offers customization options not unlike any typical tuning firm, such as new floor mats, a wood/leather steering wheel, illuminated door sill panels, coat hangers, and stainless steel sports pedals. For those who love technology, Mercedes is also offering a rear-seat integration kit for the Apple iPad, a Rear Seat Entertainment System, and an InCar Hotspot system.

The add-ons continue on to include accessories for the average sports nut, including a range of carrier systems, ski and snowboard racks, bicycle racks, and roof boxes.



2012 Mercedes ML63 AMG

Now that we’ve seen the third generation ML-Class, Mercedes was ready to launch its most powerful version: the ML63 AMG. The sporty SUV was to be revealed at the 2011 Los Angeles Show, but with just two days before the official debut, Mercedes decided it was time to unveil the official details on the SUV. Sales of the new ML63 AMG will begin in the first quarter of 2012.

The whole goal behind the new ML63 AMG was to "bring sport back." At least that is what Mercedes is attempting: "In a world flooded with average SUVs, it is time to bring back dynamic handling, pulse quickening power and most importantly, sport."

The current ML63 AMG uses a 6.3 liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, but the new model will adopt the same treatment as all of the latest AMG models: a 5.5 liter V8 engine with 518 HP and 516 lb-ft of torque. With the optional AMG Performance Package, the V8 engine’s power output will be increased to 550 HP and 560 lb-ft of torque.

UPDATE 04/17/12: Do you really know everything there is to know about the 2012 Mercedes ML63 AMG? On the chance that you need someone from Mercedes to give you the proverbial guided tour around the SUV, Mercedes-Benz USA Exclusive Vehicles Product Manager Will Vetter will take you on a two-part tour in, around, over, and under the ML63 AMG. Check out the videos after the jump!


Full story

Mercedes is smacked with a Class Action Suit due to alleged V8 AMG defects

It seems that Mercedes is headed towards some dark days now that they are facing a class action suit due to alleged defects in the M156 V8 motor. Reports coming in are stating that there seems to be a premature wear that occurs as a result of the material used in the camshafts. Let’s break it down a bit more.

Mercedes’ V8 AMG engines have cast nodular iron camshafts, but the valve lifters are made of 9310 grade steel. The complaint is that this combination of materials is contributing to premature wear of the M156 motors. This can be due to improper heat treating of the metals or improper offset. Seems like an easy fix, but the problem is that the company has known about this issue since 2007 when a service bulletin was released by Daimler, but the company has failed to take action on the matter.

This 6.2 liter V8 engine is used in models such as the C63 AMG Coupe, the ML63 AMG, and the SLS AMG supercar. In these vehicles, it can develop between 450 to 570 HP.

At this time, there is only one plaintiff who is alleging financial losses of about $25,000. Sometimes tells us this is going to snowball into many, many more people coming forward with the same problem. We’ll keep you posted as more details surface.



2011 Mercedes ML63 "Carbon Series" by Kicherer

The Mercedes ML63 AMG. This isn’t exactly a car that makes tuning firms sweat in anticipation of what they could do with it, but German tuner, Kicherer, decided to take a stab at it anyway with their latest tuning package.

Their new upgrade kit is called "Carbon Series" and it starts with a black carbon foil that covers every element of the exterior so that the vehicle looks uni-colored. In addition to that, Kicherer also enlisted the help of a new set of 23" wheels that are combined with an electronic chassis adjustment. For the interior, the tuner is offering a combination of carbon-leather and alcantara.

The Mercedes ML63 AMG also received a specially developed stainless steel sports exhaust system and a Kicherer Power Converter to pump up the 6.3L V8 engine. The engine now produces a total of 540 HP and a peak torque of 472 lb-ft, up from the standard 510 hp at 6800 rpm and a peak torque of 464 lb-ft. Top speed has also been increased to 155 mph.



2012 - 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class

Mercedes has officially unveiled the third generation ML-Class, a model that not only features an impressive exterior and interior design update, but also low fuel consumption and emission figures - about 25% lower than in the previous model.

On the US market, the new ML-Class will be go on sale in September 2011 and will include two models: ML350 4MATIC and ML350 BlueTEC. Both models are powered by a completely reworked 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering two different power figures. The ML350 4 Matic will pump out 302 HP, while the ML350 BlueTec will deliver 240 HP.

Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars development, commented: "The M-Class embodies all the automotive experience that we have accumulated over 125 years and thus represents – in short – a quantum leap in terms of efficiency, safety, agility, driving enjoyment and design!"

UPDATE 07/13/2011: Mercedes USA has announced the prices and option list for the 2012 ML-Class that will go on sale next month. US customers will have to choose between two models: the ML350 4Matic priced at $49,865 and the ML350 BlueTec 4Matic diesel priced at $51,365. Mercedes is also offering a several packages, including a Premium 1 Package ($3,600), a Premium 2 Package (5,450), a Dynamic Handling Package ($5,150), a Lighting Package ($1,290), a Lane Tracking Package ($850), and a Driver Assistance Package ($2,950). Hit the jump for the full price list.

UPDATE 06/20/2012: Mercedes has just added a new version to its ML-Class line-up. The new ML 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY will only be available in Europe with deliveries to begin in autumn of 2012. The model is priced at €63,050 - about $80k at the current exchange rates. Hit the jump to read more about the new model.

Hit the jump to read more the 2012 Mercedes M-Class.


Full story

2011 Mercedes ML 350 by Vilner

Bulgaria’s very own tuning firm, Vilner, has graced our pages recently with some pretty interesting tuning set-ups for the Mitsubishi Evolution X, the Mercedes SL 63 AMG, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT600. Well don’t look now but, apparently, these guys are far from finished with their projects.

This time around, the Bulgarian aftermarket tuning company decided to play a little dress-up with the Mercedes ML350, giving the German SUV a number of fancy exterior and interior upgrades. As if Merc SUVs need further styling, Vilner gave it a whirl nonetheless.

Among the features included in their exterior program include a new set of custom LED headlights, new black-chromed elements where it used to only be chrome, giving the car a little darker treatment, and, subsequently, an edgier look to it. In addition to that, the same black-chromed finish was used on the rims, further complementing the SUV’s body paint and giving it a nice black-and-white contrast.

Inside the SUV, Vilner rolled up a nice heaping of Alcantara on the upper part of the dashboard, as well as on specific areas of the door, and the seats. The steering wheel was given an expensive standard and perforated leather trim, while the rest of the cabin was given a leather finish with silver trims to provide a nice and balanced accent on the interior to go with the ambient lighting.

Overall, the modifications did their job in giving this SUV a more luxurious feel. The changes done on the exterior may not be that noticeable from a distance, but once you get inside the cabin, the smell of expensive leather and Alcantara will give you all the assurances you need about Vilner’s program for the ML350.



  • Post a comment Post a comment

2011 Piecha Design Evorian RS

We haven’t heard from Piecha Design in quite awhile - 2009 to be exact - since they made over the Mercedes SLK, but it seems they have moved on to the bigger side of Mercedes with a new tuning package for the Mercedes M-Class and GL-Class. Their package is called the Evorian RS and includes impressive exterior and interior updates.

The exterior package of the Evorian RS is defined by impressive LED day headlights integrated into the front spoiler corners, LEDs embedded in the side sills (4 per side), high-gloss chrome aerowings, and a Quadro-4-tube exhaust conversion that includes two chrome-plated double-tube end pieces. The package is finished by 22" dp1-CC Silver light metal wheel rims in three-part style with their high-gloss polished stainless steel bases.

The tuner is also offering a lowering module produced by the H&R undercarriage specialists for vehicles with coil springs to lower the Mercedes Benz brothers by 35 mm at the front and by as much as 50 mm at the rear. This addition adds a little more aggression and sporty appeal to a set of already powerful vehicles.




< previous 1 2 3 4 5 next >







Find us on Google+
Find us on Facebook