New Mercedes-Benz ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC: Range of up to 1500 kilometres

The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class sets new standards in the SUV sector, and particularly impresses with its low fuel consumption and emission figures. Compared to the previous series, the entire model range of the new M-Class consumes an average of 25 percent less fuel. Outstandingly, the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC is content with an NEDC consumption of 6.0 l/100 km (158 g CO2/km) and can travel up to 1500 kilometres on a single tankful. Efficiency notwithstanding, the fascination of the M-Class with its unique synthesis of agility, driving pleasure and comfort is fully preserved.

In the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, the 3.0-litre V6 of the previous ML 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC model is replaced by the thrifty four-cylinder power unit already familiar from the S-Class. The NEDC consumption of 6.0 l/100 km is 28 percent lower than that of the previous model. Thanks to AdBlue® exhaust aftertreatment, the diesel meets the EU-6 standard due to come into force from 2014.

The calculatory range with a full tank of fuel is particularly impressive. With an NEDC consumption of 6.0 l/100 km, the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC with the standard 70-litre tank can cover around 1170 kilometres between fuel-stops. If the vehicle is fitted with the optional 93-litre‑tank, the car can even cover up to 1500 kilometres between fuel-stops.

The excellent fuel economy is underpinned by a comprehensive package of BlueEFFICIENCY measures, as well as by this state-of-the-art engineering. In addition to the ECO start/stop function that comes as standard, these measures include the new seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with a new fuel-economy converter, low-friction bearings and a transmission oil thermal management system. Low-friction axle drives, electric steering, the optimised belt drive, the on-demand control of all ancillary components and pumps, and tyres with low rolling resistance also play their part in reducing fuel consumption. What's more, intelligent lightweight design has stopped the weight from spiralling upwards.

With a drag coefficient of Cd = 0.32, the new M-Class (ML 250 BlueTEC) also sets a new best figure for this vehicle class. The key factor determining the low wind resistance is the aerodynamic efficiency of the basic body shell, including the optimised design of the front bumper, the A-pillars and the roof spoiler, plus numerous other detailed improvements.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

The Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC Coupés: Refined Road Holding in All Conditions

Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC has been the leading technology in all-wheel drive for decades. Mercedes-Benz drivers the world over value its sure-footed agility on all manner of terrain and in no less than 21 4MATIC vehicles across ten different model ranges in the U.S. (almost 50 vehicles worldwide). While the 4MATIC name immediately points to Mercedes-Benz icons such as the G-Class and SUV pioneers like the M-Class, it also has a side of great elegance and athleticism. Look no further than the gorgeous and potent CLS550 4MATIC or the sporty and graceful C350 Coupe 4MATIC and E350 Coupe 4MATIC. At the top end of the range, there is now also supreme road holding combined with outstanding fuel economy in the S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC.


Roads can be dry or wet, covered in snow, mud or even black ice. You can face side winds, hydroplaning, not to mention treacherous hills, dirt tracks or steep mountain passes fraught with tight serpentines, pot holes and uneven surfaces. As it turns out, there is a drive system that takes all of this in its stride - 4MATIC all-wheel drive from Mercedes-Benz. The electronically-controlled system displays an impressive level of traction on all manner of terrain, raises active safety and offers an outstanding degree of driveline refinement.

Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive technology has been tackling adverse road conditions throughout the world for more than 100 years, with the fourth generation of 4MATIC technology leading the way since it was launched in 1985. One million vehicles equipped with 4MATIC have been sold to-date in the U.S. (two million worldwide), making it one of the world's most trusted all-wheel drive systems.

More than half of that total volume is attributable to Mercedes-Benz customers in the U.S., who have opted for 4MATIC technology in vehicles spanning the full breadth of the model lineup, ranging from sedans and stations wagons, through the entire range of class-leading SUVs to the stunning CL550 4MATIC. And now, the 2012MY lineup includes no less than four beautiful and exciting additions to the 4MATIC range - the S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, CLS550 4MATIC, E350 Coupe 4MATIC , and the C350 Coupe 4MATIC.

The CLS550 4MATIC and S350 BlueTEC are already on sale at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, and the others will be available to customers in April. Prices start at $44,370 for the C350 Coupe 4MATIC, at $53,675 for the E350 Coupe 4MATIC, at $74,675 for the CLS550 4MATIC and at $93,425 for the S350 BlueTEC.

Three new all-wheel drive coupes

Since Mercedes-Benz brought its first 4MATIC model to the U.S. in 1989, American drivers have been increasingly drawn to the handling and safety benefits of all-wheel drive. Entry into the world of Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive coupes now begins with the C350 Coupe 4MATIC. This best-selling premium mid-size coupe comes with a host of outstanding features, including best-in-class safety and comfort equipment levels with up to nine airbags, active head restraints, automatic climate control and alloy rims, as well as the seven-speed automatic transmission. State-of-the-art driver assistance systems include Attention Assist, a HOLD feature for the Adaptive Brake system. Optional equipment includes Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Parktronic with parking guidance system.

Like its rear-wheel drive sibling, the C350 Coupe 4MATIC is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 generating 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is uncompromised by the addition of 4MATIC and remains at an impressive 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.

Moving into the full-size segment, the E350 4MATIC Sedan and Wagon are now joined by the E350 Coupe 4MATIC, bringing an additional injection of refined sporting character to one of Mercedes-Benz's biggest selling models in the U.S. Like the C350 Coupe 4MATIC, the E350 Coupe 4MATIC is powered by the 3.5-liter V6 engine and offers exactly the same fuel consumption as the E350 Coupe at 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.

Also brimming with the latest driver assistance systems such as Attention Assist, the E350 Coupe 4MATIC adds Agility Control suspension to its standard equipment list, alongside PRE-SAFE®. Matched with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, this exceptional technology package delivers supreme handling and leading-edge safety even in the most extreme conditions

The third and final addition to the range of 4MATIC coupes is the stunning and superbly athletic CLS550 4MATIC. With 402 hp pumping from its 4.6-liter V8 engine and 443 lb-ft of torque, the formidably dynamic character of this ground-breaking four-door coupe is now even more impressive.

On the U.S. market since summer 2011, the new 4MATIC CLS variant is complemented by an extensive array of standard equipment and driver assistance systems, including PRE-SAFE, ABS anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, traction control and the ESP electronic stability control.

In the S-Class range, Mercedes-Benz offers U.S. customers the perfect combination of luxury refinement, astonishing fuel economy and, now, even more tenacious road holding. Last summer, Mercedes-Benz brought its first diesel-powered S-Class to the U.S. since the 1996 model year. Powered by a 3.0-liter V6 clean diesel with 240 hp and an astonishing 455 lb-ft of torque, it has an estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg city / 31 mpg highway.

4MATIC - gripping driveline technology

The 1985 Frankfurt Auto Show - on the Mercedes-Benz stand a new driveline concept kicks up a bit of a stir. Dubbed 4MATIC, the technology - comprising automatic differential lock, traction control and all-wheel drive - is controlled electro-hydraulically and promptly turns all other 4x4 concepts firmly on their heads. The state-of-the-art concept went on to make its market debut in 1987 in the great granddaddy of the current E-Class.

Mercedes-Benz optimizes its 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, now in its fourth generation, in accordance with application. In its purely road-going vehicles, the C, E, S and CL and CLS-Class, the version used is set up for best possible performance. The system's compact design delivers a weight benefit of between 99 and 154 pounds, allowing for little to no fuel economy change and the passenger space remains unchanged from that of a rear-wheel drive version. In the GLK compact SUV, the system is also equipped with additional electronics for off-road driving. The M and GL-Class offer a 4MATIC that not only delivers safe and refined on-road performance, but also incorporates first-class off-road technology. The base version of this 4MATIC also provides the R-Class with excellent drive. In the big daddy of off-road vehicles, the G-Class, the permanent all-wheel drive is also set up to master the toughest off-road terrain. As you might expect, every single 4MATIC variant boasts extremely refined road manners and excellent handling, while providing a significant boost to active safety. Add to that good fuel economy, which comes about as the result of low weight and friction-optimized design.

In the C, E, S, CL, CLS and GLK Class, 4MATIC offers the ideal pre-conditions for delivering power to the road. The system's mechanical core splits the drive at a ratio of 45 to 55 percent between the front and rear axles and has a multi-plate lock in the central diff with a base locking force of 37 lb-ft . This fundamental concept enables a high degree of traction, with the rearward transfer of dynamic axle load under acceleration used to deliver more driving force to the road. The multi-plate diff lock can also vary the front to rear load distribution up to 30:70 in either direction when faced with the challenges presented by a slippery road surface. This means that intervention of the ESP®, 4ETS and ASR electronic control systems comes at the last possible moment, enabling the maximum amount of engine power to be converted to forward drive.

The M-Class and GL-Class are the vehicles that define the premium SUV segment and 4MATIC is the system that defines their superb handling both on and off the road. In both models, drive is split 50:50 between the front and rear axles. Sturdy prop shafts transfer power to the front and rear axle gear sets, while a bevel gear differential absorbs the rotational speed difference between the axles. ESP® and 4ETS also play their part in maintaining outstanding stability. 4ETS controls the distribution of driving force via brief braking inputs, using information from the ABS wheel sensors. If these rev sensors indicate that one or more wheels are losing grip, their brakes are applied automatically. The driving force to the wheels with good traction is consequently increased in proportion with the braking force applied to the slipping wheels, thus maintaining forward drive on loose or slippery surfaces.

For the toughest conditions

Ongoing model revisions have kept G-Class technology up to the minute for more than 30 years and, to this day, guarantee an outstanding drive system. Back in 1979, when it made its debut, the original G-Class was equipped with a selectable all-wheel drive system that operated with absolutely no electronic intervention, as per the technology of the day. The first major model revision came in 1990, bringing with it permanent 4x4. Since 2001, the G-Class has been equipped with additional electronic control systems. The combination of permanent all-wheel drive with the 4ETS traction system, ESP®, three locking differentials and low-range gearing gives the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a unique synthesis of high-performance dynamics and all-wheel drive systems that is absolutely unique in the world.

Tested to the limits

The set up of dynamic systems like 4MATIC all-wheel drive is one of the biggest challenges in a vehicle's development phase. Active safety, comfort and drivability under all possible (and impossible) conditions depend heavily on this development work. This is why test engineers select the world's toughest environments in order to push new models in the prototype phase to the very limits of their physical capabilities. It is the only way to ensure that the production versions function reliably over a lengthy lifecycle - regardless of operating and environmental conditions.

As a result, they undergo test driving under extreme desert conditions in the searing heat of the Namibian Desert, as well as calibration and test drives in the mind-numbing sub-zero temperatures north of the Arctic Circle. An ongoing comparison between "fire & ice" ensures that the information gathered in each environment can't have a negative impact on the other. Optimization is carried out in a similar manner in other areas of conflict with tools such as the "climb & speed" development program for off-road vehicles. In suspension testing on a race track, a new SUV might prove itself to be stable and safe at high speeds. But does it also display Mercedes refinement on the ride and comfort test circuit? Is the set up right for clambering around off-road? During the test phase, development engineers put several million kilometers onto a new model at locations all over the world. These practical tests are complemented by extensive calibration programs using a wide variety of test beds and detailed simulation programs. In the early stages of development, prior to practical testing, experts test up to 1,000 different vehicle variants using virtual techniques covering around 220,000 digital driving maneuvers.

More than a century of 4x4 development

The leading expertise of Mercedes engineers in the development of pioneering all-wheel drive concepts did not come about by accident. Mercedes-Benz 4x4 history starts as far back as 1903, since when the guiding principle has been - if you want to make better and safer headway under tough conditions, all-wheel drive is the best technology.

The all-wheel drive breakthrough came in 1907. Engineer Paul Daimler, the son of Gottlieb Daimler, had been working on this drive technology since 1903. It was for this reason that he was selected to lead the team that built the first all-wheel drive passenger car with an internal combustion engine, commissioned by the German Colonial Office. It was a real monster that took shape in the Daimler workshop in Berlin-Marienfelde. The all-wheel drive automobile was based on a commercial vehicle chassis, had a wheelbase of 157 inches and a track of 56 inches. With an overall length of around 193 inches and standing almost nine feet high, the vehicle weighed in at around 3.6 tons. Dubbed the "Dernburg", it had permanent all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering to make the monstrous machine more maneuverable.

Alongside a number of six-wheeled passenger vehicles with four driven rear wheels (6x4 drive principle), the 30s saw the birth of the G5. By the standards of the day, the 4x4 vehicle was state-of-the-art. It had all-wheel drive and an advanced five-speed transmission. To make it more maneuverable on rough terrain, it was equipped with manually-activated four-wheel steering. Several of these vehicles were put into service by the German mountain rescue service, with some of them still in use well after the Second World War.

The modern history of Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive vehicles undoubtedly began in 1979 with the arrival of the G-Model. At its market launch in early 1979, there were four engine options available with output ranging from 72 hp to 150 hp, as either cabriolet or station wagon with a short or long wheelbase. 1989 saw a significant development - alongside the redesigned original with the internal reference "Series 461", which subsequently became the highly capable base model for utility applications, Mercedes launched the range dubbed "Series 463". With new, permanent all-wheel drive, ABS, limited-slip differential on the front and rear axles, as well as a 100 percent locking center diff, it made a very clear technical statement. Since 2001, the G-Class has also been equipped with pioneering stability, traction and brake control systems ESP®, 4ETS and brake assist. The G-Class résumé is positively teeming with superlatives. It has won the Paris-Dakar Rally, serves as Papal transportation, wins consumer awards left right and center and formed the gene pool for the entire Mercedes-Benz SUV family line. And that's not all - with its model life of 30 years plus, the "G" is far and away the longest-serving model range in Mercedes-Benz history.










Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Say 'Hello' to the 2011/2012 winter season in sheer Mercedes-Benz style

In the northern hemisphere, winter is around the corner and every car owner is doing the usual preparations in order to avoid being taken by surprise in icy cold conditions. Careful as always, Mercedes-Benz has prepped an entire series of genuine accesories to help clients pass this season in true safety, practicality and style. The special edition releases also include parts specifically designed for the new B-Class and M-Class, such as the roof boxes for storing ski equipment and the wheel chains that improve grip while running on snow. Furthermore, the German constructor has initiated a number of events targeted on driving under winter conditions to help sharpen skills and reactions. The pinnacle of vehicle dynamics and high tractive power in low adhesion conditions at Mercedes-Benz is the multitalented and multi-awarded 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system, offered on no less than 49 different models bearing the Three-Pointed Star.

Learn more about Mercedes-Benz' dedicated winter customer care program by following the next links:

1. Winter time with Mercedes-Benz: Heading to the slopes (I)

2. Winter time with Mercedes-Benz: Heading to the slopes (II)


3. Winter time with Mercedes-Benz: Heading to the slopes (III)

4. Winter time with Mercedes-Benz: Heading to the slopes (IV)

5. Winter time with Mercedes-Benz: Heading to the slopes (V)

6. Permanent adhesive power: the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system from Mercedes-Benz (I)

7. Permanent adhesive power: the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system from Mercedes-Benz (II)

8. Permanent adhesive power: the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system from Mercedes-Benz (III)

9. Permanent adhesive power: the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system from Mercedes-Benz (IV)

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Permanent adhesive power: the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system from Mercedes-Benz (IV)

Superb THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control: Perfect climate aboard M-Class and E-Class

Carefully balanced control of the interior climate is especially important in the winter. This is why Mercedes-Benz offers the THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control system for the E-Class and M-Class. Apart from regulating the climate separately for the driver, front passenger and passengers in the rear, it allows individual pre-settings to be programmed too.


This system furthermore includes a pollutant sensor which automatically switches to air recirculation mode if it detects any sudden increase in the carbon monoxide or nitrogen oxide levels in the outside air – when driving through a tunnel, for instance. Another highlight of the THERMOTRONIC system is the residual heat function: pressing the “Rest” button heats or ventilates the passenger compartment for around 30 minutes when the engine is switched off.

THERMOTRONIC heats up the passenger compartment efficiently, even after a cold start on winter mornings. This is thanks to a heating output of eleven kilowatts, equivalent to the capacity of the central heating system in a modern family home. On the diesel models, a heat exchanger with six integral PTC heating elements (PTC = Positive Temperature Coefficient) is also activated when the outside temperature falls below a certain level in order to boost the effect of the main heat exchanger with an electrical output of around 1200 watts. The assistance from the PTC heater is necessary due to the high thermal efficiency of today’s CDI engines, which is precisely what makes them so economical and means that they dissipate considerably less heat to the coolant under partial load conditions than conventional engines. The E-Class and M-Class are equipped as standard with THERMATIC, a two-zone automatic climate control system.

To make long journeys or lengthy winter outings in the M-Class even more enjoyable, the centre console holds a little surprise in store: the tempered cup holders include a Peltier element that is capable of keeping drinks hot or chilled in a temperature range of 8° to 55° Celsius at the push of a button. So, a “take-away” coffee can be kept hot on the morning drive to the slopes, for example. Alternatively, with the cooling function activated, the thermal cup holders are able to stop chocolate bars from melting if a very high interior temperature has been set.

Source: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Permanent adhesive power: the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system from Mercedes-Benz (III)

E-Class 4MATIC: stability pact for the winter: Gripping drive system for Saloon and Estate

The 4MATIC powertrain in the E-Class is one of the best-performing permanent all-wheel drive systems on the market. The basic design concept, with the engine installed longitudinally and the integral transmission and transfer case unit, produces a compact, lightweight arrangement that minimises frictional losses, heralding a number of benefits compared to other passenger car systems with a transverse power unit and selectable 4x4. As with the 4MATIC system’s set-up on a dry or wet road, handling stability and, therefore, active safety are paramount at all times when wintry conditions prevail, too.


The mechanical principle of the 4MATIC system, featuring a 45:55 torque split between the front and rear axles and a multi-disc limited-slip centre differential with a basic locking torque of 50 Nm, offers all the right ingredients. This basic design enables high levels of traction, as the dynamic shift in axle load toward the rear axle that occurs during acceleration is harnessed to deliver more drive torque to the rear wheels. However, the multi-disc differential lock is also able to shift the drive torque between the front and rear axles, varying the split between 30:70 and 70:30 as the road conditions dictate. Consequently, intervention by the ESP®, 4ETS or ASR electronic control systems can be delayed for as long as possible and the bulk of the drive torque converted into tractive power, even on slippery roads. All control system interventions go virtually unnoticed, yet drivers still know straight away if they are driving near the limit, as a yellow warning symbol will flash in the instrument cluster. This serves as a clear prompt to adapt the driving style to the road conditions.

The drive mechanism’s permanently engaged design offers key advantages over other systems that first need to diagnose a lack of grip before activating the 4x4 drive. The 4MATIC on the E-Class will have already made use of this valuable time to start transmitting drive torque via the wheels to the road. When pulling away in wintry conditions, the E-Class 4MATIC models are designed to develop maximum traction. To this end, certain road conditions are automatically detected and the interventions of the 4ETS electronic traction control system adjusted so as to achieve the greatest possible acceleration while minimising wheel slip, thereby ensuring optimum handling stability.

New petrol engines and an optimised powertrain make the 2011 Mercedes-Benz
E-Class the standard for efficiency in its segment. All of the petrol and diesel engines in the E-Class range now employ direct injection technology, with combined fuel consumptions of 6.8 - 7.0 litres and 8.9 litres per 100 km respectively for the new BlueDIRECT V6 and V8 units. The reduction in fuel consumption of up to 20 percent is also due to the standard ECO start/stop function and the improved 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission, which is now also available for the four-cylinder model variants.

E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC: First ever all-wheel drive E-Class with a four-cylinder diesel engine

The ECO start/stop function and 7G-TRONIC PLUS ensure a particularly high level of energy efficiency in the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC. The first E-Class with 4MATIC and a four-cylinder diesel engine has an output of 150 kW (204 hp) and stands out for its smooth drive characteristics coupled with impressive performance: it completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 238 km/h. In the process, the engine burns just 5.6 l/100 km on the NEDC driving cycle, making the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC the most efficient all-wheel drive diesel model in its power category in the executive class.















Source: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Permanent adhesive power: the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system from Mercedes-Benz (II)

New chassis developments and innovative dynamic handling control systems: Relishing the winter with the M-Class

Outstanding safety and well-balanced ride comfort combined with impressive driving dynamics on dry, wet as well as wintry roads, plus superlative skills off the beaten track are some of the key strengths of the third-generation M-Class with permanent all-wheel drive. The premium SUV also makes its mark with new chassis developments and innovative dynamic handling control systems designed to increase both driving pleasure and active safety in winter.


The optional ON&OFFROAD package for the new M-Class uses six different driving modes to optimise driving dynamics and handling safety by providing the optimum drive control needed to cope with the wide spectrum of operating conditions encountered both on and off the road. Drivers have the choice of an automatic mode, two specially programmed off-road modes as well as three on-road modes – “Winter”, “Sport” and “Towing”.

The specific driving modes for all-wheel drive resolve a conflict of objectives that has previously hampered further development of 4MATIC and the 4ETS electronic traction system as well as ESP® and acceleration skid control (ASR). To take an example: on off-road tracks or snow-covered roads, it is important that the control systems respond very gently due to the low friction coefficients, but this makes a sporty set-up virtually impossible. Conversely, a sporty basic setup impairs performance abilities in off-road terrain and snow. In the past, excellent compromises were always found which worked brilliantly under all conditions. The new ON&OFFROAD package with its specific driving modes, however, enables driving dynamics and handling safety to be optimised almost as far as is physically possible under all operating conditions by maximising networking between the individual control systems.

In terms of “hardware”, the ON&OFFROAD package comprises an underguard, a two-stage transfer case with low-range ratio, an inter-axle differential lock and enhanced AIRMATIC functionality that allows a maximum ground clearance of 285 millimetres and a fording depth of 600 millimetres.

Winter driving mode: more fun, more safety

The driving mode is chosen using a rotary control on the centre console. To ensure the selected driving mode – in this case “Winter” – is clearly indicated, a special snowflake graphic appears in the instrument cluster, while the COMAND screen shows the M-Class in a wintry, snow-covered landscape.

The ON&OFFROAD package’s winter driving mode optimises handling on roads affected by snow, ice or freezing rain and when using snow chains, and offers drivers added safety with its well-defined, predictable reactions. The extensive fine-tuning work carried out focused on further increasing longitudinal traction, at the same time as improving lateral dynamics and handling safety. The development team was able to implement these specifications to impressive effect using targeted control mechanisms in the drivetrain:

- When pulling away with or without the steering turned, the inter-axle lock in the centre differential is triggered earlier in order to increase traction and reduce understeer when accelerating briskly. In parallel to this, the 7G-TRONIC PLUS switches to the “gentler” ECO mode and automatically engages 2nd gear when pulling away to avoid high wheel slip. Finally, a flatter response curve gives the driver more sensitive control over the accelerator pedal.

- Maintaining a locking torque that has been set in the centre differential for longer improves handling stability and helps the driver by making the self-steering characteristics more definite.

- Higher ASR slip thresholds when driving in a straight line result in high traction levels as well as safe operation with snow chains with outstanding tractive power.

- ASR slip thresholds lowered when cornering in order to ensure stable handling characteristics at all times as far as is physically possible.

ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM for safe fun in the snow at its very best

When the ON&OFFROAD package is combined with the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM (ACS), a specially programmed winter set-up guarantees dynamic driving pleasure while giving the driver excellent control over the vehicle for a high degree of handling safety. ACS uses active anti-roll bars at the front and rear axles to compensate for the roll angle of the body through bends, increasing agility and driving pleasure in the process. At the same time, the system is capable of giving the M-Class greater traction, especially in wintry road conditions with low grip levels.

The ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM “Snow mode” features two control strategies. Firstly, many of the parameters needed for driving on wintry roads are already incorporated into the basic functions, i.e. when the ON&OFFROAD package’s Automatic driving mode is activated. This means that the system’s reactions to the driver’s steering inputs will be less dynamic on slippery surfaces. External influencing factors, such as fluctuating friction coefficients on roads that are partially covered in ice or snow, are balanced out faster though. Thanks to this control strategy, the M-Class becomes far more docile, even if the vehicle switches between moderate oversteer and understeer.

Secondly, the system control for the winter driving mode includes a special control algorithm. In just the same way as the shaped skis thrill alpine skiers by closely following the desired line even through turns with a tight radius, the M-Class handles in tight bends in this mode. This control strategy produces increased traction on snow-covered road surfaces by dynamic displacement of the wheel loads. If the driver turns into a tighter bend while travelling at a constant speed or accelerating, the wheel load and, as a result, the traction will be increased at the front wheel on the outside of the bend. Doing so minimises the understeer that is otherwise typical in this driving situation. If the driver then reduces the steering angle when exiting from the bend while travelling at a constant speed or accelerating, the load at the rear wheel on the outside of the bend will be raised instead. This has the effect of increasing lateral support at the rear axle, so that the vehicle’s handling is stabilised in the same way as when entering the bend. This time though, it is the tendency to oversteer that is countered.

M-Class sets benchmarks in the world of SUVs

The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class excels above all with its outstandingly efficient use of energy. On average, the fleet consumes 25 percent less fuel than the predecessor models. The ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC is the fuel efficiency champion, consuming just 6.0 l per 100 km on the NEDC driving cycle (158 g CO2/km) and capable of covering up to 1500 kilometres on a single tank of fuel. Other key strengths of the premium SUV with permanent all-wheel drive include outstanding safety and well-balanced ride comfort combined with impressive driving dynamics both on the road and off the beaten track. A distinctive body design and a versatile interior that is highly conducive to its occupants' wellbeing further enhance the M-Class driving experience.

















Source: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.