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.

Efficiency champion takes victory in "Auto Bild Allrad" reader survey: M-Class is "Car of the Year 2012"

The readers of Europe's biggest 4x4 magazine "Auto Bild Allrad" have spoken and reached a unanimous decision: the Mercedes-Benz M-Class is "Car of the Year 2012".

More than 120,000 readers cast their votes as part of an online survey in which a total of 157 all-wheel-drive models were put under the spotlight. In the category "Off-road vehicles and SUVs over €40,000", a good 12 percent preferred the M-Class and as a result voted the multi-talented vehicle as the overall winner. As the most successful Mercedes-Benz SUV with sales of more than 1,000,000 vehicles, the M-Class celebrated its premiere in 1997 and is seen as the forerunner to all modern premium SUVs. In 2011, the third generation of the model was launched. It boasts impressive performance both on and off the road, and has established its position as the champion of efficiency. A further three model series from Mercedes-Benz also featured among the top ten vehicles in this category in the guise of the G, GL and GLK-Class.

The R-Class, the impressive touring SUV offering high levels of comfort on long journeys as well as a generous and variable interior with up to seven seats, was voted into second place in the category for "All-wheel-drive vans and buses".

Credits: Daimler AG

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

Mercedes-Benz reports increasing demand for the new M-Class SUV

If you are determined to buy yourself a new M-Class of the W 166 generation, you might also want to think twice. The reason is simple: the waiting lists are pretty long and the US-based Tuscaloosa plant, where the SUV is being assembled, is working at full throttle to meet the increasing demand. Even so, there are still less cars produced than actually needed on the market, according to company officials. If you post your order for an ML this month, you will have to wait for your car to be delivered until September or later, also depending on the country you live in. All in all, this is good news: the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class, champion of refined efficiency, is becoming more and more popular worldwide.


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

Multiple awards for Mercedes-Benz in the "Off Road" reader survey: Peak performance by the G-Class

After almost 33 years of unbroken production, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class remains unparalleled. This was the opinion of the "Off Road" magazine readers, who voted the G-Class "Off-roader of the year 2012" in two categories – making it a repeat of last year's success for the off-road legend. The G-Class eased to victory in the "Luxury off-roader" category and defended its top spot in the "Classic" category. The new M‑Class, eligible for the first time having been unveiled just last year, achieved second place in the "Luxury SUV" and "Newcomer" categories.


The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been a permanent fixture in Mercedes-Benz's model line-up since as far back as 1979 and remains an off-roader par excellence. Its special position as an off-road icon is down to its continuous and systematic further development by Mercedes-Benz over a period spanning more than three decades. Hence the latest-generation G-Class features an impressive mix of state-of-the-art drive technology and high-calibre interior appointments whilst also maintaining its highly valued, hallmark attributes such as extreme robustness and outstanding off-road capability. This is already the ninth time it has won the "Off Road" magazine reader survey, giving it the title "Off-roader of the year" once more.

The "G" family currently has three body variants: short-wheelbase Station Wagon, long-wheelbase Station Wagon and Convertible, which can be combined with either a particularly environmentally-friendly V6 diesel engine featuring BlueTEC technology and with an output of 155 kW (210 hp) and 540 Nm of torque, or a powerful 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine developing 285 kW (388 hp) with a torque of 530 Nm. The flagship G 55 AMG model – available only as a four-door, long-wheelbase Station Wagon – is powered by a V8 supercharged engine developing 373 kW (507 hp) with an impressive peak torque of 700 Nm.

The superstar among off-roaders uses high-performance drive technology and dynamic handling control systems to deliver outstanding on-road and off-road performance. Standard equipment includes permanent all-wheel drive with a low-range ratio, the electronically controlled traction system 4ETS, three differential locks that can be engaged at the push of a button and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.

The G-Class Professional model, which won the award in the "Classic" category, is a pared-down utility version with the emphasis firmly on robustness and reliability. It is aimed at extreme professional applications such as rescue services, although private customers also choose this particular classic for tough off-road use.
The new awards are in addition to the almost countless accolades the legendary Mercedes-Benz off-roader has already received, underlining the position of the G-Class as one of the most popular and highly-decorated models on the off-roader scene.

Although the third-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class was not delivered to its first customers until late autumn last year, it still managed to achieve second place in the "Luxury SUV" and "Newcomer" categories in the latest "Off Road" magazine reader survey. The M-Class impresses with outstanding energy efficiency: on average, the new models consume 25 percent less fuel than their predecessors. The fuel-consumption champion is the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, with an NEDC figure of just 6.0 l/100 km (158 g CO2/km).

Further strengths of the premium SUV include exceptional safety and well-balanced ride comfort as well as excellent driving dynamics both on and off the road. What is more, the ML features permanent all-wheel drive, an array of new chassis developments and innovative dynamic handling control systems which further enhance both driving enjoyment and handling safety.

Credits: Daimler AG

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

"The Best Cars of 2012": The M-Class SUV and the SLS AMG Roadster are the best cars in their classes

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is the best car among off-road vehicles, while the SLS AMG Roadster super sports car is the best cabriolet. These are the results of a reader survey conducted by specialist German motoring magazine "auto motor und sport". The SLS has now received the title of "Best Car of The Year" for the third time in a row.


The motoring magazine "auto motor und sport" has been conducting its vote for the "Best Cars of The Year" in ten different categories since 1977. This year around 210,000 readers from 14 European countries, as well as China and Brazil, took part in the longstanding survey to decide the best cars of 2012. When it came to off-road vehicles, the majority of readers voted for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, thereby acknowledging not only its characteristically distinctive design and variable interior, with that all-important sense of wellbeing, but also its excellent energy efficiency and thus environmental acceptability. In addition, the permanent all-wheel drive system of the M-Class also impressed with its well-balanced ride comfort combined with excellent driving dynamics both on and off road, along with the car's outstanding range and high level of safety. The G-Class picked up second place.

In the case of the cabriolets, the readers of "auto motor und sport" placed the SLS AMG Roadster in pole position, honouring it as the best car of 2012 in its category and as such paying tribute to both its uniquely exciting design as well its exquisite engineering and technology. The super sports car excels with its uncompromising lightweight construction, superior driving dynamics and exemplary safety. These attributes are ensured by a unique technology package consisting of a lightweight aluminium spaceframe body, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid-engine producing 420 kW (571 hp), seven-speed dual clutch transmission and a sports suspension with aluminium double wishbone suspension. This combination guarantees dynamic performance at the very highest level.

Credits: Daimler AG

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

"iF product design award 2012": Five-fold success for Mercedes-Benz design

The designers at Mercedes-Benz have picked up yet another prize for no fewer than four models in the form of the internationally renowned "iF product design award 2012". A top-class specialist jury has bestowed the award on the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the SLK, the SLS AMG Roadster, and the Concept A-CLASS show car, as well as the smart electric mobility concept, all for their outstanding designs.


First presented in 1953, the "iF product design award" ranks among the world's most important design awards and represents the seal of approval for good design. For 2012 the 24-member jury was again faced with the task of choosing its favourites, this time from more than 2000 candidates. Four models from Mercedes-Benz stood out in particular: the M-Class, the SLK, the SLS AMG Roadster and the Concept A-CLASS show car.

The M-Class won thanks to its characteristically distinctive SUV design and its variable interior with high wellness factor. The open-top SLS AMG Roadster, meanwhile, owes its victory to its exciting lines, which are reminiscent of the legendary 300 SL from the 1950s. The SLK Roadster also dominated the competition with its powerful sports car design, which portrays its outstanding qualities to brilliant visual effect - stylish comfort, light-footed sportiness and exemplary ecology.

With the Mercedes-Benz Concept A-CLASS, the jury acknowledged the birth of a new vehicle generation which provides a glimpse of the expressive design of the future A-Class.

As an overall concept, the trend-setting developments achieved by the automotive brand smart in the field of electric mobility also received the coveted "iF product design award 2012". For its innovative e-mobility concept, smart created one-off vehicles such as the open-top smart forspeed, the smart e-scooter and also the smart e-bike, which is to be incorporated into the smart product line this year.

Credits: Daimler AG

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

Advertorial: Sixt - your top choice for renting a Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is a wonderful car company and if you want to try out several Mercedes-Benz cars a great was to do so is by renting a car. Sixt is a car rental company from Europe and the number one rent a car company in Germany, which has a large selection of Mercedes-Benz to rent from.


Sixt’s rent a car fleet includes the Mercedes-Benz E, C, and M classes as well as SLK and GLK models. Renting a car is a great way to test out a car to see if you like that car. If you are in the USA than check out a Sixt rent a car in Florida, for you can test drive all of these amazing Mercedes-Benz classes. Or if you want to have a Mercedes-Benz while you are on vacation than Sixt rent a car is a great option because it is in over 100 countries with over 4000 rent a car locations. If you want to test out any of the magnificent Mercedes-Benz cars then it all starts with Sixt rent a car.

Matthew Fransioli
Junior SEO Manager @ Sixt

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

More Than Two Million SUVs Delivered to Customers

Mercedes-Benz’s SUV models are celebrating another milestone. Since the launch of Mercedes-Benz’s first sports utility vehicle – the G-Class – over 30 years ago, more than two million G-Class, M-Class, R-Class, GL-Class and GLK-Class models have been delivered to customers. Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars: “Our entire SUV family is extremely popular among our customers, particularly in the USA and in its second-largest market China. With the launch of our first sports utility vehicle – the G‑Class – more than 30 years ago, we entered a segment in which we are now very successful with a total of five models. The SUVs today are an important pillar of Mercedes-Benz’s growth and have achieved a new sales record in every month since July 2010. The new Mercedes-Benz M-Class, which has enjoyed fantastic customer response to date, will give sales a further boost.”


In November 2011, Mercedes-Benz SUVs achieved another monthly sales record with deliveries of 25,552 models (+23.4%). From January through November, a total of 221,518 sports utility vehicles have been delivered worldwide (+24.3%), more than ever before in this period. The successful run-out of the M-Class was particularly noteworthy, as was the excellent start of its new models in the U.S. A new peak was set by the GLK, whose deliveries are at a record high since the beginning of the year (+25.6%). To meet the strong demand on the Chinese market, the small SUV is being produced locally in China since early December. The other model series have also developed positively in the year to date with significant increases in sales. R-Class sales jumped by 50.3 per cent, the G-Class recorded growth of 30.9 per cent, GL sales climbed by 28.9 per cent, and deliveries of the M-Class were up 15.8% despite the model change. In the coming year, the new GL and the new generations of the GLK and the G-Class will generate additional demand in the SUV segment.

The SUV models account for around one-fifth of global Mercedes-Benz sales. By far the largest market for the SUV family as well as the M-, GLK-, and GL-Class are the United States. The second largest market for the SUVs is China, followed by Germany. The classic sports utility vehicle, the G-Class, is most popular in its domestic market Germany, while the R-Class is most in demand in China.

The latest star of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family is the third generation of the M-Class, which was launched last November. One of its strongest features is its outstanding energy efficiency. As the most fuel-efficient SUV in its segment, the M-Class became the first vehicle in its class to receive the prestigious TÜV (Technical Control Board) environmental certificate – just in time for its launch. The strengths of the permanent 4-wheel-drive premium SUV also include excellent safety features and well-balanced driving comfort with strong driving dynamics both on- and off-road. Thanks to its outstanding safety systems, the M-Class was recognized as the best vehicle in its segment and awarded the top five star rating under the European NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) for excellent occupant protection.

The new M-Class is the top model in its segment when it comes to value retention. Just recently it was recognized by “Focus Online” and “Bähr & Fess Forecast” as one of the best performers in terms of residual values in 2015. The ML 250 BlueTEC can still yield 55 per cent of its new value as a four-year-old used car. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class was also awarded the “Golden Steering Wheel 2011” by readers of German “Bild am Sonntag” and “Auto Bild”. The other SUV models are also extremely popular among customers. This year, the longest-standing Mercedes-Benz model series, the G-Class, was crowned “SUV of the Year” for the eighth time. This major award is voted by the readers of the German “Off Road” magazine. Meanwhile, the readers of “AutoBild Allrad” gave the G-Class the victory in the “Off-road vehicles and SUVs over €60,000” category, followed by the GL-Class.

Credits: Daimler AG

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

“AUTO TEST WINNERS in GREEN!”: Mercedes-Benz M-Class and S-Class are the most environment-friendly

The “ÖkoTrend” institute has declared the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC to be the most environmentally friendly cars in their class. This is what lay behind the professional journal AUTO TEST’s decision to present its “Winners in Green” awards to both Mercedes-Benz models.


Since 1997 the ÖkoTrend institute has been publishing an environmental ranking for cars on an annual basis. In order to reach a conclusion the institute evaluates the environmental compatibility of several tens of thousands of data relating to around a thousand car models in twelve categories. This stringent assessment includes information on consumption, pollutant emissions, manufacturing, logistics, recycling and the manufacturers’ environmental systems.

This year two models from Mercedes-Benz celebrated victories – the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY in the luxury class and the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC in the “SUV” category. This led to their “AUTO TEST WINNERS in GREEN!” awards from the specialist publication AUTO TEST.

Both of the winning models are driven by the same base engine: a four-cylinder diesel unit with direct injection and turbocharging. It has a displacement of 2143 cubic centimetres, from which it delivers an output of 150 kW (204 hp), placing a powerful torque of 500 newton metres at the motorist’s disposal. The S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY uses it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds, whilst the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC takes 9.0 seconds to complete this sprint.

In spite of this sporty performance, both of the models are frugal with fuel. The S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY consumes 5.7 l/100 km combined (which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 149 g/km combined). The ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC consumes 6.0 litres over 100 kilometres, with CO2 emissions of 158 g/km (both figures combined).

The “Öko-Trend Institute for Environmental Research” was founded by the Bergisch University of Wuppertal (www.oeko-trend.de).

Credits: Daimler AG

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

New Mercedes-Benz Collection miniatures in 1:87, 1:43 and 1:18 scales

Small is beautiful: the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class and B-Class in model form

Following the market launch of their full-size counterparts, detailed miniatures of the new Mercedes M-Class and B-Class have become the latest additions to the Mercedes-Benz Collection. The efficient off-roader and the compact sports tourer are available with immediate effect as high-grade miniatures in scale 1:87, 1:43 and 1:18. Developed in collaboration with renowned manufacturers Busch, Herpa, Minichamps and Norev, these collectors' models are being sold through Mercedes-Benz outlets, Mercedes-Benz dealerships, the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the online shop.


As is customary for the Mercedes-Benz Collection, a huge amount of emphasis was placed on authenticity. It's why the model cars are available in many of the original paintwork colours and with popular special equipment features such as ILS headlamps and panoramic roofs. The miniatures in scale 1:43 and 1:18 even have the same interior trims as their full-size equivalents. Brown burr walnut or the honeycomb and matrix looks are the trim options for the B-Class, while aluminium, poplar anthracite or brown ash are used in the M-Class, depending on its paintwork colour.

The front doors and tailgate and the bonnet and boot lid of the 1:18 models can be opened. Their interiors and boots are flocked, and the rear seat bench can be folded forward in the B-Class model.

All model cars in the Mercedes-Benz Collection come in Mercedes-Benz designer packaging. A screwdriver is even enclosed with the 1:18 scale models, allowing the model to be removed from its screw-fastened packaging with the minimum of fuss.
The following table offers an overview of the six new miniatures:

Collectors' items: Mercedes miniatures down to the last detail

Since the invention of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz has built its vehicles out of conviction and passion. Such is the extent of this passion that even the miniature vehicles bearing the three-pointed star are produced with enormous attention to detail – so much so that they even stand up to comparison with their full-size counterparts. As soon as you see a new Mercedes-Benz on the road, you can be sure that a miniature version – available in a range of colours and scales – will be waiting for enthusiasts at Mercedes-Benz outlets.

But before that stage is reached, much work has to be done. After all, behind every miniature is a story of engineering excellence, creativity and precision craftsmanship – just as for the real thing. Before any actual work on the miniature begins, the developers first turn their attention to the original, using state-of-the-art CAD technology to precisely map the basic shape and size. This digitalised design data constitutes the DNA of a genuine Mercedes-Benz. Modelling specialists then modify and process this information for use on a smaller scale. Only then can the exact configuration of the model car begin. Certain special equipment features are also replicated from the real-life originals – from the engine and the interior trim to the choice of alloy wheels.

Shot after shot: 800 photos for maximum authenticity

A detailed photo of the door hinge is just as important in the overall scheme as one of the cockpit controls and the texture of the leather-upholstered seats. In a painstaking process, the modelling experts integrate the countless individual photos of the genuine article into the CAD data and use them for a final comparison with the original. It can take up to three months to go through this development process and to achieve the aim of getting as close to the original as possible. Extremely ambitious considering that a finished model car in scale 1:18 is made up of up 120 individual parts.

Benchmark brand design: the first working model

Design plays a key role at Mercedes-Benz. And it's no different for its miniature masterpieces. The model should be more than simply a 'dinky' version of the original. It should reflect the emotional appeal of the brand. At the Sindelfingen design studios, product managers and specialists work hand in hand to bring the same appeal to the first working model. Meticulous checks are made to key elements for the overall look such as the light-catching contours. The proportions of the individual components, right down to the windscreen wipers and exterior mirrors, must correspond exactly to the size of the vehicle.

Once the design is perfect, work begins on the moving parts. The boot lid, bonnet and doors all have to open and close in the same way as the original. Even the tiniest discrepancy is picked up on and corrected at this stage. Meticulous hand-craftsmanship is called for. The modellers smooth, file and cut away until the new working prototype made out of synthetic resin meets the demanding Mercedes-Benz standards, ready for the sample to be approved by the vehicle designers.

It can take up to four months to develop the first working model – another three to four months is invested in the 'first shot', the initial, unpainted metal model. Only now is the miniature ready for series production.

The best or nothing – no compromises in colour

The paintwork of the models should be virtually a 100 per cent match to the original. This is achieved in a number of stages. First, a colour chart corresponding to the exact shade of the production vehicle is analysed and the paint remixed. Several complex comparisons are carried out to verify how close it comes to the original. The miniature vehicle body then enters the firing chamber, just as its full-size counterpart would. At the end, the model is covered by three coats of paint. The light-catching contours gleam with perfection – and the Mercedes miniature is ready to step out from the shadows of its real-life counterpart.










Credits: Daimler AG

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 (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.