The redesigned M-class (chassis name W164) was introduced to the public in April 2005 as a 2006 model after showing at the North American International Auto Show in January. It is almost entirely new, with a more sporting, aerodynamic look-the coefficient of drag is down to 0.34. Mercedes-Benz has also made the new M-class larger, measuring 150 mm longer than the first model. The M-Class was named "Best New Sport Utility Vehicle" in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards. The back was commonly referred as a shoebox so DaimlerChrysler spent most of their $600 million dollars on redesigning that part.
Mercedes-Benz extensively publicized the US$600 million that was spent to update their factory and add additional manufacturing space for the new R-Class. According to early automotive press reports, the 2006 M-Class vehicles demonstrate vast improvements in build quality.
The W164 platform used for the new M-Class is shared with the new GL-Class and is a unibody type rather than the former (W163) body-on-frame used by the M-Class vehicles produced from 1998-2005. The X164 GL-CLass, a longer 7-seater version of the W164 platform, is also available.
New features in the 2006 M-Class include the 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission, optional Active Curve-Illuminating Bi-Xenon headlights which "steer" in the path of the vehicle, and an adjustable-height air suspension. The manual transmission has been dropped.
4-valve engines are replacing the previous 3-valve SOHC V6 and current 3-valve V8:
ML350 - 3.5 L 4-valve V6, 272Hp(258 ft·lbf)
ML500 - 5.5 L 4-valve V8, 382HP(550 N·m)
ML550 - 5.5 L 4-valve V8, 382HP(550 N·m)(North America)
ML63 AMG - 6.2 L 4-valve V8, 510HP (347 kW)
ML280 CDI - 3.0 L V6 Turbo Diesel, 188HP (325 ft·lbf)
ML320 CDI - 3.0 L V6 Turbo Diesel, 224HP (376 ft·lbf)
ML420 CDI - 4.2 L V8 Diesel, 306HP (700 N·m)
Models using Bluetec Diesel engine with urea injection will be introduced for the 2009 model year.
[edit] ML63 AMG
The AMG version of the W164, the ML63 AMG, was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show as a limited edition 2007 model. It features a 6.2 L M156 V8 engine producing 510 hp (380 kW) and 465 lb·ft (630 N·m) that is handcrafted in Germany, which makes the vehicle extremely rare. The engine is mated to an AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission. The ML63 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds.[3]
[edit] Facelift
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class will get a minor facelift as it debuts at the 2008 New York International Auto Show.