Mercedes-Benz has released the first official photographs of the M-Class All-Activity Vehicle, a new sport-utility vehicle that will set new standards for both on-road performance and comfort and off road ability. The Mercedes M-Class, which goes on sale in the fall of 1997, will compete in the heart of the premium SUV segment - along with vehicles such as the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited models - with a price starting in the mid-$30,000 range. Consumer research has shown that owners of current, truck-derived sport utility vehicles are pleased with the ruggedness and cargo capacity that their vehicles offer, but they a(so want a more comfortable ride, better fuel economy, greater passenger safety and improved reliability. Drawing upon this research as well as decades of expertise in four-wheel-drive technology, Mercedes-Benz designed the M-Class from the ground up, rather than rebadge or redesign an existing car or truck platform. The M-Class combines the core attributes of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars (performance and handling, safety, quality, comfort and luxury) with the benefits that sport-utility buyers want (true off road capability, rugged design, cargo capacity and versatility and towing capacity).

Mercedes-Benz Safety In An SUV For The First Time

The Mercedes-Benz safety standard was designed into the M-Class from the start. A welded steel box frame and a reinforced steel body cage provide a carefully engineered crumple-zone structure, while maximizing torsional stiffness for a smoother, quieter ride. As on every Mercedes-Benz vehicle sold in the United States, the M-Class features advanced four channel, four-wheel anti-lock brakes and emergency tensioning retractors with belt force 1imiters for the front seatbelts. Front door-mounted side-impact airbags, currently on all E, S, SL, and SLK models, will also be standard, further raising the bar in safety equipment among SUVs.

A Look That Works And Lasts

While the practical aspects of the Mercedes M-Class design will please buyers into the next century, Mercedes is confident the style will last as well. That is because, just as Mercedes used a "clean sheet of paper" approach for the M-Class chassis, the designers likewise did not seek to copy an existing "look" or trend. A sleek aerodynamic shape that breaks away from the prevalent boxy design of sport-utility vehicles will give the Mercedes-Benz M-Class a quiet ride, and helps it achieve class-leading fuel efficiency. The boxy designs of some SUVs compromise aerodynamic efficiency, which in turn contributes to wind noise and reduces fuel efficiency.

Versatility For Passengers and Cargo

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class was developed with passenger comfort, cargo room and versatility in mind. Its 111-inch wheelbase is among the longest in its segment - 5.1 inches longer than Jeep Grand Cherokee and 5.7 inches longer than Toyota 4Runner. The M-Class is also 5.2 inches higher than Grand Cherokee, and l.l inches wider. The largest side doors among midsize SUVs and a low step-in make getting in and out of the Mercedes M-Class much easier than in most SUVs. The rear seat row has ample head, leg and shoulder room for a11 three passengers, thanks in part to a relatively flat floor. For versatility, each second-row seat backrest can be folded down separately, and either one-third or two-thirds or all of the seat cushions can be folded forwards. An optional third seat, which will be available after the first vehicles go on sale, offers ample room for two more passengers. Unlike the additional seating capacity offered by some SUVs, the M-Class third seat is comfortable for adults. There is even a footwell in the floor for ample third-seat legroom.

An All-New Approach To Four-Wheel Drive Performance

The M-Class stands apart from other four-wheel-drive SUVs in that it does not lock its axles in an attempt to maintain traction on slippery or loose surfaces. Instead, the M-Class employs a sophisticated fourwheel adaptation of the company's proven electronic traction system (4ETS) to maintain stability and traction on wet or snowy roads. The 4ETS system senses wheel slip electronically and brakes the slipping wheels, which delivers the right amount of torque to those tires with the most grip, on virtually any road surface. Unlike conventional four-wheel-drive systems, 4ETS automatically provides mobility, even when three wheels lose traction. Using 4ETS rather than locking differentials aids maneuverability, both on and off road. In tight steering situations there is no axle "binding," which the driver would experience as sluggish steering response and vibration. Uncompromised ABS operation is also ensured by the M-Class 4ETS, since it eliminates the conflict between ABS and manually locking differentials. In addition to enhanced performance compared to locking differentials, weight is lower and there are fewer mechanical parts to wear out. Mechanically, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class offers full-time four-wheel-drive with front, center and rear differentials. All three differentials are of an efficient "open" design. The center differential is located in the transfer case a planetary unit which provides low range gear reduction for serious off road travel. Torque distribution is 50 percent front/50 percent rear, so the driver experiences the benefits of full time four-wheel-drive. In slippery or off road conditions, the benefit of the full-time system is obvious. Yet, even on perfectly dry highways, the system makes its presence known by giving the M-Class secure, neutral handling characteristics.

Low-Range Transfer Case For True Off-Road Capability

A two-speed electronically controlled transfer case gives the Mercedes-Benz M-Class true off road capability. High range provides a 1:1 gear ratio, while selecting "Low" with a button on the instrument panel engages a 2.64:1 ratio. In first gear, low range, the Mercedes M-Class will have one of the lowest "crawl speeds" in its class giving it the ability to negotiate the most challenging terrain and steep descents. When in low range, the M. Class five-speed electronic automatic transmission uses a special shift program to provide smooth shifting in rugged off road conditions.

A Chassis Designed Exclusively For A Sport-Utility Vehicle

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class chassis reveals the foundation on which the vehicle's performance comfort and safety will set new standards in the sport-utility segment. Four-wheel independent suspension and a separate frame, along with an advanced full-time four-wheel-drive system with traction control will aid handling, stability and braking, while providing a more comfortable ride than truck-based SUVs. The Mercedes M-Class is based on a strong separate frame with closed, twist-resistant box-profile sections to provide the strength and ruggedness expected in an SUV. The two longitudinal and three transverse frame crossmembers are welded together for exceptional strength and torsional rigidity. Front and rear suspension sub-frames and 10 rubber body mounts provide isolation from road shocks and noise. Unlike most sport utility vehicles, the M-Class frame is also designed so that it will not override a passenger car's body structure in a collision. In addition, crash boxes designed into the front and rear crossmembers absorb energy and prevent distortion of the longitudinal members in cases of minor collisions, reducing repair costs.

Four-Wheel Independent Suspension

Unique in its segment, the M-Class features independent front and rear suspension. Many SUVs have only independent front suspension, while some use "solid" axles front and rear. Four-wheel independent suspension will endow the M-Class with class-leading handling, stability and ride comfort, both on and off road. Compared to rigid axles, independent suspension reduces unsprung weight by two-thirds, resulting in both better handling and ride quality. The M-Class front suspension features upper and lower control arms in a double-wishbone configuration. Upper arms are high-strength forged aluminum alloy, which further reduces unsprung weight. Springing is provided by torsion bars that attach to the middle frame crossmember. A stabilizer bar attaches to the lower control arms. A front subframe is bolted directly to the frame and carries the aluminum steering gear (rack and pinion) and the lower control arms, while the upper control arms and shock absorbers are attached directly to the M-Class frame. The aluminum differential housing is attached by three large noise-insulating rubber mounts. The double-wishbone rear suspension is similar to the front, but uses coil spring/shock units with progressive-rate springs. As in the front, the upper control arms and spring/shock units are connected to the frame, while the lower arms and stabilizer bar are attached to the pre-assembled subframe. Both upper and lower control arms are forged aluminum. Double-tube gas shock absorbers are used front and rear.

Power And Efficiency

A new generation of advanced Mercedes-Benz engines in the M-Class, matched to an electronically controlled, driver adaptable five-speed automatic transmission, will offer a class-leading combination of power and fuel efficiency, while providing the high torque necessary for off road driving or towing heavy loads. The first M-Class model will include a 215-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 engine featuring reduced emissions, higher fuel economy and low maintenance. One year later, an additional V8-powered M-Class model will be introduced.

Exceptional Control and Handling

Like the award-winning Mercedes E-Class sedans, the M-Class all-activity vehicle employs hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering. The steering column is adjustable for height. A tight turning circle gives the M-Class exceptional maneuverability on any road. All M-Class models feature four-wheel disc brakes. The front discs are vented, the rears solid. As on every Mercedes-Benz, a four-channel, four-wheel ABS is standard. When driving on loose, off road surfaces, a special off road algorithm is used to keep braking distances short.

Click Here For More Press Releases

Copyright © 1985-2001 AutoPricing / VIS. All rights reserved. *Values are subjective opinions based on the Staff of NABA / VIS and recent market conditions. National Automobile Bankers Associates / Vehicle Information Services is not responsible for actual or claimed deviation. Copyright 1993-2001 NABA/VIS. Auto Pricing a service of VIS. 561-394-0610

Copyright © 1985-1998 AutoPricing / VIS. All rights reserved. *Values are subjective opinions based on the Staff of NABA / VIS and recent market conditions. National Automobile Bankers Associates / Vehicle Information Services is not responsible for actual or claimed deviation. Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997,1998 NABA/VIS. Auto Pricing a service of VIS. 650-312-9008.