Mercedes-Benz entered the highly competitive sport utility arena in fall 1997 with the market-leading ML320, which begins its third production year with the 2000 model introduction. The V6-powered ML320 benefits from a number of newly refined and luxurious interior appointments, including body-color bumpers, and a real walnut/leather steering wheel. Additionally, the luxurious ML430 - powered by a 268-hp 4.3-liter V8 -- becomes the first SUV with an integrated navigation system as standard equipment. 

     The ML55 AMG is the new high-performance leader of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class model lineup. The brawny SUV was developed to give sport utility buyers a vehicle with performance and luxury appointments which until now have only been available to consumers of the most luxurious performance sports cars. The addition of the ML55 gives Mercedes-Benz the unique industry position of offering sport utility vehicles for three distinct market segments and in three distinct price ranges.

ML55 AMG; There's a Little Bit of GT Champion in Each One

     The ML55 was developed in conjunction with Mercedes-AMG GmbH, the high-performance and racing arm of Mercedes-Benz. Many racing enthusiasts know that AMG successfully campaigned the competitive CLK-GTR racecars to the FIA-GT Championship last year.

     In addition to its racing endeavors, AMG develops and produces high-performance street variants of Mercedes-Benz products. The ML55 is one of three AMG products available to American consumers, and the limited-production C43 and E55 sedans round out the AMG-flavored lineup.

      The heart of the ML55 AMG is its specially crafted all-aluminum 5.5-liter V8 engine. The twin-spark, overhead-cam motor produces a whopping 342 horsepower and a massive 376 lbs.-feet of torque, which can propel the ML55 from 0 to 60 in less than seven seconds and to a top speed of nearly 150 mph. Statistics such as these are usually the reserve of high-performance sports cars. That acceleration, its four-wheel drive capabilities and ample ground clearance make the ML55 unique -- it can rocket down the Autobahn or traverse a snowy gravel road with equal ease.

     The ML55 AMG is easily identified by its muscular physique. Bulging fender flares cover
special five-spoke, 18-inch wheels and low-profile 285/50 R1 8 tires. Unique rocker panels add to the athletic look, while integrated fog lights are built into the front bumper and a special panel continues the line of the rear bumper across the liftgate. 

     Power domes, reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwings and roadsters of the 1950s, grace the hood, and twin chrome exhaust tips also hint at the power source. The 5.5-liter engine is a modified version of the Mercedes-Benz twin-spark, three-valve-per-cylinder 5.0-liter V8, which made its debut in the 1999 SL500 roadster. The increase in displacement from 4,966cc to 5,439cc was achieved through the use of a special forged-steel "strokef 'crankshaft, which adds 8mm, nearly 1/3 of an inch to the stroke of each piston.

     To feed air and fuel to the larger-displacement engine, AMG modified the original magnesium intake manifold with long intake passages for more efficient pressure waves. Combined with a custom electronic engine control unit, the intake system gives the ML55 AMG a broad torque band with exceptional low-and mid-range power.

     One Part Cheetah, One Part Billy Goat, One Part Rhino

     The ML55 AMG harnesses all that horsepower and torque through a full-time four-wheel-drive system, which provides 50/50 torque distribution through front and rear fully independent suspension. One of the most innovative and versatile systems in the SUV market, the M-Class driveline utilizes front, center and rear "open" differentials, which require no driver intervention.

     The M-Class stands apart from other SLTVs with its electronic four-wheel traction control. To maintain traction, the Mercedes-Benz system senses slip and applies brakes to the slipping wheels automatically transferring the right amount of torque to those wheels with the most grip, on virtually any road surface. Combined with its fully independent suspension - unusual in this market segment - the ML55 AMG offers class-leading handling, stability and ride comfort, both on and off road.

     Beneath the elegance and technology lies a cocoon of safety. Rated "Best Pick" in SUV crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the M-Class features crash protection roughly equal to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class luxury sedan. The body-on-frame design features a torsionally rigid chassis and a body with extra crumple zone built into the nose of the vehicle and around the windshield pillars. This extra crumple zone can actually help dissipate crash energy around the sides of the vehicle, providing even more protection for the occupants of both the M-Class and a colliding vehicle.

                              Lap of Luxury, Now Standard on ML320

     For the first time since the introduction of the M-Class in the fall of 1997, the ML320 has
received significant upgrades, including an interior facelift, that benefits the ML430 and the ML55 as well. Standard equipment on the 2000-model ML320 includes interior features such as a leather steering wheel and a leather gearshift knob. Additionally, the interior is trimmed in real burl walnut.

     The ML320 also features new upholstery styling and seatback covers with map pockets in the back of the front seats. Three new interior colors are offered: Java, Ash and Charcoal. Footwell lights now illuminate under the instrument panel on both the driver and passenger side. Borrowed from the all-new flagship S-Class sedan launched in mid- 1999, new standard-equipment Touch Shift control for the automatic transmission allows manual gear selection by lightly pushing the shift lever to the left or right.

     The exterior of the ML320 now features body color bumpers, rub strips, rocker panels and mirror housings, identical to the exterior appointments of the current ML430. However, the two models are still clearly distinguished by two different wheel designs.

                     ML430, Now the Technology Leader Too

     Already the luxury leader in the sport utility vehicle category, the ML430 now also shares the title of technology leader with the ML55. New for 2000 model year, both the ML430 and ML55 come with a standard GPS navigation system featuring a large, integrated display on the center console. The new display also incorporates audio controls and is set up for modular add-on telephone and CD player systems. The new navigation system is an easily installed accessory for the ML320 as well.

      In addition to the new standard interior appointments for all M-Class models, the ML430 gets heated seats, new leather door trim and a higher grade of leather upholstery. 

     Purchasers of both the ML320 and ML430 now also have the option of ordering third-row seating from the factory. 

          The ML55 AMG: A Leather-Lined, Four-Wheel-Drive Rocket Ship

      The interior of the ML55 AMG more closely resembles a luxury sedan than a go-anywhere, do-anything sport utility vehicle, and sets a new standard for M-Class interior features. High-bolstered AMG-design sport seats are finished in supple leather and contrasted by dark burl walnut trim. The armrests and console storage area are leather covered, as is a portion of the combination walnut/leather AMG steering wheel. The instrument cluster features chrome-ringed gauges with white analog faces as well as the new display for navigation and audio systems..

     As with all M-Class models, the ML55 AMG comes equipped with generous standard
equipment, including: air conditioning with dust and pollen filtration, high-performance 80-watt audio system, cruise control, tilt steering column, power windows with express-down feature in the front, rear wiper, dual-heated power side mirrors, outside temperature gauge, Homelink-compatible universal garage door opener, alloy wheels, four-way head restraints, carpeted floor mats, pre-wiring for CD player and phone, roof rails and a retractable cargo cover.

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