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74-504: This technology was named as "Technology of the Year" for 2007 by Automobile magazine. The dual-mode hybrid concept, as described in 1994, was developed to optimize vehicle efficiency by switching between parallel and series hybrid operation, taking advantage of series operation in stop-and-go traffic to minimize engine speed variance, and parallel operation at highway speeds to use efficient mechanical transmission. On September 30, 1993,

148-644: A 6.0L LFA and LZ1 V-8 engines featuring Active Fuel Management , which was larger than the standard 5.3L LY5 base engine. The GM products were followed by a hybrid Dodge Durango and related Chrysler Aspen for the 2009 model year in late 2008; the 5.7L HEMI V-8 engine on these was equipped with a stop-start system to improve fuel economy. BMW and Mercedes introduced the X6 ActiveHybrid and ML450 Hybrid , respectively, in 2009, but these were discontinued in 2011. Earlier, on March 1, 2007, BMW and DaimlerChrysler announced that they were entering

222-742: A unibody platform while sharing most components with the GL-Class , which sports a longer body to accommodate third-row seating. For a short time, between 1999 and 2002, the W163 M-Class was also built by Magna Steyr in Graz , Austria, for the European market, and the W166 M-Class from 2011 to 2015 was built in Stuttgart for the European and Australian market, before all production moved to

296-469: A 3.0 L turbocharged I6 producing 429 hp (435 PS; 320 kW) and 384 lb⋅ft (521 N⋅m) of torque. A 48V electric system like in the GLE 450 features EQ Boost for an extra 21 hp (16 kW) and 184 lb⋅ft (249 N⋅m) torque on demand. For the first time under the "GLE" name, the GLE also adds a seven-seat option. In the European market, two plug-in hybrid versions are available:

370-467: A 48V electric system with an integrated starter motor. The system powers the air-conditioner, in-car electronics and the electronically driven turbocharger. The GLE 450 features a refined Active Body Control system, that does away with mechanical roll bars, notably enhancing performance. Other engine options are also available. The AMG GLE 53 was introduced at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show in March. It has

444-515: A 6.2 L M156 V8 engine producing 510 PS (375 kW) and 465 lb⋅ft (630 N⋅m) that is handcrafted in Germany. The engine is added to an AMG SpeedShift 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission . The 2006 ML 63 AMG can accelerate from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in just 4.8 seconds, or from 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) in just 5.0 seconds. These features made the ML 63 AMG

518-588: A double-tiered marketing strategy of "ML" badging (e.g. ML 320) under an M-Class umbrella. There has been some confusion surrounding this nomenclature, with many sources erroneously referring to the series as the "ML-Class", including Mercedes-Benz itself. From 2015, with the release of the facelifted W166 third-generation model at the New York Auto Show in April, the M-Class was renamed to GLE as per

592-569: A factory in Wanaherang, West Java. These plants perform final assembly of vehicles shipped as "knocked-down" kits from Vance, USA. In the second half of 2015 a facelifted W166 was released as the GLE, along with a coupé version. The previous Popemobile was based on the 2012 M-Class and was delivered in December 2012. The GLE name was used in 2015 for the facelifted W166 along with the new five-door coupé derivative GLE Coupé (C292) which

666-481: A larger front grille, restyled interior, and a new ML 420 CDI engine choice. The ML 280 CDI became the ML 300 CDI, the 320 CDI became the 350 CDI, and the 420 CDI became the 450 CDI. Models using Bluetec Diesel engine with urea injection were introduced in 2008 for the 2009 model year. At the 2009 New York International Auto Show , Mercedes-Benz showed their ML 450 Hybrid SUV, which was announced on 8 April 2009. The ML 450 Hybrid consumes almost 50% less fuel than

740-656: A plan to replace the G-Class, which at the time had been in production for 11 years. A joint agreement with Mitsubishi Motors to develop and produce a sports-utility vehicle was made in early 1991 and was confirmed publicly that June. Plans were made to base it on the Montero/Pajero platform, with one of them being badged as a Mercedes-Benz and the other a Mitsubishi. In May 1992, these plans were abandoned citing "technical problems" and Mercedes-Benz continued on with in-house development from January 1993. In March 1993,

814-418: A planetary center differential that provides a 48% front/52% rear default torque split. The transfer case featured reduction gearing, and Mercedes' new Four-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS). 4-ETS simulated three differential locks on all three open differentials, via aggressively braking one or more spinning wheels. The M-Class was the first luxury SUV to feature electronic stability control ,

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888-489: A prototype. Negotiations had begun earlier in October, after engineering managers at both companies discovered they were independently working on similar dual-mode hybrid concepts while participating on the same conference panel. The agreement was not signed until the following August, however. GM was reportedly responsible for development of rear- and four-wheel drive truck and front wheel drive car systems while DaimlerChrysler

962-838: A result of the tie-in. Three versions were used in the movie, two of which of each were built. Two are displayed at the Universal Studios in Orlando , Florida, there is one at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart , Germany, and one at the Visitor Center at the M-class factory in Alabama. The ML 320 was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1998 and was voted the 1998 North American Truck of

1036-524: A search for a location to build a U.S. manufacturing plant began. By September 1993, a location in the state of Alabama was chosen and construction started in 1994. While plans were being made overseas, in Germany development continued. Design work took place from late 1992 to 1994. A design from Mercedes' Sindelfingen studio was chosen in 1993 and approved by the executive board in February 1994. The design patents were filed in Germany on 13 July 1994, and in

1110-452: A separate partnership to develop a mild hybrid module for rear wheel drive premium cars. They planned to roll out the new system within the next three years on BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. GM did not participate in the new partnership, and did not announce plans to develop a similar hybrid RWD system for cars. In 2009 Mercedes released the S400 mild hybrid, using a lithium ion battery . It

1184-575: A system designed to detect loss of control and instantaneously intervene with selective braking to bring the vehicle back on its intended course. Furthermore, the M-Class boasted front- and side-impact airbags with advanced occupant detection for the front passenger seat, which helped earn the W163 the highest marks in insurance industry crash tests. Manufactured in Vance, Alabama, in the United States,

1258-471: A traditional ICE and transmission where the flywheel is replaced with an electric motor: it is a simple parallel architecture, requiring the addition of a mechanical continuously variable transmission (CVT), i.e. not electrically variable. The two-mode hybrid drive system manufactured by Allison Transmission was first used in New Flyer transit buses which entered revenue service in 2004; in testing at

1332-430: A two-speed dual range Magna Powertrain transfer case with center differential lock, reduction gearing, underbody skid plates , and a 6-mode selectable terrain driving program system. The rear differential lock has been discontinued. Open front and rear differentials are fitted, and use four-wheel electronic traction system (4-ETS) to simulate front and rear differential locks. The Mercedes M-Class won first place in

1406-447: Is coupled to the engine, taking the place of a conventional transmission . The engine crankshaft is coupled to the drive unit using a clutch and a torque damper (TD), replacing the torque converter used in most automatic transmissions . The entire drive unit is comparable in size and shape to an Allison 1000 transmission. A 300 volt battery pack is used to store energy for the two motor-generators. General Motors has designated

1480-411: Is coupled to the sun gear of P3 via a hollow shaft. Toyota 's Hybrid Synergy Drive may appear similar in that it also combines the power from an ICE and a pair of electric motor–generators ; however in its current form, Toyota uses only one planetary gearset providing only single mode functionality (i.e. input split only) using a series/parallel architecture. Honda 's Integrated Motor Assist uses

1554-499: Is intended for changing speeds (accelerating to pass or slowing), using inputs from the throttle position, while the fourth fixed gear ratio serves the same purpose as an overdrive ratio , for improved efficiency at high speeds. When reversing, the vehicle remains in Mode I, using one of the motor-generators for traction. Throughout Mode I, clutch C1 remains engaged. This locks the ring gear of planetary gearset P3, which in turn forces

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1628-482: Is intended for the higher range of speeds encountered during highway travel. Within these modes, there are four possible fixed gear ratios, two in each mode, in which one additional clutch is engaged. The lowest fixed gear ratio, which is in Mode I, synchronizes both motor-generators, allowing the vehicle to use these as motors to augment mechanical power for stronger acceleration, or as generators for regenerative braking. The second fixed gear ratio, also in Mode I, allows

1702-565: Is the first plug-in hybrid in this model range, combining a 333 hp V6 engine with a 116 hp electric motor. The first 19 units were delivered in the American market in June 2016. The GLE Coupé (C292) is the coupé SUV version and is heavily related to the W166, sharing its platform, mechanicals and interior (but having a unique body with a similar design). The C292 coupé was unveiled to

1776-873: The Atkinson cycle and by itself makes 275 hp. The ML 450 was developed under the Global Hybrid Cooperation , and will only be available in the United States under lease. In 2011, Mercedes-Benz came out with their flagship SUV model, the Mercedes-Benz M BlueTec Grand Edition. The vehicle had cosmetic changes, including specially-manufactured 22-inch 10 spoke wheels, black leather with white stitching, and smokers package with Grand Edition modeling. The exterior consisted of new wheels, tinted headlights and tail lights, xenon-package (LED tail lights and daytime running lights, Xenon headlights), black grille, AMG, and side-view mirrors. The Grand Edition

1850-488: The Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2) and Dodge Durango . Because of the separation however, the cars are extremely different in terms of interior and body design as well as engine choices. Aside from engines, the three SUVs share many powertrain components, including some transmissions. An On&Off Road Package is available for most markets (now including North America) as of the 2013 model year. The package adds

1924-561: The Motor Trend Group subsidiary, TEN Publishing, announced the discontinuation of Automobile . Its final issue was dated February 2020. From 1990 to 2014, Automobile awarded their "Automobile of the Year" to one car annually. In 2015, Automobile replaced their "Automobile of the Year" award with the " Automobile All-Stars", naming multiple cars on the list annually. Mercedes-Benz M class The Mercedes-Benz GLE , formerly Mercedes-Benz M-Class (designated with

1998-568: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory , measured fuel economy improved from 1.46–3.03 mpg ‑US (161–78 l/100 km) for conventional diesel bus to 2.56–3.98 mpg ‑US (91.9–59.1 l/100 km) with the hybrid drive unit in an equivalent bus over the same operating cycles, representing an improvement of 30.3 – 74.7%. By 2008, Allison had delivered 1,000 hybrid powertrains. Many transit operators since then have received buses with

2072-541: The U.S. plant near Vance, Alabama in 2015 with the release of the facelifted W166 model, in an effort to harmonize Mercedes-Benz SUV nameplates by aligning it with the E-Class . Although grouped under the "M-Class" naming banner since the first launch, BMW , who sells M models such as the M3 , objected to the car being badged "M" with the three-digit engine level afterwards (e.g. M 320). This forced Mercedes-Benz to defer to

2146-592: The United States Department of Energy signed a contract with General Motors to develop and demonstrate hybrid electric powertrains for light duty vehicles. AHS-2 was derived from a dual-mode hybrid system developed earlier by Allison Transmission , then a division of GM, for transit buses . The Allison system first had been announced for buses in 2003. The GM/DaimlerChrysler partnership was announced on December 13, 2004, with Dieter Zetsche of DaimlerChrysler joining Rick Wagoner of GM on stage with

2220-533: The planetary gearset carriers gears reach the same rotational speed together. MG-A briefly operates as a generator in Mode II when the vehicle is traveling at speeds in the lower range of Mode II, transitioning to operation as a motor at higher speeds. At the same transition point, MG-B switches from a motor to a generator. Operation of the Allison Transmission (AHS-2), or Two-Mode Hybrid, from

2294-562: The rotational speed of the second motor-generator (MG-B, connected to the sun gear of P3) to be proportional to the output driveshaft (planetary gears of P3). The first planetary gearset pair acts as a four- driveshaft power-split transmission, and the last planetary gearset reduces the rotational speed . MG-A acts as a generator, while MG-B acts as a motor. With C4 engaged, both motor-generators are mutually synchronous, and both can be operated either as motors for maximum acceleration, or as generators for regenerative braking . It's

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2368-539: The "Luxury Crossover SUV" category and has been named the most ideal vehicle for Americans based on a study undertaken by California-based automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific. Mercedes-Benz India established a manufacturing plant in Chakan, Pune in early 2009 that rolled out the first W166 M-Class to be built outside the US in October 2012. In the following month, Mercedes-Benz Indonesia began M-Class assembly at

2442-462: The "ML" nomenclature), is a mid-size luxury SUV produced by the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz since 1997. In terms of size, it is slotted in between the smaller GLC and the larger GLS , the latter with which it shares platforms. The first-generation M-Class, designated with the model code W163, is a body-on-frame SUV and was produced until 2004. The second-generation M-Class (W164) moved to

2516-460: The 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards. Mercedes-Benz extensively publicised the US$ 600 million spent to update its factory and add manufacturing space for the new R-Class . According to early automotive press reports, the 2006 M-Class vehicles demonstrated vast improvements in quality. The W164 platform used for the new M-Class is shared with the new GL-Class and is a unibody type rather than

2590-711: The Allison hybrid system, including: In 2020, Allison introduced its second generation two-mode hybrid drive units, branded eGen Flex, upgrading the existing H 40 EP and H 50 EP drive units with a disconnect clutch, allowing the engine to shut off completely, and adding a second line branded eGen Flex Max, which offers fully-electric propulsion with a lithium-titanate battery chemistry. The longitudinal system for light trucks from General Motors will be manufactured at Baltimore Transmission by GM's PowerTrain division. The nickel-metal hydride batteries will be manufactured by Panasonic EV of Japan. The system

2664-417: The GLE 350e, using a petrol engine, and the GLE 350de, using a diesel engine. Both use a 31.2-kWh battery. The vehicle can be equipped with a 60 kW quick charging option. The declared WLTP all-electric range is 90 to 99 km (56 to 62 mi). For 2024, the GLE receives a facelift, adding completely restyled headlights and taillights. It now has a new steering wheel, restyled bumper, newer wheels and

2738-707: The Global Hybrid Cooperation. This transmission is mounted on the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid and the Mercedes-Benz ML450 BlueHybrid. Per the patent, the planetary gearsets P1 and P2 are compounded, with MG-A driving (or being driven by) the sun gear of P1, which is coupled to the ring gear of P2, and the carriers for the planet gears in P1 and P2 are coupled. Similarly, MG-B drives (or is driven by) the sun gear of P2, which

2812-560: The M-Class launched in the North American market first as the ML 320. The ML 320 was sold internationally, with the "320" suffix alluding to the 3.2-litre V6 engine. An entry-level, manual transmission-only ML 230, fitted with a 2.3-litre inline-four was available in Europe from launch in March 1998 until 2000. From launch in 1998, European markets also received the ML 270 CDI with a 2.7-litre inline-five turbodiesel engine. This unit

2886-487: The ML 550 does, even though it produces over 90% of the power generated by the V8 model. Total power generated will be 335 hp (250 kW) and 381 lb⋅ft (517 N⋅m) of torque, while getting 24 mpg ‑US (9.8 L/100 km) on the highway and 21 mpg ‑US (11 L/100 km) in the city, according to United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates. The engine itself runs on

2960-595: The U.S. on 13 January 1995. Prototype testing started with test mules and crash tests using mock-ups in May 1994. First functional prototype's crash test took place in February 1995, with full testing run from March 1995 to December 1996 in various climates and regions of the world. Pilot production began in May 1996. In July 1996, construction on the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International plant in Vance , Alabama concluded, with

3034-471: The U.S., an Off-Road Pro package with center and rear differential locks, 4-ETS, two-speed transfer case with reduction gearing, and adjustable ground clearance was available as an option increasing the original fording depth from 500 mm to 600 mm. The AMG version of the W164, the ML 63 AMG, was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show as a limited edition 2007 model. It features

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3108-677: The Year at the North American International Auto Show , Detroit, in January 1998. It also received the World Car Award in March 1999, voted by an international jury of automotive journalists in Geneva. Despite the accolades, Mercedes-Benz received considerable criticism with respect to the substandard quality of the W163, resulting in the car being nicknamed Alabama Trashcan . Quality improved over

3182-572: The credo No Boring Cars. From 2014-2020, Automobile had been absorbed by the Motor Trend Group . Automobile positioned itself more broadly than the other automotive publications, an editorial theme expanded by editor David E. Davis: the magazine de-emphasized instrumented tests and elaborate technical data, instead offering subjective, experiential reports; providing in-depth review of older cars with its Collectible Classics series; and offering styling analysis with its column by former General Motors designer Robert Cumberford . In December 2019,

3256-483: The drive unit as the 2ML70; for BMW and DaimlerChrysler vehicles, it is the GM-Allison AHS-2. The technology is known as a "two-mode" hybrid system because the transmission / drive unit can transfer either electrical power, mechanical power, or a blend of both to the wheels, operating both as a series hybrid, using the internal combustion engine solely to generate electrical power, or as a parallel hybrid, using

3330-424: The electric motors in use. Although the transmission mechanically has only four conventional gear ratios, the electric motors allow it to function as a continuously variable transmission . This variable ratio functions in addition to the torque multiplication of the planetary gears . Mode I ("input-split") is intended for the range of speeds commonly encountered during urban driving, while Mode II ("compound-split")

3404-416: The electrical motor(s) to augment the mechanical power from the engine. The two modes of operation are: This system amplifies the output of the electric motors similarly to the way in which a conventional transmission amplifies the torque of an internal combustion engine. It also, when required, permits transfer of more of the engine's torque to the wheels, making the transmission more efficient even without

3478-404: The first models in scale 1:4, and in 2001 three full-sized models were prepared. In 2002 the design styled by Steve Mattin under Peter Pfeiffer was chosen and approved by the executive board. Design patents were filed in Germany on 10 June 2003 and in the U.S. on 25 July. Prototype testing was conducted throughout 2003 and 2004, concluding in early 2005. The redesigned M-class (chassis name W164 )

3552-654: The former (W163) body-on-frame used by the M-Class vehicles produced from 1998–2005. The X164 GL-Class, a longer seven-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. Permanent 4Matic four-wheel drive remained, with one-speed transfer case (no low range), center limited-slip differential and four-wheel electronic traction system (4-ETS). In most countries except

3626-625: The hybrid drive developed for the S-class and 7 Series sedans by the joint venture with BMW and auto supplier Continental AG . By 2014, the two-mode hybrid drivetrain was no longer offered on any light-duty vehicles. The dual-mode hybrid drive unit includes two AC motor-generators (MG-A and MG-B, each are three-phase permanent magnet machines with 82 kW (110 hp) peak output), three interconnected planetary gear sets (P1, P2, and P3), four selectively engaging friction clutches (C1, C2, C3, and C4), and two oil pumps. This hybrid drive unit

3700-460: The hybrid option for 2009 model year Chevrolet Silverado , GMC Sierra , and Cadillac Escalade . The largest improvement was in the EPA city rating. The dual-mode hybrid equipment added approximately 350 lb (160 kg), but this increase was offset completely by lighter seats, wheels, and 12-volt battery; aluminum engine and body components; and eliminating the starter motor . It was equipped with

3774-427: The midpoint of the first continuously variable range, when both motor-generators rotational speed join. The rotational speed of both motor-generators are very asymmetric (1:9), excluding effective usage of the first one (MG-A). It's the boundary between both continuously variable ranges. The two-modes switching occurs at this point, when the third planetary gearset ring gear reach zero rotational speed , and all

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3848-453: The most powerful naturally aspirated V8 SUV in the world at the time of its launch. By 2007, design work on updates to the W164 were finalized and patented domestically in Germany on 23 November 2007. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class got a minor facelift as it debuted at the 2008 New York International Auto Show in March 2008. This facelift includes new front headlights, redesigned front and rear bumpers, new exterior mirrors, new rim choices,

3922-429: The motor-generators to freewheel which reduces losses at higher speeds and improves overall efficiency. Similarly, the third fixed gear ratio, which is in Mode II, synchronizes both motor-generators to allow electric motor boost or regenerative braking, and the fourth fixed gear ratio, also in Mode II, allows both motor-generators to freewheel for improved efficiency, relying solely on mechanical power transmission to move

3996-599: The public in January 2015 at the North American International Auto Show , it was discontinued in August 2019 after the introduction of the W167. The GLE Coupé was built in Alabama with the GLE on which it is based. Sales are expected from the second half of 2015. The range is topped by the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S-Model, powered by 5.5-litre twin turbo V8 producing 585 bhp and 768 Nm of torque, making it one of

4070-423: The quickest in its segment. The fourth generation GLE was unveiled at the 2018 Paris Motor Show . At launch, the GLE was sold in the U.S. with two engine options. The GLE 350 has a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine with 255 hp (259 PS; 190 kW) and the GLE 450 has a 3-liter, inline-6, turbocharged engine with 362 hp (367 PS; 270 kW) and 369 lb⋅ft (500 N⋅m) of torque. The GLE 450 has

4144-473: The relocation of the side turn signals from the fenders to the side-view mirrors, and various interior trim changes. At the same time, the ML 430 was replaced by the 5.0-litre V8-powered ML 500 and a new 4.0-litre V8 turbodiesel ML 400 CDI became available in Europe. The following year, in 2002, Mercedes-Benz launched the ML 350 fitted with a 3.7-litre V6 engine. The ML 350 replaced the ML 320 in some markets, but supplemented it in others. The previous Popemobile

4218-479: The revised nomenclature adopted by the brand. Under this scheme, SUVs use the base name "GL", followed by the model's placement in Mercedes-Benz hierarchy. The "G" is for Geländewagen (German for off land wagon or off-road vehicle ) and alludes the long-running G-Wagen . This is followed by the letter "L" that acts as a linkage with the letter "E"—the GLE being the SUV equivalent to the E-Class . Mercedes-Benz proposed

4292-410: The three automakers planned to spend US$ 1 billion collectively to develop the front- and rear-wheel drive hybrid transmissions. The two-mode hybrid system was introduced to the light-duty vehicle market as a drivetrain option for the 2008 model year Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon , with an observed improvement in fuel economy of 27–58% compared to a conventionally-powered equivalent. GM introduced

4366-421: The vehicle was launched, Mercedes-Benz allowed the producers of the 1997 film The Lost World: Jurassic Park to make use of modified pre-production M-Class SUVs as a way to advertise the W163 when it was launched in 1997. As a result, a Mercedes-Benz advertisement appears before the film on original VHS copies of the film. Jeff Goldblum , the star of the film, received a complimentary ML 320 from Mercedes-Benz as

4440-401: The vehicle. Generally, the vehicle will start from rest in Mode I; as speeds increase, the transmission will transition to the first fixed gear ratio, shift back to Mode I, then transition to the second fixed gear ratio before entering Mode II. In Mode II, unlike Mode I, there are no defined speed setpoints to enter or leave the third or fourth fixed gear ratios, but the third fixed gear ratio

4514-405: The very first production M-Class rolling off the assembly line the week of 9 February 1997. Mercedes-Benz launched the first generation W163 series M-Class on 19 February 1997, in the United States for the 1998 model year, with sales beginning that September. It is a mid-sized body-on-frame SUV with seating for five, or seven with an optional third-row, seven-seat version. Access to the third-row

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4588-440: The years, especially after the facelift in 2001 for the 2002 model year. DaimlerChrysler spent US$ 600 million (~$ 900 million in 2023) on improvements at the Alabama factory before launching the second generation ML in 2005. Mercedes-Benz revised and updated the W163 in 2001 for the 2002 model year. Styling updates involved the fitment of new head- and tail-lamp lenses, front and rear bumpers, new alloy wheels on most variants,

4662-496: Was approved and patented domestically on 16 December 2008 (U.S. design patent filed on 15 June 2009). The newly redesigned M-Class (chassis name W166 ) was introduced in pre-production form 10 June 2011 as a 2012 model. The first customer-designated W166 rolled off the Vance production line on 20 July. It is moderately refined, taking styling cues from the new generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class . An increase in rear seat legroom has been implemented, alongside adjustable rear backrests. It

4736-462: Was based on a W163 series ML 430 and has been in service since July 2002. Volkswagen had offered to build a new vehicle based on the Touareg , but Pope Benedict XVI opted to continue using his predecessor's Mercedes-Benz-manufactured vehicle. In 1999, development on a successor to the W163 began under the codename "W164" and spanned a period of six years. First design drafts appeared in 2000 with

4810-455: Was deemed problematic and the seats were not suitable for large adults. As the result, the seven seater M-Class was discontinued after the 2005 model year and replaced by the larger GL-Class. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W163) was available with permanent 4Matic four-wheel drive, which routed torque to all four wheels through open front, center, and rear differentials . The system used a two-speed dual range BorgWarner 4409 transfer case with

4884-559: Was focused on a rear wheel drive luxury car application. It was announced on September 7, 2005, that BMW would also join the alliance, likely using then-archrival DaimlerChrysler's rear wheel drive system. The three companies formed an organization called Global Hybrid Cooperation with engineering and management centered at the GM, DaimlerChrysler and BMW Hybrid Development Center in Troy, Michigan . In 2006, an article published by Autoweek stated

4958-469: Was introduced for the 2008 model year in the full-sized Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs as a specific 2-Mode Hybrid model. Rear wheel drive and four wheel drive light duty trucks using the 2-mode hybrid system include: Automobile (magazine) Automobile was an American automobile magazine founded in 1986 by a group of former Car and Driver employees, led by David E. Davis with support from Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation , using

5032-408: Was introduced in April 2005 as a 2006 model after a showing at the North American International Auto Show in January. It was almost entirely new, with a more sporting, aerodynamic look. The coefficient of drag was reduced to 0.34. Mercedes-Benz made the new M-Class 71 mm larger, 150 mm longer and 5 mm lower than the first model. The M-Class was named "Best New Sport Utility Vehicle" in

5106-415: Was introduced. The W166 was one of the last vestiges of the joint venture between Daimler and Chrysler while they were a consolidated company. DaimlerChrysler developed the core platform and technology, benefitting from Chrysler's strong SUV sales and R&D domestically. The underlying platform work was largely completed in 2006, as the two companies were separated. Chrysler uses the same platform to power

5180-563: Was made available in Australia in 2000 and continued on in the W163 until being replaced upon the release of the W164 M-Class in 2005. Later, in 1998, the more powerful ML 430 became available with the newly introduced Mercedes-Benz 4.3-litre V8. This was followed by the February 1999 debut of the 2000 ML 55 AMG, featuring a 5.4-litre V8 engine made by AMG , modified bodywork, and other performance features. In September 1996, before

5254-471: Was offered in Midnight Blue, Black, and Ivory White, differentiating the basic model by colour already. The interior had changes, including deletion of the heated steering wheel and the replacement with an AMG steering wheel. In 2006, development began on the next-generation M-Class and spanned over a period of 5 years, a shorter duration than its predecessor. In 2008, the final design by Emiel Burki

5328-657: Was reported in July 2009 that after the upcoming introductions of two-mode hybrid models of the BMW X6 (marketed globally) and the Mercedes-Benz M class (only in the United States), the two-mode hybrid joint venture would be dissolved. Daimler indicated that it wants to avoid investing in aftersales and service for a vehicle which will only be produced in small quantities, and will instead concentrate on modular hybrid building blocks with scalable lithium-ion batteries , based on

5402-460: Was to be launched in September 2011. New features in the 2012 M-Class include an updated 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speed automatic transmission to provide improved fuel economy, optional adaptive cruise control (Distronic Plus), active lane departure warning system , and an adjustable-height air suspension (AirMatic). An active curve system with active anti-roll bars for body roll compensation

5476-559: Was unveiled to the public in January 2015 at the North American International Auto Show . As part of Mercedes-Benz's new naming strategy, the GLE will define the SUV's positioning in the middle of its segment and between the future GLC and GLS (the former GLK and GL, respectively), the same way the E-Class is positioned in relation to the C and S-Classes. The W166 facelift was unveiled at the New York Auto Show . The GLE 500 e

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