94-466: The Mercedes-Benz GLE , formerly Mercedes-Benz M-Class (designated with 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
188-655: A rear wheel drive automobile. This has become known as "Drift Mode", riding the wave of attention drawn by the eponymous setting first deployed in the third-generation Ford Focus RS . The second and third generation 4MATIC systems are currently available on the A-Class , B-Class , C-Class , E-Class , G-Class , S-Class sedan , S-Class coupé (formerly CL ), GLA , GLB , GLC (formerly GLK ), GLE (formerly ML), GLS (formerly GL), GT CLA , CLS , Vito and Viano (North American name; Metris), and Sprinter 4x4 although certain right-hand-drive models are not available due to
282-726: A 2.7-litre inline-five turbodiesel engine. This unit 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
376-524: 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:
470-465: 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
564-538: A 5% import tariff, compared with 10% for passenger cars. In February 2024, voters in Paris mandated a triple parking charge rate for SUVs, citing environmental impact and street capacity; this followed similar decisions in Lyon and Tübingen with similar ordinances being considered by London, Brussels and Amsterdam. Many years after most passenger cars had transitioned to unibody construction, most SUVs continued to use
658-515: 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
752-535: 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, 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
846-532: A coil-sprung independent front suspension . The relatively compact Niva is considered a predecessor to the crossover SUV and combines a hatchback-like passenger car body with full-time four-wheel drive, low-range gearing, and lockable center differential. Nonetheless, unibody SUVs remained rare until the 1984 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) was introduced and became a sales success. The introduction of the 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee resulted in all Jeep SUV models using unibody construction, with many other brands following suit since
940-468: A common, rear-wheel drive vehicle, any 4WD (four-wheel drive) needed many essential extra components, including a transfer case , a second differential, and constant-velocity joints for the driven front axle—which were expensive due to the precision involved in this required manufacturing gears and other specialized parts. Before World War II, these were produced in the United States by only
1034-409: A crash than regular cars and that SUV roofs were more likely to cave in on passengers than in other cars, resulting in increased harm to passengers. Between 1991 and 2001, the United States saw a 150% increase in sport-utility vehicle rollover deaths. In 2001, though roll-overs constituted just 3% of vehicle crashes overall, they caused over 30% of occupant fatalities in crashes; and in crashes where
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#17327910372751128-483: A day, with electric cars reducing oil demand by under 100,000 barrels a day. Whereas SUVs can be electrified , or converted to run on a variety of alternative fuels , including hydrogen , their (manufacturing) emissions will always be larger than smaller electric cars. On average, SUVs consume about a quarter more energy than medium-size cars. Furthermore, the vast majority of these vehicles are not converted to use alternative fuels. Between 2010 and 2018 SUVs were
1222-567: 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
1316-400: A few specialized firms with limited production capacity. Due to the increase in demand for parts for the war effort, in the spring of 1942 Ford , Dodge , and Chevrolet joined in fabricating these parts in mass quantities, boosting their production more than 100-fold. An early usage of the term was the 1947 Crosley CC Four Sport Utility model, which used a convertible wagon body style and
1410-510: A gas that is linked to global warming. According to the International Energy Agency , from 2010 SUVs have been the second-largest contributor to the increase in global CO 2 emissions, second only to the power sector. SUVs were responsible for all of the 3.3 million barrels a day growth in oil demand from passenger cars between 2010 and 2018, whereas efficiency improvements in smaller cars saved over 2 million barrels
1504-481: 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
1598-892: A long-bodied version of a full-size SUV, which is called an "extended-length SUV" like the Ford Expedition EL and the Chevrolet Suburban . The additional length is used to provide extra space for rear passengers or cargo. As per the full-size SUVs they are based on, most extended-length SUVs are built on dedicated platforms, full-sized pickups ( 1⁄2 ton ), or heavy-duty pickups (3⁄4 ton or more). Extended-length SUVs are mostly sold in North America but may also be exported to other markets in small numbers. Some SUVs or crossovers with sloping rear rooflines are marketed as "coupe crossover SUVs" or "coupe SUVs", even though they have four side doors for passenger access to
1692-447: A new trim called GLE450e. It now competes with the facelifted 2024 Porsche Cayenne and facelifted BMW X5 . (183.0 cu in) Sport utility vehicle A sport utility vehicle ( SUV ) is a car classification that combines elements of road-going passenger cars with features from off-road vehicles , such as raised ground clearance and four-wheel drive . There is no commonly agreed-upon definition of an SUV, and usage of
1786-889: 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
1880-461: A separate body-on-frame method, due to being based on the chassis from a light truck , commercial vehicle , pickup truck , or off-road vehicle . The first mass-produced unibody four-wheel-drive passenger car was the Russian 1955 GAZ-M20 Pobeda M-72 , which could be considered the first crossover car. The 1977 Lada Niva was the first off-road vehicle to use both a unibody construction and
1974-462: A study by the U.S.-based IIHS found that, of a sample of 79 crashes from three urban areas in Michigan, SUVs caused more serious injuries compared to cars when impacts occurred at greater than 31 km/h (19 mph). The IIHS noted the sample size of the study was small and that more research is needed. The popularity of SUVs contributed to an increase in pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. during
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#17327910372752068-407: A two-speed dual range BorgWarner 4409 transfer case with 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
2162-429: 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
2256-533: 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 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
2350-548: Is achieved using ETS (Electronic Traction System). This employs the ABS system with additional valves to monitor and then partially brake any wheel which loses traction. This much simpler system is also featured in the Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV and C280 sedan. Since 2008, some versions of 4Matic have provided true AWD where the system is permanently active. Sophisticated engine management and ABS systems control
2444-440: Is less than a quarter of what it was for 2004 models. With ESC dramatically reducing rollover risk, the inherent advantages offered by SUVs' greater size, weight, and height emerge more clearly. Today's SUVs have the lowest driver death rate of any vehicle type." The high danger for cyclists and pedestrians of being seriously injured or even killed by SUV drivers has caused some public protests against SUVs in urban areas. In 2020,
2538-422: Is sometimes defined as a crossover being built using a unibody platform (the type used by most passenger cars), while an SUV is built using a body-on-frame platform (the type used by off-road vehicles and light trucks). However, these definitions are often blurred in practice, since unibody vehicles are also often referred to as SUVs. Also, crossover is a relatively recent term and early unibody SUVs (such as
2632-523: Is still present when the transfer case 50/50 4WD mode 2 is engaged. Due to safety and stability concerns there is no front differential lock. The 4Matic system uses inputs from the three channel ABS system and a steering wheel angle sensor to decide when to intervene. 4WD is disengaged automatically if the ABS service brakes are applied. Engine throttle control is not inherent in the W124 system. Two W124 variants of
2726-562: 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
2820-590: Is therefore unrelated to the design of later SUVs. Several models of carryall wagons began to be offered with four-wheel drive, beginning in 1949 when the Willys Jeep Station Wagon introduced the option of four-wheel drive. Four-wheel-drive versions of the Chevrolet Suburban were introduced for 1955, followed by the International Harvester Travelall in 1956 (credited as being the first full-size SUV) and
2914-870: 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
Mercedes-Benz GLE - Misplaced Pages Continue
3008-488: 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
3102-488: The Power Wagon Town Wagon in 1957. 4Matic 4Matic (stylized as 4MATIC ) is the marketing name of an all-wheel drive system developed by Mercedes-Benz . It is designed to increase traction in slippery conditions. With the introduction of the 2017 E 63 S sedan, Mercedes-AMG announced a performance-oriented variant of the system called AMG Performance 4MATIC+. The four-wheel-drive system
3196-591: 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
3290-513: The "Utility Vehicle" category per the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) definitions and carry a 27% excise tax. Those that are 4 metres (13 feet) long, have a 1,500 cc (92 cu in) engine or larger, along with 170 mm (6.7 in) of ground clearance, are subject to a 30% excise duty. In Australia, SUV sales were helped by having lower import duties than passenger cars. Up until January 2010, SUVs were subject to
3384-498: The 1984 Jeep Cherokee) are rarely called crossovers. Due to these inconsistencies, the term SUV is often used as a catch-all for both crossovers and SUVs. Outside of the United States, the term crossover tends to be used for C-segment ( compact ) or smaller vehicles, with large unibody vehicles—such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class , BMW X7 , and Range Rover —usually referred to as SUVs rather than crossovers. In
3478-401: The 1990s and early 2000s was partly due to buyers perceiving that SUVs provide greater safety for occupants, due to their larger size and raised ride height. Regarding the safety of other road users, SUVs are exempted from U.S. regulation stating that a passenger car bumper must protect the area between 16 and 20 inches (41 and 51 cm) above the ground. This often increases the damage to
3572-460: 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
3666-559: The 2010s, alongside other factors such as distracted and drunk driving. A 2021 study by the University of Illinois Springfield showed that SUVs are 8 times more likely to kill children in a collision than passenger cars, and multiple times more lethal to adult pedestrians and cyclists. SUVs generally have poorer fuel efficiency than smaller cars, and thus contribute more to environmental degradation and global warming . SUVs emit about 700 megatonnes of carbon dioxide per year,
3760-420: The 4Matic system were produced: the first system (1986–1991) used a mechanical pressure test lever to disable the system hydraulically while the second system variant (1992/1993) used an electrical test switch to break power to the system. The later system variant when in test mode allows for continued operation of the rear shock self-levelling system (SLS) when installed. Initially plagued with reliability factors,
3854-461: The CAFE regulations were changed to classify small, two-wheel-drive SUVs as passenger cars. However, the licensing and traffic enforcement regulations in the United States vary from state to state, and an SUV may be classified as a car in some states but as a truck in others. For industry production statistics, SUVs are counted in the light truck product segment. In India, all SUVs are classified in
Mercedes-Benz GLE - Misplaced Pages Continue
3948-516: The European and Australian market, before all production moved to 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
4042-415: 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
4136-487: 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
4230-584: The New York Auto Show in April, the M-Class was renamed to GLE as per 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
4324-824: The PT Cruiser, being classified as light trucks. This classification as trucks allowed SUVs to be regulated less strictly than passenger cars under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act for fuel economy, and the Clean Air Act for emissions. However, from 2004 onwards, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began to hold sport utility vehicles to the same tailpipe emissions standards as cars for criteria pollutants, though not greenhouse gas emissions standards as they were not set until 2010. In 2011,
4418-551: The SUV. Automotive websites' descriptions of SUVs range from specifically "combining car-like appointments and wagon practicality with steadfast off-road capability" with "chair-height seats and picture-window visibility" to the more general "nearly anything with available all-wheel drive and raised ground clearance". It is also suggested that the term "SUV" has replaced "jeep" as a general term for off-road vehicles. American dictionary definitions for SUVs include: In British English,
4512-471: 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
4606-808: The United Kingdom The Collins English Dictionary defines a sport utility vehicle as a "powerful vehicle with four-wheel drive that can be driven over rough ground. The abbreviation SUV is often used." In Europe, the term SUV is generally used for road-oriented vehicles, described as "J-segment" by the European Commission . "Four-by-four" or the brand name of the vehicle is typically used for off-road-oriented vehicles. Similarly, in New Zealand, vehicles designed for off-road use are typically referred to as "four-wheel drives" instead of SUVs. In
4700-584: The United Kingdom, a crossover is sometimes defined as a hatchback model with raised ride height and SUV-like styling features. The smallest size class of SUVs is the "mini SUV". In Japan, SUVs under 3,400 mm (133.9 in)—such as the Mitsubishi Pajero Mini —are included in the kei car category and therefore attract lower taxes. Many recent vehicles labeled as mini SUVs are technically subcompact crossovers and are built on
4794-516: The United States, many government regulations simply have categories for "off-highway vehicles" which are loosely defined and often result in SUVs (along with pick-up trucks and minivans ) being classified as light trucks . For example, corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) regulations previously included "permit greater cargo-carrying capacity than passenger carrying volume" in the definition for trucks, resulting in cars with removable rear seats, like
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#17327910372754888-523: The United States, 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
4982-675: 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
5076-486: The amount of torque transferred to each wheel, allowing the system to be effective at any speed. In 2016, Mercedes introduced a new 4WD system called 4Matic+. This system can send 100 percent of the available engine torque to either the front or rear axles . In the fifth-generation E-Class an additional setting was introduced in the E63 S AMG model that disconnects the front axle from the powertrain, effectively turning it into
5170-478: The design of modern SUVs was the 1940 Humber Heavy Utility , a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle built on the chassis of the Humber Super Snipe passenger car. The most prohibitive initial factors to the potential civilian popularity of an SUV-like car were their cost and the availability of certain critical parts. Before the war, adding four-wheel drive to a car almost doubled its cost. Compared to
5264-404: The designations are increasingly blurred because of the capabilities of the vehicles, the labelling by marketers, and the electrification of new models. The predecessors to SUVs date back to military and low-volume models from the late 1930s, and the four-wheel-drive station wagons and carryalls that began to be introduced in 1949. Some SUVs produced today use unibody construction; however, in
5358-402: 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 )
5452-654: 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
5546-430: The future under the sense of security, all the while increasing the rate of fatalities of pedestrians. There is no universally accepted definition of the sport utility vehicle. Dictionaries, automotive experts, and journalists use varying wordings and defining characteristics, in addition to regional variations of usage by both the media and the general public. The auto industry also has not settled on one definition of
5640-546: The largest size of commonly produced SUVs. Some, such as the Ford Expedition , and Chevrolet Tahoe , are marketed for their off-road capabilities, and others, such as the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade , are marketed as luxury vehicles. While a few full-size SUVs are built on dedicated platforms; most share their platforms with full-size pickup trucks . Some North American SUVs are available as
5734-540: The letter "E"—the GLE being the SUV equivalent to the E-Class . Mercedes-Benz proposed 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
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#17327910372755828-497: The mid-1990s. Today, most SUVs in production use a unibody construction and relatively few models continue to use body-on-frame construction. SUVs are typically of a two-box design similar to a station wagon . The engine compartment is in the front, followed by a combined passenger/cargo area (unlike a sedan, which has a separate trunk/boot compartment). Up until approximately 2010, many SUV models were available in two-door body styles. Since then, manufacturers began to discontinue
5922-452: 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,
6016-605: The multi-plate clutch central differentials were subject to failure; it was discontinued in 1993. The second generation of 4Matic was reintroduced on the W210 series in 1998/1999. Available only with left hand drive , the cars were again manufactured at the Magna-Steyr plant in Austria. The second generation of 4Matic utilized a full-time 4-wheel drive system with three open differentials front, centre and rear. Traction control
6110-547: The other car in a collision with an SUV, because the impact occurs at a higher location on the other car. In 2000–2001, 60% of fatal side-impact collisions were where the other vehicle was an SUV, an increase from 30% in 1980–1981. The introduction of electronic stability control (ESC) and rollover mitigation, as well as increased analysis of the risks of a rollover, led the IIHS to report in 2015 that "the rollover death rate of 5 per million registered vehicle years for 2011 models
6204-593: The past, more SUVs used body-on-frame construction. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the popularity of SUVs significantly increased, often at the expense of the popularity of large sedans and station wagons. SUVs accounted for 45.9% of the world's passenger car market in 2021. SUVs have been criticized for a variety of environmental and safety-related reasons. They generally have poorer fuel efficiency and require more resources to manufacture than smaller vehicles, contributing more to climate change and environmental degradation . Between 2010 and 2018, SUVs were
6298-537: The platform of a subcompact (also called supermini or B-segment) passenger car. The "compact SUV" is the next bigger-size class after mini SUVs. Many recent vehicles labeled as compact SUVs are technically compact crossovers and are built on the platform of a compact (C-segment) passenger car. The next larger size is called the "mid-size SUV". Some mid-size SUVs are based on platforms shared with passenger cars and therefore, are crossovers. Other mid-size SUVs are based on compact or mid-size pickups. Full-size SUVs are
6392-597: 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
6486-422: 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
6580-473: 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
6674-502: The seats and rear hatches for cargo area access. Just before and during World War II , prototypes and low-volume production examples of military cars with sedan or station wagon-type bodies and rugged, off-road capable four-wheel drive chassis began to appear around the world. These early models included the 1936 Kurogane Type 95 from Japan, the 1938 GAZ-61 from Russia as well as the 1941 Volkswagen Kommandeurswagen and 1936 Opel Geländesportwagen from Germany. An early predecessor to
6768-512: The second largest contributor to the global increase in carbon emissions worldwide. The "crossover SUV" segment (also known as "CUVs" or simply "crossovers") has become increasingly popular since around 2010. Crossovers are often based on a platform shared with a passenger car, as a result, they typically have better comfort and fuel economy, but less off-road capability (many crossovers are sold without all-wheel drive) than pickup truck-based SUVs. The difference between crossovers and other SUVs
6862-435: The second-largest contributor to the global increase in carbon emissions worldwide. Their higher center of gravity increases their risk of rollovers . Their higher front-end profile makes them at least twice as likely to kill pedestrians they hit. Additionally, the psychological sense of security they provide influences drivers to drive less cautiously, and may in-turn, cause others with smaller vehicles to opt for SUVs in
6956-424: The term varies between countries. Thus, it is "a loose term that traditionally covers a broad range of vehicles with four-wheel drive." Some definitions claim that an SUV must be built on a light truck chassis; however, broader definitions consider any vehicle with off-road design features to be an SUV. A crossover SUV is often defined as an SUV built with a unibody construction (as with passenger cars); however,
7050-403: The terms "4x4" (pronounced "four-by-four"), "jeep", four wheel drive, or "off-road vehicle" are generally used instead of "sport utility vehicle". The sardonic term "Chelsea tractor" is also commonly used, due to the perceived popularity of the vehicles with urban residents of Chelsea, London , and their likeness to vehicles used by farmers. However, in the 2020s, the term SUV has entered usage in
7144-428: The three-digit engine level afterwards (e.g. M 320). This forced Mercedes-Benz to defer to 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
7238-501: The transfer case, contains two clutches. Each hydraulically enabled clutch is controlled separately to allow for three modes of operation: 2WD (mode 0) where 100% of available torque is available to the rear axle while the front axle is disconnected, and two 4WD modes which allow for 35/65 front/rear axle torque split (mode 1) or 50/50 front/rear axle torque split (mode 2). The rear differential lock, previously known as ASD on Mercedes-Benz models, can also be locked (mode 3) if rear wheel slip
7332-576: The two-door models as the four-door models became more popular. A few two-door SUVs remain available, such as the body-on-frame Suzuki Jimny , Mahindra Thar , Toyota Land Cruiser Prado , Ford Bronco , and Jeep Wrangler as well as the Range Rover Evoque crossover SUV. SUVs typically have high ground clearance and a tall body. This results in a high center of mass , which made SUVs more prone to roll-over accidents . In 2003, SUVs were quoted as 2.5 times more likely to roll over in
7426-401: The vehicle did roll over, SUV occupants in the early 2000s were nearly three times as likely to be killed as other car passengers. Vehicles with a high center of gravity do sometimes fail the moose test of maneuverability conducted by Swedish consumer magazine Teknikens Värld , for example, the 1997 Mercedes-Benz A-Class and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee . The increasing popularity of SUVs in
7520-421: 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
7614-587: 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 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
7708-440: 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,
7802-547: 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
7896-402: Was available with the 2.6 L and 3.0 L 6-cylinder petrol (gasoline) and diesel engines. The first generation 4Matic system was originally a complex electronically controlled system with automatically engaging four-wheel drive (4WD), the system employing locking central and rear differentials to provide additional traction in slippery conditions. The centre differential, also known as
7990-460: 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
8084-411: 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 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
8178-534: Was developed in conjunction with Steyr-Daimler-Puch (currently Magna Steyr ), who manufactured the Mercedes-Benz G-Class in Austria. Nearly all Mercedes-Benz vehicles that feature this system are paired with an automatic transmission as the default transmission. The first design of 4Matic system was introduced in 1987 on the W124 series (E Class) saloons (sedan) and estate (station wagon) cars. It
8272-408: 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
8366-414: 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
8460-471: 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
8554-690: Was produced until 2004. The second-generation M-Class (W164) moved to 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
8648-460: Was the first luxury SUV to feature electronic stability control , 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
8742-460: 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
8836-558: 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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