At the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) in March 2008, Mercedes-Benz presented a revised version of the M-Class in model series W 164. The trendsetter among modern SUVs remained true to its strengths: The combination of dynamic, elegant design, impressive performance on and off the road, as well as the driving and operating comfort of a saloon also characterised the new models. Since its launch in April 2005, around 300,000 units had been delivered to customers all over the world. The Mercedes-Benz premium SUV thus continued to be one of the most successful vehicles in this fast-growing market segment.
As part of the facelift, the M-Class was upgraded with fresh design accents and even more extensive equipment. The front view was characterised by a newly designed, robust bumper and headlamps with a pronounced step at the lower edge. The radiator grille was now larger and lower, divided by three black horizontal louvres with large angular air openings and chrome edging. Fog lamps positioned far to the outside and a redesigned simulated underride guard gave the off-roader an even more dynamic look. Another new feature was the rear bumper, which could be fitted with an optional stainless-steel underride guard. Roof rails were now just as much a standard feature of the M-Class as new, larger exterior mirrors.
The interior of the updated models was characterised by the use of particularly high-quality materials. For example, the door centre panel was covered with ARTICO man-made leather, and a two-tone leather interior was also optionally available. Another eye-catcher was the new, four-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel with chrome applications and improved operating comfort as well as gearshift paddles as standard. The redesigned seats could be optionally equipped with four-stage lumbar support.
A completely newly developed telematics generation with further improved user-friendliness, higher performance and many new functions was used in the M-Class. There was a choice between the Audio 50 APS and COMAND APS infotainment systems, the latter with a 6.5-inch colour display and aux-in port for connecting mobile audio devices. Standard features included a CD- or DVD-based navigation system and a hands-free system with Bluetooth technology. A new media interface was also optionally available, which connected an external music storage device with the off-roader's on-board electronics and operating system. Another new feature in the M-Class was the optional LINGUATRONIC voice control system. The harman kardon® Logic7® sound system, which was optionally available, provided special listening pleasure. A new entertainment system with two 8-inch screens, a centrally integrated DVD player and two wireless headphones was also available as special equipment for the rear passengers.
In terms of safety, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class consolidated its leading position in the SUV segment with the PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system, which was now included as standard, and the NECK-PRO head restraints, which were also incorporated into the standard equipment as part of the facelift.
As before, a total of five petrol and diesel engines were available for the updated M-Class, which initially had unchanged performance data. As before, the power spectrum for the petrol engines ranged from 200 kW/272 hp at 6000 rpm in the ML 350 4MATIC to 285 kW/388 hp in the ML 500 4MATIC. The entry-level model in the diesel range continued to be the familiar ML 280 CDI 4MATIC with 140 kW/190 hp, while the ML 420 CDI 4MATIC with its V8 diesel engine producing 225 kW/306 hp once again served as the top-of-the-range version. However, thanks to further fine-tuning of all units, the Mercedes-Benz developers were able to reduce the average standard fuel consumption by up to 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres compared to the previous versions.
At the launch of the revised M-Class models, the gross list prices for the diesel versions ranged from 51,527.00 euros for an ML 280 CDI 4MATIC to 71,102.50 euros for an ML 420 CDI 4MATIC. The petrol-powered ML 500 4MATIC cost only around 60.00 euros more: This model was priced at 71,162.00 euros, while the V6 petrol ML 350 4MATIC was available for 53,312.00 euros.
After the facelift, the vehicle range of the M-Class was rounded off with the ML 63 AMG 4MATIC performance version with a high-revving V8 producing 375 kW/510 hp. It demonstrated its exceptional position with even more striking visual accents. For example, the new AMG front apron had a high-gloss chrome-plated underride guard and the lower cooling air intake looked even larger. Newly designed headlamps flanked the likewise new AMG radiator grille, painted high-gloss black, whose three radiator louvres featured a chrome overlay. The athletic appearance of the top-of-the-range M-Class model was further emphasised by fog lamps with chrome surrounds positioned far to the outside and wheel arch extensions in body colour.
The likewise redesigned AMG rear apron was now combined with a high-gloss chrome-plated underride guard. There were also two chrome-plated twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system. In conjunction with optional bi-xenon headlamps, the darkened tail lamps were replaced by LED tail lamps with a clear-glass look. Newly designed exterior mirrors and the standard aluminium-look roof rails rounded off the stylistic modifications.
When looking at the side of the vehicle, the new 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with a 5-spoke design caught the eye. Painted titanium grey and with high-sheen finish, they were fitted with 295/40 ZR 20 tyres all round. A 21-inch wheel/tyre combination was also optionally available.
The interior of the ML 63 AMG 4MATIC was characterised by the new AMG ergonomic steering wheel covered with perforated leather and featuring a specially shaped grip area. There were also new aluminium gearshift paddles. An instrument panel upholstered in nappa leather was now also optionally available.
A gross list price of 101,804.50 euros was stated for the facelifted performance version at its market launch.
The ML 320 BlueTEC 4MATIC was presented at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) in March 2008 as a new model variant of the revised model series W 164 destined for the North American market. Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to launch a BlueTEC initiative in the passenger car segment back in October 2006 – concurrent with the introduction of low-sulphur diesel fuel in the USA. The ML 320 BlueTEC 4MATIC and its sister models from the R-Class and GL-Class were the first three diesel SUVs in the world to be certified in accordance with the particularly demanding American Bin 5 emissions standard and also had the potential to fulfil the forthcoming strict European Euro 6 emissions standard. As a result, they significantly undercut all the emissions limits for diesel cars in force worldwide at the time.
The BlueTEC technology developed by Mercedes-Benz for diesel-powered vehicles comprised modularly designed technical measures that both minimised untreated emissions within the engine and provided for effective aftertreatment of the exhaust gas. In the ML 320 BlueTEC 4MATIC, the variant with oxidation catalytic converter, particulate filter and downstream SCR catalytic converter was used. Here, AdBlue, an aqueous urea solution, was injected into the exhaust gas stream, converting up to 80% of the nitrogen oxides contained in the exhaust gas into harmless nitrogen and water in the SCR catalytic converter. The urea solution was carried in a separate tank in the vehicle and transported to the dosing module by means of a delivery pump. As only around 0.1 litres of AdBlue were required on average per 100 kilometres, the tank could be designed so that it only had to be refilled at the regular maintenance intervals as part of servicing. The reservoir in the ML 320 BlueTEC 4MATIC had a capacity of 28 litres – enough to avoid having to make an unscheduled trip to the workshop even when the demands were more exacting.
Some technical details of the six-cylinder diesel engine had to be modified for use in the new models with AdBlue injection. The pistons were given a revised bowl geometry for better mixture formation and a compression ratio reduced from 17.7 to 16.5. The exhaust gas turbocharger and the engine control unit were also optimised and redesigned. The emissions reduction measures resulted in only a slight reduction in performance for the 3.0-litre diesel V6 of the OM 642 series: Instead of 165 kW/224 hp in the CDI model, the ML 320 BlueTEC 4MATIC now only had 155 kW/211 hp – a tolerable loss in view of the resoundingly improved environmental compatibility and even slightly reduced average fuel consumption figures.
Mercedes-Benz expanded the range of M-Class high-performance versions in November 2008 with two special models. The ML 63 AMG "10th Anniversary" was a tribute to the very first performance SUV, the ML 55 AMG presented in 1999. With special equipment details, including a special paint finish for the bodywork and 21-inch wheels, as well as a comprehensively equipped interior, this edition model guaranteed an appearance that was as individual as it was exclusive. The ML 63 AMG "Performance Studio" highlighted the expertise of the AMG department of the same name, which had opened in 2006. For the time being, however, the input of the Affalterbach specialists, who were also responsible for the development, construction and deployment of the Official F1™ Safety Car and the Official F1™ Medical Car, was still limited to visual features: The special model featured, among other things, high-sheen 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels painted the colour of the vehicle, high-gloss beltline trim strips and a contrasting paint finish in peridot brown metallic. In the interior, an all-nappa leather interior in the colour porcelain with a diamond design and black decorative piping, the fully leather-covered instrument panel, the roof lining in anthracite Alcantara and wood trim in deep-gloss black piano lacquer created a decidedly luxurious atmosphere.
As was often the case with Mercedes-Benz, the special equipment packages were priced separately and had to be added to the base price of the respective model. For example, the scope of the "10th Anniversary" edition for all models was calculated across the board with a gross list price of 14,875.00 euros.
Against the backdrop of the rapidly growing popularity of this type of vehicle, Mercedes-Benz launched a broad-based SUV campaign in 2009. As a first step, the model names of the diesel versions ML 280 CDI 4MATIC, ML 320 CDI 4MATIC and ML 420 CDI 4MATIC were changed in the spring to ML 300 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, ML 350 CDI 4MATIC and ML 450 CDI 4MATIC – with the same performance data in each case.
Also as part of its SUV initiative – but now again focussing on the US market – Mercedes-Benz presented the first model version of the M-Class with hybrid drive at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) in April 2009. The ML 450 HYBRID's drive system, which combined a combustion engine and an electric motor, was designed to demonstrate the brand's innovative strength and technological leadership. For this purpose, a complete development cycle had to be run through as for a new model family. The central objective here was to optimise the integration of the various subsystems in the drivetrain in order to ensure problem-free use of the various driving modes.
The two-mode hybrid technology of the ML 450 HYBRID enabled both all-electric and purely combustion engine operation as well as combined operation. The centrepiece of this hybrid drive was the transmission unit with two compact electric motors, three planetary gear sets and four clutches – a configuration that allowed power to be split into an electrical and a mechanical path. This elaborate concept made it possible to shift the power transmission variably from the electrical to the mechanical drive path with increasing motor loads and in higher speed ranges. As a result, the system worked much more effectively than single-mode hybrid units in all driving situations.
The two efficient electric motors were fully integrated into the transmission housing. The first, positioned closer to the combustion engine, produced 62 kW/85 hp, delivered a torque of 235 Nm and was particularly designed for performance and low efficiency losses, while the second electric motor, positioned at the transmission output, provided 60 kW/82 hp and 260 Nm and was predestined for all-electric starting and boosting. The electrical energy for driving the electric motors was stored in a compact, liquid-cooled high-voltage battery based on nickel metal hydride.
The revised V6 petrol engine with a displacement of 3.5 litres used in the ML 450 Hybrid belonged to the M 272 engine family and had been optimised according to the so-called Atkinson principle. The cylinder head, pistons, camshafts and camshaft timing had undergone some modifications in this context. Despite the high power output of 205 kW/279 hp and an identical peak torque of 350 Nm compared to its conventional counterpart, the V6 petrol engine was characterised by significantly reduced fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.
The fact that the ML 450 Hybrid's superior system output of 250 kW/340 hp with a total torque of 517 Nm was on a par with an SUV with an eight-cylinder petrol engine and permanent all-wheel drive, while fuel consumption and emissions were up to 60% lower in comparison, was an explicit part of the vehicle concept. In fact, inner-city consumption levelled off at 21 mpg (equivalent to 11.2 l per 100 km), while in highway mode it was 24 mpg (9.8 l per 100 km). This made the ML 450 Hybrid by far the most efficient vehicle in its segment. In addition, with its SULEV (Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle) classification, the SUV met the strictest US emissions standard for vehicles with combustion engines at the time.
In the run-up to the 2010 model year, Mercedes-Benz continued its SUV initiative and made a number of changes to the M-Class range. From autumn 2009, the premium SUV with the world's lowest emissions – sold in North America as the ML 320 BlueTEC 4MATIC – was also launched on the European markets under the model name ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC. Thanks to AdBlue injection, this model already stayed below the Euro 6 emissions standard limits, which did not become mandatory until 2014. With an output of 155 kW/211 hp and a maximum torque of 540 Nm, the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC was characterised not only by low emissions and favourable fuel consumption values, but also by superior driving performance.
At the beginning of 2010, a version of the ML 350 CDI 4MATIC with 170 kW/231 hp and the ML 300 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY with 150 kW/204 hp were added to the range; the former had already been available on various export markets since the end of 2008. In contrast, the petrol-powered ML 350 4MATIC, ML 500 4MATIC and ML 63 AMG 4MATIC models remained technically unchanged in the European sales programme.
The gross list prices for the updated M-Class models changed only marginally in parallel with the slight restructuring of the range. Beyond the entry-level ML 300 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY model, priced at 53,074.00 euros, the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, equipped with emission-reducing exhaust technology, was offered at an initial price of 57,596.00 euros, slightly more expensive than the conventional ML 350 CDI 4MATIC, which cost 55,751.50 euros. The petrol models ranged from 53,312.00 euros for the ML 350 4MATIC to 71,162.00 euros for the ML 500 4MATIC and 101,804.50 euros for the ML 63 4MATIC AMG performance version.
In summer 2010, the performance version was also given a slight overhaul. A new bonnet with power bulges and darkened bi-xenon headlamps with active cornering lights now characterised the front view of the ML 63 AMG 4MATIC. These were joined by darkened LED lamps with clear-glass look at the rear.
Even before the start of the 2011 model year, Mercedes-Benz presented the "Grand Edition" special model for the M-Class – already hinting at the imminent discontinuation of model series 164. The equipment package was available in combination with all engine versions, but not for the AMG version. Among other things, it included 19-inch Y-spoke light-alloy wheels with 255/50 R 19 tyres, blue tinted heat-insulating glass, dark main headlamps and LED technology for the daytime running lights and the sporty darkened tail lamps. Metallic paintwork, aluminium roof rails, extensive chrome equipment with AMG radiator grille and PARKTRONIC were also part of the Grand Edition equipment package. The chromite black or diamond white paint finishes reserved for the special model and the equally exclusive 20-inch light-alloy wheels in a bi-colour finish with 265/45 R 20 tyres were also optionally available.
The interior of the Grand Edition models featured poplar wood trim and a black roof lining. The interior was characterised by seats upholstered in ARTICO man-made leather with contrasting topstitching and piping, a dashboard trimmed with the same material and door centre panels covered in genuine leather. An AMG sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles, also covered in leather, brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs and stainless-steel door sill panels lent the interior a sporty touch. In contrast, the standard ambient lighting with its adjustable lighting mood created a rather luxurious atmosphere.
With the Grand Edition special equipment included, the gross list prices ranged from 57,822.10 euros for an ML 300 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY to 76,862.10 euros for an ML 500 4MATIC.
Following the introduction of the Grand Edition special model and the end of series production of the ML 63 AMG 4MATIC at the beginning of 2011, there were no further far-reaching changes to the specifications. With its overall sales, the M-Class in model series 164 was the most successful SUV on the domestic market from its launch in spring 2005 until the end of production in summer 2011. International sales expectations were also more than fulfilled. The ML 350 4MATIC continued to lead the final production rankings, with a total of almost 229,000 units produced. Second place went to the diesel-powered ML 320 CDI 4MATIC – known as the ML 350 CDI 4MATIC from the beginning of 2009 – of which almost 197,000 units were produced in two performance levels. In sharp contrast, however, only 2002 vehicles of the environmentally friendly ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC were produced. The entry-level model in model series 164, initially offered as the ML 280 CDI 4MATIC and later as the ML 300 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, took third place with a total of 66,000 units. The diesel and petrol V8 models followed far behind, with total production numbers of between around 9,000 and 14,000 vehicles.
These figures clearly documented that the basic design of model series 164, which with its unibody construction was increasingly geared towards on-road use, provided an ideal basis for further success in the SUV segment, where sales were steadily increasing.
