M-Class to get more powerful V8-engine

The new ML 500 4MATIC which comes with a 388 hp, 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine and has had maximum torque boosted from 460 to 530 newton metres, will arrive in Middle East showrooms in September.

This power increase has a considerable effect on performance with the ML 500 4MATIC now accelerating to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds which is more than a second faster than its predecessor. Maximum speed is 250 km/h.

This increase in power and performance is not matched by a higher fuel consumption, however, as the NEDC combined consumption has been reduced by up to 0.6 litres to 12.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

The range of petrol models is complemented by the 272 hp model ML 350 with a V6-engine, as well as the high-performance ML 63 AMG with 510 hp.

The standard features of the most successful high-volume model in the Mercedes-Benz SUV family include the seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC with DIRECT SELECT, ESP®, 4MATIC permanent four-wheel drive and the 4ETS traction system with additional functions such as Downhill Speed Regulation start-off assist and Offroad-ABS.

On request, comfort can be enhanced even further with multi-zone THERMOTRONIC, which has individually controlled zones for the driver, front passenger and rear seat occupants, the AIRMATIC air suspension system with adaptive damping, the telematic system COMAND APS or KEYLESS-GO.

Difficult terrain can be mastered with the Offroad-Pro engineering package, which includes a low-ratio box, electronically controlled, disc-type locks for the centre and rear axle differential and a higher ground clearance.
The first generation of the M-Class was launched in 1997 and is acknowledged as the precursor to all modern premium SUVs. Equipped with a parmanent four-wheel drive as standard, it combined the comfort and handling safety of a passenger car with the robustness of an off-road vehicle.

In addition this Sports Utility Vehicle offered plenty of space and excellent variability. Its success was assured from the start with worldwide sales of around 600,000 units.

"The current more agile, more comfortable and safer M-Class, which arrived in the Middle East in 2005, has continued this success story with more 250,000 satisfied customers worldwide," said Johannes Fritz, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes Car Group, Middle East.