Mercedes-Benz W166

Development

The development of a replacement for the second generation M-class began in 2006 and lasted for 5 years. In 2008, the executive board of the company approved the final version of the design from Émile Burki, which was patented in the domestic market on December 16 of the same year (the patent application in the USA was filed on June 15, 2009).

Premiere (2011)

June 8, 2011 in Stuttgart, was presented the third generation crossover Mercedes-Benz W166. New car features include an updated seven-speed automatic gearbox 7G-Tronic Plus , optional adaptive cruise control ( Distronic Plus ), an active warning system of a lane departure , and air suspension with adjustable height ( Airmatic ). In addition, the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM technology with active anti-roll bars was introduced to compensate for body roll ^[3] .

Much work has been done to optimize fuel consumption. For the new M-class, a comprehensive BlueEFFICIENCY package , a start-stop system that comes as standard, a gearbox with a new fuel-efficient converter, optimized bearings, and a transmission temperature control system are provided. Low friction axle drive, electric steering wheel and low rolling resistance tires also played a role in reducing fuel consumption ^[4] .

A version from the Mercedes-AMG unit was introduced on November 14, 2011, and a little later on November 18, officially debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show. In comparison with the conventional version of the W166, the car became closer to the ground by 8 mm (1788 mm), while the mass, compared to the previous-generation ML63 AMG ( W164 ), increased by 35 kg (up to 2345 kg). Nevertheless, the new V8 engine of the M157 series with a working volume of 5461 cm ³ with an aluminum block, two turbo-compressors and a direct fuel injection system has an increased productivity of 525 hp. and 700 N · m of torque (6.2-liter V8 of the predecessor developed 510 and 630, respectively).

The W166 was the latest product of the joint venture formed by the merger of Daimler AG and Chrysler ( DaimlerChrysler ). The concern has developed a basic platform and technology, benefiting from stable sales of Chrysler and R & D SUVs in the US domestic market. Chrysler continued to use the same platform for the production of the Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2) and Dodge Durango cars. However, in connection with the reform of the concern, crossovers vary greatly in terms of interior and body design, as well as the choice of engines and transmissions.

For the 2013 model year, the optional On & Off Road Package became available to order, which includes a two-speed transfer case from Magna International , body floor protection plates, a variable suspension program with 6 modes and other functions and technologies.

The M-class car won first place in the “Luxury Crossover SUV ” category and was named the most ideal vehicle for Americans. This decision was made on the basis of research conducted in California consulting firm AutoPacific ^[5] .

In early 2009, production facilities for the production of M-class SUVs were created in India . In the autumn of the same year, a plant was opened in the city of West Java , Indonesia .

In December 2012, a new papamo was assembled and delivered.

Restyling / GLE-class (2015)

Information about the restyling of the car appeared on the network in 2013. Then the photospies managed to capture and study the test prototype in camouflage ^[6] , which was tested at the Arctic Circle. The debut of the model was expected in January 2015 at the Detroit Auto Show.

The premiere of the restyled model took place a little earlier than expected - in the spring of 2015, Mercedes-Benz presented the updated M-class, renaming the series to GLE-class ^{[7] [8]} . In addition, the company introduced for the first time two modifications of the M-Class: the classic SUV ( W166 ) and the coupe ( C292 ), which was presented in January of the same year at the North American International Motor Show . Thanks to the facelift changed optics, grille (set a massive lamella) and the front bumper. Taillights have become more organic continuation of the general line style model. In the interior, changes were made to the reorganization of the center console with the expectation of a modern version of the multimedia system COMAND .

Changes also occurred in the model range of the class: the GLE 500 e became the first hybrid of the series, combining a V6 internal combustion engine with a power of 333 hp. with an electric motor that generates 116 horsepower ^[9] ( Plug-In Hybrid system ). The power unit is paired with a set of 8.8-kilowatt lithium-ion batteries and 7-band automatic transmission 7G-Tronic Plus . The first 19 units were delivered to customers from the USA in June 2016. If we take into account all the modifications of the technical component, then after restyling the SUV was 17% more economical compared to the pre-reform cars.

The model range of the restyled M-class includes petrol GLE 400 4MATIC (333 hp), GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC (367 hp), GLE 500 4MATIC (435 hp), GLE 500 e (442 hp .), GLE 63 AMG (557 hp), GLE 63 AMG S (585 hp) and diesel GLE 250 d (204 hp), GLE 250 d 4MATIC (204 hp) and GLE 350 d 4MATIC (258 hp). On many models, the 7-speed gearbox was replaced with a modern 9-speed automatic transmission 9G-Tronic . The high-performance modification of the GLE 63 AMG was equipped with a bi-turbocharged V8 engine, which accelerates the crossover from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.3 seconds. The most productive modification of the GLE 63 AMG S is equipped with the same power unit, but with a number of modifications, as a result of which the car has a power of 585 horsepower and 760 Nm of torque (in the predecessor these values ​​were 525 hp and 700 N · m, respectively). The acceleration of the SUV from 0 to 100 km / h takes only 4.2 seconds. The maximum speed in both variants is electronically limited to 250 km / h.

The car W166 passed a lot of crash tests, including the methods of EuroNCAP , the National Traffic Safety Directorate of the United States and the Insurance Institute for Road Safety , where he received the highest marks ^[10] .

Exterior

The design of the car body of the new generation M-class with the characteristic form of C-pillars has undergone modernization, but retained its recognition. In front of the car is a large grille with a centrally located company logo. New front optics gives the impression of high quality and innovation, especially if the car is equipped with an additional intelligent lighting system ILS . The LED daytime running lights framed with chrome inserts are integrated into the bumper. A deeper, wider, chrome-plated crankcase comes down from the bottom edge of the grille under the underside of the body, reinforcing the impressive appearance of the car ^[4] .

When viewed from the side, the elongated lines form an emphasis on the class of the car, whose compact proportions are determined by a large wheelbase and short overhangs. The roofline descends to the rear of the body and underlines the sporty look of the new M-Class. Not a single pillar is visible when going from the back side of the window to the rear window. Two-section block with rear lights using fiber-optic LED technology, as well as a lowered roof with a large spoiler, give harmony to the design. The rear bumper is equipped with an updated design with a chrome finish. The chrome is also trimmed rails , decorative trim and handle of the cargo compartment.

The wheel arches are decorated with aerodynamically optimized wheels, the model range of which varies from 43.2 cm (17 inches) to 50.8 cm (20 inches). 53.3 cm (21 in.) Branded AMG alloy wheels are available on request ^[4] .

After the restyling in 2015, the front end of the model has changed most significantly. On the SUV installed a different grille, modified front optics and rear LED ( LED ) lights and new exhaust pipes.

AMG Sport Package

To order, Mercedes-Benz offers the AMG sports package, which gives the M-class exterior an extra dynamism inherent in high-performance modifications of the Mercedes-AMG division. In contrast to the basic equipment, AMG styling includes individual front and rear bumper spoilers, body-colored side skirts, polished AMG alloy wheels with 5 spokes and 255/50 R 19 tires (besides, 265/45 R 20 and 265 / are available 40 R 21), as well as perforated brake discs in front with brake caliper protection ^[11] .

Interior

The interior of the new M-class is made with the traditional approach of Mercedes-Benz . Taking into account the experience of previous generations and the market positioning of the car, the company has equipped the salon with high-quality materials and elements. The overall design style is designed in the spirit of SUVs, creating a feeling of great space for passengers. The roomy and well-lit interior offers noticeably more space for the elbows (34 millimeters in front, 25 millimeters in the rear) than the previous model ^[4] . The front panel has a large decorative wood trim that continues on the doors, creating a feeling of continuity. At the client's choice, four high-quality wood finishes, as well as aluminum, are available (at the time of the premiere). Door openers and seat adjustment switches are integrated in the side trim. The central door panels have distinctive decorative lines.

The concept of managing car systems and displaying various information has been specifically designed to improve the usability of the new model. The instrument panel is equipped with modern instruments, including two round dials and a large (11.4 cm) display located between them. In the center of the panel can be installed optional COMAND multimedia system with a large color display. On each side of it are located the deflectors of the heating system. The cruise control lever was moved lower from its original location in the previous model. Information, navigation and communication systems are intuitive and easy to use thanks to a metal controller located on the center console. Vertical rectangular air vents on either side of the large screen highlight the functional aspects of the SUV class cars. The center console includes an armrest with a built-in armrest, in front of which there is a controller and various switches, including suspension modes. The front seats can be adjusted to 350 millimeters in length and more than 90 millimeters in height ^[4] .

Seats in the new M-class have increased lateral support and are designed to provide a high level of comfort when traveling over long distances. All important parameters such as seat height, backrest angle and angle of inclination of the cushion can be adjusted using the electric adjustment buttons. The rear seats are equipped with an armrest and cup holder. For the first time for them the function of adjusting the angle of the backrest is presented. When folding the entire row of seats, the driver becomes available space in 2010 liters to the roof of the SUV.

At the time of the premiere of the car, the company's customers were available in four interior colors: black, almond beige, gray alpaca and brown tobacco / chestnut. They are combined with several variants of the materials used: ARTICO fabric / artificial leather, ARTICO leather only or regular code in six color versions ^[4] .

After the restyling of 2015, there were some changes in the car: a new three-spoke multifunction steering wheel appeared, the central display was replaced with a new 7-inch (which, like in many other models of the company, is similar to a tablet). The range of colors and materials for interior decoration has been expanded. On the center console, the touch control multimedia system control selector has been updated .

Sport Package

An optional sports package is available to customers of the company, which gives the W166 a sporty character. It includes adjustable sports front seats with all-electric, original design and enhanced lateral support, individual-designed door panels, sports pedals made of brushed stainless steel with rubber inserts , black velvet mats with leather trim and a company logo, as well as a sports steering wheel with 4 spokes. The seat upholstery is a combination of ARTICO synthetic leather / DINAMICA microfiber in black or optional black nappa / leather, in both versions with contrast stitching ^[12] .

Designo Package

Optionally, the car can be installed a set of exclusive elements of a complete set of designo . In this case, the seats, dashboard and armrests in the doors and on the center console will be trimmed with designo leather, and leather door panels and upholstery will decorate the diamond stitch. At choice of the client leather of black color, "porcelain" or "maroon" is offered. As with all cars with designo interiors, a metal plate is installed on the seat backs. Headlining is made of microfiber DINAMICA black. Velor floor mats with designo black leather trim and a sign complete the interior. In addition, custom-made decorative elements are available, covered with black shiny lacquer designo lacquer, as well as the designo steering wheel made of wood and leather ^[12] .

Electrical equipment

As standard, the Mercedes-Benz W166 is equipped with an Audio 20 CD audio system with radio and dual tuner, a color TFT display (14.7 cm), a CD player with support for MP3 / WMA / AAC formats, a USB interface and an AUX-IN jack. central armrest. The Bluetooth interface allows you to use the speakerphone or play streaming audio. To order this audio system can be supplemented with a CD changer on 6 disc, media interface, Logic7 acoustics from the company Harman / Kardon and other functions.

Lineup

2012–2015

* Interpretation of engine designations: M = gasoline engine; OM = diesel engine; E = injection into intake manifold; KE = injection into the intake manifold, compressor boost; DE = direct injection; ML = compressor; L = charge air cooling; A = turbocharger; red. = reduced performance (power, working volume); LS = increased performance.

08 / 2015–

Security

In accordance with the Mercedes-Benz brand philosophy, the new M-Class is equipped with a large number of active and passive safety systems. The sturdy cabin design, together with the front and rear deformation zones, forms an effective basis for protecting the driver and front passenger. In a lateral collision of the crossmember under the hood, between the longitudinal elements under the floor where the pedals are located, the cross member of high strength steel under the driver’s seat and the transverse element made of magnesium alloy under the dashboard, as well as the supporting roof structure provide the greatest possible protection for the driver or passenger. The location of the fuel tank in front of the rear axle and the filler neck above the rear axle increases the available deformation zone, maximizing the level of energy absorption in the event of a rear-end collision. This is achieved primarily through the box-shaped design of the rear side members ^[4] .

The car is equipped (depending on the configuration) up to 9 airbags, which are activated during an accident and are adjustable in power depending on the type and severity of the collision. In addition, the car is equipped ^[4] :

• two-step adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger;
• knee airbag for the driver;
• side airbags for the driver and front passenger;
• side airbags in the back row of seats (available on request);
• window cushions on both rows of seats from A to C-pillar;
• three-point seat belts on all seats;
• pyrotechnic tensioners and force limiters, as well as electrically reversible belt tensioners;
• ISOFIX child seat mount;
• the indicator of the seatbelt status of the rear seat passengers on the dashboard;
• automatic recognition of the installed child seat with the disabling of airbags (available on request);
• passive head restraint system, triggered when driving back.

To all of the above, the Mercedes-Benz W166 is equipped with active safety systems such as Brake Assist ( BAS ), electronic stability control ( ESP ), anti- skid system ( ABS ), driver fatigue recognition system ATTENTION ASSIST , PRE ‑ SAFE and others that help prevent accidents or reduce its severity. BAS PLUS system is available on request. Passive safety measures that help protect pedestrians include an improved active hood, which is included in the new M-Class as a base option ^[4] .

Systems already known in the S-class are available on request, such as Night View Assist Plus with a pedestrian recognition system on the road, Speed ​​Limit Assist speed warning function, Lane Keeping Assist strip detection technology, detection of objects in blind zones Blind Spot Assist , autonomous cruise control DISTRONIC PLUS and intelligent brake system PRE-SAFE Brake . In addition, the car can be equipped with a rear view camera and parking assistant ( Active Park Assist ) ^[4] .

EuroNCAP Tests

In 2011, the car passed the EuroNCAP safety test :

The AMG model (modification) was introduced on November 14, 2011, and a little later, on November 18, officially debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show .

Compared with the normal version of the M-class, the car became closer to the ground by 8 mm (1788 mm), while the mass, compared with the ML 63 AMG of the previous generation (W164), increased by 35 kg (up to 2345 kg). But the engine recoil has become more. The new V8 series M157 engine with a working volume of 5461 cm³ with an aluminum block, two turbochargers and a direct fuel injection system produces 525 hp. and 700 N • m (V8 6.2 of the predecessor developed 510 and 630, respectively). At the same time, the traction on both axles was transmitted by a modified seven-step “automatic” with the original control program. The set time of 100 km / h decreased by 0.2 s (to 4.8 s), and the maximum speed remained the same - limited to 250 km / h. But, as is customary now, the Germans are especially proud of improvements in terms of efficiency - the combined-cycle fuel consumption fell from 16.5 l / 100 km to 14.7. And the creators are focusing on the chassis, more precisely, on the Active Curve System, which was not on its predecessor. This is a real-time body roll prevention technology thanks to active anti-roll bars with hydraulic locks at the front and rear. In addition, AMG engineers reconfigured elastoxinematics of suspensions and air suspension control program. Unlike the M-class of the last generation, the ML 63 AMG received a new electromechanical power steering instead of the electric one. On sale in the North American market, the car entered the first quarter of 2012 . ^[14]

AMG Performance Package

As with most other AMG models, a technical improvement package was also created for the ML 63 AMG:

• red brake calipers;
• AMG performance steering wheel;
• increased by 32 hp (24 kW) and 60 N · m engine power;
• increased by 30 km / h maximum vehicle speed;
• the acceleration rate of the car reduced by 0.1 seconds to 100 km / h.

Brabus

Tuning project B63 - 620 from the most famous tuning studio of Mercedes-Benz - Brabus - was presented on November 30, 2012 at the Essen Motor Show.

The car received a new aerodynamic body kit, the suspension received an AIRMATIC lowering module. Subsequently, the car was equipped with new 23 inch Brabus Monoblock R wheels.

The interior of the ML 63 AMG has been re-finished with Brabus Fine Leather genuine leather and decorated with new pedals and floor mats.

The engine has undergone refinement, as a result, it began to produce 620 hp. and 820 N • m. With these characteristics, the car can accelerate to 100 km / h in 4.5 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds. faster than the stock model, and reach a maximum speed limited by electronics at 300 km / h ^[15] .

Hennessey

ML 63 AMG HPE700 from the American tuning studio Hennessey Performance Engineering is mainly aimed at finalizing the engine with 525 hp and 700 N • m, or 557 hp and 700 N • m if you take the version with AMG Performance Package, up to 700 hp at 5200 rpm and 1085 N · m at 3800 rpm The warranty on the engine is 3 years or 36,000 miles. Optional discs and tires from HRE Wheels , suspension upgrades, carbon accessories and more are also available. The price of a set of engine refinement and aerodynamic options with installation and warranty totaling is $ 13,680 ^[16] .

RevoZport

The ML 63 AMG Rezonance from RevoZport included an aerodynamic body kit, new rims, and an engine revision kit.

The aerodynamic body kit consists of a two-level front carbon splitter and 30 mm carbon overlays on the arches, which make room for wheels with 22-inch forged aluminum wheels and 13J x 335 tires. Other features include a 3-point hydrocarbon diffuser, spoiler on the roof, lining the side mirrors and grille, made all of the same carbon.

The engine has undergone refinement, as a result, it began to produce 600 hp. To achieve such a return tuning studio was able to install new intake and sports exhaust system, made of titanium, and reconfigure the throttle control unit . How to change the dynamic characteristics of the car RevoZport did not mention. ^[17]

TopCar

The first tuning studio to undertake the revision of the ML 63 AMG (W166) was the Russian company TopCar . The car was named ML 63 AMG Inferno (W166). The company offered an aerodynamic body kit called Inferno, including: new front and rear bumpers with a diffuser, wing extensions, door linings, large thresholds with air intake, exhaust nozzles, hood, trim on the 5th door and spoiler. Bodybuilders say they were inspired by their line of Mercedes-AMG cars - the Black Series. Body kit parts consist of carbon fiber and Kevlar using vacuum forming technology ^[18] . TopCar also offers technical modifications to the car from Evotech Motorsport :

• Stage 1 - power increase up to 640 hp and the moment to 980 N · m. Cost: 7900 €;
• Stage 2 - power increase up to 690 hp and moment up to 1100 N · m. Cost: € 11,900 ;
• Stage 3 - power increase up to 760 hp and the moment to 1150 N · m Price: 21 900 €.

Thus TopCar ML 63 AMG Inferno (W166) becomes the most powerful tuning ML 63 AMG to date. The price of a carbon-free Inferno kit is € 18,470, while you will be asked for € 20,420.00 for a package of carbon. Price does not include additional options. ^[nineteen]

Edition 1

At the time of the premiere of the car in 2011, the company traditionally released a limited edition Edition 1 for the first customers. The list of its distinctive features includes the AMG sports package for the exterior with a special lower front body panel and side sills in body color, polished 50.8 cm (9J x 20) AMG alloy wheels in the design of 5 spokes and 265/45 R 20 tires . Sport brakes with perforated brake discs and special linings of brake calipers in metallic paint give a special look to the car. The interior of the series includes a Desigon package with leather trim and contrasting decorative seams in a diamond pattern. The dashboard, door panels and center console are also upholstered in leather. The car is equipped with a steering wheel with wooden / leather trim and shift paddles DIRECT SELECT . Decorative interior elements are also made of wood. The ceiling of the cabin is decorated with black material. Under the feet of the passengers and the driver are black velor floor mats with special metal badges “Designo” ^[4] .

Functional improvements to the car include a memory pack, seat heating for the driver and front passenger, side airbags in the rear, and an automatic recognition of the presence of a child seat. A special series applies to the entire model range of the third generation M-class.

• Johannes Winterhagen. Die neue M-Klasse von Mercedes-Benz // ATZextra. — Springer Automotive Media, 2011. — № 10 . — ISSN 2195-1454 .
• Рафаэль Батырбаев. Тест-драйв Mercedes-Benz GLE // TrendyMan. — ООО «Батте ЭмЭсСи», 2016. — 4 декабря. Архивировано 20 января 2017 года.

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