2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Facelift

Along with the rest of the M-Class range, Mercedes-Benz also revamped the top-of-the-class, ML 63 AMG. Along with the new headlamps, the 2009 ML 63 AMG features a new front apron, a redesigned AMG-specific radiator grille painted in high-gloss black, LED tail-lights with clear-glass look if the optional bi-xenon headlamps are specified, new 20-inch 5-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels and a new rear apron with integrated reflectors. The larger exterior mirrors as well as the standard-fit aluminium-look roof rails add the finishing touches to the styling modifications. -Continued

The new AMG ergonomic steering wheel with the aluminum shift paddles stands out in the interior of the 2009 ML 63 AMG. Like the rest of the range, the ML 63 AMG also benefits from higher quality materials and a new telematics generation in the cabin.

There are no mechanical changes as the 209 ML 63 AMG continued to be equipped with a 510 Hp 6.3-liter V8 engine matted to a SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with three drive modes. The ML 63 AMG accelerates from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.0 sec while its top speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h (155 mph).

Mercedes Launches New R, ML & GL-Class BlueTEC Diesel Models For the States

With gas prices in the US (and elsewhere) going up and up everyday, modern diesel powered cars are definitely a viable short term solution, especially in the States where buyers continue to show their preference in large SUVs. Mercedes-Benz on its behalf announced today that it is offering three new diesel powered models, the R 320 BlueTEC, ML 320 BlueTEC and GL 320 BlueTEC that will initially be available exclusively in America.

All three SUV/Crossovers are powered by a new, clean 3.0-liter V6 BlueTEC diesel engine equipped with AdBlue injection technology. The AdBlue system is an aqueous urea solution carried in an auxiliary tank that’s injected into the hot, pre-treated exhaust gases. It helps reduce the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen when exhaust gases containing nitrogen oxides flow through the catalytic converter. As a result the three new SUVs achieve are able to better the stringent Bin 5 limits applicable in the USA, and also have the potential to meet the coming EU6 standards. -Continued

The V6 diesel engine has an output 211 hp and develops a maximum torque figure of 540 Nm or 398 lb-ft. Mercedes-Benz promises an advantage of around 20 to 40 percent in terms of fuel consumption versus a comparable petrol model. For example, Merc announces that the GL 320 BlueTEC consumes 9.5 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (25 mpg).

2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Facelift Set For New York Show Debut

Mercedes-Benz has lifted the covers off its redesigned 2009 MY M-Class SUV that will make its worldwide debut at the 2008 New York International Auto Show on March 21. The mildly revamped M-Class features a redesigned front bumper, larger mirrors, recontoured headlamps with a pronounced step in the lower edge and a larger radiator grille. Styling changes in the rear include a new bumper with integrated reflector strips as well as tails lights with a smoked-glass look.

The interior of the 2009 M-Class has been upgraded with new, high-grade materials that promise to be more pleasing to the eye and touch along with a new four-spoke multifunction steering wheel. Moreover, the luxury SUVs standard specification has also been upgraded as it now includes the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE and NECK-PRO head restraints as well as an all-new, high-performance telematics system developed by Mercedes-Benz.

Finally, the German carmaker’s engineers have tweaked all five V6 and V8 petrol and diesel units that are available for the M-Class (ranging from 190 to 388 hp) resulting to a reduced fuel consumption by up to 0.4 litres per 100 km compared with the outgoing models. (Opening pic modified by Carscoop) –Details and pics after the jump

Press Release: At a glance:
new design and technology

Exterior design

• All-new front-end design with prominent horizontal lines
• New radiator grille with three black louvres and chrome highlights (available in sterling silver look with chrome highlights as an option in the exterior sports package)
• New-look projection-beam headlamps
• New exterior mirrors with larger mirror surfaces
• New rear bumper
• Tail lights with darkened lenses (LED tail lights with clear-glass look as an option)
• Twin exhaust system with oval tailpipes (rectangular chromed tailpipes in the exterior sports package as an option, standard for V8)
• Roof rails included in standard specification
• Chrome trim strip in the rub strips (optional in the exterior sports package, standard for V8)
• Waistline trim strip in chrome (optional in the exterior sports package, standard for V8)
• Load sill guard on the rear bumper in chrome (optional in the exterior sports package, standard for V8)
• Exterior sports package with new, enhanced features such as aluminium-look roof rails

Interior design

• Leather-trimmed dashboard in nappa leather or ARTICO man-made leather
• Door linings in ARTICO man-made leather
• New two-tone leather appointments
• Leather multifunction steering wheel in four-spoke design with shift paddles
• Seats with new design
• Three types of wood trim: burr walnut, poplar with bird's-eye look or poplar in anthracite, with stowage compartment in dashboard console as standard
• Luggage cover in standard specification

Comfort

• 4-way electrically adjustable lumbar support for driver and front passenger seats
• Trailer coupling, manually folding

Infotainment

• COMAND system with large colour display and new additional functions
• COMAND APS including hard-disc navigation, Music Register and voice-operated control
• Universal media interface for connecting an iPod and other audio devices
• LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system with whole-word recognition capability
• Surround sound system with twelve speakers and an output of 610 watts
• Rear-seat entertainment system with larger screens and wireless headphones

Safety

• PRE-SAFE® as standard
• NECK-PRO head restraints as standard

Engines and transmission

• Fuel consumption reduced by up to 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres

Chassis

• New 17, 18, 19 and 20-inch light-alloy wheels
• 19-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels standard for V8

Mercedes-Benz ML-Class Tuning...

When we first saw this picture at our Dutch pals over at Autoblog.nl our initial thought was a Suzuki Ignis based Mercedes ML-Class replica. However, a closer look at the image provided reveals that this ghastly creation could actually be an… original ML-Class! Whatever it is, it's bad and someone in Belgium should take action and take this “thing” off the road.

Via: Autoblog.nl

Frankfurt Premier: 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 450 Hybrid

Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the ML 450 HYBRID which is due to be launched on the market in 2009. Though all the details haven’t been released yet, the ML 450 HYBRID features a two-mode petrol hybrid system that has been co-developed by Mercedes, BMW and GM. The system delivers a combined output of 250 kW/340 hp and a combined maximum torque of 480 Nm – 354 lb.ft. According to the initial specs, the ML 450 HYBRID consumes just 7.7 lt per 100 km (30.6 mpg) - equivalent to CO2 emissions of 185 g/km. Ok, I surrender; on one hand they present a 457 Hp Station Wagon and in the other a 340 Hp hybrid SUV that sips just 30.6 mpg of fuel. Utterly nuts! -We’ll have more on the ML Hybrid as soon as Mercedes releases all the details.

GENEVA: Brabus Mercedes ML 63 Widestar

Geneva got its share of tuned models this year with models like the Brabus Mercedes ML63 Widestar. Fitted with a “bad to bone” bodykit that consists of add-on parts for the doors, and rocker panels, the Widestar’s ML63 derived V8 engine is fitted with sport air filters and high-performance metal catalysts as well as newly programmed engine electronics with custom mapping for ignition and injection. The result is an increase in power output by 40 hp / 31 kW to 550 hp / 404.8 kW while peak torque grows from 630 Nm to 650 Nm. According to Brabus , 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time is shortened to 4.9 seconds while the installation of the BRABUS V/max unit increases top speed from 250 km/h to 275 km/h. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see a high-res image gallery & the press release

Press Release: World Debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2007

BRABUS WIDESTAR Based on the Mercedes ML 63: An Exclusive Wide-Track Version with 23-Inch Wheels and 550 hp / 405 kW

Sporty and dynamic, exclusive and powerful: These three attributes best describe the BRABUS WIDESTAR. The special model based on the Mercedes ML 63 celebrates its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2007. With the WIDESTAR BRABUS presents not only a new and exciting wide-track version of the SUV but also the new Monoblock E 23-inch forged wheels and BRABUS B63 S performance tuning for the ML 63 with 550 hp / 404.8 kW.

The WIDESTAR concept, which is of course also available for all current M-Class models, combines dynamic looks with maximum functionality. The elegantly flowing lines of the fender flares front and back increase vehicle width by four centimeters. The extra centimeters benefit the car's appearance while the wider track improves handling: The multi-piece BRABUS Monoblock E wheels in size 11Jx23 were custom-tailored for the wide-track version of the M-Class. Their forged wheel center ensures an optimal symbiosis of light-weight design and maximum strength. The new light-alloy wheels are mounted with high-performance tires in size 315/25 R 23.

The BRABUS control module for the standard AIRMATIC air suspension lowers the ride height of the vehicle by some 30 millimeters, further contributing to more sporty road-handling characteristics.

The BRABUS WIDESTAR body conversion consists of add-on parts for the doors, and rocker panels that create a more homogenous transition between the fender flares. But that's not all: Complete front and rear fascias replace their production counterparts front and back. The front spoiler bumper with three striking air inlets and four integrated auxiliary headlights lends the M-Class more passing clout and minimizes lift on the front axle. In combination with the rear spoiler the rear fascia with integrated diffuser and cutouts for the four chrome tailpipes of the BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust system provides the perfect aerodynamic balance.

Its well balanced aerodynamic properties make the BRABUS WIDESTAR a perfectly suited to serve as the platform for a tuned version of the ML 63. The latter was developed by the BRABUS motor engineers in form of the B63 S performance kit. The production V8 engine delivers 510 hp / 375 kW. It is fitted with sport air filters and high-performance metal catalysts as well as newly programmed engine electronics with custom mapping for ignition and injection. Together these measures result in an increase in power output by 40 hp / 31 kW to 550 hp / 404.8 kW. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 630 Nm to 650 Nm.

Vehicle performance benefits accordingly: The sprint from rest to 100 km/h is shortened to 4.9 seconds. The engine tuning and installation of the BRABUS V/max unit increase the top speed from 250 km/h to 275 km/h.

To further optimize active safety the BRABUS WIDESTAR can be equipped with a high-performance brake system. It features 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and vented and cross-drilled 380 x 36 millimeter discs on the front axle. Together with 355 x 28-mm brake discs and 6-piston fixed calipers in the rear it provides the impressive stopping power usually reserved for purebred sports cars.

Yet another BRABUS specialty for the Mercedes M-Class is the creation of exclusive interior options: Stainless-steel door sills with illuminated BRABUS logo, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and leather-covered door trim pieces to upgrade the factory leather are all part of the program as are exclusive BRABUS fully leather interiors made from meticulously crafted combinations of the finest Mastik leather and Alcantara.

The production front seats are equipped with special rear consoles that reach all the way to the headrests. They house seven-inch 16:9 LCD screens with integrated DVD player. Also available is a version with an electric folding table made from precious wood.

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