Author Topic: The new Mercedes-Benz M-Class: Champion of refined efficiency  (Read 6580 times)

Offline fasteddy

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6943
    • www.flyingtiger.ca  http://shop.flyingtiger.ca
Stuttgart. The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class sets a new benchmark in the SUV world. Its low fuel consumption and emission figures are especially impressive. Across the range, fuel consumption is an average of 25 percent lower than for the previous model. Particularly noteworthy in this respect is the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, which has an NEDC consumption of just 6.0 l/100 km (158 g CO2/km) and can travel up to 1500 kilometres on a single tank of fuel. Yet for all this efficiency, the M-Class retains its fascination, in the way it uniquely combines agility with driving enjoyment and superior comfort. Further impressive features of the ML include 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, new developments to the chassis and innovative driving dynamics systems, all of which improve performance in both on-road and off-road situations. Its active and passive safety features are typical for the brand. A characteristic body design, together with a versatile interior that is highly conducive to its occupants' wellbeing, enhance the driving experience in the new M-Class.
Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars development, commented: "The M-Class embodies all the automotive experience that we have accumulated over 125 years and thus represents – in short – a quantum leap in terms of efficiency, safety, agility, driving enjoyment and design!"
Long-distance runner: high efficiency ensures extensive range
State-of-the-art engines, a clear policy of engine downsizing, a best-in-class Cd value of 0.32 and a comprehensive range of BlueEFFICIENCY measures all contribute to delivering superb energy efficiency. BlueTEC diesel engines and the new generation of BlueDIRECT petrol engines provide the basis for the excellent economic efficiency and outstanding environmental performance of the new M-Class. As far as the diesel models are concerned, now only available as BlueTEC units with SCR emissions technology, the focus is firmly on downsizing and on the new version of the V6 CDI engine.
In the ML 250 BlueTEC, the 3.0-litre V6 of the previous model is replaced by the thrifty four-cylinder EU6-standard unit already familiar from, for instance, the S-Class.
The ML 350 BlueTEC uses a completely reworked 3.0-litre V6 engine, which also more than meets the EU6 emissions standard and delivers far better performance, yet with considerably reduced fuel consumption. The efficiency improvements have been achieved, above all, through the use of the innovative TWAS (twin-wire-arc spraying) technology already used with great success since 2005 in AMG's high-performance engines. The positive results here have led Mercedes-Benz to adapt this cylinder wall coating technology for use in the V6 diesel engine as well. The process reduces internal friction in the engine significantly. At the same time, the weight has been reduced by 4.3 kg, as there is no longer any need for the grey cast iron cylinder liners that, until now, had to be pressed into the engine block. The benefits are striking: with these measures alone, fuel consumption could be reduced by around 3 percent.