Spied: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class W166. EDIT : Now unveiled

sidindica · 24th June 2009, 10:47

pics from Leftlane – news, reviews, and info for the auto-industry

McLaren Rulez · 2nd July 2009, 22:30

Well the rear overhang seems too long. It lacks that compact feeling of the current M. By the way, its funny how the driver is trying to hide from the cam

hanmust · 30th September 2009, 17:20

As the world's automakers go back to the drawing board on what they need to compete in today's market, both structurally and in terms of product, parts sharing and efficiency are increasingly becoming key concepts. The next-generation of the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class SUV could embrace both concepts with a much closer link to the next G-Class and R-Class (or their successors) as well as more forward-looking powertrains.

Due in the middle of 2011, the next-gen ML is still largely a matter of speculation. Spy shots of an early prototype reveal a smaller body than the current ML, though the wheelbase appears unchanged. We also have for the first time new shots of the interior as well.

A few reports have suggested that a diesel-electric hybrid ML-class is in the works, although a gasoline-electric hybrid like that in the upcoming ML450 Hybrid is almost certain. A plug-in variant of the ML hybrid is even possible, featuring an 80-horsepower electric motor paired with a twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 and capable of travelling up to 18-miles on electric power alone is also thought to be in the works.
That plug-in hybrid system will draw on elements from the other hybrid programs within Mercedes, including the S400 powertrain. But other elements, including parts and underpinnings, will be shared more closely across the R-Class successor and G-Class vehicles to help achieve economies of scale while still maintaining separate identities. The chassis underpinning the new SUV is also the same design found in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, one of the lasting legacies from the now defunct DaimlerChrysler.

The ML’s dominant position as the consumer 4x4 of choice within Mercedes' lineup won't change, though the focus will increasingly be on efficiency rather than performance. Accordingly, European models will likely get a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine rated at 204-horsepower. A V-6 diesel rated at 225-horsepower and a 333-horsepower V-6 gasoline engine is also thought to be in the plans. The V-8 engine will gain direct-injection and twin-turbochargers for the AMG model, which is expected to deliver at least 570-horsepower.

Source: BenzInsider

TheStig · 25th July 2010, 14:04

Hello guys!

I spotted the 2012 M Class undergoing test in Dubai in June. I checked with the Mercedes dealers there and they confirmed that a new model is coming in 2012.

Here are the pictures:

arjunrudra · 26th July 2010, 07:54

Good , the new M class looks real big. and in the pictures it sort of looks like it is dwarfing the prado on front of it.
Or is it the picture which makes it look like that ?

TheStig · 26th July 2010, 10:23

@ arjunrudra:
Na I think its the picture. The test vehicles were more or less of the same size as the current M Class. They had the same grille as well.

BANDHAV · 26th July 2010, 19:46

I love Mercs, I love SUVs, but still I never liked the ML, and I have a feeling that things are not going to change with this ML either.

prince_pervez · 26th July 2010, 19:59

^^ I second that. This is an area they have to better. I have sat and drove an Acura SUV and a Merc SUV with more or less the same dimensions but I felt the Acura bettered the Merc in the space section.

Scorcher · 26th July 2010, 20:34

Nice catch there dude. Hope Merc gets it right at the end of the day and whats with their new trend of tail lamps for for their test mules ? Saw it on the forthcoming S mule too.

Something or the other about this car looks so Range Rover to me

arjunrudra · 27th July 2010, 07:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scorcher

Something or the other about this car looks so Range Rover to me

Second you on that.
The Rear glass with the plastered side looks total Range Rover Sport to me.

jaguar.runs · 27th July 2010, 13:37

We meet these guys almost everyday at lunch time. All in shorts and t-shirts, relaxed and enjoying their time. Wish I had a chance to work as a test driver.

When I spoke to the SLS test team last year, they were scheduled for North Sweden next. From extreme heat to extreme cold! Most of the time these guys are traveling, either driving or flying.

Dubai fellas, keep your eyes open for the X1 competitor, that one is next.

TheStig · 29th July 2010, 22:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scorcher

Something or the other about this car looks so Range Rover to me

Yeah I see what you mean. But I managed another good look at them when I passed them (sorry couldn't take more pictures as I was driving).
I think these are Mercs because the handle bars looked exactly like the ones on the current M Class. Then the grille was also similar to the current M and GL Class.
If you look closely at the ORVMs you can see that it is the the new shape of mirrors that all new Mercedes cars come with, for example the facelifted S Class,
the new E Class etc.

sidindica · 7th September 2010, 17:33

some better pics from spyshots.nl

Speeding@160mph · 7th September 2010, 18:12

so will this be a facelift or an entirely new platform? the ML is due an overhaul by 2012/2013 if i'm not mistaken - as are the X5 and Q7.

DicKy · 14th September 2010, 17:16

Now THAT is some new interior design of merc.
A mish-mash of various cars but still different from the usual merc interior design philosophy. Like it.Way to go merc.

24th June 2009, 10:47	#1
sidindica Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Delhi Posts: 4,902 Thanked: 8,348 Times	Spied: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class W166. EDIT : Now unveiled pics from Leftlane – news, reviews, and info for the auto-industry Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

2nd July 2009, 22:30	#2
McLaren Rulez Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mysore Posts: 3,462 Thanked: 5,514 Times	Well the rear overhang seems too long. It lacks that compact feeling of the current M. By the way, its funny how the driver is trying to hide from the cam
	() Thanks

30th September 2009, 17:20	#3
hanmust Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Calicut Posts: 2,481 Thanked: 267 Times View My Garage	Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class W166 As the world's automakers go back to the drawing board on what they need to compete in today's market, both structurally and in terms of product, parts sharing and efficiency are increasingly becoming key concepts. The next-generation of the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class SUV could embrace both concepts with a much closer link to the next G-Class and R-Class (or their successors) as well as more forward-looking powertrains. Due in the middle of 2011, the next-gen ML is still largely a matter of speculation. Spy shots of an early prototype reveal a smaller body than the current ML, though the wheelbase appears unchanged. We also have for the first time new shots of the interior as well. A few reports have suggested that a diesel-electric hybrid ML-class is in the works, although a gasoline-electric hybrid like that in the upcoming ML450 Hybrid is almost certain. A plug-in variant of the ML hybrid is even possible, featuring an 80-horsepower electric motor paired with a twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 and capable of travelling up to 18-miles on electric power alone is also thought to be in the works. That plug-in hybrid system will draw on elements from the other hybrid programs within Mercedes, including the S400 powertrain. But other elements, including parts and underpinnings, will be shared more closely across the R-Class successor and G-Class vehicles to help achieve economies of scale while still maintaining separate identities. The chassis underpinning the new SUV is also the same design found in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, one of the lasting legacies from the now defunct DaimlerChrysler. The ML’s dominant position as the consumer 4x4 of choice within Mercedes' lineup won't change, though the focus will increasingly be on efficiency rather than performance. Accordingly, European models will likely get a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine rated at 204-horsepower. A V-6 diesel rated at 225-horsepower and a 333-horsepower V-6 gasoline engine is also thought to be in the plans. The V-8 engine will gain direct-injection and twin-turbochargers for the AMG model, which is expected to deliver at least 570-horsepower. Source: BenzInsider Attached Thumbnails Last edited by aah78 : 8th June 2011 at 02:42. Reason: Thread merged with existing.
	() Thanks

25th July 2010, 14:04	#4
TheStig BHPian Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 172 Thanked: 163 Times View My Garage	2012 M Class Spotted testing in Dubai! Hello guys! I spotted the 2012 M Class undergoing test in Dubai in June. I checked with the Mercedes dealers there and they confirmed that a new model is coming in 2012. Here are the pictures: Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

26th July 2010, 07:54	#5
arjunrudra Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gurgaon/Chennai Posts: 1,577 Thanked: 201 Times View My Garage	Good , the new M class looks real big. and in the pictures it sort of looks like it is dwarfing the prado on front of it. Or is it the picture which makes it look like that ?
	() Thanks

26th July 2010, 10:23	#6
TheStig BHPian Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 172 Thanked: 163 Times View My Garage	@ arjunrudra: Na I think its the picture. The test vehicles were more or less of the same size as the current M Class. They had the same grille as well.
	() Thanks

26th July 2010, 19:46	#7
BANDHAV Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Ghaziabad Posts: 1,410 Thanked: 2,989 Times View My Garage	I love Mercs, I love SUVs, but still I never liked the ML, and I have a feeling that things are not going to change with this ML either.
	() Thanks

26th July 2010, 19:59	#8
prince_pervez Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Redwood shores, CA, USA Posts: 4,211 Thanked: 53 Times View My Garage	^^ I second that. This is an area they have to better. I have sat and drove an Acura SUV and a Merc SUV with more or less the same dimensions but I felt the Acura bettered the Merc in the space section.
	() Thanks

26th July 2010, 20:34	#9
Scorcher Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Trivandrum, KL Posts: 4,922 Thanked: 7,182 Times	Nice catch there dude. Hope Merc gets it right at the end of the day and whats with their new trend of tail lamps for for their test mules ? Saw it on the forthcoming S mule too. Something or the other about this car looks so Range Rover to me
	() Thanks

27th July 2010, 13:37	#11
jaguar.runs BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Dubai Posts: 277 Thanked: 105 Times View My Garage	We meet these guys almost everyday at lunch time. All in shorts and t-shirts, relaxed and enjoying their time. Wish I had a chance to work as a test driver. When I spoke to the SLS test team last year, they were scheduled for North Sweden next. From extreme heat to extreme cold! Most of the time these guys are traveling, either driving or flying. Dubai fellas, keep your eyes open for the X1 competitor, that one is next.
	() Thanks

7th September 2010, 17:33	#13
sidindica Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Delhi Posts: 4,902 Thanked: 8,348 Times	some better pics from spyshots.nl Attached Thumbnails Attached Images
	() Thanks

7th September 2010, 18:12	#14
Speeding@160mph BHPian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Delhi Posts: 185 Thanked: 7 Times	so will this be a facelift or an entirely new platform? the ML is due an overhaul by 2012/2013 if i'm not mistaken - as are the X5 and Q7.
	() Thanks

14th September 2010, 17:16	#15
DicKy Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: TVPM Posts: 4,389 Thanked: 15,272 Times	Now THAT is some new interior design of merc. A mish-mash of various cars but still different from the usual merc interior design philosophy. Like it.Way to go merc.
	() Thanks