Mercedes-Benz M-Class W166

The W166 M-Class is the evolution of Mercedes-Benz's flagship SUV that combines efficiency, safety, agility, driving enjoyment and design, to cater the needs of today's market.

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

The new exterior design is an evolution step further to commemorate the brand's 125th year and this new model perfects the angle of being a true luxury utility vehicle. It's been 14 years since the first M-Class came out in 1997 and the second generation came in 2005 but with this third-generation model, this has made to be somewhat special for the audiences and we're very proud to look at it.

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class interior

The tale of the tape comes on the new interior. It looks very nice to look at it and this is just becoming a step further to deliver the best interior design on the best M-Class in history. However, there are some issues about the new interior. It still remains the five-seater capacity and why Benz never intend to put a third-row seat because of the added weight that ruins it? Still, it doesn't matter because this five-seater is somewhat classy enough for the VIP to get all cozy about. Surprisingly though, there are two monitors behind the front seats that are good enough to entertain the passengers like watching TV and movies. To perfect the interior experience, the available Harman Kardon Logic 7 Surround Sound System provides the best sound that creates a lively environment for the M-Class' interior no matter how loud the noise is.

At the start, the new W166 M-Class is available in three engines. First is the M276 3.5L V6 Gasoline Direct Injection engine that produces 306PS/6500rpm of power, 370Nm of torque, 235 km/h of top speed, 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds, and combined fuel economy of 11.8km/L (8.5L/100km). Second is the OM651 2.1L Common Rail Diesel Injection engine that produces 204PS/4,200rpm of power, 500Nm of torque, 210km/h of top speed, 0-100km/h in 9 seconds, and combined fuel economy of 16.7km/L (6L/100km). Lastly, the OM 642 LS 3.0L V6 CRDi engine produces 258PS/3,600rpm of power, 500Nm of torque, 224km/h of top speed, 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds, and combined fuel economy of 14.7km/L (6.8L/100km). Most of them are mated with a 7G-Tronic Plus.

To make the ride more comfortable for the new M-Class, the AIRMATIC full air suspension system with Adaptive Damping System provides the basis for excellent ride comfort on road combined with noticeably superior handling stability. The ADS II provides four levels of damping force that suits the road condition using skyhook algorithm. There are other features that can be proven to be more useful for the driver such as the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM and the ON&OFFROAD package.

The new M-Class is made to be more safer for everyone because of numerous features such as the Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control with Brake Assist Plus and PRE-SAFE brake, adaptive brake lights, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Attention ASSIST, Electronic Stability Program, Occupant protection system, and more safety features that makes it the safest SUV ever built.

Available in 10 colors; Schwarz, Calcitweiß, Citrinbraun metallic, Diamantweiß BRIGHT metallic, Iridiumsilber metallic, Obsidianschwarz metallic, Palladiumsilber metallic, Perlbeige metallic, Tansanitblau metallic, and Tenoritgrau metallic.

My Comment:
The new W166 M-Class is here today and ready for tomorrow because of its well-sculpted exterior, tailor-made interior, perfect chemistry of performance and economy, comfort, and overall safety. The previous M-Class from the past never been concern about the welfare of others but the new M-Class addresses the welfare of others thanks to its numerous safety features. If we're itching for the ML63 AMG, please wait because next year, it will come.

The new M-Class is made to be more luxurious against the competition and this new model has potential to come to our shores soon.



Photo: Daimler AG.