(continued)
In the 5.0-liter V8, combustion heat in each of the large, single exhaust valves
is dissipated through a sodium-filled valve stem, while exhaust heat is retained
and insulated by double-wall piping in the exhaust manifold. The seamless
double-wall manifold is made by using high-pressure liquid-forming technology
for greater durability and lighter weight.
Spark Plugs Provide a One-Two Punch
Using one less exhaust valve also makes room for two spark plugs per cylinder,
and an innovative offset-phase twin-plug ignition system is matched to the
three-valve technology. Among other things, the dual ignition system activates
the two spark plugs in each cylinder, one after the other in quick succession
(rather than simultaneously), with varied “stagger,” depending on engine load
and speed. This phase-shifted twin-plug sequence (as well as the basic ignition
timing) changes after each combustion cycle for extremely precise control of the
combustion process. This also enables combustion chamber pressures to be closely
controlled to minimize combustion noise without sacrificing efficiency.
The World’s First Seven-Speed Automatic on an SUV
The new M-Class comes with the world’s only production seven-speed automatic
transmission. When compared to the previous transmission generation, the
seven-speed makes the SUV both faster and more economical while providing
smooth, barely noticeable gearshifts.
Seven gear ratios provide a wider spread of ratios between first gear and top
gear and, at the same time, allow smaller increases in engine speed as the
vehicle accelerates through the gears. This gives the electronic control unit
more flexibility in terms of maximizing fuel economy and making the
transmission’s reaction time extremely fast.
Interior Design
The interior of the new M-Class has been completely redesigned and features
high-quality materials finished with craftsman-like attention to detail. Once
inside, the driver is greeted by a new four-spoke multifunction steering wheel
with brushed aluminum accents on the lower spokes.
Behind the steering wheel is a new Mercedes-Benz electronically controlled gear
selector mounted on the steering column to control the standard seven-speed
automatic transmission.
A sport-oriented instrument panel is horizontally divided into an upper and
lower section in both form and color. Four round circular vents are positioned
at the left center and right sections of the sweeping dash, their chrome
surrounds reminiscent of the engine housings found on jet aircraft.
The upper section of the dashboard arches over the instrument cluster, which is
dominated by angled tubular gauge binnacles containing the speedometer and
tachometer as well as fuel gauge and clock.
The clearly arranged center console features easily accessible and
well-positioned ergonomic controls and displays. Located just below the two
central air vents is the new standard Thermatic dual-zone climate control and a
second-generation MCS II entertainment head unit (or optional COMAND system)
that incorporates a single CD slot. Audiofiles will appreciate the optional
harmon/kardon Logic 7 audio system featuring a glove-box mounted 6-disc CD
changer with auxiliary input for MP3 players.
An optional integration kit that allows an iPod to be played through the
vehicle’s audio system will debut on the 2006 M-Class and be available later on
other models. When the iPod connects to the car in the glove box, selections can
be made from the steering-wheel controls, and the playlist or titles appear in
the central dash display.
Equal Parts Form and Function
The center console extends gracefully around the center transmission tunnel,
which includes two large cupholders with the ability to hold two 32-oz. cups or
one 44-oz. cup. Two integrated grab handles on the console echo the sweeping
lines of the exterior and provide a firm gripping point for those occasional
ventures on rough roads.
The two-tone color scheme of the interior is repeated on the center console,
transmission tunnel and door panels, accented by burl walnut or aluminum trim
(depending on the option package). The door panels are concave in form at elbow
level, increasing elbow room, while their contours add a unique element of
style.
The interior passenger compartment is configured in a five-passenger
arrangement, and the 60:40 split second row is now easier to fold when the need
arises. Customers can select from standard cloth or optional leather seating
inserts on ML350 models while ML500 models feature standard leather. Optional
AMG Sport and Appearance packages feature suede-like Alcantara seating and
aluminum interior trim.
Four-Wheel Traction Control
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class stands apart from many other four-wheel-drive SUVs by
using a four-wheel adaptation of the company’s proven electronic traction
control to maintain stability and traction on wet or snowy roads. Sometimes
referred to as 4ETS, this system senses wheel slip electronically and brakes the
slipping wheels, which transfers torque to those tires with the most grip, on
virtually any road surface.
Unlike many conventional four-wheel-drive systems, 4ETS automatically provides
mobility even when three wheels lose traction. Maneuverability is enhanced, both
on and off-road, and in tight steering situations there is no axle “binding,”
which the driver would experience as sluggish steering response and vibration.
The center differential is located in a transfer case, along with a link chain
which turns a prop shaft to the front differential. In vehicles equipped with an
optional off-road package (coming in later in 2005), a planetary unit in the
transfer case provides two selectable gear ranges – 1:1 for on-road use and a
2.93:1 low-range gear reduction for off-road travel.
Under ideal road and driving conditions, torque distribution is 50 percent
front/50 percent rear, so the driver experiences the benefits of full-time
four-wheel-drive. In slippery or off-road conditions, the benefit of the
full-time system is obvious.
Yet, even on perfectly dry highways, the system makes its presence known by
giving the M-Class secure, neutral handling characteristics. When road
conditions turn slippery, or when the driver heads off-road, 4ETS can vary
torque transfer front-to-rear and side-to-side to be directed to the wheels with
traction. In practice, all available torque can even be transferred to one
wheel.
New M-Class Sales to Begin in Spring 2005
Scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. during spring 2005 and in Europe that
summer, the new sport utility is 5.9 inches longer, 2.8 inches wider and 0.4
inches lower on the road than its predecessor, with a 114-inch wheelbase that’s
3.7 inches longer as well for greater comfort. Beneath the aerodynamic exterior
is an all-new unit body platform as well as new suspension that delivers
improved on-road performance and comfort.
About the M-Class Plant in Alabama
The new M-Class sport utility is being built at the Mercedes-Benz plant in
Tuscaloosa, Alabama. During the eight-year life cycle of the first-generation
vehicle, more than 570,000 M-Class SUVs were produced at the plant, with about
half of them sold in the U.S. Since 2001, the plant has undergone a $600 million
expansion that doubles production capacity to 160,000 vehicles a year and
doubles the size of the plant to about three million square feet. The Alabama
plant is expected to double its workforce to 4,000 as well. The expanded plant
includes two assembly shops, two paint shops and an expanded body shop.
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