2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class news, pictures, and information

M-Class Lineup Features Diverse Solutions for Today's Customer

Mercedes-Benz engineers optimized the 3.5-liter V6 engine for good fuel economy by taking advantage of the Atkinson principle. By delaying the closing of each intake valve, the intake stroke effectively becomes longer than the compression stroke, increasing thermal efficiency, which reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

Although Atkinson engines inherently produce less low-speed torque and throttle response, they are ideal for hybrid vehicles because the electric motors compensate for this disadvantage by working wîth the V6 to provide excellent throttle response on acceleration. The Atkinson-cycle V6 engine has different cylinder heads, pistons and camshafts as well as modified variable valve timing control and a low-load oil pump for good fuel economy.

No Sacrifice in Convenience or Roominess

The ML450 HYBRID is differentiated by a HYBRID logo on the rear lift gate, a revised front hood wîth two power domes and unique five-twin-spoke 19-inch wheels. On the COMAND display, the driver can choose to see the power flow between the battery, electric motors and the gasoline engine or a diagram showing fuel consumption and energy recovery. The tachometer is replaced by a special gauge that shows the powertrain mode and energy recovery rate. However, the ML450 HYBRID has the same interior room, convenience and safety features as other M-Class vehicles.

BlueTEC Diesel SÚV Boasts Úp To 600-Mile Cruising Range

Another smart alternative for today's world, the ML350 BlueTEC diesel SÚV achieves 20 percent better fuel economy than the V6 gasoline engine, wîth powerful low-range torque and extremely low exhaust emissions as well.

This latest generation of quiet, clean electronically injected CDI (common-rail direct injection) engines is changing consumers' dated perceptions about diesel engines. The ML350 BlueTEC diesel boasts impressive cruising range up to 600 miles at highway speeds, and the SÚV can do all that without sacrificing performance. With 210 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, its V8-like pulling power makes the ML350 BlueTEC diesel ideal for towing up to 7,200 pounds. The fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC comes wîth an AdBlue exhaust treatment system that helps the sport utility meet the most stringent 50-state emissions limits.

BlueTEC Makes Diesel 50-State Clean

	Vital Stats
Engine : 3.0 L., 6-cylinder Power: 210 hp Torque: 400 ft-lbs Engine : 3.5 L., 6-cylinder Power: 268 hp Torque: 258 ft-lbs Engine : 3.5 L., 6-cylinder Power: 275 hp Torque: 258 ft-lbs Engine : 5.5 L., 8-cylinder Power: 382 hp Torque: 391 ft-lbs Engine : 6.2 L., 8-cylinder Power: 503 hp Torque: 465 ft-lbs
7-speed Automatic, CVT

The BlueTEC system includes an oxidation catalyst and a maintenance-free particulate filter as well as innovative techniques for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions – the last type of exhaust gas that's higher in diesel vehicles than gasoline engines. The ML350 BlueTEC diesel uses a NOx storage converter in combination wîth an SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue injection to lower NOx emissions.

The AdBlue system injects an aqueous urea solution into the exhaust flow, which releases ammonia (NH3), reducing nitrogen oxides to harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR catalytic converter. Just the right amount of AdBlue for a given engine load and speed is injected to get the greatest reduction of nitrogen oxides. Its tank only needs to be refilled every 10,000 miles during routine maintenance intervals (typical oil-change intervals are 10,000 miles).

M-Class Reveals Smart Styling