Applying identical load spectra over the same distance, the test engineers torture the M-Class chassis in all of its different variants here - from the basic steel suspension with selective damping to the AIRMATIC ADS air suspension to the version with the new ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM. When sales begin in Europe in January 2011, it will be available in two six-cylinder engine variants - the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with 195 kW (265 hp) and the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY with 225 kW (306 hp). The ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC features an extensively revamped 3.0-litre V6, which also betters the EU6 standard and offers far better performance coupled with a substantial reduction in fuel consumption. This kind of formidable reduction in fuel consumption is unprecedented with any Mercedes-Benz SUV model changeover to date. AdBlue, an aqueous urea solution is injected into the exhaust gas stream as part of this process, releasing ammonia, which reduces up to 80 percent of the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) catalytic converter. Compared with the outgoing model, the entire model range consumes 25 percent less fuel on average.
The low fuel consumption figures and exemplary emissions figures are particularly impressive. The two compressors are likewise connected in series, and are in addition connected to a bypass duct. The HP turbine housing features an integral bypass duct, which can be opened or closed by means of a charge-pressure control flap. In the case of the Sprinter, for example, this means a safe and predictable chassis, precise steering and highly effective, fade-resistant disc brakes on all wheels. This means that the optimum charge pressure can be built up at low engine revs. The compressor package - already fitted in the compact SUV GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC - made up of a small high pressure (HP) and a large low pressure (LP) turbocharger contributes decisively to the high output on a par with the 6 cylinder unit in the predecessor model ML 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC. The two turbochargers are connected in series, and each has a turbine and a compressor driven by this turbine. The major advantage of this sophisticated, demand-related control of the combustion air supply using two turbochargers is improved cylinder charging, and therefore high torque even at low engine speeds.
This configuration allows the ML driver to top up the tank easily if they take full advantage of the off-road capabilities of the M-Class and are unable to find a service station off the beaten track. The several weeks of laboratory testing staged over a distance of 3000 kilometres would take about half a year if carried out under real-life conditions. Upshot: both models already comply with the EU6 exhaust emissions standard due to be implemented in 2014. The AdBlue tank is located under the luggage compartment floor to protect it in the event of a crash, has a capacity of 25.7 litres and is topped up every 25,000 kilometres at the regular service intervals. The highlight comes in the guise of the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, which is 28 percent more economical than its predecessor, boasts NEDC fuel consumption of 6.0 l/100 km (158 g CO2/km) and has a range of up to 1500 kilometres on a single tank - figures that only a few years ago remained the preserve of the compact class. The filler opening is located behind the side fuel filler flap alongside the tank filler neck and is marked clearly with a luminous blue cap.
Despite its extraordinary performance this version boasts combined NEDC fuel consumption of 6.8 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. Despite the low fuel consumption figures, this Mercedes-Benz M-Class model boasts maximum torque of 500 Nm at 1600 rpm and rated output of 150 kW (204 hp) with outstanding performance: the M-Class accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds before going on to a top speed of 210 km/h. Fuel consumption is also reduced. While delivering performance on a par with the predecessor model, the ML 450 CDI 4MATIC with V8 diesel engine, the new unit, however, boasts 36 percent lower fuel consumption. With NEDC fuel consumption of 6.0 l/100 km, the model even outperforms any hybrid model currently offered by the competition. The first step was made in 2007, with the exceptional 1.8 litres 4-cylinders inline DIESOTTO engine, which delivers an impressive 238 BHP output, while the overall fuel consumption is of only 6 litres/100 kilometres, and this calculated in a S-Klasse model.
