Mercedes M-Class

More of the same for M-Class

Some Chassis changes, engine and trim changes but otherwise Mercedes' attitude to the M-Class is that if the SUV ain't broke, don't fix it

Auto Express Car Reviews

By @Automedia

15th November 2004

During one of the few times the testers left their secured proving ground, our team of spies shot the prototype of the future soft-roader, production cars of which will again be built in Tuscaloosa/Alabama (USA), together with the new GST which is a derivative of the next M-class. Both new vehicles are due in the U.S. in 2004 and will hit European and Asian shores in 2005. The additional GST-class brings production capacity from today's 80.000 units per year to 200.000. While the new M-class will remain the luxury 4x4 off-roader with perfect on-road capabilities, the so-called Grand Sport Tourer will be a super-luxury and huge Off-Roader / MPV crossover.

The new M-class and GST will both have unibody construction and no ladder frame. Computer-controlled air-suspension will be standard for the GST while it will be an option for the new M-class. The new SL's sophisticated brake-by-wire system, though, will be on board of both cars. While the new M-class will be a five-seater, the GST will feature three rows of seats.

GDI V6-engines with 3.0 or 3.6 litres (231 / 258 HP) as well as Common-Rail diesel V6s with 2.6 or 3.0 litres (190 / 218 HP) will be available from the start. A 5-litre V8 with 300 HP will be offered for both cars later, as well as a 5.5-litre V8 with 350 HP for the AMG-version.