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Mercedes-Benz M-class W163, facelift 2001 ML 500 V8 (292 Hp) 4MATIC 5G-TRONIC
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz M-class:
The Mercedes-Benz GLE, formerly Mercedes-Benz M-Class , is a mid-size luxury SUV produced by the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz since 1997. In terms of size, it is slotted in between the smaller GLC and the larger GLS, the latter with which it shares platforms.
The first-generation M-Class, designated with the model code W163, is a body-on-frame SUV and was produced until 2004. The second-generation M-Class moved to a unibody platform while sharing most components with the GL-Class, which sports a longer body to accommodate third-row seating....(Read more on Wikipedia)
W163, facelift 2001 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz M-class (W163, facelift 2001). With 440 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2135 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.7 s). The top speed reaches 222 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
ML 500 V8 (292 Hp) 4MATIC 5G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers robust V8 power, delivering smooth acceleration and ample torque for highway cruising and towing. Responsive for its size.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a large V8 SUV of its era, fuel economy is poor, especially in urban driving. A significant running cost.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Robust build quality and luxurious interior for its time.
- • Strong engine lineup, including powerful V8s and economical diesels.
- • Capable off-road performance with 4MATIC system.
- • Comfortable ride quality, especially on long journeys.
- • Spacious interior and large boot capacity.
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption for petrol V6/V8 engines.
- • Some models (especially pre-facelift) had reliability concerns (e.g., rust, electronics).
- • Dated interior design and technology compared to modern SUVs.
- • Handling can feel ponderous due to its size and weight.
- • Expensive maintenance and parts, typical for a luxury brand.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W163: 1999 - 2001).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | M-class |
| Generation: | W163, facelift 2001 |
| Modification (Engine): | ML 500 V8 (292 Hp) 4MATIC 5G-TRONIC |
| Start of production: | 2001 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 292 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 58.8 Hp/l [3mm more] |
| Torque: | 440 Nm @ 2700-4250 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 113.961 More details about the engine M 113.961 |
| Engine displacement: | 4966 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 3 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7.5 l |
| Coolant: | 12 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 97 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6000 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 20.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 14.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 20.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 14.6 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 222 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.3 kg/Hp, 136.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.9 kg/Nm, 206.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2135 |
| Max. weight: | 2870 |
| Max load: | 735 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2020 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 1061 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 3500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 83 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 135 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 19° |
| Wading depth: | 500 mm |
| Length: | 4638 mm mm [3mm more] |
| Width: | 1840 mm mm [7mm more] |
| Height: | 1820 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2820 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2126 mm |
| Front track: | 1555 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1555 mm |
| Front overhang: | 874 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 944 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 204 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.9 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 26-30° |
| Departure angle: | 25-30° |
| Climb angle: | 31° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | G-TRONIC |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 275/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
If you could change one thing about the Mercedes-Benz M-class, what would it be?