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Mercedes-Benz M-class W163, facelift 2001 ML 350 V6 (235 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 345 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2110 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.1 s). The top speed reaches 205 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
ML 350 V6 (235 Hp) 4MATIC 5G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A capable V6 engine, offering smooth power delivery suitable for everyday driving. Slightly less potent than the 245hp variant but still adequate.
Fuel Economy
Offers reasonable fuel economy for a V6 SUV, a good compromise between performance and running costs within the petrol range.
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, facelift 2001: 2002 - 2003).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | M-class |
| Generation: | W163, facelift 2001 |
| Modification (Engine): | ML 350 V6 (235 Hp) 4MATIC 5G-TRONIC |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 235 Hp @ 5750 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 63.1 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 345 Nm @ 3000-4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 112.971 More details about the engine M 112.971 |
| Engine displacement: | 3724 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| 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: | 8 l |
| Coolant: | 12 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 97 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 17.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 12.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 17.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.7 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.1 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 205 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9 kg/Hp, 111.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.1 kg/Nm, 163.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2110 |
| Max. weight: | 2870 |
| Max load: | 760 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2020 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 1061 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 83 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4638 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1840 mm mm [Same width.] |
| 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 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.9 m [above average] |
| 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 | 8J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
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