2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class legacy of uncompromised safety, unbeatable performance and unequaled refinement are why the revolutionary Mercedes-Benz sport utility vehicles remain the yardstick for SUVs.
Overview
Like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class paves the way for coupes and sedans, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class sets the standard for SUVs. An SUV that tries to copy dilutes is diluted, but that’s not the case with the M-Class, an original. “Any luxury SUV can promise a quiet cabin and a smooth ride. But very few can claim a 174-mph top speed on the German autobahns or offer the stump-pulling torque of a fuel-efficient diesel engine. The well-regarded safety features of the M-Class are just another selling point, as is its 7,200-pound tow rating,” KBB.com writes.
In the M-Class, you get the space and road-tamer of an SUV with the handling and comfort of a luxury sedan. You can pack all the things you need into the M-Class without shuffling things to make it work. And no matter how demanding the elements are, the M-Class is always in its element as it blazes its way through everything. “The 2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class can tame the hazards of ruts, snow and muck – not to mention rush-hour traffic and speed bumps – while treating its driver and passengers to a supple travel experience,” writes KBB.com in its review. “Even at freeway speeds, the cabin is remarkably hushed.”
An efficient 302-hp 3.5-liter V6 in the ML350 with a paddle-shifted 7-speed automatic can leap to 60 mph within 7.5 seconds and get a striking 22 mpg on the highway. Yes, it’s an SUV with sedan-like numbers. For more torque and 27 highway mpg, check out the ML350 BlueTEC with its advanced diesel turbo V6 that spurs a massive 240 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque.
Those desiring even more power and torque will fancy the ML550 or the ML63 AMG. The ML550 contains a Direct Injection 4.6-liter V8 engine that generates 402 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The ML63 AMG, on the other hand, has a 5.5-liter biturbo V8 with a fierce 518 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque.
New standard equipment in the 2013 M-Class includes the mbrace2 telematics system and COLLISSION PREVENTION ASSIST. The mbrace2 system comes with a six-month trial to provide added security, such as Roadside Assistance and sending a monthly email report on the SUV’s health to tell you what’s going on with the SUV without opening the hood. It also connects the M-Class vehicle with your compatible devices to access the information you need with ease.
COLLISSION PREVENTION ASSIST has radar-based technology reviews speed and distance to alert the driver when nearing a vehicle ahead that may lead to a collision. The system can detect immobile objects and automatically brake as needed until the driver steps on the brake pedal.
“There is no substitute for the solid build quality and the road holding ability of a Mercedes-Benz. Before I got out of the dealer’s lot, I could feel the difference with the ML350,” writes a customer on Edmunds.com. “I want to feel the vehicle is built like a tank, with the ML350 that’s what you get.”
Make big tracks softly, dominate the road with confidence and ride through all terrains in comfort in a 2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV. Visit Park Place Motorcars, Park Place Motorcars Grapevine or Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth to see and experience the M-Class.
Interior
Interior trim: Burl Walnut high-gloss wood, Eucalyptus high-gloss wood (ML350).
Upholstery: Almond/Beige, Black, Grey.
MB-Tex upholstery: MB-Tex upholstery offers a rich appearance and supple leather-like feel that offers legendary durability and easy care. (ML350 and ML550)
Designo Leather upholstery: The craftsmanship of designo leather upholstery offers refinement that matches the vehicle’s performance. It’s fitted by hand to the deeply contoured sport front seats and the rear seats. Seats, dash, armrests and door trim have contrasting double top-stitching. (ML63 AMG)
Dual-zone climate control w/ dust and charcoal filters: Separate left and right temperature controls allow the driver and front passenger to enjoy personalized comfort. Along with automatic or manual control of blower speed and airflow distribution, the system includes a dust/pollen and charcoal filter that helps remove odors from the cabin air.
Premium leather multifunction steering wheel: Wrapped in supple Premium leather, the M-Class steering wheel includes tilt and telescopic adjustment. Convenient buttons on the steering wheel let you control the audio volume and selection, send and end calls on a Bluetooth-enabled phone and scroll through the features of the color multifunction display in the instrument cluster. (ML350 and ML550)
AMG sport steering wheel: With pronounced contouring, thick padding and Premium leather-wrapped rim, the 4-spoke AMG sport steering wheel puts the delights of precise handling in the driver’s hands. Convenient multifunction controls give you instant access to the most frequently needed vehicle features. (ML63 AMG)
Power front seats with driver lumbar support: Both front seats have reach, height, tilt and recline power-adjustments. For comfort and lower-back support, the driver seat comes with 4-way power-adjustable lumbar support. (ML350 and ML550)
Power AMG sport front seats: Bolstered sport front seats are hand-fitted in designo leather and detailed with metal AMG badges, double-stitched seams and lateral piping. In addition to 10-way power adjustment and 3-position memory, each seat includes 4-way power lumbar support. (ML63 AMG)
Power liftgate: For convenience in the rain or hands full of items, you can open and close the liftgate through a switch on the driver’s interior door panel or a button on the SmartKey remote. A sensor automatically stops the liftgate if it detects an obstruction, and you can set the system to limit the opening height when under low ceilings.
COMAND system with central controller and 7-inch LCD screen: Featuring a large high-resolution color-LCD display mounted high in the dash and a central controller on the console, the Cockpit Management and Data (COMAND) system lets you control audio, video, hands-free calling and optional navigation functions. You can access many features through the integrated steering-wheel controls.
mbrace2: Standard on every 2013 M-Class with a six-month trial subscription, mbrace keeps you connected to the world as you always have through your computer, your smartphone and your car. With mbrace, you use Google Maps and Yelp to navigate and friends can send you a text message with their location to your car.
Bluetooth: Place and answer calls, and access select phonebooks without taking your hands off the steering wheel with standard Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling. Visit www.MBUSA-Mobile.com to learn more about Bluetooth connectivity. Bluetooth audio streaming makes it easier to enjoy your digital music player. Wirelessly connect your Bluetooth-equipped iPod or other MP3 player to the M-Class SUV’s audio system for cable-free playback.
Exterior
Exterior colors: Arctic White, Black, Cinnabar Red, Dakota Brown, Diamond White metallic, Iridium Silver metallic, Lunar Blue metallic, Obsidian Black metallic, Palladium Silver metallic, Pearl Beige metallic and Steel Grey metallic.
LED Daytime Running Lamps: Bright white LED Daytime Running Lamps help increase the visibility of your vehicle to oncoming traffic by illuminating front lights whenever the car is switched on. With long life and low energy consumption, the light-emitting diode (LED) lamps also add a distinctive high-tech styling touch.
LED taillamps: LED taillamps feature a stylish fiber-optic effect for a distinctive nighttime appearance. Long-lasting, attention-getting LEDs are also employed for the rear turn signals and red rear foglamp.
Chrome exterior accents: From its front skid plate to numerous exterior accents, the bright chrome detailing of the ML350 underscores its quality and highlights its elegant design.
Premium leather 4-spoke multifunction steering wheel: Standard in the ML350 and ML550, the 4-spoke multifunction steering wheel is wrapped in supple Premium leather.
Eucalyptus wood trim: Dark brown Eucalyptus wood trim adorns the dash and all four doors. Its linear grain and deep, hand-finished gloss bring a modern style and a warm aura to the ML350 cabin.
Burl Walnut wood trim: Hand-polished Burl Walnut wood trim graces the dash and all four doors, lending the ML550 and ML63 AMG cockpit a further air of refinement and exclusivity.
Aluminum roof rails: Sleek and purposeful, the roof rails accommodate a variety of available accessory attachments for carrying bikes, surfboards, skis, snowboards and cargo carriers. They’re crafted from elegant aluminum that adds modern style even when you’re not using them.
19-inch AMG 5-spoke wheels: Legendary AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels are standard in the ML550. They’re fitted with beefy 255/50R19 all-season tires for an optimal year-round balance of surefooted handling and a quiet ride.
19-inch twin 5-spoke wheels: Standard in the ML350, 19-inch alloy wheels feature five twin spokes and a luminous silver finish. They’re fitted with beefy 255/50R19 all-season tires for an optimal year-round balance of surefooted handling and a quiet ride.
20-inch AMG 5-spoke wheels: Standard in the ML63 AMG, 20-inch wheels are a new take on the signature AMG 5-spoke design, with a high-sheen finish and subtle Titanium Grey pockets. Measuring 9 inches in width, they’re outfitted with 265/45R20 high-performance tires for an excellent balance of powerful grip and precise steering feedback.
AMG body styling: The visible muscle of the ML63 AMG offers evidence of its all-around capability. Performance cues dominate its powerful front end. A matte-chrome strip underscores the air dam, highlights the LED Daytime Running Lamps, and draws the eye around to the widened front fenders and AMG side sills. At the rear, the aggressively sculpted AMG rear apron is pierced by two pairs of chrome tailpipes, outlined in matte chrome and divided by a black mesh central diffuser.
Safety
ATTENTION ASSIST: This standard feature is a Mercedes-Benz innovation continually monitors a variety of driving behaviors for signs of drowsiness on longer trips alerts the driver audibly and visually.
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST: At speeds above 20 mph, this new system’s radar-based technology alerts the driver if when approaching a vehicle ahead at a speed and distance that suggest a collision is likely. It can also detect stationary objects when moving up to 40 mph. Its Adaptive Brake Assist automatically provides the ideal level of braking as soon as the driver steps on the brake pedal.
PRE-SAFE: Helps detect instability during certain vehicle maneuvers that suggest a collision or rollover may be looming. PRE-SAFE tightens the seat belts, adjusts the passenger seat and closes the windows to prepare occupants and restraints in the moments before a collision.
Nine standard air bags: A system of 9 air bags offers 11-way protection. This includes dual two-stage front air bags, front and rear side-impact air bags, a driver’s knee air bag, and standard window curtain air bags for both seating rows.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP): This Mercedes-Benz safety breakthrough continually monitors driving inputs and the vehicle’s motion to help keep it going in the intended direction, especially in corners and during evasive maneuvers. If it detects wheelspin, severe understeer (plowing), or oversteer (fishtailing), ESP brakes individual wheels and reduces engine power to help the vehicle regain control.
Brake Assist: Brake Assist senses emergency braking based on the speed the driver pushes the brake pedal and immediately applies maximum available power boost. Brake Assist can potentially decrease the overall stopping distance by eliminating the delay caused by a common human tendency not to brake hard enough, fast enough. To release Brake Assist, just let up the brake pedal.
Adaptive braking technology: This is a suite of advances including Predictive Brake Priming, Automatic Brake Drying, Hill-Start Assist and HOLD. If the driver lifts off the accelerator quickly, Predictive Brake Priming sets the pads closer to the discs for more immediate response when the diver applies the brakes. When raining, Automatic Brake Drying periodically applies the brakes to sweep water build-up from the discs. Hill-Start Assist helps prevent unwanted rollback during uphill starts. A HOLD feature can make long red lights or stopped traffic a little easier.
Performance
2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350: An efficient 302-hp 3.5-liter V6 in the ML350 combines many advances to deliver more torque over a wider range of rpm. Its rapid-multispark ignition fires up to four times per millisecond, while high-pressure Direct Injection microscopically tunes the fuel spray, reducing emissions, fuel consumption and noise.
A pair of paddles behind the steering-wheel spokes lets you manually manage the 7-speed automatic transmission with a tap.
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC: The 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 generates 240 hp, 455 lb-ft of torque and acceleration as quick as its gasoline counterpart. AdBlue is injected into the exhaust to reduce smog-causing NOx to harmless nitrogen and water vapor. And with 27 highway mpg, it offers a cruising range of over 600 miles.
2013 Mercedes-Benz ML550: An efficient 402-hp 4.6-liter V8 in the ML550 combines many advances and twin turbochargers to deliver 12 percent more power. Its 443 lb-ft torque peak offers 45 percent more thrust at 2,000 rpm. New rapid-multispark ignition can fire up to four times per millisecond, while high-pressure Direct Injection can microscopically fine-tune fuel spray in just 0.1 milliseconds, reducing emissions, fuel consumption and noise.
Always engaged and optimizing torque to every wheel, 4MATIC works with the standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) for maximum effectiveness in corners and slippery conditions. It also incorporates our 4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS), which monitors for wheel slip and responds by ensure that torque is sent to the wheels with the best grip — even if it’s only one wheel. A pair of paddles behind the steering-wheel spokes lets you manually manage the 7-speed automatic transmission with a tap.
2013 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG: With reduced displacement, many innovations and twin turbochargers, the advanced 5.5-liter V8 in the ML63 AMG outputs a 518 @ 5,250 rpm and 516 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-5,000 rpm. Its twin turbochargers spin up to 185,000 rpm to boost low-end torque. The AMG sport exhaust is tuned to optimize revs, gear changes and full-throttle acceleration.
High-pressure Direct Injection microscopically fine-tunes the fuel spray while rapid-multispark ignition fires up to four times in a millisecond. Its 32 valves are driven by dual overhead camshafts that can precisely vary their timing by up to 40 degrees. Along with improved efficiency and emissions, the ML63 AMG hits 60 mph in a breathtaking 4.7 seconds.