Diesel, Frankfurt Motor Show, Galleries, Mercedes, Mercedes ML, New Cars

Mercedes-Benz is getting ready to wow the crowds that will storm the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show with a bunch of world premieres. Visitors will see, among others, the brand-new B-Class, the supercar-munching C63 AMG Black Series, and of course the third generation of Merc’s luxury SUV.

So less than two weeks before the IAA’s opening Mercedes decided to released a fresh batch of pictures of the new M-Class. We’ve already covered the model extensively since its launch, but for those of you who may have missed of forgotten about it, we’ll just lay down the basics once more time.

In Europe, the new M-Class will initially be available with a new 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel delivering 204HP and 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft) of torque while retruning an average consumption of just 6.0 lt/100 (39.2 mpg). Next up is a 3.5-liter petrol V6 with an output of 302HP, 34HP more than the outgoing ML 350.

Then there is the ML350 BlueTec diesel powered by a 3.0-liter V6 with 240HP and 616.2 Nm (455 lb-ft) of torque that returns a highway fuel consumption of 9.4 lt/100 km (25 mpg).

All models are equipped with a seven-speed auto gearbox as standard, while an On&Off-Road pack which changes the transmission and air-suspension settings to adapt to the conditions whatever the surface beneath the wheels may be, is optional.

Finally, later in the model's life cycle Mercedes is expected to add even more powerful versions, including an AMG-fettled X5M competitor with a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 – most likely the same unit that powers the Frankfurt-bound new SLK 55 AMG.

PHOTO GALLERY

Mercedes Drops a Barrage of 2012 M-Class Photos ahead of Frankfurt

Mercedes-Benz is getting ready to wow the crowds that will storm the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show with a bunch of world premieres. Visitors will see, among others, the brand-new B-Class, the supercar-munching C63 AMG Black Series, and of course the third generation of Merc’s luxury SUV.

So less than two weeks before the IAA’s opening Mercedes decided to released a fresh batch of pictures of the new M-Class. We’ve already covered the model extensively since its launch, but for those of you who may have missed of forgotten about it, we’ll just lay down the basics once more time.

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Fuel Filter Leak Prompts Mercedes-Benz Diesel Model Recall in the States

A total of 2,297 diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz models are being recalled in the U.S. to fix a potential problem that could lead to fuel leaks. The recall affects certain diesel versions of the 2011MY E-Class, GL-Class, R-Class and M-Class vehicle range.

Mercedes-Benz told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the problem lies in the in the o-ring, which may not have been properly lubricated in all cases and could lead to a fuel leakage.

The feds sais that their main worry is that diesel fuel may be spilled on roads making them slippery and thus increasing the potential for a crash

The German automaker said its U.S. dealers will replace the fuel filters free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Mercedes Benz for more information at 1-800-367-6372.

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Senner Tuning Beefs up Mercedes-Benz ML500

After unveiling its Nissan 370Z and Audi A5 Cabriolet kits in September, German tuning firm Senner is at it again with its treatment for the Mercedes-Benz ML500. The company's engineers first turned their attention on the SUVs 5.5-liter V8 engine by optimizing the ECU module and lifting output from the factory model's 388HP and 530Nm, to 412HP and 560Nm [416 lb-ft] of torque.

Other go-fast features include suspension upgrades and a stainless-steel sport exhaust system with trapezoidal tailpipes. A set of 22-inch aluminum wheels are also part of the package, shod in Vredestein "Wintrac Xtreme" high-performance winter sized 295/30 R22.

Prices for the complete kit start from €9,800 in Germany.

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SPIED: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Loses the Heavy Cladding

Last time we showed you spy photos of Mercedes-Benz's forthcoming 2012 M-Class and ML63 AMG SUVs [confusingly, Merc uses the 'M-Class' title for the series and the 'ML' prefix for the model designation], both models were covered in heavy plastic cladding.

In these latest scoop pics of the flagship ML63 AMG, the plastic armor is gone and replaced by black tape, providing us with a more revealing look at the car's styling. The new M-Class features a 'boxier' shape and is evidently more heavily sculpted than the current model. It also gets the more angular grille up front, found on all the latest Mercedes cars.

The AMG-prepped model seen here, features some unique styling details such as the specific bumper designs, side skirts, spoilers and larger alloy wheels.

Underneath the sheetmetal, the new M-Class' chassis is shared with the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango models as one of the last legacies from the former Daimler-Chrysler partnerships.

Being an AMG model, this M-Class will no doubt feature several upgrades to the suspension, steering and braking systems, and most importantly, the German firm's newly developed 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine in place of the current SUV's naturally aspirated 6.2-liter unit.

We still don't know the output numbers on the ML63 AMG, but on other Mercedes models, the bi-turbocharged V8 kicks out 544-horsepower and 800Nm or 590lb ft in standard form, and 571HP and 900Nm or 663.8 lb-ft with an available performance pack upgrade.

Look for the new ML63 AMG to debut at a major international car show in 2011.

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