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REVISED MERCEDES-BENZ M-CLASS ARRIVES Half of the top ten selling SUV/4x4’s in the UK are still large heavyweight models. Whilst the overall sector has fallen by 16.5% this year, the heavyweight sub section by 9%, business users or the affluent retail buyers still want their executive 4x4s – for now anyway. Of the heavyweights in the top ten the Land Rover Discovery leads the way, followed by the Range Rover, the BMW X5, the Mercedes Benz M-Class followed by the Audi Q7. Mercedes-Benz has just introduced their mildly revamped and restyled 2009 model year M-Class 4x4s to the UK market at prices ranging from £39,735 to £77,455. The main selling ML 320 CDI Sport model costs £44,285. Reflecting the past ordering patterns of UK customers the M-Class range has been rationalised and is more focussed to what customers really order. The previous standard specification has gone leaving new versions of the SE and Sport model lines which offer a higher and a greater difference in specifications than before. If the UK buying pattern continues Mercedes-Benz said Sport specification will be chosen by 80% of customers. The ML 350 petrol engine has been deleted from the range although the 388hp, V8, ML 500 and ML 63 AMG 510hp versions remain each accounting for just 1% of total M-Class UK sales. The revised engine line-up is the ML 280 CDI, V6, 190hp, which will take around 31 per cent of sales, the ML 320 CDi, 224hp, V6, 59 per cent and the ML 420 CDI V8, 306hp, 8%. Mercedes-Benz are never keen to talk about sales predictions even when the market is buoyant so in its recessionary state there is no clear idea on where the market is going in the near future. Simon Oldfield, sales director for Mercedes-Benz Cars UK said this week at the media launch of the new range, “If anybody makes a prediction now, given the state of the new car market, they must have 20/20 vision. We have traditionally sold around 5,000 M-Class units a year in the UK and so far in the first nine months of this year we have sold 3,500 vehicles. Having older customers from the retail and business sectors isn’t a bad place to be currently because these buyers traditionally have more disposable income and seem to be less worried about making a new car purchase.” He added, “M-Class owners will not accept loss of performance so only a minor revision has taken place for CO2 emissions on V6-engined SE models and Sport variants are CO2 neutral despite larger wheels. Of our M-Class customers 79% are male with an average age of 50 years and 60% of them own or run their own business. We think by having a greater difference in the SE and Sport specification lines the Sport will attract younger buyers and the SE will attract traditional owners. “These changes show that we have reacted quickly in a positive way to be successful in today’s market” he said. Prices increase by £250 on V6 SE models but have £1,850 more equipment value as standard and there is no price increase on V8 SE variants. The new higher specification Sport models now command a £2,500 premium over SE but they have £1,070 extra equipment value said Mercedes-Benz UK. Views The five-door, classy M-Class first appeared in 1998, the all new shape appeared from 2005 and 54,283 of them have been sold in the UK to date. The latest updates include a new grille which differs in colour between SE and Sport versions, re-profiled front and rear bumpers, new exterior door mirrors, new projection beam headlights and dark tinted tail lights. The increased standard specification includes Parktronic front and rear sensors, Easy-Pack powered tailgate, automatically dimming exterior and rear view mirrors, automatic wipers, Bluetooth connectivity and redesigned front seats. SE models have black roof rails, black grille, twin exhaust pipes, multi-function steering wheel, man-made leather upholstery and upmarket Audio 20 sound and Telematics information system. Sport versions, the expected best selling models, have stainless steel front and rear underguards, aluminium finish roof rails, side running boards, privacy glass, 20-inch alloy wheels, sports seats, rubber studded stainless steel pedals and an interior lighting package. Quite clearly Sport is aimed at the perceived ‘sporty’ young business executives or perhaps at the traditional M-Class older buyers who feel young at heart. The new-generation M-Class retains its predecessor’s packaging versatility with seating for five adults, four in real comfort and a spacious 500-litre load bay that can be extended to a vast 1,830-litres by folding the one/two thirds split rear seats. A further 220-litres can be achieved with removable cushions which can be ordered as a £320 option and includes a Load-Securing Kit. This creates a level loading surface stretching up to 2,100mm in length. The M-Class benefits from all of Mercedes-Benz renowned safety and handling characteristics found in their luxury saloon, coupe and sports models. There is the award-winning PRE-SAFE anticipatory impact system, advanced NECK-PRO active anti-whiplash front head restraints fitted as standard, The comprehensive safety package also includes next-generation Anti-lock Braking, Brake Assist, Four-wheel Electronic Traction Control (4ETS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Trailer Stability Assist and Acceleration Skid Control – resulting in a full five-star Euro NCAP impact test rating. All versions have permanent all wheel drive and all use a 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission now with proper gearshift paddles which are much easier to use than the previous behind wheel buttons. One of the popular extra cost options is the £1,305 Airmatic suspension which as the name suggests is controlled by air. The driver can select Sport, Comfort or Standard modes, however this system, even in Sport mode, gives a ‘detached’ ride as it floats over the road surface and induces bodyroll. But a good feature of it is the fact that it also ‘weights up’ the steering in the Sport setting for more feedback to the driver and it sharpens up the throttle and gearchange point responses. The standard non air suspension provides better all round handling, if your enjoy driving, but the sharper responses for steering, throttle and auto transmission are desirable as well. Pity we cannot have it all. The M-Class maybe outshone by its Range and Land Rover competitors off road, but less than it was, however for brand appeal and quality of the M-Class I think is superior. Yes it only has five seats, not enough for some users in this sector, but it is a premium package with huge amounts of technology incorporated in it. Only by testing this vehicle in extremely wet conditions on a circuit and off road can you appreciate just how good the slalom handling and emergency braking functions have become by using electronics and for a big 4x4, it sets new standards. Off road slip and slide performance on road tyres is adequate for most people but you will get stuck when the going gets really tough. Having driven most versions of the latest M-Class on and off road I think the ML 320 CDI is overall the best engine to choose, it’s strong and very responsive thanks to the huge 510Nm of torque delivered from only 1,600rpm. I’m not so sure that the extra £2,500 premium Sport costs over SE specification is worth it though. Some people obviously do like running boards and 20-inch wheels but the SE is better value and it has all the brilliant technology which makes it easy and safe to drive. However going on Mercedes claims the predicted best selling model will be the ML 320 CDI Sport, what’s an extra £2,500 when you are paying £41,875? But add in a few more must have options such as satellite navigation, air suspension and automatic directional beam headlamps and the Sport with a full specification climbs to £49,670. MILESTONES. Mercedes-Benz ML 320 CDI Sport. Price: £44,285 or £49,670 as tested. Miles Better News Agency http://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk
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