2002 Mercedes-Benz ML revisions 

More power, luxury and tech for Merc M-Class

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class features a more dynamic body design, new technical innovations and an even more extensive, more luxurious standard equipment package, not to mention more powerful V8 engines.

For the 2002 model year, Mercedes-Benz has upgraded the M-Class and gave it an extensive facelift with more than 1100 modified components. The body boasts a more dynamic design, there is a new V8 model with powerful petrol engine, windowbags and adaptive airbags have become standard for driver and passengers front and rear.

The high-quality interior has a new-look centre console (the more notable aspects of which include additional stowage compartments between the front seats and, for the rear passengers, a restyled double cup holder, an illuminated ashtray, and a 12-volt power socket), there is a new automatic climate control with rear compartment ventilation function, and an automatic transmission with “Shift into Optimum Gear” functionality.

The extensive facelift involved the new development or modification of over 1100 components, immediately distinguishing the new M-class from its predecessor. The new-look bumpers, front and rear, place even greater emphasis on the all-wheel-drive vehicle's dynamically powerful character. Meanwhile, the new headlamps – sporting a sophisticated clear glass look – and the aerodynamically formed exterior mirror casings with integrated indicators add extra elegance. All the body attachments on the ML 270 CDI and ML 320 models – bumpers, rub strips and exterior mirror casings – are now also painted in the vehicle body colour.

New standard equipment such as 17-inch light-alloy wheels and wide-base all-season tyres – 255/60 R 17 (five- and six-cylinder models) or 275/55 R 17 (eight-cylinder models) –reinforce the dynamism of the vehicle’s design as viewed from the side.

The re-engineered 4-ETS four wheel drive system enhances safety on slippery downhill stretches or when driving down steep off-road inclines. This is because the ECU automatically detects such situations and intervenes as soon as a wheel loses adhesion and, as a consequence, it is not possible to use the full extent of the engine’s braking torque.  In such cases, the traction system brakes the wheels, which still have good adhesion and, in doing so, assumes the role of the engine brake.  In this instance, the braking force metered by the traction system is exactly the same as the braking torque that the engine would normally provide when decelerating.  This automatic braking pressure build-up ensures that, when driving off-road, the M-Class can maintain a constant downhill speed without the need for further driver intervention.  Automatic braking pressure control is activated at speeds below 20 km/h when “Low Range” is engaged.

Two powerful and torquey new engines for the 2002 models will make the driving experience even more superb, whether it is on surfaced or unsurfaced ground.  According to Mercedes-Benz, these power plants boast a host of praiseworthy performance characteristics:  superb power development, high flexibility, exemplary refinement, low exhaust emissions and a superlative driving experience.

The new ML 500 (which replaces the previous ML 430), has a new V8 engine which provides 440 Newton metres of torque at 2 700 r/min, accelerating it from 0 - 100 km/h in a mere 7,7 seconds and on to a top speed of 222 km/h. Distinguishing exterior features of the M-Class V8s include discreet chrome trim on the radiator grille louvres, on the door handles and on the tailgate handle as well as a unique wheel design.

The top-of-the-range ML 55 AMG, with its high-performance V8 power plant developing 255 kW, will further underline its prominent position in the M-class line-up by receiving a silver-painted radiator grille.

Besides the new V8 models – the ML 500 and the ML 55 AMG - the M-Class is also still available with a five-cylinder diesel engine (ML 270 CDI) or a V6 petrol engine (ML 320).

To aid driver safety, the ML55 AMG comes with the Cockpit Management and Data System (COMAND), a Mercedes-Benz innovation that offers drivers the option of a wide variety of new additional functions operated from a central control panel.  Available for the first time in South Africa - and offered as an option on the ML270 CDI, ML320 and ML500 - this state-of-the-art system is fitted with integrated Bose sound system, CD changer and navigation system. The driver operates these functions directly using the COMAND unit in the centre console, and read off any important information or instructions from the large-screen colour display.  The CD drive, housed above the colour display, can be used both for loading the data from the navigation system CD-ROM and for playing back audio CDs.

In its latest incarnation, the sophisticated COMAND control and display system also supports SMS (Short Message Service) functions. This means that, if in possession of a mobile or fixed-installation car phone, M-Class passengers can use the colour display in the centre console to read and edit SMS texts, or even write and send their own messages using the keypad.

The ML is one of the most successful models in its segment worldwide, not to mention one of the safest, as proved by the crash tests carried out by the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In SA, it is covered by a one year/unlimited mileage warranty, a six year/120 000 km Maintenance Plan with staggered customer contribution, together with comprehensive Roadside Assistance and Touring Guarantee.  Service intervals are active, and service backup is provided by an extensive countrywide dealer network. Emergencies are taken care of by a 24–hour Customer Response Centre (0800 1333 55), ensuring that customers have peace of mind on their travels.