Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercedes-Benz M-class W163 ML 230 (150 Hp)
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 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz M-class (W163). With 220 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1855 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.3 s). The top speed reaches 177 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
Achieved a respectable 4-star Euro NCAP rating in 1999, indicating good adult occupant protection for its era, though modern standards are more stringent.
ML 230 (150 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate for light city driving, but struggles with highway speeds and heavy loads. Lacks the typical Mercedes refinement and power expected for an SUV of this size.
Fuel Economy
Despite being the smallest engine, its fuel economy is poor for its power output due to the vehicle's weight and older engine technology.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and practical interior with good cargo capacity.
- • Capable off-road performance for its class.
- • Comfortable ride quality on most surfaces.
- • Strong V8 engine options (ML 430, ML 55 AMG) offer impressive performance.
- • Robust build quality on later models.
Cons:
- • Early models suffered from significant build quality and reliability issues (e.g., electrical, interior plastics).
- • High fuel consumption across most petrol engines.
- • Underpowered base ML 230 engine.
- • Interior design and materials can feel dated compared to rivals.
- • Maintenance costs can be high for a luxury SUV.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W163: 1997 - 2001).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | M-class |
| Generation: | W163 |
| Modification (Engine): | ML 230 (150 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 150 Hp @ 5400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 65.4 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 220 Nm @ 3800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 111.977 More details about the engine M 111.977 |
| Engine displacement: | 2295 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.5 l |
| Coolant: | 10.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 90.9 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 17.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.8 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 2 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 12.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 12.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 177 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.4 kg/Hp, 80.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.4 kg/Nm, 118.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 11.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1855 |
| Max. weight: | 2650 |
| Max load: | 795 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2020 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 613 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 83 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4587 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1833 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1802 mm mm [18mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2820 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1565 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1565 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/75 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
Describe your experience with the Mercedes-Benz M-class using only emojis!