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Mercedes-Benz M-class W163 ML 320 V6 (218 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 310 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1990 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 9.5 s). The top speed reaches 195 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 320 V6 (218 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A smooth V6 offering decent acceleration and refinement. Provides a more relaxed and capable driving experience than the ML 230.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is high, typical for a V6 petrol SUV of this size and era. Expect frequent trips to the fuel station.
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:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | M-class |
| Generation: | W163 |
| Modification (Engine): | ML 320 V6 (218 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1997 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 218 Hp @ 5600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 68.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 310 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 112.942 |
| Engine displacement: | 3199 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 3 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8 l |
| Coolant: | 11 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89.9 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 18.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 13.8 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 195 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.1 kg/Hp, 109.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.4 kg/Nm, 155.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1990 |
| Max. weight: | 2750 |
| Max load: | 760 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2020 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 633 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 83 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4587 mm |
| Width: | 1833 mm |
| Height: | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2820 mm |
| Front track: | 1565 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1565 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| 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 | 6.5J |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
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