Benz Werd

So MBAuP have finally got their act together and updated their website and the specifications list relating to the ML400 replacing the ML350, even though the ML400 has been available to order for months now.

http://www.mercedes-benz.com.au/cont...ns_02-2014.pdf

However, isn't it officially M-Class? Assuming the following article is fact ...

http://www.benzinsider.com/2012/12/e...-not-ml-class/

That latest specifications list is titled "ML-Class" ...

hos

I haven't heard a definitive answer on M or ML form the dealers I have spoken to here in Aus.


Regarding the ML350 and 400, is the 350 being dropped with the 400 a direct replacement? And if so, how soon?

gplank

Yep, that "ML-Class" looks like a big typo...unless for some reason there isn't a trade-name conflict in the particular region where this document is being distributed and MB is just being devilish by taking advantage it.

Also, interesting that they're still offering the ML350 BlueTEC in addition to the new ML250 Bluetec. Smart move, and I figured that is going to also be the case in the U.S. when the ML250 BlueTec is finally introduced here.

Benz Werd

Yes mate, it's happened already. There's some more info on this thread if you haven't seen it already ....

https://mbworld.org/forums/new-m-cla...ll-happen.html

MBAuP can't get their act together with their website though. If you look at this webpage http://www.mercedes-benz.com.au/cont...olengines.html it shows the petrol MLs available are the 350, 500 & 63, there's no mention of the 400 at all. But then look at the new specs list that I posted previously on this thread and there's no mention of the 350 petrol at all, just the 400. Their IT department needs a serious bullet. It's obvious the person who is in charge of it isn't a passionate Benz person at all. There's inconsistencies galore!

I assume you've got a 350 on the way and you're wondering what's all this talk about it being replaced with the 400?

Benz Werd

Hmm that's an interesting theory, although I think it's just due to their IT department not being on the ball. Probably some fresh-out-of-university person handling it all who knows stuff all about the brand.

And yes, we have both diesels here, and have since the very beginning of the ML's release in 2012. Don't see alot of 250 BTs on the road though, mostly the 350 BTs it seems. IMO MBUSA are fools if they introduce the 250 & drop the 350. I saw this recently though http://www.benzblogger.com/2014/03/2...v-updates.html. Not sure if this is gospel or not. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

What are you going to replace your 550 with next time around if they drop it in August?

bud.jones

It may be only here in America, but to avoid confusion between the BMW M series, it is called the "ML" class. Mercedes-Benz always, at least to my recollection, references it as the "M" class. Maybe they just want us to wonder and ask about it

Actually, most Mercedes-Benz vehicles use the first letter of the words that describe said cars as a naming convention. For example, the G Class is for Geländewagen. I would think that ML would stand for something like Mehrzweck-Luxus, or Multipurpose Luxury, but don't hold me to that.

We Americans are a bit strange in that we like to differentiate "luxury" items from "ordinary" items. We don't have a Toyota Harrier, for example, as we like to refer to "luxury" Toyotas as Lexus vehicles. I currently drive a 2008 Lexus RX 350, but it is nowhere as luxurious as the 2014 Ml350 I have on order. There are a couple of other cars that have the same, different, "luxury" line.

hos

Thanks for reply Aussie.


I am still yet to order, but had hoped to order the ML350 BLUETEC, should have clarified that before.


So the ML400 will replace the ML350 petrol, not diesel. As long as I can still get the ML350BT I will be happy. Not particularly fond of the ML250BT.


Sorry for thread hijack, but what sort of economy could one expect form the ML400? The economy from the ML350BT was quite appealing.

shortspark

"So the ML400 will replace the ML350 petrol, not diesel".

Where did you find this information?

bud.jones

Look in the first post. It is in Australia, which may see different offerings from what we see in the States, but it's more likely that Mercedes will move to a BiTurbo V6 ML400 and drop the current ML350 altogether. We only have a few more months' wait to know for sure. I haven't seen anything yet for anything outside the Australian market.

Benz Werd

Please refer to previous posts on this thread and you will find links to websites that will provide you with the information you are seeking.

Also note this thread only relates 'petrol' engined MLs - ie. ML350 & ML400, not the ML350 BlueTEC.

From a quick search I can see it appears the MBAuP market (Australia/NZ/Pacific region) is the only one so far that has dropped the ML350 and replaced it with the ML400. Germany, Singapore & US are still offering the ML350. The UK's only petrol ML is the ML63 (geez, I'd hate to live there!). I imagine this change will follow suit around the globe shortly. Interesting that they've chosen our local market to start it though, and not the ML's home in the US.

Now, referring to the diesel engined MLs, it was interesting to see this on the UK MB website .... "The ML 250 BlueTEC is a 4-cylinder unit, a first for M-Class, yet it provides the same power as the 3.0 litre V6 it replaced." Then it continues on to say "The 6-cylinder ML 350 BlueTEC offers even greater power and torque" so that's also a bit confusing. Has the 250 BT replaced the 350 BT in the UK or not??

iankayem

Interesting point:


If you check the pricing on the petrol engines in Australia, the ML500 is $18,000 dearer than the ML400.


But it has Airmatic, Active Curve, Convenience Pack & Metallic Paint included, which would be $15200 extra if added to the ML400.


So the V8 only costs $2800 over the V6!


That would be a no-brainer for me if I was in the current market. So I wonder if the current pricing is just to "clear the decks" of stock, until they delete the V8 from the range?