Rob P

http://indianautosblog.com/2011/02/2...rcedes-m-class

Hu99

Did I read that right? They're moving production to India? Surely that's only for European sales.

eeferber

no, that's not quite what I read.

This is the first fully unmasked image of what the '12 might really look like. Not sure how I feel about it (especially since I just spent a boat load on an '11). Something about it reminds me too much of an X5 - not a good thing.

Hu99

I can relate to that!

aggst1

IMO this isn't the new model. Aside from headlights it is identical to W164. The W166 is a new design not a facelift like that. I bet the publication just put it there to generate interest.

aggst1

If it ends up being the new model, then I couldn't be happier as mine will not look outdated.

VelociRaptor

Ive seen about 40 (or more) of them, thats it people.

VelociRaptor

BTW, I havent heared anything about assembly elsewere. I feel if they should assemble it in an additional plant it should be in China, Ive seen a ton of vehicles come through going there.
Theres a ton of differences in body shape and features from the 164 to the 166, Ive seen them back to back on the assembly line and its a totally new vehicle. Personally the D pillar window and shape surrounding it is about it on the simularities.

aggst1

I only believe it because you say so since you have seen it in production. The only reason I was doubting it earlier is because there were such dramatic differences between W163 and W164 that made me think this was a face-lifted W164. I mean look at the side from front to back, it is identical to W164!

Maybe it's the picture... when I see it in real life I may think otherwise!

VelociRaptor

The plant has produced over 75 for testing and R&D and Ive seen about half of them. The one thing thats notice'able is the character line in the body work from the front wheel well to the rear well is that on the 166 its level with the windows were the 164 goes up as it goes back. The doors are slightly bigger on the 166 as well as the liftgate. Headlights and taillights redone(about 40% of the taillights are in the liftgate). That pic is probably of the first one since the first one that was built was silver.

VelociRaptor

Let me rephrase something, first one through the plant was silver. The first one I seen was white and was built in Germany.

Stesl

hi velociraptor,

i'd like to know more about the new ml if you can say something...


is it the render real or a fake?

how about off road capabilities? is it acording to you better or worst than the w 164 with off road package?( low range+ longitudinal and rear diff locker)

aggst1

I think he answered that already by saying "that's it people"

Stesl

ah ok sorry i've not understood (i'm not english)


don't like so much...the front light are awful

aggst1

No problem. I agree with you. They made it look like a TOYOTA Highlander. Who knows, maybe we will like it better when we see it.

Stesl

yes the looks bad...or maybe once you will se it you will like it..or maybe they are like the interior..on the first leaked photo it has the old steering wheel, and some little difference...maybe (i hope) something will change...

it looks more a facelift of the facelift in stead of a completely new version...

VelociRaptor

If you like the current C class front end you will like the front end on the 166.
The way I understand it the name of the game is effeciency with the new 166.

Stesl

yea i like a lot the ultimate restiling C class


after read that i think i can go to sleep confortable...knowing that some1 is building a nice Merc

VelociRaptor

The 166 has so many options, if you want a fully loaded 166 be careful what you wish for lol.

kev8822

What new options are there going to be?

C-rod

l hope things go well with the W166.....l'm always worried about first year models...considering the W163 and W164 had their issues...This will be my last M-Class....l know l have said this before, but l'm sure now...l may look at a Porsche or a Audi SUV..............

eeferber

I did that before I bought an '11 ML. I thought one of those would be my pick, especially since I'm an old Porsche guy. The Q5 was too small, Q7...nothing I liked. Cayenne - uncomfortable seats and small cargo area, and got real expensive real quick with needed options. The ML just seemed to be the right size and right fit.

C-rod

l had the oportunity to sit inside a Audi Q7 just recently at the Detriot Auto Show.....A friend and l have visited this show 7 years in a row, and to be honest, this show was very impressive...the domestics have shown a huge improvement.............But back to the Audi's.....When l sat inside the BMW's , the Benzes and then the Audi's....Now remember..l'm a QC inspector for Lexus, in Cambridge Ontario for the Lexus RX350, the Audi's were hands down the nicer vehicle......The interiors were beautiful..wonderful materials...nice colors and well laid out.............The alacantra roof lining on the Q7 was gorgeous !!!!!! The detail on the door panels with the stainless steel raised door speakers was very elegant...........When we sat inside the X5, then the ML, then the Lexus RX, then finally the Q7, it was really a no-brainer....OZ, my buddy of 15 years and a engineer, who is actually more "**** than me"...came to the same conclusion.....Audi has really stepped up their game...But of course, we all have our own opinions..l've never driven one, but from what l've seen and read....it might be my next choice...

Stesl

well

try to sit in ML with alcantara roof, ambient lighting...nothing to shame about the q7...


or a S with bang & olufsen audio (the same of the audi, with stainless steel rifiniture)

velociraptor, when the test of the w166 has begun? middle-end of 2009? in about 2 years i hope they tested everything in the deep...

the new mclaren mp4 has been completely developed and tested in 4 year...the merc. has to do the half of the job..engine, elettronics, gearbox, all already done...2 years just to test the mecanic and some elettronics already existed...

hope it will be trouble-free

kingston

is there a certain auto show this year where the 2012 ML is rumored to debut?