DR2000

Tons of articles on Google now with the same spy shots of facelifted 2015 ML:

http://www.autoevolution.com/mercede...ery-72638.html

Sadly nothing useful is actually visible except for the fact that things will change.

EVOII_Racer

That's cool...

To me, it looks like the fenders will be larger which could be very nice

Streamliner

Seeing as how this will be a refreshing and not a completely new model, I'm going with the current vehicle. Thinking about what they just did to the E Class and the new S, I don't care for the style direction MB has taken. Since I like the current model, I'm not going to take the chance that I'll like the newer version more. It wouldn't surprise me if they chose this time to change to the 4 cylinder diesel (I want the 6) and perhaps make things like the Panorama Roof and running boards standard equipment, which are two things I don't care for.

Snipe656

Wasn't this year the year the ML250 was supposed to be released but then was delayed for unstated reasons? I personally do not think I'd like the ML with that little diesel engine. I did not mind the engine in the GLK but also did not love it either, just not my thing I suppose.

buckeyewalt

I read where the ML250 will be released in the 2015 product line-up. The engine is a 4 cyl. diesel about 192/369 hp/tq. What I don't know and very interested in is if the 550 will still be made or will they eliminate the TTV-8 or just go with a TTV-6 as their top engine outside of the AMG.

jtorrebl

Will this TT v6 be the top engine or the only engine replacing the regular 350 engine as well?

Snipe656

And with that MBZ will have lost me as a diesel buyer completely. They already sealed the deal with me on the E-class due to that engine change. But guess I must be in the minority in that I never bought diesels for the fuel economy aspect but instead the power band more than anything else. I have a sinking feeling the TTV-8 will be leaving the "normal" lineup which adds more aggravation to me seeing the more powerful "normal" cars slowly dwindling off.

buckeyewalt

Well, I guess it's either the current 550 or wait until spring/early summer for the "refresh" and the TTV-6. I got a bad feeling that the performance engines will be smaller very similar to the CLA 45 AMG. The TTV-6 is the first step in this line. IMHO. I guess my decision is very clear now, get the current 550 or go elsewhere (BWM/ Audi/). I like the AMG lineup but feel that the asking price is too steep after you add up your options.

By the way, what is the difference in engines between the ML550 and the GL550. The ML is rated at 402 hp and 443 ft. of torque, while the GL is rated at 429 hp and 516 ft. torque. Same engine but different values. WHY

Snipe656

I could be wrong on this but I thought it was tuning differences. I probably though have that in my head from back when the same 6.3L was in the C63 and E63 yet the E made a good bit more power.

DR2000

And the same thing is happening with GL550 vs GL450. Same engine, different tuning as far as I understand.

Snipe656

I really thought the GL450 and 550 were actually different but I have no clue what my thoughts are actually based on.

buckeyewalt

yea, you guys are right. My E63 was different than the C63 even thought it was the same engine. I wonder how simple it would be to tune it to those GL numbers??

Snipe656

If it truly is the tune then as simple as probably a couple thousand dollars or what ever places charge for tunes on MBZs these days.

galion

Ugh, If Mercedes does to the ML what they did to the E class I am going to be one angry customer.
Facelifts are not supposed to be massive, otherwise our cars look terribly outdated after a couple of years.
I am looking at BMW next time, they know how to do a proper facelift.

Streamliner

I totally agree. The 2010-13 E Class was a beautiful car. The facelift they just did really screwed up the front end. On the "luxury" version, all of that curvy, black vane work below the grill is just horrible. MB has this thing that they need to appeal to a younger crowd, with more aggressive, in-your-face designs. I am so glad that my new ML will be a 2014, as I am convinced that the new face lifted model will not be subtle, elegant or attractive.

buckeyewalt

I'm with you guys on this. I looked at the spy shots and you can barely make out the single bar huge star type of grill. I can almost see the front end being very similar to an E63 wagon. I don't know about those huge air inlets, but somehow the type of grill and probably the ipad type of communication center is about enough to make me want to get in line for the last few ML550. Might even get a good discount out of it!!

jtorrebl

I doubt the iPad interface. The new s class doesn't even have one.
Regarding the e class update it looks like they just changed the front and back bumper caps to round ones that don't go with the rest of the linear car. This update will likely look like that too since the ml is very angular.

buckeyewalt

I think that I phrased it wrong when I said Ipad communication, what I really meant was that the command screen was going to be like an I pad/tablet type in shape, not communications.

"As it can be seen in the adjacent photos, the refreshed M-Class will also introduce new full LED headlights with an exterior shape similar to that of the models based on the MFA (Modular Front Architecture) platform, while the interior will also get the tablet-like Comand screen – which may or may not appeal to all potential customers"

Snipe656

I have yet to see one of those in person but the pictures I have seen really made it look not appealing to me. But I guess a lot more people enjoy such things or the factory would not be moving this direction.

2012MLBlue

RENNTech tests the ML550 as coming with 460 hp from the factory. I wonder if MB just sets HP ratings lower to sell more AMG models.

buckeyewalt

WOW, I didn't know that. I'll look at their site for more info...Thanks!!

Making my decision between a BMW X5 50i and the ML550 a little easier!!

jtorrebl

just picked up my ml550 tonight. its fast and smooth as butter. got polar white on black sport nappa interior. sport wheel is thick!

markfl

Pics!

Kenn1926

Congratulations, I have 550 in steel gray/auburn designo and the on/off road package and love it. Great truck, fast and amazing torque everywhere. Good luck with it.

Oh Cool

Love the Black sport Nappa interior that's what i got.