Next Generation ML - Benzworld.org

01-13-2002, 07:21 PM

In a conversation with my sales person at the dealership yesterday he mentioned that roumor has it the next generation ML will be more car like and may even be built on a car platform, possibly E Class, would not be a body on frame vehicle but a unibody. Anyone else hear anything like this??

01-13-2002, 07:28 PM

It has been known to some of us for over a year now. :-) It won't be built on one of the MB cars' platforms. MB has unique platforms for each and every vehicle. If they intend to share platforms between vehicles, this is kept in mind right from the beginning. Yes, the W164 M-class will indeed go to a unibody construction. As such, it will lose some of its off-roadability, but that will be the MLG's job. However, you can expect it to be even more carlike as far as ride and handling goes. The W164 will be available in two wheelbases as well. Additionally, you can expect the Airmatic suspension system from the S-class for even better handling, stability, and performance. Note that the W164 platform is also being designed for an upcoming MB minivan in mind (which will, of course, be available with 4-matic).

01-13-2002, 07:53 PM

01-13-2002, 07:55 PM

01-13-2002, 08:22 PM

The price will most likely not in the same price range today, maybe more in the 45K base price for an ML 320. Could that be possible?

01-13-2002, 08:28 PM

I'm guessing that pricing will be around the same ballpark, just to keep it competitive. However, a slight increase would not be unexpected, just as it increases every year when improvements are made. Anyone who wants the current body-on-frame design M-class should plan on getting one within the next year and a half.

01-13-2002, 11:40 PM

Drew in that case I may just hang on mine, I like the body on frame, it is a true truck design.

01-13-2002, 11:57 PM

Cliff, I'll be hanging on to mine for a while as well. :-) From what I understand MY2004 will be the last year for the W163, with the W164 making its debut in the fall of 2004.

01-14-2002, 07:09 AM

When I was in asia, there are MB minivan that looks like the VW minibus. I've never seen it here in the us.

01-14-2002, 07:38 AM

There are lots of MB trucks, vans, rigs, that never make it to our shores. In Europe and Asia MB is a big time hauler. This is one of the reasons that they new how to make a good body on frame. It is a shame that they wonâ€™t be keeping it. I sort of wish that they would have both options. I guess it is to expensive to have competing lines in the same family though. I too will be keeping mine (or should I say my wife will be keeping hers) for some time.