From autoexpress:

What size would you like your M-Class? That is the question Mercedes dealers will soon be able to ask, as the next-generation off-roader will be split into three totally different models. The new flagship, shown in our exclusive picture, is set to go further upmarket to take on the all-new Range Rover and BMW's 7-Series-based X7.
But those who can't quite afford the expected £60,000 starting price need not worry as there will be another, cheaper model which is set to be priced below the current M range.

The top model is due to go on sale in two years' time and will feature the latest in technology from the S-Class saloon line-up. Although it will have off-road capability with a rugged four-wheel-drive system and adjustable air suspension, it has been designed mainly with on-road comfort in mind.

Bosses at the German manufacturer made the decision to move up the scale after research showed that most Range Rover owners in the US – the firm's biggest market – also own a Mercedes model, proving there is a huge potential customer base for a top- scale M-Class. To take on the Range Rover, the flagship will feature V8 and V12 petrol engines and Mercedes' advanced range of V8 CDi diesels.

The smaller 4x4 will be around the same size as the current model, but a redesign will give it a sleeker, more dynamic look. It, too, will be primarily intended for on-road use, and will borrow engines from the C-Class.

Real off-road fans will be in for a treat, though, as the M is also set to spawn a butch version that has genuine mud-plugging ability. Designed to replace Mercedes' 21-year-old G-Wagen and rival the Land Rover Defender, the rugged car is intended for commercial and recreational use with a stripped-out interior and tougher, more damage-resistant bodywork.

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My Commentary:

Now that is ugly. Even the current ML is better looking than this. These lights look like some current Cadilacs. Is it Cevile or Devile I always confuse those 2. I think the good news is that there is going to be A TON of more luxury SUVs entering the market in the next 2-3 years which is good for all of us as competition raises.

Finally, I have also read that the ML is going through a major redesign in the end of the year with exterioir but also interiot changes. It is about time to get rid of that cheapoooo dashboard. Totaly not Merc-like

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Gabriel
CL Type S

[This message has been edited by gavriil (edited 05-05-2001).]

 

I like it.

Looks like a mix between the new Escalade and the new Mountaineer.

It is bad ass lookin.

I dont like those raised blinkers though... looks like it has warts.

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2001 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S
San Marino Red (Navigation)
PIAA 19173 Ion Yellow Fog Lights
Aftermarket Black Wood Trim Kit
Valentine 1

 

I think the "Chrysler" is interfering a bit too much with the "Daimler" end of Daimler-Chrysler. Notice how some of the Benz models have become increasingly cheap after the merger? I.E. M Class and the C-Class? .. ugh ..

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2002 Acura TL-S
White Diamond Pearl/Parchment
Bone Stock
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1629963&a=12459969&f=0
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mercedes needs this to compete with the X5.

the current M is a peice of shit to own.

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2001 CL-S
Black/Black
Moonroof Visor
35% Tint All Around
Black Wood Dash Kit
Currently on TL rims with Nokian Winter Tires
My Bitch

 

The M class was designed way before the merger. Actually I believe production started even before that too. If you remember, Jurasic Park was the movie where the ML appeared first. That was 1993!

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Gabriel
CL Type S

 

Here is another good photo of one of the 3 cars that will be availalbe as the ML class. The facelift that the M will receive at the end of the year, I am sure, will look a lot like this.



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Gabriel
CL Type S

 

And here is the other one:



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Gabriel
CL Type S

 

I seem to remember the cast of Jurassic Park driving around in Ford Explorers -- never saw an ML -- In fact, during the "extras" on the DVD, there are ILM explanations of how the T-Rex was made to devour the Explorer w/o the scene looking too fake. Maybe I didn't see it.

And from a sujbective point of view -- the ML marks the point at which MB's quality has certainly deteriorated. If you take a look at the 1998 ML320 and compare it's interior and exterior to every other car in the line-up (all others still being made in Struttengart, Germany (sp??)) -- there is significant decrease in TCM. Maybe the fact that it is made in America has something to do w/ it -- seems to be the same thing plaguing the TL/CL models made in the USA.

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2002 Acura TL-S
White Diamond Pearl/Parchment
Bone Stock
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1629963&a=12459969&f=0
" TARGET=_blank>Click Here for Pics!
</A>

 

The M class was in Jurassic Park.

Im not sure if it was #1 or #2 though...

But I remember that they had a winch on the front... and they were using it to keep that bus from falling off the cliff.

 

actually, the quality inside is considerably higher starting with 2000 models. and the MLs were in Jurassic Park 2, not the first one.

 

i dont know, but we have a 99 ml320, and i swear its a big plastic peice of shit,

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2001 CL-S
Black/Black
Moonroof Visor
35% Tint All Around
Black Wood Dash Kit
Sportswing spoiler
My Bitch