The 2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class sport utility marks the debut of an important new safety feature – COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST. Standard equipment on all four 2013 M-Class models, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST uses dedicated radar sensors to monitor the distance to a vehicle in front and to stationary objects. If the system senses a risk of imminent collision, it alerts the driver with a warning beep and flashing light on the dash. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST also networks with standard Brake Assist to prepare for emergency braking, so that as soon as the driver applies the brakes, maximum power assist can be applied. In addition, the new system can recognize and adapt its response to a number of driving conditions such as bumper-to-bumper traffic. Four M-Class Models for 2013
The third generation of a highly successful Mercedes-Benz that began the industry trend toward SUVs with a more car-like ride, the dramatically styled 2013 M-Class is instantly recognizable as a sport utility vehicle. With its large wheel openings and "two-box" profile of its nose and cabin, this eye-catching interpretation of a modern SUV makes a strong presence that projects trend-setting design and quality.
The M-Class line for 2013 is comprised of four models, all with direct injection – the thrifty ML350 BlueTEC diesel (240 horsepower, 455 lb.-ft. of torque), the popular ML350 with its V6 gasoline engine (302 hp, 273 lb.-ft.), the biturbo V8-powered ML550 (402 hp, 443 lb.-ft.) and the high-performance ML63 AMG (518 hp, 516 lb.-ft., and 550 hp, 560 lb.-ft. with the AMG Performance Package).
4MATIC Four-Wheel Drive Sets a Trend
All four models come with proven Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive (the ML350 is also available with rear-wheel drive). As modern all-wheel-drive systems become more refined, they are becoming more popular, especially in the luxury car market. With negligible weight and fuel-efficiency tradeoffs, full-time four-wheel drive provides year-round traction and stability benefits on both wet and dry roads. Fuel efficiency has been optimized, due to a number of innovative measures that minimize the energy needed to turn the extra gears and shafts.
Seven-Speed Transmission
The 2013 M-Class line is equipped with a transmission that provides even better fuel mileage, more responsive driving, quieter operation and increased durability. The latest transmission features a more advanced torque converter lock-up clutch and is designed to work best with a new type of low-viscosity ATF transmission fluid, colored blue instead of the usual red.
Together with low-drag planetary gears, bearings and internal seals, the "FE-ATF" fluid provides less friction and improved fuel mileage. Lower hydraulic pressure and enhanced electronic software helps provide even smoother shifting.
302-Horsepower V6 Engine for the ML350
With 302 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque, the 3.5-liter V6 engine is assembled in a new block with 60-degree cylinder angles, so it doesn't need a balance shaft for smooth operation. The engine features aluminum cylinder heads, pistons and cylinder block (with cast-in Silitec cylinders), as well as a crankshaft, connecting roads and valves made of special forged steel.
402-Horsepower V8 for the ML550
Based on its highly successful 5.5-liter predecessor, the 4.6-liter V8 engine has 20 percent smaller displacement but generates more power than the previous engine – 402 horsepower and 443 lb.-ft. of torque. Its smaller displacement is more than offset by the power boost of its twin turbochargers – one for each bank of cylinders. Piston crowns are thicker to handle the higher combustion pressures, while shorter connecting rods allow existing block dimensions to be retained.
518-Horsepower V8 for the ML63 AMG
AMG uses its own 5.5-liter version of the 4.6-liter Mercedes-Benz biturbo V8 that also produces more power and better fuel economy simultaneously. Replacing AMG's normally aspirated 6.3-liter V8, the smaller engine features twin turbochargers, direct fuel injection, and multi-spark ignition. Compared to the 4.6-liter biturbo, the ML63 AMG powerplant makes use of more displacement (a larger cylinder bore and longer crankshaft stroke), higher turbocharger boost, and slightly lower compression. Identified inside the company as the M157, the AMG twin-turbo V8 produces 518 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. With the optional AMG Performance Package, these figures increase to 550 hp and 560 lb.-ft.
Direct Fuel Injection
All three gasoline engines (ML350, ML550 and ML63 AMG) make use of industry-leading electronics technology first used on Mercedes-Benz diesels – electronic fuel injectors that spray gasoline directly into the combustion chambers rather than indirect port fuel injection most gasoline engines used in the past. Featuring a piezo-ceramic crystalline element that changes shape instantly when electrical current is applied, blazingly fast piezo injectors make it possible to design very sensitive and precise injection systems, including the ability to program several small injections with each piston stroke.
The first injection is sprayed into the combustion chamber as the piston is descending on the intake stroke. Depending on speed, load and temperature conditions, another injection or two takes place during the compression up-stroke before ignition, forming a stratified mixture. A fourth injection can stabilize combustion if it's needed.
Multi-Spark Works with Multi-Squirt
Working together with direct injection, a rapid multi-spark ignition system begins combustion with the first spark, but has the capability to recharge and deliver up to three more sparks within a single millisecond, creating a gas plasma with more expansion than conventional ignition.
The time lapse between sparks is adjustable, so combustion duration can actually be controlled, resulting in two percent better fuel economy, and a total of four percent improvement in combination with direct fuel injection.
Refined Cam Chain Drive
Mounted on the ends of the intake and exhaust camshafts, the hydraulic camshaft adjusters that vary valve timing are 35 percent faster than in the past, and with a wider range of 40 crankshaft degrees. Despite their improved performance, they're also more than a half inch smaller in height and width. Smaller valve timing adjusters are made possible by a new cam chain drive system, in which the crankshaft drives an intermediate shaft above the crank. In turn, the intermediate shaft drives two short chains – one for each cylinder bank – that loop around the intake and exhaust camshaft drive sprockets. The latest chain drive results in less tension and lower chain dynamics, for even lower friction and less noise.
A fourth chain drives a variable vane-type oil pump in the bottom of the engine. At low engine speed and load, the oil pump only generates about 28 psi (or two bar) of oil pressure, and nozzles that spray cooling oil on the pistons are off. As engine speed and load increases, oil pressure goes up, and the oil spray nozzles are turned on. In this way, less energy is used when less cooling and lubrication is needed.
Three-Phase, Low-Load Cooling System
Even the cooling system is significantly refined in the direct-injection engine, beginning with a two-stage flow circuit through the cylinder head. This improved coolant flow results in better heat dissipation, despite lower coolant pressure, so that the water pump uses less engine power. A three-phase cooling system helps the engine warm up very quickly. When the engine is first started, no coolant circulates.
Then, as the engine warms up, coolant begins to circulate within the engine, but not through the radiator. Only when the coolant temperature reaches 221 degrees Farenheit (or 189 degrees F. under high load), coolant also circulates through the radiator. Coolant circulation through the heating system for the car's interior is controlled separately.
BlueTEC – A Blueprint For The World's Cleanest Diesels
With 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine, the ML350 BlueTEC is powered by a purpose-built 3.0-liter V6 diesel producing 240 horsepower and an astonishing 455 lb.-ft. of torque. The ML350 BlueTEC begins with a four-valve-per-cylinder diesel featuring centrally located piezo-electric injectors, CDI direct injection, a variable- nozzle turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculation. Building on this foundation of advanced engine design, the ML350 BlueTEC incorporates several modular after-treatment units in the exhaust stream – an oxidizing catalytic converter, a maintenance-free particulate filter, an SCR converter and an NOx storage converter.
In the "denox" storage converter, nitrogen oxides are absorbed temporarily, and during brief regeneration pulses of a richer fuel-air mixture, the nitrogen oxides are released, reacting with other exhaust gas to form harmless nitrogen. These regeneration pulses also raise temperatures in the particulate filter, which automatically burns off the deposits.
ATTENTION ASSIST Cautions "Time For A Rest?"
Among the many standard life-saving features on the M-Class is the innovative ATTENTION ASSIST system that can alert the driver to the first signs of drowsiness, a factor that causes more than 100,000 accidents a year in the U.S.
A steering sensor is coupled to smart software that uses 70 parameters to establish a unique driver profile during the first 20 minutes of driving. Between 50 and 112 mph, the system identifies the erratic steering corrections drivers make as they begin to get drowsy and triggers an audible warning, and a "Time for a Rest?" message with a coffee cup icon appears in the instrument cluster.
More Safety Systems Assist the Driver
Other examples of trailblazing M-Class innovations include: Lane Keeping Assist, which alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibration in the steering wheel if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals on. It operates at speeds above 37 mph via a system that recognizes lane markings, thanks to a small camera in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the video images.
Blind Spot Assist monitors both blind spots behind and to the side of the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver gets visual and audible warnings. A separate option, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist incorporate an intervention feature, in which ESP braking automatically helps correct the car's course if the driver doesn't heed the initial warning.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist uses a small video camera to sense both headlights and taillights, then softly and automatically transitions between high and low beam operation to avoid dazzling other drivers. With this system, the range of the headlights can be varied infinitely from their current 220 feet to up to 1,000 feet.
Electric Rack-And-Pinion Steering
The M-Class comes with an electrically-assisted rack-and-pinion steering unit. Not only does the new electric steering provide built-in speed-dependent power assist, but it also offers fuel savings. The engine no longer has to turn a hydraulic power steering pump, and the new steering only uses electrical power when the wheel is being turned. The electric steering also makes other innovative systems possible, such the optional Active Parking Assist, which makes parallel parking a stress-free cinch.
Below about 20 mph, a "P" icon appears in the dash to show that an electronic parking space search is active. Whenever an adequate-size parking space is found, an arrow appears next to the "P" icon. When reverse is engaged and the driver confirms Advance Parking Assist is desired, the system initiates automatic steering as the driver controls acceleration and braking at speeds below 7 mph. The system allows two forward corrections, after which the wheels are straightened.
PRE-SAFE® Gives M-Class Reflexes to Protect Occupants
PRE-SAFE® is a revolutionary safety system that can actually sense an impending collision before it happens and take measures to protect occupants during those valuable seconds before impact. The PRE-SAFE system tightens the front seat belts before a possible impact. Whenever the PRE-SAFE system is triggered, the side windows also close to provide better support for the window curtain air bags. If the system senses an impending rollover, the sunroof also closes.
The Mercedes-Benz Alabama Plant
Along with the GL-Class, the M-Class sport utility vehicle is produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The Tuscaloosa plant began production in 1997 with the first generation M-Class. In 2011, the plant produced more than 148,000 vehicles and employed more than 2,800. Starting in 2014, the Tuscaloosa plant also will produce the successor generation of the current C-Class for the North American market. By 2015, Daimler AG will have invested more than $4.4 billion into the facility.
New Standard Feature Highlights: - mbrace2 - COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST - Color instrument display
New Optional Feature Highlights: - On- and Off-Road Package (two-stage transfer case, center differential lock, six transmission settings) - Multicontour driver and front passenger seats
The all new 2013 generation Mercedes-Benz GL 550 is a powerful proposition that adds a consistent dose of dynamism and refinement in the ever-growing segment of large-sized premium SUVs. The V8-powered 4x4 truck assembled at the Alabama plant in Tuscaloosa comes packed full of the latest technology developed by Mercedes-Benz. The 435 hp 8-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine under the bonnet ensures a superior performance level and an enhanced sports feel without disregarding efficiency and comfort. We invite you to experience more of the 2013MY Mercedes-Benz GL 550 in the next video. Enjoy!
Mercedes-Benz has revealed a series of upgrades to the 2013 C-Class range, designed to appeal to both the corporate and retail markets. BIK and residual values
The enhancements help to lower running costs and can reduce BIK for business drivers by up to four per cent, giving the C-Class an even greater competitive advantage over premium compact rivals. In addition, the revisions have immediately had a positive impact on the already-strong residual values of the C-Class, with CAP announcing a five per cent (£450) increase in values for the entry-level trim grade.
Executive SE
Executive SE is the new entry point to the revised range for the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY, C 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Saloon and Estate, which includes a sports grille, new 16-inch alloy wheels, Artico upholstery and LED daytime running lights at a price increase of only £35 over the previous SE grade.
A new Luxury Package is available for Executive SE models to replace the former Elegance trim option. Carrying a £2,000 premium, it includes the three louver grille with bonnet-mounted star, 17” alloy wheels with a seven twin-spoke design, automatically dimming rear view mirror and folding exterior door mirrors, chrome trim on the side, rear and shoulder line, a storage package and brown Ash wood trim with a matt finish.
AMG Sport
The Sport trim makes way in the 2013 C-Class for two new variants –AMG Sport and AMG Sport Plus. The AMG Sport Saloon and Estate cost £960 less than the previous Sport models, and feature 17-inch AMG wheels and halogen headlights.
In addition, there is a tax saving on the new AMG Sport, thanks to a reduction in CO2 over the previous model. For example, the previous C 220 CDI Sport Saloon with manual transmission offered 133 g CO2/km and BIK 2012/13 of 20%, giving a total BIK over 36 months of £7,865, based on an income tax bracket of 40%.
By comparison, the new C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Saloon with manual transmission gives 123g CO2/km and BIK 2012/13 of 18%. Therefore the total BIK over 36 months is £6,897, giving a total saving of £968.
AMG Sport Plus
The AMG Sport Plus, priced £1,000 above AMG Sport and just £35 over the previous Sport line, includes 18-inch bi-colour AMG alloys, bi-Xenon front lights with Intelligent Light System and Adaptive High Beam Assist, AMG sports seats, Black Artico/Dinamica upholstery with contrast red stitching, red seat belts, AMG floor mats with red edging and silver gearshift paddles (automatic transmission only).
The C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY is powered by a new ultra-efficient 1.6-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine and is accompanied by electric power steering to further bolster economy.
With an output of 154 hp at 5,000 rpm, the new engine is almost as powerful as its predecessor while developing an identical 250 Nm of torque across a wider rev range – 1,250 to 4,000 rpm.
There are also new interior and exterior features, including revised colour options, repositioned cruise control and indicator stalks and easier-to-read silver graphics for the telematics screen. The telematics system in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz COMAND now includes eCall to report the car’s position to a call centre via GPS in the event of an emergency.
Service Care packages
Both retail and fleet buyers can take advantage of flexible inflation-proof Mercedes-Benz Service Care packages which reduce and spread the cost of routine maintenance from as little as £27 per month. All labour and parts, including replacement items such as spark plugs, brake fluid, oils and filters, are included.
In addition, Mercedes-Benz customers can benefit from MyService, a market-leading approach to servicing from Official Workshops that gives drivers an online option to book an A or B service, MOT, diagnosis and fixed-price repairs to suit their individual requirements, with four service options for all budgets – Lite, Lounge, Drive and Collect. In four simple steps (entering vehicle registration, mileage, selecting the requirements and official workshop), customers are able to generate an instant quote.
This week, U.S. journalists are test-driving the very first new-generation 2013 GL-Class sport utility vehicles arriving in the U.S. The second-generation of the award-winning Mercedes-Benz GL-Class sport utility is making its debut for the 2013 model year. The launch of the new full-size GL marks the introduction of a significant new safety system, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, which uses a dedicated radar sensor to monitor the distance to a vehicle in front and to stationary objects. If the system senses a risk of imminent collision, it pre-charges the brakes and alerts the driver with a warning beep and flashing light on the dash. Many New Safety Systems
The new GL-Class is loaded with other new safety systems such as ATTENTION ASSIST, ADAPTIVE BRAKE technology, mbrace2 telematics and Crosswind Stabilization. Slightly longer, wider and taller than the first-generation SUV, new convenience features include a COMAND control knob, a color instrument cluster display, power liftgate, and a 115-volt outlet under the second-row seats.
Among the new GL options are an ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM, On/Off-Road Package, Active Parking Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, a 360-degree Surround View camera, Panorama Roof and power EASY-ENTRY for third-row passengers.
The 2013 GL Lineup
The new GL model lineup for 2013 ranges from the fuel-sipping GL350 BlueTEC (240 hp, 455 lb.-ft.) with a V6 turbodiesel to the high-performance GL63 AMG (550 hp, 560 lb.-ft.) that’s powered by a hand-built AMG 5.5-liter biturbo, direct injection V8. Between these two contrasting models are the popular GL450 (362 hp, 406 lb.-ft.) and GL550 (429 hp, 516 lb.-ft.), both equipped with new direct-injection biturbo V8 engines.
Electromechanical Rack-And-Pinion Steering
The 2013 GL-Class comes with new electrically-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. Not only does the new electric steering provide built-in speed-dependent power assist, but it also offers fuel savings. The engine no longer has to turn a hydraulic power steering pump, and the new steering only uses electrical power when the wheel is being turned. Mounted ahead of the front wheel center, the steering gear unit has a variable mechanical ratio that operates more directly, or slightly faster, in the center position, which enhances agility and handling.
Active Parking Assist
The new electric steering assist also makes other innovative systems possible, such as optional Active Parking Assist, which makes parallel parking a stress-free cinch. Below about 20 mph, a “P” icon appears in the dash to show that an electronic search for a parking space is active, and whenever an adequate-size parking space is found, an arrow appears next to the “P” icon. When reverse is engaged and the driver confirms Active Parking Assist is desired, the system initiates automatic steering as the driver controls acceleration and braking at speeds below seven mph. The system allows two forward corrections, after which the wheels are straightened. Active Parking Assist also includes an automatic exit feature.
ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM
Not to be confused with Active Curve Illumination, the optional ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM is a semi-active suspension that uses electronic sensors, an engine-driven hydraulic pump and electronically controlled hydraulic valves to reduce body lean. Instead of conventional torsional stabilizer bars at the front and rear, the stabilizer bars in the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM are essentially split in the center and connected to rotary hydraulic actuators.
Whenever the vehicle is in a curve, the actuators counteract lateral pitching, reducing the natural tendency of the body to roll and lean in curves. Lower side forces means increased stability and driving pleasure, especially at high speeds, as well as less shifting of occupants.
On/Off-Road Package
An optional On/Off-Road package features a two-speed electronically controlled transfer case that gives the GL-Class true off-road capability. High range provides 1:1 on-road gearing, and selecting low range engages a 2.93:1 ratio for impressive off-road control and climbing ability.
The On/Off-Road package includes an Off-Road switch on the center console that activates special computer algorithms to enhance engine, transmission, ABS, ESP, traction control performance in off-road conditions. In addition, a six-position rotary dial allows the system to be customized, including selecting low range, engaging a center differential lock and increasing ground clearance in increments of 1.2, 2.4, and 3.5 inches.
4MATIC Four-Wheel Drive Sets a Trend
All four GL models come with proven Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive. As modern all-wheel-drive systems become more refined, they are becoming more popular, especially in the luxury car market. With negligible weight and fuel-efficiency tradeoffs, full-time four-wheel drive provides year-round traction and stability benefits on both wet and dry roads.
ATTENTION ASSIST Cautions “Time For A Rest?“
Among the many new life-saving features on the GL-Class is the innovative ATTENTION ASSIST system that can alert the driver to the first signs of drowsiness, a factor that causes more than 100,000 accidents a year in the U.S. A steering sensor is coupled to smart software that uses 70 parameters to establish a unique driver profile during the first 20 minutes of driving. Between 50 and 112 mph, the system identifies the erratic steering corrections drivers make as they begin to get drowsy and triggers an audible warning, and a “Time for a Rest?” message with a coffee cup icon appears in the instrument cluster.
More Safety Systems Assist the Driver
Other examples of trailblazing safety innovations include: Active Lane Keeping Assist, which alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibration in the steering wheel if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals on. It operates at speeds above 37 mph via a system that recognizes lane markings, thanks to a small camera in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the video images. Active Lane Keeping Assist incorporates an intervention feature, in which ESP braking automatically helps correct the car’s course if the driver doesn’t heed the initial warning.
Active Blind Spot Assist monitors both blind spots behind and to the side of the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver gets visual and audible warnings. Active Blind Spot Assist also incorporates the ESP intervention feature, which automatically helps correct the car’s course if the driver doesn’t heed the initial warning.
Mercedes-Benz Safety is Standard
The new COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system monitors the distance to vehicles in front and to stationary objects with a dedicated radar sensor. If the system senses a risk of imminent collision, it alerts the driver with a warning beep and flashing light on the dash. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST also networks with standard Brake Assist to prepare for emergency braking, so that maximum power assist is available as soon as the driver applies the brakes.
In addition to standard COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, The GL-Class line comes with ESP® stability control, ABS anti-lock brakes, two-stage adaptive air bags for the driver and front passenger, driver’s knee air bag, seat-mounted side air bags in front and rear, curtain side air bags and adaptive belt tensioners and belt force limiters.
PRE-SAFE® Gives The GL-Class Reflexes to Protect Occupants
Standard on the new GL, PRE-SAFE® is a revolutionary safety system that can actually sense an impending collision before it happens and take measures to protect occupants during those valuable seconds before impact. The PRE-SAFE system automatically tightens the front seat belts before a possible impact, and, on some models, the front passenger seat moves to a position that can provide better protection. Side windows close to provide better support for the curtain air bags, and if the system senses an impending rollover, the sunroof also closes.
Rich, Sporty Interiors with Flexible Cargo Space
The exterior appearance of the new GL line includes sleek bumpers and front grille, chrome window trim and front and rear skid plates. LED technology is used for taillights and daytime running lights.
Inside, the luxury SUVs are fitted with heated power front seats, genuine wood trim and a retractable glass sunroof. New options include a double-sized power Panorama sunroof with a fixed glass panel over the third-row seats and multi-color ambient lighting.
The two third-row seats can be stowed electrically at the push of a button, either separately or together, to provide a totally flat cargo floor. For easy access to the 3rd-row seats from both sides, a manual EASY-ENTRY feature is standard. Optionally available is power EASYENTRY folding of the second-row seats.
All GL-Class models feature four-wheel independent suspension and height-adjustable AIRMATIC suspension for unprecedented comfort and handling. The GL550 can be easily identified by a unique exterior styling treatment that includes fender flares, more aggressive front and rear aprons, chrome trim and 21-inch AMG wheels.
In Command with COMAND
A standard COMAND system features a high-resolution seven-inch color display screen with a COMAND controller, AM / FM / HD radio, in-dash, six-disc DVD / CD changer and a Bluetooth interface that allows a phone still in a pocket or purse to be operated through the car’s audio system. It can be equipped with an optional iPod/MP3 interface, SIRIUS satellite radio and enhanced voice control. The COMAND screen can play tracks stored on a data CD, DVD or SD memory card.
The system can also display maps and directions for the optional hard-drive navigation system, which can be set up for SIRIUS real-time traffic info and Zagat restaurant ratings as well. All GL-Class models can be equipped with an optional 830-watt 14-speaker digital harman / kardon Logic7 audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system that includes two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones and an integrated DVD player that enables dual-source capability.
GL350 BlueTEC Boasts Impressive Fuel Economy
Available in all 50 states, thanks to an innovative AdBlue exhaust treatment system that helps the diesel meet the most stringent emissions limits, the diesel-powered GL350 BlueTEC delivers impressive performance, low exhaust emissions and great fuel economy. With 240 hp and a whopping 455 lb-ft. of torque, the GL350 BlueTEC features an innovative 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine with the torque of a V8 and the fuel economy to rival some four-cylinders. Equipped with the latest CDI (Common Rail Direct Injection) technology, this electronically injected and turbocharged diesel engine is changing consumers’ dated perceptions about diesels.
BlueTEC — A Modular Technology
BlueTEC diesel technology is helping to expand the company’s already broad product portfolio in the U.S. market. In addition, the pioneering role of Mercedes-Benz in modern diesel engines is playing a key role in the company’s future products that could also include hybrids, advanced piston engines and fuel cells.
The seven-seat SUV also boasts impressive cruising range – more than 600 miles at highway speeds. For greater utility, V8-like pulling power makes the GL350 BlueTEC ideal for towing when it’s equipped with an optional 7,500-lb. Class IV trailer hitch.
BlueTEC incorporates an oxidation catalyst and a maintenance-free particulate filter as well as new techniques for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions – the last type of exhaust gas that’s higher in diesel vehicles than gasoline engines. The BlueTEC diesels feature a NOx storage converter in combination with an SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue injection to lower NOx emissions. The AdBlue system injects just the right amount of an aqueous carbamide solution into the exhaust flow, which releases ammonia (NH3), reducing nitrogen oxides to harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR converter.
Biturbo V8 Engines
With a choice of three direct-injection, biturbo V8 engines, the new GL attains better gas mileage while producing more power -- an astounding feat, considering that increasing either power or fuel economy usually decreases the other. The biturbo V8 engines feature direct fuel injection, twin turbochargers and multi-spark ignition.
Piston crowns are four millimeters thicker to handle the high combustion pressures of a turbocharged engine, while shorter connecting rods allow existing block dimensions to be retained. Like its predecessor, the new engines have aluminum cylinder heads, pistons and cylinder block (with cast-in Silitec cylinders), as well as a crankshaft, connecting roads and valves made of special forged steel.
Direct Fuel Injection
While most gasoline engines have used indirect port fuel injection in the past, the GL engines make use of industry-leading electronics technology first used on Mercedes-Benz diesels – electronic fuel injectors that spray gasoline directly into the combustion chambers. Featuring a piezo-ceramic crystalline element that changes shape when electrical current is applied, blazingly fast piezo injectors make it possible to design very sensitive and precise injection systems, including the ability to program several small injections with each piston stroke.
The first injection is sprayed into the combustion chamber as the piston is descending on the intake stroke. Depending on speed, load and temperature conditions, another injection or two takes place during the compression up-stroke before ignition, forming a stratified mixture. A fourth injection can stabilize combustion if it’s needed.
Multi-Spark Works with Multi-Squirt
Working together with the spray-guided direct injection, a rapid multi-spark ignition system begins combustion with the first spark, but has the capability to recharge and deliver up to three more sparks within a single millisecond, creating a gas plasma with more expansion than conventional ignition. The time lapse between sparks is adjustable, so combustion duration can actually be controlled, resulting in two percent better fuel economy, and a total of four percent improvement in combination with its companion direct fuel injection system.
Refined Variable Valve Timing
Mounted on the ends of the intake and exhaust camshafts, the hydraulic camshaft adjusters that vary valve timing are 35 percent faster than in the past, and with a wider range of 40 crankshaft degrees. Despite their improved performance, they’re also more than a half inch smaller in height and width.
More Efficient Cam Chain Drive
Smaller valve timing adjusters are made possible by a revised cam chain drive, in which the crankshaft drives an intermediate shaft above the crank. In turn, the intermediate shaft drives two short chains – one for each cylinder bank – that loop around the intake and exhaust camshaft drive sprockets. The latest chain drive results in less tension and lower chain dynamics, for even lower friction and less noise.
A fourth chain drives a variable vane-type oil pump in the bottom of the engine. At low engine speed and load, the oil pump only generates about 28 psi (or two bar) of oil pressure, and nozzles that spray cooling oil on the pistons are inactive. As engine speed and load increases, oil pressure rises, and the oil spray nozzles are turned on. In this way, less energy is used when less cooling and lubrication is needed.
Three-Phase, Low-Load Cooling System
Even the cooling system is significantly refined, beginning with a two-stage flow circuit through the cylinder head. This coolant flow results in better heat dissipation, despite lower coolant pressure, so that the water pump uses less engine power.
A three-phase cooling system helps the engine warm up very quickly. When the engine is first started, no coolant circulates. Then, as the engine warms up, coolant begins to circulate within the engine, but not through the radiator. Only when the coolant temperature reaches 221 degrees Farenheit (or 189 degrees F. under high load), coolant also circulates through the radiator. Coolant circulation through the heating system for the car’s interior is controlled separately.
The Building Blocks
Assembling the biturbo V8 engine underscores its efficient design. An exceptionally stiff forged-steel crankshaft is bolted into a pressure-cast aluminum block, and an aluminum oil pan also contributes to block rigidity.
Aluminum pistons are mounted on the connecting rods, then slid into the silicon-aluminum sleeves, which are an integral cast-in part of the block. Connecting rods must be made in two pieces for assembly on the crankshaft, and Mercedes engines use hollow, forged steel rods that initially are made in one piece, then hydraulically “cracked,” instead of being machine-cut and reground. The irregular fracture provides a very strong, durable fit, even at high engine speeds, and shortens the production process since re-grinding isn’t necessary.
The two cylinder heads are bolted onto the block, and twin camshafts are installed in each head, with cam drive chains looping around the intake and exhaust cam sprockets. Double-wall piping keeps the exhaust air as hot as possible leading to a catalytic converter below each cylinder bank.
Fuel-Efficient Transmission
The 2013 GL-Class line is equipped with an enhanced seven-speed automatic transmission that provides even better fuel mileage, more responsive driving, quieter operation and increased durability. The new transmission features a more advanced torque converter lockup clutch and is designed to work best with a new type of low-viscosity ATF transmission fluid, colored blue instead of the usual red.
Together with low-drag planetary gears, bearings and internal seals, the “FE-ATF” fluid provides less friction and improved fuel mileage. Lower hydraulic pressure and enhanced electronic software helps provide even smoother shifting.
The Mercedes-Benz Alabama Plant
Along with the M-Class, the GL-Class sport utility vehicle is produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which began production in 1997 with the first-generation M-Class. Since 2001, more than $600 million has been invested to expand the facility.
Quick Reference:
Availability: September 2012 (GL350 BlueTEC: October 2012)
- New-generation full-size sport utility vehicle - Slightly longer, wider and taller - COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST - ATTENTION ASSIST - Electromechanical power steering - mbrace2 - Color instrument display - Power liftgate - COMAND control knob - Rear-view camera - 115-volt outlet
New Optional Feature Highlights:
- On- and Off-Road Package - ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM - Active Lane Keeping Assist - Active Parking Assist - Panorama Roof - Power EASY-ENTRY for 2nd row - Adaptive Highbeam Assist - Surround View system
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