2001 M-class

2001 January: Mercedes Benz (au) has put the hotted-up M-class ML55 AMG on sale at $139,900 ($au). We had a squiz at last year's Melbourne show. AMG is M.B.'s "speed shop".

The ML55 has a 5.5- litre 255kW version of the V8, compared to the 4.3 litre 200kW V8 ML430, 3.2 litre 160kW V6 ML320, and 2.7 litre diesel ML270 CDI options. By the by, 4,600 M-class have been sold in Australia since the 1998 introduction, which is a healthy head-start on the X5.

ML55 styling is subdued, the power bulges on the bonnet (hood) and wider tyres giving it away.

ML55 AMG 2001

Loa 4635mm, width 2190mm (mirrors), height 1760mm, wheelbase 2820mm, track 1555mm/ 1555mm, turning radius 5.95m, weight 2160kg, GVM 2750kg

Engine: 5439cc, petrol, V8, bore 97.0mm, stroke 92.0mm, c.r. 10.5:1, 3-valves/cyl, power 255kW at 5500rpm, torque 510Nm at 2800rpm to 4500rpm,

Transmission: 5-speed automatic gearbox, dual range transfer case, full-time 4WD, traction control, electronic stability programme (ESP)

Suspension: all independent (coils), brakes disc/ disc, ABS

Tyres: 285/50R18, fuel tank 93L, fuel consumption 14.9L/100km claimed overall

Standard: multiple airbags inc' side airbags, comand, xenon headlights, power adjustable front seats, leather seats and trim, sunroof,

Price: $139,900 $au 1/2001

Other M-class prices from: ML 430 $95,500, ML 320 $67,900, ML 270 CDI $64,900 (1/2001).

Go to the M-class (main) and Mercedes Benz pages