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