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Post Number: 132
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, November 27, 2005 - 5:00 pm: |       |
Off-Road Pro Engineering Package Now Available
Melbourne — Coinciding with the arrival of the new V6 diesel-powered ML 320 CDI in Australia this month Mercedes-Benz has released an optional Off-Road Pro engineering package with two-speed transfer case and locks, available across the entire new M-Class model range.
The M-Class delivers even better off-road performance when equipped with the optional Off-Road Pro engineering package, which includes a steel underride guard, AIRMATIC air suspension and a series of special powertrain components.
The cost of the new Off-Road Pro engineering package is $4,900 for the ML 500, which comes already equipped with AIRMATIC air suspension, and $10,150 for both the ML 350 and ML 320 CDI.
In addition to the steel underride guard and AIRMATIC air suspension, the special powertrain components include a two stage transfer case and two differential locks.
The transfer case operates in two stages: pressing the "Low Range" button causes the transfer case to shift from the on-road ratio (1:1) to the off-road ratio (2.93:1), enabling the M-Class to make better progress on rough terrain. This is because the drive shafts transfer the high engine torque at reduced rpm, giving the Off-Roader a climbing ability of up to 100 percent, depending on the type of terrain. Unlike in the preceding series, changing to the off-road ratio is also possible when on the move, as long as the vehicle speed is not above 40 km/h and the gearshift lever is in the "N" position. The maximum speed for shifting from the off-road ratio to the on-road ratio is 70 km/h.
Two differential locks ensure even better progress on difficult terrain: the two-speed transfer case features an electronically controlled multi-disc differential lock which controls the drive torque between the axles (inter-axle) and develops a locking effect of up to 100 percent depending on the driving situation. In addition the reinforced rear axle differential has a 100-per-cent inter-wheel lock. A rotary switch in the centre console enables the driver to engage the differential locks or select an automatic mode which activates the inter-axle lock whenever it is required.
AIRMATIC air suspension in on-road and off-road configurations
The AIRMATIC air suspension system developed by Mercedes-Benz proves its versatility in the new M-Class. It not only makes a significant improvement to ride comfort, but also offers additional functions for off-road driving.
Mercedes customers are offered a choice: the AIRMATIC package provides an air suspension configured for on-road operation which automatically lowers the suspension by 15 millimetres at higher speeds. For off-road driving this system enables the ground clearance to be increased by 80 millimetres at the touch of a button. The second AIRMATIC variant, which is part of the Off-Road Pro engineering package, enables the vehicle level to be raised in three stages by operating a button: by 30, 80 and 110 millimetres. This gives the new M-Class its maximum ground clearance of 291 millimetres.
It is possible to raise or lower the suspension both when idling or on the move. If the M-Class is moving, the system operates on a speed-dependent basis and automatically lowers the suspension by 15 millimetres at both axles when 140 km/h is reached, in order to reduce the wind resistance and improve handling stability. When the speed falls below 40 km/h the suspension is raised to its normal level again. Other features of the air suspension system include an automatic all-round level control function, which ensures that the suspension travel remains constant even when the vehicle is heavily laden. |
