Mercedes has built the M-Class since 1997. Mercedes USA thought its customers would use the M-Class as a suburban mall runner and ski cabin express. So when Mercedes developed off-road equipment for the M-Class, they sold it in world markets, but left it off the options list for USA customers.
Then a funny thing happened. Shoppers began asking dealers about the performance of the M-Class as an off-road vehicle. Not for rock-hopping the Rubicon Trail, but for extended trips on Forest Service roads and BLM two tracks. Customers wanted to know about the M-Class for ExPo-style adventure travel.
Result: Mercedes will offer an off-road package for the M-Class, starting in the 2013 model year. The equipment will include a two speed transfer case with locking center diff in low range, more aggressive tires, and extra skid plates. Combine this with an active rollbar system similar to Toyota's KDSS, an air suspension capable of giving the car 11 inches of ground clearance, traction control with off-road modes, and hill ascent and descent control. Stir in the 3.0L turbodiesel that offers 450 ft-lbs of torque and 22 mpg in combined driving, and you've got decent ExPo capability.
Pricing for the M-Class with off-road equipment has not been announced. I'd guess somewhere in the high $60K range, right there with the Land Cruiser.
Then a funny thing happened. Shoppers began asking dealers about the performance of the M-Class as an off-road vehicle. Not for rock-hopping the Rubicon Trail, but for extended trips on Forest Service roads and BLM two tracks. Customers wanted to know about the M-Class for ExPo-style adventure travel.
Result: Mercedes will offer an off-road package for the M-Class, starting in the 2013 model year. The equipment will include a two speed transfer case with locking center diff in low range, more aggressive tires, and extra skid plates. Combine this with an active rollbar system similar to Toyota's KDSS, an air suspension capable of giving the car 11 inches of ground clearance, traction control with off-road modes, and hill ascent and descent control. Stir in the 3.0L turbodiesel that offers 450 ft-lbs of torque and 22 mpg in combined driving, and you've got decent ExPo capability.
Pricing for the M-Class with off-road equipment has not been announced. I'd guess somewhere in the high $60K range, right there with the Land Cruiser.