Mercedes-Benz M-Class I (W163) photos

1997 — 2005 · suv

photos

specifications

148–342

6.8 s

best 0–100

Photos

Mercedes-Benz M-Class I (W163), SUV, blue, front three-quarter view — photo 17256

ML55 AMG A dark blue SUV is parked at a front three-quarter angle on dark gravel terrain with its headlights and fog lights turned on.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class I (W163), SUV, black, front three-quarter view — photo 17255

ML55 AMG A black five-door SUV is driving along an asphalt country road with motion-blurred trees and buildings in the background. The vehicle is captured in a front three-quarter view under warm sunset lighting.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class I (W163), SUV, blue, front three-quarter view — photo 17254

ML55 AMG A dark blue SUV with roof rails and five-spoke alloy wheels parked on a sandy surface under a clear sky.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class I (W163) photo 17253

ML55 AMG

Mercedes-Benz M-Class I (W163) photo 17252

ML55 AMG

Mercedes-Benz M-Class I (W163) photo 17251

ML55 AMG

About this generation

First generation of the mid-size body-on-frame luxury SUV Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W163), pioneering the modern premium SUV segment in 1997.

The first-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class (chassis code W163) debuted in 1997, manufactured at a purpose-built facility in Vance, Alabama. Designed primarily for the North American market, the W163 utilized body-on-frame construction combined with independent double-wishbone suspension front and rear to deliver truck capability alongside car-like ride comfort.

Powertrains ranged from a 2.3-liter four-cylinder (ML 230) and 3.2/3.7-liter V6s (ML 320, ML 350) to 4.3 and 5.0-liter V8s (ML 430, ML 500), plus 2.7-liter five-cylinder and 4.0-liter V8 turbodiesels. All models featured permanent 4-ETS four-wheel traction control. The high-performance ML 55 AMG packed a 347-hp 5.4-liter naturally aspirated V8. A major 2001 mid-cycle refresh upgraded interior materials, automatic climate controls, and clear-lens headlights.

Specifications

4638 mm182.6 in

Length

1840 mm72.4 in

Width

1820 mm71.7 in

Height

2820 mm111.0 in

Wheelbase

615 l21.7 cu ft

Trunk

204 mm8.0 in

Ground clearance

Petrol

ML 230

148hp(110 kW)

2.3 l 5-speed manual 4WD 0–100 12.3 s

1997–2000

Torque: 220 Nm (162 lb-ft)
Top speed: 177 km/h (110 mph)
Displacement: 2295 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M111.977
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1980 kg (4365 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 12.7 l/100 km (19 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 306 g/km (NEDC)

ML 320

215hp(160 kW)

3.2 l 5-speed automatic 4WD 0–100 9.5 s

1997–2002

Torque: 310 Nm (229 lb-ft)
Top speed: 195 km/h (121 mph)
Displacement: 3199 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M112.942
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 2045 kg (4508 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 13.8 l/100 km (17 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 330 g/km (NEDC)

ML 350

232hp(173 kW)

3.7 l 5-speed automatic 4WD 0–100 8.7 s

2002–2005

Torque: 345 Nm (254 lb-ft)
Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
Displacement: 3724 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M112.970
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 2185 kg (4817 lb)
Fuel tank: 83 l (21.9 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 12.7 l/100 km (19 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 305 g/km (NEDC)

ML 430

268hp(200 kW)

4.3 l 5-speed automatic 4WD 0–100 7.9 s

1998–2001

Torque: 390 Nm (288 lb-ft)
Top speed: 210 km/h (130 mph)
Displacement: 4266 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M113.942
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 2095 kg (4619 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 13.9 l/100 km (17 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 334 g/km (NEDC)

ML 500

288hp(215 kW)

5.0 l 5-speed automatic 4WD 0–100 7.7 s

2001–2005

Torque: 440 Nm (325 lb-ft)
Top speed: 222 km/h (138 mph)
Displacement: 4966 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M113.965
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 2210 kg (4872 lb)
Fuel tank: 83 l (21.9 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 14.6 l/100 km (16 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 350 g/km (NEDC)

ML 55 AMG

342hp(255 kW)

5.4 l 5-speed automatic 4WD 0–100 6.8 s

1999–2005

Torque: 510 Nm (376 lb-ft)
Top speed: 235 km/h (146 mph)
Displacement: 5439 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M113.981
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 2230 kg (4916 lb)
Fuel tank: 83 l (21.9 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 14.8 l/100 km (16 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 354 g/km (NEDC)

Diesel

ML 270 CDI

161hp(120 kW)

2.7 l 6-speed manual 4WD 0–100 11.7 s

1999–2005

Torque: 370 Nm (273 lb-ft)
Top speed: 185 km/h (115 mph)
Displacement: 2685 cc
Cylinders: 5
Engine: OM612.963
Aspiration: turbo
Curb weight: 2115 kg (4663 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 9.4 l/100 km (25 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 248 g/km (NEDC)

ML 270 CDI

161hp(120 kW)

2.7 l 5-speed automatic 4WD 0–100 11.6 s

1999–2005

Torque: 400 Nm (295 lb-ft)
Top speed: 185 km/h (115 mph)
Displacement: 2685 cc
Cylinders: 5
Engine: OM612.963
Aspiration: turbo
Curb weight: 2135 kg (4707 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 9.5 l/100 km (25 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 250 g/km (NEDC)

ML 400 CDI

247hp(184 kW)

4.0 l 5-speed automatic 4WD 0–100 8.1 s

2001–2005

Torque: 560 Nm (413 lb-ft)
Top speed: 213 km/h (132 mph)
Displacement: 3996 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: OM628.963
Aspiration: twin-turbo
Curb weight: 2335 kg (5148 lb)
Fuel tank: 83 l (21.9 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 10.9 l/100 km (22 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 288 g/km (NEDC)

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