In the early 1990s, the Stuttgart-based automaker recognised the potential in another segment of the off-road vehicle market: comfortable, sporty vehicles for sport and recreation, which offer a greater technical similarity with passenger cars.
The key aspects of this vehicle concept were defined in 1993. Three years later, Mercedes-Benz presented the near-series study “AAVision” at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The name of this concept car referred to the segment of “All Activity Vehicle” (AAV), later to become commonly known as “Sports Utility Vehicle” (SUV).
In May 1997, 20 years ago, the W163 series Mercedes-Benz M-Class celebrated its premiere. This off-road-capable SUV combined the best of both worlds: classic off-roaders’ all-wheel-drive, high ground clearance and generous interior space, accompanied by excellent ride comfort even at high on-road speeds, a highly variable interior and a harmonious design.
In particular, it was the sophisticated suspension of the M-Class that made the new level of comfort possible. In contrast to many competitors, the W163 featured an independent front and rear suspension.
Its permanent all-wheel-drive also differed from conventional systems of the time, the M-Class having dispensed with conventional differential locks, instead using an improved version of the Electronic Traction System (ETS). If a wheel starts to spin on a slippery surface, ETS brakes that wheel until a certain prescribed speed difference is reached. This increases the drive torque to the wheels that still have good road adhesion.
Acting together, the independent suspension and ETS optimise the handling safety and stability of the M-Class, both on and off the road.
The M-Class had its debut in the new Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA. Production of the M-Class (only the ML320 model at first) commenced in February 1997. On 21 May 1997, Mercedes-Benz officially opened the plant to coincide with the international presentation of the M-Class.
The M-Class was one of the greatest success stories in the Mercedes-Benz product initiative of the 1990s. Its versatile concept gave a strong international impulse for a new vehicle type that went well beyond the Mercedes-Benz brand itself.
Read our 2015 review of the Mercedes-Benz ML400.
Read our 2011 comparison of Mercedes-Benz ML350, Lexus RX350 and Volkswagen Touareg.
