2000 Mercedes ML55
Mercedes-Benz M55 powers to the front of the SUV wagon class
Story by Bob Plunkett

FRANKFURT, Germany -- Even a once-over eye scanned across so much taut skin on the ML55 AMG by Mercedes-Benz will tell you that this muscular wagon -- with its oversized low-profile tires, flared wheelwells and twin powerdomes bulging on the hood -- is anything but the typical snail-paced sport-utility vehicle.

     It looks like it was bred for high speed, such as shooting down the fast lane on freeways that lace through Germany, where triple-digit readouts on a speedometer are not only possible but expected.

     The wild idea driving the souped-up ML55 AMG is that it can set the pace on any slab of pavement.

     Imagine: A refined sport-ute wagon modified for high performance by tuner AMG and equipped with a special 342 hp stroker V8 engine capable of propelling the machine from zero to sixty in less than seven seconds, or zipping down a race track at a dizzy clip of 150 mph.

     Nothing else in the wagon class even comes close to these figures and in fact only a handful of exotic sports cars can beat it.

     But what, you may wonder in light of the usual SUV roles as family hauler or off-road trekker, is the point of outfitting a wagon for performance and speed? The answer comes from Mercedes with a goal of capping each series of models with a rare specialty vehicle modified by AMG for high performance.

     The AMG partnership with Mercedes traces to 1967 when a former Daimler-Benz worker founded a company to modify privately-owned Mercedes models for racy performance. By 1995, the spirited C36 sedan flowed through AMG, which had also created some C Class racing cars that led to trophies for Mercedes at German and international touring car races.

     Then the 1998 C43 AMG compact sedan appeared in limited numbers and sold quickly, followed by the 1999 E55 AMG sedan based on the mid-size E Class Mercedes.

     Also, during the past two racing seasons Mercedes CLK-GTR race cars developed and fielded by AMG captured the international FIA GT championships.

     In the year-2000 line, Mercedes turned to the ML Class of wagons for the AMG treatment to cap its sport-utility series already receiving fresh styling points and improved features.

     The ML Class starts with the ML320, the original Mercedes five-door wagon produced in Alabama beginning with 1998 models. It carries a 3.2-liter aluminum V6 engine that musters a hardy 215 hp at 5500 rpm and torque of 233 lb-ft at 3000 rpm.

     A V8-power version debuted in 1999 as the ML430 using the Mercedes 4.3-liter V8 that in this particular installation generates 268 hp at 5500 rpm and strong torque of 288 lb-ft in a flat band between 3000 and 4500 rpm.

     Then the ML55 for 2000 gets that steroidal injection thanks to AMG modifications of the Mercedes 5.0-liter V8, with displacement increasing from 4966 cc to 5439 cc due to a special crankshaft that elongates the stroke. Net effect: Displacement of 5.5 liters (thus the 55 designation on the ML55 nameplate) and excessive output that shoots way up to 342 hp at 5500 rpm plus enormously fat torque numbers of 376 lb-ft at 3000 rpm.

     All ML engines connect to an electronic five-speed automatic transmission. To-and-fro movement of the shift lever mounted on the center console allows the driver to bump up or down gears with the control of a manual stick.

     Special styling cues mark the ML55 to enhance its muscular stance, beginning with those dual powerdome bulges on the hood that resemble sleek hood bumps on classic 1950s-era 300SL Gullwings and Roadsters. Smooth fender flares shroud the five-spoke alloy 18-inch wheels and low-profile performance tires, while between wheel spokes the four-piston disc brake calipers are clearly visible, thanks to a coating of look-at-me red paint.

            The ML55 face holds variable-focus xenon headlamps shielded by polycarbonate lenses and bumper-mounted foglamps.

     Besides an excessive horsepower quotient, the ML55 like all ML wagons rolls on four smart wheels.

     Its unconventional four-wheel traction system, connected to an on-board computer, distributes engine power automatically to a single wheel or wheel sets so at any time at least one tire should be able to grip.

     The full-time Mercedes four-wheel-drive system varies from the usual SUV 4x4 because it doesn't lock axles to maintain traction in slippery situations. Instead, the smart system senses a slipping wheel electronically, then brakes the slippage and redirects power to wheels with better grip.

            When venturing off pavement, the system applies an electronically-controlled two-speed transfer case with lower gear settings. Activation comes from a dashboard toggle.

            Front, center and rear differentials within the four-wheel-drive system remain open, with a four-wheel traction controller employed instead of differential locks.

     Since the differentials don't lock, the four-wheel-drive system remains compatible at all times and on various surfaces with the on-board anti-lock brake controller. Also on hand is the Mercedes innovation of Brake Assist that automatically applies full brake force during panic stops to decrease stopping distances, plus an electronic vehicle stability control system.

     Safety for all ML wagons starts with a strong framework of steel with front and rear crunch zones and reinforced side bracing. Dual frontal air bags plus side air bags mounted on front and rear doors are in place, along with a front passenger seat rigged with the Mercedes BabySmart system that disables the side air bag when an infant seat is buckled aboard.

            All ML wagons ride on a chassis with twist-resistant boxed sections that create an inherently rigid platform. Apply front and rear suspension sub-frames and rubber body mounts and the resultant foundation is stronger, stiffer and quieter than most passenger cars.

            Then comes the unexpected:  Fully independent double wishbone suspension for all wheels, to further isolate the passenger compartment from lumps of the road and also set up a highly maneuverable vehicle.

     The ML Class of 2000 collectively contains new features as functional improvements over the original wagon. Changes include triple seals around doors to block noise and check dirt from depositing on door sills; three-point safety belts for all five seat positions, front and rear, including a shoulder harness for the rear center seat; turn signals that flash twice with only a tap on the lever when switching lanes in traffic; and a new design for the folding rear bench seat that works simply using a single lever.

     Sticker figures begin around $36,000 for the ML320, with the ML430 pegged at $43,000 and ML55 for $65,000.