Mercedes AAVision, 25 Years Ago We Saw The M-Class Prototype

Mercedes AAVision M-Class Prototype

25 years ago, Mercedes introduced the AAVision prototype, a look at what would become the new M-Class range of SUV. This study was a close representation of the production version that launched the following year in 1997.

Looking to expand into new market segments, Mercedes had been eying up the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment. This was in addition to other new models, the W168 A-Class in 1997 and the SLK R170 roadster in 1996.

AAVision was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) Detroit in January 1996. This was to show the way forwards, and to gauge public reception to the new car. After all, North America represents the largest SUV market. The new M-Class, W 163, would be launching the following May. Though since the autumn of 2015 the M-Class has been renamed as the GLE. Since that launch there has been over two million of them produced and makes the now GLE the most popular SUV of Mercedes-Benz.

25 years ago, Mercedes introduced the AAVision prototype, a look at what would become the new M-Class range of SUV. This study was a close representation of the production version that launched the following year in 1997.

Looking to expand into new market segments, Mercedes had been eying up the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment. This was in addition to other new models, the W168 A-Class in 1997 and the SLK R170 roadster in 1996.

AAVision was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) Detroit in January 1996. This was to show the way forwards, and to gauge public reception to the new car. After all, North America represents the largest SUV market. The new M-Class, W 163, would be launching the following May. Though since the autumn of 2015 the M-Class has been renamed as the GLE. Since that launch there has been over two million of them produced and makes the now GLE the most popular SUV of Mercedes-Benz.

But it’s not the only one. Of course, the G-Glass or G Wagon as it’s more often known as, was introduced in 1979. It’s very much more a hardcore off-road vehicle and a staple product. But the potential of another segment off off-road vehicles was noticed in the early 1990s. The addition of more passenger comfort and refinement made the new vehicle more closely related to a conventional car.

The key features of the new concept were defined in 1993 and only three years later the AAVision study was ready. The name refers to All Activity Vehicles, or AAVs, as this class of vehicle was known as in the 1980s in North America. Only in the 1990s did the term change to SUV.

But it’s not the only one. Of course, the G-Glass or G Wagon as it’s more often known as, was introduced in 1979. It’s very much more a hardcore off-road vehicle and a staple product. But the potential of another segment off off-road vehicles was noticed in the early 1990s. The addition of more passenger comfort and refinement made the new vehicle more closely related to a conventional car.

The key features of the new concept were defined in 1993 and only three years later the AAVision study was ready. The name refers to All Activity Vehicles, or AAVs, as this class of vehicle was known as in the 1980s in North America. Only in the 1990s did the term change to SUV.

Mercedes AAVision M-Class Prototype Rear

M-Class Premiere

The premiere of the AAVision in Europe was two months later than the NAIAS and was of course at the Geneva Motor Show. It was there that Mercedes applied the M-Class designation for the first time. The name continued through to production and was in line with Mercedes model naming conventions.

Later back in Detroit in January 1997, more details were being shared. The technology in the AAV were displayed. The chassis, drivetrain with it’s intelligent all-wheel drive system along with the new 3.2 litre V6 engine.

Mercedes AAVision M-Class Prototype Rear
Mercedes AAVision M-Class Prototype Detail
May 1997 saw the W 163 M-class world unveiling. The new SVU had car like features, the interior comfort and the equipment too, but coupled with a capable all-wheel drive chassis. The high ground clearance hinted at the capabilities, but the car also has a decent ride.
 
The suspension was pretty sophisticated. Unlike many competitors there was independent wheel suspension front and rear. Permanent all-wheel drive was also different to other more conventional systems. Instead of the more typical diff locks, Mercedes used a version of the Electronic Traction System. Where any wheel slip is detected the brake is applied to reduce the speed differential. This works to increase the drive torque to the wheels to increase adhesion. Clever electronics rather than the more old fashioned mechanical systems, something that we see much more of today.
Mercedes AAVision M-Class Prototype Rear Open

M-Class Production In The USA

It makes sence to produce the M-Class in the USA, after all this is where the majority of them were expected to sell. But it was popular in other countries too. Even though it’s not a cheap produce there were plenty of them driving around in Europe too. Although it wasn’t plain sailing with the odd quality hiccup at the plant. Magna Steyr built the European models from 1999 to 2002 until all production moved the US.

The factory in Tuscaloosa Alabama has been expaning over time. Also encouraging suppliers to set up facilites there too. Now the GLE, GLE Coupé and GLS models are manufactured there. Some 3.2 million vehicles have been produced there to date.

Mercedes AAVision M-Class Prototype Interior
The original M-Class now looks like it’s from another era, but the AAV looks a little bit fresher. Maybe it’s the way the arches are wider to accommodate large tyres as that is fashionable now on the urban off roader. I could be the Spectre effect, with the film Land rovers having some impressive looking tyres under wider arches.
 
Speaking of films. Either the M-Class was so impressive, or it was great product placement, but the appearance in the first Jurassic Park film can’t have hurt.
 
I rather like the look of this. A replica AAV from a cheap M-Class would be good, or a Jurassic Park replica could be amusing.
Mercedes AAVision M-Class Prototype Action
Thanks to Mercedes-Benz for the images.
 
Simon
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